Decatur Township (part 31 of 46)

Andrew J. Hanks

Andrew J. Hanks is one of the oldest native sons of Macon county and its history is largely familiar to him. He relates many interesting incidents of the early days and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He was born May 17, 1835, on the site of what is now Boiling Springs in Hicktory Point township, four miles northwest of Decatur. He comes of a family who were relatives of Abraham Lincoln in the maternal line. John Hanks, his uncle, was an early associate of Lincoln and was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, on the 9th of February, 1802. He was a son of William Hanks, the grandfather of Andrew J. Hanks of this review. William Hanks was a Virginia by birth and at an early date removed to Kentucky, settling in Mercer county, on the Kentucky river. He married Elizabeth Hall and they lived for some time in Hardin and Breckinridge counties, of Ken- tucky, until they crossed the line into Grayson county. William Hanks first became acquainted with Abraham Lincoln in Hardin county. He was an own cousin of Nancy Hanks, Lincoln's mother. In 1822 John Hanks paid a visit to to the Lincolns in Spencer county, Indiana, whither they had moved, and made his home with them for two years. He split rails with the martyred president, who was seven years his junior, and they also worked together at grubbing lands and at other labor required in the development of a farm in a new country. Mr. Hanks purchased a tract of land adjoining the Lincoln farm, which he improved and then returned to Kentucky. He afterward made twelve trips down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, for the only means of disposing of his products was by freighting down the rivers on flat boats to the Crescent City. In 1826 he married Susan Wilson, a native of Grayson county, Kentucky, and in the fall of 1828 they became residents of Macon county, Illinois, settling in Harristown township, four miles northwest of Decatur. On their way to their new home they passed through Spencer county, Indiana, and visited for a time with the Lincoln family, Thomas Lincoln, the father of Abraham Lincoln, requested Mr. Hanks to write back, when he got to Illinois, and inform them concerning the country which he found and if it was better than in Indiana the Lincoln family would also come to Illinois. In accordance with this request Mr. Hanks wrote after becoming settled in Macon county, that he liked the country very much, considering it superior to that part of Indiana in which the Lincolns lived. In consequence Thomas Lincoln and his family came to Macon county in March, 1830. On coming to Macon county, Mr. Hanks had cut enough logs for a house on the Sangamon river but on account of not being able to get any prairie broken had settled in Hickory Point township. On the arrival of Thomas Lincoln, Mr. Hanks told him that he might have the logs to build a cabin if he liked the location. The offer was accepted and young Abe Lincoln hauled the logs with a yoke of oxen and used them in building a cabin near the Sangamon river in Harristown township. There the Lincoln family lived while residents of Macon county. In the summer of 1830 John Hanks went to the Lincoln home to help them fence a tract of land and he and Abraham Lincoln cut and split enough rails to enclose fifteen acres. It was from this lot that the rails were taken which were displayed at the Chicago convention in i860. In the spring of 1831 Mr. Hanks and Abraham Lincoln built a flat boat at Sangamontown, five miles from Springfield, going to that town in March, cutting the timber, building the boat and in May floating it down the Sangamon and on to the Mississippi river. At St. Louis John Hanks left the boat to return home and visit his family, while Lincoln and the others of the crew took the boat down the Mississippi to New Orleans.

In 1832 John Hanks served in the Black Hawk war as a member of a company commanded by Isaac C. Pugh, and thus aided in terminating the Indian outbreak in Illinois. He afterward returned to Macon county, where he engaged in farming until 1850, when he crossed the plains to California, spending three years in mining there about seventy miles from Sacramento. In 1853 he returned to Macon county and was here indentified with farming interests until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company A, Twentyfirst Illinois Regiment, which was then commanded by Colonel, afterward Gen- eral, U. S. Grant. Although fifty-nine years at the time of his enlistment, Mr. Hanks served for over two years as wagon master and when Grant had command of the regiment Mr. Hanks had charge of his staff team. He was on duty in Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi, and was honorably discharged at Winchester, Tennessee. When Lincoln was elected to the presidency, he invited Mr. Hanks to dine with him in Springfield and offered to do anything for him as an old comrade but Mr. Hanks declined to accept an office, preferring to be with his family at home. Prior to the war he was a democrat but always supported Lincoln when he was a candidate for any office and after the Rebellion he remained a stanch republican. His wife died in March, 1863. In the family were eight children: William; James Lewis; Jane, the wife of Alexander T. Medlin ; John Felix; Emily, the wife of Elijah Loomis; Grayson; Mary Ellen, the wife of John Manning; and Levi.

James Hanks, the father of Andrew J. Hanks, was born in Kentucky in 1790 and was the eldest child of William and Elizabeth (Hall) Hanks, pioneer residents of Macon county. He wedded Rebecca Atherton, and their children were: Isaac; Nancy, the wife of Abe Miller; Elizabeth Jane, the wife of J. Henkle; Mary, who died in childhood; John Lewis, who also died in childhood; Lucinda Jane, the wife of Jacob Harris; William Benjamin; Andrew J., of this review; Margaret ; Sarah, the wife of Wesley Calhoun ; Rebecca Ellen, the wife of J. W. Tyler; Susan Malinda, who died in childhood; and Martha Emeline, the wife of Benjamin Ryder. The father of these children was laid to rest on the bluff of the creek near his old home but later his remains were disinterred and placed in Greenwood cemetery. The venerable mother of the family, who was born in Kentucky, in 1802, died in Macon county. At one time James Hanks was offered a Mexican land warrant for eighty dollars, which would have secured land within six miles of Decatur. He was the sixth man to settle in Macon county. His first home was built of round logs and the little cabin was situated a quarter of a mile north of the Boiling Springs. It contained four rooms and it was there that Andrew J. Hanks first saw the light of day. There is a contrast presented between the buildings of the present time and that in which the log houses were constructed. First large logs were laid in position as sills and on these were placed strong sleepers which supported the rough hewn puncheon floors. The logs were then built up until the proper height for the eves was reacher then the ends of the building were placed and upon the whole were laid poles longer than the logs, projecting eighteen or more inches over the side, called butting pole sleepers. On the prejecting ends of these were placed the butting pole, which served to give the line to the first row of clapboards. As a matter of course these were split and, as the gables of the cabin were built up. were laid on so as to lap a third of their length. They were kept in place by the weight of a heavy pole which was laid across the roof parallel to the ridge pole. The house was then chinked and daubed with a coarse mortar and in one end of the house was a huge fireplace, over which the meals were cooked. It also furnished heat in the winter, for there were no stoves in the early days. The ceilings above were sometimes covered with the pelts of the raccoon, opossum or the wolf, which added much to the warmth of the building and sometimes the soft inner bark of the basswood had to be used for the same purpose. A log would be taken out of the side of the house and in the aperture were placed sheets of strong paper, well greased with coon grease or bear oil and in this way the room was lighted. A ladder made from sassafras poles with rungs placed in holes served as a means for entrance into the loft. There were no hinges on the doors and attached to the wooden latch was a string that hung on the outside in the daytime and was withdrawn through a hole at night so that the door could not be opened from without. Flint and tow were used to ignite the fires and furniture was all made on the place from a puncheon. The seats were made with three or four legs supporting a horizontal block of wood. Bedsteads were in keeping with the rest of the furniture and were so constructed that they could be drawn up and fastened to the wall in the day in order to make more room. All furniture was manufactured with an ax and auger and each man was his own carpenter. The common table knife was the pack knife or butcher knife, the prairie was broken with ox teams and the work of the farm was of a most arduous character. The father of Mr. Hanks has killed as high as four or five wild turkeys from his cabin door. Brooms were made from hickory brush, Mrs. Hanks manufacturing many of them. Andrew J. Hanks and his father also manufactured baskets for the market in Springfield, to which place he has hauled many a load and the father has also hauled butter to Springfield, carrying as high as two thousand pounds on a load, where he sold it for six or seven cents per pound. This venerable pioneer and cousin of Abraham Lincoln crossed into Illinois with a two wheeled cart and camping outfit. In later years Andrew J. Hanks returned to Kentucky with a two horse wagon, which trip was an eventful one. While crossing the White river at Vincennes, Indiana, the wagon being loaded on an old scow, Mr. Hanks in some way fell overboard into the water. The stories which he tells of the early days are most interesting and give a very clear and correct picture of conditions that existed at that time. He well remembers holding a grease light while the father made the shoes for the family and also made the lasts upon which they were shaped. Wild animals of many kinds were to be seen around the cabin and he has seen as many as eighteen deer in a drove upon the place. While being sent out to pen up the sheep, Mr. Hanks has often met wolves, from which the farm animals had to be protected. His mother bore her full part in the work of those pioneer days. She would spin and weave the cloth used in making all the clothing for the family and from flax manufactured the thread which she used. She was greatly beloved throughout the neighborhood because of her kindliness, her hospitality and her helpful spirit. She was often seen on horseback riding to church, sometimes coming to Decatur to attend the meetings of the Christian church, to which she belonged. She possessed all the virtues of a good housewife of the early day. Her corn dodgers were considered a luxury and her well cooked meals prepared in skillets in the fireplace were greatly relished not only by the family but by the many guests who partook of the hospitality of that pioneer home.

