Decatur Township (part 28 of 46)

His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Argenta. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Argenta and Decatur chapter, R. A. M., and was formerly a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Argenta. He is one of the most progressive farmers, enterprising business men and public-spirited citizens of Whitmore township, enjoying and meriting the high regard and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. His friends are many and all who know him entertain for him warm regard.

Charles E. Tandy

The office of county treasurer in a great commonwealth such as Illinois is a prize coveted by many, but few there be that win. The winners are usually men of well proven conservatism, of good judgment in business affairs, of unexceptionable character and regarded by the tax-paying interests as safe conservators of the public money. These requirements are not always easy to meet, but in the case of Charles E. Tandy, whose name appears at the head of this biography, the conditions seemed in the minds of the voters to be complied with and for two years past the duties of the treasuryship have rested on his shoulders. Having been a resident of Macon county for forty years past, he is well known and the utmost confidence is felt in his ability, and faithfulness.

Born in Morgan county, Illinois, Sepember 13, 1862, Charles E. Tandy is still on the sunny side of fifty years and is in the prime of life. He is the son of George W. and Catherine E. (Scott) Tandy, both of whom were born in Kentucky. The father came to Morgan county when a lad, in 1834, and the mother about ten years later. It was a new country. The warlike Indians had departed to the western side of the Mississippi river and a great influx of population from Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and states of the east poured into a land described as one of the most attractive and productive in America. At first only the valleys along the streams were cultivated, but after the introduction of iron plows for breaking up the tough soil of the prairies the state began to move into place as the chief agricultural region of the Union. The father of Mr. Tandy, who was one of the men to assist in breaking the virgin prairie, is still living, a survivor of the pioneer days when the state of Illinois was in its infancy. He and his wife located in Macon county in 1870, settling on a tract of eighty acres in Harristown township, of which Charles E. is now the owner. Mrs. Tandy passed away in 1905, after a long life of unselfishness and usefulness.

Charles E. Tandy was reared upon a farm and attended the country school, later taking a course of study at Brown's Business College, Jacksonville, Illinois, and also in the business college at Springfield, Illinois. Although he has from choice and natural ability been a practical farmer from the beginning of his career, he has taken advantage of educational facilities and enriched his mind with ideas of the best thinkers. Having a taste for politics, he served as town collector of Harristown and was for two years a member of the board of review. Coming into a wider field as the years passed, he was appointed deputy county treasurer under W. T. J. Cooper, serving in that capacity one and a half years. The death of Mr. Cooper in 1908 created a vacancy, which was filled by Mr. Tandy under appointment of the county supervisors until the fall election of 1908, when he was duly elected by the voters of the county for the full term of four years. His administration has given general satisfaction and has greatly heightened the respect entertained for his unfailing courtesy to all alike and many desirable traits of character in one holding a position of responsibility. His social qualities are exemplified also by membership in the Masonic fraternity, of whose protective principles he has for years been an earnest advocate. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, recognized as one of the strongest beneficiary orders on the continent.

Mr. Tandy was united in marriage, February 3, 1887, to Miss Caroline L. Talbott, who is a native of Harristown township, and they have four children: Edna F., deputy in the office of the county treasurer; Willis C. ; Clarence L. ; and Hobart E. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and aim to exemplify by their lives the teachings of the book of books. From farmer boy to county treasurer of one of the great counties of Illinois is a long step and implies genuine worth and a life founded on principles of generally acknowledged stability. That this step has been made by the present incumbent of the office is an incentive which others may profitably note, for there is no position in the gift of the people which it is not possible for the ambitious, deserving man to attain.

Warren Follansbee Hardy

There is no doubt that the newspapers largely control public opinion in America. Here the press has a freedom known nowhere else in the world and here the newspaper business has been brought to its highest degree of efficiency not only in gathering the news but in disseminating it to the millions of readers. The general consensus of opinion is that a free press is a necessity in a free government and all wrongs will in the end right themselves even in the realm of the newspaper. If a newspaper takes undue advantage of its freedom or fails to present the truth it will in the end receive merited condemnation. If a newspaper consistently maintains high ideals it will gain the confidence of its readers and its influence will be in proportion to the sincerity with which it adheres to what is just and true.

Warren F. Hardy, the subject of this review, is a representative of that branch of the press which aims to maintain an honorable standard and thus to gain and retain the respect and confidence of the people. As managing editor of the Decatur Herald for three years past, he has displayed those qualities that count for most in the journalism of the country, and has gained an enviable reputation in Decatur and Macon county as a man of marked ability in a difficult profession and a citizen whose great object it is to upbuild the community.

He was born at Blue Hill, Maine, December 14, 1878, and is a son of Daniel W. and Lydia (Follansbee) Hardy, the father being a minister of the Congregational church.

The subject of this review was reared in a genial home and early possessed advantages of training that have had a controlling influence on his life. In 1896 he was graduated from the Waterville, Maine, high school, after which he attended Colby College for two years, then entering Amherst College, graduating from the latter institution in 1900 with the degree of A. B. Mr. Hardy lost no time in beginning upon his life work. He had a natural liking for the newspaper and immediately after leaving college became connected with the Lowell (Mass.) Mail as a reporter. Here he received his introduction to the calling for which he has proven to be eminently adapted. We next find him as court reporter on the Springfield (Mass.) Union and from this position he became city editor of the Evening Union and later city editor of the Morning Union, being also night editor of the same paper for three years, thus securing a varied experience that has qualified him for any position in the newspaper field. In January, 1908, he came to this city as managing editor of the Decatur Herald and has filled this office with an ability that has met with the general approval of the people of the city and also of readers in central Illinois where the Herald has an extensive circulation. Under his management the paper has been greatly strengthened and its sphere of influence extended. He is a clear and forcible writer and has gained just recognition among his brethren of the state press as one of the wide-awake and progressive newspaper men of the modern school, who are capable of a comprehensive grasp of the great issues which effect the state and control the destiny of the nation.

On June, 22, 1910, Mr. Hardy was united in marriage to Miss Olive Belle Milner, formerly woman's editor of the Decatur Herald. Mr. Hardy is a republican in politics and a member of the University Club, of which he was president 1910-1911. In college he was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity and his religious belief is indicated by his membership in the First Congregational church of Decatur. In the course of his life he has aimed to deal justly and judge gently and in his career as a journalist he has been governed by a moderation that makes more binding the ties of society and strengthens those relations by which men recognize each other as in a common brotherhood.

Hon. William F. Calhoun

Hon. William F. Calhoun, postmaster of Decatur, to which position he was' appointed by President McKinley in 1897, since which time through reappointments he has continuously filled the position to the satisfaction of the general public, was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1844. His parents were John and Catharine (Kiner) Calhoun, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The Kiner family is of Holland-Dutch lineage. The Calhouns are among the oldest and most prominent American families. The paternal grandfather, John Calhoun, a representative of one of the early families of Perry county, Pennsylvania, was married in that county in 1794 to Miss Jane Dill. He was a contractor and builder and his son and namesake, John Calhoun, Jr., followed the same pursuit. Both died in Perry county, Pennsylvania. The latter was a very prominent and influential resident of his community and by the vote of his fellow townsmen was called to fill several local offices. He married Catharine Kiner, and unto them were born three sons and two daughters; William F. ; Winfield Scott, who resides at Tuscola, Illinois; Jennie, deceased; John Dill, a resident of Winona, Illinois; and Ella, the wife of Edward Hill, of Des Moines, Iowa.

In taking up the personal history of Dr. William F. Calhoun we present to our readers the life record of one who is most widely and favorably known in Decatur and throughout this part of the state. His early education, acquired in the public schools of Pennsylvania, was supplemented by an academic course at Mount Dempsey, that state. But when seventeen years of age his spirit of patriotism surmounted all else in his life, and he joined the army, putting aside his text-books for that purpose. He enlisted as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, and was connected with the Fifty Army Corps. He was continuously at the front with his command, participating in the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. In January, 1864, he reenlisted, joining the Twentieth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was made orderly sergeant of Company K. with which he continued until the close of the war, being present at Appomattox at the time of the surrender of General Lee. He was on active duty under General Sheridan during the term of his second enlistment and participated in a number of hotly contested battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, Toms Brook, Waynesboro, Five Forks, Sailors Creek and Appomattox; Following the close of the war he was mustered out at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August, 1865, having done faithful duty in defense of his country upon the long hard marches and on some of the battlefields where shot and shell fell thickest.

