Decatur Township (part 30 of 46)

Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are both members of the Methodist church, and he is chorister. He is also manager of the Blue Mound band. He is an adherent of the democratic party but has never aspired to political honors, preferring to devote his attention to his private affairs. Socially he holds membership in the Masonic order and has taken the Royal Arch degree. He is past master of the blue lodge and grand lecturer of the order and is also identified with the Woodmen of the World. During the nine years in which he has been prominently connected with the business interests of Blue Mound he has made a host of friends. Exceedingly thorough in all he undertakes and conscientious in the discharge of every trust, he has won deserved standing as a progressive and man of business, who has assisted materially by his kindly and generous disposition in adding to the comfort and happiness of those with whom he has associated. As a musician he has talents of a high order and in this department he is doing a work which is highly appreciated by the entire community.

James M. Scott

Among the farmers of Macon county who deserve notice in this work on account of success in their calling is James M. Scott. He was born in Clinton county, Illinois, October 30, 1849, and is a son of James R. and Maria (Bousman) Scott. The father was a native of South Carolina where he was born in 1827. The mother was born in Ohio in 1829. They both came to Illinois very early in life with their parents who settled in Clinton county. Mr. and Mrs. Scott located in Macon county in 1861. The beloved mother departed this life in 1889 and the father in February, 1901. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom are now living: James M., our subject; Bolivar C, of Kansas ; Olive, now Mrs. H. B. Dills, of Decatur ; John R., of Blue Mound township, Macon county ; and George F., of Harrison county, Iowa.

James M. Scott received his education in the common schools and as he grew up became thoroughly familiar with all the details of agriculture and stockraising. He continued with his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age, then becoming foreman of the Blue Mound elevator, in which position he continued for six years. After serving for one year in a similar capacity at Boody, he began to farm on his own account and after his marriage he settled in Decatur for a time and later devoted his attention to farming in Blue Mound and Pleasant View townships. He is now in charge of one hundred and sixty acres which he cultivates most successfully and where he also raises a high grade of live-stock, receiving good returns upon the time and labor expended.

On the 9th day of December, 1885, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Ida Betz, who was born in Ohio, November 27, 1863. She is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Weidman) Betz, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania in 1832 and the latter in Wisconsin in 1834. They came to Illinois in 1866 and now make their home in Blue Mound. There were nine children in the family, six of whom are living: Charlotte, now Mrs. Charles Herman, of Christian county ; Ida, herein mentioned ; John, of Blue Mound ; Rose, the widow of Stephen Etter, and now living near Illinois; Mary, the wife of Benton Davidson, of Blue Mound; and Charles, of Farmersville, Montgomery county, Illinois. Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott: Dove, born August 19, 1886, a graduate of the high school of Blue Mound and now a successful music teacher; Fay D., born January 3, 1889, also a graduate of the Blue Mound high school, and a very successful teacher in Macon county ; Beulah Fern, born May 8, 1896, in Saline county, Nebraska, now at home, and Robert L., born in Christian county in July, 1898. Joseph M. Scott, an uncle of our subject, now lives in Blue Mound, and Samuel, John and Alexander Weidman,

Mr. Scott is identified with the democratic party and although he has not sought political honors, he has served faithfully as collector. He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and acted as deputy in that organization for five years. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Christian church and an earnest worker in behalf of the social and religious progress of those with whom she is associated. Our .subject began his active career upon his own resources and has made a success of it. The head of a bright and intelligent family, he has been greatly blessed in the companionship of a wife who has been indeed to him a true helpmate. Their home is the abode of comfort and happiness and the center of culture and good will, whose influence is felt in the entire community.

Frank Douglas Torrence

Frank Douglas Torrence, superintendent of city parks of Decatur, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July i, 1855, ar"d is a son of James and Rebecca (Thatcher) Torrence, also natives of the Keystone state. The father was born near Carlisle and the mother at Beaver Falls. She was of Quaker parentage and received a fine education, serving as teacher in the University of Pennsylvania in her young womanhood. James Torrence was a blacksmith and taught his trade to each of his five sons. The family was of good fighting stock on the paternal side and the men were known for generations as warriors. Grandfather Torrence served in the Revolutionary war and became a colonel in the patriot army and his father was also a soldier. James Torrence followed his trade during his entire active career and died in central Ohio. Later his wife came west and departed this life at the home of our subject. Eight children came to brighten their home. Joseph, one of the older sons, gained a national reputation, enlisting under the stars and stripes in the Civil war and becoming a general. He was wounded at the battle of Perryville and after the war went to Chicago as a blacksmith and amassed a fortune there. He died in Chicago in November, 1896. The other members of the family were: Oscar, a soldier of the Civil war, who carried messages for General Grant and lost his life in the battle of the Wilderness; James H. and Stewart A., twins; Frank D., our subject; Seneth, deceased; Eliza, who married Stewart Hodge, of Pennsylvania, and is deceased ; and Elizabeth, the wife of John Dailey, who was killed at the battle of Atlanta.

Frank Douglas Torrence was educated in the public schools and followed the blacksmith's trade for several years, then becoming interested in civil engineering, to which he devoted his attention exclusively until 1901. In 1876 he located at Bement, Piatt county, Illinois, where he followed his profession with marked success. In 1901 he came to Decatur as superintendent of the city parks and has since continued in that position. At the time he assumed the office Fairview park was entirely unimproved and was a field rented by the city. Mr. Torrence promoted a movement for an appropriation of eight thousand dollars by the city for the purchase of the land, the payments extending over a period of four years. He has devoted a great deal of attention to this park and it now contains fifty acres and is one of the most beautiful spots in central Illinois. When Mr. Torrence assumed charge Lincoln park of twenty-two acres was a dumping ground but he is now transforming it into a lovely place of recreation, in which a modern driveway has been completed and a street, which has been named Torrence avenue in honor of its projector. The park is located on the Sangamon river in one of the most charming, spots in Illinois. Mr. Torrence also has supervision of Central Park, which consists of three acres in the heart of the city and is one of the most attractive breathing spots that could be conceived. His home is at the entrance of Fairview park and under his supervision it has been made one of the most inviting residences in the city.

On August 4, 1874, Mr. Torrence was united in marriage to Emma Phillips, a daughter of Joseph Phillips, of Ohio, who died July 17, 1905, One child, Rebecca, was born July 2, 1878. Our subject was married a second time, in 1907, to Nellie Atherton Elliot whose father was for many years a prominent merchant of this city.

Mr. Torrence is affiliated with the White Cross, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of Pythias and the Decatur Club. His religious belief is indicated by membership in the Congregational church. In him his fellow townsmen have found those worthy qualities and traits of character that make the useful citizen and no man in Decatur is more highly respected. He owes his high standing to his industry, integrity and good judgment. He also is the happy possessor of a genial nature and kind heart that endear him to all with whom he comes in contact.

Henry L. Hockaday

Among the younger generation of farmers of Macon county who are making good headway in their chosen calling in Henry L. Hockaday, of Hickory Point township. He is a native of this county, born January 21, 1875, and is a son of Benjamin B. Hockaday, who was born in Ohio in 1832 and came to Illinois at twenty-three years of age, settling in Macon county. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land for his father and later it was divided among the three children of the family. In 1888 he removed to Emory, Illinois, where he engaged in the grocery business. The mother of our subject, Sophia L. (Layman) Hockaday, was born in this state in 1848 and departed this life in 1877. In the family were six children, four of whom are now living: Charles, a resident of Decatur; Mollie, now Mrs. Parlier, of Macon county; Lillie, now Mrs. Malone, of Macon county; and Henry L.

The subject of this review was educated in the public schools and reared upon the home farm, continuing there until he was nineteen years of age, when he began life on his own account, conducting independent operations upon his father's farm for one year, at the end of which time, in 1895, he took up his residence on a farm in Hickory Point township, where he has since lived.

In 1898 Mr. Hockaday was united in marriage to Miss Gertie Parlier, a daughter of Allen and Alice (Wicks) Parlier, natives of Perry county, Illinois, who removed to Macon county and here became identified with farming interests. Mrs. Parlier was called from earthly scenes in 1904. She was the mother of a family of six children: Gertie, now Mrs. Hockaday; and William, Ernest, George, Grace and Fred, all of Peoria, Illinois. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hockaday, Ruth P., who is now eleven years of age.