Andrew J. Hanks is now the oldest member of the Hanks Association, which held their reunion at Fairview Park in Decatur on the 26th of August, 1910. He is a typical pioneer citizen, a man of retentive memory, who was reared and educated amid the pioneer surroundings in the days when the subscription school existed. The schoolhouse was very primitive, with its puncheon floors and slab seats. His life history if written in detail would constitute a most interesting volume as a picture of pioneer days. He well remembers when what is now Central Park, Decatur, was an unimproved forest. He has taken a sack of melons on horseback to Decatur at a time when the village could hardly have consumed so many. In those days a yoke of steers furnished the power for the carding mill that was being operated in the village and a charge at so much a pound was made for carding the wool. Mr. Hanks hauled the first load of brick to erect the piers of the Illinois Central Railroad and also helped to build the Wabash Railroad. In fact he was employed in some way or another in building most of the roads of Decatur. In 1857 he learned the plasterer's trade under Nesbitt & Mayers and has worked on many of Decatur's buildings, its high school and other educational institutions. Since 1890 he has been living retired at his present place of residence, at No. 2107 North Union street. He first had two acres of land here but has since sold one acre. His home was the third house erected north of the railroad and he owns two houses at Nos. 241 and 247 West Wood street, which he rents. He also has eighty acres of land on section 10, Hickory Point township.

On the 2d of October, 1872, Mr. Hanks was married to Miss Martha Emeline Hunter, and unto them were born four children : Ada, who died at the age of six years; one who died in infancy; Roy, who died in childhood; and Harry H., who in 1908 was married to Miss Edna Brown, a native of Canada.

In politics Mr. Hanks is a republican and has always supported the party. He and his wife are members of the Central Church of Christ of Decatur. He now lives in honorable retirement at the age of seventy-five years. His life history is not only of interest because of its close connection with pioneer events in Macon, county but also on account of the relation with the Lincoln family and their active association with the martyred president during the days of his early manhood and his pioneer struggles in Illinois.

Joseph Gregory

Joseph Gregory, of Pleasant View township, Macon county, is recognized by his neighbors and friends as one of the stanch men of central Illinois, who make no promises they do not fulfill and whose word may always be depended upon. Industrious, enterprising and energetic in a high degree, his success is the result of his own well directed efforts. He is public-spirited in all his dealings and while he enjoys a goodly measure of prosperity, he is also happy in the knowledge that others are also prosperous. Mr. Gregory is a native son of Illinois and was born on the farm where he now lives May 9, 1874. He is a son of Isaac and Delia (Moore) Gregory, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, November 6, 1834, and the latter in New Jersey in 1835. The father came to Illinois with his parents at six years of age. in 1840, the family settling in Sangamon county for twenty years and then locating permanently in Macon county. Here Isaac Gregory became a successful farmer and he and his estimable wife are now enjoying the results of many years of well applied in- dustry. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gregory, the subject of this review being the only one now living. He was two half-brothers, Isaac and Thomas Gregory, the former of whom makes his home in Sangamon county, Illinois, and the latter in Texas.

George Gregory, the grandfather, a native of England, was one of the early pioneers of Sangamon county and one of its most respected citizens. In his early manhood he was an engineer in Philadelphia, being the first engineer who ever ran over the Mardosia now the Wabash Railroad. He attained a wide reputation in those times for his skill at the throttle, so that for four years during one period he worked seven days each week, never missing a Sunday. Later there was a general demand for his services in setting up sugar cane engines in different parts of the country. In 1854 he purchased one thousand acres of land in Macon county at seven dollars an acre. This transaction was regarded as a wonderful event by the early settlers, but the same land is now worth more than two hundred thousand dollars. He became a large landholder in Menard and Sangamon counties and also an extensive cattle dealer and feeder of live-stock. The scale on which he conducted his affairs may be understood when it is stated that at one time he drove five hundred and twenty hogs to the market at St. Louis, delivering them in a single consignment. The wife's name was Sarah Knowles. She came from England at his solicitation in order that they might be married. George Gregory departed this life in 1887 and his remains were deposited in a cemetery at Springfield. The beloved wife was called away in 1893.

Joseph Gregory was educated in the public schools of Decatur and Macon and remained upon the home farm with his parents until thirty years of age when he took unto himself a life companion. As a young man he began farming on his own account and as the years advanced and opportunity offered, he increased his landed property until at the present time he is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in section 11, Pleasant View township. He lives in a comfortable home which was built by his father but has since been remodeled ' and thoroughly modernized. Upon the farm he has made many improvements among which is a barn forty-two by sixty feet in foundation area - one of the largest barns in the county. He is a general farmer and raises a great deal of live-stock which he sends to the market in such good condition that it usually commands the highest prices.

On the 30th day of August, 1904, Mr. Gregory was united in marriage to Mrs. Bertha (Browning) Roach, who was born in Piatt county, Illinois, June 12, 1876, a daughter of John and Catherine (Rand) Browning, the former of whom was born in Kentucky July 24, 1855, and the latter in Illinois, March 10, 1858. The father came to Illinois at the age of six years and he and his wife are now respected residents of Atwood, Illinois. They were the parents of four children: Bertha, herein mentioned; Frank, of Decatur; Etta, a trained nurse now living in Decatur; and Olive, the wife of Ray Wright, of Decatur. The first husband of Mrs. Gregory was Albert Roach, a native of Cumberland county, Illinois, where he was born October 5, 1874. He became a clerk in a general store of an uncle at Lovington, Illinois, and was a young man of unusual business promise. He was called away February 13, 1900, and is buried at Loving- ton. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory: Helen, born July 18, 1905; Katherine, born December 13, 1906; and Dorothy, born June 22, 1909. These children were all born in the same house in which the father first saw the light of day. By her first marriage Mrs. Gregory was the mother of one child, Freda, born March 30, 1897. She is now attending school and also taking music lessons. Elijah Moore, an uncle of our subject, who in earlier days was prominent in Masonic circles at Springfield, Illinois, became a soldier for the Union and was killed at Fort Donelson. John Rand the grandfather of Mrs. Gregory, died form the effect of arduous service in the same war, and John and Mills Rand, uncles of Mrs. Gregory, were also valiant soldiers at the time the nation was in danger.

Mr. Gregory ever since arriving at the age of manhood has been an adherent of the republican party. He is an earnest friend of education and at the present time is a school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and he has many friends in that great organization. He was exceedingly fortunate in the selection of a wife who has been to him not only a loving helpmate but a safe adviser and intelligent companion, sharing in his joys and sorrows and always willing to contribute her part in forwarding any worthy object. She is a valued member of the Lovington Christian church and in social affairs is a leader. Mr. Gregory by a useful life has endeared himself to those with whom he is associated and is a worthy representative of the family whose name is inseparably connected with the history of Illinois.

John H. Miller

On the roll of Decatur's honored dead appears the name of John H. Miller, who in every relation of life bore himself with signal dignity and honor. His activity in public life contributed to the material development of Macon county, while his labors in his private business affairs added to his individual success. He was a lifelong resident of Macon county, for his birth occurred in Decatur, on the 8th of August, 1841, on the spot where the magnificent Pythian Home was recently erected. His youthful days were spent on the home farm, his parents being David and Martha Y. Miller. His education was acquired in the common schools, while his training at farm labor was received under the direction of his father.

