Decatur Township (part 22 of 46)

When eighteen years of age James Hollinger began to learn the barber's trade, working in Altoona for some time and afterward traveling to a considerable extent, following his pursuit in various places. At one time he was a barber on a steamboat on the Ohio river and finally he came to Decatur in 1870. He was first employed by Huston Singleton in a shop under the dry goods store of Linn & Scruggs and later he purchased his employer's interest, remaining there for nineteen years. He did a very successful business, having an extensive patronage and his gains were judiciously invested in real estate so that he became the owner of seven houses and lots. From his first location he removed to the Central block, where he remained for seven years, always enjoying a successful business and adding continually to his wealth. His next location was on East Eldorado street, where he conducted a Turkish bath establishment for several months. At the end of that time he sold out and removed to what is known as the Chenowcth building on West Main street, this building being his own property. Here he still conducts his business and he makes his home in a part of the building.

Mr. Hollinger is a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 17, F. & A. M., and was its first worshipful master when the lodge was organized thirty years ago. He has made an earnest study of Masonry and because of his interest in the welfare of the order and his capability he was elected most worshipful grand master of the state of Illinois in 1880, serving in that capacity for two terms. The grand lodge was over eight hundred dollars in debt when he took the office, but by his good financiering he was able to wipe out this indebtedness within one year. He also established the widows and orphans' association in connection with the fraternity and located the grand lodyv in Sijring'fickl and had it incorporated. There was manifested a strong desire to elect Mr. HoUiiiger for a third term, but he declined the honor, believing that no man should hold the office for more than two terms.

His political career began when he was eighteen years of age, at which time he was initiated into the Loyal League at Altoona, Pennsylvania. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs and is a stanch Republican known to leading men of the party throughout the state. He acted as policeman of the state senate in Springfield during the thirty-third and the thirty-fifth general assemblies and thus he formed the acquaintance of many of the most prominent men in political circles. He has had ofTers to fill appointments of a similar nature, but has always refused to serve. In 1880 he was the candidate for coroner of Macon county, being nominated by the Republican county convention, being put in nomination by the Rev. Jesse H. Moore", wdio was then congressman from the district and who spoke on the good qualities of the colored citizens. Mr. Hollinger was the first colored man who ever ran for an office in Macon county. There were many people at that time who openly declared that they would not vote for one of his race. He was upon the ticket with Judge Greer, a candidate for county judge; W. C. Johns, for state's attorney; E. McClelland, for circuit clerk; W. W. Foster, for sheriff: G. ]\[. Wood, for treasurer ; and George Loring, for surveyor. Considerable discussion arose among the people concerning the possible election of Mr. Hollinger. He. however, foretold the result from the beginning. He was sent for from different parts of Macon county to come and meet the people, but declined to do this, as he said that they had no faith in his election. His own prophecy proved true and he was defeated by John Dinneen, the Democratic candidate. However, he has since been elected to public office, being chosen in 1893 for the position of assistant supervisor, at which time he led the ticket over five candidates. At each biennial election since that time he has been again chosen and is now serving m his tenth year. On the 28th of February, 1871, Mr. Hollinger was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Barber, of Decatur. Her mother is living with them, her father having died. Mr. Hollinger made for himself a record that is creditable and honorable. His business career has been most commendable, characterized by fidelity to duty and straightforward dealing. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and public-spirited and his labors have been effective in advancing Decatur's welfare. He has been a close and earnest student of the questions of the day and is ever able to support his position by intelligent argument.

Huston J. Banton

HUSTON J. BANTON. Huston J. Banton, who is now successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 4, Mount Zion township, was born March 21, 1849, in Garrard county, Kentucky, of which state his parents, Oliver T. and Susannah W. (Walker) Banton, were also natives. The father was born on the 7th of March, 1826, and was a son of George Banton, who was also a native of Kentucky and a veteran of the Mexican war. The latter had three sons, all of whom are now deceased, James having died in the army during the Civil war and John in Chicago. Oliver T. came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1868 and settled in the village of Mount Zion. His last days were spent with our subject on his home in Mount Zion township, where he passed away October 9, 1897, in the seventy-third year of his age. He was married June 15, 1848, to Airs. Susannah ^^^ Conn, who was born May 7, 1819, and died February 20. 1884. Her parents were Kemp P. and Sarah Walker, who were married August i, 181 1. The former was born October 12, 1787, and died June 22, 1861, while his wife was born March 27, 1793. and died July 22, 1863. Mr. Walker was a son of Elijah and Dorcas Walker, who were also Kentuckians by birth, and the former died March 23, 1833, and the latter December 7, 1844. By her first marriage to John Conn, the mother of our subject had two children, namely: Alex and Kemp W. Conn. The children by her second marriage were Huston J., of this review ; John W., who died Febru- 'ary 14, 1853 ; Edmund W., who died January 29, 1853: and Sarah C, who died March 18, 1858.

During his boyhood Huston J. Banton had but limited school advantages. In 1874 he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in connection with farming until llie pa.st three years, when he has given his attention entirely to farming and stock-raising. He is now the owner of two good farms, the one on which he resides being on section 4, Mount Zion township. Here he built with his own hands a fine modern residence in 1893, it being finished in various kinds of woods, the woodwork in some of the rooms being walnut, while others are in white pine and sycamore and embellished with bcautifiU ornamentations. The house is a monument to his skill and ability in the line of his trade. For twenty-nine years Mr. Banton followed carpentering, during which period he erected many substantial buildings in his locality, including the residence of J. F. Rucker of Long Creek township and the h:irn of Walter Hodge' in Mount Zion townsliip.

On the 27th of January. 1876, Mr. Banton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice Sheldon, a daughter of Seth and Sallie Ann Sheldon, of Areola, Illinois. She was born December 6, 1851, and died in March, 1888, leaving four children, namely: Edmund, now a resident of the village of ]\Iount Zion : John, at home; Curtis, of Mount Zion township: and Arthur, deceased. Mr. Banton was again married in 1891, his second union being with Miss Mary A. .\rm.strong, of Macon county, Illinois, bv whom he hail five children : Oliver

Mr. Banton is a member of the .\ntioch Christian church and is a supporter of the Republican i)arty and its principles. He is a liberal minded, public-spirited man, of progressive ideas, and is nuniberetl among the valued citizens of his comnumity, as he gives an earnest support to all measures which he believes will advance the moral or material welfare of his township and county.

J. Fred Given

J. FRED GIVEN. J. r'red Given, who is now manager of the Powers Opera House, of Decatur, was born on the loth of April, 1862, in Darbyville, Ohio, his parents being the Rev. James F. and Lottie (Geren) Given. The father was a native of Paducah, Kentucky, and came of an old southern family of German and English lineage, while the mother's birth occurred in Marietta, Ohio, and she was of Scotch-Irish and English ancestry. Rev. Given was the pastor of the Christian V'nion clun-ch. originally called (nvenites and which has a large membership in Ohio. He was a 'Methodist luinister in carlv life, but on account of his political and religious views during the Civil war he was ostracized by his denomination and in 1864 he founded this sect which became known as Givenites. He was a man of scholarly attainments and broad general learning and at the same time had a most comprehensive knowledge of the people. He acted as professor of languages for some years in the Ohio Wesleyan University and also in Athens College of Athens, Ohio. He possessed superior abililv as a linguist and was master of seven languages. Rev. Given was a man of strong personality and wonderful magnetism in holding and swaying an audience. During the Civil war a mob attacked him, but he bn night his wonderful persuasive power into plav in his own behalf. Standing with his bible in his hand he spoke to the crowd until his eloquence enabled him to disperse the rioters and harmony prevailed. He left his influence for good upon a great majority of those with whom he came in contact, his forceful utterance, his strong logic and his wonderful power never failing to make a deep impresion upon his audiences. He died in 1868, after which his widow became the wife of W. H. Bishop and with her family and her second husband she then removed to a farm near Grovesport, Ohio. She is still living, her home being in Columbus, Ohio.

J. Fred Given had two sisters, jMattie and Mary, and two brothers, John and Joseph, but at this time (1903) the only surviving children in his parents' family are his brother John and himself, his sisters having died of consumption and his brother Joseph of heart failure. Our subject was only seven years of age at the time of the family's removal to Grovesport, where he remained until seventeen years of age, being engaged in the active duties of farm life during that period. He attended the country schools and also spent some time in the high school, after which he engaged in teaching for a year. Later he pursued a post-graduate course in the Lithopolis Normal School and after spending a short time in Columbus, Ohio, he went to Chicago, Illinois. Going from there to Jacksonville, IlHnois, for a time he there pursued a theological course, but his health made it necessary that he should give up his studies as he could not stand the close confinement of the schoolroom.

