Decatur Township (part 23 of 46)

The eduo.-uiinial achanlages afforded Lawrence R. Provost during his boyhood were limited as he was only able to attend school for three months during the winter season. At an early age he served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade at Rahway, New Jersey, and received thirty dollars per year in compensation for his services. He next went south and was engaged in the carriage business at Suffolk, Virginia, for three years, being at that place when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. When the war broke out he came to Illinois and for ten years was engaged in farming in Green \'alley, Tazewell county. He then removed to Lawrence, Kansas, where he followed the same pursuit, and thu^ became identified with the early development of that slate but becoming discouraged with the outlook there he returned to Illinois in 1867 and has since made his home m Decatur township. Macon county, where he raises small friuts of different kinds, though his specialty is strawberries. He has seventeen acres devoted to the culture of small fruits and has become a leader in his line, taking pride in producing the best found on the market.

In 1855 Mr. Provost was united in marriage to Miss Caroline M. High, of Rahway, New Jersey, who died in Kansas at the age of thirty-one years. The children born of this union are James H., now a resident of Oklahoma ; Emma, wife of George Bush, of Newton, Kansas ; Jasper L., of Osage county, Kansas; George L., of Burlingame, Kansas; William, also a resident of Burlingame; Melvin, a resident of Oklahoma ; and Mary, wife of L. O. Green, of Peabody, Kansas.

On the 3d of December, 1872, ^Ir. Provost was again married, his second union being with Miss Nancy Scroggs, of Goshen, Indiana, by whom he has two children : Sadie ; and Daisy, wife of Harmon Tuttle, of Decatur. Mrs. Provost was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1836, and is a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Moore) Scroggs, who were also natives of Beaver county and were of Scotch and Welsh descent. The mother died at the early age of thirty-two, when Mrs. Provost was only four years old. Leaving Pennsylvania, the father removed to Goshen, Indiana, where his death occurred on the 25th of April, 1877. By trade he was a tanner and carriage trimmer and in politics was a Republican. For several generations the family has been connected with the United Presbyterian church and several of its members have been ministers of that denomination.

In religious faith Mr. Provost is a Presbyterian and in politics is an ardent Republican. He has efficiently served as school director and does all in his power to promote the moral, educational and social interests of his community. He is a wide-awake and progressive business man and endeavors to accomplish whatever he undertakes.

Travis Brown

TRAVIS BROWN. Travis Brown is the junior member of the firm of Brown & Son, who are engaged in the monument business in Decatur. He was born near Boody in Blue Mound township, Macon county, on the 8th of February, 1871, and is a son of Nelson F. and Mildred (Pasley) Brown. The father, a native of Ohio, was born in 1843 ^^'^ for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in Blue Mound township. On the 1st of September, 1896, however, having retired from farm work, he joined his son, Travis, in the establishment of the present firm of Brown & Son. His wife was born in Kentucky and the subject of this review is their only child. He attended the common schools in his early life and supplemented his preliminary knowledge by study in the Baker University of Baldwin, Kansas. He also pursued a course of study in Brown's Business College and in 1892 he returned to the home fann, whereon he resided, assisting in its cultivation and further improvement until 1895, when he became a resident of Decatur. Joining his father in the establishment of the firm of Brown & Son they purchased a part interest in the Decatur Monument Company, with which they were associated until 1898, when they became sole proprietors, buymg out their partners in that business. They make a specialty of Barre granite and Missouri red stone in their monument work. The business methods which they employ, the skilled labor and the product of the workmen makes the output of this house of a most pleasing character and the patronage is thereby constantly increasing. Alreadv the business is large and important, having become one of the strong industrial interests of the city. There has been nothing sensational in the career of either father and son, their lives having been devoted to business cares, and untiring industry, perseverance and good business judgment have formed the foundation upon which they have builded their success.

On the nth of October. 1894. Travis Brown v.^as united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Wiegand. a daughter of J. H. and Minnie Wiegand, of Boody, Illinois. They are well known young people of this city and the hospitality of many of the best homes here is extended to them. Mr. Brown is a member of Easterly Camp, No. 1626, M. W. A., and for two }-ears he has served as a member of the board of managers of this camp. He has also been recorder of Decatur Circle, No. 49, American Home Circle. His success has been the result of persistent effort in the line of honorable and earnest toil ; his aims have always been to attain the best and his life has marked a steady growth.

David B. Batchelder

David B. Batchelder, who is a retired farmer of Decatur, was born in Pittsfield, New- Hampshire, September 5, 1834, a son of Colonel Nathaniel and Abigail (Jenness) Batchelder. The ancestry can be traced back to Rev. Stephen Bachilir, who was a leading nonconformist and founded the town of New Hampton, New Hampshire. As will be seen there has occurred a change in the spelling of the surname since his day. The grandfather of our subject was Elijah David Batchelder, who married a Miss Lane, of English lineage. The father of our subject was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, November 25, 1 79 1, and became a colonel of militia in the old training days. He was married May 10, 1820, to Abigail Jenness, a daughter of John Jenness, and, devoting his life to agricultural pursuits, he became a prominent and prosperous farmer. His death occurred December 3, 1858, and his wife, who was born in 1792, passed away February 5, 1851. The subject of this review has a sister, who is the widow of J. C. Clough and now resides in Chicago.

David B. Batchelder acquired his education in his native* county, attending the schools of Pittsfield, New Hampshire. In 1853, when about nineteen years of age, he went to Alabama, where he remained until 1857 and in connection with his brother, J. J. Batchelder, he engaged in building bridges for the Memphis & Charleston Railroad Company. The }ear 1857 witnessed their arrival in Macon county, Illinois, and here the brother remained, but our subject afterward went to California, where he engaged in mining until 1868. He then returned to Macon county and purchased a half section of prairie land in mini township", which he broke and improved, transforming it from a wild state into fertile fields. Subsc(|uenlly he sold this property and bought another half section of improved land which he still owns. Thereon he engaged in general farming and was also an extensive stock-raiser, making a specialty of polled Angus cattle. He bought and sold considerable stock and this branch of his business returns to him a good income. In 1875 he erected a substantial modern liarn on his place and in 1881 erected a nice house. The farm has about eight miles of tiling on it and is splendidly improved. The walnut grove is noted as one of the finest in the county and is very valuable. It is frequently visited by people from the east and the farm is regarded as one of the best in Illini township.

Mr. Batchelder has been twice married. He first wedded Abbie M. Bailey, a daughter of John Bailey of Lawrence, Massachusetts. She was born March 27, 1849, '^^^^ the wedding occurred February 7, 1870. She died February 23, 1898. Five children were born of this union: George Grant, born January 19, 1871, ilied of diphtheria, November 25, 1878; Addie Marilla, born November 2, 1872, died August 27, 1873; Lizzie Bailey, born July 18, 1874, died of diphflieria November 29, 1878; Laura Esther, born October 18, 1877, is the wife of Oliver Batchelder: and Wilber Richard, born June 6, 1880. is secretary and a member of the Field & Shorb Company, of Decatur. On the loth of April, 1900, Mr. Batchelder was again married, his second union being with Gertrude Wardwell, a cousin of his first wife. She was born in Andovcr, Massachusetts, December 18, fc855.

Mr. Batcheldcr continued to engage in farming until 1899, when he retired to Decatur and is now li\-ing at No. 1533 North Church street. He always did his share for the upbuilding of the count}' and assisted in organizing the public schools and also the Congregational church of Illini township. He holds niembershij) in a church of that denomination in Decatur and is now one of its trustees. His wife is a lady of true refinement and culture, coming of a prominent eastern family and both ]\Ir. and ]Mrs. Batcheldcr have the warm regard of manv friends.

Thomas W. Tomlinson

THOMAS W. TOMLINSON. Thomas W. Tomlinson, who is now carrying on farming on section 5, South Macon township, was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, November 20, 1847, '^is parents being John B. and Elizabeth (Cotton) Tomlinson, who were married in St. Louis, Missouri. The father was a native of England and was a butcher by trade. Emigrating to America in 1833, he first located in St. Lotiis, where he worked at his trade until 1845 and then removed to St. Clair county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm the following year and turned his attention to agricultttral pursuits. Later he sold his property there and came to Macon county, accomjianied by his family. He bought a farm east of Macon, which was then all wild prairie covered with ponds and slough, and to its improvement and cultivation he devoted his energies until called to his final rest on the 31st of December, 1881. In early life he was a Whig and later a Republican but during Grant's administration he became a Democrat, although he was a great friend of the General. Of his twelve children only six are now living: Mrs. Elizabeth Carroll, Aliss Agnes Tomlinson, Thomas W., Mrs. Rachel Bradley, Miss Mary Tomlinson and l-'rank, all residents of Macon county with the exception of Mrs. Bradley, wdio makes her home in Alabama.

