Decatur Township (part 19 of 46)

After spending the first eleven years of his life in his native state Jones IMalone accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois. This state was at that time an almost unbroken wilderness, wolves and deer were fre- (|ueml\- seen and all kinds of wild game was plentiful. Our subject was the oldest in his father's family and received but a limited education in the subscription schools. After livin"' for some \ears in Perrv countv. he re- inovod to Washington county, where he was engaged in farming for seven years, and about the close of the Civil war he came to Macon county, locating upon his present farm of section 8, Whitmore townshi]). The unbroken prairie stretched for miles around him and nnich of the land was under water, it having to be thoroughlv tiled and drained before fit for cultivation. He paid thirty dollars per acre for his property, which is to-day worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre owing to the rise in land values and the many improvements he has placed thereon.

In Perry county, Mr. Malone was married in 1845 to Miss Nancy Huggins, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, December 6, 1828. Her parents were Patrick and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Huggins, who were natives of Pennsylvania and died of cholera on the same day in .\ugust, 1833, leaving eight children. After their deaths Mrs. Malone was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Mary Walker, who was her mother's sister and with win mi she remained until her sixteenth year. She then lived with her second oldest sister, Mrs. Rebecca Lard, until her marriage. Her father w^as a prominent and prosperous farmer and left to each of his children forty acres of land. Seven children, six daughters and one son, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Malone, namely : Mrs. .^ddie Cronce, a resident of Washington: Mrs. Jennie M\rl, nnw dcceased : Mrs. Margaret 1'". liishop, of Maroa; Mrs. Mary Wilson, of ( )lney, Illinois; Ephraim, who is married .-uid li\iiig in I lickcry Point township, this comity: Emma, at home; and Mrs. Eva Belle Harris, who was married in September, 1903, and resides in Perry county, Illinois, (^ur subject and his wife have eleven grandchildren.

In religious faith .Mr. Malone is a Baptist, and in politics he is a stalwart Deiuocrat. He is thoroughly familiar with ])ionccr conditions and in common with the other tnembers of his father's family he endured all the hardships and privations of frontier life. He has used the scythe and cradle in the harvest fields long before reapers were invented and he has plowed with an old wooden mold board. While lixing in Perry county he made the first gang plow invented in the state but the patent was stolen from liim. It was constructed for the purpose of both plowing and harrowing. Mr. .Malone has broken luany an acre of prairie with an ox-team and has materially aided in the development and improvement of this state. He has assistetl in molding laliow candles and also some made out of beeswa.x. The early settlers fotmd many a bee tree in the woods and honey was so plentiful that it often sold for twenty-five cents a gallon. Fires were then lighted by means of flint and tow, as the friction matches had not come into use. On coming to Illinois Mr. Malone made the journey on horseback across the prairies, passing few settlements, and he was several weeks on the road. He can relate many interesting incidents of those early da>s and he well deserves prominent mention on the roll of Illinois' honored pioneers and representative citizens.

There has been a wonderful developiuent in life insurance business in recent years and its value as an institution is now universally re'eognized and tliere has certainly been no one line of business that has proven of more general benefit than this. John 1'".. Xichf)ls is to-day occupying a prominent position in insurance circles as manager for the Manhattan Ct)mpany, his territory covering the entire state of Illinois outside of Chicago.

Mr. Nichols has been one of Decatur's native sons and his popularity is well known among friends with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood. He was born in this city, August 23, 1863, and is a son of Charles and .Alzina (I'raden) Nichols. The father was a native of Rochester. New York, and in the year 1858, leaving the east, became a resident of Decatur. He was employed by the government to purchase horses and he also engaged in general farming in Decatur township. In 1885 he went to Nebraska, locating in Box, Butte county, and was there a prominent and influential citizen. He served as county judge during his residence there and was also postmaster under President Cleveland's first administration. He belonged to Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., while in Decatur, becoming one of the charter members of that organization and in his life exemplified its beneficent spirit. His death occurred on the 30th of January, 1898, and his wife passed away in 1863. She was a daughter of J. Y. and Laura (Hunting) Braden. The mother was a native of Vermont and of New England ancestry,' while the father was born in Tennessee. Mr. Braden became one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county, Illinois, and ably assisted in the early work of development and improvement here.

John E. Nichols, the only child born unto his parents, acquired his early education in the public and subscription schools of Rockport, Illinois, and later attended the commercial college in St. Joseph, Missouri. Subsequently he engaged in teaching school for a period of ten years, following the profession in Macon and Piatt counties from 1880 until 1890. As an educator he met with success, for he was zealous and interested in his work and had the ability to impart with readiness and clearness to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1890, however, he abandoned the schoolroom in order to become solicitor for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company and for nine years following continued to devote his energies to that branch of the business. His success from the start won him distinction and gained him the confidence of the company. With the exception of four years spent in Chicago his eflforts have always been confined to Decatur and vicinity. In recognition of his capability and the excellent work which he had done for the company, he was promoted on the 8th of May, 1899, to the position of manager and established his headquarters in his native city, having charge of the entire business of the Manhattan Company for the state of Illinois outside of Chicago. He thoroughly understands the multiplicity of duties connected with such an undertaking and keeps in touch with every detail of the business as well as its major points. Mr. Nichols was married November 28, 1889, to Bertie E. Sutton, a daughter of T. L. and Elizabeth Sutton, of Pike county, Illinois. They have four daughters : Ollie Fay, Mae, Hazel E. and Mvian. Mr. Nichols is a member of Cisco Lodge No. 599, I. O. O. F. He was reared in the faith of the Democracy and continued to give his support to the party until the nomination of W. J. Bryan upon a free silver platform. As his views were not in harmony with the principles of the party organization at that time he became an advocate of the Republican party and has since voted its ticket. In his political views he is independent, voting for the measures which he believes to be for the best interest of the city, state, and nation. He is a man well liked wherever known and most liked where best known and the fact that his stanchest friends are numbered among those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood is an indication that his career has ever been an honorable

Arthur D. Brewer

ARTHUR D. BREWER. Arthur D. Brewer, a photographer of Decatur, was born in the neighboring state of Wisconsin, the place of his nativity being ihe city of .\ppleton, and the date July 9, 1876. He is a son of John and Jemima (Inman) Brewer. He obtained his education in the public schools, continuing his studies until he had completed the high school course. He spent his boyhood days in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and at the age of fif- teen years lie became iiileresled in photography, securing a situation in the gallery of Simon Mould, where he remained for seven years, mastering the business both in principle and detail, and becoming cpiite expert in the art of taking pictures. At the end of that time he went to Chicago, where he filled positions in some of the leading photographic studios of that city during a period of five years. In May, 1900, he arrived in Decatur and opened his present gallery, in which he is now doing a high grade of work, being recognized as one of the capable and successful photographic artists here.

On August 30, 1902, Air. Brewer was married to Miss Laura K. Wright, of Decatur, and they lia\'e a large circle of friends and accpiaintances in this city, where their own home is noted for its gracious hospitality.

Joseph Spangler

JOSEPH SPANGLER. No man was better known in Macon county in the period of its early development than was Joseph Spangler, who settled here in 1834. The conditions which prevailed at that time are within the memory of few men of the present. The Indians were numerous in the count\' at that time, the lands were unclaimed and uncultivated and the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. It remained to such intrepid pioneers as Joseph Spangler to reclaiin this district for the uses of the white race and to plant here the seeds of advancement and development that have ripened with time and have made Macon county one of the most important in this great commonwealth, .\fter residing here for a short time lie removed to Springfield, Illinois, in order that he might afford his sons better business opportunities, but after six months he returned and settled near the village of Oreana in Whitmore township, where he entered land from the government at the usual price of a

Mr. Spangler was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born January 14, 1788. 1 lis parents were natives of Germany, and at an early day came to .\merica, first settling in York county, Pennsylvania, whence they afterward went to Cumberland county, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. His wife also passed away there.

The educational privileges of Joseph Spangler were extremely limited. He was but thirteen years of age at the time of his father's death and soon afterward he began to learn the miller's trade, which he followed in his native county for several years. He then removed to York county, Pennsylvania, where he entered into partnership with a Mr. Ernst in the establishment and conduct of a mill. They engaged in grinding flour and meal for several years and also carried on a distillery there.

While living in York county Mr. Spangler was first married and a number of years afterward he sold his mill and distillery and started for the west with the idea of establishing his home in ()hio. He was not pleased with that state, however, on account of the heavy growth of timber there and accordingly returned to York county, Pennyslvania, where he continued to reside for a year longer. During that year he sent his oldest son back to the west to look for a location and the son reported favorably upon Macon county and its prospects, writing for the father to join him here. Accordingly in the year 1834 Joseph Spangler arrived. He entered land from the government in dififerent townships and finally entered three hundred and twenty acres on the .Sangamon river in Whitmore township, where he built what is still known as the old Spangler mill. There he engaged in the milling business and also in farming. There was no market here for grain at that time and he had to haul his wheat to Chicago. Throughout his remaining days he engaged in general farming and milling and was one of the early and prominent representatives of trade relations in Alacon county.

