Decatur Township (part 32 of 46)

Andrew Heminger

There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect uniformly accorded Andrew Heminger, but through many years connection with Illinois his has been an unblemished character. With him, success in life has been reached through close application intelligently directed. He has never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right and honorable between his fellowmen and himself and it is this which has won for him the esteem which is now so freely given him by all who know him. Stark county, Ohio is the place of his nativity and the date of his birth December 12, 1836. His parents were Frederick and Maria (Willard) Heminger, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. Subsequently they removed to Stark county, Ohio and in 1839 went to Wood county, Ohio, settling near Toledo, where their remaining days were passed. The father was a prominent farmer of that locality.

The boyhood and youth of Andrew Heminger were spent in Wood county, where he was reared to farm life, pursuing his education in the old-time typical log schoolhouse with its puncheon floor, slab seats and other crude furnishings. In April, 1857, he followed Horace Greeley's advice to young men and went west as far as the territory of Kansas. At that time Jefferson City, Missouri, was the terminus of the western railroad and Kansas City was a mere hamlet. There were no buildings in the levee district and no bakery in the town and at that time Mr. Heminger could have homesteaded land within the present citylimits. He remained in Kansas, however, for only about six weeks, after which he returned to Illinois, settling in Cerro Gordo, where his first work was breaking prairie with five yoke of oxen and a thirty-six-inch plow. For his service he was paid fourteen dollars per month. He continued to work as a farm hand until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when his patriotism was aroused by the continued attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and on the nth of August, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry. He served for three years, lacking one month, as a private and was honorably discharged July n, 1865, at Camp Butler, Illinois, after participating in the Atlanta campaign, in the battles of Franklin and Knoxville and in other important engagements.

When the war had ended Mr. Heminger returned to Cerro Gordo and began farming on his own account. For three years he rented land and then made his first investment in property, buying at that time a modest forty acres, which, however, constituted the nucleus of his later extensive possessions. His second purchase of one hundred and sixty acres was made in 1873 and for this he paid twenty-nine dollars per acre. This farm is now within a half mile of the city limits of Cerro Gordo and is worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre on more. About 1890, however, Mr. Heminger sold that property for seventy-five dollars per acre, which at that time was the highest price ever paid for land in his township with the exception of the price paid for a forty-acre tract. He continued to buy and sell farm lands and at one time owned four hundred and fiftyeight acres in Macon county but disposed of his holdings and in 1898 removed to Decatur, where he has since made his home. He has, however, through the intervening period continued his speculations in farm lands and also in Decatur city properties. He is now the owner of five hundred and ninety-one acres in Macon county, much of which is located near Decatur and is very valuable. He also owns three business properties, three flat buildings and various other properties and from his holdings derives a substantial and gratifying annual income. Until quite recently he has been regarded as one of the most active and prominent financiers of Decatur and although now practically living retired, he still looks after his holdings and is one of the most successful men of the city. He is a splendid type of a self-made man, for owing to the limited financial resources of his father he had to start out for himself in a very humble capacity. His business acumen, however, was soon manifest and his success is attributable in no small degree to the fact that he has recognized and utilized opportunities that other have passed heedlessly by.

Mr. Heminger has been married twice. In June, 1862, he wedded Miss Rachel Long, of Piatt county, who died in 1873. Their only child died in infancy. In 1877, Mr. Heminger wedded Miss Melinda Schoolcraft, of Piatt county, and they became the parents of four children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are Bertha F., who is the wife of Merl Cobb, of Webster Groves, St. Louis county, Missouri, and has one child, Lenora F. ; and Maud, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Wallace, likewise of Webster Groves Missouri.

Politically Mr. Heminger is a pronounced republican, regarding the principles of the party as most conducive to good government. He has served as commissioner of highways and as assessor of his township in Piatt county but has never been an office seeker, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs and social interests. He holds membership in Cerro Gordo Lodge, No. 246, I. O. O. F., and Cerro Gordo Post, No. 210, G. A. R., of which he has served as commander. He and his wife are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and he is serving as one of its trustees. He is now in the seventy- fourth year of his age - a life of activity, enterprise and of honor. His success has never been won at the sacrifice of others' interests but has come as the result of careful investment and of marked business ability.

Morillow Cameron Glasgow

Morillow C. Glasgow, a pioneer farmer now retired, who is a native of this state and has made his home in Macon county for forty-five years past, is now enjoying at his comfortable home in Harristown township well earned rest. He is one of the "fathers" in stock-raising and agriculture in the state of Illinois and by energy, thrift and good judgment accumulated a fortune, owning at one time six hundred and thirty acres of well improved land in Macon and Christian counties.

Mr. Glasgow was born on a farm six miles from Belleville, St. Clair county, Illinois, January 25 1833, a son of James P. and Hester (Baldwin) Glasgow. His father was a native of Kentucky and on coming to Illinois located in St. Clair county after he arrived at maturity. The mother was born in South Carolina and removed to Daviess county, Indiana, with her parents, who were early settlers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow were married in Indiana and lived for a number of years in St. Clair county, this state, but at last located in Macon county in April, 1865.

Morillow C. Glasgow was reared in St. Clair county, where he had limited advantages of education in the little log schoolhouse of the neighborhood. He continued with his father until he was twenty-one years of age and then hired out to him by the month to herd cattle in Washington and Monroe counties. In the latter county he became the owner of a farm of eighty-five acres, but he disposed of this farm and came with his father to Macon county, where he has since lived.

In 1855, in Monroe county, Mr. Glasgow was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Keagy, and four children were born to them : Izora, who died at the age of twelve years ; Isabelle Isadora, now Mrs. Younger Filson, of Decatur, and the mother of five children - Earl, Orpha, Dessie, Charles and Henry: Hester C, now Mrs. Llovd Stanford, of South Wheatland township, this county, and the mother of one child, Lottie B. ; and Alice Luella, now Mrs. Thomas Jacobs, of South Wheatland township, and the mother of one child, Floyd G. The wife and mother passed away while the family were residing in Monroe county and Mr. Glasgow was again married, May 5, 1869, in St. Genevieve county, Missouri, the lady of his choice being Miss Maggie A. Patterson, who was born in St. Francois county, Missouri, June 2, 1848, a daughter of James and Sarah A. (Thompson) Patterson. Her father was also a native of St. Francois county and her mother came from Tennessee. Mr. Patterson was a blacksmith by trade and was an industrious and honorable citizen. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow, Charles Burton, born on the home farm in Harristown township, was united in marriage to Dora Warburton. He lives on the home farm and has one child, William Carl. Leslie Lloyd, who was married to Hattie Knight, also lives on the home farm and has three sons, Garth, Floyd and Charles. Ethel Fay, who is married to Harry Bedford, lives in Decatur township.

Mr. Glasgow in his earlier years was in sympathy with the democratic party but he has voted the republican ticket ever since the Civil war. He has never held public office, as his attention has been devoted to agricultural and stockraising interests, in which he has been a leader in his region for many years. In his earlier life he endured many of the hardships so familiar to the pioneers, when there were few roads and fewer bridges, no hotels, railroads, telegraph or telephone; when travelers cooked their own meals upon camp fires and the cloth was woven by the women of the household; and a simplicity of life prevailed of which a later generation can have little conception. Of all this he has been a part and yet, notwithstanding the objections which are made against our present form of living, if he had the power he would not have the world turn back to the conditions of the primitive days. In the evening of a busy life, Mr. Glasgow has the respect of a wide circle of friends, whose earnest wishes are that he may continue to enjoy many years of comfort and happiness.