The war over, Dr. Calhoun returned to his old home but was not satisfied in Pennsylvania, and in October of the same years came to Illinois, first settling in La Salle county. There he studied dentistry and for twenty-three years pursued his profession in Seneca, Farmers City and Clinton, Illinois, but in 1889 he retired from practice and came to Decatur, where he turned his attention to the newspaper business, establishing the Dispatch, which was later consolidated with the Herald. With this newspaper he is still identified as president of the company. For years he was the editor of the Herald and under his management the journal was brought to a prosperous condition, which it still enjoys. He wielded a trenchant pen and his clear, concise and forcible presentation of vital questions and subjects made the Herald a welcome visitor to many a household.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Dr. Calhoun has been a stalwart advocate of the republican party and its principles, and has been honored with a number of public offices. In 1882 he was elected to the state legislature and was reelected for three successive terms. In 1887 he served as speaker of the house and was regarded as a most excellent legislator, always just and wise in his rulings. Moreover, when occupying a seat with the other members of the house he took an active part in promoting constructive legislation, serving at different times on all of the important committees and was on the steering committee that elected John A. Logan to the United States senate. He was prominently identified with all the important questions that came up during his connection with the assembly, sought the welfare of the state in his support of all bills that were presented, and at no time occupied an equivocal position but stood fearlessly in defense of what he believed to be right. In November, 1897, Dr. Calhoun was again called to office in his appointment to the position of postmaster by President McKinley. For thirteen years he has occupied this position, his services being entirely satisfactory to the general public. A new postoffice building was erected in 1908 under his administration, at a cost of eighty-four thousand, seven hundred and eighty-two dollars, and the site on which it stands was purchased for twelve thousand dollars. It occupies the place where formerly stood the home of the Hon. William E. Nelson. The building is modern in construction and equipment, is light and well ventilated and is one of the best buildings used exclusively for postoffice purposes in the state. It is an ornament to the city and a credit to the effort of Dr. Calhoun.

On the 22d of August, 1869, Dr. Calhoun was married to Miss Blanche Derthick, a native of Ohio, and unto them have been born five children : Maude, the wife of Rev. E. K. Towle, of Taylorville, Illinois ; Nellie, the wife of F. S. Dodd, manager of the Decatur Herald; John C, a resident of Des Moines, Iowa; Catharine, the wife of Victor R. Lougheed, of Chicago; and Richard B., at home.

Dr. and Mrs. Calhoun are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and with Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R. of which he has been commander. His life record in all of its associations has won for him honor and regard, being characterized by fidelity to duty and by capability in the discharge of all of the tasks which have devolved upon him, whether in personal, business, political or social relations. His engaging personality and genial disposition have won him many friends, and he is justly accounted one of the representative citizens of Decatur.

Mahlon Haworth

Mahlon Haworth, for many years a leading citizen of Decatur, now deceased, was born on a farm in Clinton county, Ohio, August 20, 1809. He was the son of Mahlon and Phoebe (Frazer) Haworth, the latter a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent. The Haworth family on the paternal side is of English origin. It is said that the first of the Haworths to come to America were James and Thomas, one of whom settled in Pennsylvania and the other in Virginia early in the history of the American colonies. The Haworths were members of the Society of Friends from the time of its organization in England. Mahlon Haworth, the grandfather, was a native of Virginia and lived there until the Revolutionary war. The father of our subject, who was born near Winchester, Virginia, settled in Pennsylvania but later removed to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he lived for several years and where two of his children were born. In 1790 he located in Warren county, Ohio, when that region was a wilderness and neighbors were far apart.

Mahlon Haworth was sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children. He received his preliminary education in a log schoolhouse, the school being in session only a few weeks each winter. Being ambitious for further advancement, he attended school at Xenia and Wilmington, Ohio, and made such progress that at eighteen years of age he began teaching and continued for four years.

On August 20, 1830, Mr. Haworth was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Woolman, of Clark county, Ohio, a member of the same family as John Woolman, famous as a Quaker preacher and an early advocate of the abolition of slavery. In 1832 Mr. Haworth went into the mercantile business in Warren county and later at Port William, Clinton county, Ohio. However, being attracted in other directions, he sold out his business in 1835 and engaged in farming and in operating a sawmill. He served as justice of the peace and as postmaster at Port William and was known as one of the leading citizens in that region. In 1853, believing that more favorable advantages lay westward, he emigrated to Illinois and for three years lived upon a farm in Sangamon county. In 1857 he came to Decatur, where he spent the remainder of his life, being called away April 25, 1893. From 1859 to 1869 he was identified with the grain business, but in the latter year the firm of Haworth & Sons was organized for the manufacture of the Haworth Check Rower, which was used in planting corn and became highly popular in all parts of the country.

There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Haworth, two of whom died in infancy. Three sons are now living, L. L., George D. and James W. Uriah, the second son, died in 1852 in his twenty-first year, at St. Joseph, Missouri, while en route for California. Mahlon F. enlisted in 1861 in the Seventh Illinois Cavalry and served in Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi, participating in many of the leading battles of the war. At Colliersville, Tennessee, he was taken prisoner and later was confined at Belle Isle and Anderson ville and died in the latter prison on account of hardships and exposure. Annie M. is the wife of Kilburn H. Roby, of Decatur, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mary P. is the wife of George S. Simpson, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The mother of this family passed away December 24, 1 89 1.

The subject of this review was identified with the old line whig party and supported Henry Clay for president in 1832. After the republican party was organized he became a stanch adherent of its principles. Having observed the evils of slavery, he was unalterably opposed to that institution as a constant menace to the republic. Although he did not seek political honors, he served most acceptably as a member of the city council of Decatur. As a business man he attained wide recognition and in the discharge of the various responsibilities of life, displayed a foresight and ability that reflected great credit upon him- self and those with whom he was associated. His name justly belongs among those of the leaders who assisted in the upbuilding of Macon county and no history of this county would be complete without adequate mention of Mahlon Haworth as one of the enterprising and progressive men of his day.

George S. Simpson

For over fifty years a resident of Decatur, George S. Simpson has witnessed the growth of the city from the time it was a village and has been closely identified with a region which is now one of the most flourishing portions of the Union. Born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1843, ne >s the son of Nathaniel and Margaret (Sprankle) Simpson, who were both natives of the Keystone state. The family was founded in America by his grandfather, David Simpson, a farmer and miller, who came from Ireland and located in Indiana county, where he reared a family of three sons and one daughter. The grandfather on the maternal side was Frederick Sprankle, of good Teutonic ancestry, who emigrated from Germany and settled in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming and milling. The father of our subject engaged in farming in Pennsylvania until 1855, when he removed to Keokuk, Iowa. A year later he went to Assumption, Illinois, and a short time before the Civil war went to Denver, Colorado. He served as a scout in the west under Buffalo Bill and enlisted in the Seventh Colorado Cavalry, showing such capacity that he became major of the regiment but lost his life shortly afterward. He was a man of high character and while living at his home in Pennsylvania served as deacon in the Presbyterian church, his wife also being a member of the same denomination. She lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years and was called to her reward while making her home with our subject at Decatur, March 19, 1909. There were four children in the family: Agnes, the wife of R. C. Cochrane, of Assumption, Illinois; Elizabeth, the wife of Robert C. Laforgee, of Decatur; Emma C, the wife of Elmer R. Culver, of Decatur; and George S., our subject.

Coming with his parents to Illinois at thirteen years of age, the subject of this review possessed meager advantages of education in his boyhood, but he has always been the possessor of large powers of observation and in the years that have passed has in an important degree made up for the unavoidable lack of early training. His education has been gained mainly in the great school of practical experience - a school whose lessons make even a more profound impression than those secured from books. He engaged in various business pursuits until he formed a connection with Haworth & Sons, manufacturers of farm machinery at Decatur, being the originator of improvements in the manufacture of the check rower which were still indispensable in its manufacture. He traveled as salesman for this firm, covering a wide territory which included the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, and he became one of the most successful salesman identified with the firm. In his various business affairs Mr. Simpson has used sound judgment and has long since attained a position of comparative financial independence.