He had reached mature years when the Civil war broke out and feeling that his first duty was to his country, about the time he attained his majority, on the 7th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service at the front as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. This company was organized at Camp Macon in Decatur, which stood where Fairview Park is now located. Proceeding southward to Vicksburg, Mr. Miller participated in many of the most important battles of the war. He was in the battle of Arkansas Post and was with Grant during the forty days' siege at Vicksburg. He also participated in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga, where his regiment was one of the first to cross the Chattanooga river on pontoons. In the battle of Lookout Mountain he was wounded in the side by a bullet. He was in the Atlanta campaign and also in the celebrated march to the sea, and on through the Carolinas to Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia, and at the close of hostilities took part in the grand review at Washington, D. C, when thousands of soldiers marched through the streets of that city and past the grand stand, where President Lincoln stood watching the brave men who had preserved the Union. Although Mr. Miller enlisted as a private, he was later made second sergeant and at Young's Point was made second lieutenant, while later he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. While at the front he never faltered in the performance of any duty no matter where it called him, and after three years of faithful and valiant service he received an honorable discharge in the capital city in July, 1865.

Following the close of hostilities, Mr. Miller returned to his home in Decatur and here on the 8th of November, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte J. Cox, who was born September 6, 1845. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm near the city and as the years passed Mr. Miller added to his holdings until he became the possessor of several hundred acres of land. He was actively identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout a long period and his labors brought him a success that any man might be proud to possess.

Unto John H. and Charlotte J. Miller were born six children : William D., who wedded Miss Carrie Jacobs; Martha Y., who is the wife of David Diller and resides in Albany, Texas; Ira B., now deceased; Ada L., who became the wife of S. H. Procter but is now deceased; Mary H., the wife of E. B. Johnson, a resident of Heyburn, Idaho ; and Minnie T., the wife of Dana F. Black, who is an extensive farmer of Macon county, residing a mile west of Elwin. After a happy married life covering about twelve years, Mr. and Mrs. Miller were separated by the death of the wife and mother on the 28th of January, 1879, her remains being interred in Mount Gilead cemetery south of the city.

On the 28th of December, 1881, Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being with Mary J. Muirheid. She was born November 6, 1855, m Harrison county, Missouri, and was a little maiden of eight years when she accompanied her parents, William and Margaret J. Muirheid, on their removal from that state to Macon county, Illinois. They were prominent pioneers of this section of the state and with the exception of a brief period, spent their remaining days in this county. Mrs. Miller received a good public-school education and prior to her marriage taught in the home district. Mr. Miller continued on the farm after his second marriage but finally, his health becoming impaired, he purchased a home in Decatur and on the 24th of October, 1906, removed to this city, and after two and a half years of patient suffering, he passed away August 31, 1908, in the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, having for many years held membership at Shady Grove.

Although leading a very busy life in connection with his private business affairs, Mr. Miller's zeal in behalf of beneficial public interests was perhaps the predominant feature in his life. He was a lifelong democrat and always took an active part in political affairs. For many years he was a tax collector of Macon county and held this office at the time the courthouse was erected in

Decatur, being a member of the building committee. He was also supervisor of the county for seventeen years and filled the office of school director for a number of years. He was actuated by a spirit of loyalty to the welfare and progress of the community that none questioned, and his labors on the whole were extremely effective, far-reaching and beneficial. He was likewise one of the organizers of White Post, No. 529, G. A. R., at Mount Zion, and for many years served as its commander. His name thus became indelibly impressed upon the pages of Macon county's history, and his memory is revered and honored by all who knew him. The widow still resides at the old home in Decatur and retains possession of the farm of two hundred and twenty acres, which is now being operated by the eldest son.

Eli S. Ulery

Macon county, located in the center of Illinois, in one of the richest agricultural districts of the country, owes its high standing among the counties of the state to its farming and live-stock interests. Here these industries have been carried to a very high degree of perfection and here are seen many of the finest and most completely equipped farming establishments to be found anywhere in the world. Even the fondest dreams of the early settlers have been more than realized and to be a successful farmer of Macon county is synonymous with prosperity and the possession of practically every advantage that is known in connection with modern agriculture.

Among the prominent farmers of Macon county is Eli S. Ulery, a native of Mount Zion township, this county. He was born December 12, 1862, and is a son of Eli and Mary E. (Dillon) Ulery. His father was one of the remarkable pioneers of Illinois. He began with a capital of twelve dollars and became the owner of three thousand acres of rich Illinois soil. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and came to Macon county in 1836, continuing here until his death, which occurred in December, 1898, when he was eighty-two years of age. He settled on two hundred and twenty acres and, being a man of great industry and foresight, he invested his money in land so that he became one of the large landholders of this part of the state. He was also a breeder of cattle and fattened a great deal of live stock for the market, driving to Chicago aind New York. Politically he was allied with the republican party. He had four brothers, all of whom continued in Pennsylvania and are now deceased. The mother of our subject was called away at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a daughter of Joshua Dillon, a stock-dealer and well known citizen of Mount Zion.

Eli S. Ulery grew up upon his father's farm but was deprived of the loving presence of a mother, she having departed when he was three years old. He was educated in the common schools and at Christian Brothers College at St. Louis. After leaving college he went to Colorado and for four years lived the life of a cowboy in the region south of the Arkansas river where he gained many experiences that have proved of practical benefit to him in later years. He returned home at eighteen years of age and in 1886 took charge of the home farm which then consisted of six hundred and forty acres. There is no doubt that the talents of the parents are often inherited by their children, who are thus naturally endowed with abilities that are denied many others. An illustration of this fact is presented in the career of Mr. Ulery who is now the owner of nine hundred and ninety-eight acres and, like his father, has been successful in almost everything he has undertaken. About ten years ago he acquired a tract of land in the northern part of Mount Zion townshinp, a portion of which he has converted into a picnic and pleasure ground, known as Woodbine Park. Here he has built a bungalow and an artificial lake and has also erected a hotel, pavilion and boathouse and made many other improvements, so that the park is one of the most attractive pleasure spots of the country. He is also interested in a fishing pond a half-mile south of Mount Zion and is a great lover of hunting and fishing, making trips to various states of the south annually for this purpose.

On the ioth day of March, 1885, Mr. Ulery was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Gibson Bell, a daughter of Andrew and Lucy Bell, of Mount Zion. Five children have come to brighten the household, Bernard B., Simon K., Mona G., Earl A., and Mary I. Mr. Ulery affiliates with the republican party but has never sought office, as his interest is mainly devoted to business affairs. He and his family are well known in Macon county, the name having been closely identified with this portion of the state for many years and no name stands highei in the respect of the people of central Illinois.

Harold Rives Woodcock

The financial interests of Macon county are represented by some of its brightest and most progressive citizens, among whom may be named Harold R. Woodcock, of Macon, now head of the banking firm established by his father and known under the title of R. H. Woodcock & Company. Mr. Woodcock was born in this county, June 6, 1871, and is a son of Robert H. and Frances J. (Rives) Woodcock, the former of whom was born August 30, 1835, in Pennsylvania, and the latter March 18, 1841, in Illinois. The grandparents on the paternal side were Edmund and Susanna (Funk) Woodcock, the former of whom was of English and the latter of German descent. Grandfather Woodcock came with his family to Illinois in 1849. Here he followed the wagon-maker's trade. He was the father of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity. He died at Quincy, Illinois, in 1856, his esteemed wife long surviving him and passing away at the advanced age of ninety-five years.

Robert H. Woodcock graduated from the Greene County Seminary, Illinois, at twenty-one years of age and become bookkeeper in a dry-goods store. In 1862 he established a grocery store in Macon but sold out in 1865 and entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as agent, continuing in this capacity for sixteen years. He was also agent for the American Express Company for eighteen years. After acquiring a competence he engaged in the banking business with H. Faling and subsequently purchased the interest of his partner and was engaged almost continuously in financial affairs until his death, which occurred May 30, 1909. He was one of the progressive and reliable men of the county and was highly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. In politics he was a republican, serving as alderman of Macon for two years, mayor for one year and supervisor for fourteen years, one-half of which time he was chairman of the board. He was also actively connected with the Masonic order. On October 29, 1863, he married Miss Frances J. Rives, a daughter of Rev. James and Elizabeth (Hood) Rives, both of whom were from North Carolina. One child came to bless this union, Harold R.

The subject of this review was educated in the public schools and took a complete course at Brown's Business College of Decatur, graduating in 1890. Previously he had served as bookkeeper in the Woodcock & Hight Bank of Macon and after leaving the business college he became cashier of the Heilman grocery house of Decatur. In 1891 he was made cashier of the R. H. Woodcock & Company Bank in Macon and later occupied a similar position in the First National Bank at Collinsville, Illinois. In July, 1902, he returned to Macon and associated with his father in the banking business of which he is now sole owner. He has shown an ability which indicates that he is a worthy successor of his father, who was an acknowledged authority in Macon county on subjects pertaining to finances.