Mr. Hockaday is identified with the republican party, but represents an element of the party that is not confined to traditions but is able to see good points even in a candidate of the opposition. He votes with his party on national issues but reserves his decision at local elections, sometimes favoring a candidate irrespective of his party affiliation. As a progressive young man Mr. Hockaday seeks to be guided by the best light available not only in politics but in farming and in all other affairs with which he is connected. It is safe to prophesy that he will attain added success in his chosen calling as the years pass.

Andrew J. Kaiser

Among the successful commercial enterprises of Decatur is that owned and conducted by Andrew J. Kaiser - an excellent fruit, produce, flour and feed business, which is carried on at Nos. 151-157 Thatcher place. He early realized the fact that "there is no excellence without labor" and also that in business, as in other relations of life, "honesty is the best policy." Close application and unfaltering energy, therefore, have constituted important features in his progress since he entered the mercantile field. He was born in Buffalo, New York. Setpember 24, 1867, a son of Andrew and Margaret (Luley) Kaiser, both of whom were natives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, the former born in 1830 and the latter in 1833. They came to America before their marriage, the father settling in Buffalo in 1851. The following year he wedded Margaret Luley and in order to provide for his family, worked at the brick mason's trade, which he followed for twenty years. Later he conducted a grocery business and was quite successful in that undertaking. He died in 1875 and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in April, 1909, both having continued residents of Buffalo to the time of their demise. A son of the family is still living in Buffalo and a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Andrews, is a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Andrew J. Kaiser, who was the other member of his father's household, pursued his education in the public schools of Buffalo to the age of ten years and then began working to assist his mother, following the death of the husband and father. He was employed in connection with the packing business of Jacob Dold & Sons, entering the slaughtering house, but worked his way upward through various positions until he became city salesman. He remained with that firm for six years, at the end of which time he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, as representative for the firm of Luley & Son, beef and pork packers.. There he continued for a year, after which he was employed by Armour & Company as their representative, at St. Paul, Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota.

He filled that position for seven and a half years and was then transferred by the house to take charge of their Chicago market. Subsequently he became identified with Morris & Company and was located at Pittsburg, at Indianapolis and at Decatur successively. In 1894 he came to this city and established a wholesale fruit, produce, flour and feed business, which has proven a profitable undertaking from the start. He is now accorded an extensive patronage and each year indicates larger sales and more substantial profits.

On the 4th of October, 1893, Mr. Kaiser was united in marriage to Miss Clara A. Noltimier, of St. Paul, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Noltimier, who were farming people and early settlers of Cottage Grove, Minnesota. They came form Germany in i860 and the father has now lived retired for thirty years. Mrs. Kaiser has five brothers and two sisters and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser occupy a comfortable home at No. 1146 North Water street and in addition to this property he is the owner of considerable other realty in Decatur.

Mr. Kaiser is indeed a self-made man. Starting out in life at the age of ten years, deprived of many of the advantages and opportunities which most boys enjoy, he has worked his way steadily upward undeterred by the difficulties and obstacles which he has confronted and, as the years have passed, by his industry and determination has triumphed over all that has barred his path to success and he is now numbered among the well-to-do merchants of Decatur. Moreover, his business methods are such as will always bear close investigation and scrutiny and he, therefore, enjoys an honored name among colleagues and contemporaries.

L. W. Benson

Well known, not only by reason of the success which he has attained in agricultural circles but also by reason of the prominent place which he has taken in the public life of the community in which he resides, L. W. Benson is numbered among the prominent and influential citizens of Harristown township, with the interests of which he has been closely identified for more than two decades. One of Illinois' native sons, he was born on a farm near Chestnut, Logan county, March 29, 1861, his parents being Dr. C. H. and Elizabeth (Patten) Benson. The father was born in Thornhall, England, where he was reared to manhood, after which he came to America and located for a time in Illinois. While in this state he engaged in Tract Society work and also studied medicine, in the practice of which he was engaged for a number of years. He was a soldier of the Civil war, laying down all personal interests to aid his country in her hour of need. He was united in marriage in Nashville, Tennessee, to Miss Elizabeth Patten, who was born and reared in that city.

L. W. Benson was reared upon a farm until twelve years of age, when he removed with his parents to Latham, Illinois, and there grew to manhood. In the common schools he acquired a fair education and remained at home for a time after laying aside his text-books. He was still in his teens, however, when he started out in business on his own account, his initial step being taken as a farm hand, since which time he has continued to devote his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. On the 9th of April, 1882, he was united in marriage at Latham, Illinois, to Miss Alice A. Joynt, who was born on a farm in Logan county, near Latham, and is a daughter of E. A. and Clarissa Sophia (Aldridge) Joynt.

Mr. Joynt, the father of Mrs. Benson, was born in London, England, April 4, 1833, a son of Evans D. and Mary Ann (Killick) Joynt. When about eleven or twelve years of age he went to sea and was thus engaged for almost four years, when he ran away from the service at New Orleans, making his way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and thence to Alton, and later made his way to Jersey county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand at a salary of five dollars per month. He was thus engaged until twenty-two years of age, but during the intervening years had visited his old home in London three times and had the unusual record of having crossed the Atlantic ocean twenty-one times by the time he was twenty-two years old. On his last trip to his native country he was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa Sophia Aldridge, with whom he had been acquainted since childhood and who had been reared by an aunt of his. Immediately after his marriage he went to Logan county and there, in connection with a brother, operated the Powell farm for a couple of years. He then made arrangements with the Ililnois Central Railroad Company to purchase eighty acres of their land in Logan county at a price of ten dollars per acre, but he suffered such heavy losses, however, through his horses dying, that he asked the company to take back forty acres of the property. Even after their assurance that they would be lenient concerning his payments he nevertheless felt that he would rather have forty acres clear, and so prevailed upon them to take back forty acres. Success attended his later efforts, however, and he subsequently purchased another tract of forty acres, paying fifty dollars per acre therefor, and on that site the village of Latham was laid out in 1872. The tract was subdivided into town lots and after giving the villlage the right of way for roads, etc., and every other lot, he had the benefit of selling the remaining lots-, from which he realized a most substantial sum. He is yet the owner of about fifty-five acres of valuable land, and is considered one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Latham. As the years passed he and his wife became the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The eldest, John James, died in 1909, leaving a family of five children. Stephen and Clara, the next in order of birth, were twins. The former married Carrie Herod and makes his home in Harristown township, and Clara became the wife of William Brown and resides at Moweaqua. Alice married L. W. Benson, of this review, and Fred, who married Rinda Plumber, has three sons and makes his home in Decatur. Mr. Joynt has ever been a stalwart republican, has served as road commissioner and as alderman of Latham, and does all in his power to further the development and up-building of the village with whose interests he had been closely associated since its beginning.

After his marriage L. W. Benson, whose name introduces this review, located upon a farm a mile northeast of Latham, which he operated for six years, and then, in the spring of 1888, removed to his present home, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres on section II, Harristown township, known as the F. M. Hostetter farm, which he has since worked in the capacity of renter. In the conduct of his agricultural pursuits Mr. Penson has employed up-to-date methods, has used the most modern machinery to facilitate farm labor and has kept abreast of the progress which is being made in agricultural lines quite as much as in other branches of business activity. With him laudable ambition has constituted a stimulus for far-reaching effort, and, placing his dependence upon the safe and substantial qualities of energy and wise management, he has steadily worked his way up to the position which he now occupies among the progressive and prosperous agriculturists of Harristown township.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Benson was blessed with three children : Charles Elmer, who died at the age of fourteen years; Lela May, who has acquired a good common school education; and Vera Viola, who is yet attending school. Although Mr. Benson has been progressive and successful in business, he has also been a potent factor in the public life of the community in which he resides. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has voted with the republican party, casting his first presidential ballot for James G. Blaine in 1889. He was tax collector for two years and has also served as school trustee for several years. In 1905 he was elected to the office of supervisor and in 1907 was reelected to that office, notwithstanding the fact that his is a strong democratic township) - a fact which indicates something of his popularity among his fellow citizens. In connection with his public office he has served on various committees and last year was a member of the fee and salary committee. In his fraternal relations Mr. Benson holds membership with the Knights of Pythis lodge at Niantic, and also with the Modern Woodmen at Harristown, and has served as banker of the latter body for a number of years.