With the family of his uncle Orlando Powers he came to Decatur in 1883 and for a short time was employed in the drug store of H. B. Cole. Soon afterward he entered the service of R. W. Weld in the hardware business and afterward was engaged in a manufacturing enterprise in Columbus, Ohio, for a few months. He next went to Olathe, Kansas, where he took charge of a bank and also superintended a grocery and queensware business for eight months. For a year he was a salesman in the wholesale grocery house of Woodson, Todd & Company and when that firm dissolved partnership his employers secured for him a position with the Riley, Wilson Company, wholesale grocers, with whom he remained for two years. He next went to Los Angeles, California, where he was associated with Meyberg Brothers, wholesale and retail dealers in queensware, having charge of their art department for several months. Subsequently he was employed by H. Jevne, as bookkeeper, and afterward went to San Francisco, California, where he acted as a tea salesman for the firm of A. Schilling & Company. Upon receiving word of the death of his step-father and sister Mary he returned to Ohio and assisted his mother in selling the farm and closing out the affairs of the estate. His mother then removed to Columbus, Ohio, and Mr. Given of this review entered the cmploy of the Eldridge & Higgins Company, wholesale fancy grocers of that city, where he remained until 1895. He then came to Decatur and took charge of Powers Opera House in September of that year. The theater was burned in the following October, but was at once rebuilt and was again open for business on the loth of February, 1896. Mr. Given has since had the management of the theater and of the bill-posting plant and is also general overseer of the Orlando Powers estate during the absence of the members of the family. He has furnished the people of Decatur with the highest class of plays and entertainments to be obtained, the best attractions known to the stage being here seen during the season.

On the 9th of January, 1892, Mr. Given was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jones, a daughter of Eben Jones, of Jackson, Ohio, a prominent business man there who is now president of the Commercial Bank and is also identified with the coal and iron furnace industries. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Given have been born two children : Frederick Eben and Thel- ma Mary. Socially Mr. Given is connected with Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., and has attained the Knight Templar degree in Beaumanoir Commandery. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Decatur than Mr. Given. He is now an important factor in business circles and in private life he has gained that warm personal regard which arises from geniality and deference for the opinions of others.

Stephen G. Washburn

STEPHEN G. WASHBURN. For many years Stephen G. Washburn was one of the most active and progressive men of Macon county, as well as one of its most reliable and honored citizens, and now in his declining years he is enjoying a well earned rest, free from the cares and responsibilities of business life. He makes his home in the village of Macon.

Mr. Washburn was born in Jefferson county. New York, July 17, 1832. a son of Isaac and Brittania (Britton) Washburn, of that state. He cannot remember his mother, who died when he was quite small, and at the age of twelve years he was left an orphan by the death of his father. He then worked as a farm hand for several years and his educational privileges were limited. He came to Macon county, Illinois, in i860 and was in the employ of John Hatfield when the Civil war broke out.

Mr. Washburn then entered tlie service of his country as a private in Company I, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, under Pitt Kellogg and Judge Gallagher, as captain, and was in the army for three years and two months, taking part in the siege of Corinth and the hardfought battle at that place in 1862. He was under fire about seventy-five times and was honorably discharged on the 20th of October, 1864, with the rank of second lieutenant.

On his return home, Mr. Washburn bought a small farm of eighty acres of prairie land, which he improved and which continued to be his home until 1873, when he removed to the village of Macon and was engaged in the butchering business for three years. He then bought a store building and embarked in general merchandising, which he carried on for eighteen years. From 1882 until 1886 business was carried on under the firm name of S. G. Washburn & Company, his partner being William Lawley, and on the latter's death William Towson bought out his heirs. During the years of his residence here Mr. Washburn has acquired considerable property, including one hundred and eight acres of land in Pleasant View township, this county, and forty-five acres adjoining the village of Macon, besides a half section of land in Texas.' He is a man of good business ability and sound judgment, and to these qualities, combined with industrious habits, is due his success in life.

On the 22d of February, 1865, in Macon county, Mr. Washburn married Miss Emma Jordan, a half sister of John Hatfield and a daughter of William and Paulina (Harris) Jordan. Three children blessed this union: Minnie L.. the oldest, is the wife of R. B. Richmond, a jeweler of Decatur, and they have three children, Ralph, Hazel and Edna. Edna H., the second daughter of our subject, is the wife of George E. Pollard, of Pleasant View township, and they have two children, Stc])licn and Robert. Robert A., the only son of Mr. Washburn, was drowned in a cistern at the age of two and one-half years. The wife and mother, who was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, died on the loth of November, 1900. and her death was deeply mourned by all who knew her.

For some time after his wife's death Mr. Washburn lived with his daughter on a farm in Pleasant View township, but is now boarding at a hotel in Macon. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 467, and Jordan Post, No. 535, G. A. R., of Macon, and was elected the first commander of the post on its organization. He served as alderman in ]\Iacon for several years and has always been prominently identified with those interests calculated to promote public welfare along social, moral or material lines, being as true to his duties of citizenship in times of peace as when following the old flag to victory on southern battle-fields. He is widely and favorably known and well merits the high regard in which he is uniformlv held.

Edward Wade

Edward Wade, a well known nurservnian residing on section 4. Decatur township and one of the most highly respected citizens of his community, was born in Somersetshire, England, on the i6th of August, 1831, his ancestors having for generations lived on the same farm. His father, Abraham Wade, was an agriculturist in comfortable circumstances and was also a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He heard John Wesley preach and in the early history of the church became one of its members. He was active in establishing churches and did all in his power to promote the cause of Christianity in his neighborhood. Being a man of considerable prominence he was also called upon to fill a number of local offices in his native land. In 1867 he came to the United States with his son and throughout the remainder of his life lived retired, dying in De Witt county, Illinois, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. His wife died in the same county. She bore the maiden name of Martha Harding and was born and reared in the parish adjoining that in which her husband lived.

Unto this worthy couple were born twelve children, nine of whom reached man and womanhood and three sons and two daughters came to America. Abram died in England ; Samuel is now living near Qinton, De Witt county, Illinois ; Josiali was accidentally killed in England; Mrs. Martha Haverfield is a resident of Coflfeeville, Kansas; Edward is the next younger; Francis is a farmer of De Witt county; and Thomas H., now deceased, was engaged in farming in Austin township, Macon county, for some years.

Edward Wade was reared upon the home farm in his native land, remaining under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, and he acquired a good practical education in the local schools. He early became familiar with the work of the farm and during his vouth learned the nurserv business being employed by one of the largest nursery companies in England, that of Garney, Na)a & Company, in Durhamdown. After coming to this country he was also with a nursery firm at Washington, D. C, for a time.

Reading the pamphlets sent out by the Illinois Central Railroad Company concerning the almost fabulous productions of this state and hearing of other opportunities afforded young men in America, he determined to test the truth of these reports by trying his fortune in the United States, and in 1854 sailed from Liverpool to New Orleans. After a voyage of six weeks he reached the Crescent City and proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. He stopped first at Greenville, Bond county, Illinois, where he spent two years, and then went to Michigan, where the following two years were passed. In 1857 he arrived in Decatur, Illinois, and has since made his home in Macon county as a representative of her agricultural interest. In 1862 he purchased si.\ty-five acres of land in Decatur township and has since given the greater part of his attention to the nursery business, devoting ten acres of his land to choice fruits. In 1900 he erected a nice residence and other buildings on the section adjoining the one on which he first located and here he now makes his home.

to Miss Susanna Dement, a native of Dc Witt county, Illinois, who died on the 3d of February, 1869, Icavinsj three children: Martha F., now deceased ; Eva Laura, wife of Frank Hamlin, of Dc Witt county: and Francis Ellsworth, a resident of Aurora, Illinois. For his second wife Mr. Wade chose Miss Anna M. Granger, who had formerly been a teacher in the public schools of Decatur. She died at the birth of her only son. ]\Ir. Wade was again married in Union county, Ohio, in 1875, this third marriage being with Miss Louisa Gill, a native of that county and a daughter of Mason and Harriet Gill. Her father died in 1864 and her mother passed away in 1865, at the age of seventy-three years. The only other member of her family now living is Hon. John S. Gill, of Columbus. Ohio. Unto Mr. Wade and his present wife have been born four children, as follows: Jessie M.. now the wife of Charles Peck, of Decatur : Albert Edward, a farmer of Michigan, who is devoting his attention principally to bee culture ; TIarry Gill, who is in the employ of the Decatur Coffin Company ; and John Ralph, at home.

In religious faith both Mr. and Mrs. Wade are Methodists and they take a very prominent and active part in church work. The possibilities that America oilers to her citizens he has utilized and though he came to this country in limited circumstances he has steadily and perseveringly worked his way upward and is to-day quite well-to-do. By untiring industry and sound business judgment he has won merited success and is worthy the high regard in which he is held bv his fellow citizens.

William J. Hooper

WILLIAM J. HOOPER. One of the most progressive and up-to-date farmers and stock raisers of South Wheatland township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. In carrying on his farm work he uses the latest improved machinery and appliances and follows only the most approved methods, and he has thoroughly demonstrated the fact that high class farming can be made profitalile as well as pleasant.

