Decatur Township (part 17 of 46)

IIF-XRY D. M. HODGE. Henry D. .M. Hodge is a representative of one of the oldest families of the southeastern part of Macon county, his parents having settled in Mount Zion township in 1 83 1. Six years later his birth occurred on the old family homestead there, his natal day being November 12, 1837. His parents were Henry J. and Penelope (Traughber) Hodge, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. The father was a school teacher in early days there and removed from North Carolina to a farm near Nashville, Tennessee, where he resided until 1830, when he came to Illinois. He first settled in Sangamon county, where his step-father was living and there he engaged in general farming for a year. In 1831 he came to Macon county, establishing his home in Mount Zion township, when it was all wild land. There he entered a tract from the government, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, and the arduous task of developing a farm was capably performed by him. It was in this county that Mr. Hodge was united in marriage to Miss Penelope Traughber and the young couple began their domestic life upon the old home place situated six miles east of the village of Mount Zion. Throughout his entire life the father carried on agricultural pursuits and annually the rich fields accorded to him good harvests which found a ready sale on the market. His death, however, occurred when he was still in the prime of life, he passing away August 30, 1838, and his widow afterward became the wife of Martin Blaney, of Morgan county, Illinois, who is now deceased. Mrs. Blaney died in the village of

Mount Zion on the 8th of September, 1885. The subject of this review was the only child of the first marriage, but there were seven children by the second marriage, as follows; Jane, the widow of John W'anacott, and a resident of Mount Zion; Mary, the wife of David Dickey, of Mount Zion; James, of Chicago; and ^Irs. Catherine Cooper, Morrison J. Blaney and ]\Irs. Alice IVIartin, all deceased ; and one who died unnamed.

Henry D. M. Hodge was only one year old at the time of his father's death. He was reared by his mother and step-father and attended the public schools. He worked on the home farm in his youth until 1858, when he went to Missouri and there he was married the next year to Miss Elizabeth Adams, a native of Piatt county, that state, born January 6, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Reed) Adams. Her father was a farmer in Missouri, but on account of ill health went to Colorado and died near Pikes Peak. His wife passed awaj' in Missouri.

After his marriage Mr. Hodge took up his abode upon a farm in Johnson county, Missouri, where he lived for two years and then in 1861 returned to Macon count}', purchasing a tract of land in Mount Zion. To this he added from time to time and now he owns two hundred and forty acres all on section 4. Mount Zion township. He made all of the improvements upon the property and developed a splendid farm, engaging thereon in the cultivation of the fields and in the raising of stock until 1888, when he removed to the city of Decatur, where he has since lived a retired life.

In 1899 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in this city on the 2ist of January of that year. Three children were born unto them : Nannie C, the eldest, born in Johnson county. Missouri, January 2.2, 1861, is the widow of George \V. Jones and resides with her father. Her husband was born in Mount Zion township, December 14, 1856, and was a son of Cleybourn and :\Iatilda (Davis) Jones, the latter now deceased, while the former is living in Decatur at the advanced age of ninetytwo years. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county. George W.Jones carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and died on the i8th of July, 1898, respected by all who knew him. Anderson J. Hodge, the second member of the family, was born September 8, 1862, and married Bessie Jones, a sister of George W. Jones. She died in June, 1896, leaving one child, Everett Henr}-, born October 8, 1889. After the death of his first wife Anderson J. Hodge married Emma Bedford, and they also reside with his father. He is a contractor and builder and also superintends his farm in Mount Zion township. Walter J., born April ID, 1866, married - Hattie Meisinheilder and the^'^ reside upon his father's farm in Mount Zion township. They had six children : Gertrude, Beulah, Lucile, George W., Orlan Ray, and Leo, but the last named died in 1890.

Mr. Hodge is a Prohibitionist, voting for the men and measures of the party. He has held some minor township offices, but has never been very active in political work, desiring rather to give his time and attention to business affairs. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Mount Zion, to which his wife also belongs. In his business career he won success and his valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres is one of the best improved in Mount Zion township and is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. A worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Macon county, he has witnessed the development and growth of this section of the state through two-thirds of a century. Great changes have occurred during this period for Macon county has kept apace with universal progress a)id improxement

James Millikin

James Millikin is numbered among the founders of Decatur. He has been the promoter of many of its business enterprises, has aided in its extension along many lines of permanent improvement and has assisted in marked degree in making it a center of production and commercial activity that has a wide power in the business world. Cooperation in this work forms the life record of James Millikin. To say of him that he has risen unaided from comparative obscurity to rank among the capitalists of Illinois is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his life, yet it is but just to say in a history tliat will descend to future generations that his business record has been one that any man would be proud to possess. Beginning at the very bottom of the ladder he has advanced steadily step by step until he is now occupying a position of prominence and trust reached by very few men. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a n.iodcl of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not fulfilled and standing to-day an example of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity can accomplish for a man of natural aliility and strength of character. He is res])ccted by the community at large and honored by his business associates.

Mr. Millikin is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Washington county, on the 2d of August, 1830. The family is of Scotch lineage and was established in Pennsylvania about the middle of the eighteenth century by representatives of the name who crossed the Atlantic from the land of the heather. Other branches of the familv settletl in Maine and in the south. Millikin's r>end on the .Mississippi river having obtained its name in this way. Abel Millikin, the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and prospered in his life work. He wedded Nancy \ an Dyke, who was of Dutch lineage, her ancestors being among the emigrants from Holland, who settled along the Hudson river, Vvhile at a later date representatives of the family established their homes in New Jersey.

Under the parental roof James Millikin spent his boyhood days and while not engaged with the duties of the farm he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, there laying the foundation for a good practical education. He also had the advantage of the more advanced instruction to be received in Washington College of Pennsylvania, where he remained as a student for three years. His family and friends believed that he would become a member of the medical fraternity which claimed several representatives of the Millikin relationshi]), but the tastes and talents of the young man were evidently not in this direction and he determined to come to the west, believing that in this great and growing section of the country he saw opportunities for advancement along lines of business activity which he thought would be more congenial than the jiractice of the healing art. The )-ear 1848 witnessed his arrival in the Mississippi valley. He first settled in Danville. \"crniilion county, and for a time was engaged in the live-stock business, there purchasing, raising and trading in stock of all kinds. He also rented farms upon which to raise his stock and in control of his business interests showerl keen discernment, excellent executive ability and unfaltering enterprise. It has been upon this foundation that he has reared the superstructure of success and while he is to-day numbered among the capitalists of Decatur an analyzation of his life record will show that his prosperity is the legitimate outcoiue of his own labor. With keen disceninient he recognized possibilities which were not seen by others. Knowing that the population of Illinois was rapidly increasing through the emigration of people from tiic eastern states to the ^Mississippi valley, he resolved that he would make investments in land, believing that it would rise rapidly in value. Accordingly he made extensive purchases of land in Illinois and also in southwestern Iowa, securing much of this land for one dollar and one dollar and a quarter per acre. He was the original owner of the tract upon which the town of Bement, Illinois, is now located and by purchase there came into his possession many acres of broad prairie, upon w-hich no improvements had been made, but wliich in due course of time commanded a high market price.

The rapid development of the state was manifest in Decatur as well as in other localities and Mr. Alillikin resolved to cast in his lot v/ith the residents of this enterprising and growing town. The year 1856 witnessed his^ arrival here, but though he changed his place of residence he did not change his occupation, but continued to deal in lands, real estate and live-stock, thus becoming recognized as one of the prosperous and enterprising men of the city. Quick to see business opportunity and to utilize it he recognized the need of a banking establi.shment in Decatur and in i860 organized the private banking house of J. ^lillikin & Company. From that time to the present his name has figured conspicuously in connection with the financial history of the city and he to-day stands at the head of one of the strongest, safest and largest banking institutions of Illinois. He has had dififerent partners, but throughout the entire existence of the bank he has been its president and has exerted a controlling influence in its affairs. For thirtyone years the institution continued as a private banking establishment and in October, 1897, was incorporated as the Millikin

National Bank, with James Millikin as president; O. B. Gorin, cashier; and J. M. Brownback, assistant cashier. Mr. Millikin is still the president, while Mr. Gorin has become vice president and Mr. Brownback cashier. These officers were elected in 1898 and since that time there has been no change. To-day the home of the Millikin National Bank is one of the finest bank buildings in the state outside of the city of Chicago. It is a seven-story structure, standing at the corner of Water and East Main streets and substantially equipped in every particular. This bank is a United States depository and its present deposits are about three miUion dollars, while its loans and discounts amount to two million two hundred thousand dollars. Its employes reach the number of sixteen, some of whom have been connected with the institution through two decades. From a small beginning Mr. Millikin has developed this enterprise and its almost marvelous extension is due in very large measure to his thorough understanding of the business, his keen sagacity and his unfaltering purpose guided by the soundest business principles.

