Decatur Township (part 20 of 46)

It was in that county that Casper C. Elwood was educated, attending the public schools. He spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm and the work of plowing, planting and harvesting became familiar to him. He continued to reside with his parents up to the time of his marriage, which occurred in Herkimer county in 1854, the lady of his choice being Miss Charlotte Suits, who was born in that county a daughter of David and Emma. (Hazen) Suits, also of Herkimer county. Mr. Suits was a tailor by trade and always followed that occupation in order to provide for the needs of himself and family.

Mr. Elwood was the only representative of his father's family who came to the west. In the fall of 1855 he bade adieu to the Empire state and with his family came to Illinois, settling first in Sycamore, where he engaged in business for fifteen months. On the loth of March, 1857, he arrived in Decatur and here began working for James William Race in the clothing business. After a short time he was admitted to a partnership by his employer under the firm style of the Race Clothing Manufacturing Company, doing business at No. 135 North Water street. This is now one of the largest clothing manufacturing plants in this part of the state. They manufacture all kinds of men's clothing and neckwear. In connection with this they own and conduct a retail store. Mr. Elwood continued in the business until his death and the success of the concern was largely attributable to his labors, his keen business sagacity, his enterprise and sound judgment. He applied himself diligently to the work of building up a profitable business and his labors were rewarded as the years passed by with a hand- -some competence. He made for himself a

Inisiness record that any might envy. He never incurred an obligation that he did not meet or made an engagement that he did not fill and his word became a synonym for integrity in all trade transactions.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elwood were born four children : Cora M. and Lula R., who reside with their mother; Clifford, at home; and Frank, who is now secretary of the Race Clothing Manufacturing Company of Decatur. He, too, is living with his mother so that the family are all still together.

It was in 1892 that they were called upon to mourn the loss of the husband and father, who on the 21st of January of that j'ear passed away. In his political views he was a Republican, always exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party, yet never seeking nor desiring office. He held membership in the Masort'c fraternity and both he and his wife were members of the Universalist church. Long he was recognized as one of the leading business men of the city and his name was honored in commercial and in social circles. His life record is indeed commendable and he left to his family an untarnished name as well as a handsome competence. Mrs. Elwood owns a beautiful brick residence at No. 270 West North street, where she and her children reside and she also has an interest in the Race Clothing Manufacturing Company. The family is verv prominent in Decatur society and no history of the city would be complete without mention of Mr. Elwood, so long an active factor here in manufacturing and mercantile circles.

Samuel R. Gepford

SAMUEL R. GEPFORD. Samuel R. Gepford, who is now successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 36. mini township, was born in that township on the loth of November. 1870, a son of George and Letitia (Shepard) Gepford, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania in

Mrs. Fannie Kepler

1825 ami the latter in Illinois in 1834. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Macon comity at an early day and purchased land in Decatur township now owned by Mrs. Baker, of Decatur. He afterward ilisposed of that property and in the early '60s Ijought the farm where our subject now Hves and where he died in 1885. He had one brother who died in California during the gold excitement in that state. The mother is now living witli our subject on the old homestead in mini township.

Samuel R. Gepford passed his boyhood and youth in nuich the usual manner of farmer lads, aiding in the labors of field and meadow during the summer mouths and attending Childs district school in Illini township through the winter until fifteen years of age. He then worked on a farm until he attained his majority, when he went to Phelps county, Nebraska, where he spent three months during the winter. On his return to Macon county he worked for one year in the Wabash Railroad car shops at Decatur and for six months in Doake's livery stable. He was then married and engaged in the draying business for one year. The following year was spent upon his present farm and for two years he was employed on a farm in Piatt county, Illinois. He then resumed draying in Decatur, and at the end of a year again accepted a position in the Wabash Railroad shops, where he was employed two years. Since that he has resided on the old home farm, being one of the heirs to the place as well as to some land in Decaitur township. He is now^ successfully operating eighty acres and is also interested in stockraising.

On the 6th of September, 1892, Mr. Gepford was united in marriage to Miss Arietta Crow, a daughter of A. J. and Margaret (Dobbs) Crow, who were born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and are now living in Decatur, where the father works at the carpenter's trade. Mrs. Gepford obtained her education in the schools of Elmwood, Peoria county, Illinois. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children but two died at birth. The others were Ethel May, who was born .-\ugust 6, 1893, and died July 16, 1894, being buried in Boiling Springs cemetery; Sylvan Ray, born April 30, 1895 ; and Maude Agnes, born July 20, 1897. In his political views Mr. Gepford is a Republican and he takes considerable interest in public affairs.

.AIRS. FANNIE KEPLER. Mrs. I'annie Kepler, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Maroa, is a native of Franklin count)', Ohio, and a daughter of Hamilton and Carolina W illiams. By occupation her father was a school teacher. .She received a good practical education in the schools of her native county and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when she gave her hand in marriage to Gideon Brintlinger, who made farming his life work. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted for three years in an Ohio regiment and was stationed at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, for some lime. While he was in the army his wife was leit with the care of five small children and most capably did she perform her duties to her family. By that union seven children were born, namely: Daniel Brintlinger, the only son, is a resident of Decatur. He had four children, Elmer, Mahlon, Austa and Abner, who died at twenty-one years of age. Mrs. Mina Diller lives in Jacksonville, Te.xas, and has two children: Mrs. Fannie Ross and Charles r.radeu. Ixith of Decatur. Mrs. Mary Braden lives in Crowley, Louisiana, and has five children: Mrs. Stella Wyckoft', Dessie, Irene. P>ernice and Eddie. Mrs. ,\nna Bennett makes her home in Maroa, this county, and has three children: Florence, Arthur and Roy. Airs. Lizzie Trowbridge, also a resident of Maroa, had six children: Chase,

Seward, Vera, Fay, Russell and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Bessie Kepler lives in Decatur and has four children : Earl, Homer, Ralph and Florence. Mrs. Belle Jones, a widow living in Decatur, had one son, Preston, who died at the age of seven years. One daughter married a son of our subject's second husband and another married a son of her third husband.

After the death of her first husband Mrs. Brintlinger married Peter Bennett, who was born in Mansfield, Ohio, and came to Illinois with his family in early life, being one of the early settlers of Austin township, Macon county, where he owned and operated one thousand acres of land. About twenty-eight years ago he removed to the village of ^laroa, which then contained but two houses, and was engaged in the drug business there for fifteen years. The following three years were spent in Kenney, where he did a banking business in partnership with Dr. Axton, but at the end of that time he returned to Maroa and resumed business with Mr. Smelz. This connection continued up to the time of his death, which nccurred September 20, 1886. He was a very successful and reliable business man who did not confine his attention wholly to one line, but was interested in a number of enterprises. L'pon his farm he raised a large number of cattle and hogs. besides great quantities of grain, and in this as in other undertakings he prospered. The Democratic party found in Mr. Bennett a stanch supporter of its principles and he efficiently served as supervisor, tax collector and road commissioner in his township. He belonged to the liidependent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a consistent member of the Alethodist Episcopal church, to which our subject also belongs. There were seven children born to them, as follows : Katherine is now the wife of Charles Smith, of Crowley, Louisiana, and has two children by a former marriage, Linn and

Dale. Jennie is the wife of C. W. Wyckofif, of Decatur, and has three children: Forrest, Preston and Savarre. Jessie married J. Bradley and lives in Decatur. Thomas Edwin and Grovie are at home with their mother. The former completed his education at Bloomington. Illinois, and is now bookkeeper for Hitt & Company of Alaroa. Susie and Jessie died in infancy.

Mrs. Bennett was again married October 3, 1889, her third union being with Samuel Kepler, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, and received his education in the public schools of Dayton, that state, in which city he was reared. He had also been married twice before and has four children living: George and Horace, both residents of Decatur ; Elza D., who makes liis home in Columbus, Ohio; and Tentie, who lives in Colorado.

Mrs. Kepler is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres in this county, which she rents, besides consideralile rice land in Louisiana. Several years ago she took an active interest in real estate and did a good business in that line, getting up several excursions into Louisiana for the purchase and sale of lands in that state. In addition to her other property she owns a beautiful home in Maroa, which was erected by her two years ago. She is a woman of exceptional business ability and keen discrimination and has met with success in the conduct of her business aft'airs. Pleasant and ladylike in manner, she makes friends wherever she goes and is held in hiuh resjard bv all who know her.

J. B. Clark

J. B. CLARK. J. r>. Clark, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a well known farmer residing on section 19, Blue Mound township, was born on the loth of May, 1837, in the state of Tennessee, a son of Tames and Sarah

(Gaines) Clark, botli natives of Tennessee. I'.y occupation the father was a bhicksniitli. In the family were nine children, as follows: Thomas, who married and lived in Tennessee ; .Martha, wife of James Hoover, a miller of Kentucky; Joseph, who married Elizabeth Smith, and follows farming in Randolph county, Missouri: Jane, who died when a young lady : J. B., of this review ; -Martin, a machinist, who wedded ?^lillie Morgan and died in August, 1901 ; George, who is married and engaged in blacksmithing in Missouri.

