Decatur Township (part 15 of 46)

The parents are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Blue Mound and Mr. Davidson has served as superintendent of the Sunda3--school for a year and a half. His political support is given the Democracy and he has held various township offices. While in Mosquito township, Christian county, he was township Sundayschool superintendent for three years and was also interested in the intellectual develo])ment. of the comniunit\^ as a school director. Fraternally he is connected with the ^lodern Woodmen of America and Fraternal Army. In his business affairs he has prospered and now in addition to his fine farm he has an interest in the Blue Mound Coal Company. He was one of its three incorporators and is now one of its directors. Whatever success he has achieved is the direct result of his own indefatigable energy, perseverance and sound business judgment. As a public-spirited and progressive citizen he is deeply interested in every movement for the general good and his cooperation has been a helpful factor along manv lines.

Jacob R. Price

JACOB R. PRICE. For many years Jacob R. Price was identified with agricultural interests in Illinois and is now living retired at No. 1083 West Decatur street in the city of Decatur. His residence in Macon county dates from 1856, at which time he took up his abode on a farm on section 32, South A\'heatland township. He is a native of Butler county, Ohio, born on the 28th of March, 1834. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Rhinehart) Price, were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia, whence they removed to Butler county, Ohio, where the father engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death. The mother afterward came to Macon county, Illinois, and spent her last days in the home of her son Jacob in South Wheatland township. This worthy couple were the parents of eleven children, namel}- : Henry W., who is now residing in Carroll county, Indiana ; Nancy Jane, deceased ; Mrs. B. A. Nejdiard, who lives in South Wheatland township, this covmty; Benjamin F., who resides in Decatur; Mrs. Margaret Foster, also of Decatur; William, who lives in South W' heatland township ; Jacob R. ; Sarah, who is the wife of Rev. N. M. Baker, of Decatur; Mary, the wife of A. F. Hopkins, of this city ; F. O., deceased ; and John, who has also passed away.

To the common-school system of his native county Jacob R. Price is indebted for the educational privileges he received. After he had attained his majority he sought a companion and helpmate for the journey of life and on the 8th of February, 1859, was united in marriage in Butler county, Ohio, to Miss Amy D. Hyatt, a native of Hamilton county, that state, born on the 26th of October, 1837. Her parents were John and Martha Hyatt, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ohio. :Mr. Hyatt spent the greater part of his life, however, upon a farm in Butler count}^ Ohio, where both he and his wife died.

Mr. Price first came to ^lacon county in the year 1S56 and he returned from this place to Ohio for his bride. He then brought her to South ^^'heatland township, where he rented what was known as the old Young farm. He afterward purchased that land and made all of the substantial improvements upon it. There he resided for many years, devoting his time and attention to the cultivation of his fields and to the raising of hogs, both branches of his business proving good sources of income. He remained an active factor in agricultural circles until September 2, 1902, when he removed to Decatur where he has since lived a retired

James P. Boyd

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Price was blessed with four children : Florence, who died in 1865, at the age of five years ; Mary, the wife of William ^lontgomery of Decatur; .Minnie .\., the wife of Frank G. Hill, a farmer living in Blue ]\lound township, this county ; and John, who married Etta Henry and resides on our subject's farm in South Wheatland township.

.Mr. Price has held several minor offices in his township, such as school director and road overseer. He votes with the Republican party and never fails to cast his ballot at each election, for he believes it the duty as well as the privilege of every .\merican citizen to support the measures in which he believes. His wife is a. member of the United Brethren church of Decatur and they are now living in a very comfortable home at No. 1083 West Decatur street, being surrounded by the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. That Mr. Price is now the possessor of a good competence is due to his own energ}', diligence and persistency of purpose in former years.

JA.M1-;S P. BOYD. James P. Boyd was for a number of years a ])rominent attorney of Decatur and was well known among the early settlers of the city. He took up his residence here about 1855, when Decatur was still a struggling town, giving little promise of its present prosperity, progress and improved condition. Born in Pennsylvania on the 17th of November, 1820, he was a son of Samuel Boyd and his wife, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. For many years the father engaged in farming there and then removed to a farm near Cambridge, Ohio, where he continued to carrv on the tilling of the soil until his death. He de- \ eloped a good property and annually harvested large crops which returned to him a gratifying income for his labors. Both he and his wife died upon the old Ohio homestead.

James P. Boyd began his education in the ]>ublic schools of Pennsylvania and continued his studies in ( iliiu. He was reared in the usual manner of most farm lads, but did not find the work of the fields entirely congenial and decided to enter upon a professional career. He therefore began the study of law in his native state and after the removal of his parents to their farm near Cambridge, Ohio, he became a school teacher in that vicinity, devoting his leisure hours outside of the school-room to the further reading of law. There he resided until 1855, wdien he came to the west and Decatur was his chosen field of labor. Entering upon the ])ractice of law in this city in partnership with James Lake, he soon gained a distinctively representative clientage here and was connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of Macon county at an early day. His knowledge of the science of jurisprudence was comprehensive and exact and he applied his knowledge with great accuracy to the points at issue.

.Soon after his arrival in Decatur Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Mrs. Susan S. (McGovern) Packard, a native of Kentucky, born October 21, 1827, and a daughter of ICdmund and Malinda (Huddleston) Mc- CoN^ern, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and at an early day came to Illinois, settling in Morgan count}' during the ])ioneer e[)och in its development. There both parents resided until death. Mrs. Boyd was first married to Dr. Edmund Packard, a reijresentative of the old and prominent Packard family of Decatur. The Doctor was one of the first residents here and a physician of prominence in this city. He practiced belli in (Juincy, Illinois, and in Decatur until 1849, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made his way to the Pacific slope in the hope of rapidl}' acquiring a fortune there. Death, however, interfered with his plans for he passed away in the Golden state in 1850. Three children had been born of this union ; Charles, who married Ella Gosshorn and resides in Decatur ; Katie, now deceased ; and Lilly, who is the widow of Monroe Robertson and resides with her mother. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd was blessed with six children, namely: Frank S., who wredded Ida Hampsher and resides in St. Louis; Lizzie, the wife of Roy Loughbom, of Decatur ; Laura, who died in infancy ; Tola, the wife of John E. Baker of Mishawaka, Indiana, by whom she has three children. Forest, Donald and Dorothy ; James P., who married Sarah Taylor and is living in Spokane, Washington ; Ada, the wife of Augustus Meckelnburg, of Mishawaka, Indiana.

After his marriage Mr. Boyd continued in the practice of law in Decatur until the Civil war broke out. He watched with interest the progress of events and wdien he saw that the war was to be no mere holiday affair and that the Union needed the aid of its loyal sons he offered his services to the government and became a lieutenant colonel of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment. His regiment was in many important battles and engagements including the siege of Vicksburg in which he was shot through the lung. He was then in the hospital for a short time, after which he was brought home to Decatur. His wound was very serious and, hoping that he might benefit his health by a change of climate, he began traveling in the south, spending four years in this way. He visited New Orleans and other southern cities and then at the end of four years he returned to his home in Decatur. He died on the nth of October,

1868, his demise being the direct result of the injury which he had sustained upon the field of battle and thus he gave his life for his country just as truly as those whose graves were dug on southern battlefields.

AVhile in New Orleans Mr. Boyd had been appointed circuit judge, but on account of illness he refused to serve in that position. In politics he was a Republican and he kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, believing it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to exercise his right of franchise in an intelligent way in the support of the measures in which he believed. He was a member of the Grand Army Post of Decatur and enjoyed the high regard of his brethren of that order. His scholarly attainments and broad learning made him the companion of the best people of Macon county and at the bar the members of the legal fraternity recognized his ability and accorded him a prominent position in their ranks. Before going into the service he became the owner of a large farm in Niantic township, Macon county, which he rented and which remained in possession of his heirs until recent years, when it was sold. He was very successful in his business affairs and in his practice here and was indeed a prominent, influential and honored man. Mrs. Boyd still lives in Decatur, owning a nice home at No. 506 West \\'illiams street, where she and her daughter are living, and it has been her place of residence for over half a century. She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and is a lady whose many excellent traits of heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has been brought in contact.

Cyrus J. Tucker

the foundation upon which is builded the material welfare of town, state and nation. The most important factors in public life to-day are therefore the men who are in control of successful business interests and such a one is Cyrus J. Tucker, who is engaged in general merchandising at Warrensburg and is serving as supervisor of his township.