But while ]\Ir. Millikin is widely known as the president of the banking institution which bears his name he is also recognized as a leading factor in many other enterprises which have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the city as w-ell as to the success of individual stockholders. He is interested in the Decatur Coal Company and is president of the Union Iron Works Company, which he assisted in organizing about 1870. Large and satisfactory dividends have always been paid by this corporation and its capital stock of sixty thousand dollars has been augmented by a surplus of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. In other lines of business enterprises his activity and aid have been felt and his wise counsel has proven most valu- able in the successful control of all the interests with which he has become associated. In 1858 Mr. Millikin was united in marriage to Anna B. Aston, a daughter of the Rev. Sannu'l Aston, a minister of the Presbyterian cliurcli. -Mr. Millikin has from his boyhood days been a member of that church and he and his wife have aided largely in its growth and the extension of its influences in Decatur, contributing freely of their means to its support and co-operating in many departments of its activity for the benefit of the race. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he has been unfaltering in his advocacy of its principles, but has never turned aside from his business course to seek the preferments of office. His broad humanitarian spirit is often manifested, but unostentatiously, he has ever been ready to extend a helping hand to those who try to aid themselves and in his business he has ever rewarded faithful service on the part of his employes. It is certainly not asserting too much to say of one who can direct and control business interests of such magnitude as those with which Mr. Millikin is associated that he must possess, aside from commercial foresight and sagacity, the happy faculty of reading and judging men and that he has unusual powers of organization and executive ability - in a word, that he must be a master mind, and yet if one would seek in Mr. Millikin's career the causes that have led to his prosperity they will be found along the lines of well tried and old time maxims. Honesty and fair dealing, promptness and fidelity, all these have been manifested in his career and in the control of the institutions with which he is associated. Decatur acknowledges her indebtedness to him for what he has accomplislicd in her behalf. The city which became his home in the period of his early manhood and almost at the outset of his business career has always been very dear to him and as his means have increased he has given liberally and generously for her benefit and improvement. His charitable spirit, too, is shown in iiis many benefactions and yet there is perluqjs in this city no man who gives with less display than James Millikin. He has never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way warp his kindly nature or to inlluence liis treatment toward those less fortunate.

JAMES WILLIAM RACE. - James William Race has been engaged in business in Decatur for forty-six years. He has always been successful and it is his wish that others will meet with like success.

For over sixty-two years this gentleman has been a resident of Macon county and is to-day justly numbered among her honored pioneers and leading citizens. The difference between the past and the present can scarcely be realized even by those who were active participants in the development of the county. The present generation can have no conception of what was required by the early settlers in transforming the wilderness into a well-settled and highly cultivated locality. Mr. Jimison has seen almost the entire development of this region and well remembers when a person could ride horseback across the prairies between Maroa and Pulaski without seeing a farmhouse.

A native of Macon county, he was born in Friends Creek township, in 1841, and is a son of George and Hannah Jimison. The father was a native of Scotland, born in 1810, and came to America about 1818. After residing in the east for two years he removed to Ohio in 1820 and during the '30s came to Illinois, settling in Friends Creek township, Macon county, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government land and later added to his property until at the time of his

At the age of twelve years G. A. Jimison began earning his own living, by working as a farm hand at fourteen dollars per month and was thus employed until i860, wdien he rented forty acres of land, on which he raised a crop of corn. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he enlisted in 1861 in Company A, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Pugh, and was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Hatchie's Run and several other small engagements. He was very fortunate in that he was never wounded or taken prisoner, and at the close of the war was mustered out in 1865 at Hall's Hill, \'irginia.

Returning to his home in Friends Creek township, Mr. Jimison began farming on forty acres of land left him by his father and another forty-acre tract which his brother had purchased for him. Later he purchased forty acres more and kept adding to his property as he found opportunity until he had four hundred and forty acres. For the first tract he paid twenty-five dollars per acre and for the next eleven dollars per acre. He made all of the improvements upon his land and in his farming operations met with excellent success.

In 1867 Mr. Jimison was united in marriage to Miss Millie A. Woodward, who died a year later, leaving one son, Theodore, who is now in the Coast Artillery as sergeant major at New Orleans and has been in the service for eleven years. Mr. Jimison was again married in 1877. his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Mulinix. by whom he has six children : Minnie, wife of Albert Gould, of Friends Creek township ; Lillie, wife of Bun Parr, also of Friends Creek township ; George W.,; Mollie ; Ida, and Daisy.

Politically Mr. Jimison is identified with the Democratic party and he has filled the office of school director. In 1899 he removed to Argenta and has since lived a retired life. During the long years he has been a resident of Macon county he has championed every movement designed to promote the general welfare, has supported every enterprise for the public good and has materially aided in the advancement of all social, educational and moral interests. After a useful and honorable career he can well afford to lay aside all business cares and live in ease and retirement.

A\ILLIAM R. SCRUGGS. Since 1869 the firm name of Linn & Scruggs has been an honored one in business circles in Decatur, and one which has marked value on commercial paper. He whose name introduces this record has since 1869 been an active partner in the firm, and as such is proprietor of one of the most important drygoods houses in this city. He was born near Lynchburg, Virginia, on the 13th of February, 1828. His father. Reaves S. Scruggs, was also a native of the Old Dominion, and was a farmer by occupation. He chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Aliss Mildred L. Otey, who was likewise born in Mrginia. her birthplace being in the vicinity of Lynchburg.

In a private school William R. Scruggs obtained his education, and under the parental roof he remained until he reached fifteen years, although a period of his youth was spent upon the farm. He at that time went to Huntsville. Alabama, where he remained for a number of years. At the outbreak of the Civil war he joined the Confederate army, being true to his loved southland. When the terrible struggle was over, he returned to Lynchburg and soon afterward went to Bedford county, Virginia, while later he became a resident of New York city. In the latter place he found employment in the capacity of a clerk and continued there until 1869, when he came to Decatur. Here he invested his capital in a dry-goods business in partnership with W . 11. l.inn under the firm name of Linn iS: Scruggs, both being active, enterprising men of keen sagacity. They built up a large business, and the partnership was of a most harmonious and pleasant character, being continued until the death of Mr. Linn in June, lyoo. There was no change in the tirni name, even then, for \\ . 11. Linn, Jr., succeeded to his father's interest in the business, and over the door of the establi.shment the firm style of Linn & Scruggs is still seen. This firm is one of the best know n not only in Decatur but in central Illinois. The store is situated in the I'owers block, a five-story building, and occupies the corner, which is one hundred and thirty by one hundred and forty feet.' A large force of clerks is employed and a full line of dry goods, carpets and notions is carried. The stock is very extensive, and the business of the house has assumed extensive proportions. The business methods institucd at the organization of the firm have always been continued and have ever commanded uniform confidence and therefore have gained the liberal support of the public. Mr. .Scruggs is fair and just in his treatment of his employes and demands of them the same courteous treatment and honorable dealing that he has ever accorded to those who trade in his establishment.

In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of William R. Scruggs and Miss Minnie T. Chadsey, of New York city, where she was reared and educated. They have two children, Sallie, at home ; and Reaves, who was a student in the Alton Military College, and now is a resident of Niagara Falls, New York. Mr. Scruggs is a member of the First Presbyterian church, and his wife a member of the Baptist clunxli. and llu'v do all in their power to promote growth and extend influence of the church. It is but just and merited praise to say of Mr. Scruggs that as a business man he ranks among the foremost; as a citizen he is honorable, prom])t and true to every engagement : and as a husband and father is a model

Joseph R. Hardy

Joseph K. Hard_\-. who has now departed this life, and who for many years so conducted his farming interests that he won success, becoming a prosperous citizen of his community, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the nth of February, 1836, and was the eldest of the ten children of George D. and Elizabeth I Marsh) Hardy. The father's birth occurred in the cast, but the mother was a native of the Buckeye state. In the family arc three brothers and three sisters who yet survive: John, who lives in Shelby county, Indiana ; Moses, a resident of Sheridan county, Missouri; C31iver, of Mount .Auburn, Illinois; Mrs. Johnson, a widow of Blue Mound; Mrs. Hulda Van Cleve, of Blue Mound ; and Mrs. Phoebe W'agant, f)f Missouri.

In the district schools of Ohio and Indiana Joseph K. Hardy accpiircd his education, and at the age of nineteen he left school and began working on a farm, having previously become familiar with the labors of fields and meadow by assisting his father through the periods of vacation. In 1868 he came to Illinois and located in Christian county, near Mount Auburn. In September, 1869. he removed to ]\Iacon county and purchased forty acres of land, while his wife also Ixiught an equal amount, and he continued to add to this as his financial resources increased, until he had two hundred and forty acres, valued at thirty thousand dollars.