J. H. Clark received his education in the common schools of Kentucky and Illinois. It was in the latter '50s that he came to this ^tate and look up iiis residence in Sangamon county, where he worked for James .Knthony for two years, and was then with Charles Sage four years. Still later he was in the employ of Coby Smith, in Sangamon county.

In 1861 Mr. Clark came to Macon county and here he enlisted on the 5th of .\ugust. that year, in Company E, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infarttry, under Captain Armstrong and Colonel Pugh. The regiment, which was assigned to the Seventeenth .\rmy Corps, was under the command of General Tuppcr. The first engagement in which our subject participated was at Fort Highman, followed by the battles of Fort Donelson. Corinth, Shiloh and Vicksburg. .After the battle of Corinth lie was in the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, for seven months, and then went to St. Louis, where he re-enlisted. For some time his command guarded the river from that city to Natchez, Tennessee. .\t length Mr. Clark received an honorable discharge at \'icksburg in February, 1865, and returned north. At Shiloh he was struck by a ball in the finger, and after his re-enlistment he was crippled by a horse falling upon him in a skirmish. His leg was badly bruised and broke out in sores, which were over a vear in healing, lie now draws a pension of eight dollars per month as a compensation for the injuries he received in the service. After his return to Macon county he resumed farming and is to-day the owner of one hundred and thirty-four acres of land on sections 18 and 19, Blue Mound township, which he has placed under a high state of culti\alion.

On the 181I1 of March, i8()(), .Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Hall, a daughter of Alfred and Jane (Smith) Hall, of Macon county. Her father came from Tennessee to Illinois at an early day and entered land in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark ha\e been born eleven children, namely: Charles, born February 13, 1807, married Clara Pearson and is engaged in farming in Macon county. Cora .Mice. l)orn January 26, i86g, was married in .March, 1898, to Charles Johnson, also a farmer of this county. Jennie Frances, 1)1 irn June 18, 1871. married Homer Ping, who died January 14, 1897, and she is now living at home with her parents. Frank Leslie, born February 28, 1874, married Lillie Portwood, and is engaged in farming in Sullivan county, Illinois. Nora Agnes, born June 18, 1876, is the wife of John Crouch, who lives on a farm in this county, luigene, born January 18, 1879, married Charlotte Kissle and is in the employ of the ^^'abash Railroad, making his home in lioody. Liddia Stella, born June 27. 1881, is the wife of Thomas Harbarger, a salesman living near Blue Alound. Chester Luther, born December 12, 1883, is at home. Anna May, born August 3, 1886, is the wife of Archie Vermillion, a farmer of Macon county. Oscar Bruce, born November 13, 1888, and .Alfred Merlin, born June 27, 1891, are l)otli at home with their parents.

In his social relations Mr. Clark is a member of Blue Mound Post, G. A. R., and both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church. Their lives have ever been in harmony witli their professions and they are held in the highest regard by all who know Ihcm. Mr. Clark has always been found a patriotic and loyal citizen, as true to his country's interests in days of peace as in time of war, and he well merits the high regard in which he is held.

Frank D. Torrence

FRANK D. TORRENCE. Frank D. Torrence, who has charge of Fairview Park in Decatur as its custodian, was born in Sharpsville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of July, 1853. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent and the physical characteristic of the family is large stature. Patriotism is also one of the salient features in the Torrence history and at the time of the Civil war a number of representatives of the name were loyal defenders of the Union cause. Oscar Torrence, a brother of our subject, was killed at the battle of the \\'ilderness. John Torrence, the grandfather on the paternal side, was a colonel of the war of 1812. James Torrence, the father of Frank D. Torrence, was born in Pennsylvania and was a blacksmith by trade. In the year 1858 he removed to Ohio, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1872, when he was sixty-six years of age. In his boyhood days he had been a playmate of Governor Tod, of Ohio, and they had early espoused the cause of the ^^'hig part}-. James Torrence was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Rebecca Thatcher, a daughter of John Thatcher, who was a native of Philadelphia and belonged to the Society of Friends. His wife bore the maiden name of Betsey Inman and was a relative of the Inmans who own the steamship line. John Thatcher became a man of great wealth and distinction. His daughter, Mrs. Torrence, passed away at Bement, Illinois, in 1884, when seventy-six years of age. Unto the parents of our subject were born eight children, including General Joseph Thatcher Torrence, who

Frank D. Torrence, whose name introduces this review, had but limited school privileges, for at the early age of nine years he began to work in a blast furnace in his native town in connection with the operation of an engine. His father and other members of the family were at that time at the front, engaged in protecting the Union during the Civil war. Thus it was necessar}- that the boy should earn his own living. He followed engineering in different capacities until 1901. At the age of seventeen he became a fireman on the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, but was soon promoted to the rank of engineer and in 1888 he became engineer on the Jacksonville & Southwestern Railroad. He at one time was engineer of a dredging boat engaged in the ditching of Nigger Wool Swamp in Ogle county,^ Illinois, also did similar work in Latham, Logan county, Illinois, and Daviess county, Indiana. For three years prior to accepting his present position he had charge of the water works at Bement, Piatt county, Illinois, and also served as city marshal for two years of that time.

On the I2t1i of June. 1901, he took charge of Fairview Park in Decatur as custodian. It was then a mere field. Nature had done much for the place, but man had done little and much of the Ijeauty of this park to-day is due to the ingenuity, efforts and artistic sense of ^Ir. Torrence. He has been very industrious and unremitting in his work and has accomplished nniclv during the two years spent here. He established the greenhouse in which are started all of the plants that are used in the decoration of the park. Through his instrumentality the road was built over the hill and through the grove. Bridges have been built, cobble and brick gutters have been constructed, rope and pole swings have been put up and much rustic work has been done, adding largely to the natural beauty of the place. The

Mks- J. H. Black

I)avilion lias l)een painted, cannon has been planted and the park has been cleared of weeds, over one hundred trees have been set out and the nld historic log courthouse once used by Abraham Lincoln has been repaired. It stands near the south border of the park and is a landmark of the old times which should be greatly cherished by the people of Decatm- and the country.

In iSj,^ .Mr. Torrence was united in marriat;;c to Miss Emma Phillips, of Cleveland, ( )hio, and they have one daughter, Rebecca 'i'hatcher Torrence. Socially he is connected with the Improved Order of Red Men and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party. His understanding of mechanical principles together with his eye for beauty and his recognition of possibilities in this direction have made him splendidly qualified for the ])osition which he is now filling. As custtxlian of the park he has certainly added greatly to the beauty of the park system of Decatur and deserves high commendation for what he has accomplished.

.\mong the highly esteemed citizens of 1 )ecatur who are now living a retired life after many years of active identificatii m with the business interests of the city should be numbered John H. Black, who resides at No. 171 W'est \\'ood street, that being his home continuously for the past forty years. He was born in .Mishawaka. St. Joseph comity. Indiana, on the 7th of February, 1842, a son of Samuel and Catherine (McCirath) Black, who were born near Belfast in County Down, Ireland. It was in 1S20 that the father left his native land and came to the new world in company with his father, John Black, and several brothers, among them being Hugh, wdio was a sailor on Lake Michigan, with headquarters in Chicago, and was drowned during a storm on that lake; John, who died in Canada : and Frank, who was the voungest in the family and was about fifteen years of age when he came to this country. The family took passage on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at I'lelfast and alter a v'oyage of seven weeks they landed in (Juebec, whence they made their way by boat uj) the .St. Lawrence river to Lake Ontario and located at Port Delhousie, Canada. In 1833 they made their way westward to Chicago and from there removed to St. Joseph, Michigan, and later to Mishaw^ika, Indiana. Our subject's grandfather died there in i8()i. The only one of his children now living is I'rank Black. During the war with Mexico he entered the United States army from Wisconsin and for \aliant service was promoted to lieutenant of his company. He served under General Shields and General Winfield Scott. At the close of the war he returned to Mishawaka, Indiana, where he learned the carpenter's trade, but during the gold excitement in California, he crossed the i)lains with ox teams in the spring of 1849, it re(|uiring si.x months to make the trip, and he remained five years on the Pacific slojjc. .\t the end of that time he again retm-ned to Mishawaka, where he married Ihiiinah Ihiek and after her death he was married again. When the gold fever broke out at Pike's Peak he again went west but this time remained only (:)ne year in the gold fields of Colorado, returning to his home in Indiana at the end of that time. \\ lien llie Civil war was inaugurated he once more entered the army antl for four years fought for the ])reservation of the Union, taking part in many important 1):Utles. lie was promoted from private to captain and when hostilities ceased was honorably discharged. Returning to Mishawaka. he worked at the carpenter's trade for some years and later followed farming,

On coming to America Samuel Black, the father of our subject, first located at Port Dclhousie, Canada, where he was employed as a mechanic on the A\^elland canal, which was then in course of construction. About 1834 he went to Chicago, but as he found business ver}- dull in the embryo city and being unable to secure work, he shortly afterward went to Alishawaka, Indiana, where he obtained the position of foreman of the blast furnaces of a large iron foundry. He remained there until his death, which occurred on the loth of August, 1849. He had been converted from the church of England to the Catholic faith, and he gave his political support to the Whig party. His wife, who survived him for some years, made her home with her children in Mishawaka after his death until 1862, when she came to Decatur to live with our subject and died here in April, 1865. In the family of this worthy couple were six children, namely: Eliza, who died in infancy; Ellen, now the widow of Andrew JNIulIegan and a resident of South Bend, Indiana ; John H., of this review ; James Joseph, who died in infancy : Belle, wife of John Feiten, of Mishav.-aka, Indiana ; and Mary, widow of Peter Haubert, of the same cit}-.