As before stated Joseph Spangler was married in York county, Pennsylvania, the lady of his choice being Miss Barbara Bentsley, who was born in the Keystone state, but died in Macon county. They were the parents of nine children : Betsey Elizabeth, Polly Alary, Jacob, John, Susan, Joseph, Felix, and Daniel, all now deceased ; and Eliza, the widow of D. Daniels, who now resides on a farm five miles east of Decatur. Mr. Spangler's second marriage was celebrated in Macon county, at W'hich time Miss Elizabeth Zerger became his wife. She w-as a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born August 27, 1828, and a daughter of John and Polly (Ferringer) Zerger, both of whom were natives of York county, where her father engaged in the distilling business and also in the conduct of a farm. In 1839 li^ made his way westward by the river route and settled in Macon county near the village of Oreana, where he continued to engage in the tilling of the soil until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife also passed away there. They had seven children, five of whom are living: Elizabeth, Andrew, Ann, Mary, and John. Caroline and Mary Ann are both deceased. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Spangler : Lydia, the wife of William Strong, who is engaged in the poultry business in Missouri ; Hattie, who died at the age of seven years ; Caroline, the deceased wife of Thomas Daniels ; and Frank, who is residing with his mother and superintends the farm.

Mr. Spangler died on the 17th of February, 1862, and thus passed away one of the valued pioneer settlers, whose efforts were very helpful in the early work of the county as it emerged irom pioneer conditions. On several occasions his friends desired him to become a candidate for office, but he alwavs refused.

His vote was usually given to the Democratic party, but he took no active part in political affairs. He and his wife were at one time members of the Universalist church of Decatur, but ]\Irs. Spangler now attends the Christian church. Mr. Spangler was a very successful business man and became well-todo. Prior to his death he told his wife to select her future home and she decided upon her present location in Decatur, which he purchased for her. She resides at the east edge of tlie city where she has a good residence on Wood street, standing on a high hill and commanding an excellent view of the surrounding country. She there owns fifty acres of valuable land and she and her son Frank are carrying on farming. 'Sir. Spangler was a man of strong character and marked individuality and firm purpose and such qualities are valuable in the pioneer who braves the hardships and dangers of life on the frontier in order to establish a home in a new countrv.

Frank P. Lehman

FRANK P. LEHMAN. Frank P. Lehman, who for many years was an active representative of business interests in Decatur, but is now living retired, was born in Clark county, Ohio, on the 31st of December, 1853, the third in order of birth in the family of Peter F. and Mary Jane (Alvin) Lehman. The father was born August 19, 1826, and was of German descent, while his wife was born September 14, 1828, and came of an old American family. His death occurred April 19, 1883, when he was but fiftyseven years of age. In the family were eight children, all of whom reached mature years, while seven are yet living. The eldest, George W .. is married and now lives in Decatur; J. H. is married and resides in Hickory Point township, Macon county : Mary Elizabeth has passed away : Ida L. is the wife of James B. Good, now general manager for the Decatur Lumber Company ; Emma is the wife of

The other memher of the Lehman family is Frank P. Lehman of this review, who in the district schools acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in Eastman's Ihisiness College at Poughkeepsie, New York, in which he was a graduate in the class of 1878. After his return home he became connected with his father in general farming pursuits in Hickory Point township, the family having removed to Macon county in the spring of 1865. Mr. Lehman. Sr., continued to engage in farming until about 1881, when on account of ill health he removed to the city of Decatur and there passed away two years later. Frank P. Lehman had come to this city on the 3d of Uecenibcr. 1878, and he accepted a position as bookkeeper and general clerk with Read Spencer, agent, with whom he remained for about two years in those capacities. The co-operative company then sold out to the Deere & Mansur Company of Moline, with whom Mr. Lehman remained two years. At the end of that time he was admitted to a jKirtnership in an implement and farm machinery business under the firm style of Spencer, Lehman & Company, and later the business was incorporated under the name of the Spencer & Lehman Company. Afterward Mr. Spencer and Mr. Lehman purchased the interest of the other stockholders and the firm style of Spencer & Lehman was then assumed and was continued until June, igoi, when our subject sold his interest and retired from business. When he left the farm he expected to remain with Mr. Spencer for only a brief period, merely to assist him with his accounts, but the connection was continued for twenty-three consecutive years, the relation being mutually pleasant and profitable. They worked together in most harmonious connection, the labors and efforts of the one supplementing the energy and activity of the other so that the firm was a strong combination, taking an active and important place in business circles. For years they enjoyed an extensive patronage which continually added to their income and with a handsome competence Mr. Lehman retired to private life. He had invested his earnings in lands and he now enjoys the financial return from eleven hundred and sixty-five acres of choice farming and rice land, a part of which is yet uncultivated. Llis farming lands are distributed in Pocahontas county, Iowa, near the village of Rolfe, and in TL^milton county, Iowa, near Webster City, while his rice lands are located in Louisiana. He has lived a Hfe of industry, thrift and enterprise and well deserves the rest which is now vouchsafed to him. He resides on the ol<l family home which was deeded to his mother as long as she lives and which is a comfortable residence at No. 557 West Wood street. His business record is commendable and in the city where he has so long resided and where his history is familiar to his fellowtownsmen he is held in the highest regard and esteem, a fact which indicates that his has been an upright and honorable career.

Joshua Green

For almost forty years this gentleman has been a resident of Macon county, his home being on section 31, Whitmore township, and he has therefore witnessed much of the growth and improvement of this section of the state, seeing the wild lands transformed into fine farms, villages and cities spring up, and all of the conveniences of the twcntictli century introduced.

Mr. Green was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 3d of October. 1826. a son of Thomas and Sally (Wilson) Green, prominent farming pepple who lived and died in England. In their family were eight children, four of whom are now deceased, namely : Mary, William. Charles and George. Those still living are Mrs. Sarah Hughes, now eighty-five years of age, whose home is between Chester and

Liverpool, England; Joshua, of this review; Ann, wife of John C. Dodson, of Christian county, Illinois ; and Mrs. Emma Bailey, who lives in the state of Washington. On the 8th of May, 1903, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Dodson celebrated their golden wedding and among those present our subject and his wife were the bnh" ones who had attended their wedding. Mr. Dodson is a brother of our subject's wife..

Joshua Green was reared upon a farm and was educated in the parish of Roystone. He continued to make his home in his native land until about twenty-four years of age, when he decided to try his fortune in America. Accordingly on the 5th of May, 1850, he took passage on the Isaac Wright, a sailing vessel in command of Captain Peabody, and landed in New York on the 1st of July after about two months spent upon the water. From that city he went to Philadelphia and shortly afterward came west to Illinois, locating first in Greene county, where he worked for two years at ten dollars per month. In the meantime he had purchased about three hundred acres of land, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his time and energies until 1854. He then removed to Christian county and bought three hundred acres of land at the government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. This was all wild prairie and he broke the land with five yoke of oxen and made many improvements thereon. He rented a house in the edge of the timber and continued a resident of Christian county for ten years, Springfield being his trading point.

Selling his farm in 1864, at twenty-six dollars per acre, JMr. Green came to Macon county and purchased two hundred acres of land on section 31, Whitmore township, at thirty dollars per acre. He has since tiled and drained the tract and placed it under a high state of cultivation. Upon the place is a good brick residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the owner to be a man of progressive ideas and good business ability, as well as a good practical farmer. His front yard is shaded by beautiful soft maple trees, which were raised from seed which he brought in his pocket from Christian county. He now rents his land and is living retired upon his farm, enjoying a well earned rest.

On the loth of October, 1854, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Dodson, who was born near Carrollton in Greene county, Illinois, June 19, 1837, and is a daughter of Thomas and Prudence (Robins) Dodson, natives of England and North Carolina, respectively. Her paternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth Dodson, the former of whom lived to be eighty-five years of age and the latter ninety-two. They had six sons: Thomas, John, Charles, Peter, Christopher, and W'illiam, all of whom emigrated from England and settled in Greene county, Illinois, before the admission of the state to the Union. Mrs. Green's father died in 1846 and her mother, who survived him for some years, passed away at the home of our subject in 1864. She was a great weaver and her skill in that direction is shown in a number of coverlets now in the possession of her daughter. Of the six children constituting the Dodson family only two are now living, these being John C, previously mentioned, and Mrs. Green. Our subject and his wife have two sons: Edward, who married Mrs. Mary (Eckert) Hiser; and Charles W., who married Carrie Renshaw and has one son, Walter J. Both are residents of Whitmore township.