Thomas W. Tomlinson received his education in a log school house which stood on the boundary line between St. Clair and Monroe counties, the boys, who sat on one side of the room being in Monroe county and the girls on the other side in St. Clair county. He remained under the parental roof until twentythree years of age and in 1874 went to Calitornia, where he engaged in farming for two years. He then returned east to visit the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and did not go back to the Pacific coast for some time but came to Macon county, Illinois, where he was married May 12, 1878, to Miss Ellen Bradley, a daughter of William and Mary Bradley.

After his marriage Mr. Tomlinson went to \\'ashington Territory, where he remained three years, and at the end of that time returned to Macon county on account of the illness of his father and staid with him until his death. A year later our subject removed to Nebraska, where he spent three years, and from there went to Kansas, but during the drouth of 1893 and 1894, he moved back to Illinois and then went to Texas, living for two years in Houston. He still owns his farm of four hundred and eighty acres in Kansas. In the fall of 1896 we again find him in Macon county, where he bought his present farm of ninety acres on section 5, South Macon township, and has since engaged in its operation. The place is supplied with modern machinery and the fences and buildings are in good repair, in fact everything about the farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance. In connection with general farming Mr. Tomlinson is engaged in dairying to some extent. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and religiously he and his family are communicants of the Catholic church.

the following cliildren : Mary, who was born in Walla Walla, Washington, and is now the wife of William Riley, a farmer of South Macon townshij); Rachel, who was born in Illinois and is now living with her aunt, Mrs. John Bradley, in Iluntsville, Alabama ; John B., who wiis born in Illinois and is now nineteen years of age ; Agnes, who was born in Nebraska, and is now seventeen ; Ella, who was born in Kansas and is fourteen years old ; Frank, who was born in Kansas and is eleven years of age; and Thomas, who was born in Illinois and is seven years old. ^\'ith exception of the two oldest all are at home with their parents and the family is one of prominence in the comnnmitx' where ihev reside.

Otto C. Adams

Among the younger representatives of the legal profession in Macon county none stands higher than the gentleman whose name introduces this review. His prominence is by no means measured by his years for he has already attained a success that many an older practitioner might w^ell envy.

Mr. .Vdams was born in Neosho county, Kansas, in 1872, and being reared upon his father's farm he assisted in the labors of field and meadow during his boyhood and youth. In 1881 the family went to Piatt county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming for several years and then removed to Cerro Gordo, this state, where he and his wife now reside.

Otto C. Adams attended the Central Normal School at Danville. Indiana, and later entered the State University at Champaign, Illinois, where he took up the study of law and was graduated in the class of 1900. He then came to Decatur and entered the law office of C. C. Le Forgee and by assisting that gentleman in several important cases he gained a good practical knowledge of the profession which he has chosen as a life work. On his admission to the bar he began practice, (,)pening an office of his own in the Millikin block, where he is still located, and he is already doing a good business.

Mr. Adams has always taken a very active part in politics. He is also a great supporter of labor unions, being a member of the Stationary Engineers' Union, and he does all within his power to promote the interests of the laboring classes. Fie is also a member of the Txlasonic fraternity and is one of the prominent Ncnmir men of Decatur.

Ezra W. Crow

One of the leading business men of Blue Mound is Ezra W. Crow, a well known grain dealer. He has won success by his well directed, energetic efforts and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited. Fie stands high in public esteem and is thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of the community.

Mr. Crow' claims Ohio as his native state, his birth having occurred in New London, Huron county, on the 19th of November, 1850. His parents were John T. and Elizabeth Crow, farming people. The family came to Illinois in 1857 and in the common schools of Macon county our subject acquired a good practical education. Fie early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist and continued to follow farming until 1881, when he removed to Blue Mound, where he has since made his home. During his residence here he has been engaged in the grain business and has met with success in this undertaking.

On the i8tli of February, 1874, Mr. Crow was united in marriage to Miss Nancy J. De Atley, and to them have been born nine children, of whom two sons are now deceased, those living being Myrtle M., Grace, Eva E., Qiarles F., Oliver L., Earl and Roy. Two of

Religiously Mr. Crow is a member of the Christian church, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He takes an active interest in public affairs and for eight years efficiently filled the office of tax collector. In all the relations of life he has been found true to any trust reposed in him and he well merits the respect so freely accorded him by his fellow citizens.

Joseph T. Tucker

Joseph T. Tucker, who resides on section 17, mini township, is successfully engaged in general fanning and stock-raising. He was born on the farm where he now makes his home, January 25, 1872, a son of J. C. and Emma (Ferree) Tucker, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Cyrus J. Tucker on another page of this volume.

Our subject attended school in Warrensburg and completed the course at the age of eighteen years. He began his business career as a clerk in the store of G. W. Thompson, at that place, where he \vas employed for fifteen months, and at the end of that time commenced farming on his father's old homestead on section 17, lUini township, where he was born. He operates three hundred and twenty acres, employing one man all the }-ear round and others as they are needed. Wheat has been his specialty, devoting from forty to eighty acres each year to that crop. In connection with general farming he is -engaged in the fattening of cattle for market, mostly the white faced breed, and he also handles about a carload of hogs annually. He has previously bought the stock which he has fattened for market but is now contemplating raising his own cattle.

Batchelder who was born August 16, 1874, and is a daughter of J. J. and Mary ( Thorndike j Batchelder. She completed the scientific course at Knox College and was graduated in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have a little daughter, Ruth E., born February 17, 1901. They arc active and prominent members of the Congregational church of lllini township. Socially he is a member of Dove Lodge, No. 600, I. O. O. F., in which he is past grand, and politically he is identified with the Democratic party. He has been a delegate to the county conventions of his party, has served as town clerk two years, and is now serving his second term as road commissioner. He is a wide-awake, energetic and progressive young man and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should.

George W. Betzer

George W. Betzer, whose valuable landed interests have come to him as the reward of a life of earnest labor and unfaltering perseverance, is now practically living a retired life in Decatur, but for many years was a leading agriculturist of Macon county. His home is now at No. 956 W. Pugh street. He represents one of the pioneer families of the county, established here when land was wild, the prairies uncultivated and the work of improvement scarcely begun. That was in 1841 when Mr. Betzer was an infant of less than a year. The Indians still lived in the neighborhood and wild game of many kinds was plentiful.

Mr. Betzer was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 22, 1841, a son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Long) Betzer, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Anthony Betzer, was of Irish descent, his father having been born on the Emerald Isle. The former followed farming and spent his entire life in Pickaway county, Ohio. Benjamin Betzer, the father of our subject, was born in Pickaway county and after attaining adult age determined to make liie cultivation of the soil his life work. He resided upon a farm in tiie county of his nativity until 1841, when he removed westward, his destination being Macon county, Illinois, - then a frontier district. Securing a tract of land in Whitmore township, he there engaged in general farming until his death, which occurred about 1882, while his wife passed away in the same township in 1884. They were the parents of nine children, of whom five are yet living, as follows: ^lary jane, the wife of John Likens, a resident farmer of Oakley township, Macon county ; Anthony, who resides upon a part of the old homestead in Whitmore township; Henry 11., who is living in Missouri; George W., the subject of this sketch; and William Y., whose home is in Britten, Soutii Dakota. Those deceased are Elizabeth, Maria, Sarah and Peter.

George W. Betzcr had but limited school privileges, pursuing studies in Whitmore township, in one of the primitive school houses - a log structure with a dirt floor, paper windows and split log benches. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager as he early took his place behind the plow and continued to assist his father upon the old homestead up to the time of his marriage. Pie first wedded Miss Catherine Coleman, also a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and a daughter of John Coleman, who from early pioneer days in this county until his death, was a farmer here. Mr. Betzer lost his first wife July 12, 1898. They were the parents of four children : Louis E., who married Lena Griffin and resides on the old home farm in Whitmore township ; Francis Carl, who wedded Lilly Crothers and also resides on the home place ; Alfred J., who is a conductor on a street car in St. Louis, Missouri ; and Chester A., on the home farm. For his second wife Mr. Betzer chose Miss Daisy Kinney, a daughter of William and Jennie (Holt) Kinney. Her father was a native of North Carolina and there spent his early manhood upon a farm, but afterward removed to Kansas, where he remained until 1895, when he came to Macon county, Illinois, settling in Friends Creek township. For several years he was there engaged in farming but now resides in Indiana. After his first marriage Mr. Betzer resided upon the home farm until the Civil war began, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted in Company A, Forty-first Regiment of Illinois \'olunteers under Captain John II. Nail and Colonel Isaac C. Pugh, of Decatur. His company took part in the engagements at Fort IIenr_\-, Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and while in the last named, on the 6th of April, 1862, Mr. Betzer was wounded by a bullet in his right leg and was badly injured. He lay in bed in Savannah for twentynine days and was then taken to Cincinnati for treatment. Some time later he was sent to Camp Dcnison, Ohio, where he was under the doctor's care until he received an honorable discharge on the 28th of September, 1862, and was then sent home.