Such in brief is the life record of one who has for more than two decades been closely identified with the agricultural interests of Harristown township and whose efforts at the same time have been potent factors in promoting the general welfare in many ways. He has won a high place in the estimation of his fellowmen not only because of the gratifying success which he has attained in agricultural lines but also by reason of his broad public spirit, his loyalty in all matters of citizenship and his many sterling traits of character.

Andrew Jackson Conover

The agricultural interests of Macon county find a worthy and successful representative in Andrew Jackson Conover, who resides on a tract of two hundred acres on sections 5 and 8, Decatur township, one hundred and fifty-two acres of which belongs to him and his wife. His birth occurred in this county on the 22d of December, 1864, his parents being Albert and Adela (Gouge) Conover. The maternal grandparents, William and Parthenia (Martin) Gouge, were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky respectively and were probably of English ancestry. Albert Conover, the father of our subject, came of Holland lineage and was the ninth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children, his natal day being February 13, 1840, and the place of his birth Cass county, Illw nois. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Macon county and later devoted his leisure hours to study, becoming one of the best mathematicians in the county. In 1862 he enlisted for three years' service in the Union army as a member of Company D, Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, on the 7th of July, 1865. He continued in the field for about a year and was then transferred to hospital service at Paducah, Kentucky, where he acted as steward during the remainder of his term of enlistment. On the 1st of January, i860, he had wedded Miss Adela Gouge, who was the fourth child in a family of thirteen and who was born in this county on the 24th of September, 1842. When the Civil war was ended Albert Conover returned to Macon county, purchasing and locating upon a farm of eighty acres near Elwin, to the operation of which he gave his attention for about two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Cass county, Missouri, where he engaged in the flour milling business, erecting the first mill in the county. Five years later the structure was destroyed by fire and as there was no insurance on the property, Mr. Conover was left practically penniless. His loss was all the more deplorable by reason of the fact that a few days previous to the fire he had refused an offer of five hundred acres of land for his interest in the mill. In order to earn a livelihood he began teaching, following that profession in Missouri for two terms and then once more returning to Macon county, Illinois. During the last two years of his life he was engaged in the grain business at Bearsdale and there passed away on the 12th of December, 1890. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, the record of whom is as follows: Amanda, whose natal day was September 4, i860, gave her hand in marriage to H. N. Lehew, of Bearsdale, and was called to her final rest on the 14th of June. 1907. Anna M., whose birth occurred March 8, 1862, makes her home in Decatur and is the wife of John Boland, by whom she has three children. Andrew Jackson, of this review, is-the next in order of birth. Hattie D., who was born on the 21st of November, 1867, is the wife of E. P. Husted and resides in Guymon, Oklahoma. Charles, whose birth occurred March 11, 1870, died in infancy. Lillie, born March 12, 1871, became the wife of F. A. Eyman, of Harristown, Macon county, and now lives in Joliet, Illinois. She is the mother of seven children. Mattie, whose natal day was September 12, 1873, gave her hand in marriage to W. T. Brown, of Peoria, by whom she has four children. The family reside at Guymon, Oklahoma. Dollie L., who was born February 28, 1876, died on the 6th of October, 1878. Fayetta, whose birth occurred December 29, 1880, wedded M. G. Musser, of Peoria, by whom she has one child. Their home is now in Los Angeles, California.

Andrew J. Conover, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the common schools of Macon county and after putting aside his textbooks lived on a farm with his grandfather until he had attained his majority. He then clerked in the store and grain office of his uncle at Harristown for one year, spent a similar period in California and subsequently worked at different places in Iowa until twenty-eight years of age, being principally engaged in the grain business. He was married in 1893 and during the following three years was employed by the Shellebarger Mill & Elevator Company. Subsequently he was engaged in the grain business in association with William Richey of Warrensburg for ten years, on the expiration of which period he took up his abode on his present place of two hundred acres in Decatur township, where he has carried on general farming and stock-raising continuously since. Alert, energetic and enterprising, he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and is widely recognized as a substantial and respected citizen of his native county. In addition to his home property he and his wife own a tract of one hundred and six acres on sections 7 and 18, Decatur township.

On the 28th of June, 1893, Mr. Conover was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Etta Troutman, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bear) Troutman, of this county. She was born on the 2d of October, 1868, and was the second in order of birth in a family of three children, the others being as follows: Ella, whose birth occurred in October, 1867, and who died in infancy; and Frank S., whose natal day was January 26, 1873, and who wedded Elizabeth Earner, of Belle Plaine, Kansas. They now reside at Bearsdale, Macon county, and their children, are three in number. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Conover were born two children, namely: Frank T., whose natal day was April 22, 1894, and who passed away on the nth of the following July; and Albert T., whose birth occurred October

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Conover has supported the men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of that party. At the present time he is serving as highway commissioner of Decatur township. Fraternally he is identfied with the Masons, belonging to Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., of Decatur, Illinois, and also to the chapter. He is likewise a member of Bearsdale Camp, No. 1597, M. W. A. Both Mr. and Mrs. Conover belong to the First Methodist church of Decatur and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. They occupy a prominent position in social circles, and their home is the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality which is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

Ernest H. Lunn

An extensive and profitable business is now carried on by Ernest H. Lunn, well known in connection with the building operations of Decatur as a contractor in brick and stone. He was born in Swasey, Nottinghamshire, England, March 22, 1867, a son of Henry and Emma (Dodson) Lunn. The father, whose birth occurred in 1837, died in Decatur in 1904 and the mother is still living here. He followed contracting throughout his entire life and in this way became closely associated with building operations in Decatur, to which city he came with his family in the year 1870. He was recognized as one of the foremost contractors of Macon county, having erected many buildings and fine brick residences here. Moreover, he was a public-spirited citizen and a devout Christian man who held membership in the Methodist church and often acted as local minister. He* spoke words of wisdom and comfort and inspiration in the church services, visited the sick and needy throughout the city and was very charitable, sharing his success with those less fortunate and extending a helping hand to all who needed material aid. He conducted many funeral services for members of the church and on such occasions spoke with great tact and kindliness to the bereaved, his words frequently proving a comfort to sorrowing hearts. He left his impress for good upon the lives of all with whom he came in contact and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to many who knew him.

Ernest H. Lunn was but three years of age when brought by his parents to the United States, and in the city schools of Decatur he pursued his education to the age of fourteen years, when he began learning the bricklayers' trade, serving a four years' apprenticeship. Soon afterward he started in business for himself as a contractor in brick and stone work and from the beginning he has been successful. In 1902 he took in a partner, but after five years the partnership was dissolved and he afterward conducted the business alone until recently, when his brother became associated with him. The importance and excellence of his work are indicated in the Central block, the Millikin Children's and Orphan's Home and many other buildings. He has erected many of the best brick and stone residences in the city and ranks with the leading contractors of central Illinois, his work being not only attractive in style )of architecture but also in finish, design, workmanship and durability.

On the 8th of September, 1892, Mr. Lunn was married to Miss Caroline Blenz, of Decatur, a daughter of Adam Blenz, a native of Germany who was one of the early settlers of St. Louis and afterward became a pioneer butcher of Decatur, owning one of the first slaughter houses here. He was very successful and the family were prominent, being widely known to all the early citizens. He was also the owner of a famous running horse - Butcher Boy.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lunn have been born four children: George, who has born September 3, 1893, and is learning the business with his father; Edgar, a high school student ; Donald ; and Vera Belle. Mr. Lunn belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and gives his political support to the republican party, while in his religious faith he is a Methodist. An analyzation of his life work shows that diligence and determination have been the salient points in his career and upon the foundation of industry and perseverance he has builded his success.

Moses E. Batchelder

An excellent farm of three hundred acres pays tribute to Moses E. Batchelder, who has won a creditable position among the representative agriculturists of Illini township. The place is situated about five and one half miles northwest of Harristown and judicious cultivation has made this a valuable and productive tract. He has now passed the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in New Hampshire on the 12th of July, 1823. He is a son of Moses Batchelder, Sr., who was born in the year 1782 and died in 1861, and a grandson of David Batchelder. His grandmother had three brothers in the Revolutionary war, all enlisting from Massachusetts and doing valiant service in the attainment of American liberty.