He was born on the 26th of October, 1868, in mini township, and is a son of Joseph Clough Tucker, who was a resident of Macon county from 1861 until his death, September 14, 1903, his remains being interred in mini cemetery. The father was born in Merrimac county, New Hampshire, December 19, 1838, in the same house where the birth of his father. Major Cyrus Tucker, occurred. Our subject's great-grandfather was Rev. Jedediah Tucker, a native of Massachusetts and a pioneer of the Old Granite state, where he located in 1784. He was a Congregational minister and served as pastor of one church for thirty years. His son, ^lajor Cyrus Tucker, grew to manhood in his native county and there married Miss Fannie J. Hoyt, a daughter of Jacob Hoyt, who was a representative of one of the early Puritan families of New Hampshire and reached the advanced age of ninetyfive years. The Major was a very prominent man and won his title while serving in the State Militia. He died on the 12th of November, 1850. ami his wife passed away October i, 1843.

Joseph C. Tucker, the father of our subject, received a good education, being a student in the Quaker college at Providence, Rhode Island, for two years, during which time he completed the mathematical course. He then taught school for two seasons in New Hampshire. .As before stated he came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1861. and for many years was identified with its agricultural interests. He resided at his home just outside of Warrensburg from the 1st of April, 1872, until his death, and his place was one of the best in lllini township. He owned considerable property and was numbered among the well-to-do citizens of his community. Politically he was a stanch Democrat and frequently served as a delegate to state and county conventions. He was very prominently identified with public affairs, serving as assessor of his township three years, supervisor for several years and also as township trustee. Fraternally he was a Knight Templar Mason. On the 5th of February, 1868, in ^^lacon county, Mr. Tucker was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ferree, a native of Pike county, Illinois, who died November 5, 1883, leaving five children, namely: Cyrus J., Benjamin F., Joseph T., John (iuy and Charles. For his second wife he wedded Mrs. Mary J. Ferry, and his third wife was Martha K. ' Clough, who died ten c'ays after their marriage.

Cyrus J. Tucker attended the public schools of this county and completed his education in the high school of Decatur but left school on the death of his mother when in his senior 3'ear. He remained with his father on the farm near Warrensburg until 18S7, and then engaged in farming by the year until the 19th of December, 1892, when he embarked in general merchandising as a member of the firm of Ritchie, Tucker & Company. In January, 1896, he purchased Mr. Ritchie's interest in the business, and became sole proprietor of the store two years later, since which time he has been alone in business. In 1900 he enlarged his establishment, making the main room twenty-four by sixty feet, with a back rocm twenty-four by forty feet stocked with groceries and meats; while the front room is devoted to dry goods. He carries a large and wtII selected stock and by fair and honorable dealings has built up an excellent trade.

Lillian Thompson, a daughter of Captain George W. and Mary (Langston) Thompson. On the paternal side her ancestors came from the Empire state and the Langstons were from Kentucky. She is the third in order of birth in a family of eight children, all of whom reached years of maturity with the exception of one. ]\Irs. Tucker was educated at the Illinois State Normal at Normal and by her marriage has become the mother of one son, Gerald, now five years of age. She is a member and active worker in the Alethodist Episcopal church. Mr. Tucker is a member of the Illini Congregational church and served as superintendent of the Congregational Sunday school while living in the country and is now assistant superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school in Warrensburg. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the encampment and canton at Decatur. In politics he is a Democrat, and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have called upon him to serve in several oflftcial positions of honor and trust. He has several times been a delegate to county and congressional conventions and was once a delegate to the state convention of his party, and he has served as township clerk, school trustee and supervisor, having held the last named ofifice for six years. He was elected by a large majority on the Democratic ticket in a Republican township and has just entered upon his fourth term. Mr. Tucker gives his attention principally to his business interests, which have been most carefully managed, and his success in life is due to his own energy, economy and perseverance. In most of his undertakings he has prospered, and to-day ranks among the leading and substantial business men of his native county.

-Although never a resident of Decatur George McCune, now deceased, was well known in Macon county and was an early settler of ^ladison county. He figured prominently in the public regard in pioneer times for he carried freight and passengers between Alton, Illinois, and Decatur, and his brother drove a stage coach from Alton to St. Louis. His birth occurred in Ireland on the i6th of November, 1816, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McCune, both of whom were natives of the Emerald Isle. The father of our subject died during the early boyhood of our subj"ect. George was fourteen years of age when with his mother, three brothers and three sisters he bade adieu to the land of his nativity and sailed for the new world. They first settled in Canada, where they lived for a short time and then removed to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Our subject was engaged in farming there until 1846, when attracted liv the possibilities of the growing west, he came to Illinois, establishing his home in Alton, Madison county. He was there engaged in teaming for three years, after which he purchased a tract of land in that county and carried on general farming for a number of years.

\\'hile residing in Madison county Mr. McCune was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Cobine, who was also born on the Green Isle of Erin, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Townly) Cobine, who came to America in 1838, settling in Pennsylvania. They afterward removed to Madison county. Illinois, where the father was a well known farmer for one-third of a century, conducting his business in a capable manner that brought him success. At the end of that time he removed to the city of Edwardsville, Illinois, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days. In Alton, Illinois, in 1850. Mr. ?kIcCune was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife»

There had been three children born of that marriage: Samuel T., who is now living in Barton county. Missouri; James \\ .. a resident of Wallace. Idaho; and George, of Jasper county, Missouri. After the death of his first wife Mr. McC'une married her sister, Miss Sarah Cobinc, who is also a native of Ireland, her birth having occurred on Christmas day of 1830. .Nine children were born of this marriage, as follows : Thomas, who is agent for the Standard Oil Company at Edwardsville, Illinois; Elizabeth, deceased ; Jennie, the wife of Robert L. Ui.xon, who for the past fifteen years has been a well known contractor of Decatur antl who with his family resides at No. 862 North Union street, Mrs. McCune living with them; Hugh John, a resident of Alton. Illinois; Joseph D., a teamster of Edwardsville ; Charles Grant, who is a stationary engineer in East St. Louis, Illinois ; Martha Ann, the wife of J. L. Shields, who is employed with the Starr Buggy works of Decatur; Margaret May, who died at the age of two years ; and Ervin Pogue, an electrical engineer residing in Decatur.

After his first marriage Mr. McCune engaged in general farming in Madison county until 1885, when on account of advanced age and having a capital sufficient to supply him with all the comforts and necessities of life, he put aside further business cares and removed to the city of Edwardsville, where he purchased a residence which he occupied until called to his final home. He died on the 15th of January, 1888, and thus passed away one of the old time citizens of Illinois. In politics he was a Republican and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of b'dwardsville. Mrs. Mc- Cune now belongs to the Presbyterian church of Decatur. /\fter her husband's death she continued to reside in Edwardsville until 1892, when she came to this city and now makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. R. L. Dixon, at No. 862 North

I'nion street. She owns property at No. 835 North Edwards street in Decatur, where her other daughter is living and she also has other property interests in Madison countv, Illinois.

Daniel Dinneen

DANIEL DINNEEN. Daniel Dinneen is proprietor of one of the extensive grocery stores of Decatur and although he entered upon a business alreadv established he has succeeded in expanding it and in enlarging its scope until the volume of trade is now very large and ])rofilable. Mr. Dinneen is one of Decatur's native sons, his birth having occurred here on the 6th of October, 1870. His parents were John and Rose (McDonald) Dinneen. The father was born in County Cork, Ireland, in November, 1836, and was a son of Daniel and Catherine (Maloney) Dinneen, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. In their family were three children, of whom lohn was the second in order of birth. His mother died when he was about six years of age and in 1847 the grandfather emigrated to .America with two of his children, the oldest son having died in Ireland. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel from County Cork to Montreal, Canada, and soon afterward the family continued their journey to Worcester county, Massachusetts. John Dinneen had attended school to some extent in his native country, but obtained the greater part of his education in the Bay state, where he attended school regularly until he reached the age of fourteen years. He then went to work in a cotton factory and at intervals he worked on a farm. In March, 1856, when twenty years of age, he came to Illinois, settling first in Springfield. He was employed there for several years on the Great Western Railroad, now a part of the Wabash system, being thus engaged until 1861. He first worked on the track and was afterward promoted to take charge of the yard in Decatur, continuing to act in that capacity until August, 1875. In the early days his work was performed in a primitive manner, while in the Wabash Railroad yards he did switching in 1866-7 with a yoke of oxen. At length retiring from railroad service he opened a grocery store on North Broadway in Decatur and in later years was succeeded by his son Daniel, who is now proprietor of the establishment.