Mr. Betzer then took charge of the old hoine farm which his father had secured and which lie now owns. There he engaged in general farming for over sixty years. For the past fifteen years he has traveled quite extensively, visiting many points of scenic and of historic interest in this country and he intends to visit Europe in the near future. In 1901 he decided to retire from farm work and removed to Decatur, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he could not be content to remain entirely without business interests so he purchased two acres of land near his present residence and engages to some extent in gardening. His landed possessions are extensive and valuable. He still owns the old Betzcr homestead, of three hundred and seventy-nine acres on sections 12 and 13, Whitmore township ; one hundred and sixty acres in Pocahontas count)-. Iowa, which he rents and bis nice home in Decatur.

and was also commissioner there for several years, lie takes a very active interest in politics and has always voted the Republican ticket, while his social relations connect him with the Grand Army of the Republic. If his personal recollection of people and events in Macon county were recorded it would be a picture of the county from pioneer times to the present and a history of its development to its splendid state of progress from a frontier district, often visited by the Indians. Through six decades his was an active and honorable business career and his success was most worthilv won.

Waldemar F. Hilvety

Starting out in life in Illinois as a farm hand when but seventeen years of age, Mr. Hilvety has steadily progressed until he is now accounted one of the men of atfluence of the city of Decatur, where at the present time he is living retired, the fruits of his former earnest and persistent toil supplying him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. His home is at No. 1801 N. Edward street, and he first came to Macon county in 1873, although his residence here has not been continuous.

Mr. Hilvety was born in Ijreslau, Prussia, September 7, J840, and is a son of Felix Gabriel Hilvety, who, though of French descent, was born in Troppan, Austria, on the 24th of November, 1814. In early life the father went to Germany and was married in Niebusch, Prussia, November 28, 1837, to Sophia Caroline Ernestine Adelheid Beyrich, whose birth occurred in Wrietzen, Prussia, May 16, 1817. About 1847 the family came to America and located in New Jersey, where the father, who was a draftsman by occupation, spent the greater part of his life, although he traveled quite extensively in different cities of the east, working at his profession. He is now deceased. A brother of our subject. Meter Hilvety, is now a retired farmer and a near neighbor of Waldemar Hilvety. He came to Macon county in 1872 and was married to Miss Frances M. McKinnie, a cousin of his brother's wife. At the time of the Civil war Victor Hilvety loyally served the country as a Union soldier. Throughout his residence in Macon county he has followed farming until the last few years when, removing to Decatur, he put aside business cares and responsibilities and is now living retired.

In the schools of his native state W'aldemar Hilvety pursued his studies but his educational privileges were somewhat limited as it was necessary that he begin to earn his own living at an early age. He was only seventeen years of age when he came to Illinois, arriving in November, 1857. Making his way to Springfield he secured a position as a farm laborer near that city, and in the summer months worked in the fields while in the winter seasons he attended the public schools, desirous of gaining more advanced knowledge. He there remained for two years and then began farming on his own account, renting a tract of land in Springfield township, Sangamon county, on which he continued to live during his stay in that county.

Mr. Hilvety was married there February 2;^, 1865 to ]Miss Mary McKinnie, a native of that county, born November 27, 1841, and a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Jones) Mc- Kinnie, who were native of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. Her father was an early settler of Sangamon county and engaged in farming in Springfield township until his death. Mr. and ]\Irs. Hilvety began their domestic life upon the rented farm and there continued to reside until 1873, when they removed to Macon county, settling on a farm on section 2, Whitmore township, where Mr. Hilvety carried on agricultural pursuits for nineteen years. He placed his field under a high state of cultivation and annually harvested good crops as the result of his labors.

Removing to Piatl county, he purchased a tract of land in Ccrro Gordo township and was there engaged in general farming for ten years. (Jn the expiration of that period he came to Decatur and purchased his present residence, which he and his wife have since occupied, enjoying a well earned rest.

Mr. Hilvety has always taken a deep and commendable interest in politics - as every true American citizen should do - and has kept well informed on the questions of the day. He is a stanch Republican and in early life knew Abraham Lincoln and was a Sunday school classmate of Robert Lincoln, in the Second Presbyterian church of Springfield. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hilvety hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Decatur and are deeply interested in the progress and upbuilding of the organization. Li his business undertakings Mr. Hilvety has prospered. When a young man he realized that there is no royal road to wealth and that the acquisition of a competence is always the result of some one's labor. In his case the labor has been his own, and his energy, determination and lumorable dealing have been salient features in his ]jrosi)erity.

Charles H. Deetz

CHARLES H. DEETZ. Charles H. Deetz is a well known contractor of Decatur and evidences of his handiwork are seen in some of the fine buildings of this city. He was born in Cumberland, Maryland, on the 26th of Julv, 1849, ^nd comes of one of the old families of Pennsylvania, his paternal grandfather, Thomas Deetz, having been a native of Chambcrsburg, that state. He had six children : Margaret, who is the wife of Robert Laney ; Samuel ; Catherine, who is the wife of James McColloch : Mary, the wife of John W. Morris; John, who was a soldier in the Mexican war and died from the effects of his wounds in 1862; and Belle, the wife of William Peck.

-Ml are now deceased. Samuel Deetz, the lather of our subject, was born in Maryland and there spent his entire life engaged in business as a contractor and luiilder. He erected many of the best buildings in the city of Cumberland and continued in active connection will) that work there until the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-six years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Rachel Beltz, also a native of Maryland and a daughter of Adam Beltz, who spent his early life in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in a locality known as Harmon's Bottoms. He afterward removed to North Carolina, where he lived the life of a planter and later he became a resident of Maryland. It was in the last named state that his daughter Rachel was reared and married.

In a private school Charles H. Deetz began his education anti advanced to academic work/ pursuing his studies in an academy until he attained the age of sixteen years, when he started out upon his business career. He began to learn the mason's trade with his father and wilii him continued until 1880, during wliieh linu' he mastered the business, becoming an expert workman. He assisted in the erection of some of the largest and best buildings in his native town. The father died in 1880 and in that year Charles H. Deetz received an ap]ininiment as a clerk in the postoffice in L'uniliirland, where he remained until May, 1883. when he severed the business connections that 1)111111(1 him to liis native city and sought a home ill Decalur. believing that he might have better o])])ortunities in the west. He worked at his trade in this city for two years, being employed first as a brick-layer and then he Ijegan contracting and building on his own account in 1885. Since that time many important contracts have been awarded him and he has erected many fine and substantial buildings in Decatur, including the Pugh street school Iniilding, the north addition to the high school building, the F. T?. Tait building, the Deck building and many of the best residences here. He has a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the builder's art and the mechanicar principles which underlie construction and his practical knowledge enables him to direct in a capable manner the efforts of those whom he employs. His business has now reached such extensive proportions that It is very profitable and Mr. Deetz is recognized as one of the leaders in this line of activity in the city.

In February, 1870, was celebrated the marriage of Charles H. Deetz and Miss Maggie Yantz, of Cumberland, Maryland. Their happy married life was of short duration for she died in 1874, leaving two children, Chauncey H. and Edward E. For his second wife Mr. Deetz chose Miss Mary E. Turner, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Faro) Turner, of Cumberland, INIaryland. Their children are Samuel F., Ruth, Irene M., Bertha I. and Guy W.

Mr. Deetz votes with the Republican party, with which he has long been identified, having firm faith in its principles and in their ultimate adoption for the good of the country. He is a member of Decatur Post, of the Fraternal Army and is a man of generous impulses, whose kindly spirit, beneficences and genial disposition have gained for him the respect, confidence, good will and warm friendship of many. He has been in the fullest sense the architect of his own fortunes and that he stands to-day among the prosperous citizens of Decatur is another proof of the saying that success is not a matter of genius, but the outcome of clear judgment and experience.