'Sir. and Mrs. Green are familiar with many pioneer experiences and can relate many interesting incidents of frontier life. During her girlhood Mrs. Green often assisted in molding the tallow candle used in lighting the house and performed other duties which are entirely unfamiliar to the girls of the present

such as spinning and weaving. She is a strong Prohibitionist and was the first woman in her township to cast a vote. Mr. Green is independent in pohtics and has been called upon to fill a number of positions of honor and trust. He was made enrolling officer at the time of the draft during the Civil war; has served as county supervisor four terms; assessor many years; and highway commissioner. He was also justice of the peace in Christian county one term and has filled the offices of school trustee and school treasurer, serving in the latter capacity for thirty consecutive years. He was one of the charter members of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company and is now secretary of the same. His official duties have been most faithfully and conscientiously discharged and no trust reposed in him was ever misplaced. He helped to district Whitmore township and has been prominently identified with its development and prosperity, doing all in his power to advance its interests along material, social and moral lines. In early days he assisted in locating several roads in this part of the state and in improving the same. Both j\lr. and Mrs. Green are people of literary tastes and have a complete library, of which they make good use. They are members of the Old Settlers' Association and the Patrons of Husbandry and it is safe to say that no couple in their conmiunity is held in higher regard or has more warm friends. In their home they have a number of interesting relics which they prize very highly, including a candlestick, which belonged to Mr. Green's grandfather and dates back to 1730, and a decanter which is about as old. Besides these Mrs. Green has a splendid collection of valuable relics which belonged to her ancestors. She recently received two solid gold spoons intended as presents for their golden wedding to be celebrated October 10, 1904. One of these, which was sent by her sister, Mrs. Hughes, is of the carnation pattern and a facsimile of the spoon used in anointintr King Ivhvard VII.

Decatur has been the home and scene of labor of many men who have not only led lives that should serve as an example to those who come after them, but have also been of important service to their city and county through various avenues of usefulness. Among them must be named .Martin P. Murphey, who passed away on the J4th of June, 1896, after a life of industry, and rich in those rare possessions which only a high character can give.

Mr. Alurphcy was born in Warren county, Indiana, I\larch 3, 1832, a son of John J. and Ursilla (Mauzy) Murphey, who were both natives of Kentucky and removed thence to the Hoosier state. During his boyhood and youth Mr. IMurphey of this review received a very good education in the schools of New Paris, Ohio. Coming to Illinois in 1858, he located in Decatur, where he continued to make his home until called to the world beyond. He began business here as a clock agent, selling clocks throughout the surrounding country, and later he was with a lightning rod firm for a few years, tie gave up his position as agent on being appointed deputy under SherilT Wheeler, and besides filling that office he also served as constable for a few years. He served as deputy under four different sheriffs. During the Civil war he enrolled the county for the draft, performing that difficult undertaking very satisfactorily. On his retirement from office he began speculating in land and also in loaning money. This business he carried on for several years with excellent success, but finally on account of ill health he retired, his remaining dav'S being spent in ease and f|uict.

On^thc 9th of .\pril, 1863, Mr. Murphey was united in marriage to Miss Mary P. W'vkc'l. a native of Macon county and a daughter of Joseph D. and Margaret Wykel, who came to this county at a very early (lav and settled on a farm in Decatur town- ship, where the father engaged in farming for several years. He then retired from active lal)or and remoxed to the city of Decatur, purchasing a residence on South Main street, where he and his wife resided until their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Murphey became the jiarents of four children, namely: Minnie L., wife of J. J. jMcDonald, a resident of New York city; John L., a traveling salesman who resides with his mother in Decatur; Joseph ^I., also a traveling salesman, who married P^lla Pike and lives in Decatur ; and Margaret Elizabeth, deceased wife of Charles B. Ogle, who is now traveling passenger agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

Mr. Murphe}- always took a very active part in politics and was formerly a Republican, but when the temperance movement became an important issue in American politics he joined the Prohibition party, though he afterward supported the Republican ticket again at presidential elections. Both he and his wife were earnest and faithful members of the Central Church of Christ of Decatur, and there was no one in the city who took more interest in church and temperance work than he. He assisted in building all the churches of Decatur and gave liberally to any enterprise which he believed would prove of pidilic benefit. For many years he labored with all the strength of a great nature and all the earnestness of a true heart for the bettering of the world about him ; and when he was called to the rest and reward of the higher world his best monument was found in the love and respect of the community in which he lived for so many years. Throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness, his duties were performed with the greatest care and his personal honor and integrity were without blemish.

a lady of many excellent traits of character which have endeared her to all with whom she has been brought in contact, and she and her family occupy a prominent position in social circles where true worth is received as the passport into good society.

John R. Ahller

Since 1856 this gentleman has been a resident of Decatur, and for many years he was actively identified with its business interests, but is now living a retired life in a beautiful home at No. 303 West Main street. He was born on the 9th of September, 1831, in Bourbon county, Iventucky, of which state his parents, John and Jane (Levesque) Miller, were also natives. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and both he and his wife are now deceased. In their family were six children, three sons and three daughters, and our subject has two sisters still living, namely: Sarah E. Proctor, who makes her home with him, and Mary J. W'orshan, a resident of Covington, Kentucky.

Mr. ]Miller began his education in an old log school house in Kentucky, and during his bovhood assisted his father on the home farm, but after completing his education he began learning the tailor's trade, which he followed for seven years. Before coming to Decatur he spent most of his time in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and as before stated arrived in this county in 1856. For many years he conducted a boarding house where the American Express Company's office in Decatur now stands, at the corner of Prairie and North Main streets, and for some time worked in the grocery store of Dr. Hughes, which occupied the present site of the Arcade. As the years passed he prospered, and has become the owner of some good business property in this county besides his city home. He has now laid aside all business cares and is enjoying a well earned rest.

Felix B. Tait

On the 1st of September, 1856, Mr. Miller was married in Paris, Kentucky, to Miss Mary E. Galloway, who was to him a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. She, too, was a native of Kentvicky, as were her parents. After a long and happy married life she passed away on the 21st of March, 1901. Their only chikl, a son. died in infancy. For a number of years ^Ir. JMiller owned a cottage at Mackinaw Falls, near Peoria, Illinois, where every year he and his wife used to spend considerable time during the fishing season, and in that sport he took his chief delight antl recreation. He is widely known throughout this section of the state and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. Since 1886 he has been president of the board of trustees of Greenwood cemetery.

F. B. Tait

F. B. TAIT. F. 15. Tait is one of the most prominent business men of Decatur, being president and treasurer of the F. B. Tait Manufacturing Compau}- (incorporated), manufacturers of agricultural implements, gasoline engines, buggies and wagons. The other officers of the company are D. W. Tait, vice-president, and E. C. Bassey, secretary. This is one of the largest and most important industrial enterprises of the city and its fame is as widespread as the use of agricultural implements in the western country, nor is it even confined to this immense territory. Their immense ])lant, which is located on East Cerro Gordo street, is four stories in height and covers a city block. It is equipped with every labor-saving device possible to be utilized and gives employment to a force of one hunchid and twenty-five skilled workmen. Six men are on the road in the states of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri. Kansas, Illinois, South Dakota, Ohio and Indiana. The brand of this company is a mark of superior

Mr. Tait is a native of Macon county, lj(irn on a farm within two miles of Decatur, November 29, 1850, his parents being James D. and Susanah Tait. At the usual age he entered the public schools of this count)-, where he continued his studies until he was nineteen, and then became a student in the State Normal University at Normal, Illinois, graduating in the class of 1873. He then taught for one year in the Woodstock Seminar}- at Woodstock, 11- liniiis, and following this read law and was admitted to the bar m 1876, after which he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Decatur until 1880, when his health failed and he endiarked in the manufacturing business under the firm name of Tait Brothers & Company, check rt)llers. Since that time he has devoted his attention entirely to this line of work and has met with most excellent success in his undertakings.

On the 13th of October, 1893, .Mr. Tait was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Boyer. lie stands high in both business and social circles, and is now serving as president of the Chandler of Commerce, the Citizens' Alliance of Decatur, and the Manufacturers" and Jobbers' Association of Decatur.

Daniel Stookey

DANIEL STOOKEY. No history of Macon county would be com])lete without the life record of Daniel Stookey. He has now passed the eightyliiird mile-stone of life's journey and has witnessed much of the remarkable advancement which the country made through the nineteenth century. He has lived to see the dawning of a new century of prosperity and progress, and yet takes a deep interest in ;dl that pertains to the national welfare and to local imi)ro\-enienl.