Moses E. Batchelder arrived in Macon county in the fall of 1864 and here invested in land. He had been educated in the east and his thorough home training well qualified him for the practical and responsible duties that devolved upon him following his removal to the west. He had been engaged in the lumber business in the east but after coming to Illinois took up farming and stock-raising and has been quite successful in this department of labor. He is today the owner of three hundred acres about four miles north of Harristown. The land is arable, responding readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it, and his careful cultivation of the fields results in the production of large crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.

In 1852 Mr. Batchelder was married to Miss Sarah Batchelder, a daughter of Nathaniel and Annie (Janice) Batchelder, of New Hampshire. They became the parents of five children. The eldest, Fred, married Elizabeth Jones, who died leaving three children, one of whom is married and has a child - the great-grandchild of Moses E. Batchelder. Nathaniel C. and Frank reside at home. Ed married Molly Lloyd, and lives at the homestead. Clarence completes the family. The three sons living at home now have the management of the farm. Mrs. Batchelder died on the 31st of August, 1910, at the age of eighty-eight years and was buried in Illini cemetery. Through his carefully conducted business affairs Mr. Batchelder always provided a comfortable living for his wife and children. In the management and operation of the farm his judgment has been sound, his methods practical and the results desirable. He has not allowed business cares to exclude his active participation in other interests, however, for he has served as a trustee of his township and as a member of the school board, while with the Congregational church he holds membership and conforms his life to its teachings.

William D. Moma

That the life of William D. Moma has been an active one, characterized by unfaltering industry and unremitting energy, is indicated by the fact that he is now living retired, enjoying a goodly competence which has come to him as the logical result of earnest labor and intelligently directed effort. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, on the 30th of September, 1846, a son of John H. and Mary (Benner) Moma. His grandparents on the paternal side came from Germany at an early day, locating in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and in the Old Dominion John H. Moma, the father our of subject, was born. Later he went to Ohio, where he was married to Miss Mary Benner, a native of that state, who was also of German ancestry, and continued a resident of that state until March, 1859, when he came to Illinois, taking up his abode in Ford county. A tanner by trade, he followed that pursuit for a number of years in Ohio, his efforts in that direction making him one of the well-to-do business men of the community in which he made his home. Later, however, he met with financial reverses and upon his arrival in Ford county, where he subsequently took up his abode, his possessions consisted of but thirty dollars. Two years later he removed to Piatt county where he engaged in farming, and his labors in that field were so successful that he partially retrieved his lost fortune. He passed away in that county from the effects of a paralytic stroke, his death occurring August 4, 1885, at the age of eight-seven years. He had survived his wife for a number of years, her demise occuring on the nth of August, 1859, when she had reached her fiftysixth year. In their family were two sons and two daughters, but our subject is the only one now living. His brother, Hugh Milton, was a soldier of the Civil war. He enlisted as a member of the Seventy-second Board of Trade Regiment from Chicago, and met death through exposure after four months' service.

William D. Moma acquired his education in the district schools of Ohio and Illinois, which he attended during the winter months, the summer seasons being devoted to the cultivation of the home farm. He early became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad, and thus it was that, when called upon to lay aside his text-books at the age of fourteen years and take charge of his father's farm of eighty acres in Piatt county, he was thoroughly equipped by preliminary training to undertake the responsibilities thus devolving upon him, and for a number of years he operated the old homested in a most satisfactory and profitable manner, making it his place of residence until 1891. In that year he came to Macon county, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mount Zion township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he at once turned his attention. Later he added another tract of one hundred and sixty-nine acres, making a total of three hundred and twenty-nine acres of fine land, two hundred and forty acres of which are located on section 18, Mount Zion township. This in time became one of the valuable properties of the township, for, recognizing the value of progress as an essential factor in a successful farming enterprise, Mr. Moma instituted many improvements upon his place, where were found all of the modern conveniences and accessories to facilitate farm labor. His fields were brought under an excellent state of cultivation and in connection with general farming he engaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of raising and fattening hogs for the market. He became thoroughly acquainted with every phase of agriculture and thus his efforts counted as resultant forces in the conduct of business enterprises, the success of which proved at once gratifying and substantial. In the fall of 1910, feeling that his competency would permit such a step, he retired from active life to take up his abode at Decatur, where he is the owner of some valuable property.

It was on the 26th of March, 1867, that Mr. Moma was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Peoples, who was born in Ohio and at the time of her marriage was residing near Columbus with her parents, who were also natives of that state. Of the seven children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Moma the eldest, Charles F., died in childhood, while two others, a son and daughter, passed away in infancy. The surviving members of the family are : John A., successfully carrying on farming; Fanny ; Stella, of Emporia, Kansas ; and BurtH., engaged in the cultivation of rice in Arkansas. In 1886, Mrs. Moma passed away and in the following year Mr. Moma was again married, his second union being with Miss Sarah Coakley, of Piatt county, Illinois. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Coakley, were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively, who cast their lot

The religious belief of Mr. Moma is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he is connected with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M. In politics his views accord with the principles of the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have never held attraction for him, as he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his private business interests. He is interested, however, as all true American citizens should be, in those projects which have a bearing upon the progress and improvement of the community, and he has ever been interested in the growth and development of his adopted country. His has been an active and useful life, in which he has been accorded due recognition of earnest effort and honest endeavor, and the rest which he now enjoys is well earned and truly merited.

J. Walter Hodge

J. Walter Hodge, a well known and prosperous agriculturist residing on section 4, Mount Zion township, was born in that township on the 10th of April, 1866, his parents being Henry D. M. and Elizabeth (Adams) Hodge. The paternal grandparents, Henry J. and Penelope (Traughber) Hodge, were natives of North Carolina and Tennessee respectively. They removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1830 and the following year he took up their abode among the pioneer settlers of Macon county, locating on an unimproved tract of two hundred and sixty acres, part of which was timber and part prairie land. The grandfather passed away in 1838, when a young man of twenty-five years, being long survived by his wife, who was called to her final rest in 1884 at the age of sixty-six years.

Henry D. M. Hodge, the father of our subject, was the only child born unto his parents, his birth occurring in Mount Zion township, this county, on the 12th of November, 1837. On the 3d of November, 1859, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Adams, who was born in Cass county, Missouri, in 1841, her parents being Henry and Sarah Adams, natives of Kentucky. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war Henry D. M. Hodge was compelled to return to Decatur, as his sympathies were with the Union and if he had remained in the south he would have been obliged to join the Confederate army. He considered himself fortunate in that he was able to escape with a mule team and a couple of pennies. After returning to the old home farm in Macon county he once more became identified with general agricultural pursuits here and tilled the soil sucessfully until 1887, since which time he has lived in honorable retirement at Decatur. He is widely and favorably known throughout the community, enjoying the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. His wife passed away in January, 1899. Two sons and one daughter yet survive.

J. Walter Hodge attended the public schools during the period of his boyhood and youth and also pursued a course of study in Brown's Commercial College. After putting aside his text-books he returned to his father's farm and has resided thereon continuously since. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of finely improved land and also manages his father's place of two hundred and sixty acres. His labors as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of the community. During the past season his wheat yielded thirty-three bushels an acre and he sold it for one dollar per bushel.

On the 22d of March, 1889, Mr. Hodge was united in marriage to Miss Hattie Meisenhelter, of Decatur, her parents being Aaron and Angeline (Motter) Meisenhelter, natives of York county, Pennsylvania. They took up their abode among the early settlers of this county, the father becoming well known in Decatur and acting as a police officer. He passed away in 1877, while his wife was called to her final rest ten years later. They were the parents of three daughters and two sons. Our subject and his wife have the following children. Irene Gertrude, Lucile, Orlan Ray, Beulah, George Walter and Charles Willis. Their first born, a son, died in infancy.

Mr. Hodge is a republican in politics and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He served as commissioner of highways for one term, acted as justice of the peace for a similar period and has been school director for fifteen years. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. Having resided in Macon county from his birth to the present time, he has a wide acquaintance here and the many sterling traits of character which he has displayed have gained for him an enviable place in public regard. The Hodge family has been continuously identified with the agricultural interests of this county for eight decades, and he whose name introduces this review is now carrying on the work begun by his grandfather and continued by his father.