CHARLES C. LeFORGEE. One of the prominent attorneys of Decatur is Charles C. LeForgee, whose history is in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in the city of liis birth Mr. LeForgee has so directed liis energies as to gain recognition as a capable representative of his chosen calling. He was born in Decatur in 1867, his parents being Jesse and Julia A. E. LeForgee. The father, who is a prominent real estate dealer of this city, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the ist of January, 1833, and is a son of Ayers and Dorinda (Cassidy) LeForgee, who were likewise natives of the Blue Grass state. The grandfather was a cabinet-maker by trade and died in the eighty-fourth year of his age. The great-grandfather of our subject was Abner LeForgee. Jesse LeForgee accompanied his parents on their removal from Fleming county to Illinois. Prior to this time he had acquired his education in a private school in Kentucky. Since 1856 he has resided continuously in this city and has been prominently and actively identified with its improvement and upbuilding, watching its growth from pioneer times down to the present'. It is one of the best sections of the state and is noted for its varied and important industrial interests. In 1857 he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Smallwood, who was born, reared and educated in this city, a daughter of James M. and Ida Smallwood. Mr. and Mrs, LeForgee became the parents of two children. The daughter, Dorinda, is now the wife of John E. Patterson, a real-estate dealer of Decatur.

The only son is Charles C. LeForgee, who, having obtained his education in the public schools of Decatur, entered his father's office at the age of sixteen years and was thus initiated into the real estate business. He continued with liis father mitil almost twenty-one vears of age, at which time he took up the studv of law in the office and under the direction of Judge William E. Nelson. Later he entered the Northwestern University at Fvanslon, Illinois, and was graduated on the completion of the law course in 1889. Returning to his native city, he th.en opened an office here and has since continued in practice in Decatur. Professional advancement is proverbially slow and yet in a comparatively short time Mr.

LeForgee obtained a practice which was notable both by reason of its extent and its character. He has been retained either as counsel for the defense or for the prosecution in a number of important cases, both civil and criminal, and is to-day recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in central Illinois. He masters his points in every particular and marshals the facts with military precision, being strong in argument, logical in his deductions and clear in the presentation of his cases before judge or jury. It was in 1890 that he was admitted to the Decatur bar and in November, 1895, was admitted to practice before the supreme court at Springfield.

Mr. LeForgee was united in marriage to Miss Isabel V'ennigcrholz, a daughter of Julius H. and Isabel Vennigerholz. They now have two interesting children : Isabel Vallctte and Charles G. In the city where his entire life has been passed Mr. LeForgee is well known and has gained for himself an enviable place at the bar. He possesses laudable ambition and strong determination to win success and he realizes that it must be gained through capability and merit, for in no profession does advancement depend so largely upon the individual as in the law.

A. S. NESBITT, D. V. S. Dr. A. S. NesLitt has won success and prominence as a veterinary surgeon and is now practicing his profession in the city of Decatur. He was bom in Texas township, Macon county, Illinois, on the 24th of June, 1867, and is a son of W. W. and Malissa (Moore) Nesbitt. The father is a native of Ohio and in early life came to Macon county. The familv is of German lineage. In the first part of his business career the father carried on carpentering. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in the Union army as a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois \'olunteer

Dr. Nesbitt pursued his literary education in the public schools and afterward entered upon the practice of veterinary surgery, having acquired considerable knowledge of the business, although he had not at that time been a student in any veterinary college. When two years had passed, desiring to still further perfect himself in this work by promoting his efficienc)- through a collegiate course, he entered the Chicago X'eterinary College in the fall of 1892 and was graduated with the class of 1894. He has always been an admirer of horses, having great love for the noble steed and it seems that nature intended that he should engage in this line of work, in which he has been verv successful. Having completed all of the work that constitutes the curriculum as prescribed by the board of trustees of that school he passed an examination, graduating with honors. He then entered upon a country practice in Maroa and his work there proved very lucrative and successful. After three years he accepted a position as assistant to the chair of theory and practice in Chicago Veterinary College in 1898, his excellent qualifications enabling him to take this position, -^t the end of twelve months, however, he resigned and resumed his country practice, which steadily grew in volume and importance, showing that his ability was recognized by the general public. He has still further perfected himself in the work by pursuing two courses in the science and art of orchotomy of cryptorchids, pursuing one course in Minneapolis in 1893, after which he was given a diploma there. The first course was pursued at Saylor Si)rings, Illinois, in the practical demonstration of rigling castration and spaying, under the direction of Dr. F. M. Smith. In 1902 Dr. Nesbitt came to Decatur, locating in this city in the month of October and he now has a large professional business. He is a man of excellent judgment and very skillful in his -practice. In 1887 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta L'.utler, of T.onnieville. Kentucky. Three children have been born of this union : Pansy E., Rose A. and Daisy I. Tlie Doctor is a member of Maroa Lodge, No. 314, I. O. O. F., and in the Hne of his profession he is connected with the Chicago X'eterinary College and Association and was formerh- a member of the Chicago \ eterinar\- Medical Association.

Dr. Charles Jones

DR. CHARLES JONES. Dr. Charles Jones, a well known veterinary surgeon and breeder of fine horses, making his home in Macon, Illinois, was born on the 1 2th of July, 1852, in Muscatine county, Iowa, between Atalissa and West Liberty. His parents were Peter and Martha (Allen) Jones, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respectively. He received a good common school education in this state and passed the state board examination on the 30th of December, 1892. qualifying him to practice veterinary surgery, to which profession he now devotes the greater part of his time and attention.

Dr. Tones began his business career as a farmer upon his father's land and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits from 1876 until 1889, when he established himself in the practice of his profession at Macon, being the oldest veterinary in continuous service in that village. His practice now extends from Xiantic through the surrounding counties, north, cast, south and west. The Doctor is also interested in breeding horses, the first stallion that he owned being Henry Pickrell. No. 4165, which he purchased in 1882. He is now a member of the well known firm of Jones & Pavne, breeders of roadster and draft hor.ses, owning several fine stallions, including Bashaw Chief 50. Joe Scot, Belford Chief, Lepento, and King Jones. The firm also raises thoroughbred Partridge Cochin chickens and have both chickens and eggs for sale.

[ones was uniled in marriage to Miss Arella Hall, a daughter of John A. Hall, who was one of the early settlers of that county. Four children blessed this union, but two died in infancy. Those still living are Delia, now the wife of \V. .A. Owen, of Decatur, by whom she has two children ; and Mrs. Otis Daniels, of I\Iacon. She also has two children.

In his political affiliations Dr. Jones is a stalwart Democrat, and socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to the State \'eterinary Association and is a progressive member of the profession to which he belongs. As a business man he is reliable, energetic and successful and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

William A. Wallace

William A. Wallace, of Decatur township, is to-dav one of the most successful dealers in fine horses in this section of the state. 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 an important factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. Wallace has attained a prominent place among the representative men of Macon county.

He was born in Mount Zion township, this county, on the 2d of October, 1868, and is a son of A. J. and Mary E. (Gulick) Wallace. The family came to this state from Missouri and the father is now engaged in the stationery business in Decatur. The mother of our subject died when he was only four years and a half old, leaving two children, the other being ^^ictoria, now the wife of Dr. Heniala, of Onarga, Illinois.

county and larly became interested in choice stock, which hi- handled on his lather's farm east of the city of Decatur. At the age of twenty years he had developed a special preference for fine horses and in iS88 began raising the same. In 1891 he removed to his present location north of the city. He is now engaged in buying initling horses of the coach type and training and educating them for the liigh class trade. These he has furnished to such people as Mrs. Potter Palmer, of Chicago; Harold and Stanley McCormick ; Watson Blair: P. A. X'alcntine; Ogden Armour; Edwin D. Butler ; Russell Harding, of the Iron Mountain Railway: Messrs. Brown, of the Brown Shoe Company : and many leading horse fanciers of St. Louis. Mr. Wallace has trained and sold more high grade horses than any similar dealer in central Illinois beyond doubt. He attends personally "to all buying and gives the business the careftil supervision that it requires. He has been an expert judge at the State Fair on light horses.

On the 22d of October, 1889. .Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Miss Lilly Klett, a daughter of John Klett, of Decatur, and to them has been born one child. William J. As a business man Mr. Wallace stands deservedly high and is very popular among his associates and many friends throughout his native conntv.

D.Wid Henshie

D.WID HENSHIE. .Although not an old resident of Macon county, David Henshie was well known in Decatur, where he made his home for ten years prior to his death. He was, however, an early settler of Christian county, having located there in 1855. His early home was in Ohio, for he was born in Medina county, that state, on the nth of September. 1826. his parents being Henry and Mary (Brouse) Henshie. In early life the father engaged in teaching school and later turned his attention to farming, which occupation he continued to follow in Ohio throughout the remainder of his life. After his death his widow came west and settled in Blue Mound township, Macon coimty, where some of her children are still living. Here she made her home luitil called to her final rest.