On the 25th day of April, 1866, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage to Miss Mary P. Haworth, a daughter of Mahlon and Sarah J. (Woolman) Haworth, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The wife of our subject was the youngest child of her parents and was born in Port William, Clinton county, Ohio, coming to Decatur in 1856. Here she was educated in the public schools and grew to womanhood. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Simpson. George H., born September 11, 1867, was married December 4, 1889, to Miss Grace Blume, a daughter of George P. Blume, of Decatur, and one son, George B., was born to them. His wife having been called away, George H. Simpson was married, April 25, 1898, at Springfield, Illinois, to Miss Mina Matheney. They are now living in Decatur and have one son, Haworth, born February 28, 1899. Fred was born August 26, 1872, and departed this life February 14, 1896, at the age of twenty-four years, at Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Simpson is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Simpson cast his first vote in 1864 for Abraham Lincoln as president of the United States and has never departed from his allegiance to the republican party. He served for six years in the city council of Decatur and during that time was instrumental in securing a number of improvements that have been of practical value to the city. In the course of many years in active business affairs he has made a host of friends and they have always found him absolutely upright, sincere in the discharge of every obligation and a willing supporter of every worthy cause. That he has met with well deserved success in his undertakings is the opinion of all who know him.

Charles A. Heckel

Among the residents of Long Creek township, Macon county, it is probable that none holds a higher place in the estimation of the people than Charles A. Heckel, whose name stands at the head of this review. Born in this township, May 5, 1849, his n^e nas Deen an open book and his character for sincerity and straightforward thinking and living has never been questioned. He is recognized as a valued public-spirited citizen, a man whose word is as good as his bond and a scholar of varied accomplishments. He is also a Christian in the full meaning of the word. Although closely identified with the farming interest, he is also prominently connected with the Christian church and is one of its most zealous workers, giving fully of his means as well as of his time and talents, and in every way seeking to advance the permanent welfare of those with when he is associated.

Mr. Heckel comes of good German ancestry on his father's side and on his mother's side traces his lineage to the same ancestry as Abraham Lincoln. His father was John Joseph Heckel, who was born at Erfurt, Prussia, May 4, 1810. He was educated at Wittenberg University, and served for three years in the Prussian army. He was a man of fine education and especially versed in the languages. About 1834 he came to America and settled on a small tract of land in Macon county and became one of the prosperous farmers of the county. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth Hanks before her marriage, was a native of Hardin county, Kentucky, where she was born April 23, 1822. She was married in Macon county, May 3, 1840. Mrs. Heckel was a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln and a playmate of Mr. Lincoln in his boyhood. She was a woman of many excellent qualities and a faithful wife and mother. She was called from earthly scenes at the age of seventy years, on February 2, 1892, and four days later her husband passed from mortal view. Of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Heckel six children are now living.

The subject of this review was reared upon a farm and early showed a strong inclination for a scholastic career. After advancing as far as possible in the studies available at the district schoolhouse, he became a student of Eureka College, Woodford county, leaving the college before graduation. After teaching school for six years he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for ten years. However, he had an irresistible desire for further investigation in the fields of learning and he returned to Eureka College and graduated from that institution with the degrees of A. B. and B. S. in 1895. Accepting a call to the ministry of the Christian church, he occupied for about ten years the pulpits of various churches of the denomination, among which was the home church of Antioch in Long Creek township. He subsequently resigned from the ministry and has since devoted his attention largely to farming. He is the owner of a highly improved farm of eighty acres in section 14, Long Creek township. Here he occupies a comfortable home and has been quite successful as an agriculturist and live stock raiser.

On July 3, 1879, Mr. Heckel was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Clark, of Long Creek township, a daughter of Milton and Sarah A. (Lee) Clark. She is a descendant on her mother's side of the noted Lee family of Virginia and was born in Ross county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Clark came to Illinois in 1856 and here the family prospered in the farming industry. Mrs. Clark is now living retired in Decatur. Two children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Heckel: Guy C, born July 24, 1880 and Roy A., born August 25, 1893. Mr. Heckel still continues as a zealous worker in his church, although in a private capacity, and is one of the largest contributors toward the construction of the new church building now in course of erection. He has been for a number of years actively identified with the Hanks Family Association and has been one of the principal speakers at the annual gathering of descendants of this family, now numbering over two hundred. He is president of the association, which meets in Fairview Park every summer, and a worker who has contributed very largely toward keeping up the interest of its members.

Mr. Heckel has made a careful study of political and social conditions of the United States and the world and as a result is a strong advocate of prohibition as a cure for many of the evils with which mankind is afflicted. He has never sought political honors but prefers to attend to his own affairs when not working in the vineyard which the Great Master pointed out as one of the most important fields to which any human being can devote his attention. Thoroughly earnest in whatever he undertakes, Mr. Heckel never does anything by halves and as a result his labors seldom go amiss. He is a good farmer, a generous neighbor and a lover of his family, who never tires in advancing the welfare of others and asks no recompense, feeling that it is a duty which all should discharge to the extent of their ability. In his wife and family he has been greatly blessed and therefore, he may rightly be designated as fortunate,, especially in having found the "pearl of great price," which after all is worth more than all the riches and honors the world can bestow.

Joshua Green

Joshua Green is now one of the venerable citizens of Whitmore township, a man whose well spent life has gained him the honor and respect of those with whom he has come in contact. His home is on section 31 and a good farm property there returns to him a substantial annual income. During the period of his residence in this section of the state he has become an active and helpful factor in many public matters and has therefore been justly numbered among the enterprising farmers and progressive citizens.

England claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Yorkshire on the 3d of October, 1826. There he grew to manhood and was only about twenty-four years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He arrived in 1850 and made his way at once into the interior of the country, settling in Greene county, Illinois, where later he was married to Miss Hannah Dodson, who was born and reared in this state. His sister afterward joined him in Greene county, where he resided for a few years, and then removed to Christian county, where he entered two hundred and forty acres of land from the government for himself and two hundred and sixty acres for friends. With characteristic energy he began improving and developing his farm, which he continued to cultivate successfully for a number of years. In 1864, however, he sold that property and removed to Macon county, purchasing land in Whitmore township. His first investment made him the owner of a tract of two hundred acres on which improvements had been made, including the planting of an orchard. Subsequently he erected a commodious brick residence and as he prospered in his undertaking he purchased more land from time to time, so that he now owns a farm of three hundred acres which is very valuable and highly developed. None of the equipment of a model farm property is lacking and the place today returns a good income to the owner, so that in the evening of his days he has all those things which add so much to the comfort of life.

Mr. Green votes with the republican party and has ever been unfaltering in support of its principles. He came to this county in 1864 and the following year was elected supervisor over Whitmore township. Several times he was reelected to that office and was a member of the county board, being reelected four times. He was made a member of various important committees and while acting on both the township and county boards his work constituted an important element in promoting the welfare of the district which he represented. He has likewise served as asssessor, as highway commissioner and as township school trustee and treasurer for thirty years. Moreover he was the first to discuss and agitate the subject of a township mutual insurance company which later was organized with Mr. Green as president, in which position he continued until the charter expired. Then the Macon County Insurance Company was established and he became one of its stockholders and directors, continuing to serve on the board of directors until 1905, when he resigned.

In 1910 Mr. Green was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 25th of February of that year, leaving a son, Charles, who is one of the well known and prominent men of Macon county. He was born in Christian county in 1858, was reared upon the home farm and was educated in the common schools and the high school of Decatur. Later he learned the machinist's trade in Decatur and afterward followed it in Peoria and Ottawa, owning an interest in the business in the latter place. He was also a traveling salesman for several years but in July, 1910, returned home to relieve his father of the care and management of the farm and is today numbered among the active, enterprising and successful men of the community. Edward Wilson Green, another son of Joshua Green, died April 7, 1908, in his fifty-first year.

Mr. Green has made his home in Whitmore township for forty-six years and has long since firmly established himself in the high regard and good will of his fellowmen. His life has ever been upright and honorable and his sterling character has given him firm hold upon the affections and regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact. He is today one of the venerable citizens of the community and no record of Whitmore township would be regarded as complete without mention of Joshua Green.

