Decatur Township (part 10 of 46)

Mr. Merris remained with his father until his marriage, which was celebrated March 17, 1842, the lady of his choice being IMiss Nanc}^ Van Gundy, who is of German descent. Her father, David Van Gundy, was a miller bj' trade and followed that occupation in Pennsylvania in early life. Later he removed to Ohio and from there to what is known as the American Bottom near St. Louis, Missouri. There he wedded Miss Alary Conrad, who was born in Madison county, that state, June 29, 1822. Mr. Van Gundy spent his last days with his son George in Scott county, Illinois, where he died in 1862, his wife having passed away some time previousl)'. They had eight children, of whom five are still living, namely: Mary, wife of John Smallwood, a retired farmer living near Lincoln in Tazewell county, Illinois ; John, a retired farmer of Decatur; Adam, a retired farmer of Bluffs, Scott county ; Martha, w'ife of Erasmus Allison, who is living retired in St. Louis, Missouri ; and Nancy, wife of our subject.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Merris were born fifteen children: George W., who died of cancer in February, 1897, leaving a wife and five children; Asa and John A., both retired farmers of Macon ; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Blair, a mechanic and carpenter of Findlay, Illinois; Sarah, wife of John Armstrong, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and forty acres in Macon township : Julia, wife of Charles Renshaw, a carpenter of Hennessey, Oklahoma; Alartha, wife of John McCool, a farmer of iNIissouri ; Daniel, who is engaged in farming near Oakley, Illinois ; Ida, wife of Eli Combs, of Findlay ; David and Franklin, both deceased ; and three who died in infancy. George W. served for three years in the Union army during the Civil war as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was honorably discharged in August, 1865, For about half the time he was ill in the hospital, spending one year in the hospital at Camp Butler. Mr. and ]\Irs. Merris have fifty-four grandchildren and fourteen greaterandchildren.

After his marriage our subject purcliased forty acres of wild laud iu Scott couuty, a part of which is now within the corporate limits of Bluffs, and he paid for the same two hundred dollars. He improved that place and engaged in its operation for twelve years, after which he sold out and removed to Pike county, purchasing a tract of one hun<lred acres one mile west of Griggsville for forty-five dollars per acre and selling it three years later at sixty dollars. He ne.xt located near Lake Fork in Logan county, where he bought a farm and lived on the same for eight years. On disposing of that property he purchased eighty acres of land in South ^[acon township, this county, it being now the Combs farm, and after residing there for three years, Mr. Mcrris bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on Findlay creek, five miles east of Macon. He fenced the land, built a comfortable residence and placed the land under a high state of cultivation. Later he exchanged that place with his son for a farm of one hundred and si.xty acres in Milam township, which he now owns and which he has greatly improved in many ways. This place he now rents. He also purchased another farm, on which he lived for some time, but sold that in the summer of 1902. In the spring of 1887 he removed to the town of ^facon and has since lived retired. Here he owns three lots and a house which he has remodeled and enlarged, making a very pleasant and desirable home for himself and wife. While living in the country he gave considerable attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, Berkshire hogs and sheep and found that business quite profitable. He has not only gained for himself a comfortable competence but has also assisted his children in getting a start in life and all are now quite well-to-do.

Since 1855 Mr. Merris has been a resident of ^[acon county, and in its development and prosperity he has taken an active interest. He has been called upon to fill a number of local offices, having capably served as assessor of Milam township three years and tax collector of the same township. During the greater part of his life he has filled the office of school director and for seven years was alderman of Macon. Further office he has refused to accept and he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He is a supporter of the Prohibition party, and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, though they now attend the Presbyterian church, the former denomination having no house of worship in Macon. They are widely and favorably known and have a host of warm friends throughout the county.

George W. Lehn

GEORGE W. LEHN. George W. Lehn is one of the younger representatives of the agricultural community of mini township, his home being on section 24, where he owns and operates a good farm. He claims R'lacon county as his native place, for he was born in Illini township, on the ist of November, 1874, his parents being John P. and Tabitha (Jones) Lehn, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Our subject obtained his elementary education in the common schools of his native township, and later took a course at Brown's Business College in Decatur.

Since leaving school at the age of seventeen years Mr. Lehn has devoted his entire time and attention to farm work and aided in the operation of the old home farm until twenty-six years of age. He is a thorough and systematic farmer and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He received eighty acres of land from his father's estate and has built thereon a good barn and otherwise improved the place. The land is under a

On the 20th of February, 1901, Mr. Lehn married Miss Lois L. Baum, a daughter of William and Nettie Baum, of Illini township. She began her education in the district schools of Hickory Point township and for two years was a student in the high school of Decatur. She was also given instruction on the piano.

By his ballot Mr. Lehn supports the men and measures of the Republican party. He is a member of the Church of God of Boiling Springs in Hickory Point township, which he joined three years ago, and he is regarded as one of the leading young farmers of his community.

Benjamin Parker

Benjamin Parker, one of the most enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Maroa township, residing on section 4, was born in that township in 1871, and is a son of John S.and Mary A. Parker. His father was a native of New Jersey and an early settler of Macon county, Illinois, where he successfully engaged in farming throughout life, owning one hundred and sixty acres of fine farming land at the time of his death.

Our subject is indebted to the public schools of his native township for the early educational privileges he enjoyed and later he attended college at Dixon, Illinois, for one year. At the age of twenty-one he began farming on land left him by his father and has since devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. Besides his own farm he generally operates a rented tract and in 1903 cultivated eighty acres in this way. He has spent over five thousand dollars in imjiroving his place; has put in a splendid system of water works; and has built a house at a cost of three thousand dollars.

It is heated by a hot air furnace and is upto-date in all its appointments. Mr. Parker carries on both farming and stock-raising and in both branches of his business he is meeting with good success.

In 1893 was celebrated his marriage to Miss Clara B. Longstreet, a daughter of John Longstreet, a wealthy, retired farmer now living in Maroa. Three children bless this union, namely : Hazel Naomi, John L. and Lloyd D. The parents both hold membership in the Methodist church and Mr. Parker also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Maroa. He filled the office of assessor in the spring of 1903 and by his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party. A wideawake, energetic business man and a citizen of known reliability, he stands high in the community where he has always made his home and where he is so widely known.

JAMES G. UNDERWOOD, M. D. In the practice of medicine in Illinois Dr. Tames G. Underwood became well known and many to-day have reason to bless his memory for the aid which he rendered in times of sickness and distress. He was born in \'ermont on the 9th of June, 1819. The Underwood family is of Scotch- Irish extraction and was founded in America by two brothers, one of whom settled in Vermont and the other in Maryland. Our subject's wife has a genealogical record of the familv. The Doctor's father, Silas Underwood, was a farmer and a very prominent citizen in the Green Mountain state. He was frequently called to public office, serving in various official positions where he discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. Both he and his wife died in Vermont.

Tlie ]~)octor ac<|uirc(l his education in liis native state and remained a resident of \ erniont until tliirl\- years of age, when in 1849 he came to the .Mississippi valley, settling first in Wayne county, Wisconsin. He had previously prepared for the practice of medicine, and, opening an office in Wisconsin, he there carried on business for a few years, at the end of which time he came to lUinois, living in Greene and Pike counties for one year. He then came to Macon count)'.

It was in tliis county that Dr. Underwood was united in marriage to Miss Sarali \. Humphrey, a native of Morgan county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bower) Humphrey. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and in the year 1828 came to this state, settling in what was then Morgan, now Scott, county, Illinois. They there lived for several years and then came to Macon county, where Mr. Humphre\- built what is now the Catholic convent. He erected it for hotel purposes and continued in that line of business here for many years. He afterward removed to I'nion county, Illinois, and established his home on a fruit farm, engaging in liorticultural jnirsuiits until his death, which occurred in 1865. He was one of the honored pioneers of the state and aided largely in promoting its early development and progress. His widow survived him for some time and died in Chicago.

Unto Dr. and Mrs. Underwood were born six children: Helen, who is now living in Nebraska ; Lewis, who is a job printer in the Herald office in Decatur: Marcus, who resides in Chicago, and is employed by the Chicago Telephone Company ; Cornelia, who is bookkeeper for the T, T. Springer Grocery Company in Decatur and lives with her mother : and Edna and Ernest, who have passed away.