John H. Black received his early education in the subscription schools of Mishawaka and later attended what was then termed the high grade school. His first work was on a farm, driving an ox team to a plow, for which he received fifty cents per day and his board. Later he was employed in a lumberyard and at the age of seventeen years commenced learning the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked in Mishawaka until the fall of i860, when he went to Chicago and was similarly employed there until the 9th of July, 1862, which date witnessed his arrival in Decatur. Here he worked for W. F. Busher until 1870, when he became a member of the firm, a partnership that continued until 1885. They enjoj'ed a wide reputation throughout the county and as a result built up a good trade. On his retirement from that business Mr. Black opened a shoe store in partnership with his son, Frank P., and they carried on the same until 1887, since which time our subject has practically lived retired.

On the loth of August, 1863, at St. Patrick's Catholic church, Mr. Black was married by Rev. Father Vogt to Miss Elizabeth McDonald. She was born December 28, 1842, in County Kildare, Ireland, about nine miles from the city of Dublin, and is a daughter of Patrick and Bridget ^McDonald, also natives of the Emerald Isle. It was about 1850 that her father brought his family to America and shortly after his arrival in this country located at Decatur, Illinois, where he and his wife made their home until their deaths, both living to a remarkably old age. They were consistent members of the Catholic church and most estimable people. In their family were four sons and two daughters but onlj- ilrs. Black and her brother, Peter ^McDonald, are now living. The later is also . a resident of Decatur. Mrs. Black was the youngest of the children that came to America with the parents and she distinctly remembers the ocean voyage, made on a sailing vessel.

Unto our subject and his wife were born seven children, six sons and one daughter, as follows: Frank P., born August 30, 1864, is now with the S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, of Chicago, the compilers of this volume. He first married Louisa M. Dilley. of Shelbyville, Illinois, who died November 28, 1898. and on the 20th of November, 1901, he wedded Minnie J. Schaefer, of Geneseo, Illinois. Of the five children born of the first union two died in infancy, those living being Ethal M., Grace E. and Ruth F. There is one child

])y the second marriage, Lenora Catherine. William H., our subject's second son, was born Jul)' 29, 1866, and died in infancy. Edward J., born December 29, 1868, is also connected with the S. J. Clarke Publishingcompany and resides with his parents in Decatur. John S., born February 22, 1872, is an engineer on the Terminal Railroad at St. Louis. He married Mollie Koepples, of that city, and they have two children, Thompson and Jerome. Louis W., born November 2, 1874, resides in Decatur and is bookkeeper for the Model Laundry Com- ]iany. Flaubert B., born January 24, 1882, is also a resident of Decatur and is draftsman for the II. Mueller Manufacturing Comjiany. .Mary V... born January 26, 1876, is at home with her parents.

Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Black are devout members of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur. The former was hixptized in the little log school church, which was erected by the Missionary Fathers, it being the first building to occupy the site of the now famous Notre Dame University, and when a boy he served Rev. Father General .Sorin, the founder of the university, at the altar as acolyte during the celebration of mass. His father was buried in the Notre Dame cemetery. In politics Mr. Black is independent, voting for the men and measures which he believes are for the best interests of the people. Fraternally he is a member of the Decatur Council, Knights -of Columbus. He deserves classification among the self-made men of this locality, for he came to Macon county in 1862 without a dollar and when a young man supl^orled his mother and sisters until the latter were married. After that his mother lived with him until her death. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life and justly merits the confidence and trust .so freely accorded him by his fellow citizens. He has ever been a kind, indulj;;ent, loving husband and father and a friendship that he once gained has always been retained. He is widely and favorably known throughout his adopted count\' and is accounted one of Decatur's most respected citizens.

This well known and energetic farmer residing on section 24, Maroa township, has spent his entire life in Macon county, his birth occurring here on the 8th of May, 1867. His father, R. H. Rogers, was also born in this county in 1837 and was a representative of one of its honored pioneer families. Amid frontier scenes he grew to manhood and he took an active part in the early development and upbuilding of this section of the state. He made farming his life work and after a useful and well spent life died in 1901, his remains being interred in Ridge cemetery. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Rachel .-\. Demsey, is still living in Macon county, which is also the home of three brothers and one sister of our subject.

L. E. Rogers passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and early became familiar with the work of field and meadow, while in the district schools of the neighborhood he gained a good knowledge of the branches of learning therein taught. At the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account, and after operating rented land for five years he was able to purchase one hundred and twenty acres, which he afterward sold and then purchased his present farm of one hundrtcl and sixty acres on section 24, Maroa township. Industrious, enterprising and progressive, he has carried on his work in a creditable manner atid the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited. He raises grain mostly but gives some attention to the raising of cattle and hogs for market. His farm is well improved and its neat and thrifty ajipearance indicates to the passerby

In 1892 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Anna Rau, also a native of Macon county, and to them have been born two children : Clayton R. and one who died in infancy. \lv. and Mrs. Rogers are both members of the United Brethren church and he is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political support is given the Republican party.

G. Fred Oilman

G. FRED OILMAN. Among the sturdy, energetic and reliable citizens of ]\Iacon count)' whose lives have been devoted to agricultural pursuits is G. Fred Gilman. who now owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Illini township. A native of Illinois, he was born at Long Ridge, IMarshall county, August 14, 1857, his parents being George and Sarah H. (Coding) Gilman. His father was born on the 4th of January, 1831, in Parsonsfield, Elaine, of English ancestry, and his mother was also a native of the Pine Tree state, her birth having occurred in York county. Alaine, April 15, 1830. She was of Welsh descent. Our subject's paternal grandfather spent his last days in Macon county and died at the home of his son George on section 29, Illini township. ]\Iay 17. 1887, his remains being interred in the Illini cemetery. He was born May 9, 1802. In 1846 the father left his old home in the east and came to Illinois, locating first in Marshall county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1865 he removed to Bureau count}- and bought an eighty-acre farm, making his home thereon until coming to Macon county in 1868. Here he purchased the north half of section 29. Illini township, where our subject now resides, and afterward added to his farm an eighty-acre tract on section 20. Throughout his active business life he engaged in farming and met with fair success in his wiirk. He died October 3, 1899, and his wife August 24, 1892. honored and respected by all who knew them, and tliey were laid to rest in the Illini cemetery.

This worthy couple were the ])arents of four children, of whom G. Fred is the oldest. Bessie A., the second in order of birth, successfully engaged in teaching school in Macon coimty for a time and is now living on the old home farm in Illini township. Richard E. married Addie D. Mills, and is now engaged in farming in Modesto, California. Sadie G. is the wife of B. F. Tucker, a grain merchant of Morton, Tazewell county, Illinois.

G. Fred Gilman is indebted to the district schools of Illini township for the early educational privileges he enjoyed and for one year he was a student at the University of Illinois. Leaving school at the age of twenty years, he gave his father the benefit of his labors on the home farm until he attained his majority and then started out in life for himself, operating the farm where he still lives. Here he has made his home since 1879. and he is now the owner of a rich and arable tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29. Illini township, on which he has made many useful and valuable improvements.

On the 23d of December, 1885, at Osceola, Clarke county. Iowa, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gilman and Miss Caroline A. Young, who was born in Trivoli, Peoria county. Illinois, December 5. 1861, and was educated in the grammar and high schools of Osceola. Iowa. Her father was born in Scituate. Massachusetts. August 11. 1827. and is still living. He traces his ancestry on both sides back to the Pilgrims who came to this country in the INIayflower and the entire family history appears in the book of Hanover, Massachusetts. Mrs. Gilman's paternal greatgrandfather, Levi Young, was captain of a colonial privateer preying on English commerce in American waters during the Revolutionary war, and her great-uncle, George

T. C- Stoner Mrs T. C Stoner

Pratt, served as a private soldier in the Continental army during the entire war, never coming home until peace was restored. Mrs. (lilman's maternal granthnother, who was a Bailey, belonged to an old and prominent family, whose coat of arms were Az., nine estoiles. three, three, two and one. ar., and crest, a morning star ppr.

Politically .Mr. (iilman affiliates willi the Republican party, and socially he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. Ijoth he and his wife are members of the lllini Congregational church and are widely and favorably known in the community where they reside, having a host of warm friends throughout the county. Mrs. (jilman belongs to the Royal Neighbors of America at \\'arrensburg, Illinois.