Among the prominent citizens of Macon county who are now enjoying a hard earned rest from long years of faithful labor in the field of agriculture may be named T. J. Scroggin, whose home is a comfortable residence at No. 666, West Decatur street, Decatur, Illinois. Mr. Scroggin is the owner of twelve or thirteen hundred acres of land in Macon county, pronounced by competent authorities as being as good farming land as lies out of doors, nearly all of which he has accumulated through his own exertions. He also identified with various other interests and is rightfully accounted one of the substantial men of the county with whose interests he has been intimately connected for many years.

Mr. Scroggin comes of an old Kentucky family and was born on a farm near Mt. Pulaski, Logan county, this state, August 13, 1838, and may therefore be justly classed among the pioneers of Illinois. He is the son of Carter T. and Phoebe (Shelby) Scroggin. The father was born in Kentucky and was a son of Humphrey and Miss (Kirby) Scroggin and grew to manhood in Kentucky. As a young man he crossed the Ohio river into Gallatin county, Illinois, when Illinois was a territory, coming there with the lady to whom he was subsequently married and who became the mother of the subject of our review. She was a native of North Carolina and came to southern Illinois with her parents, continuing there for some years after her marriage, the family moving to Logan county, this state, about 1825 or 1826 - at least in some year previous to the "big snow" which is referred to by the early inhabitants as one of the remarkable occurrences in the pioneer history of Illinois. It is believed that the family first located on eighty acres of land. Here Mr. Scroggin continued until he was the owner of a farm of six hundred acres, all of which is still in possession of the family. He was a man of good business ability, possessing many of the interesting characteristics of the early southern gentlemen who founded homes in the wilderness north of the Ohio river. He was an uncompromising democrat but never an aspirant for public office, although he figured to a considerable extent in politics while assisting friends to secure coveted positions. He was an oid school Baptist and his home was a popular stopping place for the old time ministers and also the center for many gatherings of the brethren. Mr. Scroggin departed this life at the age of sixtyfive and his venerated wife at the age of seventy-six. Their remains lie side by side in the Steanbergen cemetery. Ten children came to bless the household of Mr. and Mrs. Scroggin: Leonard K., born in January, 1819, and a resident of Logan county; Margaret A., who married William Buckles and became the mother of five children, but is now 'deceased; Russell Shelby, now living at Mt. Pulaski, Logan county; Humphrey, who died at the age of thirtyfive years; Jane, who married John Buckles and is now deceased, having left three children; Elizabeth, who married John H. Lucas and is now deceased; Pleasant Marion, who died at the age of sixty-five; Carter F., who is living at Cornland, Logan county; T. J., our subject; and Ellen C, the wife of C. K. Lucas and is now living at Mt. Pulaski.

The subject of our review was reared upon the farm and attended the neighboring school which was conducted for a short period each winter in a log schoolhouse supplied with puncheon seats and planks extending nearly around the room for use as a writing desk. The schoolmaster was usually a stern disciplinarian and hesitated not to make vigorous use of the rod. Under these circumstances some of the pupils made rapid progress. Our subject assisted his father upon the farm for some years after laying his school books aside, but he was ambitious to advance in life and at nineteen years of age he began to operate on his own account on a tract of seventy acres given him by his father, to which he added seventy acres by purchase and later acquired an additional forty acres, on all of which he conducted operations according to the approved methods of the times. In the spring of 1864 he moved to Harristown township, Macon county, where he had purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land at fifteen dollars an acre. Here he concentrated his energies and made many improvements, from time to time increasing the acreage until he acquired about thirteen hundred acres, some of which cost him as much as fifty dollars an acre, and the farm is now one of the most valuable properties in the township. This farm embraces about twenty acres which was the home of Thomas Lincoln, the father of Abraham Lincoln, and here the future president lived in his boyhood. The cabin that was occupied by the Lincoln family was moved from its original location before Mr. Scroggin bought the land and at present the spot is indicated by a memorial tablet. Before Mr. Scroggin purchased this land it belonged to Brennaman Brothers, who acquired it from

Richard Whitley, the original owner having been Shelton Whitley, who probably secured a title to the land from the government. Mr. Scroggin is also identified with various business interests and long since reached a point of financial independence and gained an enviable reputation as one of the leading business men of the farming community.

On January i, 1858, Mr. Scroggin was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Birks, of Logan county, who was a schoolmate of his and a native of the county. Five children were born of the union, the first two dying in infancy. The others are: James Russell, deceased at the age of twenty; Charles C, deceased at twenty-three years of age; and Carter R., a review of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The beloved wife and mother was called away November 11, 1898, and in 1900 Mr. Scroggin was married to Mrs. Hattie (Landis) Cass, a cousin of Judge Kenesaw Landis, of Chicago, and a lady of culture and refinement, who has proven to her husband a loving and sympathetic helpmate. Mr. Scroggin since arriving at manhood's estate has been a supporter of the principles of the democratic party, but has at no time sought official position, as his attention has been mainly directed to the management of his agriculture and stock-raising interests. He is a stanch believer in the Bible as the revealed word and holds membership in the Christian church, having served for some years as a deacon in that denomination. He has for many years been known as a liberal supporter of educational and religious enterprises and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the county. The property which he amassed through many years of industry and good management is a justly earned reward of large effort, but it is not on account of his wealth that he is esteemed - rather is it on account of a recognized character for honesty and efficiency and a generous-hearted sympathy for his fellowmen, which have ever been distinguishing features of his character.

Just S. Fombelle

Whitmore township finds a worthy representative of its farming interests in Just S. Fombelle, living on section 18, where a farm of three hundred and twenty acres pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He is living a very busy, active and useful life and his labors are rewarded in large and abundant crops for which he finds a ready sale on the market. He has made his home in Macon county since 1886 but dates his residence in Illinois from 1864.

He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1841, and spent his youthful days upon a farm there. His early education acquired in the common schools was supplemented by study in the Beaver Academy and for one term he engaged in teaching but the outbreak of the Civil war caused him to put aside personal interests and ambitions. He enlisted for active duty at the front in the fall of 1862 as an emergency recruit, joining the company at New Brighton, Pennsylvania. He was with that command for four months, during which time he participated in some skirmishes and in scouting. At the end of that time he was honorably discharged and turned his attention to clerking, which he followed for three years in Pittsburg. He thus received a thorough business training and also pursued a course of study in the Iron City Commercial College. In 1864 he came west to Illinois, at length locating in this state after traveling about to a considerable extent through the west and south. He had spent a winter at New Orleans and from the Crescent city proceeded northward to Pulaski county, Illinois, establishing and conducting a general store at Villa Ridge, where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and removed to Randolph county, where he began dealing in grain and implements, conducting his business at Tilden, Illinois. He operated successfully there for a number of years and in 1886 came to Macon county. Here, turning his attention to farming, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now resides. To his original holdings he has since added, by a purchase that has made him owner of another one hundred and seventy acre tract, so that he now has the south half of section 18, Whitmore township. He has also made substantial improvements upon his place, including the erection of a large and commodious residence together with two barns, corn cribs and other outbuildings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He has likewise planted fruit and shade trees, has fenced and tiled his land and has now a splendidly developed home property. He has likewise made substantial improvements upon his other place and it is now occupied by a tenant. In connection with the cultivation of the fields he has raised and fed stock, fattening a large amount of stock each year for the market. His attention at the present time, however, is mostly given to the production of grain.

Mr. Fombelle was married in Pulaski county, Illinois, about 1867, to Miss Ella Russell, a native of Pennsylvania, who was reared in that state. She died in Randolph county, leaving two children: Ida, the wife of G. W. Pensinger, of Milmine, Illinois; and Ella, the wife of Clarence Turpin, a farmer of Whitmore township. In Randolph county, in 1882, Mr. Fombelle was again married, his second union being with Miss Mattie Alexander, who was born in that county. There are four children of this marriage : Mattie, the wife of George Austin, a farmer of Macon county; Just S., Jr., at home; Reid, also on the home farm ; and Ruth C, who is in school.

Politically Mr. Fombelle has been a republican since casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He believes firmly in the principles of the party and does not hesitate to support his honest convictions. He is greatly interested in the cause of education and has served as a member of the school board for a number of years. He also filled the office of school trustee in his township and for some years was a member of the board of highway commissioners. He was likewise connected with the Township Mutual Insurance Company, serving on its board of directors, and was its president for some time.