After his marriage Dr. Underwood located in Logan county. Illinois, where he contiued in the practice of his profession with excellent success for several years, and also superintended the cultivation of his farm, lie tlKii removed to L^nion county, Illinois, where he remained in practice for ten years and on the expiration of that decade he took up his abode in Columbus, Cherokee county, Kansas, where he devoted his energies to the alleviation of human suffering until called to his final rest on the 9th of No- \eml)er, 1875. IK- h;id a large practice during his residence in this city and was a prominent physician, gaining success by reason of his ability that brought him a large patronage. His memory is cherished by many who knew him for he had endeared himself to all through "the possession of qualities that everywhere command respect, confidence and regard. He bore an excellent reputation both as a man and citizen. .\fter his death Mrs. Underwood returned to Illinois and has since made he home in Decatur, where she owns a nice residence at No. 239 Condit street, where she and her children are living.

Alexis R. Montgomery

There is ever a degree of satisfaction and profit in scanning the life history of one who has attained to an eminent degree of success as the direct result of his own efforts, who has had the mentality to direct his endeavors toward the desired ends and the singleness and steadfastness of purpose which have given due value to each consecutive detail of effort. As a distinctive type of a self-made man we can refer with singular propriety to the honored subject whose name forms the caption of this review, who is the secretary and treasurer of the Union Iron Works of Decatur.

Mr. Montgomery is a native of North Carolina, his birth having occurred in the village of Statesville, on the loth of October. 1851. His paternal grand fatlier, James Montgomery, was a native of Virginia and was descended from Scotcli-Irish ancestry. He became a farmer and planter and was well known in the Old Dominion. It was there that John E. Alontgomery, the father of our subject, was born and reared. He afterward removed to North Carolina, and in the year 1867 became a resident of Illinois, establishing his home in Hillsboro, Montgomery county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits. By trade he was a tinner and for a time was employed in the Union Works of Decatur. Subsequently, however, he returned to his old home in North Carolina, where he became ill and there his life's labors were ended in death. The wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Ramseur, and was a native of North Carolina. Her father was David Ramseur, who was of German lineage.

In a private school in the south Alexis R. Montgomery began his education, which was continued in the district schools of Montgomery county, Illinois. He afterward became a student in the public schools of Taylorville, Illinois, wherein he completed his education. On putting aside his text books he was appointed to the position of deputy postmaster in Taylorville, which position he filled for two years. He then came to Decatur in 1873 and through the two succeeding years was employed as a salesman in the mercantile house of J. N. Randall. In 1875 he became bookkeeper for the Union Iron Works, filling that position until 1882. His identification with this business covers twenty-eight years and in 1884 he was made secretary and treasurer of the company, while James Millikin was elected its president. Mr. Montgomery has since acted in that capacity and not a little of the success of the undertaking is attributable to his supervision and his active co-operation and his sound business judgment. The company manufactures corn shellers and elevator machinery and has always been noted for its excellent workmanship. The corn sheller has been manufactured on a very extensive scale, being sold throughout the corn belt of the civilized world. The house has ever maintained a high reputation for the excellence of Its work, which is secured through the employment of skilled operatives and through the use of the latest improved machinery. A large force of men is annually employed and the yearly output reaches a large amount.

In 1874 Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Cecil Oglesby, of Decatur, a daughter of Willis Oglesby, and they have two children: Jessie A. and Noy Oglesby. They all hold membership in the First Presbyterian church, in which they have taken a very active part, contributing generously to its support. Mr. Montgomery has filled various offices in the church. He is likewise a director of the James Millikin University. In seeking for the causes which have contributed to his success we find them not so much in their rarity as in their harmonious union and they may be summed up by saying that he has the manners of a gentleman and the habits of a man of business - a combination of qualities that are bound to produce the highest results. It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a prosperous man and occupy a commanding position in the business world, but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to prominence, retain some scars and marks of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous. Mr. Montgomery, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying the price at which it is often bought, for his prosperity has not removed him farther from his fellow men, but has brought him into closer and more intimate relations with them. The more means he has had the more he has done for those around him and for the welfare of the city, and now he is numbered among the most prominent as well as prosperous citizens of Decatur.

Charles H. Faith

Charles H. Faith is one of the important factors in the business circles of Warrensburg, Illinois, where as a grain dealer he is now doing a good business. In his special field of endeavor he has met with excellent success and by the energy and zeal he has manifested he has won the confidence and esteem of the public.

Mr. Faith was born in Deer Park, Maryland, Maj' 21, 1857. and is a son of Joseph Faith, a retired farmer now living in Decatur, Illinois, whose birth occurred in Loraine, Germany, April 25, 1823. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Paul Faith, was a native of Alsace, France, and spent his entire life in that country. Soon after his death his widow crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of Baltimore. Here Joseph Faith acquired a limited education in the common schools of that city. He served a si.x years' apprenticeship to the machinist's trade and when his term expired worked in Cumberland, Maryland, removing to the latter place in the For twenty-three years he continued to follow his chosen occupation and being an expert workman he secured a good competence. On the I2th of November, 1844, he married Miss Catherine Hesson, a native of Maryland and a daughter of Lewis Hesson. For a number of years he made his home in Cumberland. Maryland, aiid in 1865 removed to Fulton count}', Pennsjdvania, where he established a shop and continued to work at his trade. In 1871 he came to Macon county, Illinois, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres one mile west of Warrensburg, although there was no town there at that time. Thirtyfive acres of this land had previously been broken and to its further development and cultivation he devoted his energies for some years. He aided materially in the growth and upbuilding of that section of the county.

Renting his farm in 1887, lie removed to Warrensburg, and on the 28th of September, 1896, took up his residence in Decatur, where he now lives retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil. He cast his first prpsidential vote for James K. Polk in 1844, and at state and national elections always supports the Democratic party but at local elections votes independent of party lines, endeavoring to support the candidate best (|ualiticd for the office. Prnth he and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church of Decatur and are highly respected and esteemed bj' all who know them.

Unto this worthy couple were born fourteen children, of whom eight sons and three daughters are living, namely: William, a resident of Hancock, Washington county, .Maryland; Lewis, who holds a responsible position in the same county ; Ella, widow of Stephen Witcher, of Decatur; John; Charles II., whose name introduces the sketch; Eli, a resident of Chicago ; Harry, who makes his home in Illiopolis; George, a farmer of Illini township, Macon county ; Sadie, wife of John D. Childs; Mollic, wife of Dr. Fisher, i)f Chicago; and Thomas, who is interested in tlic Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat College at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets, Chicago.

Charles H. Faith attended school in Hancock, Maryland, until fifteen years of age, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Macon county, Illinois, locating near the present village of Warrensburg. He began farming for himself upon eighty acres of land in Illini township, and continued to follow that occupation until 1883, when he removed to Warrensburg and embarked in the grain business with Z. Baughn, under the firm name of Baughn & Company, this connection being continued for three years. He next formed a partnership with C. J. Oflf under the name of C. H.

Faith & Company, and in 1902 the firm was changed to Faith & Dewein, which it still remains. Besides their elevator at Warrensburg they also own and operate another at Heman, Macon connty, which together have a capacity of one lunidred thousand bushels, so that they are numbered among the leading grain dealers of this section of the state. They are progressive, wideawake business men and are meeting with good success.

On the 25th of September, 1879, Mr. Faith was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Baughn, a daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Mowry) Baughn. Ten children blessed this union : Pearl, now the wife of William Avers, by whom she has one child, Ruth ; Grace, who is quite a musician and -is the wife of Victor Dewein, by whom she has one child, Margaret; Georgia, who has just graduated from the Decatur high school ; Mabel, Ruth, William, Julia, Charles H., Jr., and Harold, all at home ; and James, who died in infancy. The two older daughters were married in the same room where the ceremony was performed that made their father and mother man and wife.

In his social relations Mr. Faith is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he also belongs to the encampment and patriarch militant in the latter order. He is now serving as treasurer of the subordinate lodge. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles and he has served on the township central committee, has been town clerk and constable, school director for many years, and president of the village board. Pre-eminently public spirited and progressive, he is recognized as one of the valued and useful citizens of the community, and no trust reposed in him has ever been misplaced.

Oliver T. Crow

With the agricultural interests of Pleasant \Tew township Oliver T. Crow has long been identified and is to-day operating a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-seven acres. A native of Ohio, he was born in Licking county, that state, on the 4th of February, 1853, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Jenny) Crow. The father was also a native of the Buckeye state and was of German descent, but the mother was born in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her father was captain of a boat on the Ohio river. In 1856 John Crow brought his family to Macon county, Illinois, and after residing for a short time in the village of Macon he removed to section 36, Pleasant View township, where he had purchased a tract of land from the Illinois Central Railroad and erected a house thereon. Later he removed to section 34 in the same township and continued to follow agricultural pursuits throughout his active business life.