Mr. Hooper was born on the 14th of January, 1862, in this county, his parents being William and Mary E. (Goodman) Hooper, who now make their home in Decatur. His father is a native of Washington county, Kentucky, which was also the birthplace of his paternal grandfather. Fountain Hooper, and his maternal grandfather, John Goodman, was born in the same state. Fountain Hooper was a prominent clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal church and spent his entire life in Kentucky. There our subject's father grew to manhood and married, and at an early day he and his wife came to Macon county, Illinois, where they still reside. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom William J. is the third in order of birth, and those living at the present writing in 1903, are Mattie, wife of John Gouchman : Sarah E., wife of James Saudaros ; W' illiam J. : Fountain L. ; and Ilasker H.

William J. Hooper was reared on the home farm, where he remained until twentj' years of age, and was educated in the public schools of the neighborhood. On leaving the parental roof, he took charge of the farm of A. G. Roberts in Mount Zion township, where he remained for two years, and then removed to the farm of A. C. Traughber, where the following eight years were passed. In 1892, while residing upon the latter farm, he purchased his present place near the northeast corner of South Wheatland township, to which he removed two years later on the expiration of his lease to the Traughber fatm. As he prospered in his farming operations he has added to his property from time to time until he now owns two hundred and seventy-five acres of land under a high state of cultivation and well improved. On starting in life for himself his first earnings came from fattening stock for market and in the raising of colts and calves. In this wav he was soon able to purchase sixty acres of land, stock and improve it, and in connection with its cultivation he operated a one hundred and sixty acre tract wliich he rented. In 1892 he hought one hundred and twenty acres additional, as previously stated. Cpon his place he has laid seven thousand feet of tiling, has set out an orchard covering five acres, and has added drill wells and wind pumps, besides erecting a good modern residence in 1891 antl a barn and other outbuildings since that time. He is a breeder of pure Aberdeen Angus cattle, has made some sales and still has twenty head of registered stock upon his place. As an agriculturist he has thoroughly demonstrated the fact that he understands fully the vocation he follows and believes that a man should put into use his business qualifications in all that he undertakes. In the year 1889 he produced fourteen thousand bushels of corn on a quarter section of land. Mr. Hooper's success as an up-to-date farmer has been frequently mentioned in the leading agricidtural journals, of which he has been a most valued correspondent.

On the 14th of September, 1892. Mr. Hooper was united in marriage to Miss Alice B. Scott, who was born April 8, 1861, and is a daughter of Charles W. and Martha (Trent) Scott, both natives of Kentucky. Her father died on the 30th of April, 1900, and her mother is now living in Davis City, Iowa. Mrs. Hooper is the fifth in order of birth in their family of ten children, two of whom are now deceased. The others still living are D. P., a resident of Topeka, Kansas ; J. W., of Decatur, Iowa; Mary, wife of Merritt Gritten, of Macon county, Illinois ; C. D., of Portland, Oregon ; Nannie, wife of Charles Tillier, of Christian county, Illinois ; and P. M. and Sophronia, who are with their mother. Mr. and Mrs. Hooper have two children : Cl\de Chester, born July 17. 1891 ; and Fay, born February 10, 1896.

By his ballot Mr. Hooper supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. Socially he is a member of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, I. O. O. F., and religiously is a member of the Christian church, to which his wife also lielongs. His influence and labors have done much toward promoting the interests of his community along various lines of jirogress and he is recognized as one of the leading and valued citizens of .South Wheatland township.

Henning Jacobsen

Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued labor and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes a prominent factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. Jacobsen has attained a leading place among the representative men of Macon county and his well spent and honorable life commands the respect of all who know him.

The Jacobsen family is of German origin and our subject is a native of Schleswig, born January 6, 1846. His parents, Henning and Augusta Jacobsen, were born in the same country and there made their home for many years but finally came to America. The father emigrated two years later than our subject and landed in New York in 1863 and came direct to Niantic, Illinois. Here he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Niantic township and throughout the remainder of his life engaged in farming here. Both he and his wife are now deceased.

In the family of this worthy couple were four children, three sons and one daughter, namely : Anna is the wife of Herman Nottelmann. who is our subject's partner in business, and they have six children ; Augusta, wife of Frank Beall, of Niantic ; Juergcn, of Macon county; Amia. wife of Charles Pritchett, of Latham, lllinnis; Henning, also of Latham; Dora at home: and Tohn in Chicago.

Past And Present Of Macon Colxtv

Hcnr\. who is now living retired in Tuscola, Illinois, was formerly engaged in the manufacture of brick. He married Jennie Paris, of Niantic. a sister of J. P. Paris, and they have four children, May, Ollie, Lula and John. George, who conducts an elevator at Niantic, married Hattie Pord, a daughter of Elias Pord, and they have three children, .\ugusta, Bessie and George.

Henning Jacobsen, of this review, completes the family. He began his education in the schools of his native land and after coming to this country he began his business career as clerk in a store in the village of Niantic and later was employed in a similar capacity at Jacksonville. Illinois, for two years. .\t the end of that time he went to Springfield, where he clerked in a dry goods store for three years, and ne.xt found employment in Chicago, where he remaiiu'd until 1870. He subsequently spent a short time in Grand Rapids. Michigan. and from there returned to Xiantic with his present partner. Herman Xottelni.inii. 1 Kre they opened a general store, which they still carry on, having built up a good trade. In 1889 Mr. Jacobsen became interested in the banking business as a member of the firm of P. Well, Jacobsen & Company, but sold his interest to Waller Pritchett in 1893 so that he could give more attention to his store. He and Mr. Xottelmann were at one time engaged in the milling business and to some e.Ktent he is interested in farming. P>esides his business property he owns a beautiful home in Niantic and has farming land in this county. In business affairs he is prompt, energetic and notably reliable, and he usually carries forward to successful ' completion whatever he undertakes.

Mr. Jacobsen has been twice married. In 1874 he wedded Miss Lucy Hall, of Xiantic, who died a year later anil the only child born of that union died in infancy. He was again married in 1880, his second union being with Miss Laura Boone, of Paris, Kentucky, who is a lineal descendant of Daniel Boone, the great pioneer of that state. Her parents were natives of Kentucky and are now deceased. By occupation her father was a farmer. Lhito Mr. and Mrs, Jacobsen have been Ixirn si.x children, five sons and one daughter, namely : Perdinand. who died in infancy ; Noah, who is now taking a course in civil engineering at the State L'niversity in Champaign ; Eda, at home ; Robert, who is attending Brown's Business College at Decatur; Henry and Herman at home.

Mr, Jacobsen and his family hold membership in the Christian church at Niantic and he takes a very active and prominent part in its work, serving as one of the elders at the present time. He is one of the best known men in Macon county and has the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact either in business or social life. By mUiring industry and sound judgment he has won a merited success in all of his undertakings and is well worthy the high regard in which he is held bv his fellow men.

Colonel Prank P. Wells

COLONEL PRANK P. WELLS, The unostentatious routine of private life, although of vast importance to the welfare of the community, has not figured to any great extent on the images of history. But the names of men who have distinguished themselves by the possession of these qualities of character wdiich mainly contribute to the success of private life and to the ])ublic stability and who have enjoyed the res])ect and confidence of those around them should not be permitted to perish. Their example is more valuable to the majorilx- of readers than that of heroes, statesmen and v,Titers as they furnish means of sulisistence for the multitude whom they, in their useful careers, have employed. Colonel b'rank P, \\'ells is to-day accounted one of the representative business men of Decatur and his efforts have been an important factor in gaining for the city its ]:)rominence as a commercial and industrial center. He is now the vice president of the Morehouse & Wells Company, wholesale and retail dealers in hardware, stoves, furnaces, mantels, guns and sporting goods.

Colonel Wells is one of the native sons of Decatur, his birth having occurred here in 1863. His father, William T. Wells, now deceased, was the founder of the business with which the son is connected and which has grown to be a most extensive enterprise. He was identified therewith until his death, which occurred on the ist of March, 1898. He had married Helen Parsons and of the children born of this union Colonel Wells is one.