Mr. Stookey was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, on the 6th of March, 1820, and is a worthy representative of a prominent old family of this state, his paternal grandfather, 1 )aniel Stookey, having come to Illinois as early as 1802. He was a native of Maryland and was one of the hardy pioneers who aided in opening up this region for settlement and assisted in laying broad and deep the foundation for its future prosperity. Our subject has often heard him say he went as far west as he could and stay in the United States. By occupation he was a farmer and stockraiser. The Stookey family originated on the Rhine in Germany. In 1902 they held a large re-union in St. Clair county, this state, to celebrate the coming of the grandfather to Illinois in 1802, and our subject had the pleasure of attending the same. . His father, Simon Stookey, was born in Pennsylvania and accompanied his parents on their removal to this state. He married ATiss Plannah Gooding, a native of Kentucky, whose father removed from Virginia to that state and in 1816 came to Illinois, taking up his residence in St. Clair county, where he followed his chosen occupation - that of farming.

Our subject is one of a family of ten children, and he and his sister Angle are the only ones now living, the latter being the wife of M. W. Weir, a prominent attorney of Belleville, Illinois. Three of the number died in infancy. Two sons were soldiers of the Civil war, both being members of the Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. They enlisted at Belleville and James M. held the rank of major, while Simon J. was quartermaster of his regiment. Both died in Dade county, ^Missouri, where they were engaged in farming for some years. James M. left a daughter who is living in Carthage, Missouri, while his wife and another daughter, Huddie, who was married to \\'ill Sherman Heller. October 14, 1903, make their home in Alton, Illinois. The wife of Simon J. died leaving two daughters in infancy. She was a native of London, England. Simon J. became acquainted with her while in the army and they were married in New Orleans. Their children were Tina, now Mrs. Dorsey, of Gillespie, Illinois ; and Jane, who died in young womanhood.

Daniel Stookey was educated in a countrj' school near his home, it being conducted on the subscription plan and held in a building erected for both church and school purposes. His education was somewhat limited, as there were very few school books at that time, and he learned to read from a speller. One of his teachers, an Irishman, taught him to read by reading a sentence which' the pupil would then repeat, this being the method employed in those days. During his boyhood and youth he assisted his father on the home farm, giving him the benefit of his labors until twenty-one years of age, when he commenced farming on his own account upon land which his father assisted him in buying. Later our subject worked in a sawmill for about ten years, during which time he was able to save some money, and he then embarked in the manufacture of a grain drill at Bloomington, Illinois, in 1856, carrying on business at that place for seven years, but during the panic which followed he lost everything.

In 1864 Mr. Stookey came to Macon county and purchased forty acres of land in Harristown township. Here he steadily prospered, adding to his property by degrees until he is now the owner of one of the finest stock farms in Illinois, and his accumulations have been the result of his own well directed and energetic efforts. During his early residence in this county he was quite extensively engaged in the stock business, which he found very profitable. While his eyesight is at present much impaired he still attends to his financial affairs, but his son Lewis, who lives with him, manages the farm. His home is an elegant mansion just east of the village of Harristovvn, and here, surrounded b}^ all the comforts of life, he is spending his declining years in ease and quiet.

Mr. Stookey was married in St. Clair county in 1845 to Miss Caroline Goodner, a native of that county and a daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Jackson) Goodner, who were born in Tennessee and became residents of St. Glair county at an early day. Six children blessed this union and four of the number are still living.

Lewis Stookey, the oldest of the children, attended the public schools of St. Clair county for some years, and later was a student at the public and normal schools of Bloomington, and Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, Illinois. After completing his education he returned home and began farming for himself and later took an interest in the home place, now having entire charge of the farm. In connection with general farming he is engaged in the raising of shorthorn cattle for market and is doing an extensive business in that line. He married Miss Leona Childs, a daughter of John S. Childs, now living in Decatur, and to them were born three children, but one is now deceased. The others are Marshall and Helen, who are graduates of the Decatur high school, as was also their mother, and are now attending the L^niversity of Illinois, at Champaign. Lewis Stookey is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside.

Daniel Wesley Stookey, the second son of our subject, began his education in the schools of l^loomington, later attended school in this county and was afterward a student at the ITniversity of Illinois, where he was graduated in 1876. For a short time he was engaged in the manufacture of tile, at Buffalo, Illinois, and from there removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he is engaged in the same business. He and his family are active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is now serving as superintendent of the Sunday school. At one time he was also president of the Young Men's Christian Association of Cedar Rapids. His political support is given the Republican party. He married Miss Angle Dunnock, of Mechanicsburg, Illinois, and they have five children, four sons and one daughter, namely: Margaret, Daniel D., Carl, Lewis and Keith.

^lary, a daughter af our subject, is the wife of E. B. Randle, now living in Muncie, Indiana. He is a Methodist minister and is pastor of the largest church at that ])lace. .\t one time he was presiding elder in Decatur. Illinois. Fraternally he is a Knight Tem]:)lar ^Mason and a member of the Inde- ])endent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically is a Republican. He and his wife have three chilrlren: Lalah, Foster and Hubert.

Florence, the youngest of the Stookey family, is the wife of S. M. Lutz, of Decatur, who is proprietor of the largest music house in central Illinois, and they are the jiarents of three children : Caroline, Robert and Eloisc. Mr. Lutz is also a Republican in politics and he and his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

On attaining his majority Mr. Stookey became a Democrat and continued to sup- ]")ort that parly until the seciMid election of Abraham Lincoli>. when he voted for the martyr president and has since affiliated with the Republican party. He is a man of broad general information and has always kept well informed on political questions. Although he has met with reverses in life he has usually prospered, being a man of sound judgment and good business and executive ability, so that he is to-day one of the substantial men as well as one of the most honored and highly esteemed citizens of the county in wliich he lives.

Adam Kreher

Adam Kreher, one of the most prominent German citizens of Decatur, has here resided through twenty-nine years and throughout this period his record has been so creditable that he enjoys in an unlimited degree the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated. His birth place was Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, antl his parents were Emerich and Catherine Kreher, in whose family were five. children, three sons and two daughters. Of this number two have passed away. It was in the year 1856 that the, parents crossed the .\tlantic to America, making their way to Chicago. The father was a veterinary surgeon and practiced his profession for about si.x months in that city, after which he removed to St. Clair county. Illinois, where he continued in practice up to the time of his death. His wife has also passed away.

Adam Kreher began his education in the schools of the fatherland and after arriving in the new world he went to St. Louis in order to learn the butcher's trade, being at that time but fourteen years of age. For thirteen years he remained in St. Louis, and then removed to DuOuoin, Illinois, where he embarked in business on his own account, conducting a market for over two years. He then returned to St. Clair county, Illinois, and after two years there he went to Grand Tower. Illinois, where he was engaged in business for seven yeans. In 1875 he arrived in Decatur and entered the employ of Blenz & Danzeisen, with wiiich firm he remained for two years. He was afterward in the service of Blenz

Brothers, for a short time and later was connected with the firm of Imboden Brothers for two years. Resolving to once more engage in business on his own account he then opened a market near the depot, where he remained for several years, after which he sold out and again worked for Adam Blenz for a short time. Subsequently he entered the employ of G. J. Danzeisen, with whom he remained for seven years, after which he engaged in business for himself athis present location - Xo. 879 North Monroe street. Here he has remained for ten years and has been very successful in the conduct of his market, accumulating a comfortable competence. He is recognized as one of the most experienced and capable men in his line of business in Decatur, and in his business career has instituted methods that have won for him the public confidence and therefore a generous share of the public support.

In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Kreher and Miss Catherine Berg. Of the ten children born of their union nine are yet living, as follows : Lena, the wife of John Van Ende, of Decatur ; Kate, the wife of Charles Lewis, Jr., who is living upon a farm in this state: John, of Quincy, Illinois: Anna, the wife of Gus Meyers, of Odanah, Wisconsin; .intone, who is now living in Moweaqua ; Clara, the wife of Thomas Olson, of Odanah, XMsconsin ; Mary, of this city ; and Frank and Leo, who are living in Decatur. Mr. Kreher votes independently, but takes an active interest in politics and in matters of citizenship he is also deeply interested, advocating the improvement and material advancement of Decatur and aiding in many ways for the ]iromotion of its interests.

T. X. LEAVITT. T. X. Leavitt. of Maroa, needs no special introduction to the readers of this \-olume but the work would be incomplete without the record of his Hfe. There is hardl}- a man in Macon county who has been more prominently identified with the commercial or political history of the coniinimil\' or has taken a more active part in its upbuilding and pr(jgress. He has ever cheerfidly given his support to those enterprises thai lend to public development and has been connected with many interests which have promoted the general welfare.

Mr. Leavitt was born in Rockingham count}', New Hampshire, in 1838, and is a son of A. 1j. and l-'annie (Fogg) Leavitt. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, brought his family to Illinois in 1844 'i"'' for five years they made their home in Peoria county. On the 15th of .\pril, 1849. he crossed the plains to California and landed in Sacramento on the 15th of September. Although he reached his destination in safety he died in the Golden state the following year. His wife long survived him and died in .Marshall ciuint\-. lllinnis. in 1896.