On the 25th of May, 1896, at Indianapolis, Mr. Woodcock was united in marriage to Miss Bertha R. Middleton, a daughter of John F. and Mary (Way) Middletown, natives of Canada, who came to Illinois about 1870. Mrs. Woodcock is the youngest of a family of seven children and was born June 12, 1877. One child, Rives Way, born November 13, 1897, has come to brighten the household.

Mr. Woodcock is politically in sympathy with the republican party and has served for two terms as chairman of the board of supervisors, also filling the office of town clerk of Macon. He is a past master of the Masonic lodge at Macon, and also holds membership in Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P. He has passed through all the chairs in the latter organization. In the discharge of his various duties he has shown a capacity that has met the hearty approval of those most interested. Reared under favorable circumstances, Mr. Woodcock has made successful application of the practical lessons he learned under his father and occupies an honorable position in the estimation of a host of friends in Macon county.

Ernest D. Camp

Ernest D. Camp is the owner of a highly improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 23 and 24, Long Creek township, Macon county, of which he may well be proud as it is the result largely of his own industry and his earnest devotion to a calling to which he has given the chief energies of his life. It was through self-denial and perseverance and not a little sound judgment that he has been able to meet the difficulties that lay in the way, but now he may rest at ease and in comfort, knowing that he and his family are provided for during the remainder of their lives.

Mr. Camp was born in the township where he now lives, July 3, 1872. He is a son of Abel B. and Mary (Davis) Camp, the father born July 29, 1828, in Scott county, this state, and the mother born September 2, 1831. His paternal grandfather was born in Connecticut and when a young man went to Vermont, where he was married. About 1820 he brought his wife to Illinois and located in Scott county, where he entered land from the government. Our subject's maternal grandfather was Joseph Davis, who was a native of Kentucky, but his wife was born in North Carolina. They came to Illinois in 1828, locating first in Sangamon county but later removing to Long Creek township, Macon county, where he entered land from the government and purchased other tracts.

Abel B. Camp, after arriving at years of manhood, selected one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, Long Creek township and proceeded to improve the same but later found a more desirable tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23 and disposed of the property he had previously acquired. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising with marked success and in the course of years became the owner of a well improved farm of four hundred and twenty-six acres. He and his wife lived retired for some years before their death, the mother being called away March 24, 1891, and her respected companion on November 1, 1900. They were worthy representatives of the progressive and intelligent citizens of the county and their memory is revered by many old friends and acquaintances.

Ernest D. Camp was educated in the district schools and before attaining his majority engaged in teaching school. He continued upon the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming for himself by renting land from his father, also receiving forty acres which his father bestowed as a gift when the son arrived at his majority. At his father's death in 1900, he inherited other land also and he purchased forty acres more in 1906. By application and good judgment Mr. Camp has been successful from the very beginning as a farmer and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, which he has provided with all modern improvements as to buildings, fencing, drainage and trees. In addition to raising cereals he is devoting his attention to the raising of fine stock, for which he usually receives the highest price quoted in the market for stock of its class.

On August 19, 1896, Mr. Camp was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Weaver, a daughter of George W. and Nora (Whaley) Weaver, of Long Creek township. The mother was a native of Ireland and the father was born in Glens Falls, New York. He came west to Macon county and later removed to Decatur, where he held a position in the machine shop of the Chambers, Bering & Quinlan Manufacturing Company. He is still living in that city, but his wife departed this life in 1888. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Camp has been brightened by the birth of two children: Chester B., born May 26, 1898; and Nora Marguerite, September 22, 1902.

Mr. Camp affiliates with the republican party and, although he has not been a seeker for public office, he is now serving his second term as township clerk. He is a member of the Methodist church and has been recording steward and trustee for several years. He has always taken hold energetically of anything that attracted his interest and the neat and orderly appearance of his farm is evidence that he does his work well. He is a man of pleasing manners and readily makes friends, never giving up a friend without sufficient cause. He may be depended upon to do as he says and in all his acts he aims to keep in mind the simple teaching of the golden rule, which he has found to be a safe and sure guide in all affairs, great and small, of daily life.

Robert E. Gray

Robert E. Gray, with a law and loan office at No. 143 North Water street, Decatur, is well established in the business circles of the city as one whose ability justly entitles him to the liberal clientage which is accorded him in both departments of his business. A native of Fayette county, Illinois, he was born in i860 and is a grandson of Richard Gray, one of the pioneers of the state, who in 1834 became a resident of Coles county when the Indians were still numerous in that locality. The evidences of frontier life were many and it remained to a few courageous and venturesome men like Mr. Gray to penetrate the western wilderness and there plant the seeds of civilization. In 1854 he removed to Fayette county, Illinois, becoming one of the early settlers there. His son David P. Gray, the father of Robert E. Gray, was a carpenter and contractor for many years but afterward turned his attention to farming. He was born in Tennessee in 1833 and died in 1875 at the age of forty-two years. His wife, who was born in Illinois and was of Pennsylvania descent, passed away in 1872. In their family were seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom three sons are yet living, the brothers of our subject being George W., a resident of Weldon; and Richard T., living in Oklahoma.

Robert E. Gray, devoting his youthful days to the acquirement of an education, attended the high school at Ramsey, Illinois, and also the normal school at Carbondale, this state while later he pursued the teacher's course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, where he was graduated with the class of 1892. In the interim he taught in the district schools in Dewitt, Fayette, Moultrie, Tazewell and Menard counties of Illinois and in South Dakota, demonstrating his ability in the work of the schoolroom by the clear and concise manner in which he imparted to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He continued teaching in all for about twelve years and during that time was principal of the Lane school for four terms. While engaged in teaching he devoted the hours which are usually termed leisure to the study of law and pursued his first year's law course at Valparaiso, Indiana. He read under the direction of the firm of Farmer & Brown of Vandalia and was graduated from the law department of the Northern Indiana Normal School with the class of 1896.

Mr. Gray then opened his office in Decatur and in the intervening period of fourteen years has continued a practitioner at the bar of this city. He has also engaged in negotiating and placing loans and has secured a good clientage in both departments of his business. His ability as a practitioner before the bar is continually increasing as the result of his broadening experience and his close and discriminating study.

Moreover, he is recognized as one of the prominent political leaders in the democratic party in Macon county. While in Fayette county he was a delegate to the state conventions. He has served as chairman of the first precinct and of the first ward committee in Decatur and has been a delegate to the state conventions of his party. He likewise attended the convention in Denver in 1908, but was not a delegate. He is regarded, however, as one of the local leaders of his party and his opinions carry weight in its councils. He does not seek nor desire office for himself, preferring to concentrate his energies upon other and private business interests, but does all in his power to secure the election of the candidates which represent the principles in which he believes. He belongs to the Bar Association and to the Modern Woodmen camp and not only in professional and fraternal but also in social circles has many warm friends who entertain for him high and enduring regard.

William L. Allen

William L. Allen is well known in the commercial circles of Decatur, where he is engaged in the retail grocery business, conducting one of the handsomely appointed and well stocked grocery stores of the city. In its management he displays excellent business ability and keen discernment and his carefully directed labors are bringing to him continued success.

He is one of Decatur's native sons, born October 21, 1861, on what is now the site of his present handsome residence at No. 1650 East William street. He is a son of Samuel C. Allen, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He acquired his education in the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high school student. When nineteen years of age he entered business circles, becoming associated with W. H. Strong in a mercantile enterprise at Morrisonville. Subsequently he returned to Decatur, where he engaged in clerking for a number of years. He afterward established and conducted a retail grocery house at No. 1502 East William street, carrying on business there for eight years, at the end of which time he sold his interest but after a few years' retirement again became a partner in the same store. He conducts a first-class grocery house, having a well established trade and carrying an extensive line of staple and fancy groceries. This location has long been occupied as a grocery store at 1502 to 1508 East William street. The business policy employed is one which commends the house to public patronage. The methods of trade are strictly reliable and courteous treatment is demanded on the part of all employes toward the customers. In 1908 Mr. Allen was honored by election to the presidency of the Retail Grocers Association, which position he held for two years.

On the 6th of June, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Allen and Miss Mary A. Sanders, of Sangamon county, Illinois. Their children are: Guy F., a draftsman with the Decatur Bridge Company, who married Miss Anna L. Bigelow and resides at No. 1745 East Eldorado street; Roy O, who is employed in the signal department of the Wabash Railroad Company; and

Emma J., who is now a senior in the Decatur high school. In the fall of 1909 Mr. Allen began the erection of a most attractive and beautiful modern home built after his own plans, and the family took possession thereof on the 2d of February, 1910. It is heated with hot water and supplied with all modern conveniences and would be a credit to' a city of much larger size than Decatur.