Reared in his native state, David Henshie received a good common-school education, attending at first and when (juite young the schools taught by his father in Stark county, and subsequently the public schools, and after laying aside his textbooks he opened a wagon shop of his own, which he conducted for ten years. In 1875 he was married to Mrs. Martha (Brodess) Thompson.

Coming west in 1855, Mr. Henshie located near Grove City in Mount .\uburn township, (."hristian countv, Illinois, where he jnirchased a farm and to its cultivation and im])rovcment he devoted his energies for thirty-seven years. He erected thereon a good house and made nianv other improvements, hut finally sold the jilace in 1892 and purchased a farm of two himdred and fifteen acres near Morrisonville, that same county. He never lived on the latter place, however, but on selling his first farm in 1892 removed to Decatur, where he purchased a lot and built the nice residence now occupied by his widow at No. 1104 North College street. Throughout the remainder of his life he lived retired. On coming to this .state he was in limited circumstances, but his tireless energy, industry and perseverance brought to him a well merited success and he was able to leave his wife in comfortable circumstances. Resides the city home the estate comprises the farm of two hundred and fifteen acres near Morri-sonville and another farm of eighty acres near Stonington in Christian county.

Politically Mr. Henshie was unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party and its princijiles, but he was never a politician in the sense of office seeking, although he held several township offices in Christian county and his public duties were always faithfully and satisfactorily performed. Fraternally he was a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Mount Auburn, and at one time was also connected with the j\Iasonic order. Both he and his wife held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. He always took great interest in church work, as does also his wife, and at his death, which occurred October 12, 1902, the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen. He left many friends to moum his loss and he was held in the highest regard bv all who knew him.

William Johnston

William Johnston, who is now living a retired life in JNIacon, Illinois, has the distinction of having won the proud American title of a self-made man and his successful struggle with adverse circumstances in early life shows what can be accomplished by industry, economy and good management. He was born in Ireland on the 28th of January, 1841, but the same year was brought to America by his parents, John and ^lary (Dukey) Johnston, who settled in Coshocton county, Ohio. For five years the father was engaged in operating a rented farm and then bought twent)- acres of land, which he began to clear and improve, but shortly after locating thereon he burst a blood vessel in lifting and died from the effects of the same in 1847. His wife survived him for many years, dying in 1863. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, but only three of the number are now living, namely : John, a retired farmer living in .\ssumption, Illinois : William, of this review ; and Margaret, wife of George Oxley, a farmer of Coshocton county. Ohio.

His father having died during his boyhood, William Johnston was early called upon to assist his mother in the support of the family and for fifteen years he worked as a farm hand. He then commenced farming on his own account and continued to follow that pursuit throughout the greater part of his active business life. Before leaving Ohio, he was married in Licking county, that state, October 28,. 1868, to Miss Carrie A. Connard, a daughter of C. M. Connard, of Utica, Ohio, and to them were born three children : Mary E., the wife of Ira S. Keogy, a retired farmer living in Decatur ; Phoebe L., wife of E. O. Willoughby, a farmer of South Macon township ; and Allie, wife of O. N. Walker, a grain dealer of Assumption, Illinois.

Coming to Illinois in 1872 Mr. Johnston located near Macon in Macon county, where he operated rented farms for ten years and then bought eighty acres a half mile northwest of ^lacon. There was not a tree or a bush upon the place, it being prairie land, and the only improvement was a small house, which he remodeled. He planted trees, which are now very large and furnish a fine shade around his country h^me. He also set out an orchard, did a large amount of tiling and' placed his land under a high state of cultivation. For fourteen years he continued to engage in the cultivation of his land and then removed to ]\Iacon, where he carried on business as an implement dealer for six years, selling out on the 1st of January, 1903, to W. H. Brooks & Son. He now lives a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest and the competence which he has secured through his own well directed efforts. Four years ago he purchased a small house in Macon, but has recently erected a modern and commodious residence, which is surrounded by a fine large lawn and shade trees.

Politically Mr. Johnston is a strong Republican and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as commissioner of highways in Macon for nine years ; school director in the country for eighteen years; and pathmaster twelve years. Fraternally he is a member of Macon Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M. He is an exceedingly strong and healthy man for one of his age and up to within two years ago he was never ill for a day in his life. He is a self-educated as well as a self-made man. hav- iiig paid his way while attending the common schools of Coshocton county, Ohio, by grinding tanbark. Throughout life he has labored early and late to make for himself and family a home and he deserves great credit for the success he has achieved.

Fred Spittler

I'Ved Spittler, who is a successful gardener, conducting a large and constantly growing business in Uccatur. was horn in P>aclen, Germany, in 1873, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine Spittler, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. In the year 1888 they left that country and witli their children came to the new world, arriving in Decatur on the 2d of May of that year. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that calling throughout his business career. ' He died in 1891 at the age of fifty-four years and his widow still survives him. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are living, the sister of our subject being Carrie, the wife of John Madden, who is living in Missouri.

The subject of this review was a lad of fifteen years at the time of the emigration and in order to provide for his own supjwrt he enternl the employ of Theodore Steiner, a gardener, with whom he remained for five years, gaining an excellent knowledge of the business both in principle and detail. His practical work enabled him to conduct his own business successfully when in 1894 he started out on his own account at his jiresent location at No. 538 South Peake .street. Here he has fine gardens with adjoining hot houses, there being fourteen thousand square feet under glass. Pie has recently enlarged his plant in order to meet the growing demands of his trade and has introduced a hot water system. He raises from four to five crops in his hot houses between October and May and in the summer seasons produces excellent products in his gardens, their quality, size and flavor enabling him to find a ready sale on the market. He is indeed the leader in his line and has attained recognition as such throughout this part of the state. He makes a study of the soil and its adaptation to the needs of various plants and he is always enriching and prejiaring the soil by the judicious use of elements necessary for the production of various vegetables and plants. He buys supplies in New York and Chicago and by reason of this he is able to raise the largest amount possible from a given amount of soil. He is thoroughly qualified for his work, continually broadening his knowledge concerning his chosen pursuits and his opinions are regarded as authority in this section of the state concerning everything connected with gardening. Recently he has purchased a fine farm in Decatur township, comprising eight}-two acres, and has placed this midcr a very high state of cullivalion for the production of choice fruits.

Mr. Spittler is very enterprising and with quick recognition of the business possibilities of the new world he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now one of the leading German-American citizens of Macon county, who in his undertakings has prospered and who by his diligence, enterprise and honorable efforts, has won for himself a creditable position in the business world. He is a member of the German Aid Society and also of the Turin Society.

William P.. Newell

WILLIAM P.. NEWELL. William P.. Newell, who is now living a retired life in Decatur, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, near the city of Cincinnati, on the 14th of August, 1843. His paternal gran<lfather was Richard Newell, a soldier of the Mexican war. His parents w^ere Richard A. and Jane (Wilson) Newell, the former a native of Ohio, born in 1800, while the latter's birth occurred in tlie Pnckeye state in 1805.

Tor some years after their marriage the\- eontinued to reside in Ohio and in 1856 they started westward, establishing tlicir liome in Decatur, llhnois. Here the father resided until his death, wliich occurred in 1897. For several years he had filled the office of supervisor and was also the superintendent of the poor farm. His official duties were discharged with conscientious fidelity and promptness and he made for himself a creditable record as a man worthy of trust and confidence. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church and lived in harmony with their professions as followers of that denomination. Of their family of nine children five reached years of maturity, namely : W'illiam B. ; Catherine, who is the wife of William Hatch, of Dallas, Texas : John L. ; James, who is now a resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois : and Richard A., who is living in Clinton, this state.

William B. Newell was a youth of thirteen years when he left the state of his nativity and came with his parents to Illinois. He continued his studies in the schools of Decatur, completed his course in the high school and when he put aside his textbooks to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of experience he received his first instruction as a salesman in a grocery store. He was thus employed for several years, after which he learned telegraphy and was then in the service of the Wabash & Great Western Railroad for a period of seventeen years, occupying various positions at Decatur and at Danville, Illinois. Mr. Newell next entered the employ of Orlando Powers, a boot and shoe merchant of Decatur, with whom he remained for two years, when he became manager of the office of the \\\'stern L^nion Telegraph Company in this city. He acted in that capacity for thirteen years, giving entire satisfaction to the large corporation which he represented, but on the expiration of that period he determined to once more engage in trade on his own account and embarked in the "roccrv business under the

In 1867 ^^^- Newell was united in marriage to Miss Mary McDaniel, a resident of Decatur and a daughter of Elizabeth McDaniel, who IS residing in Macon, Missouri. Their home has been blessed with five children : Clarence, who is now living in St. Louis, Missouri ; Howard, at Decatur; Arthur, who is engaged in the grocery business in this city; Paul, of Lancaster, Ohio; and Florence, who is a student in the Decatur high school. The family home is on West Wood street. Mr. Newell is a member of the First Baptist church and his interest has been in entire sympathy with church work and with the development of the city along lines proving of good to the general public. His business career is without a stain and at all times he has been faithful to the trust reposed in him, while he has also gained the competence that now enables him to live retired.