Mr. Hardy was twice married. He first wedded Sarah Jane Cross, and unto them were born two children : Mrs. Elizabeth Ellen Bowen, whose husband is a farmer of Chariton county. Missoiu'i : and Joseph William, who married Matilda Whitman, and is a farmer living in .Morrisonville, Illinois. Mr. Hardy next wedded Maria Hurst, the widow of George Junken, who was killed at Chickamauga during the Civil war. Her parents were Benedict and Barbara (Foster) Hurst, natives of Maryland, and of English and German descent. In their family were ten children, nine daughters and one son, of whom six daughters are still living. Mrs. Hardy was the sixth of the family. She was educated in the common schools of Wayne county, Indiana, and on the 2ist of INIarch, 1869, gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Hardy. By his second union he had three children, but only one is living. George E. and Sarah Ivy were twins, but the latter died at the age of seventeen months. The son married Ida McGrew, of Chariton county, Missouri, and they reside on the old home farm in Macon county. They have two sons, Edgar McGrew and George Evart.

In his political affiliations Mr. Hardy was always a stanch Republican, and was tax collector for two terms and school trustee and school director. He belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he was entitled to membership because of his service as a corporal in Company E, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry. He was wounded in the head and shoulder at Mission Ridge. His religious faith was that of the ^lethodist denomination, and his membership with the church at Blue Mound. In his business affairs he was very successful, and in addition to his farm property he owned four lots and a nice residence in Blue Mound which Mrs. Hardy has occupied for some time. His widow is living retired, save the management of her investments, the rental from the farm bringing a good income which supplies her with all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. Hardy died May 30, 1903.

Peter J. Dempsey

PETER J. DEMPSEY. Peter J. Dempsey was for many years a member of the police force of Decatur and stood as a stalwart defender of the rights and liberties of the people and the preservation of the dignity of the law. So loyal was he in the discharge of all his duties that he won high commendation from all concerned, and well does he deserve mention in this volume. Illinois numbers him among her native sons, for his birth occurred in Clinton on the 29th of May, 1858, his parents being Michael and ]\Iary ( Duim) Dempsey. The father was a native of Queens county, Ireland, and the mother's birth occurred in County Limerick, Coming to America at an early (lay each located in Massachusetts, and in that state they were married. Subsequently they resolved to establish a home in the west, and accordingly made their way to Clinton, Illinois, where they resided for eight or ten years. FoUow^ing this they located in Decatur, where Mr. Dempsey worked at his trade of marble cutting for a few years. He then became mail agent on the Peoria, Decatur & Eastern Railroad, and occupied that position for several years, after w^hich he went upon the Wabash Railroad, running out of Decatur in a similar capacity for ten years. In the discharge of his official duties he was prompt, faithful and reliable, and now he is enjoying a well earned retirement from furtlier labor, making his home with his children in Decatur, his wife having previously passed away.

Peter J. Dempsey was largely indebted to the public schools of Decatur for the educational privileges which he enjoyed, and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he began assisting his father in the marble works, being employed there until eighteen years of age. He then obtained a position in the freight depot in this city on the line of the Indiana, Decatur & Western Railroad, and that he was most loyal to the trust reposed in him is indicated by the fact that for eleven years he continued to serve in that capacity. His work was ever free from error, and he received little criticism upon his methods of discharging his duties. Upon leaving the freight department of the railway service

T. E. Downing

Mr. Dempsey was married May 2, 1883, in St. Isadore's church at Bethany, Illinois, die lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Dwyer, a native of Morgan county, Illinois, born May 5, 1856, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Catherine (Cody) Dwyer. Her father was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and at an early day braved the dangers incident to an ocean voyage in order to become a resident of the new world that he might enjoy its better business opportunities. He settled in Morgan county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for a few years and then removed to Moultrie county, this state, where he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until the infirmities of old age caused him to retire. He then took up his abode in Dalton City, Illinois, where he lived in honorable retirement from further labor until called to the home beyond on the i8th of August, 1900. His widow, who was born in Killarney, Ireland, now owns a nice home in Dalton City, where she is greatly respected because of her many excellencies of character. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey was blessed with two children : Zella, who was born October 4, 1886; and Lucile, born January 4, 1895.

It was on the 25th of September, 1898, that Mr. Dempsey was called from this life. He had held several minor offices in the city, in addition to his service on the police force, and was ever found loyal to the confidence reposed in him, discharging his duties to the best of his ability. In politics he was a stanch Republican, never wavering in his allegiance to the party. Both he and his wife were members of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur, and h.is funeral was the second preached by Father Murphy, now the priest in that church. Mr. Dempsey was a leading resident of Decatur and had many friends here because of his genial manner, jovial disposition and

T. Edward Downing

T. Edward Downing is connected with the business circles of Decatur as a plumbing and heating contractor, and is also a dealer in gas fi.xtures. His natal day is December 8, 1872, his parents being Wayne and Elizabeth Downing, both of whom are now residents of Decatur. In their family were ten children, two sons and eight daughters. Eight of this number are now living. The father of our subject was born in this country, but the mother is a native of the Emerald Isle and was brought to America when cjuite young by her father, Patrick Casey, now deceased, who was a wrll known Irish citizen of Decatur.

In the public schools of this city T. Edward Downing ac(juircd his education and when he had mastered the common branches of English learning he put aside his text books and at the age of fourteen years entered the employ of H. Mueller, who was then located on East Main street and with whom he learned the plumbing trade. For eleven years he remained with that house, his long connection being an indication of capability, close application and fidelity. Tn 1897 he resigned his position that he might engage in business for himself and formed a partnership with W. J. Wells. They located at No. 224 West Main street, where they continued in business until the spring of 1901, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Wells then embarked in business alone on North Main street, while Mr. Downing remained at the old location. His patronage is extensive and his business profitable. He now has in his employ seven men and although he has been in business but a comparatively brief period large and important plumbing and heating contracts have been awarded him. He has put in the phimbing and heating systems in some of the best and largest buildings in central Illinois, including the Christian county courthouse at Taylorville, the Logan county courthouse at Lincoln, Illinois, the Elks auditorium at Champaign, the new Carnegie library of Decatur, the National Bank of Stonington, St. Mary's Catholic church, school and parsonage, at Paris, Illinois, the Douglas Flotel at Tuscola, .St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur, and also in some of the best residences of this city and county.

In December, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Downing and Miss Catherine McGrath, of Litchfield, Illinois. Five children have been born unto them, those living are all sons, namely : Edward, Roy, Louis and Harold. A little daughter died in infancy. Mr. Downing is a member of Decatur Council of the Knights of Columbus and the Fraternal Army of America, and he and his wife hold membership in St. Patrick's Catholic church of this city. He stands to-day as one of the prominent selfmade men of Decatur, who has worked his way up from the bottom round of the ladder and now he stands on the plane of affluence. His business patronage is extensive and the income derived therefrom makes him one of the leading and prosperous young business men of the city.

Carey L. Holman

CAREY L. HOLMAN. Carey L. Holman, a wide-awake and up-todate farmer residing on section 9, Whitmore township, is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Ross county, that state, on the 28th of May, 1861. His parents, Martin and Mary (Ferba) Holman, were also born in Ohio, where they continued to make their home for several years after their marriage, but during the Civil war they came to Macon county, Illinois, and located on a farm near Decatur, on the Bloomington road'. In their family were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, and seven of the number reached years of maturity, but Mrs. Sabrina Dillahunt and Mrs. Eva Samuels are both now deceased. The sons that are still living are William, a resident of Decatur ; .-Mbert, of Iowa ; David, who makes his home south of Oreana ; Carey L -, of this sketch, and Norman, of Marshall, Texas.