Mr. Allen belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a junior warden, and he is also chief of Decatur Court, No. 243, of the Tribe of Ben Hur. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and public-spirited, giving active support to every movement and measure which he deems of benfit in the upbuilding and improvement of the city. He has won favor in social as well as business circles and is held in high esteem throughout Decatur. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and his energy and determination enable him to overcome obstacles which would utterly dishearten and discourage others. In manner he is unaffected, genial and sincere and his many stering qualities have commended him to the confidence of those whom he meets in social and business relations.

Samuel King Shaffer

Among those who have had influence in the moral and religious development of Decatur, Samuel King Shaffer is numbered. For more than thirty years he was a leading member of the Methodist church and his influence and aid were always cast on the side of progress, improvement, justice and truth. Ohio claimed him among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Bucyrus on the 4th of January, 183 1. He was a son of George Shaffer, who served his country as a soldier of the American army in the war of 1812 for two years. By occupation he was a farmer and owned and cultivated several hundred acres of land.

When a very small boy Samuel King Shaffer was taken by his parents to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he resided for a number of years, acquiring his education in that city and in the schools of Logan county, Ohio. He continued a resident of his native state until 1853, when at the age of twenty-two years he sought a home in Illinois, thinking that he might have better business opportunities in a less thickly settled district. Accordingly he came to Macon county and took up his abode in Decatur, where he resided until his death, which occurred on the 22d of December, 1891, in the house which his widow now occupies. He was for forty years engaged in the real-estate business in Decatur and was a leading representative of that field of industry. He was thoroughly informed concerning property values, knew what was upon the market and negotiated many important realty transfers. So long and prominently was he connected with the real-estate business that his opinions came to be accepted as authority upon any important question relating to real estate.

Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage upon the 21st of June, 1859, to Miss Erie M. Shaffer, of Chesterville, Ohio, a daughter of Tobias Shaffer, and following their marriage the young husband brought his bride at once to Decatur, where the family home has since been maintained. Unto them were born nine children :

Maria and Margaret, who died in infancy; Frank G., who married Miss Lucy Walker, of West Virginia, and now has one child Marie ; D. H., who died in his sixteenth year ; Richard T., who married Lulu E. Huff, of this city, and has two children, Leta May and Ralph ; one who died in infancy ; Charles H. who died when thirty-five years old; Guy T., who resided at home with his mother; and Vallie F., the wife of Edward McCune, by whom she has two children, Charles Spencer and Eunice M.

Mr. Shaffer belonged to no secret associations but was for more than thirty years a leading and influential member of the Methodist church of Decatur, ever loyal and faithful to its teachings, active in its work and generous in its support. His political allegiance was given to the republican party but while he believed firmly in its principles he did not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. In business he was ever reliable and trustworthy and his success was attributable entirely to his own efforts. His real-estate operations enabled him to make judicious investments and from time to time he purchased property that enabled him to leave his widow in very comfortable financial circumstances when, on the 22d of December, 1891, he was called to his final rest. Mrs. Shaffer is very widely known in Decatur, where she has an extensive circle of friends. In addition to the home at No. 604 West North street, which he has now occupied for a number of years, she owns considerable other property here and from her realty holdings derives a substantial and gratifying annual income.

Scott Cannon

Among the farmers of Macon county now deceased may be named Scott Cannon, who was called from earthly scenes February 6, 1892. He was for forty-four years an important factor in the agricultural development of the country and attained marked success not only in his farming operations but as an influential citizen, attracting many friends and ably contributing toward building up the best interests of the region with which he was so long identified.

He was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, March 18, 1839, and was a son of Byron and Sarah Cannon. In 1848 the family came to Macon county, driving through with teams as there were few railroads in the country in those days. The father settled on a farm, where he continued until his death, leaving a widow and seven children, the subject of this review having arrived at an age when he could assist materially in the support of the family. Under the circumstances it was possible for him to receive but a limited school education although in after years by reading and observation he largely overcame this deficiency. At twenty-one years of age he bought forty acres of land, on which he built a residence, later occupying a commodious modern building. By industry, economy and good management he was able to purchase more land until his farm embraced one hundred and twenty acres, for which he paid as much as forty dollars an acre. The family also owns a tract of eighty acres in Blue Mound township which belonged to the father of our subject. Mr. Cannon greatly improved the farm by the erection of buildings, fences and other structures and

On December 29, 1870, Mr. Cannon was united in marriage in Blue Mound township to Miss Lucy J. Hall, who was born in Macon county, November 12, 1849, a daughter of James and Frances (Blankinship) Hall. Her father was born January 16, 1818, in Robertson county, Tennessee, and came to Illinois in his boyhood. The mother was a native of Rutherford county, Tennessee, and came to this state with her parents early in her life. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cannon: Edward, who died in infancy; Emily, now at home with her mother ; Lillie, who maried Dr. Henry M. Newkirk and lives in Harristown, this county, and has three children, Bruce Cannon, Garth Galen and Margaret Frances ; and Velma Bruce, who received a good education and is now bookkeeper for the Electric Light & Railway Company at Decatur, Illinois.

Mr. Cannon was in sympathy with the democratic party but he never asked nor desired public office. His interests were centered in his family and his business, although as a patriotic citizen he responded heartily to every worthy enterprise. In his wife he found a sympathetic companion, who was to him a constant support and encouragement during the twenty-two years of their married life. Mrs. Cannon continued to live on the family homestead until 1894, when she removed to Harristown, where she now lives.

Samuel C. Allen

Samuel C. Allen left the impress of his individuality upon the public life of Macon county in many ways. He was a prominent factor in business circles in an early day, held a number of local offices and was also a factor in the moral progress of the community. His many sterling traits of character gained him high place in the regard and confidence of his fellowmen and no history of the pioneer development of the county would be complete without mention of Samuel C. Allen.

He was born October 3, 1810, in Loudoun county, Virginia, ten miles south of Leesburg, and was a son of James and Elizabeth (Lee) Allen. The Allen family is of Irish origin. The great-grandfather, Robert Allen, lived in County Antrim, Ireland, and died at the venerable age of ninety-four years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Janet Hair, died in the city of Larne, Ireland, at the age of seventy-five years. Robert Allen was a farmer by occupation and the old homestead on which he lived is still in possession of his descendents. He was also a man of considerable influence in the community and served as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church. Unto him and his wife were born twentyfour children, eighteen of whom reached adult age and one of the number became the grandfather of Samuel C. Allen of this review. He was born on the Emerald isle, and, coming to America at the age of sixteen years, lived with a Quaker family in New Jersey. He, too, followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He died in 1799 at the age of eighty-four years. He had four

The maternal grandfather of Samuel C. Allen was David Lee, who was of Scotch descent and lived in New Jersey until 1775, when he removed to Virginia. He married a French lady and their daughter Elizabeth was born in New Jersey but was reared in Virginia, where she gave her hand in marriage to James Allen, who was born in the Old Dominion and became a farmer of that state. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Allen settled in Loudoun county, Virginia, and as the years passed the following children were added to their family, namely: William, David L., Samuel, James, Samuel C, Lemuel, Margaret, Sarah, Mary, Teresa, Jane, Elizabeth, and one who died in infancy. The father of this family passed away in Loudoun county in 1845.

Upon the home farm in his native state Samuel C. Allen was reared and after attaining adult years managed the place for a time. On the 3d of October, 1831, however, he left the Old Dominion and on horseback traveled through Ohio and Tennessee. The following year he came to Macon county, Illinois, where his brother David had secured the first deed ever made out for land in this county. This brother, Captain David L. Allen, was a prominent figure in the history of Decatur. He gave Central Park to the city and also the lot on which the Citizens Bank now stands was deeded to the city as a site for a schoolhouse. He did more than any other citizen of an early day for the development and substantial upbuilding of Decatur and the county and his memory should ever be honored by the residents of the city who are now benefiting by his generosity and public spirit.

On reaching Macon county Samuel C. Allen purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, a part of which has since been platted and divided into city lots, lying within the corporation limits of Decatur. For a few years after his arrival he operated a gristmill belonging to his brother David, which was the second mill erected in the county and the only one in operation. In 1841 he was appointed postmaster and after the expiration of his term of office he devoted his time to farming and clerking until 1850, when he embarked in merchandising, which he followed for five years. At different times he was called to positions of public honor and trust. Before he engaged in merchandising he had served as assessor and later filled the office of county treasurer for four years, proving a most capable custodian of the public funds. In politics he was always a stalwart republican and did all in his power to promote the growth and secure the success of the party. He was also deeply interested in the moral welfare and progress of the community and for more than half a century was a consistent and helpful member of the Baptist church, with which he united during the early period of its existence.