Josephus Vest

An honorable retirement in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil is the fitting crown of long years of earnest, indefatigable labor. Such has been vouchsafed to Mr. Vest, who for a considerable period was numbered among the leading contractors of Decatur but has now put aside business cares to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born March 23, 1843, in Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Palmer) Vest. They were natives of Virginia but in early life removed to Ohio, where the father conducted business as a contractor and farmer. He was of Scotch and French ancestry and was born in 181 1, his life record covering the intervening years to 1884. His wife, who was born in 1810, passed away in 1877. The family came to Decatur in 1851 and the father here engaged in hauling merchandise by wagon from Springfield to Decatur. He also constructed a mile and a half of Illinois Central Railroad near the old depot and always worked with determination to support his family.

Josephus Vest is entirely a self-educated as well as a self-made man, for he had the opportunity of attending school but three weeks. However, in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons and day by day has picked up knowledge which has made him not only a practical business man but one of wide and liberal views upon important questions of the day. In the spring of 1853 the family drove overland from Decatur to Texas, with the intention of making that state their home, but found it a most uncivilized country in which the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun, and after a short stay they returned to Decatur. The trip was a perilous and dangerous one. They were often compelled to stop and make a road before they could drive on and had to make roads so they could cross streams and creeks. In the Indian territory Mr. Vest noticed that the Indian chief owned black slaves and some of the negroes were engaged to ferry the party across the river. In Texas the ranchers largely lived in houses made of four posts, which were driven into the ground and covered with a straw roof. The Vest family had the misfortune to lose their horses, which died, so that they were obliged to return with oxen. In 1857 they drove across the country with ox-teams to Pike's Peak, Colorado, purchasing supplies and outfitting at Kansas city and proceeding thence to their destination. On their arrival at Kansas City they found five hundred drivers in camp, moving for Mexico. The Vest party took six months' supplies, as the father intended to mine gold. When they drove south through the Indian territory they disposed of their merchandise and thence returned to Decatur. Subsequently the family removed to Independence, Kansas, with the intention of staying there but only remained for four months and again returned to Decatur, at which time Mr. Vest established a contracting and building business. In this he was successful, being closely identfied with building operations until about three years ago, when he retired. His close application and indefatigable energy constituted the salient features in his gratifying success. As the years passed on he made for himself a place among the leading contractors of the city and at length accumulated the handsome competence that now enables him to live retired.

In the spring of 1862 Mr. Vest enlisted in the Illinois guard for three months to guard Confederate prisoners. After a month's service Captain King, of Company A, son-in-law of Governor Yates, reorganized the two companies on guard duty into one. At the close of his first term Mr. Vest reenlisted in the Sixtyeighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served during the Potomac river campaign. He was then mustered out at Springfield and returned to Decatur to again engage in business.

On the 4th of September, 1864, occurred the marriage of Mr. Vest and Miss Hannah Gethard, of Decatur, a daughter of Richard and Phoebe (Corson) Gethard, who were natives of Cincinnati, Ohio, and became early settlers of Sangamon county, Illinois, where they followed farming. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Vest: Arthur O., who died in infancy; William, who was born April n, 1868; Charles, who was born October 8, 1870; Frank, who was born in August 8, 1873; Ella, the wife of W. Shelley, of Springfield, Illinois; and Gertrude, the wife of O. M. Rose, a resident of Decatur.

In his political views Mr. Vest has long been a stalwart advocate of republican principles and his religious faith is that of the Universalist church. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. In all matters of citizenship he is as true and loyal to his country today as when he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south. Fidelity to duty has ever been one of his marked characteristics and has given him place among the substantial and worthy citizens of Decatur.

Allen W. Brodess

Allen W. Brodess is now living retired, for he has more than passed the Psalmist's span of life of three score years and ten. He was formerly associated with the grocery business but in 1908 put aside active commercial cares to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, December 27, 1835, a son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Bishop) Brodess, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The father, who was born October 17, 1810, died in 1885 and the mother, whose birth occurred in 1813, passed away in 1880. The grandparents of Mr. Brodess were natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Ohio.

Allen W. Brodess pursued his education in the public schools and afterward entered business life in connection with merchandising. He became traveling salesman for a wholesale and retail dry goods and grocery house and on removing to Illinois established his home in Christian county, where he remained until the 15th of April, 1875, when he removed to Decatur. Here he has since made his home, covering a period of more than thirty-five years. He established a retail grocery business in this city and successfully conducted it for about a third of a century, when he sold out and retired. He had long since won recognition as a well known and prominent citizen here. In the conduct of his store he proved energetic and discriminating, his sound judgment and close application to business constituting the basis of his success.

On the 6th of May, 1856, Mr. Brodess was married to Miss Elizabeth H. McKenzie, a native of Ross county, Ohio, where their marriage was celebrated. Her parents were Daniel and Anna (Sadler) McKenzie. Her father followed both merchandising and farming until his life's labors were terminated by death in 1850. His wife survived him for only a brief period, passing away in 1851. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Brodess are: Althea M., the wife of George Christopher, owner of a rice plantation at Jennings, Louisiana; and Clinton M., who was born November 25, 1861, and is a successful and progressive merchant of of Decatur. Mrs. Brodess is very proud of her grandson, the Rev. Arthur A. Heinlein, the son of her daughter by her first marriage. Mrs. Brodess reared this grandson until he studied for the ministry. He is now an ordained preacher of the Methodist church and is doing excellent work in his chosen field. He was born September 21, 1881, and is a graduate of the Wesleyan college at Bloomington, Illinois, and of the Garrett Theological College at Evanston. He was married in May, 1910, to Miss Jess Lee Fisher, of Atwood, Illinois, a young lady of ability who will undoubtedly prove of much assistance to him in his work.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Brodess' sympathies were all with the Union cause and in 1864 he enlisted in the Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Later he was transferred to the Forty-fourth Illinois Regiment, with which he was mustered out at Springfield in 1865. While a resident of Christian county he held the office of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, winning him golden opinions from all sorts of people. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. His life has been actuated by high and honorable principles, in keeping with his professions as a member of the Methodist church, to which he has belonged since 1855.

There has never been a death in the Brodess family. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brodess are members of the Old Settlers' Association and are among the most higly esteemed people of the county. In their old Ohio home they attended the same school and were friends from childhood. Mrs. Brodess met with a severe accident about two years ago, being injured by a street car which started up suddenly. Her left limb was fractured and she is now compelled to walk with crutches. She is, however, of a happy disposition and bears this misfortune without complaining. Mr. Brodess drove from Ohio to Illinois in a covered wagon. It required sixteen days to make the trip in that manner and there were no railroads at the time. From pioneer days he has been identified with the development and progress of this part of the state and has borne his share in the work of development and upbuilding.

William F. Timmons

William F. Timmons, one of the prosperous young farmers of Macon county, living on section 26, South Macon township, has been engaged in farming in this county for four years and in that time has demonstrated his ability to maintain a high standing as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. He is a native of the Buckeye state and was born in Pickaway county, March 21, 1880. He is a son of William Scott and Kathryn Timmons, both of whom were born in Ohio. The family came to Illinois in February, 1886, and settled in Douglas county, but later moved to Piatt county, where the father and mother are now living upon a farm.

The subject of this review is the second of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Timmons. He was educated in the common schools and continued upon his father's farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He then began to learn telegraphy, starting in November, 1902, and in one year from that time he was employed in the telegraph department of the Big Four Railroad, later going to the Chicago & Eastern Illinois road, where he remained a short time, then returning to the Peoria division of the Big Four Railroad and finally becoming identfied with the Illinois Central, where he continued until 1906. He was faithful and efficient in his work and prompt in the discharge of his duties, receiving the commendation of officers higher in rank in the the telegraph department.