In January, 1864, John Dinneen was united in marriage to Rose McDonald, a native of Ulster, Ireland, and they became the parents of two children: Catherine, now the wife of ^1. Leach, of Chicago ; and Daniel, of this review. Until February, 1878, the father resided upon a farm which he owned not far from Decatur. He was reared among the Whigs of ^Massachusetts, but subsequently became a Democrat and in i860 voted for Stephen A. Douglas. In 1878 he was nominated by his party for the office of coroner and his personal popularity was indicated by the fact that he ran far ahead of his ticket, being the only Democrat elected in that year. Again he received the nomination in 1880. He had the warm regard and confidence of his fellow men to an unusual degree and was highly respected by all who knew him. As a merchant he was very successful and continued in the grocery business up to the time of his death, which occurred August 14, 1896. His widow still survives him and is now living in Decatur in her sixtieth year. The family are communicants of St. Patrick's Catholic church.

Daniel Dinneen was educated in the public schools of this city, leaving the high school in his senior year. He entered upon his business career at the age of fifteen, engaging with the Wabash Railroad, and continued in their employ until about 1892. Later he was associated with his father in the grocery business and upon the latter's death assumed control of the store and has greatly increased the trade as the years have gone by. He deals in staple and fancy groceries and he has several delivery wagons used in sending out his goods to his customers. His store is located at No. 545, North Broadway and he there employs a large force of clerks. He has extensive rooms and carries a very desirable stock, conducting his store along progressive and modern ideas. His methods of business will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and his labors are attended with the highest success.

On the loth of February, 1897, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dinneen and Miss Helen J. Hackett, a most estimable and cultured lady. She is a graduate of Brown's Business College of Decatur and in social circles occupies an enviable position. ^Ir. Dinneen is a member of the fire commission of Decatur and in politics is an earnest Republican. He has frequently served as a delegate to county conventions and his opinions carry weight in the councils of his party. Socially he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the ^lodern Woodmen of America, and he and his wife are devoted members of St. Patrick's Catholic church. His business record is indeed creditable. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in controlling and enlarging this many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed. He instituted new methods in keeping with the progressive spirit of the times and his capable control of his store has led to its expansion and made him one of the prosperous merchants of the city.

John J. Joynt

JOHN J. JOYNT. John J. Joynt, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Harristown township, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Logan county, this slalc, un ihc .ijlh of September, 1858. His parents were E. A. and Clara S. Joynt, who were born, reared and married in London, England. About 1855 the father came to America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel which was six weeks in crossing the .\llanlic. During that time a mutiny broke out on board the ship and the crow was arrested on reaching New York. .Although Mr. Joynt had previously served an apprenticeship as a sailor, on coming to this country he turned his attention to farming and first located near Jersey ville in Jersey county, Illinois. Later he returned to England, where he was married, and then brought his bride to this country, establishing a home on Salt creek in Logan county, Illinois, where he purchased forty acres of land. He subsequently sold that place and bought another forty-acre tract near Latham. There he continued to make his home, though since the death of his wife in .\pril, 1902, he has spent much time in visiting his children. He had four sons, three of whom are living, and two daughters, namely: John J., of this sketch ; Stephen A., of Macon county ; Clara, now Mrs. William Brown, of Decatur, a twin sister of Stephen A. ; Alice, now Mrs. Leslie Benson, of Macon county; and Frederick E., of Logan county.

John J. Joynt was educated in a little schoolhouse near Latham, where he pursued his studies until about twenty years of age and at the same time acquired a good practical knowledge of farm work while assisting his father in the labors of field and meadow on the home farm. He then rented land and commenced farming on his own account and has for several years operated the J. G. Willard farm in Harristown township, Macon county, where he now resides. It consists of two hundred and forty acres and is under excellent cultivation. Mr. Joynt feeds cattle and hogs for market, but makes a specialty of the breeding and raising of draft and road horses, doing a good business in that line.

On the 2d of April, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa O. Whiteside, who was also born near Latham in Logan county, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth Whiteside, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter born near Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois. Her father, who was a Democrat in politics, died on his farm at Latham in 1892, and her mother passed away many years ago, about 1861, In their family were one son and three daughters, but one daughter is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Joynt have six children, namely : Clarissa Jane, Alice Ada, Irene Ellen, Minnie M., Hilda M. and James Roscoe.

Socially Mr. Joynt is a member of the Modern W^oodmen Camp, No. 1786, and politically he is identified with the Republican party. He has filled the offices of school director and road commissioner, and has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public affairs, doing all in his power to promote the general welfare.

John Gogerty

John Gogerty was born in County Meath, Ireland, in the year 1833, a son of Christopher and Jane Gogerty. The father died in the year 1854 and the mother pa.ssed away in New York in 1872. In the family were eleven children, all of whom reached years of maturity, but there is only one brother now living, Christopher Gogerty, who came to America in 1849 ^"^1 is now living in Michigan.

Our subject spent the first fourteen years of his life on the Emerald Isle and in 1847 he accompanied his elder brother, Thomas, to America, landing in New York. From that time he has been dependent upon his own resources for a living and all that lie has acquired may be attributed to bis own efforts. He first worked on a farm and in a dairy at Ogdensburg, New York, for three years, and in 1850 he went to Rochester, that state, where he continued to serve as a farm hand for about 'two years. In 1852 he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade at Waddington, New York, serving for a term of four years, during which time he became a very proficient workman. His residence in the Empire state continued until 1870, when thinking that he might have better business opportunities in the middle west, he came to Illinois, arriving in Decatur on the 22d of January, of that year. Here he began working for the Wabash Railroad in the capacity of blacksmith and filled that position until 1885. He was in charge of the railroad shops at the depot for fourteen years and was one of the most trusted representatives of the company, being ever prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties and capably superintending the labors of those who worked under him.

On severing his connection with the railroad company he engaged- in contracting, laying brick in connection with Harry Wagoner, now city assessor. Subsequently he became associated with Andrew Shoemaker under the firm name of Shoemaker & Gogerty, and still later another partner was admitted to the firm and the name was changed to Shoemaker, Gogerty & Kincaid. As a contractor Mr. Gogerty has been actively and closely identified with the city's improvement and has conducted a large and profitable business. This is now in great contrast to his financial position during his early years of residence in America, for from 1847 "ntil 1850 he worked for Isaac Ogden and the highest wages he received during that time was two and a half dollars per month. The first year he worked at his trade he received fifteen dollars per month and his clothing and the second year twenty dollars while the. third year brought twenty-five dollars. He was a very industrious antl energetic man, however, and thus he gained his start in life. He would work from four o'cldck in the morning until ten o'clock at night in order to get the shoes prepared for the smithy the next day. It was necessary that he go to Plattsburg to get three-inch iron which he made into shoes, all work being done by hand at that time. Now he is kept busy as a contractor because of the demands which are made upon his time and services and his business has assumed extensive and profitable proportions.

While residing in Rochester, New York, John Gogerty was united in marriage on the loth of August, 1857, to Miss Nora Gucrin, and unto them have been born seven children: J. L., who married Eliza McGowan and has a family, is now superintendent of the Terminal Iron Alountain Railroad and lives at Little Rock, Arkansas. Mary Ursaline is the next of the family. John is the third in order of birth. Rose is the wife of Frank Grayson, of Decatur. Ed J. is the fifth in order of birth. Fred A. wedded a Miss Witt. Frank P., the youngest, married ^liss O'Brien and is engaged in railroad work on the Vandalia line.

In his political views Mr. Gogerty has always been a stanch Democrat since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He served as alderman of the fifth ward of this city for ten years and has been influential in political circles. \\'hile a member of the city council he did most eft'ective work for the city, promoting many measures which have proven practical and have been important factors in the substantial development of this portion of the state. He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church and he takes an active interest in everything pertaining to public progress and improvement along social, material and moral lines. His own business career is one well worthy of study for it shows what can be accomplished through firm purpose, strong determination and unflagging industry. Coming to this country a poor boy, he has steadily worked his way upward and to-day he is the owner of very desirable city property on jasper street, together with a pleasant residence on East North street in Decatur, where he has resided continuously since 1870. He is to-day one of the well-known and highly respected citizens of Macon county and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers the record of his career.

George Carroll Outten

George C. Outten, a well known resident of Mount Zion, is one of Macon county's native sons and a worthy representative of one of her most prominent and honored families, whose identification with her history dates from an early period in the development of the county. The first to locate here was his grandfather, Purnell S. Outten, a native of Kentucky, and of Wels! descent, who came to Macon county at a very early day and took up government land. He was actively identified with the upbuilding and improvement of this region and so successful was he in his farming operation that he was the owner of over two thousand acres of land at the time of his death, which he divided among his cliHdren.

George T. Outten, the father of our subject, was born in Cass county, Virginia, June 4, 1850, and came to Macon county at the age of four years, when this section of the state was wild and unimproved. Throughout his active business life he followed farming with good success, accumulating a fair competence. He died on the 22d of May, 1885, at the age of thirty-five years. A genial, kind hearted man, he made manj' friends and was highly respected by all who knew him. I'.y his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Democratic party and took quite an active part in local politics, efficiently serving as supervisor of his township and in other ofifices. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a well read man and in early life engaged in teaching school for a time.