Various important business concerns have felt the stimulus of the energy, sagacity and enterprise of C. A. Burks, who is now largely concentrating his attention upon the track buying grain business. One of the native sons of Illinois, he was born in Vermilion county, July 16, 1866. His early education was supplemented by a two years' preparatory course in the Illinois Wesleyan University and followed by a two years' English scientific course. Turning his attention to the profession of teaching, he became principal of the high school at Bement, Illinois, and for twelve years remained a resident of that city, although he retired from his connection with the schools after two years and purchased the Bement Register, which he published for two years. On selling the paper he purchased the J. C. McCord elevator and lumberyard and conducted a grain, lumber and coal business until 1900.

At that time Mr. Burks came to Decatur and for five years thereafter conducted a track buying grain business. He has since been engaged in the land business, handling the Yazoo valley lands, which are among the most fertile in western Mississippi. In the meantime, however, he built up one of the largest track buying grain enterprises of the middle west under the style of C. A. Burks & Company. His business furnished an excellent market for the grain producers of central Illinois and the extent of his operations brought him to a most prominent position in the field in which he conducted his interests. In July, 1910, Mr. Burks sold his stock in the United States Brokerage Company and reembarked in the grain business with offices in the Citizens Bank building, Decatur. A man of resourceful business ability and initiative spirit, he readily forms his plans and is determined in their execution. In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. When one avenue of opportunity seems closed he seeks out another path which leads to the desired goal and he never stops short of the objective point if persistent and honorable effort can overcome difficulties and obstacles. He was the organizer of the United States Brokerage Company and its president for four years, during which period he developed the largest general real-estate, insurance and loan business in this section of the country, handling business of this class all over the United States. He continued in active connection therewith until August 1, 19 10, when he sold his interest to other members of the firm, who still continue the business.

On the 6th of June, 1900, Mr. Burks was married to Miss A. Edith Ruby, of Bement, Illinois, and a daughter of Virgil S. Ruby, who for two terms was representative of the Bement district in the state legislature, serving as a member of the general assembly when John A. Logan was elected to the United States senate. He was born in Vincennes, Knox county, Indiana, in 1834. His grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812. His parents were natives of Kentucky and after living for some years in Indiana removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1843, Virgil S. Ruby there remaining from that year until September, 1877, when he took up his abode in Bement, which was his place of residence until his death, on the 17th of March, 1888. He was one of the most influential citizens of the town and on the republican ticket was chosen representative from the thirtieth senatorial district for two terms and was a candidate for a third term when he passed away. As a legislator he served on numerous important committees, being chairman of the appropriations and agricultural committees through both terms. He was a very highly respected citizen and prominent business man, who for a long period was connected with the grain trade but in 1884 retired from active business life. He was also a leading member of different Masonic bodies, including Beaumanoir Commandery of Decatur, and his fellow Knight Templars of that organization had charge of his funeral services. His life was characterized by benevolent actions and kindly deeds as well as marked business ability and political prominence, and every movement for the social, intellectual and moral improvement of the community always found him a friend and advocate. He was married in April, 1858, to Miss Mary A. Crane, and their children were William and A. Edith.

The latter, now Mrs. Burks, is one of the society leaders of Decatur and her home is the scene of many attractive social functions. Mr. Burks is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. ; Decatur Chapter, R. A. M. ; Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. ; and Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria. He is also a member of the Decatur Club, and he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist

Episcopal church. The varied interests of his life make his a well balanced character. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship or unmindful of his obligations to his fellowmen and yet he stands preeminently forth as one of the leading business men of Decatur, promoting and controlling interests of magnitude, which are a source of development and growth to the communities in which they are located as well as a factor in the attainment of individual success.

Enos E. Pennypacker

Enos E. Pennypacker, who has been successfully engaged in the butchering business at Macon for the past three decades, was born in Montgomery county, Pennyslvania, on the 13th of February, 1845. His parents, Oliver and Rachel (DeFrain) Pennypacker, were born in the years 1823 and 1824 respectively and spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. The father was the youngest in a family of six children, while the mother was the fourth in order of birth in a family of similar size. Oliver Pennypacker was a harness maker by trade an8 worked at that occupation until 1852, when he embarked in the butchering business, conducting a successful enterprise of that character throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in June, 1890, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1892.

Enos E. Pennypacker, who was the eldest of four children, spent the first thirty-one years of his life in his native state and obtained his education in its public schools. Under the direction of his father he learned the butchering business in early life and has been identified therewith throughout his entire business career. In 1876, he came to Illinois, first locating in Taylorville, Christian county, while subsequently he took up his abode at Moweaqua. He arrived in Macon on the 21st of March, 1880, and has since been connected with the business interests of that town as the proprietor of a meat market, having built up a large and profitable trade. He owns an attractive residence in Macon and has long been numbered among the substantial and respected citizens of the community.

On the 14th of October, 1866, Mr. Pennypacker was united in marriage to Miss Jane E. Carmack, whose birth occurred on the 9th of May, 1844, her parents being Jacob and Anna Carmack, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Pennypacker was the youngest in a family of four children and by her marriage has become the mother of six, the record of whom is as follows : Ella Irene, whose natal day was February 23, 1868, is the wife of Charles Kerns, of Illiopolis, Sangamon county, by whom she has four children. Emma C, who was born April 13, 1870, gave her hand in marriage to Otto Hill, of Macon, and is the mother of two children. Webster C, born July 24, 1871, wedded Miss Maud Murphy, of Macon county, and makes his home in Decatur. The young couple have two children. Preston S., whose birth occurred January 26, 1875, married Miss Nellie Atterbury, of Macon, and now resides in Oreana, this county. He is the father of four children. Earla Golda, born August 29, 1880, wedded Henry W. Willoughby, of Macon, and now makes her home in Springfield. Her children are two in number. William T., who was born March 20, 1884, wedded Miss Mamie Clark, of Decatur, by whom he has one child. They now reside in Macon.

Politically Mr. Pennypacker is a stanch advocate of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. His wife is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he also attends its services. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in the community, having won the kindly regard and esteem of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

William Mason Austin

Among the substantial farmers and stock-raisers of Macon county should be named William Mason Austin, the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres in Harristown township. He is a native of this county, born April 1, 1873, on a farm in Blue Mound township, about a mile north of the village of Boody, his parents being William C. and Ellen (Kasson) Austin. The father was born in Blue Mound township, January 1, 1843, and was a son of Squire William A. and Eleanor (Wornick) Austin. Squire William A. Austin was a native of Virginia and inherited many of the charcteristics peculiar to the old Virginia gentleman. He removed to Tennessee and later came to Macon county in the movement which tended toward Illinois for many years from the southern states. He arrived in this county some time before 1830 and settled in Blue Mound township, where he passed the remainder of his life, serving for many years as justice of the peace and being recognized as one of the leading men in his part of the county. He was a stanch democrat and was always known as a man of the highest integrity and honor. William C. Austin, the father of our subject, received his education in the common schools and in many respects followed in the footsteps of his honored father. He served as justice of the peace with great acceptance and also filled other positions of public responsibility. He departed this life in March, 1909, but the mother of our subject is still living.