He joined the Masonic lodge in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and became a charter member of the lodge at Villa Ridge, serving there as secretary until his removal from the town. At the present writing he is not actively affiliated with any Masonic organizations. For twenty-four years he has lived in Macon county and his record throughout the entire period is such as has commended him to the confidence and good will of all who know him. He has a wide acquaintance and was a personal friend of James Millikin during his lifetime. He is classed with the public-spirited and progressive citizens and moreover is a man of tried integrity and worth.

John F. Keister

John F. Keister, who since 1897 has lived in honorable retirement at his residence at No. 165 1 North Main street in Decatur, was successfully identified with agricultural interests in Macon county throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of May, 1843, his parents being Peter and Susan Keister, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1850 and here spent the remainder of their lives, the father following farming as a means of livelihood. He was a republican in politics and became widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of the community. His demise occurred when he had attained the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife was eighty-three years old when called to her final rest. They had three children, as follows : a daughter who died in infancy ; John F., of this review ; and Julius, who married and reared a family and made his home in Chicago, where he passed away about 1898.

John F. Keister, who was but a little lad of six when he came to this state with his parents, attended the subscription and public schools in his youthful years but his educational advantages were quite limited. However, he has greatly augmented his knowledge by reading, experience and observation and is now a well informed man. After putting aside his text-books he remained on the home farm with his father until he was married at the age of twentythree. Following that important event in his life he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and was successfully engaged in the work of the fields until the time of his retirement in 1897. For the past thirteen years he has made his home in Decatur, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service with the Union army in 1864, becoming a member of Company E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. When hostilities had ceased he was mustered out at Springfield. His regiment never participated in a regular battle but had several encounters with the guerrillas.

In 1866 Mr. Keister was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Weaver, who was born in 1848, her parents being Samuel and Sarah (Saylor) Weaver, of Macon county. Mrs. Keister was the third in order of birth in a family of five children. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, the record of whom is as follows: Charles, who wedded a Miss Taggart, of Macon county, followed farming until he passed away at the comparatively early age of twenty-four years. Two sons, Clifford and Howard, still survive him. Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to Arthur Haines, of this county, be- came the mother of two sons, Howard and Elwood, and is now deceased. Samuel died when but four years of age. Franklin passed away when twentyone years old. Harriet, who wedded Fred Moore, of this county, died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving one daughter, Lucille, who lives with our subject. Mabel, who makes her home in Decatur, is the wife of Charles Simms, a mechanic of that place.

In politics Mr. Keister has always been a republican, being a stanch supporter of the party which was the defense of the Union during the Civil war. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post at Maroa and is likewise identified with the Masonic fraternity there. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Christian church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. Mr. Keister has resided in this county for six decades and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present. His life has ever been upright and honorable, his actions manly and sincere, and as the years have gone by he has proven his right to be classed with the leading trustworthy and respected citizens of his community.

Public spirit, laudable ambition, ready ability and capacity for hard work and the power to see and grasp an opportunity are essential elements of success and in none of these requirements has H. L. Oldham ever been found lacking. It is not a matter of marvel therefore that he has established himself as one of the most progressive of Decatur's citizens, his efforts being of a character that has contributed largely to the welfare and upbuilding of the city as well as to his own success. He is now manager of the Orlando Powers block, was the organizer and promoter of the Oldham Insurance Agency and has instituted various other projects which are elements in the business life of Decatur. Of English nativity, H. L. Oldham was born on the Island of Jersey in 1870 and was educated in the Bedford grammar school and in Victoria College of his native land, completing the course in the latter institution by graduation. He had become a chartered accountant when he left England. He came to this country in 1890, unacquainted with social or business conditions in the new world. True he had a good education, was imbued with progressive ideas and had traveled to some extent through Europe, having met many noted personages of that country. His military experience in the English army and his love for outdoor sports gave him a splendid physical training which enabled him to enter athletic circles in America and win prominence therein.

Soon after arriving in the new world Mr. Oldham began auditing United States branches of English insurance companies and for two years gave his attention to that business. Since 1892 he has resided in Decatur, where he has won recognition as a leading business man. Here he established the H. L. Oldham Insurance Agency in 1893 and now represents fifteen of the most prominent and reliable old line companies, in which connection he has built up an ex- tensive business, writing a large amount of insurance annually. He wrote the first liability policy and the first rent policy in the city of Decatur. He also negotiated the largest loan made in this city - a loan of one hundred thousand dollars, to Orlando Powers, at a very low rate of interest. This was made during the first free silver agitation when banks refused to make loans and if they did contracts bore the stipulation they should be paid in gold. His contract made with eastern capitalists, however, bore no such stipulation. Mr. Oldham likewise has to his credit one of the largest real-estate deals ever made in Decatur - a sale of the property on the corner of North Water and Prairie streets, involving seventy thousand dollars. He has also promoted three other deals above twenty-five thousand dollars each, beside others of almost equal importance. He is also president of the local board of fire underwriters of Decatur and has been manager of the Orlando Powers block since the erection of the new building fourteen years ago.

While conducting important private business interests Mr. Oldham has never been neglectful of his obligations to the city and in fact has put forth practical and far-reaching effort for the benefit of Decatur along various lines. It was he who originated the movement resulting in the ornamental boulevard lights by putting in such lights around the Powers block, while at the same time he influenced the Illinois Traction Company to install similar lights around the interurban station. This system has been followed by many other property owners in business streets, making Decatur one of the best lighted cities of the Mississippi valley, the tasteful arrangement and design of the lights constituting also a source of beauty as well as utility. He has many other propositions which he is pushing forward for the advancement of Decatur. Possibly no young business man has done more for the advancement of the city than he. Because of his advanced ideas he has in the past met much opposition and made some enemies but all hostility has been overcome, for his plans have proven practical and he is now backed by the best that this part of the state affords in brains and capital.

George W. Lyons

George W. Lyons, a defender of the Union at the time of the Civil war, now living at No. 759 North College street, Decatur, was born March 22, 1845, in St. Joseph county, Michigan. He is a son of Charles E. and Wealthy A. (Ames) Lyons, the former of whom was born in Scotland and the latter in New York state. The father came to this country at seven years of age with three brothers. The ship in which he made the voyage was wrecked on the coast of Virginia, but they escaped with their lives and Charles E. Lyons was reared by Marshall Livermore, of Wheeling, Virginia, now West Virginia. He became a farmer and lived in Macon county, Illinois, from 1858 to 1875, owning land on what is now the site of Dreamland Park, Decatur. During the Civil war he served for three years in the Federal army and was wounded at Mobile, Alabama, but entirely recovered and is now living at Springdale, Arkansas, having arrived at the advanced age of about ninety- four years. In 1882 the mother of our subject departed this life at the age of sixty-two years. Geoerge W. is the eldest of their children, the others being: Charles E., who died in Leesburg, Missouri, in 1910; Jane, a resident of that state; Hugh N., who also lives in Missouri; Gus, who died in this county in 1869; and one son who died in infancy in Cass county, Texas.

Educated in the common schools of Michigan, the subject of this review came with his parents to Decatur in 1859 and soon began to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 1862, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving with the highest credit to himself and the noble cause which he represented until he was mustered out at Washington in June, 1865. He participated with his regiment in many of the great engagements and campaigns of the war and was present at the battle of Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg, the latter of which continued for forty-seven days. He assisted about three months on the Ben Butler canal that was cut across Young's Point on the Mississippi river in order that boats might pass up on the stream without coming in range of the rebel batteries at Vicksburg. Later he took part in the advance to Jackson and was in the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was one of the men who ran the blockade in pontoon boats across the Tennessee river and now has in his possession a flag that was carried on that memorable occasion. He has been custodian of this interesting relic for forty-four years and expects to hand it down as an heirloom to future generations of the family. He was present under Sherman on the march from Atlanta to the sea and took part in the battles of Raymond, Dalton, Snake Creek Gap and Buzzard's Roost. He was also present at Atlanta the day General McPherson was captured and fourteen cannon were taken from the Union forces by the Confederates. He stood in the presence of death a number of times, especially in the great charge when General Hood undertook to destroy Sherman's army at Atlanta, July 28, 1864, and in the charge at Jonesboro, Georgia. After the close of the war he returned to Decatur and resumed his work at the anvil until 1875, when he became connected with the Farris & Oaks Novelty Company. He continued with that firm for six years, acting as foreman during two years of that period. Since 1885 he has engaged successfully in the feed and grain business and has built up a fine patronage among the best class of customers in Decatur.