In .Mount Ziou. Xovoniber y, 1872, George T. Outten was united in marriage to Miss May Rell, a native of Macon county, Illinois, born near Mount Zion April 21, 1852, and a daughter of Alexander W. and Mary (Montgomery) Bell, also resident farmers of Mount Zion township, who came from Tennessee to this county at an early day. Her father died October 6, 1901, at the verj' advanced age of ninety years, and her mother passed away January 29, 1892, at the age of seventy-five years, three months and four days.

Mr. Outten, whose name introduces this sketch, was born on the old homestead farm in Mount Zion township, January 11, 1874, and is an only son, but he has a sister, Cora T., now the wife of J. A. Kessler, of .\uburn, Illinois. Our subject is indebted to the public schools of the county for the early educational advantages he enjoyed, and later he attended Brown's Business College, of Decatur, and Gem City Business College, of Quincy, Illinois. On the comjiletion of his education he returned to the home farm in Mount Zion township, which he conducted until the 5lh of March, 1903, when he removed to the village of Mount Zion, where he erected a handsome residence with all modern conveniences of a city home. With him resides his mother. He is part owner of four hundred and ninety acres of rich and arable land in Mount Zion township, which he now rents, while he devotes his entire attention to buying and selling stock. His largest yield of corn

Mr. Outten is a very active, energetic and progressive young man, who stands high in the community where he resides. He is devoted to his mother and fondly looks after her welfare and interests. He filled the office of collector two terms and as assessor of his township and votes with the Democratic party. Socially he is a prominent member and past noble grand of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also belongs to the Court of Honor. Religiously he is a member of the ^fethodist Episcopal church.

Read Spencer

Read Spencer, a retired merchant of Decatur, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 23d of December, 1836, his parents being John and Sarah (Read) Spencer, the former of English lineage while the latter came of Puritan ancestry. In the spring of 1838 the father brought his family to Illinois, settling in Stark county, and in the spring of 1865 he located on a farm a mile and a half west of Oakley, in Macon county, where he lived until his death. His wife had departed this life in Stark county. They were the parents of three children, ''of whom two died in infancy.

Read Spencer was reared upon the home farm and received his preliminary education in the district schools. Better opportunities, however, were later accorded him and he became a student in the preparatory department of Knox College. After putting aside his text books he went upon a farm and while engaged in its cultivation he devoted the winter months to teaching school. Later he became a traveling salesman and followed that pursuit for five years. The year 1875 witnessed his arrival in Decatur as a permanent resident here. He became manager of the Grange Implement House and later he entered into a partnership for the sale of implements under the firm name of Spencer & Lehman. This relationship was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit for a number of years or until July, 1901, when they sold out to the firm of Tenny & Sikking. Mr. Spencer then retired from business and is now enjoying a well merited rest at his comfortable home at No. 751 West Wood street.

On the 23d of February, 1863, occurred the marriage of Mr. Spencer and Aliss Sarah J. Greenman, a native of Center Belpre, Ohio. Her parents were B. M. and Sarah A. (Folsom) Greenman, the former of \\'elch and the latter of Holland-Dutch ancestry. Mrs. Spencer, the mother of our subject, was at one time a school teacher and his wife followed the same profession prior to her marriage. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three daughters : Jessie, who is a graduate of the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York, and who pursued a post-graduate course in art in New York cit}^ has for seven years been teaching drawing in the Normal School at Mankato, Minnesota. Estella, also a graduate of the Pratt Institute and who holds the degree of Bachelor of Arts, has for two years been supervisor of drawing in the schools of New Y''ork city. Bertha is the wife of Professor A. Miner, who occupies the chair of Latin in the schools of Kewanee, Illinois, and who won the degree of Master of Arts on the completion of a collegiate course at Galesburg, Illinois. In his political views Mr. Spencer is an earnest Republican, keeping well informed on the issues of the daj^ and thus being able to support his position by intelligent . argument. For several terms he served as supervisor of Oakley township. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive and takes an active and helpful interest in everything tending to prove of public benefit.

His labors have been effective in advancing social, material, intellectual and moral progress and wherever he is known his genuine worth has won for him the respect and confidence of those with whom he has come in contact. He owes his success in life entirely to his own efforts and his history stands in illustration of the fact that prosperity is ambition's answer.

Melvin Fisher Boyer

MELVIN FISHER BOYER. One of the representative and prominent citizens of Whitmore township is Melvin F. Boyer, who follows farming on the old homestead on section 2. He was born on section 12, the same township, January 18, 1864. He belongs to a family which has for over half a century been identified with the agricultural interests of this county and has borne an important part in its upbuilding and development.

His father, William Boyer, was born February 23, 1832, in Shelby county, Ohio, a son of Samuel and Christina (Fisher) Boyer, natives of Pennsylvania. His early education, acquired in the common schools of Ohio, was supplemented by the vast knowledge he obtained through reading and observation and William Boyer became a well informed man. After reaching manhood he engaged in farming for a time upon the old home place in his native county. On the 3d of June, 1852, he was there married to Miss Lydia Moothart, the wedding ceremony being performed by Rev. Spangler, who boarded them for some time. Her parents were Andrew and Mary Ann (Cashner) Aloothart, the former a native of Holland, whence he emigrated to America at an early day and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a tailor by trade. After his death his widow made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Boyer, and died there March i,

In 1859 William Boyer and his wife came to Macon county, Illinois, and settled in Whitmore township, where he purchased forty acres of prairie land. At that time wild game was still plentiful in this region and deer were still seen. Mr. Boyer iml)roved his land and added to the original purchase until he had a large well cultivated farm, but finally sold part of his land to his son Samuel. For a time he was interested in the hardware and grain business in Argenta, as a member of the firm of Pratt & Boyer, his partner being F. M. Pratt, who finally sold out to S. Gerbcr. As an enterprising and public spirited citizen Mr. Boyer took a deep interest in public affairs and gave liberally toward building the Zion school and Union church in Whitmore township. He held the office of pathmaster and supervised the ditching and building of roads in his district. He assisted in organizing the Christian church in Oreana and was there ordained an elder by Rev. Thayer, of Maroa. His life was ever in harmony with his professions and he was honored, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. Upon the home farm he passed away September 7, 1886, at the age of fifty-four years and seven months.

There were seven children in his famil3^ six sons and one daughter, all of whom reached years of maturity. In order of birth they are as follows: Samuel M. ; .Mary Jane, who wedded F. M. Pratt, and is now deceased ; William F. ; Andrew W. ; Melvin F., of this review; James M. ; and John E., who died June 25, 1884, at the age of fifteen years, as the result of a kick from a colt, on the home farm.

On the 13th of December, 1900, the mother of these children married Elijah S. McCarty, who was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, May i, 1836, a .son of William C. and Louisa (Hardin) McCarty, who were natives of \"irginia and Ohio, respectively. and were married in ?il organ county of the latter state. In early life his father engaged in farming but later followed merchandising. He was born in 1809 and lived to l)e almost ninety years of age, while his wife was seventy-nine years old at the time of her death. They had four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom remained in Ohio, with the exception of Elijah S. He was educated at Marietta, Ohio, and successfully engaged in teaching school there for a time. In 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in Company G, Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Hildebrand, who died in the service and was succeeded by Colonel Mason. Captain \V. A. McCormick, of Marietta, commanded the compan}'. Mr. McCarty was made hospital steward on the regimental stafif, his duties being to attend to the wounded and establish hospitals wherever needed. He was in the engagement at Pittsburg Landing, the siege of Corinth, the capture of ?^Iobile and Little Rock and the engagement on the Saline river. After, four years of faithful service he was honorably discharged in July, 1865, and the following winter attended the Michigan University at Ann Arbor. Coming to Illinois in 1866, he first located in Litchfield, where he wedded Mary Blackburn, a daughter of Richard and Mary A. Blackburn, of England. She died June 26, 1893, and their only child died in infancy. Mr. McCarty was first engaged in the drug business at Litchfield and after selling out taught school for a fewyears. In 1875 he removed to Decatur and was in the railwav mail service under Presidents Harrison and Cleveland for eleven consecutive years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco])al church and are held in high regard by all who know them.

farm and attended Zion school in ^^'llitmo^e township until he had acquired a good practical education. His whole life has been devoted to farming and with exce])tion of seven years, when at work in different parts of the county, he has spent his time upon the old homestead. He purchased part of the interests of the other heirs in the tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which he keeps under a high state of cultivation. He is a thorough and systematic farmer and in the management of his affairs has met with marked success.