William Mason Austin grew to manhood on the home farm and received a good education in the district schools, so that at twenty years of age he became a school teacher. After one year, however, he saw the importance of further training in order to guide safely the minds of the young and he became a student at the State Normal School, at Normal, Illinois, where he continued at intervals for several terms. His teaching was limited to about seven years, in the course of which time he acquired an enviable reputation as a first class teacher, a thorough disciplinarian and one who could have made a pronounced success as a pedagogue had he chosen to continue in that line. His love for the farm drew him to agricultural pursuits in preference to the school room and in the fall of 1901 he bought a farm of eighty acres, upon which he has Jived since 1902, paying at the time of the purchase one hundred and ten dollars per acre. The

On March 30, 1899, Mr. Austin was united in marriage in Wheatland township to Miss Minnie Kater, who was born in that township, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Sasenburg) Kater who were natives of Germany and came to this country about 1868, first locating in Illini township, this county, and later in Wheatland township. There Mr. Kater attained succeess in farming and became the owner of a farm of three hundred and forty acres. He was a man of influence in his locality and served as road commissioner. In religious belief he was a Lutheran and in his daily life he attempted to put into practice the teachings of that church. He was called to his reward August 1, 1908, and his faithful companion passed away January 21, 1909. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Austin: Helen May, born May 25, 1901 ; and Ruth Marguerite, born September 14, 1909.

Mr. Austin was reared as a democrat, but his study of politics has led him into broader views and he is now independent, voting according to the conditions and needs which are changing from year to year and are seldom the same in all parts of the country. He is greatly interested in the improvement of the county and for six years has acted as highway commissioner, during which time he has graveled three miles of roadway, put in one hundred feet of bridge work and several concrete arches and about three-quarters of a mile of concrete sidewalk in Harristown. His wife and himself are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is serving as steward. By industry and a life free from reproach Mr. Austin has gained an honorable place in the minds and hearts of the people of the community and in a striking degree has he exemplified the great truth that peace, prosperity and happiness are within the reach of everyone who will rightfully apply himself and never yield to discouragement.

I. J. Carr

Macon county can truthfully boast of well equipped farmers who were born in this county, have passed all their lives here and are now successfully demonstrating their ability in the line of agriculture or live-stock raising. Among this number may be named I. J. Carr, who is operating three hundred and twentyfive acres of land on sections 10 and 15, South Macon township. Mr. Carr was born May 26, 1871, and is a son of N. A. and Melissa J. (Rettinghouse) Carr. The father was born in St. Clair county, this state, March 29, 1838, but since 1865 and has been a resident of Macon county. He has devoted his active life to the farming interests and ten years ago retired from active work and is now living in Decatur. Mrs. Carr was also a native of St. Clair county. She was born July 11, 1840, and was called away in Febuary, 1910, at Decatur, after a long life of usefullness. She was the mother of ten children, of whom the subject was the sixth in order of birth.

I. J. Carr was educated in the public schools and as a boy grew up on the farm and became thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm life. At seventeen years of age, desiring to see something of the great world that laybeyond the horizon, he went to Texas, where he lived for four years and was identified with the farming industry. Returning to Illinois, he began for himself upon his father's property in this county and later took up his residence at his present home upon his father's estate, where he is engaged principally in feeding live stock for the market, raising only enough hay and grain for this purpose. He has attained general recognition as one of the responsible stock feeders of this part of the county. He is also owner of a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of irrigated land in a highly promising district near Ordway, Colorado.

In 1896, Mr. Carr was united in marriage to Miss Hattie R. Sanner, a daughter of Edward B. and Naomi (Pierson) Sanner, of Shelby county, Illinois. She is the third of a family of nine children and was born March 20, 1871. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Carr: Lawrence H., born November 24, 1896; Eunice H., July 20, 1898; Chauncey C, May 5, 1901 ; and Ruth D., November 1, 1903.

Mr. Carr holds membership in Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. M., and is an earnest believer in the principles of brotherhood, which are the foundation of that organization. Politically he is allied with the democratic party but he has never sought public ofhce as his energies are most applied to his duties on the farm, where his chief interest centers. In his wife he has found a delightful companion and a worthy assistant in every undertaking for the welfare of the neighborhood, their home being a center of social influence for friends and acquaintances who are here always accorded a cordial greeting.

Alexander Chapman Traughber

Alexander Chapman Traughber, who has resided in Macon county throughout his entire life, covering a period of almost three-fourths of a century, has lived in honorable retirement since 1903, having won a handsome competence through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests in former years. He is one of the county's well known, respected and most properous citizens and owns eight hundred and forty acres o f rich and productive land.

His birth occurred in Mount Zion township on the 3d of April, 1834, his parents being Henry and Nancy (Smith) Traughber, who were natives of Tennessee and Kentucky respectively. The father came of German lineage, while the mother was of Irish descent. They came here about 1828, Henry Traughber being the second man to take out a marriage license in Shelby county, of which Macon county was at that time a part. He was a brick mason by trade and assisted in the erection of the first courthouse in Shelby county. Subsequently he abandoned that occupation in order that he might devote his attention to general agricultural pursuits, locating on a tract of prairie and timber land which is now the home of our subject. In the lob cabin which he erected thereon all of his children were born. Alert, enterprising and energetic, he prospered in his farming interests as the years passed by and accumulated four hundred and forty acres of valuable land. For many years prior to his death he lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. When he passed away in 1892 at the age of ninety years, the community mourned the loss of one of its most esteemed and honored early settlers. His wife was called to her final rest in the fall of 1864, when she was fifty-five years old.

Alexander Chapman Traughber attended the district schools until eighteen years of age and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, which has remained his place of 'abode from his birth to the present time. In 1855 he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, first renting a portion of his father's farm. By dint of untiring industry and unremitting energy he accumulated the capital which enabled him to buy a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, while later he extended the boundaries of his farm by an additional purchase of five hundred and twenty acres, so that his place now comprises eight hundred and forty acres. The property is highly improved in every particular, lacking none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. In connection with the tilling of the soil he was also engaged in stock-raising, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. In 1903 he put aside the active work of the fields, having since enjoyed the rest which he so richly merits. As before stated, he still makes his home on the farm where his birth occurred but during the winter months resides in Los Angeles, California.

On the nth of December, 1856, Mr. Traughber was united in marriage to Miss Virginia C. Whitehouse, of Mount Zion township. She was born in Virginia on the 2d of January, 1839, her parents being George and Nancy (McCall) Whitehouse. The former, a prosperous agriculturist, died when his daughter Virginia was still but an infant, while the latter passed away in 1876 at the age of seventy-five years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Traughber have been born four children, as follows : George M., whose birth occurred on the 4th of June, 1865; Judd, whose natal day was May 14, 1868; William Burt, who was born September 15, 1871 ; and Flaudia May, who was born June 6, 1874.

Mr. Traughber is a republican in politics and a Presbyterian in religious faith. Having lived in this country for almost seventy-five years, he enjoys an extensive acquaintance within its borders and is largely familiar with the various stages of its growth and development, relating in an interesting manner many incidents and experiences of pioneer days.