Carey L. Holman remained on his father's farm until he attained his majority, and received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. On the 19th of December, 1888, he was married in this county to Miss Mabel Toney, a daughter of John and Mary (Nesbitt) Toney, who were natives of Kentucky and North Carolina, respectively. Her father was about fifteen years of age when he removed to Indiana. Her maternal grandfather, William Nesbitt, was of Irish descent, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Dobbins, was of Scotch extraction, and could trace her ancestry back to the seventeenth century. The family was founded in North Carolina at a very early day in its settlement. Mrs. Holman was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, on the 6th of April, 1869, and is now makmg preparations to visit her old home there which she has not seen since the age of twelve years. Her education, which was begun in the public schools of her native county, was completed in the high school of Decatur, which she left in her senior year. She is a well read woman, having a special fondness for history, and her eldest daughter seems to have inherited that taste. In her father's family were seven children, of whom two died in infancy, those still living being Claude L., Jesse, Mabel, Emmett and Grace. .\11 are residents of Piatt county, Illinois, with exception of Mrs. Holman, and Emmett is now the only one unmarried. Unto our subject and his wife were born six children, but

After liis niarriaLje Mr. llolman was engaged in farming upon rented land for a few years, but in 1889 he purchased his present place on section 9, Whitmore township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land under a high state of cultivation. Since it came into hi.s possession he has planted trees, put up fences, erected a good barn in 1902, and has made many other useful improvements, which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In connection with general farming he feeds considerable cattle for market, and is meeting with good success in his undertakings. He is a progressive business man, of known reliability, and he has the confidence and high regard of all who know him. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church of Oreana, and they have a wide circle 6i friends and acquaintances throughout their adopted county.

William O. Jones

WILLIAM O. JONES. On the list of those who have practiced at the bar of Macon county and who.se careers have reflected honor and credit upon the profession appears the name of William O. Jones, who became a resident of Decatur in 1859. He had formerly been a law student under Abraham Lincoln at Springfield, and his course was a merit to his honored preceptor. Mr. Jones was a native of Cortland, Alabama, born on the 19th of August, 1828, a son of Charles Lewis and Elizabeth Speak McAtee (Owen) Jones, the former a native of Prince George county, Marxland, the latter of Fairfax county, A'irginia. ( )n leaving his native state the father removed to Alabama, where he remained for a few years, and then went to Morgan county, Illinois, removing afterward to Springfield, this state, where he resided until his death. The mother later made her home

In Morgan county, Illinois, William O. Jones attended the public schools and later continued his studies in the city of Springfu-ld. lie t-nti'rcd upon his business career at the age of si.xteon as a clerk in a dry-goods store of the capital city and followed that pursuit for ten years or until twenty-six years of age. In the meantime, however, he had forme(l a desire to make the practice of law his life work, and to this end he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, making .\braham Lincoln's office his headquarters during the period which he was able to devote to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. Mr. Lincoln was a near neighbor of our subject, residing just across the street from the Jones residence. Mr. Jones, of this review, continued as a student for several years, and then became editor of the Springfield Journal, but had charge of that paper for only a short time or until 1859, for in that year he removed to Decatur and opened a law office in this city. He was not long in convincing the public that he was well qualified to handle important litigated interests, and he continued in active practice until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he enlisted in his country's service. He was made a lieutenant colonel and went to ihe fnmt, but was only in the army for ninety-eight days, being then honorably discharged on account of ill health. At tile end of that time he returned to his home in Decatur and soon afterward ])urchased a farm we.*:! of the city and near Fairview Park. To the super\'ision of his property and to light labor in connection with the cultivation and development of the fields he then gave his attention until his death. His health was never very rugged, and on the 5th of December, 1873, he passed away.

Ere going to the war Mr. Jones was united in marriage on September 10, 1857, to Miss Sarah B. Groves, a native of Kentucky, born January 11, 1835, and a daughter of John R.

and Maria Louise (Grooms) Groves, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in an early day. The father there carried on farming until the death of his wife, after which he abandoned the plow and removed to the village of Mechanicsburg, where he lived retired until his own demise. Mr. and Mrs. Jones became the parents of seven children : Charles Lewis, who married Kittie M. Cokley, who resides in Decatur ; Frederick Owen, who married Katie Russell and is living here; Marie Louise, who is with her mother; James Thomas, who died at the age of one year and tliree months ; Albert Hale, who married Carrie Clark and is residing in Decatur; Edna Grooms, who is living at home ; and Willie, who died m infancy.

In public affairs Mr. Jones was prominent, influential and helpful. He quickly recognized opportunities and did everything in his power to advance the public growth along social, intellectual and moral lines. He served as county superintendent of schools in Macon county for a few years, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. In politics an earnest and stanch Republican, he was always a hard worKer for the party, and was one of the organizers of a L'nion League at the time of the Civil war. He belonged to the Masonic order in Springfield, and although he never united with the lodge in Decatur he assisted in forming the society here. Both he and his wife were members of the First Presbyterian church. Since her husband's death Mrs. Jones has removed into the city and is now living at No. 1125 North Church street with her two daughters.

Decatur found in Mr. Jones a valued representative of its best interests. He was a citizen loyal and true, a faithful friend, a devoted husband and father and a consistent Christian. He made the most of his opportunities not only in his own behalf, but for the general good and the public welfare, and his life was

Edward Harpstrite

EDWARD HARPSTRITE. Edward Harpstrite has passed the seventy-sixth mile-stone on life's journey and now in the evening of his days is living retired in Decatur, enjoying a well earned rest. He also receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one who has attained advanced years. He belongs to that class of worthy representative citizens that Germany has furnished to the new world, his birth having occurred in Baden on the i8th of February, 1827. His parents, John B. and Mary S. (Roamar) Harpstrite, were also natives of Baden, in which country they remained until 1833, when they decided to establish their home in America. Accordingly they left the port of Havre in a sailing vessel bound for New York. Th.at method of ocean travel was very slow in comparison to that of the present day and it was not until sixty-one days had passed that the Harpstrite family arrived at their destination. From New York city they made their way to Trenton. New Jersey, thence to Reading, Pennsylvania, and on to Dayton, Ohio, where they remained for a year. Their next place of residence was Logansport, Indiana, where John B. Harpstrite found employment on the canal and thus provided for his family for a time. Later he was employed by Freeman Hunter on a farm for six years and thus gradually he made a start in business life in the new world. In 1844 he removed to Clinton county. Illinois, where he purchased a tract of new land. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon this place and the family experienced all the hardships and trials of pioneer life during their early residence there. Mr. Harpstrite performed the difficult task of opening up a new farm, but in tlic course oi time his labors were rewarded with good harvests. He also engaged in the raising and feeding of cattle and other stock and was quite successful in his w-ork. It was upon that old home farm that the mother of our subject died and was buried.

Accompanying his parents on their various removals, Edward Ilarpstrite therefore attended school in a number of different places. His last term spent in the schoolroom was at Delphi, Tndiana. Ho remained upon the home farm until twenty-one years of age and though his educational privileges were somewhat meager, his training at farm labor was not limited. The year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Macon county. He afterward settled in South Wheatland township, where he invested his hard earned savings in a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. This he improved and cultiwited until i860, when he sold the property and took up his abode in the city, becoming interested in the brewing business in company with his brother, Augustus Harpstrite, under the firm style of Harpstrite Brothers. This business was continued from i860 until 1884, When Edward Harpstrite sold out to his partner and to Henry Shlauderman, Mr. Harpstrite retiring from business on account of failing health. He, however, owns two good farms which return to him an excellent income. One of these comprises one hundred and fourteen acres and the other one hundred and eighty acres and all is under a high state of cultivation.

In 1852 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Harpstrite and Miss Dorothy C. Ruebsamen, who was then a resident of Clinton county, Illinois, but who was born in Baden, Cermany, in 1835. They traveled life's journey together for about twenty-four years and then Mrs. Harpstrite was called to her final rest in 1876. .'>he liad become the mother of eight children, of whom seven are now living, namelv: Kate H., who is the wife of I'eler Ullrich, a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; Mary A., at home ; Charles W., who is living in Sedgwick county, Kansas; Edward J., at home; Dexter; John 11., who is likewise a resident of Sedgwick county, Kansas ; Bertha, at home ; and Emma P., who is still with her father.

Since attaining his majority Mr. -Harpstrite has given his political support to the Democracy and for four 3-ears he served as a memlicr of the city council, representing the fiiurlli ward. During that lime he exercised his official jirerogatives in suj^port of every measure which he believes would contribute to the general good. He began life a poor boy, but by energy, industry and good management has become the possessor of valuable properties. His life has been characterized by qualities which in every land and clime command respect and his career has been creditable alike to the country of his nali\-ity and to his adojited land.

Andrew J. Williams

ANDREW J. WILLIAMS. Sixty-seven years have come and gone since Andrew J. Williams became a resident of Macon county. He was then but a boy, yet here he spent his youth and early manhood and as he reached mature years became a factor in the agricultural life of Macon county. When he passed away the comnnmity mourned the loss of a valued citizen and his friends one whom they had known only to honor and esteem. His birth occurred in Yazoo, Mississippi, on the ist of January, 1831, his parents being .Xndrew J, and Rebecca Williams. The mother died in Mississippi during the earlj^ boyhood of her son and the father was afterward married in Macon county. His birth had occurred in Connecticut and in early life he had gone to the Yazoo valley of Mississip[)i, where he became a planter, remaining in that locality until 1836, which was the year of his arrival in ;\Iacon county. Purchasing a tract of land in Decatur township, he there engaged in farming for a few years, but on account of failing eyesight he retired from business and resided in the city of Decatur until his death. Only two of his children are now living: John, who is living retired in North Monroe street in Decatur; and Virginia, the wife of Isaac W. Ehrman, a laundryman of this city.