In February, 1889, Mr. Boyer led to the marriage altar ;\Iiss Ida Bowman, a native of Miami, Indiana, and a daughter of A. Bowman, in whose family were seven children, one son and six daughters. Mrs. Boyer and all her sisters became popular and successful teachers. Our subject and his wife has two children, Floyd and Homer, and the older son is now attending the same school in which his father was educated, and is one of the brightest boys of his class. Mr. Boyer is a member of the Court of Honor and his wife belongs to the Christian church. They began life in limited circumstances but success has crowned their combined eflforts to secure a home and competence and by industr\', perseverance and good management they have become quite well-to-do. They are well known in the communit)' where they make their home and their circle of friends is extensi\e.

Thomas W. Pitner

THOMAS W. PITNER. Thomas \V. Pitner is the junior member of the firm of Bixby, Pitner & Company, manufacturers of burial shoes in Decatur. He was born in this city on the 21st of December, 1875, and comes of ancestry that at an early period was established in \'ermont. His parents were Washington and Sarah (Starr) Pitner, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of reimsylvania. The name of Pitner was originally Buettner, hut little is known of the ancestry of the family. Removing to the west, the father of our subject established his home in Decatur, where he opened a photograph gallery and to-day he is the oldest photographer of this city as well as one of the most prominent and capable.

Under the parental roof Thomas N. Pitner was reared and at the usual age he entered the public schools, pursuing his studies therein until he had completed the high school course. He afterward matriculated in the Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois, where he devoted two years to the mastery of the branches forming the scientific course in that institution. Entering upon his business career he became an employe of the firm of P>ixby, Pitner & Company, the second partner in the enterprise at that time being his brother, bVank S. Pitner. whom he succeeded in the business on the 1st of January, 1902. The latter was then in poor health and died on the 10th of January, 1902. when thirty years of age. Mr. Pitner of this review is an enterprising business man. wide-awake and alert to opportunities, and in the control of the enterprise in which he is now a partner is proving an important factor. He is well known in this city, where his entire life has been passed, and is a popular young man, having a large circle of friends. He now belongs to W. C. Roe Camp. No. 7201. M. W. A.

. JESSE R. HENARD. Jesse R. Hcnard, now deceased, w'as a farmer whose prosperous business career enabled him to spend his last days quietly at his home in Decatur in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Hawkins county in eastern Tennessee. His parents, James and Mary (Tucker) Henard. were also natives of that state and the father was a farmer and stockman who carried on business there throughout his active life. He died in May, 1868, at the age of fifty-six y^ears, and was long survived by his widow, who passed away in June, 1900, at the age of seventy-two years. The paternal grandfather of our subject also bore the name of James and was a lifelong resident of Tennessee. Unto James and Mary (Tucker) Henard were born five children, all of whom are now living with exception of our subject, namely: Jesse R. ; Martha J., the widow of John Pirchfield ; Lewis C. ; Robert; and Elizabeth, the widow of William Howe.

In his boyhood days Jesse R. Henard became familiar with the work incident to the develo])meiil and improvement of the home farm. His educational privileges were somewhat meager, although he pursued his studies in subscription schools conducted in log houses in his home neighborhood. Like his father before him he early manifested a ])rcference for working with horses and dealing in stock and it was because of his excellent judgment concerning horses and his ability in caring for them that he largely won success. At the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations that he might defend his loved southland, enlisting in the Confederate army as a member of the Twenty-ninth Tennessee Infantry, which regiment was. assigned to the departinent at Nashville and was located in that portion of the state until the city was evacuated. Mr. Henard was afterward with the Thirty-first Tennessee Cavalry until the close of the war in 1865. He then returned to his home in Tennessee, but found that portion of the state the scene of desolation. The contending armies had marched back and forth across the country, leaving desolation and destruction in their path. Mr. Henard then decided to seek a home elsewhere and came to the north, arriving in Union county, Illinois, on the 1st of May, 1865.

There he suffered so severely with ague tliat he decided to seek another location and in August of the same year he arrived in Decatur, having at that time a cash capital of about six dollars. It was necessary that he fuul immediate employment nor did he rebel against fate, but was willing to do anything that would earn him an honest living. He sought and obtained a position as a farm hand near Forsyth, Macon county, and he continued to work in that capacity for three years. In the spring of 1868 ho was married and then took up his abode upon a tract of rented land in Hickory Point township. For nine years he cultivated land belonging to others and during that time lived economically. As the result of his care in expenditures and his unflagging industry in his work he accumulated some capital and with this made arrangements for the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land in W'liilniore township, for which he paid forty dollars per acre. His money was sufficient to meet one-half of this amount and in the course of a comparatively short time he was enabled to discharge the entire indebtedness. He brought his farm up to a very high state of cultivation and when he resolved to retire from further business cares he sold the property in 1900 for twenty thousand dollars, removing then to the city of Decatur, where he occupied a very comfortable residence at No. 1509 North Main street. Throughout the time he resided on his farm he engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of dealing in Jiorses. He would buy horses and feed them until they met with a ready sale. It was to this department of his business that he owed his greatest prosperity. He handled both farm and draft horses. He did not engage in breeding to any extent, but bouglit horses from dealers and by judicious care placed them in a condition ti> command a good sale on the market. He also held a horse sale at the time he disposed of his farm in 1900 and this brought to him a sum of thirty-two hundred and ninety-seven dollars. A short time prior to his death he purchased a half section of the finest farming land to be found in Christian county, Illinois, and the property returned lo him a good income.

Un the i8th of February, 1868, Mr. Henard was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Lanham, one of the pioneer settlers and members of the Lanham family of Sangamon county. Unto this union were born the following named : Minnie, now the wife of Robert J. Long, who is residing near Maroa, this county ; Josie, the wife of Harry Stroah, of Hickory Point township ; Beatrice, who is the wife of J. D. Long, of Peoria, Illinois; and Lucretia, the wife of J. C. Birchficid, of Hickory Point township. In liis political affiliations Mr. Henard was a Democrat, but never sought or desired official preferment to any great extent, although he served for several terms as highway commissioner of his township. He had just reason to feel a pride in a successful career which was the outcome of foresight and good judgment. Leaving the south as a Confederate soldier he soon won the respect and recognition of his neighbors by his integrity and upright dealing, and tliey accorded him admiration and regard by reason of his prosperous business career and his genuine worth of character. After a useful and well spent life Mr. Henard died September 15, 1903, and was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery.

James H. Record

JAMES H. RECORD. James H. Record, an honored veteran of the Civil war, now identified with agricultural interests in Macon county, makes his home near the city of Decatur. He was born upon a farm in Pendleton county, Kentucky. June 4, 1841, and belongs to a family that originated in England. The first to come to America settled in New Jersey at an early day. The family name was originally spelled Records. John Record, our subject's paternal grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, and in early manhood married a iliss Stewart, who was also a native of the Keystone state. Subsequently he removed to Mason county, Kentucky, where he resided for a number of years, and then went to Pendleton county, that state. It was his son William S. Record who became the father of our subject. Reared in Kentucky, William S. Record was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Said and for a time carried on agricultural pursuits in Pendleton county, where his wife died on the i"th of November, 1842. lie subsequently married her sister, Martha Said, and in 1857 brought his family to Illinois, -establishing his home on a farm in Coles county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in dcatli in the year 1869. His second wife passed awaj' August 29, 1864.

James II. Record is one of the four children born of the first marriage. His sister Orpha now resides in Oklahoma, but the others are deceased. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, working in the fields from the time of the early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. His early educational advantages were those afforded by the subscription schools of Kentucky and later he attended the public .schools of Coles county, Illinois, for two winters. Mr. Record continued on the home farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, feeling that his duty was to his country, he oflFered his services and donned the blue uniform, becoming a member of Company C, Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under command of Colonel G. M. Mitchell. The regiment was first ordered to western Tennessee under General Grant and in the spring of 1863 entered upon the siege of Vicksburg, being thus engaged imtil the fall of the city. The troops were then ordered south on the river and the Fifty-fourth Illinois was attached to the Seventh .Army Corps, Trans-Mississippi Department, with which it participated in many battles and during a part of the time was also on garrison duty. Mr. Record served faithfully until the ist of November, 1865. He was always at his post, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or to the firing line, and after the cessation of hostilities he was mustered out and ordered to Camp Butler, in Springfield, Illinois, where he was paid and received an honorable discharge. He then returned to Charleston, Illinois, where he had some business interests.

In 1878, however, Mr. Record came to .Macon comity, Illinois, locating in Long Creek township, where he was engaged in general farming for eight or nine years. Throughout his business career he has been identified with agricultural pursuits, this being the source of his income, and his work has ever been conducted along progressive lines, showing that he is in touch with the most improved methods of farming.