In 1867 Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Strailey, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Strailey, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. She was the second in a family of three children and was born May 18, 1846. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, of whom Ulysses S., of Rockford, Illinois, is the eldest. He was married to Miss Annie Coble and has seven children and two grandchildren. Arthur S., the second child, was married to Ella Simpson, of Illinois. He is now living in Decatur and is the father of two children. Nora M., the third in order of birth, married Harold J. Palmer, of Chicago, and is the mother of one child.

Mr. Lyons is a stanch supporter of the republican party and he and his wife are members of the Church of God of Decatur. He also holds membership in Dunham Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and in the various duties of life has attempted to perform his part faithfully. He was a valiant soldier in times of danger and in times of peace he has assisted to the extent of his ability in maintaining the Union for which he so freely offered his life. He is justly entitled to the highest respect of the generation now enjoying the blessings for which he so nobly fought.

Maxwell W. Shultz

Only noble traits of character leave their impress and cause the memory of man to be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. The splendid life of Maxwell W. Shultz, his many excellencies and his devotion to high ideals, make his record worthy of perpetuation on the pages of the history of the city which he called his home. He was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, May 4, 1849, a son OI Chauncey F. and Hadassah Chambers (Brown) Shultz, the former a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The Chambers family were the founders of Chambersburg and were of English lineage, while the Shultz family comes of Swiss ancestry. The father acquired a liberal education in the public and high schools of the east and remained a resident of that part of the country until 1858, when he went down the Ohio and up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, establishing his home in that city. He was the first commissioner of Forest Park, one of the largest parks in the United States. He was also appointed subtreasurer by President Cleveland at St. Louis and likewise filled the office of county judge. His prominence in public affairs made him widely known and he left his impress for good upon the welfare, progress and development of the city. His was a long, useful and honorable life, which closed on the 23d of August, 1908, at the age of eighty-five years. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1887.

Maxwell W. Shultz was a little lad of nine years when his parents removed to St. Louis. He acquired his education in the public and high schools and also in a commercial college. He learned the drug business, being graduated from a school of pharmacy. Subsequently he established both a retail and wholesale drug store at Peoria, Illinois, and conducted it for five years, winning success because of hard work and close application but his health gave way and he sold out. He then sought an outdoor situation and became traveling salesman for Truax, Green & Company, a wholesale house of Chicago, with which he remained until his death, which occurred on the 21st of October, 1909. He was a very successful salesman, his territory covering central Illinois, where he built up for the house a large and profitable business. In 1887 he removed to Decatur, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest, twenty-two years later. He was a man of high moral standing and his life was characterized by many good deeds and kindly, considerate acts. He was especially friendly and helpful toward young men, encouraging them to make life a success and giving them timely and friendly advice. During most of his residence in Decatur he resided at No. 351 West William street, and in addition to that property he owned considerable real estate in the city.

On the 29th of May, 1882, Mr. Shultz was married to Miss Catherine E. Taylor, of Richmond, Iowa, a daughter of Rinaldo C. and Martha Jane (Moore) Taylor. Her birthplace was Churchville, Virginia, and her natal day March 6, 1858. Her father was a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Churchville, Virginia. The ancestry of the Moore family is traced back to the Mayflower and among the early ancestors of Mrs. Shultz were those who fought in the war for independence, entitling her to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Joining that organization, she has served as secretary of the local chapter for four years and was regent for two years. Her parents made the overland trip to the middle west in 1859 and became pioneer residents of Iowa. They preempted large tracts of land from the government, becoming owners of thousands of acres there. Peter Moore, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Shultz in the maternal line, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and also of the war of 1812. He lived for many years to enjoy the fruits of labor, passing away in 1820. He had reached a very venerable age and the family is noted for longevity, two aunts of Mrs. Shultz on the mother's side being now nearly ninety years of age and residents of Iowa. Another aunt living in Kentucky, is eighty-two years of age. One child was born unto Mr. and Mrs. Shultz but died in infancy.

Mr. Shultz was a prominent Mason of high degree and belonged to Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Chicago. He was a very charitable man, giving freely of his means for the benefit and aid of others and no good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his assistance in vain. His political allegiance was given to the democracy. He belonged to the Sons of the Revolution and was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part. Mrs. Shultz is also a very prominent member of that church. For several years she served as president of the missionary and of the aid societies of the church and for twenty years was corresponding secretary of the Presbyterial society. For four years she acted as president of the Missionary Social Union and all branches of church work received her hearty cooperation and assistance. She also became president of the Municipal Art League, which she brought to the present high standard of organization. This is the only art league in Illinois outside of Chicago. She acted as chairman of the art and literature division for two years and for four years was chairman of the art committee of the Woman's Club. She is a lady of liberal culture and natural refinement and of broad education as well, for, having completed a high-school course, after the removal of the family to Iowa from her native town of Churchville, Virginia, she attended the Iowa State University at Iowa City. She has recently returned from a trip abroad, during which time as a delegate she attended the World's Missionary Conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland. She visited various points in Europe, Asia and Africa, going eight hundred and fifteen miles up the river Nile and she also witnessed the performance of the Passion Play at Oberammergau. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shultz were prominent in Decatur's leading social circles.

That Mr. Shultz was a most earnest Christian and a man of the highest principles and of sterling worth is indicated in the fact that at his death his widow received many letters of sympathy and condolence from all parts of the United States. His death occurred after an illness of only ten days and was most deeply regretted by all who knew him but his memory will be enshrined in the hearts of his friends for years to come and will remain as a blessed benediction to those with whom he was brought in contact.

Doctor Turpin

Doctor Turpin now residing in Oreana, was for many years one of the well known farmers of Whitmore township, where he owned and cultivated two hundred acres of good land that constituted a well improved and valuable farm. He dates his residence in Illinois from 1867, and Macon from 1870. His birth occurred in Hendricks county, Indiana, on the 16th of September, 1841. His father, Robison Turpin, was born in Kentucky and was a son of Jacob Turpin. The former spent his youth in his native state and was there married to Miss Rachel George Powell, a native of Kentucky. On their removal to Indiana they settled in Hendricks county where Robison Turpin developed a new farm, becoming the owner of a large tract of land which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He reared his family upon that place and there spent his last days, being numbered among the enterprising, progressive and highly respected agriculturists of that community. His family numbered six sons who reached mature years, and two daughters who grew to womanhood and married. Of these, three sons and one daughter are still living, namely : Harvey, a resident of Boone county, Indiana; Jacob Thomas, who owns and cultivates the old home farm in Hendricks county; Doctor Turpin, of this review; and Mrs. Martha Gorham, who is living in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The youthful days of Doctor Turpin were spent upon the home farm, and he had just attained his majority when in response to the country's call for troops, he enlisted at Indianapolis in 1862, and was a member of Company F, Fifth Indiana Cavalry. With that command he went to the south, the regiment joining the army of the Cumberland with which he participated in a number of lesser engagements and skirmishes in Tennessee and Georgia. Afterward he was with Sherman in the celebrated Atlanta campaign until taken prisoner, when he was sent to Andersonville and later transferred to Florence. The period of his incarceration covered seven months, at the end of which time he was paroled and returned home. He was at the barracks at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, through the summer and later was honorably discharged. Following his return home Doctor Turpin engaged in farming and in 1867 removed westward to Illinois, settling first in Sangamon county, where he worked by the month for a year. He then rented land and engaged in farming on his own account in Sangamon county. It was also in that county that he wedded Miss Mary Elizabeth Ayers, who was born in Owen county, Kentucky, a daughter of Sanford B. Ayers, also a native of the Blue Grass state. He was married in Owen county to Miss Emeline Z. Beatty, a native of Kentucky, and in 1854 they removed to Illinois, establishing their home in Sangamon county.