Leona F. Bowman

Leona F. Bowman, the county superintendent of schools, was born near Oakley, Macon county, December 31, 1873, a daughter of Andrew and Emma Lena (Manecke) Bowman, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Coming to Macon county in 1867, they settled on a farm near Oakley, but are now residents of Decatur. Their daughter, Leona F. Bowman, was educated in the rural schools and the normal school, and began teaching at the age of seventeen years at a salary of thirty dollars per month. That her ability was manifest during that period is indicated by the fact that in the second year she was given fifty dollars per month. She was offered positions in the city schools but preferred to teach in the country, and did so for some time. During that period she attended different schools in the summer seasons and in 1906 she became a candidate for the position which she is now filling. Although a candidate of the minority party in Macon county, she received a majority of over two hundred votes and in office has given entire satisfaction to the public, making a great success in her administration of educational affairs in Macon county. She has created enthusastic local interests by holding spelling contests.

Miss Bowman belongs to the National Educational Association and is constantly alert to the demands and needs of the school and to efforts for the improvement and development of the educational system. Her work has indeed been of far-reaching effect and has won the approval of even the most conservative. She believes in the comprehension of each student as an individual and that every teacher should study her pupils and know just how to adapt the work to specific needs.

Bryant L. Brasfield

Among the younger representatives of farming interests in Macon county Bryant L. Brasfield is prominent. He is only now in his twenty-fifth year, yet is the owner of and successfully operates two hundred and forty-five acres of valuable farm land, pleasantly and conveniently situated about two miles north of Harristown. He has been a lifelong resident of Illinois, his birth having occurred on the 10th of May, 1886, near Sweetwater, Menard county, his parents being Thomas Howard and Cynthia (Camp) Brasfield. The father was born in the year 1829 in Madison county, Kentucky, near Richmond, and was but four years of age when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Brasfield, removed from the Blue Grass state to Illinois, settling in Menard county, which was then largely a wild and undeveloped region. The Black Hawk war had occurred only the previous year and there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy throughout the state. Little of the native forest had been cut and much of the open land was still covered with the wild prairie grasses. It was an easy matter to obtain a farm by entering a claim from the government and the usual experiences of pioneer life were to be met with on every hand. It was amid the environment of the frontier that Thomas H. Brasfield was reared and in the public schools of Menard county he was educated. After attaining man's estate he took up farming and stock-raising on his own acount and became a prosperous representative of the agricultural interests of the community. He was a very public-spirited man and also a prominent factor in the ranks of the republican party, his opinions carrying weight in its local councils. He continued a valued resident of Menard county to the time of his death, which ocurred in 1900. He is still survived by his widow, who is now making her home in Eureka, Woodford county, Illinois.

Bryant L. Brasfield began his education in the common schools and afterward went to Springfield, Illinois, there pursuing a business course. He also spent two and a half years in Eureka College and a year and a half in the University of Illinois, devoting his time to a literary course in Eureka and to the agricultural course in the State University. He worked upon the home farm during his vacation periods and afterward resided in Eureka from September, 1904, until March, 1910. He then went upon the show circuit with Carpenter & Ross of Mansfield, Ohio, with a shorthorn herd, traveling through Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, just for the experience. Later he purchased the farm of two hundred and forty-five acres in Macon county upon which he now resides and is here extensively and successfully engaged in breeding shorthorn cattle, having a fine herd upon his place. He also farms his land and his fields are highly cultivated. The farm presents every appearance of being cared for along the most progressive and practical lines and its substantial buildings, well tilled fields and high grades of stock indicate the owner to be one of the leading farmers of his part of the county. He took up his abode upon his present place in March, 1907, and his work is being attended by excellent results.

That Mr. Brasfield is a man of high principles is indicated in the fact that he is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity belonging to Lodge No. 306, A. F. & A. M., at Eureka, and also he belongs to the Christian church. The future undoubtedly holds in store for him substantial success, for he is already working his way upward along lines that promise excellent results for the future.

Henry Hahn

Henry Hahn, who follows the pursuits of farming and stock-raising in Maroa township, has won a gratifying measure of success in his labors in this connection. His birth occurred in St. Clair county, Illinois, on the 26th of October, 1857, his parents being John and Mary (Hirsch) Hahn. The former was born in Germany in 1830, while the latter's birth occurred in Illinois about 1835. John Hahn was a youth of fifteen when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, the family home being established in St. Clair county, Illinos. He was successfully engaged in farming throughout his active business career and is now living retired in St. Clair county. His first wife who bore the maiden name of Mary Hirsch, died when our subject was but fourteen years of age. She was the mother of five sons and three daughters, one of whom is deceased. The surviving children are as follows : Henry, of this review ; John ; Charles ; Fred ; and Anna, Rosa and Celia, all of whom the residents of St. Louis. For his second wife John Hahn chose Miss Eva Grone, by whom he has one child, Josie.

Henry Hahn obtained his education in the district schools and when not busy with his text-books assisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When twenty-six years of age he took up farming independently and the work of the fields has claimed his time and energies continuously since. In 1895, he commenced farming upon two hundred acres of land and three years later took up his abode on his present place of three hundred and twenty acres in Maroa township, Macon county, where he is now carrying on his agricultural interests with excellent result, raising stock in connection with the tilling of the soil. He rents this property but owns a tract of eighty acres on the east, which he purchased in 1907.

On the 27th of February, 1895, Mr. Hahn was united in marriage to Miss Gusta Rosenberger, a daughter of Conrad and Kathrena (Eckert) Rosenberger, who were natives of Germany and Illinois respectively. They were the parents of six sons and three daughters. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hahn have been born five children, three of whom died in infancy. The others are: Irvin C, whose natal day was September 2, 1898; and Lena Louisa, whose birth occurred on the 25th of August, 1903.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hahn has supported the men and measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles. He has always endeavored to live at peace with his fellowmen, acknowledging the rights of others, and has manifested a spirit of consideration and kindliness that has gained him a warm place in public regard.

Olna Stanton Highly

Among the farmers' sons of Macon county who have had the good sense to remain upon the farm and thus to add to the material wealth of the county as well as to assure themselves of a solid financial basis is Olna Stanton Highly, who was born April 4, 1864, and is a son of Henry L. and Jane (Gibson) Highly. The father was a native of Ohio, born June 12, 1835, and settled in Macon county in 1862, where he was actively engaged in farming nearly forty years, retiring to Macon ten years before his death, which occurred January 12, 1910. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, January 29, 1837, and accompanied her parents on their removal to Ohio, where she was married in 1862, her wedding trip being by wagon overland to Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Highly first lived on a farm west of Macon and one year later settled on a tract of land two miles south of the present homestead of the family. She is now living in Macon with her niece. She and her husband made many friends during their long residence on the farm and assisted to the extend of their ability in bringing about the great changes that have been witnessed in this region since the Civil war. They were the parents of two children : Olna S., our subject ; and James Howard, who is now living on the old homestead in this county.

The subject of this review was educated in the common schools, but, feeling the importance of further training in order to be better prepared to meet the responsibilities of life, he became a student in a commercial college in Springfield, Illinois, where he pursued a course for six months. After laying aside his books he returned to the farm, where he applied himself with the greatest diligence, assisting his father in its operation. At twenty-six years of age he was married and removed to the place where he now resides. He inherited one hundred and sixty acres of land from his father and in 1907 purchased eighty acres adjoining, so that at the present time he has a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which under his efficient management has been improved until it is one of the most desirable farms in South Macon township. The family residence with its surroundings forms a neat and attractive home and the entire farm reflects in its neat and well kept appearance the orderly character of its owner.