On the 2 1 St of February, 1867, Mr. Record was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Swope, of Charleston, a daughter of Solomon .Swope, who died in Ross cotmty, Ohio, when she was only two years and a half old. Her mother bore the maiden name of .Minerva Divens. Mrs. Record was born in Ross county, Ohio, July 17, 1846, and was six years of age when .she removed to Charleston, Illinois, with her step-father, I). C. Ambler, who became a noted politician of Coles county. For a time after his marriage Mr. Record was connected with mercantile business in Charleston. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, as follows : Nellie, born January 25, 1868, is with lier parents. John A., born June 26, 1870, had the advantages of a commonschool .education and for four years was a student at the Lincohi University in Lincoln, Illinois, and one year at Brown's Business College in Decatur. He is now engaged in the broom-corn brokerage business in Areola, Illinois. He married Aiarguerite Dimond, of that place, and they have one child, Grace, born June 3, 1901. Carrie, born September 2, 1874, was graduated with honors at the Decatur high school in 1894, and was also graduated at the State Normal School. She then engagfed in teaching in the public schools of Macon county until her death, which occurred on the 20th of September, 1901. Charles F., born April 23, 1878, was graduated at the Decatur high school in 1897, and is now preparing for the ministry in Millikin University, of Decatur, where he will complete his course in 1905. Grace, born May 15, 1881, was graduated at the Decatur high school in 1899, and is now at home with her parents. Clarence, born May 20. 1884. died October 8, 1893. Pearl A., born August 23, 1886, completed the high school course in Decatur with the class of 1903.

A stanch Republican in his political views, Mr. Record is unfaltering-in his advocacy of the ])rinciples of the party. For six years he served as supervisor of Decatur township and for one year was chairman of the boartl. He belongs to Coeur de Lion Lodge, No. 17. K. P. : Dunham Post, No. 141, (j. A. R. ; and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife belongs to the ^^'oman's Relief Corps and the family hold membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. They are well knowm in Decatur and it is with pleasure that we ])resent niir readers their life record.

George Conover

Maroa, was twenty years ago a bookkeeper working on a small salary. His life record stands in exemplification of what can be accomplished by men of energy and determination in a land where opportunity is open to all. He has never waited Micawber-like for things to turn up, but has made his opportunity where none seemed to exist and by a utilization of the advantages at hand has progressed to a position prominent among the leading men of the city. Various interests have profited by his labors and wise counsel and he is especially well known in banking circles.

In Shelbv county, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1855, George Conover was born. His father, Tyler Conover, was one of a family of six children. He was born in New Jersey, became a farmer by occupation and was married in Ohio to Miss Hester .-^nn Bond, a native of that state. In 1858 he came to Illinois with his family and settled on a farm in Logan county, where he remained until 1865, when he removed to INIaroa. Here he built a steam flouring-mill and operated it successfully until 1880, when he retired from active business, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife died in 1874 and he was again married in 1876, his second union being with Miss Susan Henry. His death occurred in July, 1895, and Maroa was thus called upon to mourn the loss of one of its citizens whose efiforts in her behalf had been helpful and beneficial, while his labors in business had brought to him very gratifying results.

George Conover is the youngest in a family of six children and was three years of age when his parents came to this state. He acquired his education in Macon county and after his school life was ended he took up the duties of manhood as a factor in the business world. Fie became weighmaster and bookkeeper in the elevator of Emery & Compton, filling that position for three years, after which, from 1880 until 1887, he was bookkeeper for C. F. .En>ery, engaged in the real estate business.

Bricb I. Sterrett

Watchinq; his opportunity for investment he eventually became a prominent factor in business circles in the city. He became a partner in the C. F. Emery & Company hankinsj luisiness in 1887, which in 1888 was consolidated with the banking- business of Crocker & Company, the latter name being retained by the new firm. In February, 1889, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Conover purchased ]\Ir. Emery's interest and h;i\c since been associated in the control and ownership of the institution. Mr. Cono\er very largely manages the bank, wliile Mr. Crocker attends to outside interests. Gradually Mr. Conover has expanded his busniess alTairs and is now associated with enterprises of importance to the business life and prosperity of the city. He has an interest in the electric light plant and owns one-fifth of the stock of the Maroa Manufacturing Company, which manufactures the " boss car loader ". which is now largely used in connection with elevators in loading the grain into cars. He is also the owner of a furniture store in Maroa, which is managed by 'Sir. Rammel, and he has a small interest in the Crocker Elevator Compan\-, while the banking firm of Conover & Crocker owns the Maroa Dry Goods Store. At one time ^Ir. Conover owned two hundred and forty acres of land in South Dakota, which lie traded for land in Iowa and afterward exchanged the latter for land in Minnesota. His homo is one of the beautiful residences of Maroa.

Mr. Conover has been twice married. On the 1st of Februarx, 1883. he was united in marriage to Miss i\lary Sanderson, a daughter of Alexander and .\nn ( Dent ) .Sanderson. Two eliildrcn were born of tliat marriage: Bessie May and Charles Sanderson. The mother died June 4, 1890. and on the 28th of June, 1892, Mr. Conover was again married, his second union being with Miss Chri.stinc Sanderson, a sister of his first wife. There are two children by this marriage: Mary Frances, born .\ugust 12. 1894: and George William, horn starch 15, 190T. Mrs. Conover is a member of the Episcopal church while ;\fr. Conover belongs to the Christian church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his political views he is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have little attraction for him, as he prefers to devote his time and attention to his business interests. His affairs are so well regulated, the business so systematized and his work carried on with such energy that success seems to be the natural sequence of his labors and he stands to-day among the strongest representatives of commercial activitv in Maroa.

Brice I. Sterrett

On the roll of those who have conferred distinction upon the legal fraternity of Decatur appears the name of Brice I. Sterrett, who wa.s recognized as one of the leading members of the bar of Macon county. He came to this city in 1867 and here died on the 24th of February, 1901. Pennsylvania was the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Cumberland county, on the 9th of August, 1844. His parents, David and Mary Ann (Byerly) Sterrett, were also natives of that state and at an early day they came to the west, but later returned to Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming and also conducted a gristmill. I^ater, however, he once more went to the west and this time settled in Decatur, where he lived retired for a few years. He next removed to Taylorville, where both he and his wife resided until they were called to the Iiome beyond, Mr. Sterrett passing away on the .-^ist of October, 1878, while his wife died December 15, 1879.

W'hen a small boy Brice I. Sterrett became a student in the schools of Carlisle. Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies from 1850 until 1857. TTo then entered the preparatory depart- ment of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois, continuing his studies there in the year 1 860-1861. He next entered Dickinson College of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1867, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts on the completion of a law course. With broad general knowledge he took up the study of law, spending a short time in that way in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He then came to the west and located in Decatur, where he became a law student in the office and under the direction of Judge Charles Emerson. In order to supply the funds necessary for the continuance of his legal studies he engaged in teaching in the common schools of Macon county for two terms. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois before the supreme court of the state in 186S and then began his law practice in Decatur, where he soon won recognition as a young man of marked ability, of earnest purpose and of thorough preparation in the law. He prepared all of his cases with great precision and after extended research was well qualified to uphold his cause and position. He was also pension agent in Decatur for many years. Eventually on account of ill health, he was obliged to give up general law practice, after which he devoted his attention to lighter work, such as collecting and other kindred branches usually performed by the members of the legal fraternitj^. He thus lived a more retired life until his death.

On the 2ist of October, 1879, '^'^^- Sterrett was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Cline, a native of Lewisberry, York county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Foster) Cline, who were likewise natives of York county, where they always lived. The father was a farmer and mill man and there he and his wife remained until the tide of life ebbed away. There came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sterrett but one child, Mary C, who now resides with her mother and is a teacher in the public schools of :Monticello, Illinois. It was in 1901 that the wife and daughter were called upon to mourn the loss of the husband and father, whose death occurred on the 24th of February of that year. He had held no offices in the city nor had he sought public notoriety of any character beyond his profession. He was very successful in his law practice here and became a well-to-do citizen, the public recognizing his genuine worth and capability. He was a man of strong mind, of marked individuality, of resolute will and of honorable purpose. He gave his political support to the Democracy in early life and later became a stanch Republican. For a long period he held membership in the Presbj-terian church of this city and in that faith passed from this life. Mrs. Sterrett is also a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. She has a fine residence at No. 717 West Prairie avenue, where she and her daughter reside and she also owns other residence property in the city, which was purchased by her husband who built upon and improved all. His interest centered in his family and it was a matter of great satisfaction to him that he could leave his wife and daughter in comfortable financial circumstances. He also left to them the priceless inheritance of an untarnished name and of a memory that is honored by all who knew him.