In December, 1858, Mr. Allen went to Adams county, Ohio, and there married Mrs. Jane E. Reid, the widow of Minor Reid. She was born in Virginia and was a daughter of Enos and Mary (Davis) Gore, who were likewise natives of the Old Dominion. With his bride Mr. Allen returned to Macon county and they began their domestic life upon the farm. Their son, Edwin G., is a prominent business man of Decatur, at the head of the Allen Elevator Company. He has traveled extensively, gaining thereby the knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. He married Miss Minnie Sine and they have a family. William L., the second son, is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Orville R., a graduate of Rush Medical college and now engaged in the practice of medicine at Stanwood, Washington, married Mamie Stockbridge. Milton died at the age of three years and Frank D. died in 1898.

After leaving the office of county treasurer Mr. Allen engaged in farming until the death of his wife, who passed away in June, 1880, at the age of fiftythree years. She was a consistent member of the Methodist church and her many excellent qualities gained for her the kindly regard and warm friendship of all who knew her. Mr. Allen afterward retired from active business and lived with his son Edwin until his death, which occurred on the 3d of January, 1899, when he was in the eighty-ninth year of his age.

He was not only one of the venerable citizens of Decatur but one of its oldest residents in years of continuous connection with the city. When he came to Macon county Decatur was a little frontier village containing not more than a dozen families. Wolves came from the timber and could be heard howling at night. Wild deer were plentiful and venison was a frequent dish upon the pioneer tables, but the deep snow of 1830 and the very severe weather of that winter killed many. The first white settlers in the county were two brothers of the name of Lorton from St. Joseph, Michigan. They were Indian traders and did a thriving business until the red men ceased visiting this part of the country save in small numbers. The first real pioneer was the hunter and trapper, William Donning, who came from Vandalia in the fall of 1820 and built a log cabin near the site of the home of Captain D. L. Allen, brother of Samuel C. Allen. That cabin whs the first building erected for a residence within the limits of the county. In 1824 Donning sold out to John Ward. The first permanent settler was Leonard Stevens, Sr., who built a log house in 1821, three miles north of Decatur. A decade later Samuel C. Allen arrived and with the history of Macon county was closely identified from that period until his demise. He was public-spirited and took an active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of the community and bore an important part in shaping the early history and substantial development of the city and county. He was an interested witness of the changes which occurred and bore his full share in the work of general transformation brought about through the settlement of the county and the development of its business activities and public interests.

Joseph C. Rork

Some men are born with a natural business sagacity and from the very beginning of their active career they exercise a cool and clear judgment which leads to constantly growing financial success. They make no serious blunders and seem to be naturally endowed with a capacity which the ordinary man may in some degree acquire by years of close observation and application, although in his case its application is by no means infallible and he never gains the facility of his more liberally endowed fellow.

Joseph C. Rork, whose name stands at the head of this review, apparently belongs to the former class. A large land owner, he has met with marked success in other lines and it today one of the enterprising and substantial citizens of Macon county. Born on a farm near Boody, Illinois, April 20, 1859, he is the son of Joseph and Ellen E. (Murray) Rork, both of whom were natives of Ireland, the father being born in 1823 and the mother in 1816. Coming to America, they were married in New York in 1851. In 1857 they located in Kentucky but the year following they settled permanently on a farm near Boody in Macon county. About 1865 Mr. Rork sold his farm and located in Long Creek township on a tract of forty acres of land in section 29. Ultimately he became the owner of a beautiful farm of five hundred and ninety acres which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He was a prominent feeder of cattle and hogs, and although he started with practically no resources, except those that were inherent within himself and the sympathy and cooperation of his wife, he became one of the most successful farmers in this part of the county. Mr. Rork was called to his last rest November 5, 1893, and his beloved fcompanion departed this life December 2, 1900 They were the parents of three childrrn : Curtis W., a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work ; Joseph C, of this review ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Foley, who died September 1, 1891.

Joseph C. Rork received his education in the common schools and at eighteen years of age began devoting his attention to the farm, assisting his father and giving evidence, even when quite a young man, of special aptitude for agricultural pursuits. At twenty-six years of age he began operations for himself on the family estate, including the home place, and he has ever since followed general farming and live-stock raising and has been a prominent factor in advancing the farming interests of the county. In addition to his farm of two hundred and forty acres he rents one hundred and ten acres in the neighborhood from a niece and keeps about one hundred and sixty acres in cereals, the remainder of the farm being used as pasture. He erected a beautiful home which is provided with modern improvements and is one of the most attractive residences in the township. For a number of years he bought and sold land and at one time owned eight hundred acres of valuable land in this county. He is the owner of a thousand acre cattle ranch and rice plantation four miles from Eunice, Louisiana, and is also interested in coal mines at Lovington, this state, which are now being developed, and is president of the Farmers Insurance Company.

On September 9, 1884, Mr. Rork was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Dunn, a daughter of William and Annie (Dempsey) Dunn, of Mount Zion township, this county. The parents are both natives of Ireland and were early settlers of Macon county where Mr. Dunn attained a high standing as a farmer. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rork: William, born July 7, 1886; and Frank, born September 27, 1887, and both sons are now living on the home farm. Mrs. Rork was called away February 16, 1889, and Mr. Rork was a second time married, February 23, 1893, the lady of his choice being Miss Lizzie Breene, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Gill) Breene. Mrs Rork's parents were born in Ireland and have been residents of this county since early in the '40s. There were five children by the second marriage: Everett, born February 16, 1895;

Mr. Rork is a member of the Catholic church and is an adherent of the republican party. He is a man of large capacity and sound discernment, always kindly in his relations to others and fair in his business dealings. He is recognized as a member of society who has contributed to its best and endurng interests by the example he has set, and, therefore, he enjoys in a high degree the sincere respect and increasing confidence of all who know him.

William Addison Holman

This is preeminently an age of organization and cooperation. Men are bound together for mutual good, whether in the promotion of business affairs or of social or fraternal relation. William Addison Holman is a prominent representative of fraternal insurance interests, being supreme vice president of the Loyal Americans. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, September 4, 1844, and is a son of Martin and Ferly (May) Holman. The father, who was also born in Ross county, Ohio, was a farmer and moved westward to Macon county, Illinois, in 1865, settling north of Decatur on the Bloomington road in Hickory Point township. There he rented land which he cultivated for two years, after which he purchased an improved farm of eighty acres on section 26, Hickory Point township. There he made his home and greatly improved and developed the farm which he converted into highly cultivated fields. At different times he was called upon to serve his township in various offices, the duties of which he faithfully and promptly discharged. His death, which occurred October 22, 1886, was most unexpected and was the occasion of deep loss in the community where he was uniformly esteemed and respected. He was a devoted member o fthe Universalist church and his labors were an effective element in the growth and upbuilding of the organization. His widow survived him for some time and died in Louisiana when more than fifty-three years of age. In their family were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, and seven of the number reached years of maturnity, but the daughters, Mrs. Sabrina Delahunt and Mrs. Eva Samuels, are both now deceased. The living sons are William A.; Albert, a resident of Iowa; David, who is living south of Oreana, in this county; and Carey L., a resident farmer of Whitmore township.

William A. Holman pursued his early education in the district schools of his native county and afterward had the benefit of instruction in a business college, thus qualifying him for the solution of the problems which are continuously arising in connection with business transactions. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming on his own account in Hickory Point township and followed that pursuit continuously and successfully until 1888. The appreciation of his worth and ability on the part of his fellow townsmen has led to his selection for various offices. He was deputy assessor for a number of years and from 1903 until 1908 was overseer of the poor. He has also served as assessor for one year and for a considerable period has been a member of the board of supervisors. He acted as chairman of that board in 1908. He has been a member of the board of review of Macon county and in 1910 he was elected presi-> dent of the state association of supervisors, county commissioners and county clerks. The object of this association is the creation of a better feeling among officers of the various counties and the promotion of the welfare of the officers by such legislation as in their judgment will be for the better conduct of county government. Mr. Holman has served as committeeman of the republican party and has been a delegate to various county, state and congressional conventions. He has twice represented the first ward as a member of the board of city aldermen and at all times has exercised his official prerogatives in support of such measures as he deems of value and benefit in the scheme of public government and municipal and county progress.