Oliver T. Crow is the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children, the others being Sarah, who is now Mrs. Hardy Markwell; Charles, who died at the age of seventeen \-ears ; IMatilda, wife of William Markwell, a dairyman of Bement ; Caroline, wife of J. P. Nutter, postmaster, merchant and stock-buyer of Talmo, Kansas ; E. W., who married Nannie Deatley, and is engaged in the grain business in Blue Mound, Illinois ; Corinda, who died in infancy ; John, who died at the age of nineteen years ; Lenora, who died in young womanhood ; and Libbie, who died in early life.

The subject of this sketch was only three years old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Macon county, Illinois, and he was reared and educated in Pleasant View township, but was forced to leave school at an early age and begin work. During his boyhood he hauled wood from Flat Branch, a distance of six miles, and also engaged in farming. In 1874 he com- inenced farming on liis own account, operating a rented farm in Christian county for two years, and then removed to section 34, Pleasant \'ie\v township, where the following two years were passed. For eight years he lived on the Baldwin farm, and then removed to his present place, where he rents one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land under a high state of cultivation and well improved. .\ good practical agriculturist, he has met with success in his chosen occupation.

On the i8th of February, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Crow and .Miss Alice J. Scott, who was born in IMacon county and was educated in the schools of Niantic and Blue Mound. Her parents, Joseph and Sarah (Whiteside) Scott, were also natives of Illinois, their births having occurred near Edwardsville, in Madison county. Her maternal great-grandfather. Colonel Whiteside, was a prominent early settler of this state and a noted Indian fighter. His son, \\"illiam W'hitcside, the grandfather of .Mrs. Crow, was a pioneer of Macon county. Mrs. Crow is the oldest in a family of eight children, the others being Mary, who died in infancy ; Ida, deceased wife of Charles Clark, of Decatur; Minnie, wife of William Davidson, of Rochester, Nebraska ; Hattie, widow of E. W. Whaley ; May, wife of Amos Davidson, of Christian county, Illinois; and William, who married Lilly Marshall and lives in Christian county.

Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Crow; Johnny, born November 19. 187(1, died .April 23, 1877; Willie E., born April 22, 1878, married Myrtle Hays and lives in Mowcaqua, Illinois. Of the two children born to them, one is living, Cdenn. Edith, born March 28, 1S80, is the wife of Charles Ferry, a farmer, and to them were born three children, but only Mabel is now living. Eva, born January 9, 1883.- is the wife of Charles Nichols, a farmer of South

.Mr. Crow is liberal in his religious views but his wife is a member of the Christian church. I-ralcrnaliy he is connected with the .Modern \\ oodmen of America, and politically is identified with the Democracy, taking an active part in the work of his party. He has filled the offices of highway commissioner, constal)le and tax collector, serving in the last capacity for three terms. His life has been one of industry and usefulness, and he has always been found true to any trust reposed in him whether public or private.

Frederick Butzien

I'Vederick I'utzicn is the oldest representative of the furniture business in Decatur, although at the present time he is living a retired life. He came to this city in 1853 and began the manufacture of furniture and with this department of the work and also with the retail trade he was connected for many years. He has now passed the seventy-eighth mile-stone on life's journey and lives quietly at his pleasant home, his former toil making it possible for him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is connected with our German- American citizenship, his birth having occurred in Prussia on the i8th of October, 1825. His parents, Frederick and Caroline (Cook) Butzien, spent their entire lives in Germany. In early life the father followed the tailor's trade, but afterward engaged in farming up to the time of his death.

In accordance with the laws of his native country Frederick Butzien pursued his education in the public schools. He was a voung man of about twenty-five years when he determined to seek a home in the new world and sailed for America in company with his brother, Charlie, who afterward died in Peru, Indiana. They landed in New York and our subject went direct to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was employed in a box factory for a short time. He then removed to LaSalle, Illinois, where he engaged in carpentering and assisted in building the bridge across the river. Subsequently he made his way to New Orleans, where he worked in a furniture manufacturing establishment for one winter, but on account of the yellow fever in the south he returned north and settled in Springfield, Illinois, which was then the termination of the railroad.

Soon afterward he walked from Springfield to Decatur, arriving here in the spring of 1853. The now thriving city with its splendid business enterprises, fine buildings and excellent improvements was then a mere town and -hacV little importance as a trade center. Mr. Butzien began working for E. D. Carter in the furniture manufacturing business, continuing with that gentleman for two years, after w'hich he followed carpentering for a few years. He then began manufacturing furniture on his own account, his place of business being on South Water street. He made all kinds of furniture and coffins, selling to both the wholesale and retail trade and he made all of the furniture used in the old Macon county courthouse. For ten years he continued in that business and then sold out the undertaking business to Mr. Aungst, after which he built a brick building on East Main street and opened a retail, furniture store, which he conducted for twentyeight years. Almost continually from the time of his arrival in Illinois up to the time of his retirement from business life he was connected with the furniture trade either as a manufacturer or as a retail dealer. In this way he became widely known throughout the county and a liberal patronage was accorded him. Eventually he sold his business to Messrs. Fisk, Scoville and Bachman and removed to South Wheatland township, Macon county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and three acres, three miles southeast of Decatur. There he carried on general farming for seven years, when on account of advanced age he returned to the city and has since lived retired here.

On January 16, 1856, in Decatur, Mr. Butzien was married to his cousin, Miss Fredericka Butzien, who was born in Germany August 2.2, 1834, a daughter of his mother's sister. Her death occurred January 29, 1899. There were five children born of this marriage : Henry, born December 21, 1856, married Emma Prall and they now reside in Denver, Colorado, where he is engaged in the furniture business ; Emelia, born June 2, 1859, is deceased ; Albert, born ]\Iarch 25, 1861, has passed away; Frederick, born March 4, 1863, is also deceased ; and Alice L., born December 15, 1866, is now the wife of A. J. Linthicun. They reside with her father in Decatur and ^Ir. Linthicun superintends his farming interests, riding out each morning to the farm and returning in the evening. Mrs. Butzien and the deceased children are all buried in Greenwood cemetery, Decatur.

Mr. Butzien has made for himself a most enviable and creditable business record. He is a self-made man, whose good fortune is not attributable to luck, but has resulted from earnest labor, careful management and diligence. He now owns the residence which he occupies at No. 246 Mill street; business property on East Main street ; a residence at No. 502 East Prairie avenue; and his farm of one hundred and three acres in South Wheatland township. He has never held any offices, although his friends have solicited him to become a candidate for county coroner. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy. He aided in organizing the German Aid Society in Decatur, which meets in Turner Tall and of which he is now the oldest member. He also belongs to the German Lutheran church at Decatur. For half a century he has lived in the city and is well known as one of its pioneer residents and prominent and influential representatives. His life record shows what can be accomplished in this land where ambition and effort are not hampered by caste or class and where all are equal before the law and where the road to opportunity and success is open to those who will walk therein.

Louis D. Barbey

LOUIS D. BARBEY. From a very early age Louis D. Barbey has been dependent upon his own resources and because of his carefully directed labor, his firm purpose and his unfaltering perseverance he has gained for himself a creditable position and desirable success as a representative of the business interests of Decatur, where he is now conducting a grocery store. He was born in Bond county, Illinois, on the 29th of July, 1874, and is a son of J. S. and Adella Barbey, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. After coming to America the father became a prominent furniture dealer and undertaker of Greenville, Illinois, where he was engaged in business for eighteen years. He was well known and highly respected and through a long period was a representative merchant of that town. He has now passed away, but his widow resides in St. Louis, Missouri. By that union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy. Those still living are E. J., who is married and resides in West Virginia ; J. S., who is employed in the Moorehouse & Wells store in Decatur ; Louis D. ; Delia, the wife of J.

Louis D. Barbey began his education in the common schools of Greenville, Illinois, but at an early age put aside his text books, to become a factor in the business world. When a youth of fourteeen he arrived in Decatur. Previous to that time he worked in a drug store in Greenville for a short period. On coming to Decatur he secured a position in a grocery store at the meager salary of three dollars per week, but as he mastered the business and made his labors of value to his employer his wages were correspondingly increased and for eight )-ears he remained in the service of J. G. Cloyd. He managed to save most of his salary during that period and in May, 1900, with the capital that he had thus acquired he opened a grocery store on his own account, being associated with W. T. J. Cooper, under the firm style of Barbey & Cooper. Their store is now located at No. 116 East Prairie avenue, where the firm carries a large stock of fancy and staple groceries. Having throughout almost his entire life been connected with this line of trade Mr. Barbey is thoroughly familiar with it and splendidly qualified to carry on a successful business. The firm is now well established in trade, employing nine clerks and assistants.