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Turpin removed to Macon county and he purchased land in Whitmore township, becoming owner of a forty acre tract upon which was a little house. He carefully and systematically developed his fields, and as his labors brought to him good return he added to the property from time to time until he became the owner of two hundred acres. Upon the place he erected a good residence ; likewise two barns, cribs and outbuildings. He also planted some fruit trees, fenced and tiled the fields and continued farming there with excellent success until 1904, when he removed to Oreana where he erected a good residence which he now owns and occupies.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Turpin have been born four children: Ida May, at home; Clara, the wife of Oliver Gould of Decatur; William Clarence, who carries on the home farm and is married and has one child Elizabeth ; and Alice, the wife of Oscar D. Philips of Oreana, by whom she has two daughters, Grace Imogene and Dorothy Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Turpin are members of the Christian church in which he is serving as a trustee. He votes a democratic ticket where national issues are involved, but casts an independent local ballot in support of the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for office.

His life has been well spent, and for over forty years he has lived in Macon county enjoying and meriting to the fullest extent the confidence, good will and honor of his fellowmen. He has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs, but has always been loyal to the best interests of the community and to the standards of high and honorable manhood. Such a person has distinct value as a factor in the citizenship of the community in which he resides.

B. Hilton Cassell

Among the men prominently operating in real-estate circles is B. Hilton Cassell, and his efforts are an element in the substantial growth and development in the city. When Decatur contained only a few hundred inhabitants he started upon life's journey here, the date of his birth being March 20, 1846. His parents were Berry H. and Louise M. (Shultz) Cassell, natives of East Hanover, Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. They were pioneer people of Macon county, arriving when Decatur had not yet emerged from villagehood and gave but little evidence of future growth and development. The father was a tinner by trade and carried on that business for several years, after which he turned his attention to the hardware business, becoming the junior partner in the firm of Prather & Cassell, their store being upon the present site of the Morehouse & Wells building which is now being erected. From time to time he extended the scope of his activities and became a prominent factor in the substantial growth of the city. In 1856 he was in the hotel business as a member of the firm of Cassell, Stroh & Henderson, the hostelry being known as the Cassell House, which stood on the present site of the St. Nicholas. His varied business activities and his prominence in other directions made him well known throughout this section of the state. A tract of land which he purchased at the east end of the city at an early day is now built up almost solidly with residences. He also purchased eight acres of land known as Cassell Hill, a tract almost circular in form, and on this he erected a beautiful residence now owned and occupied by B. Hilton Cassell and designated throughout the city as Cassell's Castle. The death of Mr. Cassell occurred October 12, 1904. His wife had passed away October 21, 1903.

Mr. Cassell was reared in Decatur, attended the public schools and after his marriage removed to a farm in Decatur township, which remained his place of abode until 1901. He is still the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, to the cultivation and development of which he devoted a number of years, transforming it into one of the valuable and highly productive properties of this region. In 1901 he removed into his father's old home which is now his residence. He also owns about twenty houses in Decatur which he leases, and as a speculative builder he has become well know, erecting various dwellings for the purpose of sale. His intention is to divide the old homestead, consisting of eight acres, into building lots and make it one of the ideal residence districts of the city.

In 1872 Mr. Cassell was married to Miss Fannie W. Harrison, of Ohio, and unto them have been born three sons: Louis B., now engaged in the practice of law; Fred R., who follows farming; and Otto D., who is engaged in the realestate business. Mrs. Cassell is a daughter of Matthew and Lydia (Plummer) Harrison, both natives of Ohio, where the father died. He was a farmer by occupation. After his death Mrs. Harrison came to Macon county, Illinois, and here she passed away in October, 1898. In their family were fourteen children, seven of whom are living at the present time. Two sons died in An-- dersonville prison during the Civil war.

Mr. Cassell is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; Decatur Council, No. 12, R. & S. M.; Beaumonoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; Peoria Consistory, S. P. R. S.; Decatur Chapter, No. in, O. E. S.; Mecca Shrine, No. 15; and the White Shrine of Jerusalem, and his wife is also a member of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine.

Mr. Cassell was born in the house which stood on the site of the Linn & Scruggs dry goods store, in a long building which had been used for a wagon and paint shop. His father had a little tin shop in the east end of the building, the family occupying the west end. Decatur at that time had less then a thousand population. He has, therefore, witnessed its growth to a city of thirty-five thousand - one of the most progressive and enterprising in Illinois. He has not only maintained a deep interest in what has been accomplished but has also borne his share in the work of development, his cooperation being a tangible factor in various movements for the general good. He is today one of Decatur's most popular and prominent residents and a well spent life is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

Jacob M. Lehman

Jacob M. Lehman, now deceased, who was a highly respected member of the farming community of Hickory Point township, Macon county, was born in Ohio, in September, 1838. He was a son of Henry Lehman, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio, where he was married, and came to Illinois in 1843, first settling in Decatur. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in the county and moved to the farm about 1858, and there he died twenty years later, in 1878. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Mary Cushner. She was a native of Maryland and was born in 1818 and died in this county two years before her husband was called away. There were ten children in their family, two of whom are now living: Mrs. Bixler, of Decatur; and Mary.

The subject of our review came to Illinois with his parents and was educated in the public schools, working upon the farm as he grew up and becoming thoroughly familiar with its operations. He was still at home at the time of the Civil war and was one of the valiant young men who went forth under the stars and stripes to defend the Union. He enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Volunteers and served with the highest credit to himself and his regiment for three years. At the close of his period of service he was honorably discharged and returned to the home farm, continuing there until 1873, when he began farming upon his own account. In 1874 he bought the present homestead of the family, which is located in Hickory Point township and consists of one hundred and ten acres, with a handsome residence and all the improvements of a modern farm. He also acquired eighty acres of land in the northern part of the county and became recognized as one of the enterprising and successful farmers of his region.

Politically Mr. Lehman supported the principles of the republican party for a number of years but later changed his allegiance to the democratic party as best representing the ideals of a free people. He was a man of good discernment, a wise manager and one who was devotedly attached to his wife and children. His death, July 21, 1902, caused general regret throughout the region where he was well known and much esteemed for his noble qualities.

In 1873 occurred the marriage of Jacob M. Lehman and Miss Catherine Weaver, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Seiler) Weaver, who were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Illinois in 1850 and settled in Macon county. Here the head of the family bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he began operations and evinced such an ability as an agriculturist and stockraiser that at the time of his death, in 1905, at the age of eighty-two years, he was the owner of about twenty-five hundred acres of land in Macon, Shelby and Piatt counties. Mrs. Weaver was born in 1825 and departed this life in the same year as her beloved husband. They were the parents of five children : Alfred and Charles, both of Decatur ; Nancy, now Mrs. Keister, of Decatur ; Catherine, herein mentioned; and Mrs. Susan Crossman, of Harristown, this county. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lehman was blessed by the arrival of seven children, all of whom are now living: Ruth, the wife of Dr. Albert Mowry, of Chicago, and the mother of one child, Marian; Alfred, who married Irene Stone, of Macon county, and is the father of two children, Ralph and Ruth ; Charles, who married Maude Cox, of Piatt county, this state, and has three children, Owen, Gladys and Lola ; Jacob, who married Nellie Cress, now deceased, who was the mother of one child, Merle, also deceased; Bertram, who is living with his brother in Piatt county ; Ivah, who married Charles Lyman and is the mother of two children, Maxine and Rhonette ; and John, who is living at home. Mrs. Lehman is now living on the family homestead and is accorded the respect of friends and acquaintance and the love of her children, to whom she has been, indeed, a true and self-sacrificing mother.

David Stewart

A successful farmer of Macon county is David Stewart who all his life has been identified with this immediate vicinity. He represents a well known pioneer family which settled in this region at an early day and assisted in the great work of breaking the soil for the peaceful communities that are to be seen on every hand. Mr. Stewart was born December 6, 1859, and is a son of Angus L. and Mary (Krone) Stewart, the former of whom was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, in 1820, and died in this county February 11, 1904. There were only a few houses in Decatur when the father arrived in Macon county and during his life he was a witness of the great change by means of which the wilderness was transformed into beautiful farms. He was a carpenter and after working for a time at his trade in Decatur he acquired a claim for a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, later receiving a deed for the same from the government. After taking up his residence upon the farm he increased its area by the addition of twenty-two acres and at the time of his death was the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and eighty-two acres. The last seven years of his life were passed at Oreana, Illinois, where he lived retired. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania and was born in 1832, departing this life after many years of usefulness in January, 1905. A review of the Krone family appears in another part of this work. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, six of whom are now living: David, our subject; Robert and Samuel, of Macon county; Frank, of Kansas; Nettie, now Mrs. V. W. Benton, of Macon county ; and Mary, also of Macon county.