Andrew J. ^^'illiams was only five years of age when his father came to Macon county. It was in the public schools of this locality therefore that he acquired his education, but his opportunities for gaining knowledge from text books were limited as in his youth he largely assisted in the operation of his father's farm. It was only through the winter months in his early boyhood that he was enabled to attend school. His training at farm work, however, was not meager and he soon gained practical experience concerning the best methods of caring for and cultivating the fields. He remained at home until his marriage to Miss Lavina Veach, who died in Macon county in the early "sos. In 1858 Mr. Williams was again married, his second union being with Miss Julia A. Gulick, who was born September 27, 1840, at the place where she now resides. Her parents were Levi and Harriet (McElroy) Gulick, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They, too, became early settlers of Macon county, arriving in the year 1837 and here the father purchased a farm known as the old Packard estate now included within the city of Decatur, it being the present residence of Mrs. Williams. There Mr. Gulick made his home and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death.

his marriage ^Ir. \\'illianis purchased land in Decatur township and was engaged in its cultivation and improvement up to the time of the Civil war. .\s he could not content himself to remain at home when his country was in danger and needed the aid of her loyal sons at the front he enlisted in 1862, becoming a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Regiment under Captain McClurg and Colonel Tupper. The company participated in the battle of Vicksburg, the Arkansas expedition, the Atlanta campaign, the march to the sea and the Carolina campaign and history records many acts of valor performed by the One Hundred and Si.xteenth Illinois. Mr. \\'illiams was never injured in any way, but on account of illness contracted in the south he was discharged after a short service and returned to his home. He then resumed farming in Decatur township and continued to cultivate his fields until his removal to the city of Decatur in order that he might live a retired life. He took up his abode at the home which his widow now occupies and spent his remaining days in rest from- further labor.

Unto Mr. and ]Mrs. W'iiliams were born eight children ; Harriet Ellen, the wife of M. S. Perry, a farmer of Decatur township ; Francis F., who married Annie Bain and resides in Douglas, Arizona ; Virginia A., the wife of David II. Hughes, of Decatur; Albertus G.. who married Catherine Rife and is a merchant of Dillon, Alontana; Mary E., the wife of Fred L. Muzzy, of Decatur; \\'. L., who married Elsie Fickle and lives in Decatur : George, deceased ; and one that died unnamed in infancy.

The death of Mr. \\'illiams occurred December 15, 1896. He had served as highway commissioner in Decatur township for a number of years, but otherwise held no office nor sought political preferment as a reward for party fealty. He gave strong endorsement to Republican principles, however, and always voted for the men and measures of the party. He was a valued representative of the Grand Army Post of Decatur and had manv friends outside of the tralernily, his excellent traits of character having endeared him to those with whom he was brought in contact. He was one of nature's noblemen, who without pretense or ostentation so lived as to enjoy the esteem and regard of all with whom he was associated. Mrs. Williams now resides at No. 1345 North Union street, where her lawn covers a half block square. She also owns ten acres of land on College street near the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad. She was left in comfortable financial circumstances by her husband and in social circles she is highly esteemed, being widely and favorably known in this city.

Williaai F. Brookshier

WILLIAAI F. BROOKSHIER. The subject of this sketch is one of the selfmade men of Macon county, who through his own imaided efforts has attained a place among the leadmg and well-to-do farmers of Pleasant \'iew township where he now makes his home. He was horn near Winchester, in Clark county, Kentucky, December 23, 1833, his parents being Martin and Amanda (Cummins) Brookshier, both of English descent. The father was also a native of Kentucky, where the family was established at a very early day in its history by our subject's paternal grandfather, who was froiu North Carolina, and settled in Clark county, where he bought a tract of lain!. The maternal grandparents of our subject were from \'irginia and North Carolina. Martin lirookshier became the owner of eighty-four acres of land in Clark county. T\entucky, on which he raised corn, oats and wheat, tobacco being an improfitable crop at that time, tbough it has since been raised with profit in that state. He also raised some cattle, sheep and hogs, and was the owner of one slave before the war. In his family were the following children: Minerva, who died during her girlhood ; William ¥.: Martin A., who died in 1900; Elias H., a preacher living in Monroe county, Indiana; W iley, a widower living in Clark county, Kentucky; O. II., a retired farmer living in Springfield, Illinois; John N., a resident of Clark county, Kentucky ; Amanda, wife of William KerrNinan, of that county; Achilles, deceased ; James (J., living in Madison county, Kentucky; Mary A., who died in girlhood; Elizabeth, also deceased ; \N', W., who makes his home in Madison county, Kentucky, and Lucy, who died unmarried.

Jveared in the state of his nativity, W'illiam F. r.rookshier pursued his studies in the common schools of Clark county, the school house being built of logs with a puncheon floor and seats and a large fireplace at one end. At the age of fifteen began earning his own livelihood b\' working as a farm hand at seven dollars per nuinth. tie w'as thus employed for eleven months and was obliged to rise each morning at four o'clock. Later he learned blacksniithing, and during the two years of his apprenticeship he was given only fifty dollars per }-car in compensation for his services, ."subsequently he worked one year for another blacksmith in Kentuck}-, and at the end of that time removed to Danville, Indiana, where he was employed in a mill one summer. He then returned home and resumed work as a farm hand. His next employment was getting out ties for the Wabash Railroad in \^ermilion county, Indiana, and Vermilion county, Illinois, and saw the first train run into Decatur in 1857, Later he worked one year for old Uncle Johnny Taylor, nine miles southwest of Decatur.

Mr. Urookshier was then married to Miss Mary E. Hurst, and they located on the Taylor farm, where they spent one year. He then removed to a farm near Mount Auburn, in Christian county, where the following two years were passed, and for five years lived on the Augur farm in the same county, after which he worked at the blacksmith's trade in Mount Auburn for one year. In 1863 he came to Macon county and bought railroad land one and a half miles south of Blue Mound, paying ten dollars per acre for one forty acre tract, and eleven dollars for the other forty acres. This he sold in 1881 for sixty dollars per acre and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres where he now lives in Pleasant A'iew township, for which he paid forty-five dollars per acre. He has erected all the buildings upon the place and today has a very desirable and well improved farm under a high state of cultivation. Besides his home property he owns ninety-two acres in South ]Macon township, for which he gave sixty-five dollars per acre. He is a very energetic, enterprising and progressive farmer, and the success that has come to him is certainly well merited. At present his sons operate the land while he is now practically living a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest.

Mr. Brookshier's first wife died in 1869. By that union he had five children, three of whom are now living, namely : Lola May, wife of James Chapman, of Blue Mound township : Benedict M., who married Rosa Price and is in the employ of a wholesale house in St. Louis, Missouri ; and Barbara Etta, wife of William B. Gordon, who is in a wholesale house in Cincinnati, Ohio. For his second wife ^Ir. Brookshier married ^Irs. j\Iary J. (Logan) Boyd, who died July 20, 1902. leaving four children by our subject : Jonathan \\'., who married Laura Easley and follows farming in South .Macon township; Joseph E.. who married Lulu Shaddock and lives on section 12, Pleasant Mew township; Edwin F., at home with his father, and Mabel, wife of Frederick ^^'eicklein, living on section 13, Pleasant \'ie\v township.

Since attaining his majority, Mr. Brookshier has affiliated with the Democratic party, and he has long been an earnest and consistent member of the Christian church. He has led an upright, honorable and useful life, and he has won the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact either in business or social life. He helped organize and proposed the name of Pleasant View township and was also one of the four men to organize the school district in which he lives.

Samuel Grimm, who is practically living a retired life in Decatur, though to some extent is interested in the real estate business here, came to Macon county on the 17th of INIarch, 1875. His early home was in Pennsylvania, for he was born in York county^ that state, on the 5th of June, 1S56, a son of Joseph and Kate (Sowers) Grimm, who spent their entire lives in York county. By occupation the father was a farmer. The first of the family to come west was our subject's brother, John S. Grimm, who arrived in Macon county, Illinois, in the spring of 1S72, and located on a farm in Hickory Point township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for seven years. At the end of that time he returned to the Key- state and is still residing in York county.