Reared in the city of his nativity Frank P. Wells spent his life in the manner of most lads of the period. He enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground and performed the duties of the schoolroom, and after putting aside his text books he became interested in his father's business and following the father's demise took charge of the estate. He had previously, however, became thoroughly acquainted with the business in all of its departments and therefore entered upon the work of supervision well qualified to perform the important duties devolving upon him. The father with George Morehouse founded the house in 1859. In 1896 the present business block was erected and is now one of the large and substantial buildings in the trade center of the city. It is built in an attractive style of architecture, a brick structure forty by one hundred and fifty feet and seven stories in height with the basement. It would be a credit to a city much larger than Decatur and stands as a monument to the enterprise and business capacity of the owners. In addition they have a warehouse fifty by one hundred and fifty feet, used for storing the surplus stock. In 1894 the company was incorporated with a capital stock of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Its present officers are George W. Morehouse, president ; Frank P. Wells, vice president ; Charles M. Hurst, secretary ; and E. P. Bishop, treasurer. All of these gentlemen occupy creditable positions in the business world and are continually enlarging the enterprise with which they are connected. On October 5, 1903, the stock was increased to two hundred thousand dollars. Several traveling salesmen represent the house upon the road, covering the state of Illinois and a part of Indiana. The business methods of the company have always been such as would bear the closest investigation, being shaped in accordance with the strictest commercial ethics. In connection with his other interests Colonel Wells is a director and treasurer of the United States Wire Mat Company.

In 1893 was celebrated the marriage of Frank P. Wells and Miss Mary F. Hanson, of Michigan, and they occupy a pleasant home in Decatur where their circle of friends is very extensive. Mr. Wells belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is at present lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Illinois Infantry. For a time he was a soldier in the Spanish-American war, being commissioned lieutenant colonel under J. S. Culver of Springfield. Illinois. He is a true type of the Anglo-Saxon race and of those men who build cities and lay the foundation of commonwealths. He is a young man, yet he has attained prominence in the business world. His integrity is above question and this, combined with his clear, sound judgment makes the people rely upon him and follow his leadership. The social qualities of the man are indicated by his large circle of friends. He is alwavs pleasant and genial, characteristics that arise from his kindly nature, and his friendship is most prized by those who know him best. Already he has attained a very enviable position in commercial circles in Decatur and one need not have the gift of prophecy to understand that his will be a successful future.

Harrison S. Baker

In the history of tlie Past and Present of Decatur it is meet that we make reference to Harrison S. Baker for he was closeh- associated with business affairs in this city for a number of years and his efforts proved of material benefit to Decatur. Tie was recognized as one of the leading contractors here and built many of the best business blocks. He also represented one of the early families of the city, having come here witli his parents in 1855 when the now flourishing metropolitan center was a small town of but limited business capacity yet giving promise of future growth because of the enterprise and activity its citizens.

Mr. Baker was born in South Bend, Indiana, on the 28th of September, 1844, his parents being Joshua and Rebecca (Sumtion) Baker, both of whom were also natives of Indiana and resided in South Bend until 1855, when they came with their family to Decatur. The father purchased land now included in what is known as the Millikin estate in this city. Upon that tract he engaged in farming, gardening and horticultural pursuits for many years and the products of his land brought to him good return for his labor, so that having acquired a handsome competence, he was at length enabled to retire from business life and enjoy the comforts and conveniences that his former labor had brought to him. Both he and his wife died in the home which is now occupied by the widow of Harrison S. Baker.

The subject of this review was a lad of about eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this city. He continued his education in the public schools here and after putting aside his text books he learned the carpenter's trade and then worked as a journeyman for a number of years. Becoming proficient in his chosen field of labor and feeling that he was competent to take charge of important building operations he then began contracting on his own account. The public recognized his capability and accorded him a liberal patronage and as the years passed his business grew in volume and importance. He erected many of the best business blocks of the city, including the Decatur Herald block, the -Mueller block, the Morehouse & Wells block and many of the other large business structures and store buildings of. this city. He also took and executed the contracts for five of the leading churches of Decatur and many of the fine residences of the city stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork. He was always thorough and jiainstaking in his work and his careful supervision of the labors of those whom he employed insured accuracy and good workmanship. Faithfully living up to the terms of a contract he won the unqualified confidence of the public and his business career was therefore attended with a gratifying measure of success.

It was in Decatur that Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Dan forth, a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, and a daughter of William F. and Elizabeth Danforth, who removed from St. Clair county to Fayette county, this state, where they spent their remaining days. Mr. Danfortli followed farming throughout his entire life. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born four children: Louis S., the eldest, who resides with his mother, is a contractor and builder carrying on business in partnership with his brother, George W. The latter married Miss Dora Thiels and they have a pleasant home in Decatur. Irene May, the third member of the family, is the wife of Bruce B. Manning, a resident of this city. Qiarles, the youngest, died at the age of twenty-two months.

Mr. Baker met his death in an electric street railway accident, being killed on the 15th of October, 1902. This was a great blow not only to his family, but to many friends and the coiumunity thereby lost a valued citizen. In politics he was a Republican, giving an intelligent support to the party and in all matters of citizenship he was public-spirited and ])rogressive, co-operating in many measures for the general good. He was very successful in all his building undertakings and was an intelligent, honest, upright man, widely known and held in the highest regard in the city in which he lived from boyhood times until his death. ]\lrs. P^aker and her son, Louis, reside at her beautiful home at No. 709 West Main street. The family is one of the oldest on this street and its representatives are prominent and influential people of Decatur. Mrs. Baker is a valued member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of this city. Her sons are now leading contractors, being worthy successors of their father in business life, and already they have an extensive patronage which is constantly growing.

Ross A. Nicholls

ROSS A. NICHOLLS. Ross A. Nicholls, who owns and operates a nice farm in Decatur township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, on the 19th of April, 1858, and is a son of Washington S. and l^lary (House) Nicholls. also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was one of a family of five children, the others being Charlotte, wife of Mitchell Elson ; R. Frazier : Albert ; and one who died in early life. The mother of our subject had three brothers and two sisters, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth Nicholls, now deceased : Joseph : Eli : Eleazer : and Kate, wife of Charles Crocker of Ohio. In 1867 Washington S. Nicholls brought his family to Illinois and settled in Macon county east of where the village of Blue Mound is now located. Here he died on the 23d of April, 1877. honored and respected by all who knew him. His widow is still living and now makes her home near Blue Mound. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children : Albert, who is now living in Nebraska : Eleazer, who resides near the old homestead in this county : Sarah, who married D. I.

Baughman and died leaving one son and three daughters ; George, who makes his home near Moweaqua, Illinois; Ross A., of this review; Elton, who lives one mile west of Blue ]\lound : Naomi, wife of J. Damery ; Alpha, wife of Thomas Wright, who resides near Macon ; and Oren, who is married and lives on the old homestead.

On the 17th of March, 1881, Ross A. Nicholls was united in marriage to ^liss Sarah Ribelin, who was born April 13. 1861, a daughter of G. W. and Elizabeth Ribelin. She is one of a family of three children, the others being Ella, the widow of Harry Bohannon, of Decatur ; and Mary, wife of A. Sackett, who resides near Blue IMound. Mr. and ]\Irs. Nicholls have become the parents of five children, as follows: Arza Washington, born March 29, 1882; Verna, who was born October 8, 1883, and died October 16, 1884; Stella, born February 2. 1885; Earl, born. October 3. 1892 ; and Ray, born November 22, 1894. All are at home.

In 1902 Mr. Nicholls purchased his present fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Decatur , tovvuship and in its operation he is now lueeting with good success, being a practical and painstaking agriculturist who thoroughly understands the vocation he follows. His political support is given the Democratic party, and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, however, belongs to the Christian church and is also connected with the Royal Neighbors. They are people of prominence in the community where they reside and are held in high regard by all who know them.

Charles K. Guthridge

(liana to I-'axctlc county, Illinois, and he was rearetl upon a farm there, early becoming; familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted in the cultivation of the fields. His educational privileges were those afforded by the district schools and he continued in Fayette county until 1881, when he removed to Piatt county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming. Mr. Guthridge first married Lasella Wooters bv whom he had four children, three still living, namely : Cloyd, Arthur and Geneva, who are living with an aunt near Bement. Piatt county. It was during his residence in that county that Mr. Guthridge was again married. August 10. 1892. his second union being with Miss Cora Trabue Monroe, a native of Bement. born on the 20th of January. 1871. The lady is a daughter of Newton A. Trahue, who is now living a retired life in Decatur. She was. however, adopted by jNIr. Monroe, of Bement. Piatt county, who is a retired farmer living in that town. Unto ]\Ir. and yiTS. Guthridge were born two children : Ruth, who was born July 23, 1893. and is living with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe in Bement : and Ruliy. who was born .\ugust 30, 1895. and is living with her mother in Decatur.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Guthridge took his bride to his farm in Piatt county, Illinois, and there successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits until his health became impaircfl. On account of this he removed with his family to Riverside, California. on the 13th of December, 1895, and they were residents of that beautiful city until the death of the husband and father on the 9th of June, 1896. After his death Mrs. Guthridge and her children remained in California for only a brief period and then returned to Bement, Illinois, where she made her home until 1899. when she came to Decatur.