Thomas C. Stoner

THOMAS C. STONER. Tiiomas C. Stoner, one of the old and honored residents of Mount Zion township, was born on the 24th of March, 1829, in Bath county, Kentucky, and is a representative of one of the' earliest families of that state. His paternal grandfather. Michael Stoner, was a native of Germany and on coming to America first located in Virginia but went to Kentucky with Daniel Boone, the noted Indian fighter and pioneer. There Michael Stoner died at the age of fifty years. He was once wounded in battle with the Indians. He married a .Miss Sarah Tribble, who lived to the advanced age of ninety years, and to them were born the following children; Leonard, W ashingtnii, Michael, I'eter, Andrew, .\ancy and Sallie. Sarah Tribble was the sister of Peter Tribble, who married a Miss Boone, the daughter of George Boone, who was a brother of Daniel

(1. Washington .Stoner, of this family, was the father of our subject. He spent his entire lite in Kentucky and made farming his ])rincipal occupation, though he filled tlu- ntlice of sheriff of Madison county tor a time when a young man. He married .Vancy Tribble. a daughter of Peter Tribble, who was a ]>a|)list minister of Kentucky and ilied near Richmond. .Madison county, that state. .Mr. and .Mrs. Stoner spent their last days in Mount .Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentucky, where he died at the age of eighty-four years and she at the age of seventy-seven. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Clinton. Sarah, Michael, Mary Ann, Peter and Fannie, all deceased; Minerva, who first married John Grubbs and second Richard L. W^illiams, and died in New Orleans; Washington, who is now living at Lake Charles, Louisiana ; Thomas C, of this review; and Nannie, Maria and Robert G., all three deceased.

Thomas C. Stoner was educated in the public schools of his native state and Mount Sterling Academy. At the age of twentythree years he began farming on his own account in Bath county, Kentucky, remaining there three years, and at the end of that time came to Macon county. Illinois, where he has since made his home. In 1857 he purchased three hundred and twentyfour acres of land on section 29, Mount Zion township, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he continued to devote his time and energies until his retirement from active labor. He has added fiftv acres to the original tract and now has a place one mile long and a half mile wide. The fields are well tilled, the fences are in good repair and the buildings are substanroo

Born and reared in the sonlli, Mr. Stoner's sympatliies were with the Confederacy during the dark days of the Civil war, and on the I2th of October, 1861, lie joined a cavalry company at Cumberland Ford, about twelve miles from Cumberland Gap. This company was under the command of his brother and the regyment to which it was assigned was under General Zollie Cof¥er. Our subject participated in the engagements at Rock Castle river and Princeton, Virginia, and Middle Creek, Kentucky, besides numerous skirmishes, and after the battle of Middle Creek was discharged at Abingdon, Virgina. December 12, 1862, but he subsequently went on the !\Iorgan raid with Colonel Roy Clarke. At that time his brother, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stoner, and Colonel P.reckenridge were at McMinnville, Tennessee. He left ^Torgan at Licking, near Zanesville. Ohio, with two comrades, Pendleton Ewing and John Fessler, who went from Cincinnati to Maysville, Kentucky, and then on foot over the IMaysville and TMount Sterling pike to his father's farm, reaching home on the ist of March, 1864.

On the 3d of September, 1851, Mr. Stoner was united in marriage to Miss Nannie J. Hathaway, a daughter of Philip Hathaway, of Montgomery county, Kentucky. She died April 28, 1900, at the age of sixty-nine years. By this union were born eight children as follows : William Clinton, who died in Texas, had three children : Hope A., Royal and Clinton, the last now deceased. Andrew was scalded to death at the age of two years. Millard is also deceased. Mary P. is the wife of W. W. Burt, principal of the McLeonard school of Springfield, Illinois, and they have seven children: Price, Clinton Miriam, Margaret, Robert, James and Hathaway. Thomas C. is a resident of Mount Zion township, this conuty, Robert L., who married a Miss Glenn, is a resident of Macon township. Nannie H. is the wife of Walter S. Bromley, who lives on our subject's farm, and they had three children: Elva, Wallace, and Vera, deceased. Mattie A. is the wife of Thomas Smith, of .South Wheatland township. They have three children : T. Weaver, Nannie Hathaway and Daniel Boone Michael Stoner Peter Tribble. Mr. Stoner is spending his declining years on his farm, looking after his interests, but he leaves the operation of the land to younger hands, while he practically lives retired. Since casting his first vote he has affiliated with the Democratic party and has always taken a deep interest in public aflfairs. He is widely and favorably known in the county where he has now made his home for almost a half century and he has the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens.

Thomas T. Roberts

THOMAS T. ROBERTS. Thomas T. Roberts was born on a farm near Charleston, Coles county, Illinois, of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian parents, who emigrated from East Tennessee about 1830. He is the ninth child of a family of three sisters and seven brothers. His early life was spent on the farm, working during the summer and in winter attending the school which was then held in a log schoolhouse near the farm. The Charleston Academy was afterward established and he took advantage of this better opportunity for an education. He enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Volunteers in 1862 and continued in active service with his regiment until the close of the war, being mustered out in July, 1865. He was once wounded in a battle at Selma, Alabama, .'Vpril 2, 1865. Immediately upon his return from the war he came to Decatur and associated with his brother. Dr. J. E. Roberts, in the drug business and continued in the same until 1872. He then entered in- to co-partnership with Captain R. P. L\tle and O. Z. Green and built up what was afterwards known as the Decatur Coffin Company, where lie has continued ever since.

Mr. Roberts was married in 1870 to .Miss Rachel T. Musgrave, of Cincinnati, who died in 1882. In 1886 he was again married to ^liss Anna H. Jack of Decatur. Mr. Roberts has been prominently associated with many of the business interests of Decatur, among others the raising of the one hundred thousand dollars by the citizens, which secured the location of the James Millikin University. Since its establishment, he has been a member of the board of directors of this university.

Politically Mr. Roberts is a i'rohibitive Republican, and was one of the six aldermen, who, ill 1883, voted the city antilicense. He. is a man who belie\es and trusts men, and thinks success is always within the reach of all who are willing to pay the penalty in honest effort. He does not think success is always measured by the money standard, but that to be honest, industrious and true is to be successful.

One of the recent additions to the citizenship of Decatur is Dr. Frank J. Mittan, who removed from Colfax, McLean county, Illinois. He has already won favorable attention here and is building up a good practice, for he is recognized as a thorough student of his profession who keeps abreast of the times and the improvement that is continually being made in the practice of medicine and surgery. He was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, April 13, 1865, and obtained his literary education in the district schools and in the high school of Farmer City.

and when twelve years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Lee county, Illinois, where after completing a course in the common schools he learned the blacksmith's trade and later conducted a shop of his own. Subsequently he became the owner of a farm which he operated for a time or until turning his attention into mercantile affairs. He is now engaged in the ice business in Farmer City, Illinois. He has been twice married, having on the 24th of December, 1862, wedded Miss Eliza Margaret Erwin, of Farmer City, by whom he had seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely : Clara B., Frank J., Wesley C, Effie J., Ira C, Elmer, and Ora C. The eldest daughter became the wife of John S. Brandon of Bellflower, Illinois, and they have two daughters. Myrtle and Pearl. They now reside in Marshalltown, Iowa. Effie J. is the wife of Frederick D. Rhea, who formerly lived in Bellflower, but is now a railroad agent, living at Marion, Illinois. They have three living children. Mrs. Eliza Mittan died August 31, 1888, and the father of our subject was again married March 3, 1897, his second union being with Mrs. Fannie (Knight) Wharton.

After completing his literary education Dr. Mittan engaged in teaching school for four years, being for two years a teacher in the country schools and for a similar period in the high school at Bellflower, Illinois. During the vacation months of 1883-4-5 he studied medicine with Dr. Godfrey of Bellflower and in the fall of 1887 he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained for one year. He then taught school as principal of the high school of Bellflower and in 1888 he entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago, in which he was graduated with the class of 1891.

Immediately after receiving his diploma the Doctor located in Colfax and entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he has since met with enviable success. He was a member of the McLean County Medical So- ciety and also belongs to the State jMedical Society, taking an active interest in each organization. On leaving Colfax he came to Decatur and has already won prominence as a medical practitioner here.

On the 24th of November, 1896, Dr. Mittan was nnitcd in marriage to Miss Emma L. Butcher, of Bellflower, Illinois. Her father, James C. liutcher, was born near Crawfordsville, Indiana, October 7, 1829. and was educated in the schools of his native state. He always followed the occupation of farming. In 1852 he wedded Jane C. Emmett, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and they became the parents of three sons and three daughters, but two of the sons died in infancy. Those now living are : Flora E., Emma L., John A. and Ida A. The family removed to McLean county, Illinois, in 1850, locating in Oldtown, where Mr. Butcher resumed farming operations. His first wife died November 3, 1870, and he afterward wedded Mrs. Susan Harris, nee Fordyce, this marriage being solemnized October 2, 1871. Three children have been born of this union : Jay A., Myron H. and Jessie H. Mr. Butcher is now living a retired life. Flora E. Butcher, a sister of Mrs. Mittan, is now the wife of Lincoln P. Goodhart, of Chicago. They have a daughter, Ina L. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Mittan was John Butcher, who was born in 1799, the eldest member of his father's family. He married Abigail Monahan. The great-grandfather, James Butcher, was born in 1777 and he, too, was the oldef" -riember of the family to which he belonged. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Patterson. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Mittan were Peter and Silence (Shobe") Monahan.