For two years after the father went west the family lived on a farm in Marshall county, and then removeil to Henry, Illinois, where our subject was principally educated, though for two years he was also a student in the Northern Illinois Institute, now discontinued. After entering upon his business career he drove cattle to Minnesota for two years, and for the same length of time was engaged in farming in .Marshall county, Illijiois.

It was on the 13th of .\])ril, 1861, that Mr. Leavitt removed to Maroa and his first employment there was in breaking prairie for W. H. I'.nnis. In \hv spring of 1862 he put in ;i croj) but did not remain to see it de\elop, for feeling that his counlrv needed his services in putting down the rebellion in the south, he enlisted the same year in Company C, Sixty-sixth X'olunteer Infantry under Colonel Patrick Burke. He participated in the battle of Corinth, was v.ll through the Atlanta campaign, and accompanied (ieneral Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea. Mr. Leavitt was with the Army of the Tennessee and saw much hard fighting. .At one time he was wounded in the head by a ten-pound shell, which has made him slightly deaf, and he alst) had the sole of his shoe shot oft' at another time. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Rome, (leorgia.

(Jn his return home he engaged in handling grain, shelling corn, etc., for a time, and later was engaged in the grocery business until 1879. He next turned his attention to the lumber, implement and coal business, which he carried on quite successfully until January, 1902, when he sold out and has since been connected with Reeves & C'Mm|)any. of .^'^pringtield. in the threshing machine business. As the years have passed he has steadily ])ros|)ered and is to-day one of the wealthy citizens of the county. He is a ilirector in the State liank of Clinton, Illinois; is interested in a five thousand acre rice ])lantation near Pay City, Texas; and owns i\vv or six store buildings in .\laroa, which he rents, besides several dwellings.

In 185S .Mr. Leavitt was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Ann Crowell, a daughter of Moses and Salina Crowell, and to them was born one child. Clara F., now the wife of James F. Harris, of Maroa. The family have a beautiful home which Mr. Leaxill built t^riginalh' for 1 )r. Morgan, and when the Doctor left Maroa he purchased the ])lace. The house was erected at a cost of five thousand dollars, is well and tastefully furnished, and is supplied with a Detroit gas machine, wdiich furnishes the gas for lighting and cooking. The grounds around the residence are very beautiful, in fact it is one of the nicest homes of the place, to the Masonic fraternit\-, the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Repubhci Since castmg his first presidential vote for .\brahani Lincohi he has affiliated with the Republican party and has taken a vcr}- active and influential part in local politics. For seventeen years he filled the office of postmaster , of Maroa, was chairman of the board of supervisors one year and was a member of the lower house in the thirty-eighth general assembly. He was also a member of the state board of equalization for four years and was nominated for another term but was defeated by a small majorit}- in a district which was strongly Democratic. His public life has been most exemplary and he has left office as lie entered it, with the confidence and high regard of his fellow citizens.

As a self-made man, ]Mr. Leavitt enjoys the reward of his painstaking and conscientious w-ork. By his energy, perseverance and fine business ability he has been enabled to secure an ample fortune. Social, educational and moral interests have been promoted by him and anj'thing that tends to uplift and benefit humanity secures his hearty co-operation.

William Hexry Carmeax

WILLIAM HEXRY CARMEAX. William Henry Carmean, a retired farmer and a representative of one of the early famiHes of Macon county connected with this section of the state since 1849. w^as born in Pickaway county, Ohio, August 24, 1829. He w-as therefore a young man of twenty years wlien he came to the west and here he has grown to advanced age, living a life of usefulness, activity and honor. His parents were James and Mary (Miller) Carmean, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. After their marriage they took up their abode on a farm in Pickawav count\-, Ohio, where thev lived for several years and then they removed tO' Marion county in the same, state, where the father was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1849, when he brought his family to the Mississippi valley, settling in Macon county, Illinois. He purchased an extensive farm in Long Creek township, known as the old Smaly farm, and thereon the family resided, his attention being given to the cultivation of the fields and the improvement of his property until his death. His wife has also passed away and onlythree of the children are now living, the sisters of our subject being married and residing upon farms in Long Creek township.

The educational privileges which A\'illiam Henry Carmean received were limited ta those afforded by the public school system of Ohio at an early period. Schools were not very good at that time as compared Avith those of the present day, but from experience and observation Mr. Carmean gained many valuable lessons. After putting aside his text books he assisted his father on the home farm, being thus engaged until he had attained his majority.

In early manhood, desiring a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, he wedded ^liss Mary Scott, a daughter of John Scott, who came to the west at an early day, settling in Christian county, Illinois, where both he and his wife died during the early girlhood of their daughter, Mrs. Carmean. She was thus left an orphan and was reared by a family in the neighborhood. Her death occurred in .\pril, 1864. She had become the mother of three children: JNlartha, wdio died in childhood; George and James, w-ho have also passed away. The elder son married Eliza Gott and they resided upon a farm in Long Creek township. They had five children: Maude, Mclvin, Gustin, George Leslie and John Henry. For his second wife Mr. Carmean chose ]\Irs. r^Iary (Davis) Spalding, who was born in Macon counly, June 14, 184J, a daughter of James and Eliza (Campbell) Davis. She also came of an early family of Macon county, the ]J)a\ises having located here in 1832, at which time the family homestead was established in Long Creek township. There the father devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife also died there at the very advanced age of ninety-one years. By the second marriage of Mr. Carmean there has been one child born : Grace, now the wife of H. B. Clark, who resides on a farm in I-ong Creek township. 'Jliey have three children: Annie Grace, Mary L. and Earl Lee.

After his first marriage Mr. Carmean jiurchased a tract of land on section 30, Long Creek township, and with characteristic energy began its development and improvement, transforming it into a \aluablc property. He placed the fields under a high state of cultivation and in connection with the production of the crops best adapted to the soil and climate he also engaged in stock-raising; in fact, he made the latter l)ursuit the principal department of his business and carried it on until 1891, when he removed to Decatur, built his present residence and has since li\cd a retired life. His home is at No. 850 South Webster street and is one of the best in that section of the city.

>Mr. Carmean held several minor offices in his township, sucli as school director and township trustee. In politics he was a Republican until 1888, since which time he has endorsed the Prohibition princi]jles, but usually votes for the best men regardless of parly affiliations. Both he ami his wife are members of the Cirace Methodist- Episcopal church of Decatur. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of the best farming land in Long Creek township and the rental brings to him a good income. His life of activity has been crowned with splendid linancial results and shows the force of industry and enterprise in the affairs of life. During his long residence in the county he has witnessed its many changes and has also borne a pari in llie work which has transformed it from a frontier region fo a highly developed section of this great state. Whatever has been for its benefit has received his endorsement and many times he has given -.his co-operation to improvements for the general good.

Wh.Liam T. Atoffett

The ancestral history of our subject, so far as known, dates from the birth of William Moffat (such was his spelling of the surname) in Scotland, in the year 1685. F.arly in the eighteenth century he moved with his Scotch wife to the north of Ireland and there raised a number of children, among them James, born in 1720. James married in. Ireland and from his marriage, William, the grandfather of our subject, was born, at Legagowan, Ireland, in 1763. Religious and political oppression drove William out of Ireland to America, he landing at Philadelphia in the spring of 1784. About two years later he moved to Kentucky and therjc founded the " Old Kentucky stock of Moffetts." His son John B. MofTett was the father of William Thomas Moffett of whom we now speak.

William T. Moffett, the youngest child of John I'., and Patsy (Morgan) Moffett, was born in a log hut upon the sparsely settled prairie of Illinois, seven miles southwest of Springfield, on the 19th of Februarv, 1826. When six weeks old his mother died leaving him largely to the care of his most faithful father. In those days and at such ])laces there was dearth of medical assistance, conveniences were meager and neighbors far apart. Under these circumstances his voung life became fraught with perils, and at times was despaired of. Fortunately possessed of vigorous physical powers and a strong vitality, he was enabled to baffle the untoward dangers and develop into a strong, active and ambitious boy. At the age of ten years he moved to Springfield, Illinois, where he attended school for some two years and thence to Rushville, Schuyler count}^ Illinois, where he lived for about three jears attending school and assisting his father, who was a carpenter and wheelwright.

In 1841 he moved with his father to j\Iacon county, Illinois, and settled on lands in the edge of the timber along the south bank of the .Sangamon river in what years afterward became Blue Alound township. The building site selected was a hjU situated across the river and a half mile to the west of where Abraham Lincoln lived ten years before. Here the well known " yioifett Settlement " was made, and here William T. Moffett made his home until his marriage, when he moved upon a portion of the same lands, which he afterward became seized of, and upon which he resided until his death, which occurred on October II, 1901. Thus, for sixty years his home was in Macon county, which time covers a period nearly contemporaneous with the corporate existence of the county, and during which period most of the political subdivisions of the county have been created. The boyhood days of Mr. Moffett were not eventful. He attended the common schools, some of them subscription schools, was an apt scholar, at least in mathematics, and at the age of seventeen he taught one term of school. His education, while not extensive, was of a very practical sort. Broad in his conceptions and generally logical in his reasoning, he was recognized among his fellows as possessing a large fund of what we call " common sense." To a very considerable extent nature marked him as a leader, and his opinions were therefore both sought and trusted. His political preferences were early manifested. In the notable campaign of 1840, when but fourteen years of age, he took a lively interest in the election of General Harrison for president. He attended political gatherings for miles around and his voice was often heard shouting the slogan " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too." As a boy upon the farm, in the workshop or at his father's mill, he was always industrious, obedient and true to every undertaking. He rather invited difficult tasks and enjoyed the labor of their accomplishment.