In this city on the 6th of August, 1901, Mrs. Guthridge gave her hand in marriage to her present husband. C. S. Christian. He is a native of Marion, Linn countv, Iowa, born

September 24. 1855, and is a son of James T. and Malinda J. (Moore) Christian, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of .Vmherst, Virginia. After the Mexican war Mr. Christian, the father, removed to Iowa, where he resided continually until 1861. He then put aside all business and personal considerations in order that he might aid his country in the preservation of the Union, enlisting in the Union army as a captain of the Eighteenth Iowa Infantry under Colonel Bisscll. After the war he returned to Mount \'ernon, Iowa, and subsequently he traveled all over the country. He was for some time enga.ged in the hotel business and finally he settled in Pinkneyville, Illinois, where he owned and operated a mill, remaining at that place for several years. His wife died there in 1876 and he afterward married Malissa Stoker. Later he removed to Lithia Springs, Missouri, where he died and where his widow yet resides.

C. S. Christian acquired a good college education in Oberlin. Ohio, and in 1877 he went to Tilden, Illinois, where he accepted a position as station agent and telegraph operator lor the Big Four Railroad Company, acting in that capacity for four years. He was then transferred to LaSalle, Illinois, as agent and telegra]5h operator for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, with which he was connected for thirteen years. On the exiiiration of that period he came to Decatur and occupied a position in the office of county treasurer for two years, after which he engaged in the life iiTsurance business in this city for a .short time. He next became connected with the music trade and is now engaged in dealing extensively in pianos, graphophones, music and musical specialties, keeping a stock at his residence and selling throughout the surrounding country. He handles all standard makes of pianos, including the Story, Clark, the .Steinway, Farraud and others.

of J. G. and Mary (J. Melroy. Her father was a tailor of Du Quoin, and both he and his wife are now deceased. Mrs. Irene Christian died leaving ten children, namely : Edith Belle; Egbert J., an engineer on the Illinois Central Railroad; Frances; Calvin S., who is a soldier in the regular army at Vancouver, Washington ; John Melroy ; Hazel ; Beulah ; and Edith. The two who are now deceased are Eugene and Harry C.

Mr. Christian has held no political positions in Decatur, his attention being fully occupied by his business affairs. He votes, however, with the Democracy and is a stanch advocate of its principles. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic Lodge, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Court of Honor, all of Decatur. Mrs. Christian is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. She now owns the residence which she occupies at No. 1043 West Decatur street and she also has two good farms, one of eighty acres near Rinard and another of eighty acres near Pierson, Piatt county. Her daughter, Ruby, resides with her and Ruth, a child of Air. Christian's first marriage, is also a member of the household.

G. F. Albert

G. F. ALBERT. One of the representative and prominent farmers of lllini township is G. F. Albert, whose home is on section 14. He was burn in Clark county, Ohio, August 28, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Louisa (Lehman) Albert, both of whom w'ere of German descent. The father was born in Maryland in 1814 and in 1828 removed to Ohio, where he learned the blacksmith's trade in the shop of his stepfather. He continued to make his home in that state until 1881, when he came to Macon county, Illinois, and purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres three miles north of Warrensburg, where he lived for several years. At present he is a resident of Decatur and although eighty-nine years of age he enjoys good health. The mother of our subject, who was a native of Pennsylvania, died in Ohio before the removal of the father to Illinois.

The primary education of G. F. Albert was obtained in the Good Intent district school in Clark county, Ohio, and later he attended the Southwestern Normal, then known as the Holbrook school, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he completed his studies in 1867. During the following summer he worked at the carpenter's trade in that state and then started on horseback for Illinois, arriving in Macon county on Thursday. He took the teacher's examination under Edward Park immediately afterward, and passing, he began teaching the following Monday at the Mount Pleasant school in Hickory Point township. He taught for seven winters and during the summer worked on a farm. At the end of that period he settled down to farming on section 2, lllini township and in 1874 purchased his present farm on section 14, consisting of one hundred and thirty-seven acres adjoining the corporation of Warrensburg. He also owns an eighty acre tract which lies to the east of his house. He is a wide-awake, progressive farmer and his efforts have been attended with well merited success.

On the 24th of September, 1872, Mr. Albert was united in marriage to Miss Mattie S. Ritchie, who was educated at the State Normal School at Normal, Illinois, and was married soon after leaving that institution. Her parents were Samuel and Susan (Hinzie) Ritchie, who were born in Pennsylvania, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of German lineage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Albert were born five children but the second is deceased. The living are as follows : Leslie is engaged in farming on the eighty acres belonging to his father and also on a rented tract. Bertha has taught four terms at Warrensburg and is now living at home with her father. Edna attended the State Normal School until her mother's death, which occurred August i, 1899, and has since remained at home to keep house for her father. Chester, who completes the family, was for two terms a student at Brown's Business College in Decatur and for the same length of time at the Gem City Business College in Quincy. He is now living in Colorado. The daughters have both given considerable attention to the study of music and have become quite proficient on the piano. Since casting his first presidential vote for Seymour, JMr. Albert has affiliated with the Democratic party, and for several terms he served as assessor of his township. Pleasant and genial in manner, he makes many friends and is held in the highest regard by all who know him. His home is noted for its hospitality and good cheer.

Joseph B. Ehrhart

Joseph B. Ehrhart, who for many years has been engaged in business in Decatur as a painter and decorator and who is regarded as one of the leading representatives of this line of industrial activity, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the i6th of June, 1838, a son of John Ehrhart. Both his father and mother spent their entire lives in Pennsylvania and the former carried on blacksmithing there. ^ He was three times married, our subject being one of the six chidren of the last union. Two of the number are now living, the brother being Samuel Ehrhart. The four who have passed away all reached years of maturity.

Mr. Ehrhart of this review received but limited educational privileges. He attended school to some extent in Newbury township, York county, Pennsylvania, and in 1855 when but seventeen years of age he came to Illinois. He settled in Macon county and began working as a farm hand near what is now East Eldorado street, a corn field at that time covering the district, and he plowed corn at what is now the leading thoroughfare of the city. He also broke prairie within the present corporation limits of Decatur and was thus identified with ihc early development of the county. Later he was emi^loyed as a brakesman on the construction train when the railroad track was laid to Bement, Illinois. Subsequently he was apprenticed to the painting and decorating trade under S. -S. Dellahunt, with whom he served for a year. On the expiration of that period, although but a young man, he began contracting on his own account. His first shop was located where the office of the Shellabargcr Mill now stands-. There was then a two story building there, the lower floor being occupied by Solomon Epler & Gamen, carriage and wagon makers, and Mr. Ehrhart utilized the second floor for his paint shop. In connection with the painting of wagons and carriages he also did house painting and in those days he had to carry all of his supplies to his place of work as he had no conveyance for transporting them. In the winter of 1864 he superintended a crew of eleven men and in this way executed a contract for painting eleven hundred cultivators for the firm of Barnes & Lintner. He has been continuously engaged at his trade since entering upon his apprenticeship with the exception of a period of three years when ill health caused by blood poisoning forced him to rest from his labors. He has built up a very large trade and is now the oldest painter and decorator of the city. His business has grown as the years have passed by and the patronage now accorded him brings to him a very gratifying financial return. In the fall of 1864 he joined the band known as Elijah Howes Band of Boston and was identified therewith for thirty years. Later it was under the instruction and supervision of Professor Goodman and is now known as Goodman's Band. It is one of the most famous bands of the state.

and Ellsworth, who died in 1883. On the 22d of April, 1883, Mr. Ehrhart was joined in wedlock to Annette Songer and they had two children : Alma and Abigail, but the former died in infancy. IMr. Ehrhart has given his children good educational privileges, thus preparing them for the practical and responsible duties of life. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their hospitable home is located at No. 1275 North Union street and in addition to this valuable property ^Ir. Ehrhart owns other realty in Decatur, all of which has been acciuired entirely through his own energy and capable management. He is one of the worthy pioneer settlers of this city and has aided in developing Decatur from the hazel brush to a citv of metropolitan proportions, having within its borders all of the equipments and improvements of the older east. He remembers to have seen Lincoln Square when it was covered with straw and used as a feeding place for the teams of the farmers who drove into town. The open prairie was the feeding ground of many deer and other wild game and the surface of the country was dotted here and there with ponds or crossed with sloughs. During his boyhood days ;\Ir. Ehrhart was dressed in home-made clothing. In his father's familv they would shear the sheep and have the wool sent to the factory where it was spun into clothing. Pioneer life as it %\-as a half century ago was well known to him and he retains vivid recollections of Decatur when it was a very primitive town, giving little promise of its present development and progress.