On the 30th of November, 1897, occurred the marriage of Mr. Barbey and Miss Harriet Farner, a daughter of Michael and Jennie (Shutter) Farner. The lady is a native of Decatur and a representative of one of the old families of this portion of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Barbey attend the Christian church and they occupy a pleasant home at No. 128 East Marietta street, which was recently purchased by him.

In his political affiliations Mr. Barbey is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He is popular with his fellow citizens because of his social nature and creditable record in business circles. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge and to the Fraternal Army of America. Pie has led a very busy and active life and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. A self-made man, he has yet attained success that many a man of twice his years might well envy. He has won and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens and is distinctively one of the leading merchants of Decatur, with whose interests he has now been long identified.

J. H. STOUTENBOROUGH. One of the well improved and highly cultivated farms of AJaroa township is that belonging to J. H. Stoutenborough on section 8, where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising at the present time. His early home was in Ohio, his birth occurring in Warren county, that state, and his parents are Garrett and Margaret Stoutenborough, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Although born in the Buckeye state, our subject was principally reared in DeWitt county, Illinois, his early life being spent upon a farm. At the age of twenty years he began farming on his own account upon land belonging to his father and was thus employed for five years. During the following season he was engaged in the tile business at Maroa and in 1881 he removed to his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which was given him by his father. He and his father have made first class improvements upon the place, including the erection of a good house and barn, and have set out both shade and fruit trees. The well tilled fields yield a golden tribute in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them and everything about the farm denotes the supervision of a careful and painstaking owner as well as a man of good business ability who thoroughly understands the vocation he has chosen as a life work.

Mr. Stoutenborough was married in 1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Ella Baird, a daughter of William Baird, who is a wealthy retired farmer and an early settler of Maroa township. By this union were born four children but only one is now living - Frank B., now eighteen years of age. Air. and Mrs. Stoutenborough are both members of the Christian church and are people of prominence in the community where they reside. In his political affiliations Mr. Stoutenborough is a Republican and he takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs as every true American citizen should do.

J. A. Eyman, whose business interests in Argenta would be a credit to a city of much larger size, belongs to the class of self-made men whose enterprise, industry and integrity have been the foundation upon which they have builded their success. Advancement, gradual and continuous, has marked his business career and he is now carrying on a mercantile establishment which annually returns to him a good income. A nati\'e of Illinois, he was born in Illini township, near Warrensburg, August 7, 1869, and is a son of Horatio and Salina J. (Milor) Eyman, the former a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, and the latter of Macon county. By occupation the father was a farmer and owned and operated one hundred and twenty acres of land in Macon county. The mother was a daughter of Mrs. Margaret A. Freeman, one of the oldest settlers of Macon county.

Edward C. Bassey

in the district scliools. Later he became a student in the ticni City Business College, of Quincy. Illinois, and was thus well e(|uipped for the responsible duties of a business career. Putting aside his textbooks he accepted a clerkship in a furniture store in Michigan, in which he remained for two years and then returned to Illinois, embarking in business on his own account in Argenta. He purchased the furniture store of S. Gerber for nine hundred dollars, and conducted the business at the old stand for three or four years, when his increased trade justified his removal into the Carr building, in which he remained for four years. In October, u)02, he erected the building which he now occupies. It is a modern two-story brick structure splendidly equipped for the conduct of the business. His stock consists for the most part of household furnishings and stoves. It is very large and complete and presents a s])lendid appearance. It would do credit to a town many times the size of Argenta. The arrangement of the goods is neat and attractive, prices arc reasonable and the business methods of the house commend it to the patronage of the public. Mr. Eyman is now enjoying a large trade and his success is certainly well deserved. He also carries on an undertaking business in connection with his store. His brother, H. II. Kyman, clerks for him and lives with him. The stock now carried is valued at eight thousand dollars and comprises all grades of goods, such as are in demand by a general trade.

In ii/x) Mr. b'.yman was united in marriage to Miss Anna 1'.. Reynolds, a native of .\rgenta and a daughter of Mrs. Frances McKee. Unto Mr. and !Mrs. Eyman one daughter has been born. Ncffa May. whose birth occurred January 3, 1902. Mrs. Eyman belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Mr. I'^yman holds membership with the Masons, with the Odil Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen and is a valued representative of these fraternities, enjoying the high regard of his brethren of the orders. His political allegiance is given the Republican party and he is now serving as one of the trustees of the village. He owns a beautiful residence here in addition to his Inisiness property and is one of the enter- ])rising, progressive men of the town, deeply interested in its welfare and manifesting his interest by hearty co-operation in movements for the general good. Along legitimate lines of trade he has gained prosperity and his record is creditable and honorable. His genuine worth has gained for him the respect of his fellow men and Argenta counts him one of its most prominent and influential citizens.

EDWARD C. BASSEY. Edward C. Bassey is a splendid type of the self-made man, a man who at the outset of his career had no pecuniary advantages or the aid of influential friends, but with the realization of the fact that there is no royal road to wealth placed his dependence upon the f|ualities that always insure success - indefatigable industry, unabating energy and unfaltering perseverance. Ste]) by step he has advanced until he is to-day connected with one of the most prominent industries that have given Decatur leadership in the industrial circles of Illinois, being the secretary of the F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company.

For many years Mr. Bassey has been a resident of Decatur. His birth occurred in Hanover, (k'rmany. on the 24th of Fcbruarv. 1S48, and he is a son of Henry and Christina Bassey. both of whom spent their entire lives in their native land. In the schools of thai country he jiursued his education between the ages of six and sev- enteen years. Later he still further prepared for business life by a commercial course in a college at South Salzgitter. On completing his education Mr. Bassey entered upon his business career as a clerk in a grocery store, where he was employed for three years, and at the age of twenty-one he became manager of a store. Following this period in his life Mr. Bassey came to the new world, taking passage upon a westward-bound sailing vessel which left the port of Liverpool for Boston, Massachusetts. The voyage completed, he made his way direct to New York city, and thence to Cairo, Illinois, coming from the latter place to Decatur. For a time he was employed by J. A. Jones, a prominent farmer, in whose service he remained for fourteen months. He then accepted a position as bookkeeper for John and Samuel McRoberts, wholesale and retail dealers in groceries, with whom he remained for two years. He was next employed by H. Mueller, and for two years was connected with that firm. He was next in the United States railroad mail service, running from Terre Haute, Indiana, to Peoria, and later from St. Louis to Decatur, while still later he was transferred to another route, going by way of Lafayette, Indiana, to St. Louis, Missouri, on the night line. When a short time had elapsed, however, he resigned this position and returned to Decatur, again entering the employ of the H. Mueller Manufacturing Company in the capacity of bookkeeper and office manager, a position he held for three years. In Chicago, Illinois, he was employed by the Western Woolen Milling Company for a time and on again coming to Decatur he accepted the position of office manager for F. B. Tait & Company. In 1R07 this business was merged into the new firm of F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company, which was incorporated. At that date Mr. Bassey became secretary of the company, in which capacity he has continued to the present time, and he is now one of the stockholders of the concern. This company was capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars, and the present officers are F. B. Tait, president and treasurer; D. \^^ Tait, vice president ; and E. C. Bassey, secretary. The officers, together with C. E. Boyer, constitute the board of directors. This is unquestionably one of the most important industries of the city and one of the largest of its kind in the state. They have a modern, extensive and well-equipped plant and its products find a ready sale throughout the United States at the highest market prices. The company has ample capital for conducting its business and the men who are guiding its affairs are thoroughly experienced and possessed of every business qualification necessary for the prosperous conduct of the enterprise. The company manufactures all kinds of corn and farm implements and their goods are shipped throughout the corn growing belt of the United States. They also handle a varied line of high-class buggies, carriages, wagons, general farming implements and gasoline engines and are jobbers for the same. The plant covers an entire block of ground two hundred and sixty by one hundred and fifty feet and the buildings are of brick and most modern in every particular. In addition to the main building, which is occupied by the offices, sample rooms and warehouse, and which is four stories in height with a basement, there is a machine shop, a foundry and a blacksmith shop, all built of brick. The company employs from eighty to one hundred skilled workmen and eight traveling salesmen upon the road.