As a representative of the pioneers of this country his history becomes interesting and likewise instructive. Early in life he became inured to the regime of manual toil. The wild, unbroken fields lay before him and he desired to make them respond to the touch of labor. Appliances for this work were rude, but those at hand he utilized. He would yoke the oxen, fasten them to what we would now call an ill designed sod plow, and then in slow, vmeven tread he would cross and re-cross the fields while the sod would turn leisurely over in irregular laps as if flouting the skill of the husbandman. Upon this overturning of the sod the seed was sown, not in the almost e.xact mathematical order the labor-saving machinery of to-day does it but in the haphazard manner incident to the swinging of tlie arm. \\'hen the small grain ripened he used the scythe and cradle to garner it in and the flail to thresh it out. There were no markets of importance nearer than Chicago -or St. Louis. It required weeks to transport grain and stock to these markets, for there were no railroads then in this country. But the products of the farm had a bartering value and two bushels of wheat were often exchanged for one yard of calico. Money was scarce and of uncertain value; gold hardly obtainable in sufficient quantities to meet the deferred payments due tlic government upon lands entered. Kconuniy - rigid economy - was necessarily practiced. To make ends meet required not only this, but often denials of the very accessaries of life. The sacrifices of these forerunners of our civilization deserve an encomium far more sublime than any that has yet been spoken. .Mr. Aloli'ett wore clothing that was carded, spun, wove and made in his own home; he would hunt wolves, carry corn to the grist-mill, fight prairie fires, attend corn huskings and house raisings, and experiencetl in all its rigors, what no pioneer escaped, the oldtime ague." Upon attaining manhood's estate .Mr. Moft'ett became imbued with a spirit of adventure. Colonel Sutter's discovery of gold in California presented new and glaring opportunities for acquiring riches in that far-off west. So, in 1849, '''^ crossed the plains in charge of a division of the wagon train and landed at Sacramento. There for a short time he engaged in placer mining and then turned his attention to freighting. His adventure was proving highly remunerative and he was loath to abandon it ; but, after an absence of eighteen months, at the earnest and repeated solicitations of his father, he sailed for home, making the return journey by way of the Isthmus of Panama, Havana and New Orleans.

Upon reaching home he found his father's business affairs in an unsatisfactory condition. The large estate was encumbered, family e.xpenses were enhanced, and a genera! financial crisis was approaching. The return of the son was to his father an omen of security; loyalty to his father's interests was of first importance with Mr. Mofifett. So, turning the money earned in California, which was considerable, to meet pressing demands, he then set about willingly and by tmremitting toil to make the forest and the prairie yield up their fruits to meet the exigencies of the future. Many

On October 14, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen L, ISarrows, at r.ritlport. \'ermont. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are now living, three sons ami lliree daughters. During the forty-five years of his married life he was a devoted husband and to his children he was ever kind and indulgent.

In politics Mr. MofTett was first an ardent Whig and supported that party so long as it had a candidate in the field. In 1856 he cast his vote for .Millard Fillmore for president, not because Fillmore was a Know Nothing," but because he was a \\'hig. Henry Clay was his political ideal and the " American system of protection " his shibboleth. These opinions came in part by inheritance from his father, who as a native born and reared citizen of Kentucky, was a devotee of the '' Great Commoner " ; and, in part, from independent thought. \\'ith him it was a short step from the ^^'hig to the Republican party, for he had no especial interest in the maintenance of slavery and his ideas of tariff were adopted l^y the latter party ; but perhajis Iiis greatest reason for uniting with the Republican party was for the preservation of the L'nion. He had a personal acquaintance with Lincoln as a man and a lawyer, and had formed a good opinion of his ability and character, and admired him as the .standard bearer of the party in i860. While Mr. Moffett never became a soldier in active service during the Civil war, yet he Milunteered and went to Camp Butler to engage in the service, when on account of the serious illness and subsequent death of his father, he returned home, but for which occurrence he would undoubtedly have been actively engaged in the conllict. Later in the war he was commissioned by Governor Yates as captain of a company of \-olunteer home guards and in that capaci3-2 ity rendered valiant service to the Union cause. He smote treason wherever he found it lurking in the rear of the Union army. Despising disloyalty to his government, he would tear the masks from the faces of those who sought to hide their treason and hold them up to public scorn and contempt.

In 1861 he represented Blue Mound township on the board of supervisors of ^lacon county. He filled this position again in 1864 and for the five succeeding years, also in 1876 and 1894, making nine years he served in that capacity. He served as a member of the Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth General Assemblies of the state of Illinois. In 1876 he was elected a member of the state board of equalization and, serving two years as such, he resigned to take his seat in the state senate of Illinois, which he accupied for four years. During all the years of his pubHc life he performed his duties fearlessly, meritoriously and honestly. He left a clean record and an untarnished reputation.

In his private walks of life and in his home we find his true character and worth revealed. As a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church he gave liberally to its support for upwards of forty years. He frequently attended its synod and general assembly meetings and felt deeply interested in whatever promoted the interests of the church. His religious ways were not spasmodic and impetuous, but even, regular, firm. He taught correct thinking and living by example rather than precept. Of a hospitable nature, the society of his family, his neighbors and friends was pleasing to him. Without ostentation himself, he recognized no distinction between men on account of material affluence. Affectation in any of its forms was distasteful to him. Canting hypocrisy and sycophancy were entirely foreign to his make-up. Thorough- Iv democratic in his thoughts, manners and living, he bowed respectfully only to that nobility born of the heart and mind. The many private offices of trust he filled as executor and administrator of estates bespeak the general confidence reposed in his integrity. He was popular because easily approached and generous in his treatment. If it can be said that he possessed a distinguishing trait in his business and social life, it was his disposition to help those unfortunate or in distress.

Mr. Moffett was a successful farmer and business man. His commodious home and large farm attest his thrift and enterprise. In all that pertained to his business he kept abreast of the times. The promotion of agricultural matters at all times received his active interest and support. When the "Farmers' Institute" of the county was organized he became its first president. Educational matters received a large share of his attention. For years a director in his school district, and as a member of the board of trustees of Lincoln University, Lincoln, Illinois, and as a member of the state legislature he became interested in our state university at Urbana, Illinois; and during his last years as a member of the board of directors of- the James Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois, he discharged his duty in these several positions with' pleasure to himself and satisfaction to the public.

Early in 1901 a fatal disease had seized him, but with an abiding patience and splendid fortitude, he was able to wave back for a time the approach of dissolution : and, lingering through the summer months of that 3'ear and far into the fall to where nature was changing her garb for a new season, then he, too, nature's child as he had always been, changed his garb to enter the new life. He left as his richest legacy to his widow and children an honored name ; his worldly affairs were placed in the hands of his three boys to

Mrs. Helen L. Aioffett, his widow, still survives him. In years she is now beyond the allotted three score and ten, but still enjoying a fair measure of good health. She is the eldest daughter of Josiah and Susan (Walker) Barrows, and was born near the inland town of Bridport, in Addison county, Vermont, on the ist day of February, 1832. The only near relative now living is a sister, Mrs. A. C Allinson, of Table Rock, Nebraska. General Artemus Ward, whom Washington succeeded as commander-in-chief of the American army, was her great uncle.

The site of her Vermont home is a beautiful and picturesque place. It is upon the summit of a hill where looking eastward the Green mountains present a view of perennial verdure, and on the west arc the massive and towering Adirondacks. There the first beams of morning break upon the mountain tops of the east and the latest beams of evening fall behind the mountain peaks of the west. Some four miles distant, and between these mountain scenes, are the clear, silvery waters of Lake Champlain. All about are the hillside and valley farms upon which quaint but substantial buildings rest; and everywhere are to be seen evidences of thrift, enterprise and frugality, which are permeated by a moral stamina, altogether worthy the descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers. In the early days of the American Revolution this very soil was consecrated to civil liberty. Over and across it the colonial bands marched to strike here and there a blow for independence. Just across the lake on its west bank were Crown Point and Fort Ticonderoga, and these places, then important commanding positions of the British, were assaulted and captured by the intrepid Green Mountain boys under the command of the gallant Ethan Allen "in the name

These natural features and historical facts always inspired in Mrs. Moffett a just pride in her New England home, but from a more personal standpoint its memories have become hallowed. There were her playmates of youth with whom ties of affection bound her for life ; there, as a girl, she went tripping down the hill and over the narrow highway to the little red schoolhouse ; there she was awakened to a realization that life is earnest and full of possibilities ; there her marriage vows were spoken; and there lies the sacred dust of her father and sister.