Henry L. Highly

HENRY L. HIGHLY. Henry L. Highly is one of Macon's representative citizens, whose useful and well spent life has not only gained him the confidence of his fellow men but has also secured for him a comfortable competence which enables

A native of Ohio, Mr. Highly was born near Zanesville on the 12th of June, 1835, and is a son of Thomas and Susan (Gist) Highly, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania antl of German descent. Leaving the Keystone state they removed to Ohio at an early day and settled ten miles east of Zanesville, becoming pioneers of that section. There the father secured forty acres of timberland, which he cleared, improved and cidtivated, and in addition to the operation of his farm he conducted a saw and grist mill for many years, being a miller by trade. Selling out in 1850. he removed to Hocking county, Ohio, and purchased eighty acres of land four miles from Logan, where he made his home until his death. In his family were eleven children, but only four are now living, namely : Thomas, a retired farmer living in Oregon ; Henrv L.. of this review: Samuel and Elizabeth, twins, the former of whom is now janitor of the courthouse at Logan, Ohio, while the latter is the wife of John Coon, a retired farmer living near Lancaster, Ohio.

Henry L. Highly was educated in an old log school house w'hich had a puncheon floor, slab benches and other rude furniture, but he was only able to attend school for about three months during the winter season as his services were needed on the home farm during the remainder of tlie >ear. At the age of fifteen he started out to make his own way in the world and was told by his father, if he would pay off the mortgage on a forty acre farm he could have the place, only one payment having previously been made. To earn the money for this purpose Mr. Highly worked by the month for five years. He then cleared his land, which was a timber tract, and split the rails to fence it with.

In the spring of 1861 he came to Macon coimty, Illinois, and commenced work on the Allison farm. About a year later he returned to his old home in Ohio, and was there mar- rietl on the 6th of ilarch, 1862, to Miss Jane Gibson, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Flanigan) Gibson. The wedding journey of the young couple was from Ohio to Illinois and was made in an old fashioned covered wagon. After making a short visit at Columbus, Ohio, tho\ proceeded on their way, pa.ssing through Springfield, Ohio; Indianapolis and Terre Haute, Indiana: and Areola and Mount Zion, Illinois, finally reaching Macon after fourteen days upon the road.

For two years Mr. Highly was engaged in farming upon the Allison place, and then purchased eighty acres of railroad land east of Macon, for which he paid twelve dollars and a half per acre. Upon the place was an old log house, fourteen feet square and a kitchen made of slabs, twelve by fourteen feet. Here Mr. Highly and his wife lived for ten years and then erected a fine home at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars, while a new barn was built at a cost of twelve hundred. The farm was all wild prairie land when they took up their residence thereon, but Mr. Highly soon placed it under cultivation and at the end of ten years was able to purchase an adjoining eighty acres. As time passed he kept adding to his property at intervals until he had three hundred and sixty acres, constituting one of the finest farms in Macon township. The last one hundred and sixty acres purchased by Mr. Highly cost sixty dollars per acre. The farm is now under a high state of cultivation with valuable improvements, the buildings alone having cost ten thousand dollars, while the ditching, deep wells, wind pumps, etc., have cost fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Highly continued fanning operations with marked success until 1899. when he retired from active labor and removed to Macon, where he now owns and occupies a nice modern residence.

He has two children, Olna S.. who is the older, now has charge of one of his father's farms. He married Gladys Combs and has three children, Lena. Llovd and Pauline.

James II.. tlu- younger son, married Minnie Wise and is living upon the old homestead farm. Mr. Highly is a charter member of the Presbyterian church at Macon, has ever taken an active part in its work, and has served as elder for over twenty years. His wife is also a member of that church. Socially he belongs to the blue lodge of Masons, No. 467, at Macon, having been made a Mason about 1856 in Columbia Lodge, at Cumberland, Ohio, and politically he is identified with the Prohibition party as he is a strong temperance man and believes that question to be the most imi)orlant now before the American people. For over twenty years he acceptably served as school director in his district and for one term was road commissioner but always refused to accept other official positions, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. On his removal to this state he had but forty dollars in money and the horses and wagon in which he and his wife tnivele<I, but he has always made the most of his advantages and by industry, perseverance and good management he worked his way steadily u])war<I until he is to-day one of the well-to-do and sul)stanlial men of his communnity, as well as one of its most highly esteemed citizens.

Charles M. Hurst

CHARLES M. HURST. Charles M. Hurst is connected with mercantile interests in Decatur as the secretary of the Morehouse & Wells Company, wholesale and retail dealers in hardware. He was born in this city in February, 1859, and is a son of E. W. and Sarah E. (Miller) Hurst, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, having been born in York county, that state. In the schools of his native state Charles M. Hurst pursued his early education and afterward liccame a student in a college of Pennsylvania. When he had completed his school life he entered upon bis business career in connection with nicrcanlile interests. His first employment was with the hardware estabhshnicnt of Morehonsc & Wells with whom he continued as an employe nntil 1894, at which time the company was incorporated under the style of the Morehouse & Wells Compan\-, with Mr. Hurst as its secretary. He has since acted in this capacity and has been very active in the control of what is now a most important mercantile concern, doing a large business both along wholesale and retail lines. He is well versed in every department and his energy and sound business judgment have been salient features in its success. He is also connected with the United States Wire Mat Company, of which he is a director and the secretary, and he is now president of the Central Malleable Iron Company of Decatur. His activity touching many lines of business enterprise, causes him to be classed among the leading men of the city.

Mr. Hurst was united in marriage to Miss Rella Shockley, a daughter of DeWitt C. Shockley, a prominent and much respected citizen of Decatur. In matters pertaining to the general progress Mr. Hurst is public spirited and progressive and keeps in touch with public thought and eiTort. In the business world he has won the trust and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. His social qualities, too, render him popular with a large circle of friends and he is a genial gentleman without ostentation or display, who holds friendship sacred and is as true to the duties and obligations of citizenship and of private life as to those to which he is pledged through business connections.

David Skillman Allen

DAVID SKILLMAN ALLEN. Only those lives are worthy of record that have been potential factors in the public progress in promoting the general welfare or advancing the educational or moral interests of the communitv. Mr. Allen was ever faithful to all the duties of life and by the successful conduct of his business affairs not only promoted his individual success but also advanced the general prosperity. In his life span of almost sixty years he accomplished much and left behind an honorable record well worthy of perpetuation.

Mr. Allen was born in Scott county, Kentucky, on the 8th of February, 1822, and was a son of Joseph and Katherine (Skillman) Allen. The Allen family originated in Scotland and from that country ancestors of our subject removed to Ireland, where the old Allen homestead is now in possession of Patrick Allen. In early life our subject's father removed from Loudoun coimty, \'irginia, to Kentucky, and in Bourbon county, of that latter state, he married Katherine Skillman. they located in Scott county, Kentucky, where they reared their family, and where the father' died in March, 1846. His wife, long surviving him, passed away a few years ago.

During his boyhood David S. Allen pursued his studies in a log school house in his native county, the school being conducted on the subscription plan as this was before the day of free schools, and after putting aside his text books he worked on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age, when he established a home of his own. On the i6th of September, 1845, 'ic was united in marriage to Miss Amanda D. Risk, who was also born in Scott county, Kentucky, December 29, 1829, a daughter of John and Ann (Daugherty) Risk. Her mother was a native of the same county and there she gave her hand in marriage to John Risk, the name being originally spelled Risque. They continued to make their home there throughout the remainder of their lives. In religious faith they were Presbyterians and in politics Mr. Risk was a Whig. Of their ten children, Mrs. Allen is the ninth in order of birth and the only one now living.

farm luur miles from Georgetown, Kentucky, and from there removed to Macon county, Illinois, in January, 1855, settling one mile north of Harristown, where he purchased a section of land at sixteen dollars per acre but the property is now valued at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. When the family located on this farm Decatur was the nearest town and there were no railroads through the county, much of this region being still wild and unimproved. With the development and upbuilding of his adopted county Mr. Allen bore an important part and throughout life carried on agricultural pursuits with good success. He died upon his farm on the 2 1 St of August, 1880, honored and respected by all who knew him, and he was laid to rest in the Harristown cemetery. His political support was always given the Republican jKirty hill he never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He took an active part in church work, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal denomination and served as steward from the age of twenty-five up to the time of his death. He was also a strong advocate of temperance and his life was ever in b.armony with his professions.