ED\\^-\RD ALLMAN. After years of active labor, mostly devoted to farming, Edward Allman is now living a retired life in the city of Decatur, enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of County Kerry, Ireland, and a son of John .\llman, who spent his entire life in that country. He still has one brother and a sister living, these being James L., a prominent citizen of Monticello, and

Edward AUnian spent the first thirteen years of his life in his native land and then came to the United States, landing in New York city, whence he made his way to Ohio, where he spent two years. At the end of that time he proceeded westward and settled in Monticello, Illinois. In partnership with his brothers, James L. and John Allman, he took up a tract of wild prairie land in Monticello township, Piatt county, which at that time was covered with ponds and sloughs, but by draining and cultivation they converted the place into a well improved farm. At that early day deer, wild geese and other game was plentiful and furnished the early settlers with many a meal. The farm machinery then in use was very primitive and the first corn which ^Ir. Allman helped to cultivate was with a single shovel plow, while he cut grain with a cradle. Upon their place the brothers erected a small frame house, which was later replaced bv a more commodious and modern resilience and all of the improved machinery and conveniences were added to their farm.

When his adopted country became involved in civil war, Edward Allman laid aside all personal interests and was one of the first to -enlist from Piatt county, becoming a private of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was at first under the command of Colonel Snell and when he resigned under the command of Colonel Lowery, who was killed in the battle of Franklin. The captain of Company E was John W. Wood. Mr. Allman went into camp at Camp Butler, and from there was sent south with his regiment. The first engagement in which he participated was with Alorgan in Kentucky nnd after his capture in Ohio returned to Kentucky. Our subject later took part in the battles of Nashville and Campbell Station, the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta and the battles of Jonesboro and Newbcrn. North Carolina, besides several other engagements of less importance. After three years of valiant and meritorious service on southern battlefields, he was honorably discharged in 1865 and reiurned to his home in Piatt county.

After leaving the army Mr. Allman continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising with his brother, James L., for some years. He worked by the month for some time after coming to i'iatt county, but about 1868 started out in life for himself. His first purchase consisted of a tract of virgin soil, upon which he laid about five miles of tiling, and also erected thereon a good set of farm buildings. He is still the owner of a good farm of two hundred and forty acres in Monticello township, where he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, and gave considerable attention to the stock business, which he found quite profitable. In 1892, on account of ill health, he rented his farm and has since lived retired. He has twice crossed the ocean to visit his native land and also went west in the search of health, having traveled quite extensively over this country for that purpose. Since 1892 he has made his home in Decatur and now has a beautiful residence at No. 1006 East Lincoln avenue, surrounded by well-kept lawns. His housekeeper is his niece. Miss Maggie C. Allman, a daughter of John and Nora (Cronin) Allman, both now deceased.

By his ballot Mr. Allman supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. lie is a devout member of the Catholic church and has helped to organize the churches at Tolono, Champaign. Ivesdale and Bement, but is now connected with St. Patrick's church of Decatur. He well remembers seeing the first Catholic missionary that ever came to Piatt comity and he has borne an active and prom-" inent part in the moral and material development of this section of the state. He is one of the self-made men of the comnumity, his success in life beinsj; due entirelv to his own well directed efforts and good business ability, and he not only deserves the prosperity that has come to him but he has also gained the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact either in business or social life.

Captain George W. Thompson

Captain George W. Thompson, deceased, was one of the gallant defenders of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and was a man highly respected and esteemed wherever known. For many years he made his home in Macon county and was residing in Warrensburg at the time of his death, which occurred on the 6th of August, 1896.

A native of New York, Captain Thompson was born in Erie county, February 17, 1836, and was a son of James and Mehitable (Gould) Thompson, who were also natives of the Empire state and the former of Scotch descent. In 1844 the family came to Illinois and settled in McHenry county twelve miles from Woodstock, where the father owned and operated a large farm.

The Captain grew to manhood in this state and was educated at Belvidere, Boone count}-. For several years after leaving school he was engaged in teaching and after coming to Macon county in 1857 he taught for a time at Cherry Point. He was principal of the high school at Mount Pulaski two years and of the Buffalo school in Sangamon county for one year. He subsequently engaged in farming in that county for two. years, and at the end of that time removed to a farm of two hundred and forty acres on Section 18, Illini tov.'nship, Macon county, which he had purchased. After operating that farm for eight years he took up his residence in Warrensburg, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest.

Langston, a daughter of James and Harriet Langston, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Her father was a veteran of the Black Hawk war and her paternal grandfather had aided the colonies in their struggle for independence as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Thompson attended the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, for two years and subsequently engaged in teaching at Williamsville and Buffalo, It was the spring following her last term at Bufi^alo that she gave her hand in marriage to our subject and removed to Macon county. Unto them were born nine children, who in order of birth are as follows : Harriet, now the wife of Gilmore Cunningham, a Methodist Episcopal minister of Cantrell. Illinois ; Laura, who died at the age of eight years ; Lillian, wife of C. J. Tucker, a general merchant of Warrensbur.g ; Gertrude, who is teaching music in the school for the blind at Nashville, Tennessee ; Flora, the wife of Professor O. L. Manchester, a teacher of languages in the State Normal University; George H., who was graduated at the University of Illinois in 1900 and at the John Marshall Law School of Chicago, June 29, 1903 ; Frank L., who was graduated at the University of Illinois in 1902 and is now connected with the St. Louis Terminal Railroad in St. Louis ; Clarence, who is pursuing an agricultural course in the University of Illinois, and is a member of the class of 1904; and Sherman, who is in the office of ]\Ir. Patterson, an architect of Decatur.

At different times Captain Thompson creditably filled the offices of township clerk, juslice of the peace and school director, and by his ballot he supported the Republican party. Socially he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, the Modern \^'oodmcn of America and the Grand Army of the Republic. When the Union was in peril he offered his services to the government and was commissioned first lieutenant of Company A, Fifteenth Illinois X'olunteer Infantrv, which was assigned to the Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Cunilierland. He participated in many important on,t;affements and was with ("leneral Sherman on his celehrated march to the sea. At the close of tiie war, when his services were no longer needed. Captain Thompson was nuistere<l out with the raiik of captain and returned home with a military record of which liis family may he justly proud. For many years he was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was (|uite active in its work. He was alwa\s found faithful to his church, to his countr\', and to his friends, and in his deatli the comnnmity realized that it had lost a valued citizen.

James G. Griffith

JAMES G. GRIFFITH. James G. Griffith, now deceased, was born near Tnnbridge, Orange county, Vermont, on the 30th of March, 1830. The family is of English lineage. The father of our subject was a farmer of the Green Mountain state and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land which is still in possession of his heirs. The old house is still standing there with its old fashioned fireplaces and other early e(|uipmcnts. The place is called the Whitney Hill. The father died when his son James G. was five years of age and the latter then lived with a distant relative until twenty years of age. He pursued his preliminary education in the country schools and later was a student at Haverhill. Massachusetts. Later he was employed Ijy a Mr. Wadleigh at Haverhill and thus entered upon his business career.

About this time James G. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Whitney, the wedding taking place in 1855. In the fall of the same year they removed to Morgan county, Illinois, settling near Chatham, where Mr. Griffith engaged in farming until i8f/). when he came to Macon county. He then rented a tract of land in Pleasant

View township and after a few years he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26 of the same township, residing ihereon up to the time of his death. He was an acti\e, enterjjrising, practical and progressive agriculturist and as the result of his labors his fields were placed tmder a high state of cultivation and returned to him an excellent income. As the years passed seven children were added to the home: William H., a retired farmer who married Alice Logan and resides in Macon ; Clara Adeline, the ^vife of Charles L. Colby, a lumberman of Decatur, by whom she has two children ; Arthur L., who lives on a farm southeast of Macon, and married Sattie Ingram, by whom he has two children ; and four w ho passed away. The mother of these children died November 5, 1891, and on the 23d of November, 1892, Mr. (iriffith was again married, his second union being with V ida J. Holtz, a daughter of .M.ijor David and Elizabeth (Floover) Holtz. Her mother was a daughter of Christopher Hoover, of Ohio. The paternal grandmother of Mrs. (Iriffith was ninety-six years of age at the time of her death and the paternal great-grandmother reached the advanced age of one hundred and eleven years. Mr. Holtz passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a mechanic by trade, but reared his family upon a farm. He had the following children : .\ddie I'", became the wife of Samuel T. Young, of Macon county : Christopher II.. who was in the hosjiital corps during the Civil war, afterward became a practicing physician and died in 1867; Rachel Margaret died in February, 1875; John William, wdio served in an Ohio regiment during the Civil war, died in hospital No. 6 at Nashville, Tennessee, in the middle of October, 1862, as the result of exposure and hardship at Shiloh, being then but twenty-one years of age; Mrs. Griffith is the next of the family; Susan died July 27, 1876; David Henry passed away August 20, 1874; Isaac Milton died in February, 1879; Mary Elizabeth became the wife of Martin Miller, of Blue Mound, and the mother of three sons; Carl D. is part owner and cashier in the Mount Auburn Bank; Arthur G. is cashier in the bank of Blue Mound ; Earl M. is engaged in horticultural pursuits in Montgomery county, Illinois ; Jacob LcRoy died May 24, 1887 ; Edward Augustus and Clarence H. were twins and the former died December 2, . 1880, while the latter died August 3, 1881.