JAMES T. ^^-ARD. This genial and affable gentleman is well known throughout Illinois and has a particularly large acquaintance in Chicago and in St. Louis, gained through the conduct of his business interests. He is an auctioneer of live stock and is certainly one of the best known men in this line of business in the central i\Iississippi valley.

Mr. Ward was born in Christian county, Illinois, March 31. 1858. his parents 1;>eing Robert and Nancy (Abernathy) Ward, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the father's liirlh having occurred in Ross county, while the mother's birth occurred in Champaign county. In the year 1847 tlicy left the Buckeye state and removed to Christian county, Illinois, where the father harl a tract of land and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was identified with atjricultiiral interests

The boyhood days of James Ward were spent upon the home farm and in his early \oiith he attended the district schools, while later he studied at Blue Mound. He began earning his own living by serving as a clerk in a store at Blue Mound, being there employed for five years. He has always, however, been fond of live stock and at the end of that time he ])egan buying and selling horses, continuing his dealing in this way for five years. In 18S8 he entered u]X)n his work as an auctioneer and his cajjahility in this direction soon led to demands for his services in all parts of the state. He has confined his attention exclusively to stock sales and more especially to the sale of horses. He spends a part of his time in St. Louis. Missouri, where he is employed by the firm of Campbell & Reed, extensive dealers in horses, carrying on a business that perha|)s exceeds any other firm in the central states. In that cit\ .Mr. Ward has made a wonderful record, having sold as high as seven hundred and thirty-eight horses in a single day - an amount of business exceeding that of any other auctioneer. He has also conducted many of the large sales in Chicago and in the line t)f his business has been called as far cast as Buffalo, New York. Constant demands are made upon his time so that he has very little leisure, indeed. As an auctioneer he sustains a wide reinttation and in this line of activity has gained a very comfortal)le competence.

On the 15th of October, 1885, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Riggs. of Mason City, Illinois, a daughter of James H. Kiggs. They now have one son, Robert Lyle W'ard. The family home is a neat and substantial residence at No. 747 West Prairie avenue, Decatur. Mr. Ward is a member of the WoodiTicn of .-Xmcrica, is a gentleman of fine physi(|ue and splendid personal appearance, and verv cordial and affable in manner.

CllARi.i:S l.CDWiG, .-Mthough Charles Ludwig resided in Decatur or Macon county but one year he became well knov.n to the business men of the city and was held in the highest esteem by all. He was a native of Illinois, born near Springfield, Sangamon county, on the 6th of February, 1862, and was a son of John and Elizabeth Ludwig. Throughout life his father has engaged in agricultural pursuits and is now operating a farm near Roodhouse, this state. There our subject was reared and educated in nuich the usual manner of farmer hoys, attending the country schools near Roodhouse. On the com]3letion of his education he assisted his father on the home farm until he was married, December 27, 1893, to Miss Fannie K. Matthcv.'s. who was also born in Sangamon county, a daughter of William Oliver and Mary E. (Lamb) Matthews. Her father followed farming in Sangamon couiUy until 1S07, wiien he removed to Decatur and has since lived retired, although he still owns his farm in Sangamon county, llis present home is near his daughter on West (ireen street. Unto our subject and his wife were l)orn three children, namely: Opal M., who died at the age of three months; Leland Earl and Lela Mearl, twins, residing with their mother.

After his marriage Mr. Ludwig located on a farm near Roodhouse, Illinois, where he was engaged in general farming for four years, and on selling his place in November, 1898, removed to Decatur, where he engaged in teaming for one year. In .\ugust. 1899. 'ic ^^' moved to Sangamon county, locating on a farm eleven miles southeast of Springfield, and to the cultivation of that place he devoted his time and energies until called to his final rest on the 2d of November, 1901. He was a very industrious, energetic and enterprising farmer and met with good success in his undertakings. As be was upright and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men he had their entire confidence and respect and was held in liigh regard by all who knew him.

Fraternally Mv. Ludwig was a member of ihe Modern Woodmen in Sangamon county, and religiously was connected with the Baptist church of Roodhousc, to which his estimable wife also belonged. After her husband's death she returned to Decatur and purchased her present comfortable home at 1171 West Green street. She also owns another residence at No. 1034 West Green street and has other property. During her short residence here she has made many warm friends and is well liked by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.

William T. Downing

Among the important industries of Macon county stock-raising occupies a prominent place and it is to this occupation that William T. Downing now devotes his energies, being the proprietor of the Evergreen Stock Farm. His beautiful suburban home is located just outside the northern limits of Decatur and has all the improvements and conveniences of the average city residence.

Mr. Downing was born in Circleville, Ohio, August 17, 1854, a son of Thomas and Margaret A. (Dav^-son) Downing. The father, who was a contractor, spent his early life in Ohio, but about thirty-five y^ears ago came to Macon county, Illinois, where he passed his remaining years, dying here in 189 1, at the age of seventy-six. His wife did not long survive him. The Downings were originally from Delaware.

Our subject received a good practical education in the public schools and early manifested an interest in stock-raising. He began the business on his own account at the age of twenty-six years, though he had previously carried on operations along that line in connection with his father. He now makes a specialty of the most popular standard bred horses and has been very successful with his racers, these being his pride for the past twenty-five years. He buys and sells considerable stock and prosperity has attended his efforts thus far in life, making him quite wellto-do. In business affairs he is prompt, energetic and notably reliable and he has the confidence and respect of all who know him. As a mere boy he entered the service of the Wabash Railroad Company and held the positions of baggageman and conductor before he was twenty years of age, but since that time his attention has been wholly devoted to his farming and stock-raising interests. His home and all its surroundings are modern and up-todate in appointments and his is one of the finest locations in Decatur township. Socially Mr. Downing is an honored member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On September 20, 1874, he was united in marriage at La Clede Hotel, in St. Louis, to Miss Ida Davis, a daughter of Benjamin and Susan C. B. Davis, of Philadelphia, and to them were born three children, who are still living : Anna Maude, now the wife of John L. Patton, of New Orleans ; Clifford O. and William Pointelle. They lost one child, Ellis, who died at the age of five years. Mrs. Downing, who was a most estimable lady, died February 13, 1899, at the age of forty years, and her death was deeply mourned by many friends as well as her immediate family. She was a loving wife and tender mother and was held in high regard by all who knew her.

Her mother, Mrs. Susan C. B. Davis, was one of the early pioneers of Macon county and a representative of an old and honored family. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1823, and died in Decatur on the 4th of January, 1899. Her father, Parmelas Smallwood, was born April 27, 1782, near Charlestown, Jefferson county. West . Virginia, and served as a soldier of the war of 1812. Before leaving his native state he was married June 23, 1807, to Miss Deborah Brown, who was also bom near Charlestown, May 12, 1792. Later they removed to Lancaster county, Ohio,, where Mr. Smallwood opened up a new farm, and as earlv as 182s he came to Macon county^

Illinois, accompanied by his wife and ten children, the jonrnev being made by teams from Ohio. The winter after their arrival was spent at Sugar Grove, and from there they removed to a farm on section 3, Decatur township, which was the home of Mrs. Davis for many years. It has been in possession of the family since 1826. When they located here their nearest neighbor was forty miles away. Mr. Smallwood built a hewed long cabin and in true pioneer style began life in the west. He did his trading in .Chicago, St. Louis and Springfield, where he bought salt at one dollar and a quarter per barrel and sold his wheat for thirty and forty cents per bushel. When the land came into market he purchased it from the government and upon the old homestead he spent the remainder of his life. His death occurred in 1848 and his wafe was called to her final rest on the "th of November, 1873. Politically he was an active supporter of the Whig party. He was one of the few public spirited men who helped to build up Decatur, donating ten acres to the city which lies in the heart of the town.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smallwood were born the following children : Mrs. Rachel Murphy, deceased : George, who was a soldier of the Black Hawk war and died near Clinton, Illinois; John, Samuel and James, all deceased; Daniel; Amanda, wife of William Bennett; Mrs. Elizabeth Roben, of Clinton, Illinois; Douglas and Asberry, both deceased; Mrs. Davis; Joseph, who is living in Decatur; and Gideon, who has also passed away.