Since her husband's death Mrs. Allen has made her home with her children but is now living with her brother-in-law, William J. Quinlan. at 222 West William street, Decatur. She is a lady of ciiUure and refijiement, who has traxelecl extensively both in this country and in Europe and she possesses literary talent of a high order. She has contributed several interesting articles on the pioneer settlers of Illinois to different periodicals and also wrote an article which was read at the last meeting of the Old Settlers of Macon county, who each year hold a reunion at Fairview Park in Decatur. She is a lady of many excellent traits of character which have endeared her to all with whom she has been Ijrought in contact.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born six children, five sons and one daughter, as follows : Rhodes C. married Miss Emma Levett and resided near Harristown for some time, but finally removed lo Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he died. Of liis three children only one is now living, Roy S., a resident of Los- Angeles, California. Louisa C. married Dr. John M. Gregory, who was for thirteen years president of the State L'niversity at Champaign and also president of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Mrs. Gregory introduced domestic science into the former institution and was made professor of the same. The Doctor served as civil service commissioner under President Arthur and was one of the first to advocate free mail delivery and also the fir.st to introduce work reading in the public schools. He died in Washington, D. C, October 19, 1898, and was buried in the Champaign University grounds. His widow and daughter AUene are still residents of the capital city. Henry C, Mrs. Allen's second son, is engaged in farming in Scott county, Kentucky. He married ]Miss Fannie ]Moore, of Georgetown, Kentucky, and has two children : Harvey M. and Evcl\n. Charles Wesley, the third son, died July 6, 1880. He studied law at the State University and was graduated in 1877, being admitted to the bar two years later. Joseph Bascom, the next of the family, married IMiss Sena Talbott and lives near Ottawa, Kansas, where he is engaged in farming. They have two sons, Louis and Arthur. E. Wright Allen, the youngest child, was born October 20, i8(ji, on the olil homestead in Harristown township, where he now resides. He began his education in the public schools of this county and later attended the State University at Champaign for three years. Throughout his active business life he has followed farming and has met with good success, being the owner of considerable farming land near Harristown. He is interested in the breeding of polled Angus cattle and is quite extensively engaged in that business, which he finds quite profitable. On the 1st of September, 1887, he was united in iiiarriagc to Miss Minnie H. ]\Ioft'ett, who was born on the old Mofifett homestead near Boody, December 28, 1868. Her father, William T. Moffett, was a native of Bcardstown, Illinois, and was a very prominent man of his community, serving as state senator for a time. Unto Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Allen were born four children, but Skillman died November 29, 1896, at the age of seven years. Those still living are Leonora, Marie A. and Moflfett B. E. W. Allen gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party and takes a deep interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Summit Lodge No. 431, A. F. & A. M., and stands high in both business and social circles. Success has attended his well directed efforts and he has become one of the most prosperous agriculturists of his community. Besides his valuable property in Harristown township he owns a half section of land in Texas.

Clarence J. Van Deventer

Clarence J- Van Deventer is widely known throughout Illinois and to a considerable extent throughout the covmtry in photographic circles. He is the president of the Photographers' Association of the state and. although one of the more recent acquisitions to the business life of Decatur, he has already gained a large patronage, being connected with a profession where merit is easily discernible and in which success cannot be won without this quality.

Mr. Van Deventer was born in Mount Pulaski. Logan county, Illinois, on the 15th of April, 1865, and is a son of James C. and Caroline (Nicholson) \'an Deventer. The father. a resident of Lee county, Virginia, in his earlv life, removed from the Old Dominion to Illinois in the '50s, and in this state engaged in stock-raising and dealing. He is a son of Abraham Van Deventer. When Clarence J. Van Deventer was but two months old the

To the public school system of this state Mr. \'an Deventer is indebted for the educational ])rivileges he received in his youth. In early life he began earning his own livelihood and when a youth of sixteen he secured a clerkship in a hardware store, where he remained for two years, proving a capable and trustworthy employe who won the unqualified confidence of those whom he served. In 1883 he removed to Bloomington, Illinois, where he was employed by T. P. Garrett, a photographer. Thus he was initiated into the business which has become his life work. He continued to serve ^Ir. Garrett until 1866, gradnallv acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of the art and the methods pursued in the conduct of a photographic gallery. In the year mentioned he went to Springfield, Illinois, where he was employed in the Anderson Art Gallery until 1888. He next located in Alpena. Michigan, where he purchased an art gallery in coimection with A. R. Nicholson, the studio being conducted under the firm style of Nicholson & \"an Deventer until 1891. Our suliject has also been employed by leading artists of Chicago. In 1892 he opened two galleries, one in Carlinsville and the other in Litchfield, Illinois. These he conducted until 1898. when he sold both and came to Decatur, establishing his present studio in the Powers block. Here he soon became recognized as a leading artist of this city, his ability placing him in the ranks of the most prominent and capable representatives of his calling. His suite of rooms are decorated with some of the most beautiful specimens of photographic work. He is a member of the National Photographers' Association and his exhibits at its meetings have won medals because of their merit. He also belongs to the State Photographers' Association and has won its prizes. He likewise holds membership in the New England Photographers Association and attended its last meeting held in Boston. For five years lie has been the treasurer of the state association and in the year 1903 is serving as its president. He has taken a deep and zealous interest in his work, doing everything in his power for advancement along artistic lines and his studio is equipped with every facility for producing work of the highest grades. He has advanced steadily to a front rank among photographic artists in Illinois through persistent effort and because of his special adaptability to his chosen calling. He has real artistic skill for executing the labor of the mechanic, who by means of certain devices can transfer a likeness to paper. His appreciation for the effects of light and shade is great and in his posing he shows true artistic skill.

In 1893 Mr. \'an Deventer was joined in wedlock to Miss Martha F. Macknet, a daughter of 1). .'^. and Rhoda (Clark) Macknct. Their children are Florence A., Clarence J. and Macknet F. Mr. \'an Deventer belongs to Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & .\. M.. Macnn Chapter, N'o. 21, R. .\. M. and BL-aunianoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks ; to Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A.; and in Decatur District Court, No. 39, Court of Honor. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, a pleasant, entertaining companion and has many s]ilendid and admiring friends among all classes of people. As a man of genuine worth of character and a gentleman of attractive social qualities he stands high in the estimation of the entire conimunitv.

Yong P. Jones

YONG P. JONES. Yong P. Jones, a retired farmer residing at No. 1084 East Wood street in Decatur, has been a resident of Macon coiiiitv for more than half a century, dating his arrival in 1 85 1. One of Illinois' native sons, his l)irth occurred in Marion county on the 2d -ot June. 1842. so that he was only about nine years of age when brought by his jiareiits to Decatur. He is a son of Joseph E. and Sarah (Neel) Jones, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. They were married very young. Mr. Jones being but eighteen years of age when with his bride he came to Illinois, settling in Decatur, here acting as fireman and also as engineer in some of the lumber mills of this city. Subsequently he was given charge of the county poor farm and acted as its superintendent for eleven years, discharging his duties in a most capable manner so that he won the confidence and approval of the entire public. He then purchased the old county farm and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death on the 26th of March, 1866. His widow afterward sold the farm and removed to Mount Zion township, where she inirchased a tract of land and resided there until her death, which occurred on the 17th of July. 18Q4. This wortliy couple were the parents of ti\e children, the youngest being Yong P. of this review. The others are Thomas, a retired farmer now living on West Wood street in Decatur; Ozro, a resident farmer of Traverse City, Illinois; William Columbus, who is residing on the old farm in .Mount /.ion township; and Amanda, the wife of Martin Cooper, who is living in Decatur. .\ll were educated in the common schools of Macon county.

Like the other members of the family Yong I'. Jones ]Mirsued a ]niblic school course and in his youth he aideil in the labors of the fields upon the home farm. His practical training well qualified him for carrying on farm work on his own account after he had attained his majority.

In 1861 in Decatur, Mr. Jones married Miss Emma May, a native of Tennessee, who died six years after Ibeir marriage, leaving two children : Joseph T.. who wedded Anna Briner and lives on a farm in South WHieatland township; and Ida, the wife of A. J. .\nderson, telegrajjli operator for the Illinois

Central Railroad at Decatur. 'Sir. Jones was again married in Decatur, on the 9th of December, 1869, his second union being with IMiss Sarah Malissa Bordman, who was born in Columbus, Indiana, September 19, 1840, and is a daughter of Captain Isaac Bordman, one of the early settlers and a very prominent citizen of Decatur. For several years he served as county clerk of Macon county and was influential in public affairs. His death occurred in this city and the community thereby lost one of its valued representatives.

After his marriage Mr. Jones purchased a farm on section 35, South Wheatland township, comprising one hundred and twentyfive acres, and to the improvement of this property he gave his attention, making it a valuable and productive place. He still owns It and thereon he engaged in general farming and stock-rasing until 1892. when he removed to the city and, jnitting aside business cares, has since enjoyed a well earned rest. His home is at No. 1084 East Wood street, where he and his wife are now living. She is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur.

In his political views Mr. Jones has always been a Democrat. His life has been one of activity and usefulness and it seems almost impossible for him to put aside business cares altogether. Indolence and idleness have ever been utterly foreign to his nature and now he makes daily trips to his farm to supervise its cultivation, but the active work of field and meadow he leaves to others. He owes his success not to any fortunate combination of circumstances, but to his persistency and diligence and his prosperity is therefore well deserved.

Hillory Beall

HILLORY BEALL. After years of active labor, mainly along agricultural lines, the subject of this review is now living a retired life enjoying the competence which he acquired through former toil. He is a native of Virginia, born January 29, 1838, and is a son of Hillory and Jane (Newland) Beall, who were born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, and from that state removed to the Old Dominion in 1830. By occupation the father was a farmer. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Our subject's great-gfandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war.