\'ery early in life Mrs. Moffett began to prepare herself carefully to become a school teacher. With diligence and close application she became qualified for this work upon completing the course of studies in the public schools. She thereupon engaged a school and for two terms taught with entire satisfaction to her patrons. Not yet satisfied with her preparations for the work, she entered Castleton Seminary, at Castleton, X'ermont, aw) there completing the course of studies, was graduated in 1852 with high honors. Thus qualified, she began what she assumed was her life work in real earnest. Her services were in demand and the question of better wages was under consideration. An unexpected opportunity was offered. It seems almost incredible that the teachers of New England came west for better wages in that early day, but such was the fact. In 1854 Mrs. MofFett was invited by her cousin, Erastus Wright, a noted abolitionist of Springfield, Illinois, to visit him with a view of pursuing her work in the west. This invitation was accepted, and, in company with her sister, Susan, who was on her way to Missis.=;ippi to teach school, she started for Springfield, and when forty miles south of ChicasfO her train became snow bound for two weeks. ,l'"inally reaehing lier tleslination she was delighted to find a school awaiting her and for nearly two years thereafter, and until her marriage, she taught in Sangamon and Macon counties.

The marital relations of Mr. and Mrs. Moffett were in many respects ideal. She was a most capable helpmate. Her educational attainments and affable manner made her services indispensable to the promotion of her husband's interests and ambition. Ever sharing his joys and pleasures, she likewise shared his sorrows and trials. In the best and truest sense of the term she was a kind, affectionate and beloved wife.

At an early age she united with the Congregational church, but after her marriage her membership was changed to the Madison Cumberland Presbyterian church of Blue Mound township, where she has ever since continued to worship. Her bounties to the cause of her church, in labor and means and devotion, were always to the full , measure of her abilities.

In her home, with her family, she displayed much ability and tact. Giving education a large place in the circle, she directed it along those lines that make better, truer and nobler lives. Many of the typical traits of the New England people were strikingly manifested in her ways and work. Economical, systematic, neat, a model cook and housekeeper, were among her distinguishing characteristics and accomplishments. For years her home was a social mecca where country life was enjoyed by friends far and near ; and now, in the eventide of her life, it is not too much to say that all who know her respect her. For nearly a half century she has mingled with the people of Macon county, and, at every step, her true, upright, Christian life has sent sunshine and happiness unto some heart and home, in a quiet, unobtrusive way. As a wife she was adored ; as a mother she

Charles C. Pfister

Decatur is pre-eminently a city of generals - generals of commerce, of manufactures, of construction and what-not. Ihe small salesman has a modest occupation, looked upon as comparatively humble until he becomes a manager and employer of men on a large scale. Then he proves his ability as a general and then it is that his, occupation is no longer humble but abreast of those of the leaders of all countries. In the lines of manufacture and construction he becomes a general, marshalling his forces with precision and utilizing all the means at hand to the best ends and accomplishing results that are creditable alike to himself and his city. Such has been the career of Charles C. Pfistcr, who is now largely and profitably engaged in the manufacture of carpets and rugs and who is also a retail dealer in such commodities.

A native of Weissenberg. Bavaria, Charles C. Pfister was born on the nth of March, 1852, and is a son of George and Wilhelmina Pfister. His father was a shoemaker by trade and died when the son was a little lad of four years, leaving a widow and seven children. Charles C. and his sister, Amelia, however, are the only ones of the family that ever came to the new world. The subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country, acquiring his education there and entering upon his business career within its Ixirdcrs. .\t length, however, he determined to sever the hiisincss ties that bound him to the fatherland and to come to America with its broader opportunities and its great advantages. He crossed the .\tlantic in the year 1881 and, locating in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, spent nine months in tJuit city. He next went to Lancaster. Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade, that of weaving, for three years. He had learned the business in Bavaria and he put it to much use in seeking a living in the new world. In September, 1885, he arrived in Decatur and purchased the carpet-weaving business of C. A. Westhaver. Since that time he has increased the plant and enlarged the scope of the enterprise until his establishment represents one of the leading industries of Decatur, which is a city of manufactories and industrial concerns. He now manufactures not only carpets, but also a choice grade of rugs and in 1899 he added a retail department to his establishment, in which he carries a large line of ingrain carl)eis, mattings, linoleums, oilcloths and other tlo()r coverings. He began business with a cash capital of two hundred and forty dollars, but has gradually developed his industry and has made it a paying and jjrosperous concern. Two before him who were owners of the jdant had met with failure and disappointment, but he brought 10 his work marked energy, good experience and strong determination.

In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pfister and Miss .Vnnastiena LoefHer, a native of Saxony, Germany, and they now have tw'o children, Richard and Otto. Mr. Pfister has built a comfortable home for his family in Decatur and he is a member of the German .Aid Society here and a loyal citizen devoted to the welfare and progress of the locality. Probably no person in Decatur is a better representative of a purely self-made man than he. He has not a dollar that has not been honestly acquired through his own labors and his great success should furnish both lessons and incentive, his life being an example of honest worth and unswer\ing- inlegril)-. Success in any lin.e of occupation or in an}- avenue of business is not a matter of spontaneity, but is the legitimate result of strong determination and consecutive effort and it is in this way that .Mr. Pfister has adxanced from a lunnble position in the business workl to a place among the leading manufacturers of Decatur.

Dr. William J. Chenoweth is the veteran medical practitioner of Decatur, and also stands at the head of his profession in skill and ability. He reached this city on the J4th of May, 1854, and has since been connected with its interests, professionally and Dlherwise. Few men are more widely known in Macon county than the Doctor, who well deserves representation in the history of his adopted county.

Dr. Chenoweth was born in Greensburg, Kentucky, and comes of one of the old and prominent families of that state. His l^aternal great-grandfather, Captain Richard Chenoweth, went to that state and settled on an island in the Ohio river, later called Corn island, for it was there that the first corn was raised for the colonies. He was a carpenter by trade and contracted to build the fort at Louisville for three thousand dollars. He performed his part of the contract but never received the money. He cultivated a farm near Middletown and experienced all the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life. ( )n one occasion he and his family were attacked in the night by Indians and narrowly escaped death. On hearing the red men he ran to his gun rack and while taking down the gun was struck on the arm and so disabled as not to get it. Seeking safety by rushing out of the open door, he escaped and made his way to the fort. One or two of the children were killed. Mrs. Chcnoweth was attacked and stabbed seven times and the scalp torn off her head, which fortunately was not tomahawked. The Indians left her for dead but she survived the awful treatment. James Chenoweth was asleep in a chair when the Indians broke down the door at his side and buried a tomahawk in his skull as they rushed past him. Slipping- out of the house, he hid under a pile of wood until the savages left, when he attempted to find the fort at Middletown, but, becoming confused, he crouched between the roots of a large peach tree until daylight. John Chenoweth, the first ancestor of the family in this country, came from Wales in 1720, accompanied by his two sons. The family made their home in Berkeley county, Virginia, until 1778, when a part of the family, Richard, the great-grandfather of our subject among them, went to Kentucky, as above stated.

The grandfather, James Chenoweth, was a native of that state, and our subject's father, John S. Chenoweth, was born in Shelby county. In Lexington, Kentucky, the latter married Eliza Ross, and when their son William was about nine months old they removed to Harrisburg, where the father engaged in merchandising. He was a prominent citizen of his native state. His wife died in 1836. In the family were five children, namely: William J., Martha A., Elizabeth, Margaret and Thomas J. The sisters are all now deceased. Thomas is a druggist in ^Maysville, Kentucky.

The Doctor, whose birth occurred December I, 1823, acquired his education in private schools in Louisville and Harrodsburg, Kentucky. When he was about twelve years old his father had removed to the former city, where he did business as a produce commission merchant and wholesale cotton dealer. Young William worked in his father's office until after his mother's death, which occurred when he was thirteen years of age. He then, in 1836, entered .Vugusta College, of that state, from which he was graduated in 1841, at the age of seventeen, the youngest member in a class of thirteen. After his graduation he assisted his father in the commission business in Cincinnati, Ohio, but in the meantime studied medicine with Dr. Nick Marshall, of that city. Subsequently he entered the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and remained there one term, after which he engaged in the practice of medicine at Hillsboro, Kentucky, where he remained for three years. In 1853 he was graduated from the Kentucky University, of Louisville, and soon after went to Texas, where he commenced to build up a good practice, but he remained there for only a few months. He was in favor of colonization, and on expressing his opinions freely his neighbors disagreeing with him made known their desire that he should leave that community, and so he returned to the north. At the urgent request of William Martin, one of Decatur's well-known pioneers, he came to this place and opened an office.