Airs. Griffith was educated in eastern Ohio and in Antrim College, in which she spent one year. When fourteen years of age she won two teacher's certificates. She first taught school at Attica, Indiana, as assistant principal, and afterward in Marshfield, Indiana, for a year. She then spent a year as a teacher south of Attica, three years in a school south of Rossville and two years in Warren county, Indiana. For four terms she was teacher in the Dales school northeast of Alvin, was next employed at College Corner, then at Pleasant Hill and in 1881-2 was a teacher in the high school in Rossville. She was next employed at Hedge Corner, west of Rossville. In 1887 on account of illness in the family she remained at home in order to act as nurse and then came to Pleasant View township, where she engaged in teaching for one year. She afterward gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Griffith and for fourteen months they traveled -life's journey happily together.

In January, 1866, Mr. Griffith became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being connected with the organization at Macon, Illinois. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party and he was enthusiastic in its support, but never sought or desired office. He died December 29, 1893, respected by all who knew him. He had been a loving and devoted husband and father, a consistent Christian gentleman and a faithful friend, and the sterling qualities of his manhood had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. His widow is now occupying a handsome home in Blue Mound, where she is widely and favorablv known.

John W. Hamman

John ^^'. Hamman was born November 6^ 1867, in Ohio, and is of German lineage. His paternal grandfather, Philip Hamman, was a native of Germany and about the time he attained his majority he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. Favorable reports had reached him concerning the opportunities for a business career in this country and hoping that he might benefit his financial conditions he established his home in Ohio, arriving there about 1807. He was. a farmer by occupation and carried on agricultural pursuits in the Buckeye state until called to his final rest. His son William Hamman,. the father of our subject, was born in Ohia and on leaving that state took up his abode in Illinois in 1879. Here he carried on farming West of Warrensburg in Macon county. He became a representative and influential resident of that district and was also prominent in public life in the Buckeye state, having served as overseer and collector. A gentleman of the highest respectability, his life was honorable and upright and when he was called to his final rest his death was deeply mourned by many friends. It was in July. 1899, when sixty years of age that he passed away. Untohim and his wife had been born ten children, of whom nine are now living, as follows : Elizabeth, the wife of George Theobald ; Kate, who is the wife of Otto Heiner; Tena, who married Judson Drobich ; William ; John W. ; Philip P.: Mollie. the wife of Guy Park; Daniel ; and Raymond. Edward, the eighth child, died at the age of nineteen years.

to vary the routine of life for John W. Hamman in his early youth. .Some duties claimed his attention, especially the duties of the schoolroom, and hours of pleasure in the playground were enjoyed by him. After reaching man's estate, however, the cares and responsibilities of life came upon him and in order to earn a living he estalilishcd a transfer line and storage warehouse in partnership with his brother Philip P. under the tirm name of Hamman Brothers. They began this work in 1892 with limited capital, each having only a few dollars. By persistent ei¥ort and square dealing, however, they have devclopetl their business to its present proportions and its extension has been along safe, conservative and yet progressive lines. They first had but small quarters in East Prairie street, but have occupied their present quarters on Franklin street since February, 1898, and in addition they have a large warehouse on East Main street and Broadway. The affairs of their business now make heavy demands upon their time and as the result of their close application and careful management they are now enjoying a season of prosperity which is much appreciated and justly deserved.

In 1889 Mr. Hamman of this review was united in marriage to Miss Lou L. Davis, a daughter of George C. Davis, of Long Creek, Illinois, and they now have three interesting children - Lester, Irene, and Ruth. In 1899 Mr. Hamman was made a Mason. He belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., and he also holds membership relations with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a member of Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A., has been its manager for the past six years and is now its banker and he also has membership relations with the Royal Neighbors of America. He has a place amid a circle of friends who honor and esteem him for his many manly virtues and genuine worth. His prosperity cannot be attributed to any combination of lucky circumstances, but has risen from energy, enterprise, integrity and individual effort well directed and his business has ever been conducted on the strictest principles of fair dealing.

Among the early resident.s of Decatur whose work entitles them to distinction as leading citizens and as upbuilders of the city John McEvoy should be numbered. He was a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth having occurred in Kilbegnet, county Gal way, Ireland, on the 12th of December, 1832. His parents were Felix and Ellen (Scanlan) McEvoy, also natives of Ireland, in which country they spent their entire lives. It was to the common-school system of his native land that Mr. McEvoy was indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed in his youth.

In 1849, when about seventeen years of age, he came with two of his cousins to America. They landed in New York and thence went to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where John McEvoy learned the carpenter's trade. He continued to follow that pursuit in Pittsfield until 1856, when he removed to the west, settling in Decatur. Here he continued in the employ of others for a time and finally began working at bridge work for both the Illinois Central and Wabash Railroads and he was afterward given full charge of all of the bridge work on the Wabash Railroad between Stateline, Indiana, and the Mississippi river, and continued to serve in that capacity for seven years. He then ceased buibling operations and turned his attention to the conduct of a grocery and meat market in Decatur, but after a short time disposed of his interests in mercantile life in 1864. He then built what it now the National Hotel, conducting it successfully up to the time of his death.

a naiivc of Frankfort, Kings county, Ireland, born December 26, 1835, and a daughter of Richard and Julia Kenney, who were also born in Kings county, and there remained from birth until death. The father was a carpenter by trade and made that his life occupation. Unto Mr. and ^Irs. Mc- Evoy were born nine children : James D., who was born January 23, 1856, resides at the National Hotel and superintends the business interests there ; Julia E., born June I, 1857, is the widow of James P. Nolan and resides with her mother at the hotel. She had two chidren, Richard F. and Francis J., but the latter is now deceased. The third member of the ^IcEvoy family is Richard F. McEvoy, who was born February 13, 1859, and married ]\Iinnie Hall. He is now foreman of the large blacksmith shop of the Wayne Carriage Manufactory in Decatur. John Patrick, born December 23, i860, died in childhood. Maria E., born December 19, i86i, died at the age of two years. Jennie Agnes, born November 8, 1863, is the deceased wife of \\\ B. Thompson, of Decatur. Patrick F. was born March 6, 1867, and resides at the hotel. Henry M., born April 10, 1869, is living in California. Cathaline M., born March 30, 1871, is the wife of James R. Russell, a conductor on the Vandalia Railroad, living in Decatur.

Mr. McEvoy always took a deep and active interest in political affairs and gave his support to the Democracy until i860, when he became a stanch Republican. He always kept well informed on the issues of the day and did everything in his power to secure the success of his party, yet never sought or desired ofifice. He was one of the leading representatives and charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division No. i, of Macon county, and held some high offices in the organization. He and his wife were members of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur, of which their children also became communicants. Mr. McEvoy deserves great credit for what he accomplished in life, for when he came to Decatur he had no capital and was dependent upon his own labors in his trade for all that he possessed and enjoyed up to the time of his death. He owned considerable property in this city and was recognized as a leading and influential man here. He passed away August 29, 1889, and thus ended a life record of usefulness and activity crowned with good results. Mrs. ^^IcEvoy and her sons now own and conduct the National Hotel, located at Nos. 561 to 565 North Front street. The building is new and modern and the hotel has a liberal patronage, being conveniently located near both the Illinois Central and Wabash depots.

Charues P. Thatcher

Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success and the truth of this statement finds another exemplification in tlie life record of Charles P. Thatcher, who after man}- years of close connection with business affairs, during which he labored earnestly and indefatigably, is now enjoying a well earned rest from furtlier work. He was born January 16, 1841, near Milford Mills, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, his parents being William P. and Sarah ^l. Thatcher. The father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in Chester county until 1853, after which he turned his attention to merchandising in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. There he remained imtil 1861, when he disposed of his mercantile interests in the east and came to Illinois.

Mr. Thatcher, whose name introduces this record, was for two }ears a student in the school conducted by S. Aaron at Norristown, Pennsylvania, and he completed his education in the Friends Central School in Philadelphia.