In 1870 Mr. Bassey was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Bernhardt, a sister of Mrs. H. Mueller. She, too, was born in the fatherland, and in her early girlhood came to the United States. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children : Edward H., who is now in the employ of Pet- tibone^ Mullikin & Company, a railroad supply house, of Chicago ; and Ella, at home. The family residence is at No. 545 North Jackson street, and in addition to this Mr. Bassey is the possessor of valual)le city property. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also has membership relations with the Modern AVoodnun. His position to-da}' as one of the most prominent and prosperous Inisiness men of Decatur is in marked contrast to his condition when he came to America as a j'oung man. His career is certainly creditable, and there is perhaps no historj' in this volume that indicates more clearly the force of energy, determination and honorable effort in the active affairs of life. He has certainly met with excellent success, and the position to which he has already attained in business circles tests his superiority in the control of important concerns.

The world acknowledges the leadership of Germany in musical circles and it is seldom that one can find a son of the fatherland who has not a deep love for music and considerable ability in that direction. Having cultivated his talents along tliat line, Robert Walter has attained consiclerahle prominence in musical circles and has for a number of years been leader of the Goodman Fourth Infantry Band playing the E flat clarinet.

Professor Walter was born in Saxony, Germany, of German parentage, on the 22d of May, 1859, and when only about twelve years of age began studying music which course he followed in connection with the pursuance of a course in the public schools. He first made a specialty of the violin and afterward turned his attention to the clarinet. A j'oung man of eighteen years he determined to try his fortune in the United States and in 1877 crossed the Atlantic. For two years he traveled with the Golden Dramatic Company tii rough the central west and south and in 1886 he came to Decatur, where he has since resided. The following year he was made director of Goodman's Fourth Infantry Band. In 1857 a brass band was organized and called the Decatur Cornet Baud. In i860 the Decatur Silver Cornet Band was organized with about fifteen nu^nbcrs and in 1867 another organization was effected. In the year 1872 Professor Goodman was secured as leader and at once began the re-organization of the band which has ever since retained his name. For ten years he remained as its leader or until his death in 1882. In 1887 Professor C. A. Foster, who had formerly been at the head of the musical organization, again became the leader and thus served until 1887, when he was succeeded by Professor Robert Walter. When the last named took charge there were twentyfour members and by his untiring eft'orts the band had been increased to thirty-six members. Professor Walter is a thorough musician and as an interpreter and director of band music has few equals, being a master of the clarinet he has developed a first class reed section from among his talented pupils. The Goodman Band has kept abreast with the times in their repertoire of music and by constant rehear.sals is able to render some of the most beautiful strains of the greatest composers. The Goodman Band was made a regimental band of the Fourth Regiment in tqoi and is still in the service.

In 1890 Professor Walter took charge of the opera house orchestra and has since acted in this capacity, succeeding Olaf Bull as its director. His great love of music has been fostered throughout the years from his early boyhood and his talents have been developed by careful and broad study. He is very prominent socially and is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. (Jourteons and genial in manner he has won friends wherever he has gone antl is a valued representative of the musical schools of Decatur.

Careful preparation and advanced study have well equipped Dr. Carr for the practice of medicine, and Argenta is fortunate in having a man of marked ability to administer to the needs of the sick and suffering here. The Doctor is one of the native sons of the town, his birth having occurred in 1863. His father. Dr. Robert F. Carr, was a graduate of the Albany Medical College of New York and came to Argenta in 1856, being one of the first physicians to locate in this part of the county. His practice extended over a wide area and he formed an extensive acquaintance, being held in the highest regard both socially and professionally. He died in the year 1893.

In Lincoln, Illinois. Dr. Edgar D. Carr pursued his early education and then determined to follow in the professional footsteps of his father and make the practice of medicine his life work, he entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago and was graduated with the class of 1887. He then took up his abode in Argenta, opened an office and engaged in practice for four years. Desiring to still further broaden his knowledge and increase his efficiency as a medical practitioner he then went to Europe, spending eighteen months in Berlin, where he did post-graduate work in clinical medicine. He has always been a close and earnest student, discriminating and sound in judgment and his labors have been attended with splendid results. Returning from luiropc to his native land, he once more located in Argenta, where he has since remained in practice. He is very careful in the diagnosis of a case and his opinions are very rarely, if ever, at fault. His interest in his profession is deep and sincere and arises from his love of scientific research and from a genuine interest in humanity - two qualities which are absolutely essential to the highest success in the medical profession.

The Doctor belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar and a member of Peoria Consistory. In his political views he is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business aiifairs. Several years agohebuilt a store and stocked it with drugs. He has since engaged in this line of trade and in the same building he has his office, which is well equipped with all the appliances that are of value in the conduct of his practice. His patronage is extensive and the favorable judgment which the public passed upon him at the outset of his career has in no degree been modified or set aside, but on the other hand has been strengthened as the years have passed by. He is a member of the County, State and American Medical Societies, and thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession.

Frank -M. Meridith

FRANK -M. MERIDITH. Frank M. Meridith is one of the younger representatives of business interests in Decatur, but is now prospering in his undertakings and his labors are adding to the sum total of business activity upon which the prosperity and growth of the city rests. He was born in Bath county, Kentucky, on the I2th of August, 1868, and is a son of Thomas and lilla (Anderson) Meridith. On leaving his native state the father became a resident of Champaign county, Illi- nois, where he followed fanning and also engaged in teaching. llis death occurred when he had attained the age of tifly-lhrec years. In the family were nine children, but only six are now living, namely : Vermillion P., Robert S., Thomas G., Hester, Belle and Frank .M.

The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Champaign county, Illinois, mastering the branches of learning thai usually constitute the curriculum in the iniblic schools of this state. .\t the age of twenty years he began railroading, being first employed by the Wabash Railroad Company. He was afterward with the Vandalia Company and subsequently with ihe Nickle Plate Road, serving first as brakeman and afterward being promoted to the position of conductor. In 1895, however, he severed his connection with railroad service and on the 21st of December, of that year, became an active factor in business interests in Decatur as proprietor of a storage, transfer and furniture industry located at No. 700 to 706 North Broadway. He has since conducted a large establishment ami success has attended his efforts, lie has now an extensive outfit, including moving vans and a number of teams, in addition to his warehouse and storage rooms.

Mr. Meridith is well known and popular in social circles. He has been a member of the -Masonic fraternity . since 1889 and is now affiliated with .Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & .\. .M.; and with Decatur Chapter, No. Ill, ( ). H. .S. He likewise has membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of Auierica and the Benevolent Protective ( )rder of lilks, anil in public affairs he has been quite prominent, serving for six years as a member of the city council of Decatur. He has, however, never been an active ])olitician in the sense of office seeking. His time is largely taken up with his business aft'airs and he regards the pursuits

( )n the _'4lh of .\ugust, 1903, Mr. Meridith was united in marriage to Miss Belle Wheeler, of Decatur, a daughter of J. L. Wheeler, of this citv.

Dr. Dennis W. Porter, who successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Blue Mound for several years, was a man whose worth and ability gained him success, honor and public confidence. He enjoyed the well-earned distinction of being what the world calls a self-made man, and an analyzation of his character reveals the fact that enterprise, perseverance and w-ell-directed cft'ort were the essential features in his prosperity.

The Doctor was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 25th of April, 1844, and was a son of William Wilson Porter, who was a cabinet-maker of Belmont county, where he spent his entire life. Our subject and a sister were the only ones of the family to come to Illinois, the latter being Mrs. Sophia Sanders, now a resident of Pawnee, Illinois. Two brothers are residents of Kansas. The Doctor received his early education in the common schools of his native count)-, and while only a boy came to Illinois, locating first at Ccntralia, where he attended college for a few years. He then decided to enter the medical profession, but had no money with which to pursue his studies. Coing to Pawnee he worked at the blacksmith's trade for five years and also taught in the country schools near there for about two years. During that time he managed to save enough money' to take a medical course and then entered Rush Medical College. Chicago, where he was graduated in the class of 1878 and received his degree.

On leaving thai institution Dr. Porter went to Stonington, Christian county, Illinois, where he first hung out his shingle and engaged in practice there for eight years. In the meantime he was married at Stonington to Miss Lillian C. Wetzel, who was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, a daughter of B. Frank and Sarah (Hartwcll) Wetzel. It was about 1859 that her father settled in Christian county, where he engaged in farming for many years, but is now living a retired life with his son in ]Moweaqua, Illinois. His wife is deceased. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Porter were born three children, namely: Hattic, who died in infancy; Cyrus, who resides with his mother - and is clerking for the Scovill Company, of Decatur ; and George Glenn, also at home.