On January 26, 1905, Mr. Timmons took unto himself a life companion, the lady of his choice being Miss Leta Giles, a daughter of Sard and Margaret (Davis) Giles, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Timmons was born in this state, Feburary 11, 1887. In 1906, Mr. Timmons began farming one and one-half miles south of Decatur, but in the spring of 1907 moved to the home which he now occupies and which is owned by his father-in-law, and here he is well established in his vocation as a farmer. Mr. Timmons is socially identified with Deland Lodge, No. 740, I. O. O. F. ; Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., both of Decatur; and is also a member of the Order of Railway Telegraphers. Since arriving at maturity he has been an adherent of the republican party, believing that the best interests of the entire country are subserved by the party of protection. As a patriotic citizen Mr. Timmons assists all enterprises that give evidence of advancing the public good and thus adding to the general prosperity. His home is always open to friends and here they may expect a cordial greeting, as it is doubtful whether a more hospitable home is to be found in Macon county than that which is presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Timmons.

J. Edward Bering

The horoscope of time has told off eighty-one years since J. Edward Bering started upon life's journey. It is a period in which remarkable changes have occurred - in which labor, invention and science have wrought marvelous results, completely revolutionizing the methods of living and trade. Mr. Bering has been active in the work of general development, his labors counting for much where progress has conserved the best interests of various communities. He has been a pioneer in the development of the oil fields of Pennsylvania and the coal fields of Illinois, and later became closely associated with the manufacturing interests of Decatur.

He was born in Doylestown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1829, while his parents, James and Unity C. (White) Bering, were natives of South Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively. On the 29th of May, 1823, the father sailed from Charleston to Philadelphia, reaching the latter city on the 5th of June. On the 30th of April, 1824, he became a first lieutenant in a regiment of Pennsylvania militia. On the 26th of January, 1826, in Philadelphia, he was united in marriage to Miss Unity C. White and they began their domestic life in Bucks county. They removed from Doylestown to Philadelphia, when their son Edward was but three or four years of age, making their home on Eighth street, between Market and Chestnut streets, and afterward on Ninth, east of Market. The father there engaged in the hosiery business for many years, when the substantial success which he had achieved permitted him to retire and spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of the rest which he had truly earned and richly merited. He died at Haddington, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1864, and his grave was made in the Radnor churchyard. Their children were : Alary Levina, the deceased wife of Lowber Burrows; James Edward; and Ida, who died at the age of fourteen months, September u, 1898.

James Edward Bering acquired his early education under the instruction of a private teacher in Philadelphia and afterward attended a grammar school and later the high school, from which he was graduated on the completion of the regular course. On the 6th of March, 1848, he left Philadelphia for the town of Summit, in the Allegheny mountains to join an engineering corps under George W. Leufrer, and located the famous Horseshoe Bend on the Pennsylvania Railroad, superintending the construction of the road around this notable curve, which has been regarded as one of the most remarkable pieces of railroad engineering accomplished in the east. He has been connected with civil engineering on a great number of railroads, including the Pennsylvania, Sunbury & Erie, Bald Eagle Valley, Allegheny Valley, Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur and many others, but retiring from that field of labor, turned his attention to manufacturing interests. On the 1st of December, 1876, a company was formed under the firm name of Chambers, Bering & Quinlan, which firm still continues business. They were the first manufacturers of check rowers in the United States, but they did not confine their operations to that one line, extending the scope of their business to include hay loaders, rakes, etc. This is today one of the leading productive industries of Decatur, their constantly developing business having reached extensive proportions.

Various enterprises and activities have from time to time claimed the attention of Mr. Bering, and his work on the whole has been of large benefit to the city as well as a source of revenue to himself. On the 2d of January, 1861, he began boring for oil and organized the Mullengar Oil & Lumber Company, at Mullengar, Pennsylvania. When doing survey work for the Sunbury & Erie Railroad he noticed the pits on Mullengar creek where the Indians gathered oil and leased the property two or three days after Drake struck gas, and had the fire that disposed of his derrick. That was the beginning of the big oil excitement, and Mr. Bering was the organizer of the first company formed for developing the oil industry. Leaving the Sunbury Railroad, he took up his abode in the shanty on the property, and was a prominent factor in the oil region of Pennsylvania, while the field was being largely worked. In 1863 he was drafted for service in the army at Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and paid the three hundred dollars exemption fee, for he felt that his business interests demanded his personal attention. In 1876 he began boring for coal in Decatur, being fully convinced that the fuel was to be found underlying his line, and on the 1 2th of January, struck a three and a half foot vein at a depth of six hundred and ten feet, which was the first discovery of coal in this section. As the pioneer in this undertaking, his labors have not only greatly benefited himself, but have been of far-reaching benefit to others, owing to the further development of the coal lands in this vicinity.

On the 1st of October, 1856, Mr. Bering was united in marriage in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Morrison, and they have three children: Ida Isabelle, who has now passed away; Wilson Morrison, general manager of the manufacturing business in which his father is financially in- terested ; and Alice Clementina, who was born January 6, 1872, and is the wife of F. L. Evans, of the Evans Elevator Company. Mr. Bering possesses several volumes of family genealogy containing photographs of all the different members of the family, which he has taken and reproduced himself, and the volumes are in his own handwriting. He has made a great study of photography, also mineralogy and chemistry, and his library contains evidence of his research along those lines.

All through his life he has combined scientific knowledge with practical experience, and the results have been most satisfactory, bringing him to a position in the business world where success has been achieved. His work has ever counted as a tangible result, and he is now numbered among Decatur's prosperous residents, enjoying in the evening of life the fruits of his former toil. His extensive business connections have made him widely known, and honor and respect are accorded him wherever he is known.

John I. Pasold

When one visits a city or daily passes to and fro among its business houses and residents, there is little thought given to the immense amount of work done in its actual building or of the knowledge and skill that are required in the construction of its substantial structures. Pausing for a moment, however, one must realize that the successful contractor must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the scientific principles of building as well as broad practical experience in the actual work of construction of his work be pleasing and the results substantial and artistic. John I. Pasold as a stone contractor is numbered among those prominently connected with building operations in Decatur and monuments to his power and his enterprise are found in many of the leading structures of the city.

Mr. Pasold was born in Austria, July 28, 1853, and is a son of Christian and Margaret (Krumholz) Pasold, both of whom were natives of the same country. The father was a shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit with success throughout his entire life. He died in 1868 at the age of forty-nine years, and his wife passed away in 1903, at the age of eighty-five years. In i860 they had crossed the Atlantic, becoming residents of Joliet, Illinois, where their remaining days were spent.

John I. Pasold was at that time a little lad of seven years. He attended the public schools of that city and was also educated under private German tuition. When fourteen years of age he began learning the trade of marble and stonecutting, serving a three years' apprenticeship and afterward working as a journeyman for the firm of Zirkel & Brown, of Joliet, one of the leading and well established firms of that city. In 1878, however, he began business on his own account in Decatur, where he has since operated, and that he has been successful is indicated by the fact that his name is associated with many of the leading structures of the city as the building contractor. Among these are the Millikin University, Powers Grand Opera House, Orlando Powers building,

Roberts & Green block, Ullrich Bank building, Transfer station, Loeb Time block, Columbia block, Ullrich block, Mueller Manufacturing Company's buildings, the Anna B. Millikin Home, Cumberland Presbyterian church, English Lutheran church. New Decatur Hotel, W. H. Starr block, Illinois State Bank of Assumption, Illinois ; the public school of Clinton, Illinois, and the Philo bank of Philo, Illinois. This list alone indicates the nature of his work and the extent of his reputation for he has been called to various points outside of Decatur where he has done excellent work as a stone contractor.

On the 27th of December, 1883, Mr. Pasold was married to Miss Augusta Long, of Decatur, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (May) Long, who were early settlers and well known citizens here. Mrs. Pasold has a brother George and two sisters living in Danville, Illinois. The father died in 1868 and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1902. The children of Mr. and Mrs, Pasold are : Lillian ; Notie, a high school and normal school graduate ; Clara M., a student of the Millikin University; John M., who was born in 1896; and Ruth, who completes the family. They also lost one son, who died at the age of two months. Musical talent is very pronounced among the members of the family.

Mr. Pasold is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M., Decatur Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; and Decatur Commandery No. 9, K. T. He is also associated with the Loyal Americans. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his religous faith is manifest in his membership in the Presbyterian church. He has not only made himself a prominent place in business circles but is also the architect and builder of his own fortunes, in which connection he has done excellent work, his record proving, too, that success and honored name may be won simultaneously.

Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert with the many tools and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry and must possess business qualifications adequate to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In all of these particulars Dr. Childs is well qualified and therefore has attained prestige among the able representatives of dentistry in Decatur.

A native son of Macon county, he was born in Mini township in 1865, one of the eight children of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Childs. The father died in 1905 and the mother in 1909. He had been a lifelong farmer and owned a section of land in Mini township. His success enabled him to provide well for his children and his widow and at her death the part of the estate which she had inherited was divided among their sons and daughters. As his share Dr. Childs received eighty acres of choice land near Warrensburg. He was reared to farm life with the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm boy who does the chores and aids in the work of early planting and plowing and in gathering harvests in the autumn. Good educational privileges, however, were accorded him. After attending the district schools he spent one year in the Wesleyan University, at Bloomington and was graduated from the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. Subsequently he matriculated in the University of Michigan for professional training and was graduated from the dental department with the class of 1892, at which time he won his degree. Following his graduation he returned to Macon county and opened a dental parlor in Decatur, where in the intervening period of nineteen years he has built up an extensive practice. He has always kept in touch with the progress of the profession in the methods of practice and in the inventions which facilitate the work of the operating room. He belongs to the Macon County Dental Society and his close conformity to the strict ethics of the profession has won him the high regard of his fellow practitioners.

Dr. Childs was married in 1894 to Miss Carletta Hane and they have become parents of a daughter and three sons: Agnes, John, Russell and Robert. Dr. and Mrs. Childs have a wide acquaintance in Decatur and are favorably received into the best social circles of the city. He is also prominent in musical circles, having for a number of years been a member of the Goodman Band and historian of that organization. He has been the cornet soloist and is still identified with the band, his musical talents contributing in no small measure to the high reputation of the organization.

The experience of many years goes to prove that a young man who has been reared to work and is governed by the right principles has little excuse to offer in this country if he does not attain a fair degree of success in what he undertakes. Lack of ambition holds many a competent young man back, but not so with W. M. Shettel, who has from his earliest recollection been blessed with the laudable desire to accomplish something worthy of the name. The son of a blacksmith, he has from boyhood been closely identified with that trade and is now proprietor of a blacksmith establishment at Harristown. He is also a dealer in agricultural implements, proprietor of a feed stable and is in charge of a flourishing automobile agency.

He was born near York, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1879, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Jacoba) Shettel, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, and a grandson of Daniel and Elizabeth Shettel, also natives of Pennsylvania. The grandfather was a farmer but his son became a blacksmith and when the subject of this review became old enough he was put to work in the shop. He acquired a common-school education and at sixteen years of age, feeling that opportunities lay westward, he came to Macon county and for the first two years after his arrival worked upon a farm. At the end of this time he entered the blacksmith shop of a brother who was living at Warrensburg, this county, and there he continued for seven years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the blacksmith's trade. He next worked for two years in a shop at Greenview, Menard county. Having saved his money, he came to Harristown in 1904 and purchased a shop, starting in business for himself. After he had fairly launched upon his independent venture, he entered the implement business and still later he opened a feed stable. In July, 1910, he accepted the agency of the Interstate Automobile Company and up to date has disposed of a number of automobiles. He also does repair work on automobiles and in his various lines of business has shown an energy and capacity that give promise of continued advancement.

On September 2, 1903, at Warrensburg, Mr. Shettel was united in marriage to Miss Ada Taggart, a daughter of Captain Taggart. She is a well educated woman and by her sympathy and cooperation has greatly assisted her husband in his work. Having no children of their own, they have adopted a son, Earl Edwin, whom they propose to educate in such a way that he will make a useful and honorable citizen.

Mr. Shettel is a man of public spirit and in 1905, being a strong advocate of water works for Harristown, he prevailed upon Mr. Scroggin to supply the money so that the town now has a modern system of waterworks operated by compressed air by a gasoline engine. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife of the Royal Neighbors, and they are also connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Shettel is a loyal and faithful citizen, having the best interests of the community at heart, and is politically identified with the republican party, of which he as been an earnest supporter ever since he arrived at man's estate.

Nicholas Drake

Although more than a quarter of a century has come and gone since Nicholas Drake was called from this life he is yet well remembered by many who knew him as one of the prosperous and representative farmers of this section of the state. He became a resident of Macon county in 1861, at which time he purchased a tract of eighty acres of wild prairie land lying in Friends Creek township. He at once began the arduous task of breaking the sod, and when the fields were prepared for cultivation he planted the seed, later cultivated the crops, and in due time gathered abundant harvests. He also fenced his fields and otherwise improved his place, erecting thereon substantial buildings. He also extended the boundaries of his farm by the additional purchase of forty acres, and in course of time developed a good property. The soil is naturally rich and productive, and as the result of his cultivation he was able to derive a substantial annual income from his crops.

On the 28th of February, 1865, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Margaret J. Briggs, a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John and Mary Briggs, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. On, removing westward the Briggs family settled in Ohio, and there the father died. The mother with her children afterward journeyed westward with teams across the country to Illinois in 1863, and settled in Macon county on Friends

Creek, where she spent her last years. Mrs. Drake was reared and educated in Ohio and accompanied her mother to Illinois, where two years later she gave her hand in marriage to Nicholas Drake, being at that time eighteen years of age. They established their home upon a farm in Friends Creek township, and Mr. Drake being an industrious and enterprising agriculturist, ever kept his place in good shape. As the years passed he became known as a successful farmer, stock-raiser and feeder, and his business interests brought him into close connection with the people of Decatur. He was recognized as a man of good business ability, of strict integrity, and sterling personal worth. He reared his family and spent his last years upon the farm, and his death was the occasion of deep regret to all who knew him.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Drake was born a daughter, Alice, now the wife of Alfred Marsh, a resident of Maroa, by whom she has one son, Roy Marsh. The two sons of the family have passed away. St. Clair Drake was married and followed farming in Macon county until his death. He left a wife and two daughters: Nora, now the wife of Newton Burkam, who occupies Mrs. Drake's farm; and Mary, at home. The other son was John W., who married Alice Naridith. He was engaged in railroading for eighteen years and was killed by a train in Chicago.

After her husband's death Mrs. Drake took charge of the farm and carefully managed her business affairs for a number of years, displaying in this good ability, keen insight and capable management. At length she left the farm however, and removed to Argenta, where she purchased a neat and pleasant home, which she has occupied for a number of years. Her wise control of her business interests has brought to her a good income, supplying her with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

Hon. Thomas N. Leavitt

Real worth and ability will always come to the front: it is an inevitable conclusion, as it were, a "survival of the fittest." While Hon. Thomas N. Leavitt, had no particular advantages at the outset of his career, his course has been marked by a steady progress and has wrought along the lines of general good, while at the same time he has made continuous advancement in those fields of business wherein his talent and qualities have found adequate expression. A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Leavitt was born in Rockingham county, October 6, 1838, a son of Anthony B. and Fannie F. (Lamprey) Leavitt, who were also natives of the Old Granite state. They left New England, however, in 1843, and made their way westward to Peoria county, Illinois, where they resided until 1848, when they became residents of Marshall county, this state. The following year the father crossed the plains to California and his death occurred in that state in 1850, when he was thirty-five years of age. His birth had occurred in 181 5 and he was married in 1837. He was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide for his family until the hope of more rapidly winning a competence in the mines of the west led him to the

Pacific coast. His widow, who was born in 1815, died in 1896. In their family were four children ; Thomas N., of this review ; Mrs. Hannah Finney, who died in Henry, Illinois, in 1908; John F., who has been engaged in the ice business in Henry for a number of years; and Mrs. Fannie E. Kingsley, a widow of York, Nebraska.

Thomas N. Leavitt accompanied his parents on their various removals in his youthful days. He continued a resident of Marshall county, Illinois, until 1861, when he removed to Maroa, where he has since made his home. His education was acquired in the public schools of Henry and in the Northern Illinois Institute at that place, attending the latter school for two years. After putting aside his text-books he carried on farming for four years, but the outbreak of the Civil war made the interests of his country a paramount factor in his life and in July, 1862 he enlisted for active service at the front, becoming a member of Company C of the Sixty-sixth Illinois Regiment, known as Burgess or Western Sharpshooters. After serving with that command for three years he was honorably discharged in November, 1864, as a noncommissioned officer holding the rank of corporal. He participated in the Sherman campaign through Georgia, was in the battle of Corinth and took part in many engagements, including all of those in which his regiment participated and some in which the command did not take part, this being due to the fact that he was an orderly at headquarters.