Fraternally Dr. Mittan is a member of Colfax Lodge, No. 799, A. F. & A. M. ; of Bloomington Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M. ; Bloomington Council, No. 43, R. & S. M. ; and DeMolay Commandery, No. 24, K. T., of Bloomington. While in Colfax he took an active part in evervthing pertaining to the welfare of the village. He was especially interested in educational matters, his experience as a teacher enabling him to know what was for the best interests of the schools. He acted as a member of the board of education for eight years and for five years was its president. He was also a member of the board of aldermen and acted as its president for one year. He likewise served as chairman of the board of health in Colfax and in all his oflficial positions discharged his duties with marked fairness, capa- 1)ility and for the best interests of the general ])ul)lic. His political support has ever been given to the Republican party and he is a stanch advocate of its principles. He continued an active worker in behalf of the schools in Colfax until 1902. when he left for Europe in order to pursue a post-graduate course in medicine and surgery.

Accompanied by his wife he went direct to London, England, where he studied in the Associated Medical Colleges of London for four months, pursuing the study of surgery under Sir A'ictor Horsley, Dr. Barter, Dr. Watson Cheyne and Dr. Corless. He also attended a polyclinic held at night in the hospital for the diseases of women, his instructor there being Dr. Fenwick. He also did special work in St. Mark's Hospital in connection with the treatment of rectal diseases. While abroad Dr. Mittan and his wife traveled extensively over the continent, visiting France, Holland, Germany and other European countries and thus broadening their general knowledge and gaining that culture and experience which only travel can bring. In the spring of the present year (1903) Dr. Mittan returned to America and spent several months in the hospitals of Chicago. He then came to Decatur, where he fitted up elegant rooms on the fifth floor of the Powers building, where he has all the latest and modern appliances such as the X-ray machine and other devices for the treatment of disease. He is making a specialtv of surgerv and of the diseases of women and his thorough preparation has made him a practitioner of marked ability. He has gained a place of distinctive precedence in the ranks of the medical fraternity in this part of the state and is building up a practice commensurate with his skill and learning.

The expression "the dignity of labor " is exemplified in the life record of this gentleman, who without reserve attributes his success to earnest work as he has never engaged in speculations of any kind. He is a man of strong force of character, purposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimination and sound judgment are shown in his capable management of business affairs. He resides on section 4. .\laroa townshiii, where he owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres.

Mr. Stoutenborough was born in Hutlcr county, Ohio, July 28, 1855, and in 1863 was brought to Illinois by his parents, John and Elizabeth Stoutenborough, the family locating in Macon county, where the father engaged in farming for many years, but he and his wife are now living retired in Maroa. Our subject attended the public schools of this county during his boyhood and youth and remained at home with his parents until he attained his majority. For ten years thereafter he was engaged in farming on rented land, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land east of Maroa. where he lived for four years. At the end of that time he bought a one hundred and sixty acre tract from his father and has since engaged in its cultivation. There is a fine house and barn upon the place, besides a good set of farm buildings of all kinds, and the farm is one of the most attractive and desirable in that section of the county. Mr. Stoutenborough is engaged in both general farming and stockraising.

Laura llaird. a native of De Witt county, Illinois, antl a daughter of Peter Baird. They have two children, Norman, the older, completed the proscribed course in the schools of Maroa and later attended Brown's Business College at DecaUir. Two years ago he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the Crocker & Company's Bank of Maroa, where he is still employed. Ernest, the younger son. is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stoutenborough are members of the Presbyterian church and occupy a prominent position in social circles of the coinnumity. lly his ballot Mr. Stoutenborough supports ihe Re]3ublican party anil its principles.

Charles Laux, proi)rietor of the St. Nichcjlas, has had as strenuous a life perhaps as any of the older citizens of Decatur and his career is a striking e.xample of hard work rewarded. He came to Decatur when it was a village and the hotel he established here has kept pace with the progress of the city. Three times when the growing city demanded it. Mr. Laux built a new St. Nicholas and the present one is in every respect all that a larger city than Decatur could expect.

Born in the (jrand 1 )uchy of Luxemburg, November 17, 1842, Mr. Laux came to .America in 1854 with his parents and family, lie eauR- direct to Decatur, where his motiicr died in July of the same year and his father died in 1859. Mr. Laux was but eleven years old when he arrived with his parents in this country. When eighteen he crossed the continent to California. He was attracted to the west Ijy the great gold craze and while there he worked at various hotels on the Pacific coast. After four \-cars of California be returned to Decatur and the firm of Laux Brothers was established. Mr. Laux and his brothers pur- chased llic old llarrcU House, which was then caUcd the Cloudas House. The hi)stelry was re-named the St. Nicholas, in 1880 the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Laux's brothers went west, leaving him the sole proprietor of the hotel. Since that time, he has made his hotel very popular with the traveling public and has gained the approbation of the Decatur citizens. In 1892 the present St. Nicholas was built and ranks today as one of the handsomest buildings in the city. It has one hundred and fifty guest rooms, a home-like office, a beautiful dining room and parlor. The house was built at an outlay of one hundred and five thousand dollars.

Many bits of central Illinois and even national history have taken place in the St. Nicholas hotel. Since the days of Abraliam Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, the St. Nicholas has been a political headquarters. The framers of the Grand Army of the Republic drew up the original code of the army in the parlors of the St. Nicholas and this act will make Decatur famous after the last veteran of the Civil war has gone to join his fallen comrades. Mr. Laux held the office of city treasurer for a term of two years.

James A. Wilson

JAMES A. WILSON. James A. Wilson, a retired farmer and stock-raiser, now residing at No. 1067 West Main street, in Decatur, belongs to one of the oldest families of the county, the Wilson home being first established here in 1830. The parents of our subject were Robert and Sarah (Lindsey) Wilson, both natives of North Carolina. The father was born in Mecklenburg and resided there until twenty years of age, when he removed with his parents to Wilson county, Tennessee. There he engaged in farming until 1829, when he brought his family to Sangamon county, Illinois, settling on a farm ahinit fifteen miles from Springfield. For a year he resided on what was called the old Bone place, and in December, 1830, he removed to Macon county. This was the winter of the famous '"deep snov/," so memorable in the early history of the state. Mr. Wilson purchased a tract of land on section 6, Mount Zion township, the deed for which was made on a piece of sheepskin. There he began raising stock, for which there was a great demand, and as there were no railroads to provide shipping facilities his sons, including our subject, drove many a herd of cattle and of horses across the country to the markets of \\'isconsin. Mr. Wilson was actively connected with general fanning and stock-raising interests in Mount Zion township until his death. He was twice married, his first union being with Miss Jane Donnell, of Tennessee, wlio died in that state in 1828. He then wedded Sarah (Lindsey) Hodge, widow of Joseph Hodge. By the first union there were seven children, but all are now deceased. The three children born of the second marriage are : Robert D., now deceased ; Sarah A., tiie widow of John H. Davidson and a resident of Mount Zion; and James A., of this review.

Our subject was born on the old family homestead in Mount Zion township, September 5, 1835, and like the other children of the household he was educated in the public schools of the locality, while later he entered a college at Sullivan, Illinois. On account of his eyesight, however, he had to return home and again he attended the common schools near the farm. In his early youth he began herding stock for his father and also performed all kinds of work incident to the cultivation and improvement of land. After his education was completed he returned to the old homestead and there continued to engage in general farming and stock-raising until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when on the 5th of August, 1861, he enlisted, becoming a member of Company E, Forty-first II- linois Regiment under Captain J. L. Armstrong and Colonel I. C. Pugh. He participated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Jackson, Vicksburg and Corinth and was in numerous skirmishes in connection with the Red river expedition under General Banks. In the battle of Tupelo he was in command of his regiment for two days, these being the last days of his service, and on the 20th of August, 1864, he was honorably discharged at Springfield. He was first lieutenant at tliat time, being promoted immediately after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, being commissioned by Governor Yates.

Returning to his farm he resumed agricultural pusuits and October 29, 1867, he won a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, being united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Jones, also a native of this county, born in 1849, ^^^ ^ daughter of Claybourn and Matilda (Davis) Jones. Her mother, born Septernber i, 1820, is now deceased. The father, born Augu.st to, 181 1, was one of the early settlers of Macon county. He settled in Oakley township and later removed to Mount Zion township, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising until, well advanced in years, he retired from business life and is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. Six children were born unto Air. and Mrs. Wilson : Charles L-., who went to Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, to attend school, was there taken ill and returned home, dying here February 26, 1894, at the age of twenty-six years; Mabel E. is now a teacher in the Wood street school and resides with her parents ; Sadie is the wife of Clarence C. Mills, a veterinary surgeon of Decatur ; Robert Roy, who married Fannie Davenport, is employed by the Morehouse & Wells Hardware Company of Decatur ; Bessie B. and James Victor are at home.

to Decatur. He first bought property at No. 721 West Wood street and resided there until December, 1901, when he purchased his present residence at No. 1067 West Main street, near the Alillikin University. This is in one of the best residence portions of the city and the Wilson household is a most hospitable one. lie _\ct owns eighty acres of fine farming land in Mount Zion township. In his politics he gives a stalwart support to the Republican party. He belongs to Dunham Post, G. .\. R., of Decatur, and for four years he was the treasurer of the Old Settlers' Association of Alacon county. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Decatur. In all his dealings Mr. Wilson has been successful and well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying among all the comforts of an attractive home.