After his marriage Dr. Porter continued to engage in the practice of his profession at Stonington until 1886, when he went still farther west and settled in Grant, Nebraska, where he was in practice for four years and a half. On his return to Illinois at the end of that period he took up his residence in the village of Blue Mound, ]Macon county, making his home there until the early part of 1901, when he was taken ill and retired from professional life. He removed to Decatur and there spent his last days, dying on the 23d of October, 1901. In his profession he met with excellent success, having a comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine and its application to the needs of suffering humanity, and he built up a large practice at Blue Mound. He stood high in the esteem of his professional brethren and was an honored member of the State Medical Board of Springfield, Illinois, and of the :Macon County Medical Society.

In his social relations the Doctor was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, all at Blue Mound. ITc always took a verv active interest in politics and was unswerving in liis allegiance to the Democratic party. He held the office of town clerk in Stonington for a few years and was also mayor of r>lue Mound for a time. In all the relations of life he was found true to any trust reposed in him and was a faithful member of the -Methodist Episcopal church of Blue Mound, to which his wife also belonged (luring their residence there, but she now holds membership in Grace Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. She and her children reside at No. 1036 West Wood street, where they have a nice home. She is an estimable lady of many sterling qualities and has a large circle of friends in the communitv.

John S. Childs

JOHN S. CHILDS. For one-third of a century John S. Childs was a representative of the agricultural interests of Macon county and since 1890 he has lived retired in Decatur, the competence which he acquired in former years being sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and man}^ of the luxuries of life. His rest is well merited for his business career was ever straightforward and he was always honorable in his dealings with his fellow men. ^Ir. Childs is a native of Burlington county. New Jersey, born on the 5th of December, 1829, his parents being Joshua and Ann (Wilkins) Childs. The family is of English lineage and the ancestors were Quakers or Friends in religious faith. At an early day representatives of the name became residents of Pennsylvania and John Childs the grandfather of our subject, was born in that state near the city of Philadelphia. He lived, however, for a number of years in New Jersey and it was there that Joshua Childs was born, reared and made his home throughout his entire life. .\fter arrixing at years of maturity he wedded Miss Ann W'ilkins, who was also born and died in New Jersey. He passed away in tlie prime of life, leaving a widow and a large family of sons and daughters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Childs were consistent Christians and members of the Baptist church.

As Mrs. Cliilds was left in limited financial circumstances it became necessary that the children should be separated and different members of the household went to live with various families in New Jersey. John S. Childs, whose name introduces this review, made his home with his grandfather for a time and attended the little Quaker schoolhouse on the hill, which still stands and was in use up to a few years ago. His educational privileges, however, were very limited for it became necessary that he provide for his own support and at an early age he began learning the carpenter's trade. An important and valuable factor in shaping his career was the instruction which he received in the little Quaker meetinghouse near his home. The building was a historic one erected in 1777 and thus it stood as a mute reminder of the events of more than a century. On completing the carpenter's trade, which he learned under the direction of Henry Satterthwait, a Quaker, Mr. Childs sought employment and on looking aliout for a favorable location he determined to follow the advice of Horace Greeley and "go west."

It was in November, 1851, that Mr. Childs arrived in Logansport, Indiana, where for a few months he worked at his trade. He then removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, but after a brief period came to Illinois. In the fall of the same year, however, Mr. Childs went to St. Louis, Missouri, and thence to Springfield, Illinois, where he entered the service of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company as a bridge carpenter. It was during his residence in the capital city that he became acquainted with Miss Cathrine F. Brown, of Springfield, a daughter of Reson D. anil Rachel (Ernest) Brown, who were natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Illinois. Mr. Childs sought the hand of the young lady in marriage and on the 9th of November, 1S54, they were united in the lioly bonds of wedlock. Mrs. Childs was born and reared in Sangamon county and for almost a half century has traveled life's journey with her husband, sharing with him the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all. After his marriage Mr. Childs took up his abode upon a farm near Pleasant Plains and there resided until 1857, when he came to Macon county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Warrensburg. This was a tract of raw prairie, entirely unimproved. Not a furrow had been turned or a rod of fence built and there were no buildings upon the place. His knowledge of carpentering now stood him in good stead for he erected a small house, after which he commenced to cultivate and develop his land. He also early turned his attention to the raising of hogs and it was in this line of business activity that Mr. Childs largely acquired his comfortable fortune. He found this a profitable source of income and as his means accumulated he purchased more hogs and also added to his farm until he was the possessor of six hundred and forty acres of valuable land. Annually he raised from one to five car-loads of hogs and became known as one of the leading representatives of this department of farm work in Macon and surrounding counties. He also engaged in the raising of horses and cattle and in his farm work was very progressive, using the latest improved machinery and doing everything to facilitate his labors and make his place of greater value. He kept apace with the universal progress along agricultural lines and con- tinned to reside upon his farm for a third of a century, yearly adding to his income through indefatigable labor, careful management and honorable business methods. He yet owns his farm property and frequently drives from the city to his country place, supervising its interests.

The home of Air. and Mrs. Childs has been blessed with nine children : Leona L., who is now the w-ife of Louis Stoakey, of Harristown, Illinois; Noah H., of Decatur; John D., of Decatur; -Dr. Timothy S., who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in this city ; Annis, who is the wife of Dr. Howard Batchelder, of Omaha, Nebraska ; Charles L., who has just resigned the position of superintendent of the Bartonville Insane Asylum ; Hattie E., who is bookkeeper for. the Paries Manufacturing Company ; Jessie, who died in her eighteenth year ; and Edna E., at home. The family home is an attractive and commodious dwelling at No. 535 Prairie avenue, which is one of the principal residence streets of the city. In addition to this property his possessions comprise three finely cultivated farms which are rented, bringing to him a good income annually.

In his political views Mr. Childs was long a Democrat and voted for the men and measures of that party, but on the nomination of \A'^illiam Jennings Bryan upon a free silver platform he decided to cast his ballot for the Republican candidate and voted twice for Major McKinley. In the year 1866 he was elected supervisor of Illini township and for five years acted in that capacity. Otherwise he has never been active in politics as an officeholder, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, which have been so capably managed that his industry, frugality and sound judgment have brought to him a good property which will supply him with manv comforts through the evening of life.

Juergen H. Nottelmann

For the past eight years J. H. Nottelmann has been identified with the business interests of Warrensburg as a dealer in lumber, sash, doors, blinds, lath, shingles, paints and oils, in partnership with his father under the firm style of H. Nottelmann & Son. A young man of superior executive ability and sound judgment, he already occupies a good position in the business world, and has a fine prospect of reaching the topmost round of the ladder of prosperity.

A native of ilacon county, Mr. Nottelmann was born in Niantic, on the 13th of December, 1872, and is a son of Herman and Anna (Jacobsen) Nottelmann, both natives of Germany. When a young man the father emigrated to the new world and for several 3'ears made his home in Chicago, where he was employed as head clerk in the domestic department for Charles Gossage & Company. In the fall of 1871 his residence and all his belongings were destroyed in the great Chicago fire, and the follow'ing March came to Macon county, making his home in Niantic ever since. During that entire time he has been engaged in general merchandising at that place and is regarded as one of the leading business men of the county. His famih' numbers seven children, three sons and four daughters: Augusta, now the wife of J. Frank Beall, a grain dealer of Niantic ; one who died in infancy; Juergen H., of this review; Anna, wife of Charles Pritchett, who is engaged in the hardware and undertaking business at Latham ; Henning H., who married Delia Culp and is a lumber dealer of Latham ; Dora, at home ; and John B., who is a graduate of Brown's Business College of Decatur and is now employed as stenographer for the Illinois Central Railroad at Chicago.

J. C Boyce

was graduated in 1894. He began his business career as a clerk in his father's store, and after leaving college continued in that position until 1896, when in partnership with his father he opened a lumberyard at \\'arrensburg under the firm name of H. Xottclmann & Son. They still carry on the business and under the able management of our subject they are meeting with marked success in the undertaking.

On the 17th of March, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Nottelmann and Miss Emma B. Albert, who was born in W'arrensburg and completed her education in the common and high schools of Decatur. Her parents are Martin and Eldorado (Xorman) Albert, natives of Ohio. Our subject and his wife now have a little daughter, Agnes E., born January 27, 1902.

Socially Mr. Nottelmann affiliates with iho Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member of Hoo Hoo Lumber Association, which holds its meetings on the 9th day of the ninth month each year. In religious views he is liberal and in politics is independent. He has never cared for official honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs and having prospered he is to-day the owner of some residence property and business lots in Warrensburg besides his lumber yard. He is quite popular in both business and social circles, and is highly esteemed bv all who know him.