Samuel Grimm received a good practical* education in the common schools of his native county and he also acquired an excellent knowdedge of those duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His brother having previously located in Macon county, Illinois, he too came to this county in ^larch, 1875, 'IS previously stated, and began work here as a farm hand, being employed on several different farms in the vicinity of Forsyth until 1877. That year he rented a farm near the same village in Hickory Point township from the late Charles Ewing, of Decatur, and continued to operate that place for thirteen years.

At the end of that time Mr, Grimm purchased a farm of seventy acres near the village of Boody, where he lived for three vears. and then removed to a farm near La

Mrs. Frederick Kraschel

Place, Illinois, where he lived for two years. He next moved to Elwin, Illinois, where he bought ninetj'-five acres of land, making his home there for three years. On disposing of that property he went to St. Charles comity, Missouri, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres and engaged in its cultivation for two vcars, but in March, 1903. he returned to Illinois and now makes his home in Decatur. Here he has purchased several building lots in the western part of the city and erected houses thereon, which he now rents, deriving therefrom a good income. These are located on W^est Wood and West Macon streets and his own private residence is at No. 1129 the former street.

On the 14th of December, 1881, ^Ir. Grimm was united in marriage to Miss Tempie E. MeCoUoni. who was born in Anna, Illinois, on the 31st of July, i860. Her father, John .McCollom, avIio was a cooper by trade, came to this state at an early day and is now living retired with our subject and his wife. Unto -Mr. and Airs. Grimm were born six children, as follows: Arthur, deceased; Edward, who is employed in the car shops at St. Charles, Missouri ; Cliiiford, a clerk in a shoe store at St. Louis, Missouri; W'illiam, at home with his parents ; Phyllis, deceased : and Doris, at home.

In religious faith both Mr. and Mrs. Grimm are Methodists but have never united with the church at Decatur. Mr. Grimm gives his political sujjport to the men and measures of the Democratic i>arty and lakes an active interest in public affairs, though he has never cared for office. He stands well in business circles, being a man of known reliability, and by his well directed efforts he has acquired a comfortable competence. He started out in life for himself empty-handed and his success is due enlirelv to his own industrv.and gfood

Frederick Kraschel, residing on section '34, South Macon township, is a man whose successful struggle with adverse circumstances shows what can be done by industry and economy, especially if a sensible wife seconds his efforts to secure a home and competence. Starting out in life empty-handed, he was obliged to make his way without any of the aids which are usually considered essential to success, but he steadily worked his way upward and is toda}' the owner of a fine farm.

Mr. Kraschel was born in Germany, January 27, 1842, a son of John and Mary (Schroder) Kraschel. The father spent his entire life in that country and died there about 1848. Our subject was reared and educated in his native land, where he made his home until fourteen years of age. In 1856 his mother, accompanied by her three children, Frederick, John and Sophia, crossed the broad Atlantic with the hope of bettering their financial condition in the new world, and settled in Tonawanda, New York, where our subject and his brother obtained work on farms. The mother also worked out until our subject was married, when she went to live with him, making her home there until her death.

After going to New York in 1856, Mr. Kraschel worked by the month as a farm hand for seven years at as low wages as two dollars per month and then, in 1865, came to Illinois and purchased forty acres of lanfl in Pope county, partially covered with timber. .About this time he was married, in .\i)ril, 1865, to Miss .\nna Sandman, a daughter of Joseph Sandman, and renting his own land he removed to a farm belonging to his wife, it being a part of her father's estate which she had inherited. Here the young couple began their domestic life in an old log house with puncheon floor and large fireplace. The cabin was only sixteen feet square, con- tained but one window and the cracks between the logs were daubed with mud. After residing there for seven years both farms were sold, and 'Sir. and Airs. Kraschel removed to Alacon county in 1870 and rented a farm near Boody. A year later our subject was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, w'ho died June 26, 1871, leaving the following children: Alary, deceased; Joseph, now a resident of California ; Rosa, wife of William Eckhart, a farmer of South Macon township ; Johnnie, who died at the age of five years. Mr. Kraschel was again married January 2, 1874, his second union being with Aliss Nancy Jane Poe, a daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Poe. Five children blessed this union but only three are now living, namely: Melvin, a farmer of South Macon township ; and Ella and Nelson, both at home.

For three years after coming to Macon county, Air. Kreschel operated rented land and then bought eighty acres of raw prairie near Boody, which he tiled, ditched and improved by the erection of a house and barn, making that place his home for twentytwo years. He then purchased a farm of one hundred acres in South Alacon township and in 1897 bought sixty acres more, on which he took up his residence the following year. He has since devoted his energies to the improvement and cultivation of this place, has set out an orchard, built a barn, bored deep wells and erected windpumps. He is quite extensively engaged in the raising of Duroc Jersey hogs and he also feeds some cattle for market.

Coming to the new world without a dollar, Air. Kraschel has made all that he possesses, winning success through his own untiring energy and diligence and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a true helpmate to him. She has labored with him in the fields from early morning until late at night and he gives her credit for much of the success that has crowned their efforts. She never complained under the most trying circumstances and always had a word of encouragement and cheer for her husband at all times. Before she was married she worked out. She chopped wood and fed stock, besides doing the washing and cooking, and sometimes worked in the field at one dollar per week. By his ballot Air. Kraschel supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has filled the offices of road commissioner and school director in a most creditable manner. It was during his term that the first gravel road was made in Wheatland township, and he was one of the grand jurors that tried to indict the mob which hung Bush in Decatur. Fraternally he is a member of Beacon Lodge No. 434, K. P.

Isaac W. Kile

Isaac W. Kile, of Argenta, is practically living a retired life in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves by reason of his industrious efforts of former years. Accomplishment and progress ever imply labor, energy and diligence, and it was these qualities that enabled our subject to rise from the ranks of the many and stand among the successful few. He is now one of the highly respected citizens of Argenta and his long residence in Alacon county and the active part he has taken in its development well entitle him to representation in its history.

A native of Illinois, Air. Kile was born near Todds Point in Shelby county, now Moultrie county, December i, 1840, and is a son of Josiah and Alapy Kile. His father was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1812, and in the fall of 1838 came to Illinois, settling in Shelby county, where for some time he was engaged in farming during the sununer and in teaming to St. Louis in the winter. Later he removed to Piatt count)', this state, and four years later to Macon. He purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Monticello, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his energies during his residence there. He died in 1891.

Isaac W. Kile acquired his early education in the Friends Creek schoolhouse near Alonticello, the little temple of learning being a log structure with slab benches and other primitive furnishings. At the age of twenty years he left the parental roof and worked on a farm at fifteen dollars per month for three months. About this time the Civil war broke out and in response to the president's call for troops, Mr. Kile enlisted Jul)- 25, 1861, in Company A, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel I. C. Pugh. He participated in the battles of Fort Donclson, Shiloh, Hatchic's Run, \'icksburg, Jackson, Cold Water and several other engagements, and being wounded in the shoulder was in the hospital at Mound City for a time. On the expiration of his term of enlistment he was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, in 1864, and returned home.

Mr. Kile then commenced work for others but at the end of one month, he rented a farm in Friends Creek township, Macon county, and turned his attention to its cultivation. In 1868 he jjurchased eightv acres of land, for which he paid twentytwo huniired dollars, and on selling that he bought ninety-two acres in ^^'hitmore township, on which he lived for fifteen years. He then disposed of that property and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Friends Creek township, and is to-day the owner of sixtyfive acres near Argenta and two hundred and twenty-three acres elsewhere in the county. A quarter section of this has been in the Kile family since 1R48. For manv years our subject was actively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and fed nearly all the grain that he raised to his hogs, being quite extensively engaged in stock raising, .\bout 1893 he purchased a house in Argenta, where he has since made his home and although he has practically retired from active labor he has charge of se\'eral farms besides his own. He is a man of excellent business ability, is energetic and reliable, and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

In 1867 .Mr. Kile was united in marriage to .Miss Emma Thomas, of Piatt county, and to them have been born two children : William, who married Rose Miller and is li\ing on the one hundred and si.\ty-acre farm belonging to his father: and Charles, who married Luclla Wilkinson and is engaged in the lumber business in Ivesdale. Mrs. Kile is an earnest member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and is a most estimable lady. Fraternally our subject belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic of Argenta, and politically he is identified with the Democratic party. He has taken quite an active and influential part in the pul)lic affairs of his town, has acceptably filled the ofifiice of justice of the peace, was mayor of Argenta two years and postmaster three years. He made a most capable official and has always been found true to every trust reposed in him whether public or private and has manifested the same loyalty in days of peace as in days of war. All who know him have for him the highest regard and he has many friends throughout his adopted county.