On February 5, 1890, Mr. Highly was united in marriage to Miss Gladys Combs, a daughter of Jabez and Sarah (Whittaker) Combs, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Combs came to this state in the early days with his parents, who lived in Christian county previous to locating in Macon county. Mrs. Highly is the eighth child in a family of twelve children and was born October 29, 1867. Three children have blessed the household of Mr. and Mrs. Highly: Lena Jane, born November 23, 1890, the wife of John Thompson, of Macon county; Lloyd A., born March 5, 1894, living at home; Myra Pauline, born March 28, 1898.

Politically Mr. Highly is independent, voting according to his judgment as to the necessities of the times. He is a strong advocate of education and for eighteen years past has served most acceptably as a member of the school board. Socially he is identified with Beacon Lodge, No. 434, Knights of Pythias, and is an active working member of that organization. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church of Macon and are identified with every good work of the neighborhood in which they live.

B. A. Schudel has devoted his time to public service as the postmaster of Macon for the past thirteen years, having been appointed to that position in 1897. His birth occurred in Macon on the 19th of October, 1871, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Seng) Schudel, who were natives of Switzerland and Illinois respectively. The father crossed the Atlantic to the United States with his parents in early life, the family home being established in Greene county, Illinois. He came to Macon county a few years later and has here resided continuously since. He was first employed as an insurance agent, then learned the painter's trade and subsequently embarked in the mercantile business at Macon. At the present time he is living retired in Decatur, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. Unto him and his estimable wife were born eight children, of whom our subject is the second in order of birth.

B. A. Schudel obtained his education in the public schools of this state and also pursued a course in Brown's Business College of Decatur. After putting aside his text-books he went west and worked on the staff of a newspaper in Lincoln, Nebraska, for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Macon and in 1897 was appointed postmaster of the town, in which capacity he has served continuously since. His duties in this connection have been discharged in a manner entirely satisfactory to the public and his fitness for the office is widely acknowledged.

In his political views Mr. Schudel is a republican and his fellow townsmen have called him to various positions of public trust and responsibility. He acted as mayor of Macon for one year, was alderman for two terms, served as township collector for one term and for a similar period was town clerk. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to South Macon Lodge No. 467, A. F. & A. M., and the chapter at Blue Mound. He is also a member of Beacon Lodge, No. 344, K. P., and Macon Camp, No. 362, M. W. A. In early manhood he joined the Methodist Episcopal church of Macon and has since been one of its most active and valued members. His salient characteristics are such as have gained him tbe confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated and he is well entitled to a foremost place among the substantial and representative citizens of his native county.

Walter T. Downing

Among the worthy citizens of English birth and parentage now living in Macon county may be named Walter T. Downing, a well known farmer of Harristown township. He first saw the light of day at Fish Lake, Yorkshire, England, November 15, 1862, and is a son of James and Margaret (Jubb) Downing. The father was engaged in farming, an occupation with which the ancestors of the family were for many generations identified.

The subject of this review was educated in the common schools of England and at seventeen years of age he decided to cast his lot under the American flag, his brother James, an uncle and a great uncle, Thomas Acorn, having previously settled in Illinois. Accordingly he crossed the ocean, and began working for his uncle by the month, continuing for about three years and in the meantime becoming familiar with the habits and customs of this country. About 1882 his parents came from their old home and are now living in Harristown township. At twenty years of age our subject began farming independently by renting land and continued until 1905 when he moved to a farm of forty acres inherited by the lady who became his wife. By industry and economy he was soon able to purchase seventy acres adjoining, for which he paid one hundred and seventysix dollars an acre. This was at the time of the record price for farming land in this county. He has since made many improvements and, taking into consideration the advance in prices, the land is now estimated to be worth about two hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre. Mr. Downing now has a beautiful place of one hundred and ten acres, which is regarded as one of the model farms in this region.

On June 28, 1900, in Logan county, Mr. Downing was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Davis, who was born on a farm in Niantic township, Macon county, November 27, 1878. She is a daughter of Samuel P. and Henrietta (Stout) Davis, both natives of Ohio, who emigrated to Illinois and became the owners of land in Harristown township, this county. Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Downing: Henrietta, born April 2, 1901 ; Margaret,

Mr. Downing has found in his wife a worthy and sympathetic assistant. She is a valued member of the Christian church. Before leaving his native land Mr. Downing became identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, but he has never affiliated with any religious denomination since taking up his residence in Illinois. He is a stanch supporter of the republican party and socially is connected with Niantic Camp, No. 329, Modern Woodmen of America. His brethren of the order find in him a worthy and capable assistant, agreeing with many friends outside of the organization that he is a man always to be relied upon and one who has fairly earned the honorable reputation he has acquired in the county of his adption.

Peter O. Beck

Peter O. Beck, successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, makes his home on section 31, Long Creek township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Macon county, his birth having occurred in Harristown township on the 25th of November, 1859. His parents were John and Nancy (McDaniel) Beck, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio re^ spectively, the former born on the 26th of July, 1829, and the latter in the year 1833. Their marriage was celebrated in Decatur, Illinois, in 1853. Leaving the Keystone state, the paternal grandparents of our subject removed to Ohio, whence they came to Illinois in 1839. Peter Beck, the grandfather, was an agriculturist by occupation and in 1847 ne located on a quarter section of land in Harristown township, this county. He erected a house and improved his farm, devoting his energies to its operation until the time of his removal to Kansas, when he disposed of the property. His remaining days were spent in the Sunflower state. John Beck, the father of Peter O. Beck, was a lad of ten years when he came to this state with his parents and here he has resided continuously since with the exception of the period of fourteen years which he spent in Missouri. He now makes his home with our subjecet and is well known as one of the esteemed and venerable citizens of the community, having passed the eightyfirst milestone on life's journey. His wife was called to her final rest in March, 1904.

Peter O. Beck attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and have brought to him a gratifying annual income. Since 1900 he has resided in Long Creek township, where he cultivates rented land, operating the Hill estate of three hundred and five acres and also an adjoining tract of eighty acres.

were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively. The father, who took up his abode among the early settlers of this county, followed farming as a means of livelihood. He passed away in 1897 but is still survived by his wi.fe. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beck have been born the following children : A. C, who is now the wife of Charles Kemp ; Edna, who gave her hand in marriage to Lester Carmeau ; William F., whose birth occurred November 27, 1885, and who is now a resident of Kansas; Orville E., whose natal day was February 16, 1889; Millard Vernon, who was born on the 9th of May, 1890; Fleeta L.; Maggie, who died May 7, 1904; Lester Earl, whose birth occurred February 28, 1900; and three who died in infancy.

Mr. Beck gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has ably served his fellow townsmen as commissioner of highways and also as tax collector, holding the latter office for two years. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, while in religious faith he is a Methodist. He is well and favorably known throughout the community and the qualities which have made him popular are such as win confidence and command esteem in every land and clime.