J. C. Boyce

J. C. BOYCE. J. C. Boycc is one of the leading citizens of Mount Zion, where he is carrying on an extensive business as a dealer in grain, lumber and builders' hardware. Upon the commercial activity of any community depends its prosperity and the men who are recognized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of important business enterprises. Mr. Boyce is a man of broad capabilities and generall)' carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

.\ nati\c of \ ennont, he was born in I'ouhney, Rutland county, that state, on the 26th of February, 1848. His father, Henry Pioyce, was a Canadian by birth, and in I arly manhood married Miss Amelia Bethel, who was born in Scotland. After living for some years in \'ermont, they removed to New York state, where the father died, in 1881, at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother, in the fall of 1891, at the age of seventy years. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living, but our subject, who is the sixth in order of birth, is the only one of the family living in the west.

J. C. Boyce grew to manhood in the Empire state and soon after attaining his majority learned the carpenter's trade. On coming to Illinois he first located in Chicago, January 3, 1872, but it was not long before he went to Areola, where he worked at his trade for a short time. He then returned to Chicago and was variously employed in that city as a carpenter and contractor until he entered the service of the Vandalia Railroad, erecting the first grain elevator for that company in 1873. He continued to work at his trade for some years, liuilding principally houses.

At midnight, July 4, 1873, Mr. Boyce arrived in Mount Zion and here he began dealing in grain, coal, lumber and builders' hardware, in partnership with John Scott, investing six hundred dollars in the enterprise. This connection continued from the 1st of April, 1886, until October 12, 1889, when our subject bought Afr. Scott's interest in the business and has since extended his operations. The business was started in a very small way, the office of the company being only twelve feet square. It was later enlarged to eighteen by twenty feet, and subsequently the present buildings were erected in 1890, consisting of a store room, elevator and lumber sheds. Under the management of our subject the business has now reached extensive proportions, bringing him a good income. He has just built an elevator calculated to hold thirty thousand bushels of shelled grain.

In 1880 Mr. Boyce married Miss Elizabeth Gibb, a native of Scotland, who came to this country with her parents when only six years old. Her father was John Gibb, a representative of a noted Scottish family. Religiously Mr. Boyce is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and socially is connected with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., of Decatur, having been made a Mason in that city in 1898, and he also belongs to Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, I. O. O. F., of Mount Zion.

He is a representative of that class of citizens who, while advancing individual success, also promote the public welfare. He stands high in business circles as a man of progressive ideas and known reliability, and he merits the confidence so freely accorded him.

William Hamsher

WILLIAM HAMSHER. In a history of Macon county, past and present, it is incumbent that we make mention of William Hamsher, for he was one of the early settlers of Decatur, and as one of its pioneers he should certainly find representation in this volume. Great changes have occurred here since the time of his arrival. A little log building constituted the courthouse in Macon county and there were many log cabins in the embryo city when he established his home in Illinois. He was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born on the 5th of October. 1824. His parents always made their home in the east and there passed away many years ago. There were several cliildren in the family, however, who came to the west and located in Decatur, and four of the family are now living, namely : Barnett K., who is now secretary for the Herald-Despatch Company and manager of the Herald Printing and Stationery Company ; Samuel W., who holds the position of janitor in the postoflice at Decatur; ]\Irs. Williams, of Decatur; and ]\Irs. Samuel Rotz, of Pennsylvania.

Like the other members of the family, William Hamsher received only a commonschool education. In early manhood he wedded Miss Sophia Bear, the marriage being celebrated in his native state. The lady was also a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and belonged to a family that has many representatives in Decatur at the present time. Her death, however, occurred on the 8th of February, 1879, and the two children of that marriage, Daniel F. and Susanna M., are also deceased.

After his marriage, in 1858, William Hamsher came with the balance of the Hamsher family to Macon county and established his home in the little village of Decatur. It was then a small place similar to other villages which are established on the frontier. Many of the little houses were constructed of logs and everything was primitive in character and few of the comforts of the older east were to be enjoyed here. Mr. Hamsher opened a shop and began working at the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for many years. He was thus engaged at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. His patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he enlisted in 1861 as a member of Company K,. One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantrv. going to the front under the command of Colonel Boyd. The company was engaged in many battles, but Mr. Hamsher was vcrv fortunate in that he was never in-

Returning to his home,* Mr. Ilamsher once more became connected with the industrial interests of Macon county, working at the wagon-maker's trade in Decatur. He conducted his business here until failing health forced him to retire from that line of activity and he took up his abode upon a farm near Decatur. He resided there for only a brief i)eriod, however, and then again established his home in this city, where he lived retired until his death.

.Mr. Hamsher was married a second time in Decatur to Mrj. Mary I. (Tweedy) Gray, a native of New York, born November 7, 1830. The lady is a daughter of Robert Tweedy, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and on coming to America settled in Canada. He also resided in New York for a short time, but later removed to .Montreal, Canada, where he engaged in merchandising. His wife and all of his children, with the exception of Mrs. Flamsher, died in Montreal of cholera within a period of four weeks. The surviving daughter was first married to John A. Gray, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who took up his abode in Decatur at an early day and here engaged in the manufacture of cigars until his death. There was one child by that marriage: John A., who wedded .Miss Blanche Willcutt, and resides in Schaller, Iowa, where he is engaged in dealing in grain.

Mr. Hamsher was a member of the Bethel Church of God in Decatur, and his wife belongs to the Baptist church of this city. She was left in very comfortable circumstances and now owns a beautiful home at 1606 East ^lain street. Mr. Hamsher acquired his possessions along legitimate business lines. He realized that honesty is the best policy and was ever fair and straiglitforward in all his dealings with his fellowmen. No one ever spoke against his integrity and all who knew him entertained for him the highest regard. He was a member of the Grand Army Post, of Decatur, and in his political views was a Republican, taking an active interest in all of its work. He died May 6, 1899, ^"^l the position which he held in the public regard was .shown by the fact that his was one of the largest funerals ever held in the city. His friends gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to him whom they had loved and honored.

Joseph Mills

Joseph Mills, the president of the ^lills Lumber Company of Decatur and thus a representative of one of the leading industries of the city, occupies a position of prominence in business circles. His connection with this enterprise dates from 1886 and during the intervening period the success of the business may be largely attributed to him.

Mr. Mills is a native of New Jersey, his birth having occurred in Essex, Union county, on the 2d of March, 1826. He is descended from English ancestry, the family having been founded in America by representatives of the name who came from England during colonial days. Samuel Mills, the grandfather of our subject, was likewise born in New Jersey and when the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he joined the continental army and served as a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war. While in camp his regiment was surprised by a night attack and during that struggle Samuel Mills was wounded by a bayonet. In times of peace he followed the occupation of farming, carrying on agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his life. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy j'cars. In his family were five children, including Stewart Mills, the father of our subject. He, too, was born in New Jersey and was reared to farm life and became an agriculturist. As a companion and helpmate lor life's journey he chose Nancy Sutton, a daughter of Benjamin Sutton, also a resident farmer of New Jersey, while her grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Mills became the parents of five children : Alary, now deceased ; Hannah, the widow of William \\'illiams; Joseph, of this review; Phoebe, the wife of Jesse Fowler; and Electa, the wife of Charles Lyon. The father died in 1868, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother long survived him, passing away at the advanced age of one hundred and four years. She remained upon the homestead and when a centenarian could read without glasses, her eyesight seeming to be renewed in her last years. She held membership with the Presbyterian church and the world was better for her having lived, for she exerted a strong influence for good in the lives of those with whom she came in contact.

In his youth Joseph Mills was inured to the labors of the home farm, where he worked until he reached the age of seventeen, when he began learning the carpenter's trade. After serving a four years' apprenticeship he was employed for some time as a journeyman and through a long period was connected with the building interests. In 1853 ^J^f. -\Iills left his old home in New Jersey and came to the west, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Decatur, whose business enterprise, activity and keen discernment were lajnng the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of the city. For a half century he has now made his home here. He first purchased property on the corner where the S3mdicate block now stands and became connected with the business interests here as a contractor and builder. His thorough understanding of the trade, his excellent workmanship and his faithfulness to the terms of a contract soon secured him a liberal patronage and he continued to conduct a profitable business in that line until 1878, when he abandoned that work in order to engage in a kindred industry, becoming a partner of \V. B. Har}' in the lumber business. Mr. Hary had been lus former partner in contracting for a number of years before they went into the lumber business. This connection was maintained until the death of Air. Hary in 1886, when Mr. Mills purchased his interest from the estate. On the ist of January, 1891, the business was incorporated, a .'^tock company being formed under the firm name of the Mills Lumber Companv, with Joseph Mills as the president ; Jacob Willis, secretary and treasurer; and Albert Goodman, manager. The business of the company has steadily increased and its sales now annually reach a large figure. They deal extensively in all kinds of lumber, handling everything needed in their line for the construction of public or private buildings. The business policy inaugurated by Mr. Mills at the outset of his career has ever been maintained. The work is carried on systematically and success has been won along the line of time-tried maxims.