In 1885 Mr. Holman was married in Macon county to Miss Carrie Ford, a native of Ohio, and they have a large circle of friends in Decatur where the hospitality of many homes is cordially extended them. Mr. Holman belongs to Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. He gives most of his time, however, to the Loyal Americans, of which he is supreme vice president. This organization has a membership of thirty thousand and business is carried on in twenty-six different states. Much of this is done under the direct supervision of Mr. Holman who has been a factor in carefully systematizing the work of the order, in accomplishing substantial results and increasing its membership.

Andrew J. Shoemaker

Andrew J. Shoemaker, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Maroa township, is busily engaged in its cultivation and also devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock. His birth occurred in Scioto, Ohio, in 1862, his parents being Jacob and Parmelia (Dever) Shoemaker, who were born, reared and married in the Buckeye state. The father was born in 1823, while the mother's birth occurred in 1833. Jacob Shoemaker who devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, is now living retired in Scioto county, Ohio. His property holdings embrace a tract of forty acres of rich and productive land. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in an Ohio regiment, fighting valiantly in defense of the Union cause. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children: Andrew J., Sarah, Abraham, Eliza and Jasper, all living; and John, George, Dora, Joseph, Ida and Minnie, all deceased.

Andrew J. Shoemaker acquired his education in the schools of his native state after putting aside his text-books worked on his father's farm. He was employed at farm labor in Ohio until about 1888, when he came direct to Macon county, Illinois, here working as a farm hand by the month for four years. During the following ten years he was engaged in the cultivation of rented land and subsequently purchased a tract of forty acres northeast of his present farm, residing thereon for eight years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and bought the farm on which he now makes his home. It com- prises one hundred and twenty acres of land in Maroa township and is well improved in every particular. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Shoemaker also raises stock and in both branches of his business has won success.

In 1888 Mr. Shoemaker was united in marriage to Miss Generva Grady, a daughter of Joseph and Isabella Grady, who were natives of Pennsylvania and came to this state at an early day. The father passed away in 1905 but the mother still survives. Unto them were born eight children, four of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have three children, namely: Jonr^, whose birth occurred in 1889; Emma, who was born in 1897; and Oma, born in 1905.

In politics Mr. Shoemaker is a republican, supporting the men and measures of that party by his ballot. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Maroa. In all his business dealings he has been found strictly reliable, has never been remiss in the duties of citizenship and has always followed high ideals concerning his relations with his fellowmen.

For twenty-three years Dr. Henry D. Heil has engaged in the practice of medicine in Decatur. Early in his professional career his ability won him recognition as one of the leading members of the medical fraternity in this city, and as time has passed, his reputation has spread until he is now ranked with the able physicians of central Illinois. From no professional man do we expect or exact so many of the cardinal virtues as from the physician. If the clergyman is austere, we imagine that his mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things beyond our ken; if our lawyer is brusk and crabbed, it is the mark of genius; but in the physician we expect not only a superior mentality and comprehensive knowledge, but also sympathy as wide as the universe. Dr. Heil in large measure meets all of these requirements, and is regarded by many as an ideal physician. Certainly if patronage is any criterion of ability, he ranks high among the leading members of the medical fraternity in Decatur, where he is now enjoying a large and lucrative practice. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Decatur, his birth having here occurred in the year 1858.

His father, William Heil, was born at Obertzell, Germany, in 1820, and devoted his life to the occupation of farming. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Dinkel, was born in Germany in 1826. They became acquainted in the new world and were married in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1854. The father came to America in 1847 and the mother arrived in 1852. Following their marriage they removed westward to Macon county, Illinois, where Mr. Heil purchased land, and here he and his wife spent their remaining days, his death occurring in 1872, while his widow passed away in 1885. In their family were seven children: Henry, William, George, Almina, Julia, Mary and Matilda, all of whom are now living, with the exception of Mary, who died in Macon county in 1895.

Dr. Henry D. Heil

Dr. Henry D. Heil obtained his early education in the graded and high schools and afterward pursued a college course. After completing his more specifically literary education, he spent three years in Rush Medical College, from which institution he was graduated with honors in 1887. He has also pursued post-graduate courses in Rush Medical College and at Berlin, Germany. On the 13th of March, 1887, he located for practice at Decatur, which city has since been the scene of his professional labors. He has proven well able to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life, and justly merits the extensive practice which is accorded him. His suite of rooms is in the Masonic block.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Heil chose Miss Mary Jane Bills, by whom he has three sons, Henry, George and John. On the maternal side she is descended from the early Pilgrims. Her father was a prominent farmer of this county, but was later engaged in mercantile business, and is now living retired in Decatur. Coming here at an early day, her great-grandfather entered three sections of land two and a half miles from Decatur, and some of this property is still in possession of the family.

Dr. Heil is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Macon Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He holds to high standards in his practice and continually promotes his efficiency by reading and investigation, so that he is a physician of liberal knowledge and broad experience. Moreover, he is a selfmade man, his industry and ability constituting the measure of his advancement. He is a splendid representative of the most advanced scientific principles bearing upon his chosen life work. His research has kept him in touch with the progress of the profession ; his perusal of medical journals and of the latest published work of medicine and surgery give him comprehensive understanding of what is being done by eminent representatives of the profession throughout the world. Moreover, his sound judgment enables him to quickly determine the value of any idea presented, and if he has reason to believe in its efficacy, he adopts it for immediate use in his professional service. The consensus of public opinion places him in a leading position in the ranks of the medical profession in central Illinois, and his ability certainly finds its proof in the large practice that is accorded him.

Bradford K. Durfee

The problems of finance and intricate business questions find ready solution with Bradford K. Durfee, whose ability and broad experience well qualify him for the successful conduct of the business enterprises with which he is now connected. He is one of the oldest and most prominent representatives of real estate, loans and insurance in Decatur and is now the secretary of the Mutual Home and Savings Association.

His birth occurred in Marshall, Michigan, on the 25th of March, 1838. He is a son of Nathan and Margaret (Kirk) Durfee and is a descendent in the seventh generation of Thomas Durfee, the progenitor of the family in the new world. From his native land of England Thomas Durfee sailed to the new world, settling in Tiverton, Rhode Island, about 1662. From him the line of descent is traced down to Nathan Durfee, whose birth occurred near Fall River, Massachusetts, and who in his boyhood days accompanied his parents on their westward removal to Ohio. In that state the period of his youth was passed, his time largely being spent in Cleveland. He was married in 1837 to Miss Margaret Kirk and soon afterward started with his young wife for Michigan, their home being established in the town of Marshall, where the birth of Bradford K. Durfee, their eldest child, occurred. The father was proprietor of a furniture store in Marshall, where he resided until he sought a broader field of labor in the larger city of Battle Creek. He also conducted a furniture store there and later had a similar enterprise in Hastings, Michigan. The year 1857 witnessed his arrival in Macon county, where he established his home on the 3d of September, here remaining until his patriotic spirit, aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, prompted his enlistment in the Civil war and he joined an Ohio regiment of which his brother, B. R. Durfee, was colonel. Previous to the outbreak of hostilities he had stanchly espoused the abolition cause.

Bradford K. Durfee was a pupil in the public schools of Battle Creek, Michigan, and following the removal of the family to Decatur on the 3d of September, 1857, he became a teacher in the district schools, following that profession through three winter terms. At that time he made his home on the old Durfee farm in Hickory Point township. The place, located northeast of Decatur, comprised one hundred and sixty acres. Soon after locating there his father planted walnuts and from the tender shoots there have grown fine large trees. Bradford K. Durfee remained on the farm until the spring of 1863, when he came to Decatur, and entered the office of his uncle, H. B. Durfee. While in that office he prepared a set of abstracts of titles of Macon county and developed a system of abstract books, of which system a large number of copyrights were disposed of. Through his work in this connection he became familiar with the history of real-estate transactions in Macon county as far back as 1829 - the beginning of history here. In 1865 he was admitted to the firm of Durfee, Warren & Company and subsequent changes in the firm led to the adoption of the style of Warren & Durfee, at which time Bradford K. Durfee was associated with John K. Warren in the conduct of the real-estate and insurance business. This connection was maintained successfully until 1893 and they operated extensively and successfully in the field of real estate, negotiating many of the most important property transfers that have been made in the city.