Mrs. Davis was only two years old when the family located in Decatur township. In her girlhood she learned to spin, weave and perform such other duties as fell to the lot of the girls of the family in those early days, and one year she wove and d>'ed over two hundred yards of cloth. Her education was acquired in the old-time log school house and with the family she experienced all the hardships and diflficulties of pioneer life. Having attained womanhood she became the wife of ilenjaniin Da\is, who was born antl reared in I'hiladelphia. His father was engaged in the brick and real estate business in that city and there he remained until 1841, when he came west. He died on the 2d of January, 1861, when not yet forty years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis had four children: I'^liza died in infancy. Ida A., now deceased, was the wife of William T. Downing, whose name introduces this article. Benjamin A., the eldest who was educated in the Illinois Normal School and Mount Zion Academy, was married at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879, and at his death left two children, Edna S. and Louisa. Anna E., the youngest of the family, acquired her education at St. Mary"s Hall of Burlington, Iowa, and Cottage Seminary at Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Davis was a lady of many excellencies of character, which won for her a wide circle of friends and gained tor her the respect of all with whom she was acquainted.

James Hadwin

During his early years James Hadwin was engaged in agricultural pursuits and in his undertakings met with excellent success, so that he is now enabled to live a retired life at his home in Decatur, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He was born in Shelby county, Illinois, June 14, i860, and belongs to a family that has been actively identified with the development of this, state.

His father, Thomas Hadwin, was born in the south of England in 181 2, and in 1843 wedded Miss Mary Atkinson, also a native of England, born in Bland, Yorkshire, near the boundary of Westmoreland, November 12, 1819. The year of their marriage they came to America with the Atkinson family and on landing in New York proceeded at once to Ohio. As there were no railroads at that time a steamboat carried them to Albanv, whence they made their \va\ by the Erie canal to Buffalo, by lake to Cleveland and by canal to IMassillon, Stark county, Ohio, where they made their home for about three years. In 1846 they came to Illinois, this journey being made by wagon, and they brought a flock of sheep with them. They first located at Hails Point, Macon county, but afterward removed to Toddspoint, 'Shelby county, where Thomas Hadwin died in January, 1887. He was engaged in buying and selling sheep, cattle and other live stock for a few years, and then turned his attention to farming, which he continued to follow throughout the remainder of his life. His wife still survives him and is now residing in the city of Shelbyville, Illinois. In their family were the following children : John, deceased : Mrs. Alary Alice Wilson, a resident of Chicago ; Mrs. Sarah Boone, of South Haven. Kansas ; Thomas, who is living in }iIissouri : Ellen and Lou, both at home with their mother in Shelbyville ; William, who is living in the state of Washington ; David, a resident of Assumption, Illinois: and James, the only member of the family residing in Macon county.

James Hadwin had the advantages of only a common-school education and when not in school he aided his father in the operation of the home farm until his marriage. It was on the 15th of November, 1887, that he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary E. Jackson, also a native of Shelby county and a daughter of William Henry and Mary Ann (Burk) Jackson, early settlers of that county, where the father engaged in farming until his death. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on the 15th of February. 1823, and came with his father's family to Illinois in 1840 making his home under the parental roof until the age of twentyone. In September, 1849. he married Margaret Jane Waters, who died on the 8th of March, 1852. and he was again married August 25, 1853. his second union being with Miss IMary Ann Burk. They made their home in Ridge township, Shelby county, where he was regarded as one of the most progressive and substantial agriculturists of the community, being the owner of eleven hundred and si.xty acres of valuable farming land in Ridge and Pickaway townships. He had eleven children, two by the first wife and nine by the second, namel_\- : Thomas, who died March 24, 1864; William H., who is living in Texas ; Robert, who is now in Alaska ; Samuel, who is engaged in farming in Ridge township, Shelby county ; JMargaret Jane, a resident of Kansas ; Lou, who lives in Christian count)-, Illinois ; Hester Isabella, who makes her home in Shelby county; Elizabeth, a resident of Shelbyville, Illinois ; Andrew K., a resident of Henton, Shelby county; Charles, \vlio makes his home in Shelbyville; and Mary E., the wife of our subject. In 1892 Mr. Jackson retired from farm work and removed to Shelbyville. where he lived retired until his death, which occurred in February, 1901. His second wife had died in April, 1898.

After his marriage Mr. Hadwin located on a farm in his native county and continued its cultivation for five years, after which he removed to Sumner county, Kansas, and there conducted a meat market for about si.x months. .\s the Cherokee strip was open to the public about this time, he went to Oklahoma and was there engaged in farming for three years. At the end of that time he returned to Shelby county, Illinois, and purchased a farm, which he successfully operated for some time, but owing to ill health he finally decided to give up farming and on the loth of September, 1902, removed to Decatur, where he has since lived retired, though he still owns his fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Shelby county, which he now rents. Besides this property he owns the nice residence at No. 1089 West Macon street, Decatur, where he and his wife intend to make their future home. In business affairs, Mr. Hadwin is prompt, energetic and reliable and to these qualities may be attributed his success in life. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party, ami in bis social relations be is identified witb the Masonic Lodge at I'indlay, Illinois, and tbe Knigbts of- Pythias Lodge at Sbelbyville. Wherever be is known he is held in high regard and though bis residence in Decatur has been of short duration he has already made many warm friends throughout tbe citv.

Charles S. Ilankins is connected witb an enterprise which has direct and important bearing upon tbe majority of business interests of Decatur, being tbe president of the Macon County Telephone Company. The rapidity witb which work can be executed and business plans formed is an important factor in success. It is no longer necessary to wait the transmission of a message by mail, for matters of discussion relative to business can todav be carried on over tbe telephone lines of the country and thus much valuable time is saved. There is perhaps no one branch of business that has bad so great an effect upon existing conditions as has tbe introduction of the telephone, and Mr. Hankins is now- putting forth every effort in his power to provide the citizens of Decatur and tbe surrounding country with the best service possible in this regard.

native of Ohio, Charles S. Hankins was born in the vicinity of Reeseville, Clinton county, December 24, 1856. His parents were Enoch and Susan (McFadden) Hankins. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of West \'irginia. In the fall of 1862 the parents removed from Ohio to Macon county and settled in Friends Creek township upon a farm, which Mr. Hankins improved and became a representative citizen of that community. He died about the close of the Civil war. in 1865. His wife, who still survives him, is yet living in Decatur and has now reached the age of ei,ghty-three years. In tbe family of this worthy couple were nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom Charles S. is the seventh in order of birth. The family record is as follows : Mary 1^.. the wife of D. M. Adams; Jennie, the wife of Dr. W. IT. Deal, a resident of Dresden, Missouri; I'lorence E.. the wife of A. Smick, of Decatur; ( Jrlandus M., who makes his home in Monon, Indiana, where be follows farming; Frank L., deceased ; Horten.sc M., who is the wife of W. E. Collins and resides in St. Louis, Missouri; Charles S., of this review; Rose M., who is now' living in Carthage, Missouri ; and Walter, who has passed away.

In retros])ect one can see Charles S. Hankins as a farmer boy, assisting in tbe labors of field and meadow through tbe summer months, while in tbe winttr season be pursued his education in tbe district school. After leaving school he entered upon his business career. Subsequently be entered into a partnership in the real estate business as a member of the firm of Lewis & Ilankins and they conducted many imjjortant realty transfers, continuing in business together until 1891, when Mr. Ilankins severed this relation and became connected with tbe telephone business as its superintendent. Soon be became a jnu'cbaser of the stock and in 1901 he was made president of tbe company. He now owns the greater part of the stock of the Macon County Telephone Company, which is one of tbe best local systems in this part of the state. It is certainly a necessary and important factor in the business operations of this city. Tbe exchange has had a remarkably successful growth and now has in operation a complete telephone system throughout Decatur and IMacon county and also telephone connection witb two hundred and fifty towns in central Illinois. They have placed about one thousand phones in this city and vicinity and already have a number of farmer lines in operation. This exchange is equipped with a new twelve hundred phone caj)acity Sterling electric switchboard. The company is constantly making improvements in their equipments and during the year igo2 spent twenty thousand dollars in underground conduit system. This company manufactures all of its own telephones and transmitters and has equipped a number of outside exchanges, and the office, which is located in the Arcade building, is open night and day throughout the entire year. Mr. Hankins is the active head of the company and upon him devolves the business management.

In 1888 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hankins and Miss Mary B. Gerber, of Argenta, Macon county, Illinois, a' daughter of Samuel Gerber, of Argenta. They now have one son, Orville G. Mr. Hankins was a member of the city council for two years and in matters pertaining to general progress and improvement he has always been public spirited and progressive, co-operating in every measure for the general good. He is also a member of the Knight of Pythias fraternity and the Woodmen of America. His prominence in business circles comes as a result of capability and his worth is uniformly acknowledged. His social, genial manner has gained for him many friends and he has the regard of young and old, rich and poor.