William J. Magee

j\mong the residents of Decatur who at one time were identified with agricultural pursuits and therein won a competence sufficient to enable them to live retired surrounded by all the comforts of life is William J. Magce, who now occupies a beautiful residence at ^o- J 595 North Water street. He has made his home in Macon county since five years of age and is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Sangamon county. May 31, 1844. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Norris) Magee, the former born in Delaware, September 18, 1808, and the latter in Ohio on the 12th of December, 1816. The paternal grandparents of our subject were James T. and Sarah (Adams) -Magee, both of whom were born in the east and there spent their entire lives, the former dying January 20. 1845, and the latter on the 17th of September, 1851.

where he became acquainted with tlie lady whose hand he sought in marriage. He there engaged in buying and shipping cattle and also followed farming until about 1841, when he again started westward, this time taking up his abode in Moultrie county, Illinois, where he carried on farming for a year. In J84.J he removed to Sangamon county, settling nine miles northeast of Springfield, where he engaged in general agricultural jnirsuits for about seven years. In 1849 he came to Macon county and first rented a farm in Decatur township, but after living thereon for two years he purchased a tract of land on section 29, Whitmore township. To its development and cultivation he devoted his energies throughout his remaining days. He served as constable and deputy sheriff in Macon county for about thirty-six years and at his death he was the oldest constable in the county. He passed away September 11, 1890, and his wife died October 31, 1895, and they were held in high regard because of their allegiance to upright principles and as a public official Mr. Magee made a most creditable record. The family included six children : Sarah Jane, the .wife of Samuel H. Garver, now of Jennings, Louisiana; Samuel, who died in 1861 ; Samantha, the wife of George M. Barnett, of Long Creek township ; William J. ; Angeline, the deceased wife of Benjamin Mtisselman ; and Marietta, who died at the age of seventeen years.

Like the other members of the family. William J. Magee received but a commonschool education and theit had the opportunity of attending for only about two months in the year, as his services were needed on his father's farm in the cultivation and development of the fields. He continued to follow the plow until twenty years of age, when he enlisted in the army, being enrolled on the 4th of February, 1865, as a member of Company K. One Hundred and Fifty-second Illinois \'olunteer Infantry, tuider Captain Mattocks and Colonel Stephenson. From Springfield the regiment went to Tennessee and after the close of the war Mr. Magee was discharged at Memphis on the i8th of September, 1865. Returning to his home he again lived with his parents and assisted in the operation of the home farm for a j^ear, on the expiration of which period he was married.

It was in 1866 that Mr. Magee was joined in wedlock to Miss Fannie Alusselman, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Jacob and Annie Musselman, who removed with his family to Macon county, Illinois, at an early day, and it was here that Mrs. Magee was reared. The yotmg couple began their domestic life upon a farm which Mr. Magee purchased on section 29, Whitmore township, and there he engaged in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting until 1879, when he took charge of the Macon county poor farm, of which he was made superintendent for fourteen years. On retiring from that office in 1893 he removed to Decatur and has since been engaged in no active business pursuits. He is still, however, the owner of two hundred and thirty acres of fine farming land in Whitmore township, seventy acres in Pleasant View township and one hundred and sixty acres in Moultrie county, Illinois, and from this enterprise he derives an excellent income, for the land is valuable and brings a good rental.

Unto Mr. and ]^lrs. Magee have been born five children : John J., who married Ella Waterman, and is a graduated pharmacist, was formerly engaged in the drug business in Chicago, but is now retired ; A. Mary, a graduate of the high school of Decatur and the Normal L^niversity at Normal, Illinois, has taught school in this city for three vears ; Samuel is a resident of Iowa Falls. Iowa, in the drug business: Marcus D. died at the age of three months: .\da Estellc is

In the fall of 1899 Mr. Magee built his present tine residence at Xo. 1595 North Water street, where he and his family are now living. He has been honored with a number of public positions, having served as deputy sheriff for two years, as assistant supervisor for si.K years and as tax collector for one year. He has always taken an active interest in politics as every true American citizen should do and he votes with the Republican party as its jilatform embodies his ideas concerning the best forms of go\ernmcnt. His social relations connect him with the (jrand Army Post of Decatur and the Masonic fraternity iji which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church of Whitmore township. \\'hile recognized as one of the well-to-do and leading citizens of Decatur he is also a self-made man for without special pecuniary or family advantages in his youth he started out in early manhood to make his own way in the world and overcoming all obstacles and dif^culties by persistence of purpose and indomitable industry he has steadily worked his way upward to success.

James H. Alexander

JAMES H. ALEXANDER. ( )ne of Whitmore township's most prominent and honored citizens is James H. Alexander, who for almost half a century has been identified with the agricultural interests of Macon county and has borne his part in the upbuilding and develo])mcnt of this section of the state. He was born on the 29th of October, 183 1, near Franklin, Johnson county, Indiana, a son of James R. and Rebecca (Gay) Alexander. The father was a native of North Carolina, born in 1797, and was of Irish descent, while the mother's birth occurred in Virginia in 1794. When quite young the father removed with his parents to Tennessee and from there to Indiana in 1828, making the journey by team. He secured a tract of governmrnt land and engaged in farming there until 1842, when he removed to St. Clair county, Illinois, with his family and household gootls in a prairie schooner. He died near Belleville, that comity, in May, 1847, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a Prcsljyterian in religious faith and a Democrat in politics. A quite prominent and influential man of his community, he was called upon to serve as county judge during his early residence in Indiana. His estimable wife, who was also a member of the Presbyterian church, ilied in Decatur in 1868. In their family were ten children, of whom nine reached years of maturity.

Our subject is the seventh in order of birth in this family and the only one now living. He was educated in an old log school house but was only able to attend school for about three months during the year until fifteen. 'J'he school was conducted on the subscription plan and only the common branches were taught. During liis niinority he remained at home with his nH)lher, giving her the benefit of his lalx)rs, and in April, 1854, accompanied her (in Iut removal to Macon county, Illinois. He anil his brother took charge of the farm which she purchased on section 31, Whitmore township, and operated it together until 1856, when our subject purchased his brother's interest. Here he continued to reside and is now the owner of one hnndiXMl and seventy-two acres, which he cultivated for many years but now leaves the operation of the land to younger hands, while he practically lives retired in tlic enjoyment of a well earned rest.

On the 17th of October, i860. Mr. Alexander married Miss Sarah A. Crififen, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, March 17. 183C). and was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Foulkes Shepherd) Griflfen, natives of New York and pioneers of St. Clair countv, Illinois. Three children blessed this union, namely: Joseph, a musician, who is now with the Andrews Opera Company ; Edgar, a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ; and Ottie, wife of William Hays, who now operates her father's farm. They have three children. Mrs. Alexander, who was a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her, departed this life on the 15th of January, 1893, and was laid to rest in the Decatur cemetery.

The Republican party finds in Mr. Alexander a stanch supporter of its principles but he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, though he has served as commissioner of highways. He is a member of the Old Settlers Association and has many interesting reminiscences of pioneer days. The first winter after coming to Illinois the Alexander family, consisting of parents and ten children, lived in a one room log cabin with a loft above, and they underwent all of the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. In the work of public improvement our subject has taken an active part and has contributed liberally of his means to the building of churches and school houses in his locality. Success has attended his efforts toward securing a competence and besides his home farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres in Whitmore township, he has a half section just across the wav in Hickory Point township. In the improvement of these places he has materially aided in the advancement of the county, and is accounted one of the most useful and valued citizens of his community, as well as a man honored and respected by all who know him.