When the war was over Mr. Leavitt entered the grocery business in Maroa and after successfully continuing in that trade for some time sold out and turned his attention to the lumber, coal and farm implement business. In all of his efforts in the field of merchandising he has displayed marked enterprise and indefatigable energy and success has followed as the legitimate reward of his labors. Moreover he has been a prominent factor in the early life of the community and no man is more widely known or more popular in Maroa and his part of the county. He served as postmaster for seventeen consecutive years, being first appointed during President Grant's first administration. He was recommended to the office by General Moore, who was then congressman from this district. He continued to engage in merchandising during the time when he was postmaster and in fact was numbered among the prominent representatives of commercial interests in Maroa until 1900, when he retired from business. He has, however, been a director of the State Bank of Clinton since its organization in 1892.

In political circles Mr. Leavitt is a prominent figure and since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has ever been a stalwart republican. His opinions carry weight in the councils of his party and his efforts have been effective in promoting republican success. He was elected to the thirty-eighth general assembly for a term of two years, has been a member of the state board of equalization for two terms of four years each, from 1896 until 1900 and again from 1904 until 1908, and was chairman of the board of supervisors for one term, before being sent as a representative to the legislature. He was also elected to the forty-seventh general assembly. He has likewise been a Selegate to state and congressional conventions and is widely recognized as one of the prominent republicans in this section of Illinois.

On the 31st of October, 1858, Mr. Leavitt was united in marriage to Miss Catharine A. Crowell, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1843, a daughter of Moses and Salina Crowell, who removed with their family to Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Leavitt now have one child, Clara F., who is the wife of J. F. Harris, of Maroa, and has two children, Newell L. and Alma F. Mr. Leavitt belongs to the Masonic fraternity in which he has taken the degrees of the blue lodge and chapter at Maroa and the Knights Templar commandery at Clinton, Illinois. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine of Peoria. His has been an active and well spent life in which success has followed legitimate labor, intelligently directed, while his worth and value as a citizen are attested by the many times he has been called to public office by the appointment or vote of his fellow townsmen. In matters of citizenship he has ever displayed a most progressive spirit and is as true and loyal to the old flag in days of peace as when he, followed the nation's starry banner on the battle fields of the south.

William F. Busher

Those who were residents of Decatur when William F. Busher arrived in this city over a half century ago can remember him as a humble shoemaker, working at the bench, mending shoes and doing other such tasks as fell to his lot. At the time of his death he was a capitalist, living retired from labor, for his life of industry and strict and unswerving integrity, combined with perseverance and unremitting diligence, brought to him a handsome competence. He was a native of the fatherland. Much of the civilization of the world has come from the Teutonic race. Continually moving westward, they have taken with them the enterprise and advancement of their eastern homes and have become valued and useful citizens of various localities. In this country especially have they demonstrated their power to adapt themselves to new circumstances, retaining at the same time their progressiveness and energy, and have become loyal and devoted citizens, true to the institutions of the "land of the free" and untiring in promotion of all that will prove of benefit to their adopted country. The German element in America forms an important part of American citizenship and while they cannot attain to the highest civil office in the gift of the people, they have given ample evidence of their power to sustain and uphold the government of the republic and to become the factors in various communities to whom the locality owes its progress and prosperity.

When William F. Busher was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in December, 183 1, his parents might have dreamed of a brilliant future for their little son, but it is safe to say that they never thought that he would one day become one of the foremost citizens of an enterprising metropolitan center of Illinois. He was, however, associated with Decatur for more than a half century and his name occupied a conspicuous place on the pages of its commercial history. His parents, Frederick and Dorothy (Reimer) Busher, were both natives of Germany and the father was a farmer by occupation, to which pursuit he

Mrs.W.F. Busher

In the usual manner of farm lands of that district and period William F. Busher was reared. He attended the common schools, acquiring a good knowledge of the German language and the branches therein taught and also a fair knowledge of the English tongue. Attracted by the business possibilities of the new world he came to the United States and in 1849 landed at Baltimore, Maryland, whence he proceeded by rail and canal to Pittsburg and thence by steamboat to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was then in his eighteenth year and for a time he attended school in Cincinnati. Prepared for a business career by learning the shoemaker's trade in Germany, during his first few months in that city he received one dollar per week and his board. For three years he remained in Cincinnati and then went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he followed his trade for twelve months. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at shoemaking until 1853, which year witnessed his arrival in Springfield, Illinois. In that city he attended the Lutheran College for a time and thus added to his knowledge and at the same time gained a greater proficiency in the use of the English tongue. The development of his character was based upon firm Christian faith and the principles with which he became imbued through attendance at Sunday school and church were potent factors in shaping his entire career.

In 1855 Mr. Busher came to Decatur and here he opened a shoe shop for the purpose of making and mending shoes, continuing to work on the bench until 1862. He then purchased a small stock of ready-made goods and finding that there was more profit to be made in the sale of such goods than in making them he entered into partnership with John Black and purchased quite a large stock. Opening their store, the firm soon secured a large and growing trade and the partnership existed continuously from 1871 until 1881, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Busher purchased his partner's interest and for some time was alone, but afterward became associated with Walter Hutchins under the firm style of W. F. Busher & Company. This relation was maintained for five years and then again Mr. Busher became sole proprietor. He was then carrying a large and carefully selected stock and had an extensive patronage, which made the business very remunerative. For almost forty years he was a representative of commercial interests in Decatur and in 1894, with a handsome competence as the reward of his labors, he retired from mercantile life. In 1862 he had erected a good business block at 152 East Main street. It is twenty-two by eighty feet and three stories in height, and this he owned at the time of his death. He also had other property interests in Decatur, including a number of dwelling houses, which he rented and from which he derived a good annual income.

Mr. Busher was twice married. On the 21st of February, 1856, he wedded Miss Louise Bekemyer of Springfield. She was born in Germany, spending the greater part of her girlhood in Prussia, but was living in the capital of Illinois at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Busher became the parents of four children: Walter, who died in his twenty-first year; Carrie, who is the wife of George P. Zeiss, of Houston, Texas; Sophia B., who is the wife of William P. Shade, a prominent business man and merchant of Decatur; and Josie, the wife of Charles Schuck, a lumber merchant of Springfield, Illinois. The wife and mother passed away in October, 1897, and in 1898 Mr. Busher was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary A. Jones, a most estimable lady whose value in social and benevolent circles is widely acknowledged. She is a member of the board of managers of the Anna B. Millikin Home, a charitable institution, and in her is vested the power of admission and dismission in connection with this home. She possesses not only rare executive ability and marked tact in dealing with the unfortunate ones of life, but also a most cordial and charming manner that has made her a favorite among her many friends. She presides with gracious hospitality over her own beautiful home and its good cheer has ever been greatly enjoyed by the many who have known both Mr. and Mrs. Busher in Decatur. William F. Curtis Busher, a son of Mrs. Busher by her first husband, was adopted by our subject and now retains his name.

While actively connected with business affairs Mr. Busher also found time to aid in the promotion of interests calculated to benefit his city and his cooperation with movements for the general good was far-reaching and beneficial. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to serve in the city council, of which he was a member in 1870- 1. He was never an active politician, however, and the honors of office had little attraction for him. Mr. Busher was among the first to erect a monument of marked beauty to the memory of his family in Greenwood cemetery. This is in the form of a mausoleum built of granite by most skilled workmen, and was constructed at a cost of several thousand dollars. About 1873 he erected a fine residence, built of brick and modern in all of its appointments. Mr. Busher was called to his final rest on the 5th of September, 1906. His life's span covered three-quarters of a century and although the snows of many winters rested upon his head in spirit and interests he seemed yet in his prime. He never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for in this land, where opportunity is open to all, he steadily advanced until he occupied a foremost position as one of the wealthy and honored men of his adopted city.