John C. Batchelder

JOHN C. BATCHELDER. mini township has no more progressive or enterprising citizen living within its borders than the gentleman whose name intro- duces this biography. Throughout his active business life he has been identified with the agricultural interests of this locality and is to-day the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 30 and 31, the neat and thrifty appearance of which well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded b}- well tilled fields, and all of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found.

Mr Batchelder was born in Pittsfield, Illinois, January 21, 1861, and was only two years old when brought by his parents, Samuel E. and Sarah ]\Iarilla (Clark) Batchelder, to this county, the family locating in mini township. During his boyhood he pursued his studies in the district schools of his native township, and in 1881 and 1882 was a student in the Normal School at Bloomfield, Iowa, where he took, a course in commercial banking and general business. On completing his education he returned to his father's farm, where he remained until 1888, when he removed to the north half of the southeast quarter of section 30, mini township, and commenced farming on his own account. To the cultivation and improvement of that place he devoted his attention until 1893, when he took up his abode upon his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres. Besides this property he owns an eighty-acre tract in Custer county, Nebraska. He has remodeled the barn upon his home farm, making it fifty-four by sixty feet in dimensions and with accommodations for sixty head of cattle. He also has stable room for sixteen horses and a large mow above. The cattle business claims much of his time and he usually keeps on hand three carloads. He buys his stock in Kansas City and after fattening them ships them to the Chicago markets. He also ships the hogs which he raises to that city. In the operation of his land 'Mr. Batchelder uses the latest improved machinery and everything about his farm is thoroughly up-to-date and convenient. He has a fine system of water works, which supplies both his house and his barn with water, and the former also has hot water pipes. The residence is heated by a furnace and an acetjdene gas system furnishes the light, there being twentyseven jets throughout the house. Upon the place there is also the tenant's house, and two sets of farm buildings, besides a scale house, stockpens, etc. A mill, operated by a gasoline engine grinds the feed for both J. A. Brown's and Mr. Batchelder's stock. Mr. Brown is a brOther-in-law of our subject and lives a quarter of a mile north. The farm is laid out into fields of convenient size and a grove of hard maple and walnut trees add greatly to the beauty of the place,, which is considered one of the best improved and most desirable farms in the county. Mr. Batchelder was the first man in mini township to put a telephone into his house, although there is scarcely a residence without one at the present time.

On the 22d of February, 1888, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Susan L. Harper, a daughter of Lucien and Ruth Esther (Kenney) Harper, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire and the former was of Irish and Scotch descent and the latter of English and Scotch. For many years Mr. Harper was a merchant of Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he died in 1865, his remains being interred in a cemetery at Derry, New Hampshire. His father was a very prominent man in early days and was a member of congress in 181 1. Among her most cherished possessions Mrs. Batchelder lias some old letters written by her grandfather at that time, and has a yard stick which her father used in his store. She is a cousin of Marcia Emery, a poetess of some note now living in Boston. Mrs. Batchelder is the only child born to her parents. Her primary education was obtained in district schools, and later she was a student in the city schools of Georgetown, Colorado, and Martinez, California, and at the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, where she pursued a literary course and made a special study of music. Becoming quite proficient in that art she successfully engaged in teaching music in lllini township for three or four years and is now organist of the Congregational church there, to which she and her husband belong, the latter being a member of the choir. He, too, is a musician of considerable ability and has been leader of a band, which he made a credit to his work. They had three children: Rulh Esther, who was born February 2, 1890, and died at the age of one month; Ina Lorette, born January 28, 1892; and Milton Harper, March 2y, 1894. Both are now in school, where for the past four years the daughter has missed only three days and the son none. The former now devotes considerable attention to vocal music.

Mr. Batchelder is a supporter of the Republican party and its principles and he is an honored member of Summit Lodge, No. 431, F. & A. M., at Harristown, of which he is now worshipful master. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive and he occupies an enviable position in the esteem of his fellow men. His pleasant, genial manner makes him many friends and he stands high both in business and social circles.

Henry Jostes

HENRY JOSTES. One of the leading citizens of Macon who has laid aside all business cares and is now living retired at his beautiful home in tiiat village is Henry Jostes. Although an adopted son of America his loyalty is above question and was manifest by his service in the civil war. He was born in Germany April 8, 1840, a son of William F. and Catherine Jostes, who came to this country in 1870 but were not long permitted to enjoy their new home as the mother died soon after her arrival here and the father passed away in 1877 when about seventy-seven years of age. Of the nine children born to them only our subject and his sister, Amelia, are now living, the latter being the wife of John Rahler, a farmer of Shelby county, Illinois.

Henry Jostes preceded his parents to the new world, landing here in 1857. He commenced wurk on a farm in Macon count v, Illinois, where the town of Boody now stands and continued to be employed by the month as a farm hand until the Civil war broke out. Feeling that his adopted country needed his services, he laid aside all personal interests and enlisted in July, 1861, in Company E, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned first to the Sixteenth Army Corps and later to the Seventeenth and was under the command of Generals McPherson and Sherman. He reinained at the front for three years and i)articipated in the battle of Fort Donelson, the sieges, of Corinth and Vicksburg, the battle of Hatchie's Run and many other important engagements. When his term of enlistment expired he was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois, in August, 1864, and returned home with a military record of which he may be justly proud. He was always found at his post of duty, valiantly defending the stars and stripes and the cause they represented.

Soon after his return from the army Mr. Jostes was married January 12, 1865, to Miss Julia Shoop. who was born in Pennsylvania, March 3, 1843, and was four years old when she came to Macon county, Illinois, with her parents, Daniel and Lena (Yoder) Shoop. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in 1854, and her mother long survived him, passing away in 1888, at the age of sixty-one years. Mrs.

Jostes has two sisters living: Mrs. Matilda Snider, whose husband is a farmer near Sterling, Illinois ; and Mrs. Rosa Moss, whose husband followed farming near Blue Mound, this county. Here Mrs. Jostes was reared and received her education in an old log school house in Blue ^Nlound township, it being furnished in a primitive manner, heated b}' a large fireplace and lighted by greased paper windows.

The children born to our subject and his wife are as follows: Emma, now the wife of William Fedderman, who follows farming near Moweaqua ; Agnes, who died in infancy; William, a farmer of Pleasant View township ; Mary, wife of Richard Dorsey, a farmer of Pleasant View township ; Frederick, who is engaged in the stock business on a ranch in Grant county, Nebraska; Benjamin, who is with his brother in Nebraska ; Lena, wife of Frank Phillips, a tinner of Blue Mound, Illinois ; and Lillie and Effie, both at home. The sons, William and Frederick, are graduates of Brown's Business College of Decatur, and all of the children have been given good common school advantages.

After his marriage Mr. Jostes located in Blue Mound township, where he purchased forty acres of wild prairie land, which he tiled and drained, transforming it into a good farm. Two years later he bought another forty acre tract and kept adding to his property from time to time as his financial resources increased until he now has three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land in Blue Mound township. His first home was a log cabin, twelve by fourteen feet in dimensions, to which he made an addition after residing there for three years. Still later this home was replaced by a nice two story frame residence, and he also built a good barn and other outbuildings. He continued to actively engage in the operation of his land until 1896, when he removed to Alacon and bought a lovely

Mr. Jostes was formerly a member of the Grand Army Post at Blue Mound, but is now connected with the one at ]\Iacon, and by his ballot supports the men and measures of the Republican party. For eleven years he filled the office of school director and has ever taken a deep and commendable interest in those enterprises calculated to advance the welfare of his town and county. His wife and daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in its work and give liberally toward its support. As a young man he came to the United States and without capital started out in a strange land to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in the path to prosperity. His youthful dreams have been more than realized and he is now the possessor of a comfortable home and competence which enables him to live in ease and retirement.

H. H. Brown

H. H. BROWN. The middle portion of the nineteenth centur)- may properly be termed the age of utility, especially in the west. The vast region known as the upper Mississippi valley was but then opened up to civilizationand the honored pioneers, who found homesin this fertile but undeveloped region, were men who had to contend with the trials and difficulties of frontier life. Immediately following those who claimed the wild land and began the work of civilization here by developing farms, came another class who were soon as active factors in commercial and industrial life. It is to the latter class that Henry H. Brown belonged and central Illinois has largely profited by his labors. It is encouraging and interesting to note that many of the residents who came to Illi- nois empty-handed worked their way upward from humble financial position to a position of afiluence ; that as the years passed and the country improved, prosperity attended their efforts and wealth rewarded their earnest endeavors. The career of Mr. Brown proved his capability in business circles and at the same time demonstrated the honor and integrity which were crowning points in his life record.