George E. Moeller

George E. Moeller is one of the well known citizens of Decatur and a progressive business man, who is an officer in one of the important manufacturing enterprises of the city, being secretary and treasurer of the Decatur Coffin Company. He was born at Somerset, Ohio, May 1, 1858, and is a son of Otto H. and Eliza J. (Pardee) Moeller, the former a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and the father of Somerset, Ohio. The father was one of a family of seventeen children by two marriages, all of whom were brought up together and grew to maturity. He was engaged in the drug business in Somerset, and became one of the pioneer druggists of Decatur, removing to this city in 1859, where he died less than a year after his arrival. While in his native state he promoted a railroad through the Hocking valley, to extend from New Lexington to Somerset, and it is now a part of the system of the Pennsylvania Railroads. The mother departed this life in February, 1909, in the eighty-sixth year of her age. Six children were born to them, five of whom are now living: Mrs. O. A. Alexander, of Decatur; Mrs. A. M. Lapham, of St. Louis, Missouri; William J., of Decatur; Louis K., of Galena, Kansas; and George E., the subject of this review.

Educated in the public and high schools of Decatur, George E. Moeller began business life in the local postoffice, under Captain R. P. Lytle, as mailing clerk in 1877. After three years of valuable experience in this line he became traveling salesman for the Decatur Coffin Company and continued upon the road for about fifteen years. Having purchased stock in the company, he was elected its vice president in 1897 and upon the death of O. Z. Greene, president, in 1910, became secretary and treasurer, in which positions he has since continued. This company is one of the largest concerns of the kind in Illinois, being conducted upon the most approved business principles, so that it gives promise of steadily increasing patronage as the years pass. Mr. Moeller has attained his present responsible position by his earnestness, unquestioned honesty and willingness to work. His first experience with the great world was as a newsboy, while attending school. In fact, he was ready for any odd job that presented and thus he made a start that carried him through to success.

Oh April 23, 1891, Mr. Moeller was united in marriage to Miss Laura A. Ayers, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and three children have been born to them, Helen A., George A. and Sydney D. The family now occupy a beautiful residence at No. 890 West William street. It is one of the most attractive homes in Decatur and represents in an important degree the energy and wisely directed perseverance of its owner, who has attained a deserved standing as one of the leading men of the city. In the past few years Mr. Moeller has added much to Decatur in buildings and houses, having build a dozen or more store buildings and residences at a cost of sixty thousand dollars. Socially he is identified with the Country Club. He is a valued member of the First Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as elder, and his life has been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

William S. Whitehouse

William S. Whitehouse, a retired agriculturist of Mount Zion township, has been a resident of Macon county for almost two-thirds of a century and throughout his active business career successfully carried on the pursuits of farming and stock-raising. His birth occurred in Washington county, Virginia, on the 3d of January, 1834, his parents being George and Nancy (McCall) Whitehouse. The father was born in Ohio on the 27th of June, 1793, while the mother was a native of Virginia. In January, 1835, they took up their abode in Bartholomew county, Indiana, where the family home was maintained for eleven years or until 1846, which year witnessed their arrival in Macon county, Illinois. In the meantime, however, the father had passed away, his demise occurring in the Hoosier state in 1840. He was a tanner by trade but abandoned that occupation to become identified with general agricultural pursuits. On coming to Macon county Mrs. Whitehouse located on a farm of eighty acres, the boundaries of which she later exntended by additional purchase. She died in Macon county in 1876.

William S. Whitehouse, who was a lad of twelve years at the time of his arrival in this county, attended the district schools until fifteen years of age and then began providing for his own support by working at farm labor. In 1862 he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing one hundred and fifteen acres of land on section 6, Mount Zion township. The log cabin which stood on the property and which the family occupied for some years after their arrival here has since been replaced by a more modern structure, our subject having erected a substantial up-to-date and attractive residence. The work of the fields claimed his attention throughout his active business career and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also devoted considerable time to the raising of stock, meeting with success in both undertakings. He is now spending the evening of life in honorable retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.

Mr. Whitehouse has been married twice. In December, 1879, ne wedded Miss Elizabeth Belle, a daughter of Andy and Lucinda Belle, of Macon county. Her father was a native of Kentucy and followed farming as a life work. William S. and Elizabeth Whitehouse were the parents of a daughter, Goldie Pearl, who died when twenty-six years of age, leaving two children: William Russell and Goldie Fern Broughton, who are twelve and ten years of age respectively. Mr. Whitehouse lost his first wife in 1882 and three years later wedded Mrs. Ellen House nee Scott, of Indiana.

Politically Mr. Whitehouse is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to positions, of public trust. He served as assessor of Mount Zion township for five terms and for three terms has acted as a school director, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian. He has continuously resided in Macon county since boyhood and is, therefore, familiar with its development from pioneer times down to the present, having aided in the arduous toil which brought about the wonderful transformation that is everywhere apparent in this part of the state.

Henry C. Bower

More than a century ago George Washington said that farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man, and the statement is as true today as it was when uttered. Agriculture is the basis of all success, and no nation is really prosperous that does not found its progress upon the fruits of the soil. Mr. Bower is numbered among those who are engaged in farming in Whitmore township, where he owns and cultivates a valuable tract of land adjoining Oreana, which is situated on section 9, and in its thrifty appearance gives every evidence of the careful supervision of a practical owner.

Mr. Bower was born in Scott county, Illinois, June io, 1845, and is a son of John R. Bower, a native of Kentucky, whose father was the Rev. Jacob Bower. The latter was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1786, and removed from the east to Kentucky. He was a minister of the Baptist church, and became a pioneer preacher of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. For some time he lived in Scott county, Illinois, and his last years were spent in Macon county.

Jno. R. Bower came to Illinois about 1833, settling in Scott county, four miles west of Winchester, where he purchased land and opened up a farm of about one hundred acres. He cultivated that tract for a number of years and afterward sold out. He then came to Macon county about 1855, taking up his abode in Whitmore township, where he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land, of which ten acres were timber. He broke the sod and developed the fields and afterward added to his holdings by the purchase of an additional tract of timber land of twenty acres. For some years he lived upon the place and put fair improvements upon it. Subsequently, however, he sold that farm and removed to Clinton, Illinois, where he died on the ioth of June, 1887, at the age of seventy-six years and eight months. He had for some time survived his wife, who passed away in 1868. In their family were three sons and three daughters: J. M., now living in Pasadena, California; G. M., of Mount Vernon, South Dakota; Henry C, of this review; Malvina, the wife of J. T. Green, of White Hall, Illinois; and two daughters who are now deceased.

Henry C. Bower was a little lad of ten years when he came to Macon county, living on the farm adjoining his present home. He assisted his father in the arduous task of developing and improving the land, and gave to his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority. He then began farming on his own account on the place on which he now resides. He started here with eighty acres of land, which he placed under the plow and fenced with rail, wire and plank fencing. Subsequently he erected a good residence, also a large barn and substantial sheds and cribs. He likewise added to the productiveness of his fields by tiling the land, and he planted an orchard and set out forest trees, thus supplying both fruit and shade. In fact, he continued his work along progressive lines until he had developed a good farm, devoted to the raising of stock and grain. In 1873, when the Illinois Central Railroad was built through this district, he laid out the town of Oreana, giving to the railroad the right of way and every other lot along the line. He aftei - ward laid out a second addition to the town. Investing in land elsewhere, he became the owner of two hundred and twenty-six acres in Pratt and Seward counties, Kansas, and he now has one hundred and forty-six acres in Pratt, which is an improved tract, and also forty acres in Davison county, South Dakota. He started out in life empty-handed, and his success has logically followed his perseverance, determination and intelligently directed labor.