In the meantime, in 1879, Mr. Durfee secured the re-enactment of the law for the establishment of building and loan associations in Illinois. At that time it was thought unconstitutional but the law passed, finding a place on the statute books of the state. The opposition thereto seems ludicrous at the present time, when the conduct of building and loan associations is considered an important and indispensable element in the substantial upbuilding of any city. In political circles Mr. Durfee also became connected with Decatur's welfare, having in 1884 been elected a member of the city council for a two years' term. On the dissolution of the real-estate firm of Warren & Durfee in 1893, Mr. Durfee in January of that year accepted the appointment of commissioner to the Northern penitentiary of Joliet, Illinois. In July of the same year he resigned to accept an appointment as insurance superintendent of the state of Illinois and served until May 5, 1897. In 1907 he went upon the road as traveling representative of insurance companies, spending a year and a half in Pueblo, Colorado, and making annual visits to the city of Milwaukee, where he did auditing work. He is now the secretary of the Mutual Home & Savings Association of Decatur. He came in charge when the association was a failure and has redeemed it. He has reorganized and enlarged it, placing it upon a sound financial basis, and while it does not attempt to offer the big returns formerly common to building and loan associations, it does assure a safe and excellent investment for both the workingman and the capitalist and provides a convenient and satisfactory loan for the borrower. The present officers are: W. C. Outten, president; George R. Bacon, vice president; B. K. Durfee, secretary; and James S. Baldwin, treasurer. In addition Hiram Johnson, William S. Grubbs and Fred Norman are members of the board of directors. Mr. Durfee has contributed in large measure to the success of the undertaking since assuming management of the business as its secretary. His knowledge of former real-estate transactions in the county and his understanding of present conditions have both contributed to the success of the undertaking.

Mr. Durfee is also prominent in other relations of life. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and also became a member of the Knight Templar commandery of Decatur. He was reared under strong anti-slavery influences and his sympathies were with the republican party until 1872, since which time he has been an advocate of democratic principles. In 1878 he was elected as the regular democratic candidate to the thirty-first general assembly and during its sessions served on the committees on appropriations, insurance, banks and banking and labor and manufacturers. He gave close and earnest attention to the business which came before the legislature and in 1880 his course received the endorsement of the party in a second nomination. Again he was elected and became the democratic candidate for speaker of the house. To his activity and efforts along political lines several excellent results are directly traceable.

In October, 1868, in Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Durfee was united in marriage to Miss Lucy W. Hamilton of that city and their children were: Lucille, who became the wife of Louis Edward Eyman and died in February, 1907; and Edith N., who is a graduate of the Columiba College of Expression in Chicago and also studied for six months under the noted reader and teacher, Leland Powers, of Boston, Massachusetts. She has been very successful in teaching her art and also gives readings in the Christian and Presbyterian churches of Decatur.

The family are of the Episcopal faith and Mr. Durfee was a member of the building committee of the new St. John's church. He does not hold membership with the church but has always contributed generously to its support. He is a man of liberal views not only on religious questions but on all matters of vital interest and is regarded as one of the most public-spirited citizens of Decatur.

His labors in behalf of the general good have long been a tangible element in the progress and improvement of the city, while his enterprise, activity and high sense of personal honor and integrity have been the salient features in the attainment of his success in business life. He was a delegate to the convention that nominated Grover Cleveland for president in 1892.

Ellen M. Lukens

The name of Lukens has for more than a half a century figured in connection with the history of Macon county. At the family home in Argenta reside Ellen M. Lukens and her sister, Mary. The father, Aaron Lukens, came to this country in 1857 and, purchasing a tract of land in Friends Creek township, there took up his abode and began farming. He opened up a farm of about four hundred acres and became a well known agriculturist and business man of his part of the state. He was a native of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared to mature years, and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Foulke, who was also born and reared in Montgomery county. Mr. Lukens engaged in the lumber business in the Keystone state but also followed farming there, making his home in Pennsylvania for some years or until after the birth of his children. In 1857, however, he bade adieu to the east, coming with his family to Illinois, thinking to find better business oportunities in the wide and rolling prairies of this state. Reaching Macon county, he invested in land which he converted into a well improved farm, making his home thereon for several years. He then removed to a farm near Maroa upon which he spent his last years, his death occurring there on the 3d of September, 1869. His wife survived him for about five years and passed away in November, 1873. One of their sons, William Lukens, enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry with which he went south and continued in active service with his regiment, until his death, which occurred at Youngs Point, Louisiana, June 22, 1863. His remains were brought home for burial and were interred in Greenwood cemetery of Decatur. David Lukens, another son of the family, was born upon the old homestead farm in Pennsylvania and at length succeeded to the ownership of the place. He continued in active connection with agricultural interests until 1900, when he, too, passed away and was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery. A sister, Mrs. Margaret Smedley, who is a widow, resides in Philadelphia and has two children, Anna and Nathan Smedly. Mary is living in Argenta. Dr. Edward Lukens was also a soldier of the Civil war, serving throughout the period of hostilities with the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The latter located in Decatur where he married and his last years were spent in that city. Grace Lukens is now the wife of John Bixby and resides in Chicago. R. H. Lukens reached adult age but died in 1876 The youngest of the family is Ellen M. Lukens, who resides with her sister Mary in Argenta, where they own a neat and attractive home.

The parents were members of the Society of Friends in Philadelphia and reared their family in that faith. They were earnest Christian people who lived peaceable, quiet lives in accordance with the teachings of the sect. After the death of the father the family removed to Decatur, where they resided for six years, and then returned to the home farm north of Aregnta, where they lived until the spring of 1910. At that time a tract of land of thirty-five acres in Argenta was purchased, together with their present home. The deceased members of the family have been laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery of Decatur, in the beautiful and well kept family lot. The father was numbered among the early settlers here and the other representatives of the name have been well known, their substantial qualities winning for them the friendly regard and good will of all with whom they have been associated.

John K. Warren

On the list of Decatur's honored dead apears the name of John K. Warren, whose worth as a man and citizen placed him high in public regard. All who knew him respected and honored him and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was born in Philadelphia on the 10th of August, 1834, his parents being Josiah and Ann (Reynolds) Warren, the former of English and the latter of Scotch-Irish descent. In his native city the son spent his youthful days and was accorded the opportunity of acquiring an academic education. He afterward engaged in farming in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and in the year 1855 made his way to Chicago, hoping to be benefited in health. The change did not bring the desired result, however, and he decided to go south. He started as a passenger on one of the trains of the Illinois Central Railroad, which had just been completed. Stopping over night in Decatur, he found when he awoke in the morning that he was free from asthma, with which he had been seriously troubled for many months. This caused him to settle in Macon county and within a week he purchased a farm three miles northeast of the city. In the spring of 1856 he returned to take up his permanent abode here, accompanied by his mother, who spent her remaining days in Macon county.

After living on the farm for two years Mr. Warren removed to Decatur in 1858 and the following year established a real-estate and insurance office. In 1863 he formed a partnership with Henry B. Durfee and under the firm style of Durfee & Warren the business was continued until 1865, when Bradford K. Durfee was made partner. In 1868 H. B. Durfee retired from the firm and the firm name became Warren & Durfee. In 1893 Mr. Durfee retired and Mr. Warren continued the business alone until his death. The firm prepared the first set of abstracts of titles ever used in Macon county and were pioneers of copyrights as applied to abstracts of titles in the United States. Mr. Warren enjoyed good health for some years after coming to Illinois but in 1873 his old asthmatic troubles returned with violence and he spent much of the succeeding five years in California and Texas for the benefit of his health, which was greatly improved by his sojourn in the south.

Mr. Warren became deeply interested in railroad building and between 1867 and 1872 was very actively engaged in securing the building of new railway lines to important points. He was connected with the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur now the Peoria, Danville & Evansville Railroad from the first until the trains were run over that line into Decatur He was also associated with the Indiana & Illinois Railroad, which was organized in 1853 and which is now a part of the Wabash system. He served as its president from 1868 until 1871 and was instrumental in securing the reorganization of the company, resulting in the eventual construction of the line. Through his activity in railway connections he did much to promote the interests of Decatur, for the growth of every city depends in very large measure upon its railway facilities. In 1868 he organized the Decatur Gas Light & Coke Company, of which he was president.

In May, 1866, occurred the marriage of Mr. Warren and Miss Emma Powers, of Decatur, and they were for many years well known socially in the city. In politics he was a republican and his party elected him to the office of municipal chief executive in 1867. In other positions to which he was called as well as that of mayor he served with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In early life he was a member of the Presbyterian church, but later joined the Episcopal church, and was ever a man of honor and uprightness whose life commended him to the confidence and high regard of all. He has left his impress indelibly upon the history of Macon county and its substantial and permanent upbuilding.