The subject of this review grew up as a farm boy and received his education in the district school. After laying aside his books he assisted his father in conducting the farm for several years and at twenty-one years of age he rented land in the neighborhood, upon which he lived for eleven years. At the end of this time he removed to the northwestern part of the county where he farmed for two years, then returned to this region and in 1897 took up his residence on the old homestead which is owned by heirs of the family, our subject having acquired the share of one of his brothers. Here he conducts general farming and has attained a goodly measure of success.

On February 23, 1882, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Emma Lowery, a daughter of John D. and Frances (Harris) Lowery, natives of New York city, who came to Illinois at an early day and settled in Fayette county. There were five children in the family, three of whom are living: Emma, herein mentioned ; Stella, and Dora. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart was brightened by the arrival of one child, Alta, who was married to Forest Pope. They now live on the home farm and have been the parents of four children, three of whom are living: David, Goldie and Bonnie.

Mr. Stewart has been a lifelong adherent of the democratic party and although he has never been an office seeker, he has served with general acceptance as commissioner of highways. Fraternally he holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America, all of Forsyth, Illinois. In his various responsibilities and duties, whether public or private, Mr. Stewart has at all times been actuated by a consistent desire to advance the general interest. In his work he has been ably assisted by his estimable wife who is in all respects a worthy helpmate to her life companion.

Lafayette Gulick

Lafayette Gulick, a well known farmer of Macon county now living retired after many years of successful operations in agriculture and stock-raising, was born in this county, August 2, 1849. He is the son of Levi and Harriet (Miler) Gulick, the former a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. The father came to Illinois in the early days and entered nearly seven hundred acres of government land in Hickory Point and Decatur townships and became one of the substantial farmers of the county. In 1853 he made a visit to his old home in Virginia on horseback and on his return was taken sick with cholera and died at Logansport, Indiana. In this county he was well known as a general farmer and stock-raiser and also as a buyer of hogs, having engaged very largely in that business at the time when it was customary to drive hogs to the St. Louis market. He was also a large feeder of live-stock. The mother was again married after the death of the father and became the wife of John Sawyer. She died in this county in 1892. By her first husband she had four children: Julia, had three children: Anna, now Mrs. Hornsbarger; Alice, who died in 1880; and Frank and Mary E., all deceased; and Lafayette. By her second husband she Edwin.

Lafayette Gulick was reared upon the home farm and educated in the public schools. After becoming thoroughly acquainted with farming in its various phases, he commenced cultivating a tract of eighty acres which his father gave him. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining, so he had a farm of two hundred and forty acres, and this property he brought to a high state of cultivation, making it one of the most productive farms in the locality. After conducting the farm for twenty years Mr. Gulick erected a handsome residence on the old Barber place, on the Bloomington pike, southeast of the old home and there he has lived retired since 1905, being now the fortunate owner of six hundred and forty acres of land, comprising several farms in Hickory Point township, and one of its most responsible citizens.

On September 22, 1870, Mr. Gulick was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Montgomery, a daughter of William F. and Amelia (Suver) Montgomery, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. The parents came to Illinois previous to the Civil war and were identified with farming interests. There were seven children in their family: Rachel, who became Mrs. Hays but is now deceased; Samuel, a resident of Decatur; Mary, who became Mrs. Hanks, of Hickory township; Amelia, now living with Mrs. Hanks; Frank and Patrick H., of Decatur; and Martha A., wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Gulick four children have been born: Nellie, who was born in 1872 and died in 1892; Frank, who married a Miss McMahan, whose parents were living on one of his father's farm, and has two children, Bernice and Frank; Bernard M., who married Miss Louisa Love, the daughter of a farmer in the same neighborhood; Fred L., who married a Miss Grace Pope, whose parents were living on one of his father's farms, and has one child, Evelyn.

Mr. Gulick ever since arriving at man's estate has been a supporter of the democratic party but he has never sought official honors, as his principal interest has been centered in his family and his farms. The success that has attended his life work has been due to industry and sound judgment, the latter element being the leading feature of his character. He and his estimable wife now enjoy in peace and prosperity the results of their well directed labors, and it is scarcely necessary to add that they are greatly esteemed by their neighbors and by the many friends they have made in this part of the county.

Sixth in direct descent from noted colonial ancestry, with a long line of prominent American progenitors on both sides of the house, Dr. Lewis H. Clark, of Decatur, occupies a unique place in the genealogical records of citizens now living in Illinois. The Revolutionary patriot, Nathaniel Clark, was a member of this family and the name Clark in many states of the Union attests the virility of the early stock, which has been transmitted from generation to generation, almost unimpaired, from worthy forebears.

The subject of this review is a native of Christian county, Illinois, and is a son of Dr. Joseph H. and Lydia D. (Hardy) Clark. The father was born in Christian county, Kentucky, April 6, 1819, and was a practicing physician from 1855 to the time of his decease in 1880. He was married to Lydia D. Hardy, also of Christian county, Kentucky, in 1840, and the couple removed to Christian county, Illinois, in 1844. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Taylorville, where he built up a practice which extended over a wide range of country. He served as captain in the Fifth Missouri Battalion for six months during the summer of 1862, the battalion later being merged into Company B of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry. The Doctor was an old line democrat and in religious views a Universalist. He was a self-made man of striking personality and in the earlier years of his active life was a school teacher, meanwhile studying medicine and becoming a practitioner of the eclectic school. His body reposes in an old cemetery in Christian county, Illinois. His wife died in Butler, Bates county, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years, in 1902, and was there buried. In the family were eleven children, five sons and six daughters, and six of the number grew to maturity and reared families.

Tracing the ancestry in regular ascent we have James C, father of Joseph H. Clark and grandfather of Lewis Hardy Clark. He was born in Barren county, Kentucky, on June 13, 1791, but lived for a number of years in Christian county, Kentucky, where he was well known as a farmer and an old time esquire. He served in the war of 1812 and was at one time a member of the Kentucky legislature. He was married in his native state to Miss Hannah Henderson. They reared a family of eleven children and removed to Christian county, Illinois, where the head of the family departed this life in 1874, his remains being buried on the land which he had located upon when it was a wilderness. In the same graveyard lies his wife, the partner of his joys and sorrows and one of the representative pioneer women who risked their lives in accompanying their husbands to new homes amidst the uncertainties of the frontier. Grandfather Clark may truly be regarded as one of the makers of history in Illinois. His cabin door opened freely to every hungry traveler and the stranger was made to feel at home under the shelter of that humble roof. Wild animals abounded along the great streams and on the great prairies, and meat was plentiful during the greater part of the year. The first preaching services of the neighborhood were held at the home of this patriarch. He lived to see the country transformed into growing fields of grain and many hamlets develop into prosperous towns and cities. The great-grandfather of Lewis Hardy Clark, was Bolin Clark, who served in the Revolution under General Nathaniel Greene, and later took up his home in Kentucky, then the principal region of attraction for many settlers who felt crowded in the more thickly populated states east of the Alleghanies. The descendants of many of these old eastern families afterward caught the same feeling of restlessness and were among the founders of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and other great states. On the maternal side the subject of this review may point with pride to his grandfather Hardy, who was a famous Indian fighter and served as captain of a brave company of rangers who assisted in freeing the border of its greatest peril. Nathaniel Henderson, of the paternal branch, was an early settler of Tennessee and was the prime mover in having the state set off from North Carolina, of which it was originally a part.

Dr. Lewis Hardy Clark, our immediate subject, was the third child in the family of Dr. Joseph H. Clark. He first saw the light of day in Christian county, Illinois, June 29, 1844. Reared on the farm, he shared the simple pleasures and also the hardships of the homes established under primitive surroundings and lacking most of the conveniences now regarded as indispensable in every household. He attended the district schools and in his nineteenth year was granted a teacher's certificate and began teaching school in his native county, continuing as a teacher for several years. Previous to this time, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia and served from September, 1861, to February 28, 1862. The experience he gained in the war, although he was then just merging into manhood and too young to serve in the regular forces, made a lasting impression and has been a great benefit in shaping his after life.