On the 18th of July, 1875, Mr. Bower was married in Whitmore township to Miss Elizabeth Ann Shastid, a native of Pike county, Illinois, who was brought to Macon county in her childhood. Her father, J. S. Shastid, was a native of Kentucky, and on coming to Illinois settled first in Pike county and later removed to Piatt county, whence he came to Macon county. Mrs. Bower was largely reared and educated in Macon county, completing a course in the Decatur high school, after which she successfully followed the profession of teaching for ten years, becoming recognized as one of the most capable and efficient educators of the county. Not only was she a most intelligent lady, but also one whose kindly heart and cordial manner won her the friendship and warm regard of many. She died in this county September 25, 1903, and was laid to rest in Union cemetery. By her marriage she had become the mother of two children, but the first born, Albert Clark, had died at the age of four months. Rosa Olive is now the wife of Lee Ragsdale, a well known farmer of Whitmore township, by whom she has a daughter, Helen Elizabeth Ragsdale.

In politics Mr. Bower is an earnest republican, supporting the party ever since casting his first vote for General Grant in 1868. He has served as township tax collector, but has never desired office. Since 1858 he has been a de- voted member of the Baptist church and now holds membership with the church of that denomination in Oreana, of which he served as deacon for several years and also as church trustee and treasurer. He has likewise acted as superintendent of the Sunday school for some years, and was superintendent of the home department of the County Sunday School Association for a number of years. He promoted the movement that resulted in the organization of the county association, and has ever been actively and helpfully interested in this particular branch of church work, realizing the fact that "train the child up in the way he shall go and when he is old he will not depart from it." For fifty-five years Mr. Bower has lived in Macon county and its history is, therefore, largely familiar to him. He has seen much of the growth of Decatur and the development of this part of the state, and in many ways has aided substantially in advancing the welfare and upbuilding of this section. His life, too, honorable and upright at all times, has commended him to the confidence and good will of those who know him, and as the years have passed he has made a most creditable record as a business man and citizen and in the social relations of life.

Fred Kraschel

Fred Kraschel, who since March, 1908, has lived retired in Macon, was for many years actively and successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits in this county and still owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land here. His birth occurred in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, on the 27th of January, 1842. He lost his father when a little lad of about seven years and in 1856 accompanied his mother on her emigration to the new world, settling in Tonawanda, Erie county, New York. At the end of nine years he left the Empire state and in 1865 took up his abode in Hardin county, Illinois, there purchasing forty acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his attention until 1871. In that year he disposed of the property and came to Macon county, buying and locating upon a tract of eighty acres. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase and at the present time owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in this county. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also devoted considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs. His undertakings as a farmer and stockman proved profitable and in March, 1908, he put aside the active work of the fields, having won a competence that made further recourse to labor unnecessary. For the past two years he has lived retired in Macon, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.

Mr. Kraschel has been married twice. In 1865 he wedded Miss Annie Sandman, of Illinois, by whom he had five children. The only surviving child, however, is Rosa, a resident of Macon county, who is now the wife of William Eckhardt and has seven children. Mrs. Annie Kraschel passed away in June,

1 87 1, and on the 2d of January, 1874, our subject was again married, his second union being with Miss Nancy Jane Poe, who was born December 23, 1851, She was the eldest of ten children born unto Frank and Elizabeth Poe, natives of Tennessee. By his second wife Mr. Kraschel had five children, the record of whom is as follows: Melvin A., whose natal day was October 7, 1874, wedded Miss Jessie L. Bromley, of Macon, Illinois, by whom he has four children, and the family reside near Macon. Theodore F., whose birth occurred April 23, 1876, died when sixteen years of age. Ella E., born March 1, 1878, gave her hand in marriage to Charles Carr, of Missouri, and now resides near Macon. Hattie E., whose birth occurred December 6, 1884, passed away August 6, 1887. Nelson G., whose natal day was October 27, 1889, is still under the parental roof.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kraschel has supported the men and measures of the democracy. He has served as road commissioner for a term and a half and for eight years acted as a school director, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is identified with Beacon Lodge, No 434, K. P. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Macon, to which his wife also belongs. The period of his residence in this county covers almost four decades and he is well known and highly esteemed as a substantial and representative citizen.

H. B. Wilson

Holding to high ideals in his profession, Professor H. B. Wilson, city superintendent of schools, has done much not only to advance educational interests in Decatur but also through published articles and volumes has stimulated interest and activity among the representatives of the profession at large. He was born in Frankfort, Clinton county, Indiana, July 26, 1874. His father, E. B. Wilson, was a farmer and educator, who engaged in teaching school for about eighteen years. He also served as county assessor for Clinton county for one term, and was identified with agricultural interests in that community. He married Miss Mary E. Norris, and for many years they were numbered among the valued and respected citizens of Clinton county, but in 1897 Mr. Wilson was called to his final rest. His widow still survives and now make her home in Frankfort, Indiana.

Professor Wilson, who is the eldest of four living children in his father's family, acquired his early education in the district schools of his native county, and afterward attended the high school of Colfax, Indiana. He was graduated from the Indiana State Normal School with the class of 1895,. and ten years later won the Bachelor of Arts degree in the Indiana University. In 1910 Columbia University conferred upon him the Master of Arts degree. All of his degrees were taken for the purpose of advancement in his work. He did not regard his education complete when he left the normal school, but improved every opportunity for progress and thus promoted his efficiency in his chosen calling.

For two years he engaged in teaching in the district schools of Clinton county, Indiana, after which he was appointed principal of the high school at Salem, Indiana, and two years later was made city superintendent of schools in Salem, filling that position for five years. For a similar period he was superintendent of schools in Franklin, Indiana, and in August, 1907, he was appointed superintendent of the Decatur City schools and clerk of the board of education. There is now under construction a magnificent high school building, the combined cost of building, grounds and equipment being two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. This will acommodate one thousand pupils and from thirty to thirty-six teachers will be employed. This work has been accomplished through his efforts alone and he certainly deserves much credit therefor. He now has charge of sixteen different schools, where are employed 147 teachers, with an average attendance of fifty-five hundred, while eight thousand are enrolled. Professor Wilson has constantly sought out new methods to improve the schools and raise the standard of instruction, and to stimulate the interest of the pupils that their preparation for life's work as secured in the schoolroom may be thorough and comprehensive.