Hcnr)- H. Brown was born in Pottsdam, St. Lawrence county. New York, August ID, 1820. His early life was spent in the vicinity of his native home. He was inclined to be studious in his boyhood days and at an early age he was admitted to the academy in Pottsdam, New YorL, where he pursued his studies for four years and was then graduated with honors from that institution. While yet a young man he came to the middle west, settling first in St. Louis. There he followed various pursuits in most of which he prospered. On leaving that city he took up his abode in Springfield, Illinois, where he engaged in general merchandising, forming a partnership with Mr. Wright under the firm name of Wright & Brown. Theirs became one of the largest and leading commercial houses of central Illinois. It was in 1862 that Mr. Brown retired from this line of business and removed to Decatur. After remaining here but a short time he became interested with the late Franklin Priest in several enterprises. His life work was of decided advantage to this locality. He was successful in nearly every undertaking to which his attention was given throughout his active business career. After remaining in Decatur for a few years he became identified with .\. Ruth & Company as proprietor of a large dry-goods house, which was conducted along legitimate and progressive business lines and was prosperous. After a few years, however, Mr. Brown retired from this concern and was elected to the office of tax collector, and was also county collector, acting in that capacity for a period of eight years. At the end of his last term he was appointed a deputy sheriff" under the late ex-Sheriff' Fostmeyer.

In 1878 Mr. Brown organized the II. H. Brown Manufacturing Company, which began the manufacture of gasoline stoves and at one time did a very extensive and profitable business, the trade reaching mammoth proportions. In 1893 the company was incorporated and Mr. Brown was elected its president, holding that position up to the time of his death. Although he retired from the active management of the business about four years prior to his demise he allowed his capital to remain in the enterprise and did not withdraw the use and infiuence of his name. He was also the inventor of a steel device used to fasten down the corners of burial caskets. It is now extensively utilized throughout the country and is manufactured and marketed by the company in Decatur at the present time.

On Christmas day of 1847, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brown and Julia S. Brown, the ceremony taking place at the residence of the bride's parents in Springfield. The widow and one son, Charles H. Brown, now survive the husband and father. His deepest interests centered in his home, which was to him his castle. He was a man of modest and retiring disposition, but his family and friends found him a most companionable and genial gentleman, always considerate of the feelings of others and with generous deference for the opinions of others. As a citizen, too, he was considerate of men of sterling worth and his many excellent traits of character gained for him the warm regard of all wiUi whom he was associated. TT(Tlding membership in the Univcrsalist clnirch, he took an active part in its work, regularly attended its services and contributed liberally to its financial support. Through the whole course of his career the prime moving spirit that prompted all of his actions seems to have been improxfnieiii and ad\anccment. The idea of leaving whatever he touched better than he found it was always dominant with him. He was a man of true character, whose record nuist be studied carefully to be rightly understood because he was never ostentatious in anything that he did. In all his views, political, religious and social, he was broad gauged and liberal. He was a luan of action rather than of thought and while others might argue and debate he went to work and demonstrated.

Charles H. Brown

CHARLES H. BROWN. Well known in the business circles of Decatur Charles H. Brown has been an active factor in controlling interests which have become of value in promoting the industrial and commercial activity of this city. He is a native of Springfield, Illinois, born on the nth of May, 1852. His parents were Henry H. and Julia S. (Brown) Brown. In the public schools of Decatur and Chicago he acquired his education and early m life he became a railroad employe. He is to-day one of the oldest railroad men living in this city. Pie was connected w'th the engineering corps that made the original survey on the Decatur & State Line road, now a part of the Wabash system, this work being executed in 1870. In 1871 he was employed as ticket agent in Decatur for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, serving in that position for two years. Subsequently he acted as agent for the Paris & Decatur road, now a part of the Vandalia line, from 1873 until 1876 and in the latter year he entered the service of the Wabash Railroad Company as ticket agent at Decatur, continuously serving until 1891, when he resigned. His connection with railroad interests was of long duration and alv/ays I if ilie most honorable character. He was so loyal to the trust reposed in him that the corporations which he served entertained for him the highest regard and re- ])osed in him the most unqualified confidence. As ticket agent he was always obliging and courteous to the patrons of the road and he won many friends through the possession of these estimable qualities. On resigning he became general manager of the P>rovvn Manufacturing Company and is now also its secretary. One of the features of this company is the manufacture of a device for dehorning cattle, the invention being in use extensively in the United States and is largely exported to the wholesale trade in foreign countries, including Africa, New Zealand, Holland, Cuba and South America and throughout the cattle countries of the world. Mr. Brown was also president of the Robinson Manufacturing Company during its existence in Decatur and was vice president of the Savings & Loan Association for many years.

In 1873 occurred the marriage of Charles H. Brown and Miss ^lary A. Ellis, who died in 1883, leaving two sons. The elder is William E. Brown, now the president of the Brown Manufacturing Company. He maintains his residence, however, in Chicago and is in the employ of the National Casket Company. He is an expert engraver and designer. Roy H. Brown, the younger son, is an arti.st and illustrator in oils of enviable reputation. He studied in Decatur and later in the Art League of New York and was with Jean Monheim of Paris. He is now a member of the Art League of New York and was one of the exhibitors in the Art Institute of Chicago in December, 1899. his oil painting Cranberry Bog receiving special attention and commendation.

nity and in his life has exenipliticil the beneficent spirit of the craft. He belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. Al.; Macon Chapter, No. 21. R. A. M.; Decatur Council, No. 16, R. & S. -M.; and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He is a man of much force of character and strong individuality and his pleasant, social manner has won him a host of warm friends.

On the list of charter members of the Macon County Medical Society is the name of Dr. Josiah Brown. Dr. Brown was born at Whitby, Canada, August 24, 1827. He was a son of Abraiii and Bathsheba Brown, who were Quakers from New England. Dr. Brown attended school in Canada and at Wilson, New York. As a child, he desired to become a physician and always studied with that end in view. His father died when Josiah was but iweKe }cars old, leaving a small estate to be divided among a large family. With this little assistance, and i)y dint of energy and liard work, and by teaching school for a time he was able to enter the Augusta, Georgia, Medical College, then one of the best schools in the country. At the end of the course he was graduated and began the practice of medicine at Ciaylesville, Alabama. It was at this place that he married .Miss Sarah F. Brown. Together they moved to Maroa, Illinois, where Ihey lived about two years. In 1859 they located at Decatur, making this city their permanent home.

TJieir first two children died in infancy. A daughter, Minnie S., died in February, 1881, at the age of eighteen years. A son. Dr. Warren Brown, is a practicing physician of Tacoma, Washington. Another son, Dr. Everett J. Brown, is a worthy successor of his father at Decatur. Still another son. Frederick A. I'.rown. is practicing law in Chicago.

Dr. Josiah Brown died May 6, 1889, at his home 665 I'rairie axenue, Decatur, Illinois, where his wife aiul daughter, Mrs. Charles R. Murphy, still reside. Dr. Brown was a member of the Masonic Lodge. In politics he was a Republican. In religion he was a Presbyterian and was a member of that church for more than twenty-five years.

r>\- those who knew him best he will e\-er be remembered as a cordial, true friend ; an able and successful ])hysician. sound in his judgment and correct in diagnosis, a keen observer and a good adviser. He was strictly temperate and always maintained a high standard of right.

Frank R. Goode

FRANK R. GOODE. This is an age of improvement and invention and America is the exponent of the spirit of the age. No country has kept apace with the United States in its inventions of a utilitarian character, American citizens having given to the world many products which have been of the greatest value in business life. Frank R. Goode is an inventor whose career has been eventful and who is a self-made man. One of Illinois" native sons he was born in Taylorville, Christian county, on the 12th of February, 1873, and is a son of Francis and Margaret (A lay) Goode, both of whom were natives of this state. The father died in the year 1887, when sixty years of age. He had devoted his entire life to stock-raising and was also an auctioneer for several years. In politics he was a prominent and influential Democrat, who held a number of offices, serving both as sheriflf and deputy .sheriff in Christian county. As a citizen he was enterprising and public spirited, as a business man, active and energetic, and thus in his life record are many elements worthy of emulation. His widow still survives him and is now living at 129 North Church street in Decatur. The Goodes came originally from Pennsylvania and James Goode, an uncle of our subject, is now the oldest living representative of the family. He has reached the advanced age of eight3--nine years and makes his home in Springfield, Illinois. He is the oldest living settler of Sangamon county, and the Old Settlers' Association presented him with a pair of gold glasses in 1900, and a gold headed cane in 1901. He has never been ill a da\- in his life, and has never used tobacco or intoxicants in any form.

;\Irs. Goode, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of the late Dr. Francis May, who began his career as a physician in 1847 and continued in active practice until his death, which occurred in Decatur in 1885.