Joseph K. Clipston

Joseph K. Clipston, a well-to-do agriculturist residing on section 14, South Macon township, is a typical self-made man and in the following record of his career there is much to arouse respect and esteem. He has placed his reliance upon industry and perseverance, and by making the most of circumstances, however discouraging, he has attained success in his chosen calling and has acquired a comfortable home and competence.

Mr. Clipston was born in England in 1828, of which country his parents were life-long residents, his only relative in this country being his brother, James Clipston, a farmer living near Warrensburg, Illinois. On his emigration to America in 1851 our subject lirst settled near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he w'orked in the mines for about three years, and then went to California, where he was similarly employed for two years. His wife now has a ring made from gold which he mined there.

Returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Clipston was married in Morristown, that state, February 5, 1857, to Miss Merthine Francis, a daughter of John U. and Lydia (Smith) Francis, who were of Scotch and English descent. Her ancestors for several generations back were residents of the Keystone state and lived near Valley Forge, where they followed farming. Her grandfather Francis was a great friend of George Washington. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clipston have been born five children, as follows : Charles F., at home ; Katie, wife of John E. Winchell, a blacksmith of Moweaqua, Jennie, wife of Charles Slaughter, who is engaged in farming near our subject, though across the line in Shelby county ; Grant who married Belle Tolston and follows farming in Shelby county ; and Elmer, at home.

In the same year of his marriage yh. Clipston came to Illinois and settled near Moweaqua, in Shelby county, where he bought a farm of two hundred acres, but after residing thereon for five years, he sold that place and engaged in operating a rented farm for three years. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres of his present farm on section 14, South Macon township, and has since added to his property until his landed estate now amounts to two hundred acres, a part of which is in Shelby county. He has transformed the wild land into well cultivated fields and has replaced the old log cabin, which was standing at the time of his purchase, by a good frame residence. Fie has also erected barns and other outbuildings, until he now has a well improved and valuable farm under a high state of cultivation. He raises full-blooded polled Angus cattle and Poland-China hogs and feeds considerable stock for market, and he is also interested in the raising and breeding of fine roadsters, being the owner of a valuable horse from the Ilenry Pickrell stock. As a farmer and stock-raiser he has met with marked success and is to-day one of the substantial men of his community, though he came to the new world empty-handed and has had to make his own way unaided. He is known among his fellow citizens for his reliability in all trade transactions and justly merits their conhdencc and regard. He was christened in the Church of England, to which his parents belonged, but his wife is a member of the Dunkard church.

.\ quarter of a century covers the period of Mr. Williams' residence in Decatur. He was born in Washington, Indiana, November 29, 1839, one of the seventeen children of Basil and Nancy Williams. All of this large family are nov/ deceased with the exception of the subject of this review. The father died in 1 84 1, when his son Joseph was only two years of age, and his mother passed away in 1865. They were natives of Kentucky, reared and married there, and were representatives of early pioneer families of the state. Both the paternal and the maternal grandfathers were killed by the Indians in the early days of Kentucky's development ere many white settlers had penetrated into the interior of the state. Basil Williams was a soldier of the war of 1 81 2, serving under Captain Belt and Colonel Poag, both well known officers at that time.

In 1846 the Williams family became residents of Pike county, Illinois, and it was in the "public schools there that Joseph C. W'illiams obtained his education. During the periods of vacation he assisted his mother on the home farm and aided in the arduous task of developing a new tract of land. The country was very wild and Mr. Williams remembers to have killed many a wolf and deer shooting these from his own dooryard. He continued to assist his mother in the operation of the home farm, until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he became one of the Illinois volunteers, enlisting in the Ninetyninth Regiment. He served under Second Lieutenant John Bossman, First Lieutenant B. Cloudy and Captain John F. Richards. He left home on the 2olh of August, 1862, and returned on the i2lh of August, 1865, having served for almost three years, during which lime he jjarticipated in the battles of Ilartsville, ^lissouri, Magnolia Hill, the X'icksburg campaign and the battles of Champion Hill and Black River Bridge. He was several times wounded and yet carries in his body a number of rebel balls. He was severely w-ounded in a steamboat explosion at X'icksburg, Mississippi, on the 19th of August. 1863, and on several occasions narrowly escaped being captured. He thus became familiar with all the phases of army life, with its hardships and dangers, but never faltered in the performance of his duty or wavered in his loyalty to the I'nion cause.

After the war Mr. Williams returned to Pike county, where he remained until 1867, working on the home farm. He then removed to Taylorville, Illinois, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until October, 1869, and then went to Clarksburg. Moniteau county, Missouri, where he remained from October until the following June. He was very successfully engaged in the grocery business, but on account of ill health was forced to leave that place and take up bis abode in Quincy, Illinois. He assisted his brother in getting a start in the grocery business there, after which he located elsewhere in Adams county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming from 1870 until 1875. On the expiration of that period he came to Macon county, where he has since lived. For a short time he engaged in farming for Mr. Woodcock, of Macon county, and then came to the city of Decatur, where he entered the employ of Mr. Whitmer, who was then ensraeed in the manufacture of brick. After serving in that way for several seasons he accepted a position in the coffin factory, where he continued for al)out a year, while later he worked in the furniture factory until it was destroyed by fire. He next accepted a position in the grocery store of Frank Skelly, with whom he worked for four years, when he began in the grocery business on his own account on East Williams street. At intervals for several years he followed that pursuit and, having learned the carpenter's trade in his youth, he also followed that pursuit for a number of years, in which connection he has been engaged in the construction of some of the best buildings in Decatur. He is now foreman in the carpentering department of the plant of the Sattley Malleable Iron Company of Decatur, havmg been associated with this company for four years.

On the 2ist of July, t86i. Mr. Williams wedded Miss Emily Hall, of Pike county. Illinois, a sister of J. H. Hall, the well known clothing merchant doing business on East Main street in Decatur. Unto Mr. and Mrs. \\'illiams have been born seven children who are now living, and they also lost one son, Albert E. Those who still survive are Ida A'., the wife of James A. Sine, a packing and shipping clerk in the employ of the Decatur Coffin Conii)any ; Walter S., who is a passenger conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad and resides at Clinton, this state; Stella, the wife of A. G. Hays, a farmer living near Decatur; Maude, the wife of David Hostetler; John A., an iron molder with the Sattley Malleable Iron Company; and Leona V., who is at home.

Mr. Williams became one of the first members of the Grand Army of the Republic and takes .great delight in meeting his old army comrades and in recalling the experiences which they underwent on the fields of battle in the south. Mr. Williams and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church of this city. He has been very successful through the many years of toil and ialiiir in which he has been an active factor in the business world and he now owns and occupies a beautiful home at No. 1140 East Cleveland avenue in Riverside, the beautiful suburb of Decatur.

Harry Ruthrauff

HARRY RUTHRAUFF. Harr\- Ruthraufif is well known in business circles in Decatur, where for eight years he has filled the position of inspector of the water works of the city. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of July, 1866, and traces his ancestry back through several generations. His paternal great-grandparents were Jonnes and IMargurett (Ensminger) Ruthrauff. The grandfather, William Ruthrauff, was born August 23. 1822, and married Miss Elizabeth Pensinger. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1873 came to Illinois, settling on a farm two miles north of Illiopolis, in Sangamon county, where he remained until 1877. He then removed to what was known as the Silas Packard farm, located five miles northeast of Decatur, in Macon county. Upon this place he remained until almost all of his children were married and in 1881 he retired. for he had attained an advanced age and was physically unable to attend to the many duties incident to the cultivation of a farm of that size. Selling the property he and his wife went to the home of their daughter, Mrs. William Hicks, who at that time lived at a place called Torrence Mill, on the South Fork river, in Sangamon county. Mr. Ruthraufif remained with his daughter until the death of his wife, which occurred at Breckenridge, Illinois. December 5, 1870. her remains being interred at South Fork church, south of Rochester. Shortly afterward Mr. RuthraufT went to the home of his son. Alartin V.. who at that time lived in DeWitt county, Illinois, and who was an extensive and prosperous farmer. There the father had a good home and enjoyed many pleasant Hays in his declining years. He was never happier than when assisting in the tkilics of ihc farm, for he thoroughl_v enjoyed outdoor Hfe. In 1893 he decided to go to the home of his son Andrew, who was then Hving at Corbin, Sumner county, Kansas. There he was also made welcome and remained there until the final summons came on the 5th of April, 1894. He was laid to rest in Prairie Lawn cemetery near Corbin. Unto the grandparents of our subject, William and Elizabeth RuthraufT, were born twelve children.