Rev. Nathan -Ai. Baker

REV. NATHAN -AI. BAKER. Rev. Nathan M. Baker, a retired minister ot Decatur and one whose influence has been of no restricted order in his efforts to benefit mankind, was born in Macon county on the 22d of October, 1837. His parents were

William D. and Marilla Baker, both natives of North Carolina, and tlie paternal grandparents of our subject were also natives of that state. The maternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and uncles of our subject were defenders of their country in the war of 1812. Rev. Baker comes of Scotch and Irish ancestry and back of him is a family record creditable and honorable. It was in the year 1828 that his parents came to Macon county, Illinois, first settling in what is now South Wheatland township, while later they took up their abode in Long Creek township, where in 1829 the father and an uncle built the first two houses within its borders. The former was a member of the first grand jury organized in ^[acon county and was closely associated with other early events of importance that left their impress upon the development and improvement of this section of the state. In the family of William D. Baker were six children, four sons and two daughters, but two of the number have now passed away. One brother of our subject resides at Hillsboro, Illinois, and the sisters are Airs. Dennis and ]Mrs. Smith, of Decatur. The former is the widow of Andrew Dennis and resides at 820 North Union street, while the latter is the widow of William C. Smith and is living at No. 810 North Union street. Rev. Nathan il. Baker first attended school near North Fork church and later was a student in the academy at Mount Zion. In his boyhood days he assisted his father on the home farm, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields and when yet a young man he entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, becoming one of the circuit riders in this county. He traveled over a radius of two hundred miles in two weeks and thus covered about five thousand miles a }ear. ^^'hen the Civil war broke out he was engaged in teaching and ' preaching and when the second call came for volunteers he was one of the first to enhst, becoming a member of Company C of the One Hundred and

Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. He went into camp with his company and regiment on the 15th of August, 1862, and while still in camp he was promoted to the position of chaplain. After a short time the command proceeded to Memphis, Tennessee, and thence to \'icksburg. Rev. Bai<er served through the Vicksburg campaign and was with General Sherman ill the Army of the Tennessee. He heard the booming of cannons and the rattle of musketry at the battle of Lookout Mountain and was present at the battle of Missionary Ridge. On account of illness he resigned his position as chaplain and received his final discharge in 1864, having served for two years.

Rev. Baker then came to Macon county and after a number of years he, in 1894, removed to Lincoln, Illinois, where he served as instructor in astronomy and physics in the Lincoln University for three years. He then, in 1899, returned to Decatur, where he has since lived, now occupying a beautiful home at No. 1019 North Union street. He has retired from active church work as a minister, but is yet a devout member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to which his familv also belong.

It was in the fall of 1864 that Rev. Raker was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah E. Price, of .Soutli \\'lieatland townshi]) and of the six children born unto them four are now living, namely : Florence F., the wife of W. T. Burrill. a contracting engineer for the Minneajxilis Steel Company at Seattle, Washington ; Mary Ellen, who is living at Marshall, Missouri, and is a teacher and librarian in the Missouri Valley College at that place ; Emma L. and Clara M., at home.

Rev. Baker is a member of the Veteran's Association and also of Tom White Post, G. A. R., at Mount Zion. He has ever been a firm believer in Republican principles, but has never been active in political work. He is one of IMacon countv's native sons and can remember many interesting incidents concerning the early days here. His memory goes back to the time when there were two stores in Decatur and many of the now thriving towns and villages of the county had not then sprung into existence. In those pioneer days he listened to Abraham Lincoln as he argued several law cases in the old brick courthouse that stood in what is now the business district of the city, Judge Treat and Judge Davis being then the circuit judges. He also remembers hearing Stephen A. Douglas speak in an oH warehouse on the Illinois Central Railroad, the building being filled with sacks of wheat on which sat the audience. Wolves were numerous in the county and Rev. Baker's father had some exciting adventures with those animals. Deer were also plentiful and often went across the prairies in droves. Pioneer conditions existed on every hand and the work of improvement and progress has resulted from the efforts of such worthy pioneer families as that of which our subject is a representative. In control of his business affairs and investments Rev. Baker has accunuilated considerable property and now has an elegant home and other real estate in this city and also a tine farm in Long Creek township.

Isaac F. Pitaro

Isaac F. Pharo, who is general foreman of the Wabash telegraph construction department, was born in the city of Philadelphia, ]\Iarch 27, 1846, and is a son of Joel II. and Eunice (Bi.shop) Pharo, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. In his parent's family were four children, of whom he is the eldest. The others are Joseph A., of Oakland, California; Mrs. Annie E. Hyde, of -San Francisco, California; and James E., who is also a resident of San Francisco. The mother died on the nth of June, 1902.

Past And Present Of Macox Culxty

the schools at the age of seven years and went to sea, entering the merchants" service. He continued as a sailor until 1861, when the war having begun he enlisted as a musician in Company F, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, with which he served for three years, participating in numerous engagements. On the expiration of his first term he re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company C, Third Regiment of the United States Veteran \'olunteers for one year and about 1866 he was honorably discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois. ^Ir. Pharo then again went to sea and later turned his attention to mining in California. Subsequently he engaged in telegraph construction work and in this capacity he has been employed by various corporations and in many parts of the Union. He has practically worked from coast to coast, having stretched wires almost across the continent. He is an expert mechanic in this line, thoroughly understanding the work in every department and his service is valuable because so faithfully e.xecuted. During his travels he has met with many experiences which if written in detail would form a most interesting volume. Possessing an observing eye and retentive memorx' he has stored his mind with many interesting incidents as he has visited various parts of the country and he has also gathered many interesting relics, including beautiful shells and a fine collection of minerals, and he also possesses relics from the South .Sea Islands and various parts of the globe, which he has visited on his different voyages. He has now one of the best private collections of minerals from the copper, silver and goKl regions to be seen, many of the universities being unable to show such a display. He also has a magnificent collection of Indian arrows, some of which are of rare design. He also has an Indian totem, which was plowed up on West Main street in Decatur just east of his home, and is a charm or a signet of authority to those carrying messages. He also possesses a number of relics of the Spanish-American war and likewise from other wars of this country. Mr. Pharo is a naturalist and although his school privileges were limited he has by reading, study and investigation constantly broadened his knowledge until he is to-day a man of scientific attainments. A great lover of beauty, this element is verv noticeable in his finest collections and in the arrangement and care of his curios. In 1881 he ceased traveling in various parts of the country, confining his attention to the line of the Wabash Railroad. In that year he accepted the ]5osition of general foreman of the telegraph construction for this road and in 1885 he took up his abode permanently in !Macon county.

Mr. Pharo nas been twice married. He first wedded Annie Cisco Schrivers, of Philadelphia, the wedding taking place in that city in 1865. By this union there were born three children ; Annie, Florence and Joseph, but all are now deceased. In Decatur on the i8th of February, 1895, -Mr. Pharo was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Hannaretta Perry, the widow of Robert L. Perry, late general roadmaster of the Wabash Railroad. Her maiden name was Dunham and she is a daughter of Dayton Dunham, \vhose birth occurred in Essex county. New Jersey, Xovember 12, 1814. He was a son of Henry Dunham, a tailor, and removed to the Empire state and afterward to Richmond, Indiana, where he died at the age of sixty vears. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Ellison and by their marriage she became the mother of eleven children, Dayton Dunham being the last survivor of the familv. In T836 he emigrated to Macon county, Illinois, at which time all was wild and unimproved, most of the towns which are now thriving, enterprising cities having not then been established, and Decatur was but a small hamlet. While a young man he learned the hatter's trade in Indiana and followed that in Decatur at the same time carrying on farming. On the 9th of July, 1837, he married

Charles Counaghan

Miss Marilla Robinson, a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth (Hughes) Robinson, both of whom wore natives of N'ermont. Unto, this union were born six sons and four daughters, as follows : Harry D., who is married and lives in Decatur; Sarah E., the widow of William Dailey ; Amos, who was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson in the Civil war; ( )rvis and Orrin, twins, both deceased ; Caroline E., the wife of James Bullard, of Decatur ; Hannaretta, who is now Mrs. Pharo ; Charles E. ; Marietta, who resides on the old home where she was born ; and Plartwell. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have passed away and to their heirs they left a valuable estate. He was one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county and became one of the distinguished and influential citizens. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company B, Fightli Illinois Infantry under Governor < )gleshy and served until after the battle of I'ort Donelson, in which he was seriously wounded. For three years thereafter it was necessary for him to w^alk on crutches. His health improving, he began gardening and followed that pursuit for a number of years, while for eleven years his wife conducted a greenhouse. In May, 1886, he sustained a paralytic stroke and September 5, 1894. he was called to his final rest. His wife died November 10, 1897, and both were buried in Greenwood cemetery, Decatur. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunham were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their lives were in consistent harmony with their professions. True nobility of character was manifested throughout their entire careers and the world is better for their having lived. Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., of which the father was a member, was named in honor and memory of his son, Amos Dunham, who was one of the first soldiers from this neighborhood killed in battle.

to the Masonic fraternity, holding membershi]i in the lodge in Harrisburg, Illinois, and in Beaumanoir Commander}' of Decatur. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he affiliates with the Christian Science church, being a strong believer in its faith, having had clear demonstration in his own experience, for Christian Science restored to him his eyesight. Mr. and Mrs. Pharo now reside on the oUl family homestead of the Dunhams that has been transferred to her sister Marietta Dunham. This land was purchased from the government by her grandfather, afterward it fell to his daughter, the mother of Mrs. Pharo. It was originally in a farming district, but to-day the home stands in one of the most beautiful locations in Decatur, facing the Millikin University. Around the house are magnificent shade trees and the residence is a most attractive one, its very appearance indicating its comfort and hos- ]iitalily. It is within the memory of the old settlers, however, when deer and other wild game were killed in this district and were often seen. upon the old Dunham estate. Mr. and Mrs. Pharo have many warm friends in the city and have the happy faculty of drawing them closer to them as the years passed by.