Our subject is one of a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, the othersbeing Nancy, who is the wife of. Uriah Barrett and lives in Oklahoma ; Sarah Jane, deceased ; John, who is proprietor of the Beall Improvement Company of Decatur and is one of the old settlers of Macon county ; Parker, who makes his home in Warrensburg, and is engaged in farming; Hilary, the wife of David Schroll. of ^^'arrensburg ; \\'illiam, also a resident of that place; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew J. Widick ; and Frank, deceased.

During his boyhood Hillory Beall, Jr., went to Ohio, where he was reared and educated^ pursuing his early studies in an old log schoolhouse, but his educational advantages were rather limited. After leaving school he learned the millwright's trade, which he followed for ten years, being thus employed in Springfield, Bloomington. Decatur and Clinton, Illinois. In 1856 he came to Macon county and for some time engaged in farming in Illini township, where he made his first purchase of land. About twenty-seven years ago he removed to Niantic township and bought one hundred and sixty acres, the nucleus of his present farm. As time passed and his financial resources increased he kept adding to his property until he now has several hundred acres besides a beautiful home in Niantic. where he is now living retired.

At Springfield. Illinois, in 1867, ;Mr. Beall was united in marriage to IMiss Honora Hingey, of Riverton, this state. Her parents were natives of Canada and are both now deceased. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beall. namelv; Tohn Franklin, a resi- dent of Niantic ; Egbert Lawrence, who makes his home in Lovington ; and Edward Parker, who is Hying on his father's farm in Niantic township. Mrs. Beall is a member of the Cathohc church of Niantic and is a most estimable lady. Being a strong temperance man our subject votes with the Prohibition party. A man of natural ability, his success in business is but the just reward of honorable dealing, good management and unremitting industry, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited. His course in life has ever been such as to command respect and he stands hish in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

The life record of a representative of American citizenship frequently contains much that is of value to the student of biography who wishes to judge of the elements and qualities that enter into a successful career. The life record of William Gushard has been an open scroll inviting closest scrutiny. His achievements represent the result of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has led the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity and di.scriminatmg judgment and a fidelity to purpose that command the respect of all. lie has led an honorable career and is recognized as one of the leading merchants of Decatur, being the senior member of the firm of Gushard & Company, dealers in dry-goods and millinery.

A native of Ohio, William Gushard was born in Stark county, that state, on the 5th of March, 1862. For many years his father, George Gushard, carried on merchandising there and his death occurred in Stark county, in 1892. For his second wife he married Mrs. Hannah Rorabaugh. who died on the 25th of May, 1865. She was the mother of our subject.

of his boyhood in Stark county, Ohio, and at the usual age entered the public schools. He afterward accompanied his father on his removal to Wabash county, Indiana, where he continued to pursue his studies until his fifteenth year. He then returned to Ohio, establishing his homo in Akron, where he resided for nine year's and during that period he entered upon his business career as a salesman in a dry-gods establishment. His endeavors to master the business both in principle and detail gained him a broad knowledge of the methods employed in mercantile circles. When thus well equipped for further advancement along that line he became a trusted employe in the dry-goods house of G. Y. Smith & Company upon his removal to Kansas City, ^lissouri. For two and a half years he continued with that firm and then with the money he had acquired through his own industry and economy he began merchandising on his own account in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He was afterward numbered among the merchants of Topeka, Kansas, and was there very successful in his business operations.

In 1895 he arrived in Decatur, Illinois, where he established a dry-goods and millinery store as the senior member of the firm of Gushard & Company, his partner in this enterprise being Walter Buck. Their store is located at No. 207-211 North Water street and is fifty feet in breadth b\" one hundred and twenty feet in depth, the building is three stories in height and all three floors arc utilized for the accommodation of their large stock of millinery and dry-gods. Between forty and fifty clerks are employed which indicates to some extent the volume of business transacted. Every department is complete and is now in a thriving condition. The firm also has a branch store at Burlington. Towa, which is a general cstalilisliment managed by John J. Summersby.

th.-cc children : Geraldine, Hannah Louise antl Ruth EHzabeth. The family residence is situated on North Dunham street and the attractive home is surrounded by a large lawn, ornamented with beautiful trees many of which being pine, the place is called Pine Hurst. This home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality which is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family. i\lr. Giishard has a business career which any man might be proud to possess. Starting out in life empty-handed and brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determination and honorable effort he has steadily worked his way upward. The difficulties he has encountered have seemed to serve as an impetus for renewed effort and he has kept apace with the universal progress along business lines, adapting himself to meet conditions and making the most of every opportunity until he now occupies a creditable and honorable position in trade circles. He stands to-day strong in his credit and his good name and his example is one well worthy- of emulation.

TA]\IES FREEMAN. In commercial circles in Decatur James Freeman was long an active and prominent factor, having established and conducted one of the large mercantile enterprises of the citv. Indolence was utterly foreign to his nature and his activity, keen discernment in business affairs and indefatigable energy enabled him lO develop an enterprise of importance to the city and which at the same time proved an excellent source of revenue for himself and family.

Mr. Freeman was a native of Boston, his birth there occurring on the 6th of April, 1836. He was a representative of one of the old families of New England, his ancestors having emigrated to America in 1632, only twelve years after the Pilgrims landed on the shores of Massachusetts from the Mavflower. Benjamin F'reeman, the father of our subject, was born in New England and during the bo\liood of his son James brought his family to Illinois, settling in Hillsboro, where he entered land, but as he died a few years later the family returned to Boston, where our subject resided for a number of years.

It was on the L6th of November, 1865, that Mr. Freeman was joined in wedlock to Miss May L. Wilson, of Jacksonville, Illinois, the second daughter of Andrew F. and Louisa (\Mieadon) \\'ilson. Mrs. Freeman was born in the city of Jacksonville, her parents having settled there in 1838. Subsequently they removed to Moweaqua, Illinois, where the father died in 1901, in the ninety-first year of his age. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party and he never failed to cast his ballot for its men and measures. For many years he was a member of the Baptist church and his life was in consistent harmony with his professions. Mrs. Freeman, like her husband, comes of good old Revolutionary stock, the grandfathers on both sides having been patriots in the Continental Army in the war for American independence.

Mr. and JMrs. Freeman began their domestic life upon a farm near Moweaqua and there he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1879, when he retired from that field of labor and removed to Decatur, making his home in this city until his death. Here he opened a large boot and shoe store, the first extensive one here, and was thus connected with the mercantile interests of the cit}' until his life's labors were ended. For a long period he was associated in business with his brother, John Freeman, but for the last few years was sole proprietor of what was one of the leading commercial institutions of the cit_\-. He carried a large and well selected line of boots and shoes and received an extensive patronage, which he well merited because of his progressive business methods, his straightforward dealing and his earnest efforts to please his customers.

In early life Air. Freeman took an active part in polities and served for a number of terms as supervisor in a manner which reflected credit upon the county and his constituents. He was also deputy United States marshal under his uncle, Watson Freeman, and was ever conscientious and prompt in the performance of any public duty or the execution of any public trust. Of the Decatur Club he was a valued and popular member and he was past grand director and a member of the supreme lodge of the Knights of Honor. Pleasant and genial in manner, he was admired and respected by all. He appreciated friendship and therefore won it, and he was quick to recognize the good in others and render them his regard because of this. It is a well known truth that we sec about us that which we have in ourselves and this trait of character in Mr. I'rccman showed that he was the ])ossessor of all the sterling (|ualities which he res]X'cted in his f-ellowmen.

Lawrence R. Provost

This well known citizen of Decatur township is devoting his attention principally to the raising of small fruits and has become an expert in his line. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on the i6th of November, 1835, and comes of a family of French Huguenot origin, which was founded in America by three brothers, one of whom settled in New York, another on Staten Island, while the third, James H. Provost, located in New Jersey. It is to the last branch that our subject belongs. His paternal grandfather took part in the war of 181 2 as a fifer.

James Provost, the father of our subject, was born in New P.runswick, New Jersey, March 27, 1808. and was reared and educated at that jilace. In early life he learned the blacksmith's trade and became an expert carriage maker. He was married at Newark, New Jersey, in 1836. to Miss Lavisa A. Baker, and for some vears thev made their home at

New lirunswick and Rahway, New Jersey, but in 1862 removed to Port Royal, North Carolina, where they remained until the latter jjart of 1864. While there Mr. Provost was the master mechanic for the United States quartermaster in charge of the government shops. After the war he returned to New Jersey, and in 1871 came to Decatur, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 24th of April, 1891, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died May 10, 1887. They were faithful members of the First Presbyterian church and had the respect of all who knew them. Unto them were born eight children, namely : P. B. ; Lawrence R. ; Abraham P.; Isaac S.; Isabella, wife of Fred Boyer; Phoebe, deceased wife of William Z. P>rown ; Mary B., deceased wife of Jefl'erson Main ; and James, who died in infancy.