In Fleming county, Kentucky, Dr. Chenoweth married Miss America Leforgee, a granddaughter of the celebrated Mike Cassidy, of Kentucky, who was a companion of Daniel Boone. Two children have been born unto our subject and his wife, Cassidy and Eliza R. The latter is the widow of Richard Piper, and with her daughter, Alice S., makes her home in Decatur with her father. Cassidy is a graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago, and is the junior partner of the firm of Drs. W. J. & C. Chenoweth. He has a high reputation as a physician and enjoys a very large city practice.

During the war Dr. Chenoweth served as a .soldier of the Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry for fifteen months, and is now a member of the Grand Army Post. He is also a mem- ber of the Illinois Army and Navy Medical Association and is treasurer of iliat organization. He and his wife Imld membership with the '"irst Methodist Episcopal church of this city. The Doctor is well and favorably known in Decatur and for a railius of twenty miles around the city. He has ever been a close student, of his profession and his application and natural ability have gained for him the envial)le position which he occupies in professional circles.

John G. Imboden

Success in any undertaking comes through a thorough mastery of the business and by following the most approved business methods. It is in this way that John G. Imboden has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of .South Wheatland township, where he now makes his home. lie is entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive and enterprising men of the county.

He was born in Decatur on the 25th of March, i8i^6, and is the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children, all boys, whose parents were John and Sarah (Mark) Imboden. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1818, and spent his early life in the east. In 1855 he came to Decatur, Illinois, and embarked in the meat business, opening a market at the corner of Main and Wood streets, which is now conducted by his son, C. M. Imboden. He was also quite extensively engaged in the packing and slaughtering business until 1880. when he sold out to his two sons, C. M. and J. G. Imboden. .\fter a useful and well spent life the father died on the 31st of December. 1899.

John G. Imboden was also identified with the packing business in connection with his father during his minority and after he reached man's estate, but in 1900 he disposed of his interests in Decatur and removed to his farm south of the city in South Wheatland township. Here he has established a model home, known as Wayside Place, where he can enjoy not only all the beauties of country life but also has all the modern conveniences of a city residence. -Mr. Imboden now devotes the greater part of his time and attention to the raising of stock, lie deals in all of the choice grades and fattens considerable stock for market each 3^ear. Being an expert in his line, he has for several years been called upon to act as judge of live stock at various fairs and expositions throughout the United States, serving in that capacity in the northwest, the states of Iowa, Illinois and New York, in fact all the leading shows within the last quarter of a century, including the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893. He has often been a judge at the Fat Stock Shows in that cit}' and there he exhibited in 1888 the Angus steer Dot, the first Angus steer that ever won grand championship at the American Fat Stock Show. At present he is engaged specially in buying, feeding and shipping choice stock to various markets. While associated with his father and brother in the butchering business at Decatur he met with success and in all his undertakings he has steadily prospered. He did all the buying for the firm for twenty years. Mr. Imboden is operating an extensive feed plant built on an economical plan and was the first in Macon county to construct a concrete tank for the use of his stock, now having one in his barn and two in liis feed lot. In addition to his other stock he now has twenty-five head of Texas calves, which he is fattening for market.

Mr. Imboden was married in 1882 to Miss Zclma U. Shaw, a daughter of Dr. Shaw, of !\Iacon. Illinois, and to them have been born three children, namely: Nina B., now Mrs. J. A. Anderson, of Ravenswood, Chicago: Edward P. and Zada Z. The parents and children are members of the I'irst .Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and are held in the highest regard bj' all who know them. In his political views -Mr. Imboden is a Republican, but at local elections he usually votes for whom he considers the best man regardless of party ties. He has contributed many articles to agricultural and stock papers, especially the Breeders' Gazette, and has done much to promote the interests of the farmer in this section of the state. He is justly regarded as one of the leading and representative citizens of his community and has the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life.

William R. Schroeder

William R. Schroeder is a well known business man of Warrensburg, dealing in harness, saddlery and sewing machines, and is a worthy representative of an honored family of this place, his parents being Max R. and Marie E. (Hagely) Schroeder, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. His father w^is the first postmaster of Warrensburg and was long and honorably identified with the business interests and public affairs of the village.

The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe, Wisconsin, February 28, 1871, but was reared and educated in Warrensburg, Illinois, whither the family removed when he was quite young. Under the able direction of his father he learned the harnessmaker's trade and commenced work at four dollars per week, being employed as a journeyman in northern Illinois for three years. At the father's death he was succeeded in business by his son Rudolph, in 1885, and the latter afterward formed a partnership with our subject under the firm name of Sclirocdcr lirothcrs, ihis connection continuing until the Stii of December. i8ij_', since which lime William U. has been alone in business. The stock which he carries is mostly home-made and he is able to furnish anything needed in his line, lie makes a specialty of manufacturing harness to order and devotes considerable attention to pony harness. He keeps in stock whips and all kinds of horse goods and he built up an extensive trade, which extends for many miles throughout the surrounding country. Mr. Schroeder also acts as local agent for the Wheeler & Wilson and New Home sewing machines, and has prospered in this branch of his business. He is an expert mechanic as well as a good and reliable business man, and the success that has come to liim is certainly well deserved. He now owns his place of business and also a nice home in the southwestern part of the village.

Mr. Schroeder was married Februar}- 28, 1893, on the anniversary of his birth, to Miss Eva Raymond, a native of Henry, Marshall county, Illinois, and a daughter of F. A. and Frances (Tabor) Raymond. Her paternal grandmother is still living. at the age of eighty-six years and niakes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ed. White, in Warrensburg. Mrs. Schroeder is the only surviving child of her father's family, and she was educated in the public schools of her native place. She is now receiving part payments of French spoliations claims, her great-grandfather. Captain Benjamin Tabor, having been part owner of the ship Fox, which was confiscated by the French in 1798. Mr. and Jilrs. Schroeder have two children, namely: Lucy Ellen, born December 17, 1894; and William Raymond, born December 2, 1898. The wife and mother is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is a most estimable lady. Mr. Schroeder is a member of the same church and is a prominent Odd Fellow, ser\'ing as deputy grand master in his lodge at W'arrensburg. He also belongs to the encampment and canton at Decatur, and to the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has served as clerk for seven years. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, is now serving his second term as clerk of Illini township, and has also been a member of the board of village trustees. He has witnessed almost the entire development of Warrensburg and has done all in his power to advance its interests, supporting every measure which he believed calculated to promote the moral, educational or social welfare of the communitv.

Phhjp P. H Amman

Philip P. Hamman, a member of the firm of Hamman P.rothers, has gained for himself a creditable position in business circles in Decatur and associated with his brother is conducting an enterprise which is proving profitable. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, in the year 1869, and came to Macon county with his parents, \\^illiam and Mary Hamman, who are also natives of the Buckeye state, whence they removed to Illinois in 1879. The father became identified with farming interests west of Warrensburg and there remained until his death, which occurred in July, 1899, when lie was sixty years of age.

The subject of this review was a yoiUh of ten sununers when he arrived in Macon county and upon the home farm he was reared and in public schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. To his father he gave the benefit of his services in the work of field and meadow until he was twenty-three years of age. He left home with a tw^enty dollar gold piece in his pocket and from that time on has made his way unaided, being one of the successful business men of Decatur. Forming a liartnorship with his bmiluT, John \\'., they established a transfer line and storage w'arehouse and ha\e since conducted business umli'r the firm style of llanunan Brothers.

Philip Hamman has given his undivided attention to the business and his constant care has licen an important elemcnl in its success. He regards no details as too unimportant to claim his attention and his unremilling diligence and well directed labors have won for him creditable and desirable success.

In .\ugust, 1895, Mr. llanunan was united in marriage to Miss Cora B. McGorray, a daughter of Benedict McGorray, of Decatur. The}- now have two children: Arden and Phillis. Mr. Hamman is a member of Coeur de Lion Lodge, No. 17, K. P.; also of Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A. In politics he votes for the man rather than party and has never taken an active part in political work, preferring to devote all of bus energies to his business aflfairs. The firm of Hamman Brothers occupies a high place in public regard by reason of the straightforward mctho(Is Ihcy ha\e e\er followefl.

Casper C. Elwood

For many years Casper C. Elwood was connected with business interests in Decatur as a clothing merchant and manufacturer and his enterprise, added to the commercial and industrial activity of the city, make him a valued factor in trade circles.. His business career was at all times characterized by straightforward dealing and by unfaltering allegiance to the ethics of commercial life and thus he gained the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. He became a resident of Decatur on the loth of ATarch. 1857, and was therefore among the first representatives of its business affairs.

cms being Jonas and ^largaret (Lipe) Elwood, both of whom were natives of the Empire state and there they remained until called to their final rest. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife died in Herkimer county, New York.