Charles Connaghan

For many years Charles Connaghan was one of the leading business men of Niantic, Illinois, and was widely and favorably known throughout Macon county. His early home was on tlie other side of the Atlantic; he was born in Altadish,' County Donegal, Ireland, September 20, 1846, and was a son of Charles and Sarah Connaghan. During the childhood of our subject, the family removed to Scotland, where the father died ; the mother subsequently came to America to make her home with her son Charles, but died in about a month after her arrival in this country.

Hugh, who is still living in Scotland, his home being in Glasgow ; John, deceased ; Charles, of this review ; James, a resident of Niantic, Illinois ; Cornelius, who is now engaged in farming in Colorado; Rose, the widow of Thomas Burns, who lives four miles northwest of Harristown, this county ; Patrick, also a resident of Colorado; and Joseph, of Bement, Illinois.

Charles Connaghan acquired his early education in Scotland. He was seventeen years of age when he first came to the United States. On landing in New York he remained in the Empire state, where he worked for a few years. ^Managing to save five hundred dollars, he returned to Scotland, and after a short visit again came to America, accompaiiied by his brother James. They traveled about considerably together, going southwest to Arkansas. They finally returned to Illinois and first worked on a farm in Illini township, this county. Later they rented land, which they operated together. After renting a few years, Charles purchased the Blackford farm in Niantic township in 1874.

At St. Patrick's Catholic church in Decatur Mr. Connaghan was married, March 5, 1878, to Miss Catharine Phelan, who is a daughter of Michael Phelan, of this city. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Connaghan si.x children were born, namely : Robert, who now has charge of the general store at Niantic, formerly conducted by his father ; Lucile, who is attending the James Millikin University, of Decatur, Illinois ; Jeannette. who is teaching school : Mary, at home ; Leo, who died at the age of nearly five years ; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Connaghan and family resided on the farm until October, 1889, when they removed to the village of Niantic, where he had previously opened a general store and meat market. He remained in business there until his death. which occurred on the 3d of June, 1898, at the age of fifty-two years.

Mr. Connaghan was a member of St. Ann's Catholic church of Niantic. Fraternally he was connected with the Modern Woodmen of .\merica and politically was identified with the Democratic party. He held several local offices, and the duties of these positions were always most faithfully and satisfactorily performed. He was a good husband, a kind and loving father. Reliable in business and trustworthy in all the relations of life, he commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he came in contact, and in his death Xiantic realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen.

Mr. And Mrs. Michael Phelan

]\Ii'chael Phelan and his wife, Margaret (Reid) Phelan, were born, reared and married in the County Kilkenny, Ireland, coming to America in 1848. They sojourned for a short time in Chicago, Milwaukee and Springfield, respectiveh', and settled in Decatur in 1S49.

This worthy couple possessed a good s'nare of those sturdy qualities so essential to success in those pioneer days ; they had youth and strength, sterling honest}' and perseverance. Together they labored cheerfully to acquire a home. Their object was accomplished in 1852, when they purchased a piece of land in the west part of town, which was at that time almost a wilderness. After clearing it of timber and brush, ^Ir. Phelan first built a log house of four rooms and as their circvuTistances permitted they enlarged this dwelling.

It was in this modest home that the first Catholic services were held in Decatur. Before a house of worship was erected, mass was often celebrated there by the Rev. Father Cusick.

Mrs. Margaret Phelan

To Mr. and Mrs. Phelan ten children were born, namely : Elizabeth and Catharine, twins, who died in infancy; Mary, who died at the age of twelve years; Ellen, who died at the age of thirty-four years; Joanna, now the wife of Jeremiah Foley, a merchant tailor of Bloomington, Illinois; John, who is now city engineer of Independence, Kansas ; Catharine, now Mrs. Connaghan, of Niantic, Illinois ; James, who died at the age of five ; Michael, who lives at Niantic and is now engaged in the insurance business ; and Miss Margaret, who is now a resident of Chicago.

Mrs. Phelan died July 21, 1883, her age being fifty-eight years. She was an earnest Christian woman always ready to aid the poor and needy ; in her funeral sermon Father Mackin called her the mother of the church in Decatur. Her life was one of noble selfsacrifice ; her deeds of charity and unselfishness caused her to be universally respected ; and she was mourned by all classes of people. She was to her husband and children a devoted wife and mother.

After her death, Mr. Phelan lived in quiet seclusion, never seeming to rally from his bereavement. His death occurred November 21, 1901, at the old family homestead on West Macon street. His age was eighty-six years. Together they rest, with their deceased children, in the family burying-ground in Calvary cemetery. Thus, tersely told, is the history of one of our oldest families, representing a type of good citizenship, who have contributed much to the growth and development of Decatur.

Will Schenck

improvements. While, as a prosperous business man, he gives close attention to his own interests, he is a representative of that class of citizens who while advancing individual success also promote the public welfare.

Throughout his entire life he has made his home in Maroa, being born in i860 in the first house erected in the village. It was the home of his parents, G. J. and Alice Schenck and was built by the father. Our subject attended the public schools here and later pursued a commercial course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago. On leaving that institution in i'88o he returned to Maroa and entered the dry goods store of I'riedman & Son. in whose employ he remained only a short time, however, as on the 20th of June, 1880, he embarked in the insurance business on his own account. He now represents the Forest City Company of Rockford ; 'the German of Freeport ; the Northwestern National of Milwaukee. Wisconsin; and the Milwaukee Mechanics Insurance, of Milwaukee. Although Mr. Schenck makes this his principal business, he is also interested in a number of other enterprises, some of which have proved quite profitable. He is secretary of the telephone company of Maroa, he and Mr. Crocker having put in the exchange in 1900, and the system has been extended from year to vear until it now has many lines in operation. He is also secretary of the electric light company which was organized in 1892, and has an interest in the manufacture of the Boss car loader in Maroa, and also in the Crocker Elevator Company.

On the 27th of July, 1880, Mr. Schenck was united in marriage to Miss Fannie E. Ross, a daughter of Daniel Ross. She was born in Missouri, but was only ten years old when she came to Maroa and has since been a resident here. Our subject and his wife have two children: .Mice E., who is now the w'ife of J. O. Wyatt, living in St. Joseph. Missouri; and Edith .\., who is at home witli her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Schenck are prominent and active members of the Presbyterian chtu'ch, of which he is one of the trustees, and he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 109, of Maroa. He has a nice residence in Maroa and a good ofifice in the rear of the Crocker & Company Bank. As a business man he is prompt, energetic and notably reliable, and is entitled to distinction among the representative and prominent citizens of his native county. He has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public affairs and as has already been seen, he is actively identified with many interests which have been of erreat benefit to Maroa.

Maywood Maxon

Large corporations do not retain in their employ men of limited capacity, unqualified for the conduct of important business duties, but demand of their representatives marked capability, faithfulness and diligence. These qualities have been manifested in the business record of Maywood Maxon, who is to-day one of the most trusted employes of the Standard Oil Company, as manager of the Decatur division.

He was born in ^Marietta, Washington county, Ohio, in April, 1857, and is a son of H. C. and Mary A. (Cooper) Maxon. The Maxon family came originally from New England and the Coopers from Orange countv, New York. William Maxon, the great-grandfather of our subject, was one of the original forty-eight men who removed from New England in 1787 and settled at Marietta, Ohio, where he made a purchase of land and took an active part .in reclaiming the wild district for the purposes of civilization. His son. John Maxon, the grandfather of our subject, was born in the block house at Marietta, Ohio, during the Indian war in the '90s - the last decade of the eighteenth century. When he was ten vears of age his father removed to a farm about twelve miles from Marietta, in the midst of a dense wilderness, and there he built a log cabin and established a home. It was thus that John Maxon was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life in a district which had already become historic as the early home of the Mound Builders, whose places of residence and of burial are still to be seen in that locality. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Jonah Cooper, a native of Orange county. New York, whence he removed to Ohio by wagon in the early part of the nineteenth century. There with his family he continued to spend his remaining days and at length passed away in his Ohio home. His daughter, Mary A., in making her first trip back to her native place, covered the entire distance on horseback.

H. C. Maxon, the father of our subject, was born in Ohio, and spent his entire life in that state. Pie was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit in order to provide for the needs of his family. At the time of the Civil war he joined the Union army, enlisting first for one hundred days' service and afterward becoming a member of the Fiftysecond Ohio Regiment of \^olunteers. He died in (Jhio in 1877, at the age of fifty-two years, and is still survived by his widow. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living.

Maywood Maxon, the second in order of birth, obtained a common school education ami was afterward employed at various pursuits until 187s, when he entered the service of the Standard Oil Company, with which he has since been connected. He became office boy at their headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, and gradually worked his way upward until he was made a traveling salesman. In t88o the company transferred him to Peoria, Illinois, and lie operated from that city as a traveling salesman for about three years. In- 18S3 he was promoted to the position of manager of the office in Davenport. Iowa, and in