Ere leaving the east Mr. Mills was united in marriage on the 22d of IMa}^, 1848, to Aliss Eliza Lansing, whose parents were Benjamin and Anna (Hill) Lansing, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey. Five children were born of this union, but only one is now living: Anna, who married John W. Shellabarger, of Salina, Kansas, and had five children but only two are now li\ing, Edgar and Edith. Another daughter of Air. and Airs. Alills was Emma, who became the wife of Sigmund Schulof and died leaving a daughter. Pearl, now the wife of William Wittke, of New York city, and the mother of a little daughter. The oilier members of the Mills family were Josephine, Stella ami Coriene. The wife ami mother, who was a consistent and devoteil member of the Baptist church, passed away on the Jd of .March, 1886, at the age of fifty-nine years, and on the ist of January, 1888, Mr. Mills was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Sini Taylor, the widow of Frank Taylor, and a daughter of Lars Larson, who was a native of Denmark. The family home is an attractive residence on North Main street, in addition to which Mr. Mills owns other valuable city property.

In his political views he was originally a Republican, supporting that party from 1856 until 1S72. He then voted for Horace Greeley and since that time has affiliated with the Democracy. For six years he served as alderman of Decatur from the first ward and has been assistant super- Visor, but has preferred to perform his duties rather as a private citizen than as an official. He belongs to Decatur Eodgc, No. 65, I. O. O. F., and in the fraternity as well ' as in business and social circles is held in the highest regard. The character and position of Mr. Mills illustrates most happily for the purpose of this work, the fact that if a young man be possessed of the proper attributes of mind and heart he can unaided attain to a position of unmistakable precedence and gain for himself a place among the men who are foremost factors in shaping the business history of their various communities. His career proves that the only true success in life is that which is accomplished by personal effort and consecutive uidustry. It proves that the road to success is open to all young men who have the courage to tread its pathway, and the life record of such men should serve as inspiration to the young of this and future generations, and teach by incontrovertible facts that success is ambition's answer.

Few men were more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of 1 )ecalur than Dr. (J. F. Parker during the ihiriy-three years of his residence here. lie was an important factor in business circles and his popularity was well deserved as in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energy and inilusiry that never flagged. He was public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tended to promote the moral, social and material welfare of the city.

The Doctor was born in Peru, New York, on the /th of November, 1818, a son of Dr. Francis and Sarah Parker. His father, who was also a physician, was engaged in practice at Parishville, New York, for many years, and both he and his wife died there. Our subject acquired his literary education in the common schools of his native place, and having decided to enter the medical profession, he became a student at Jefferson .Medical College, of Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of 1851. lie then joined his father at Parishville, St. Lawrence county. New York, and together they engaged in practice at that place until our subject came west. In the meantime he was married in 1856 to Miss Calista L. Flanders, also a native of the Empire state, born in Lawrence, St. Lawrence county. New York, in 1832. Her father, Samuel Flanders, was a millwright by trade and from New York removed to Ohio, where he built a number of mills throughout the state, making his home there until his death. To Dr. and Mrs. Parker was born but one child: Minnie, now the wife of Virgil Hosletler, of Decatur.

-After his marriage the Doctor continued his residence in Parishville, New York, until 1865, when he came to Decatur, Illinois, and began practice here with Dr. Josiah pjrown. Two years later the partnership was dissolved and ]")r. Parker cmbarK-cd in in the drug business, opening a store, on East Main street, near Water street, wliich he conducted until failing health caused his retirement from business. He died in this city on the i6th of December, 1897, honored and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Parker is still living in Decatur, where she owns a large and beautiful residence at No. 341 West Macon street, and her daughter resides with her.

Tn early life the Doctor was a Whig in politics, and after the dissolution of that party joined the Republican ranks. While living in New York he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, but never united wnth any of the lodges after coming to Decatur. In citizenship he was loyal, in friendship faithful, and in his family he was known as a devoted husband and father. Throughout his entire life he commanded the respect of his fellow-men by reason of his genuine worth, and his loss was deeply mourned throughout the community.

Charles Hays

One of the leading and representative citizens of Hickory Point township is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. Throughout his active business life he has followed farming with good success and is to-day the owner of a well improved and valuable place on section 26. His entire life has been passed in this township, his birth occurring September 27, 1859, on the old homestead, which is on section 23 on the Bloomington road, where his brother Frank now resides.

John R. Hays, the father of our subject, was born on a farm in Wayne county, Indiana, September 5, 1830, and was one of a family of eight children, whose parents were John and Rebecca (Hadley) Hays. Our subject's grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent.

His children were Ebcnezer ; Xancy; John R. ; Rebecca, wife of Alexander Brett ; Benjamin; Cynthia, wife of Isaac Skillman, of Oregon ; William ; and Thompson H.

John R. Hays was only four years old when the family removed from the county of his nativity to X'ermilion county, Illinois, locating near Danville. A year later they went to Piatt county, and in 1841 came to Macon county, taking up their residence on section 26, Hickory Point township, where our subject now resides. This farm was improved by the grandfather, who, in connection with general farming, was quite extensively engaged in stock raising. The father of our subject was a lad of eleven years when he settled here and amid pioneer scenes he grew to manhood. The nearest school house was then northwest of Decatur, two miles and a half distant from his home, but a few years later another was erected in Hickory Point township a mile and a half away. Although his educational advantages were limited he became a well informed man through reading, experience and observation. He remained on the home place until twenty-seven years of age, when his father gave him eighty acres of land and he started out in life for himself. Being industrious, energetic and progressive, he met with marked success in his farming operations and added to his property from time to time until he had six hundred acres of choice land, well improved and under excellent cultivation. He always took a deep interest in public affairs and most efficiently filled the offices of school director, township collector and county supervisor. On the 26th of March. 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Montgomery, a daughter of William F. and Amelia (Suver) Montgomer3\ and unto them were born four children, as follows: Charles, of this review ; William, also a resident of Macon county; Frank, who lives on his father's old homestead in Hickory Point township; and Cynthia, who died April 15, 1872. The family is one of prominence in the communiiy where they reside and wherever known its members are held in high regard. The father passed away March 24, 1900, and the mother is still living. They were both honored and respected by all who knew them.

Charles Hays was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys, aiding in the work of field and meadow and pursuing his studies in the district school. Since attaining to man's estate he has followed farming and is now living on the place where his grandfather located on coming to this country in 1841. He has two hundred acres of rich and arable land and the well tilled fields and the neat and thrifty appearance of the farm testify to the supervision of a careful and painstaking owner.

In 1889 Mr. Hays led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Landis, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Amanda (Reeser) Landis, of Bearsdale, and four children bless their union, namely : Edwin, Robert, and Ora and Oma, twins. Mr. Hays casts his ballot for the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has served as school director in his district. He is public spirited and progressive and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.

.MARTIN V. LONERGAN, M. D. Dr. Martin V. Lonergan, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Decatur, is known as a successful and skillful physician and surgeon, one who has given years of thought and painstaking preparation to his profession and who is thoroughly qualified for its practice. Nature endowed him with the elements necessary for success as a practitioner for he is sympathetic, patient anil lliouglilfiil and in the hour of extremity cool and courageous. Though his practice engrosses much of his attention he still finds time to keep in touch with the advancement made by the profession and avails himself of every development in remedial agencies.

Dr. Lonergan was born on the 4th of February, 1852, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. .A.S the name indicates the family is of Irish lineage. The father, Michael Lonergan, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and learned the carpenter's trade there ere his emigration to the new world. When a young man, however, he crossed the Atlantic to the LTnited States and established his home in Philadelphia. There he met and married Miss Margaret Donahue, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who had come with her parents to this country. The year 1856 witnessed the removal of Michael Lonergan and his family from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Settling in Jacksonville, he there followed carpentering until 1870, when he disposed of his business and property interests there and invested his money in a farm in Sangamon county, devoting his remaining days to agricultural pursuits and to the enjoyment of the quiet life of the farm. He died in 1888 at the age of seventy years and his widow still resides on the old homestead. Both were communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Lonergan gave his political support to the Democracy, for he believed its platform contained the best elements of good government. Unto this worthy couple were born six children : Martin ; John, who resides upon the old home farm; Maurice ; Maggie ; and two who have passed away.