Professor Wilson is a member of the Illinois School Masters Club, the Central Teachers Association, the Illinois State Teachers Association and the National Educational Association. He likewise belongs to the Black Cat Club, of Columbia University, which has an elective membership of only those who are considered strong in educational affairs. In addition to printing reports and courses of study written for the systems of schools where he has been superintendent, he is the author of the following articles and volumes which are certainly worthy of mention: "A Course in Nature Study for the Common Schools of Indiana" - Report of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Indiana, 1902, pp. 87-140; "School Garden Work in Indiana" - Report of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Indiana, 1904, pp. 416-428; "The Value of Physical Training in Modern Education" - The Educator Journal, Indianapolis, Vol. VI pp. 325-328, 368-371, 416-419; "The Relation of the High School Course to the Students' Life Problems" - School Review, Vol. XVI, pp. 469-474; "The Problem of Professional Training for High School Teachers" - The Western Journal of Education, Vol. Ill, pp. 49-60; "The Possibility of Training Children to Study" - Proceedings Fifty-Sixth Annual Meeting, Illinois State Teachers Association, pp. 173-175; "The Beginning of Medical Inspection in Illinois" - Proceedings Fifty-Sixth Annual Meeting, Illinois State Teachers Association, pp. 196-200; "Grading and Promotion of Pupils" - Proceedings of National Educational Association, Vol. for 1910; "The Motivation of the Children's Work in the Elementary Schools" - Proceedings of National Education Association, Vol. for 1910; "Some Things the Normal School Seeks to do for its Students" - Indiana State Normal School Anniversary Volume of President Parson's Twenty-five Years of Service; "Grammer Grades in a Central Building" - Schools and Home Education, Vol. XXIX, 324-325 ; "The Cooperative Method of Developing the Course of Study" - Master's Thesis, Bryson Library, Columbia University of New York City.

On the 10th of June, 1896, Professor Wilson was married to Miss Maude Barnes, of Michigantown, Clinton county, Indiana, and they have two children,

Dean Bruce and Harriet Maud. Professor and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He is found where the intelligent men of the city are wont to gather in the discussion of vital problems, and association with him means expansion and elevation.

Samuel Smetters

The ranks of the Grand Army veterans are fast becoming thinned as one by one the old soldiers answer the last call and bivouac on the other side. Among those in Macon county who are still active factors in the world's work, however, is Samuel Smetters who for years was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits and owned and cultivated a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Friends Creek township. He has lived in this county since 1870 and in Illinois since 1844. He was a little lad in his ninth year at the time of his arrival in this state, his birth having occurred in Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 18th of October, 1835. His father, Daniel Smetters, was a native of Pennsylvania, whence he removed to the Buckeye state and was there married to Miss Maria Kunkle, who was likewise born in Pennsylvania. In the year 1844 he went with his family to Illinois, settling in Jacksonville, where he spent the winter and later located upon a farm in that locality. Afterward Sangamon county numbered him among the representatives of its agricultural interests and there he reared his family and spent his remaining days, his death occurring in that county in 1862. His wife survived him for about ten years, passing away in 1872.

From the age of eight years Samuel Smetters, of this review, was reared in Morgan and Sangamon counties, and his experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm boy who in the periods of vacation finds is necessary to aid in the work of the fields. In 1862 the critical condition of the country aroused his patriotic spirit and he enlisted at Springfield, joining Company B of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, with which command he went south to Missouri and later to Arkansas. He was first under fire at Little Rock and was also engaged in scouting duty in that locality. He likewise participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and was engaged with the army in the movements in the southwest for some time. Following the surrender of General Lee and the cessation of hostilities he was honorably discharged at New Orleans, Louisiana, on the 10th of June, 1865.

Immediately thereafter Mr. Smetters returned home and quietly resumed the pursuits of farm life, working on a farm with his brother for two or three years. In 1870 he came to Macon county, settling in Friends Creek township, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land. This was a partially improved tract of which he afterward sold eighty acres. His attention was then given to the cultivation and further development of the remaining one hundred and sixty acres in the midst of which he erected a comfortable residence and also built good barns and sheds, thus affording ample shelter for grain and stock. He also divided the farm into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and added to the productiveness of his land by tilling. The crops which he gathered indicated his intelligent methods of cultivating the fields and he continued his work with good success until 1902, also raising and feeding stock in addition to cultivating the crops. He made a specialty of raising and fattening hogs, selling a large number each year. In 1902, however, he leased his farm and purchased a home in Argenta where he has since resided. After renting his land for six years he concluded to sell, disposing of the farm in 1908.

On the 5th of March, 1873, in Macon county, Mr. Smetters was married to Mrs. Priscilla Jimison, nee Anderson. She was a widow and had two children by her former marriage: Henry L. Jimison, now of Colorado; and Ellen, the wife of C. F. James, also living in that state. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs Smetters has been blessed with a son and daughter : George W., who is married and also makes his home in Colorado; and Eliza, the wife of John Westerman, a farmer of Whitmore township, Macon county.

While at national elections Mr. Smetters votes for the candidates of the republican party, he does not consider it incumbent on him to vote for its local candidates and in exercising his right of franchise supports the men whom he believes best qualified for office. While on the farm he served as road commissioner and was also a member of the school board for eighteen years. He has practically been a lifelong resident of Illinois and is greatly attached to the state, the development of which he has largely witnessed. He has seen its towns grow into flourishing cities, its lands taken up and improved, while year by year the work of its agriculturalists has caused it to forge ahead so that today Illinois leads other states in many respects. At all times Mr. Smetters has been a careful and conservative business man, trustworthy in his dealings, loyal in his citizenship and faithful to the duties of home and friendship.

George S. Phillips

George S. Phillips, who since 1909 has been employed by the Ilinois Central Railroad as station agent at Macon, was born in this county on the 22d of January, 1883, his parents being Robert N. and Jennie (Slack) Phillips, natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father, who was the third in order of birth in a family of seven children, obtained his education in the public schools of the Buckeye state and after putting aside his text-books learned the painter's trade in Cincinnati, working at that occupation throughout almost his entire business career. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company B, Seventeenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, remaining with that command for three years and being mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in May, 1865. He participated in the battle of Pea Ridge but his regiment was principally engaged in fighting bushwhackers in Missouri and Kansas. At the present time both he and his wife are living in Macon, Illinois, and they are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth.

George S. Phillips, who is the eldest of three children born unto his parents, attended the public schools of Macon and completed the high school course in 1902. Immediately afterward he began the study of telegraphy with the agent at Macon and before the expiration of a year was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad as operator at Litchfield. He worked all over the Springfield division of that company until 1905, when he was assigned regularly as operator at Assumption, Illinois there remaining until 1909. In that year he was appointed agent at Macon and has since held the position, his courtesy and obliging manner toward the patrons of the road and his careful watchfulness over the interests of the company which he represents making him a valued employe.

In 1906 Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Flora Hofmann, of Clinton, whose birth occurred on the 7th of March, 1883. They now have three children, namely : Leone whose natal day was September 5, 1907 ; and Leah and Leota, twins, who were born on the 24th of October, 1908.

When national questions and issues are involved Mr. Phillips supports the democracy but at local elections casts an independent ballot, voting for the candidate whom he believes best qualified without regard to party affiliation. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church of Macon, with which his wife is also identified. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the community and his many friends believe that a bright future lies before him.

Eckhardt C. Stein

Eckhardt C. Stein, president and general manager of the Decatur Model Laundry, in which connection his business enterprise and sagacity have been instrumental in building up a business of large and profitable proportions, was born in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, on the 4th of October, 1858. His parents, Henry and Christina (Weyfahrt) Stein, were natives of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and in their youth crossed the Atlantic to Canada, where they were married in Waterloo. Later they removed to their country home in North Easthope township of Perth. The father was a successful business man, conducting an extensive business as a general builder and contractor, engaging largely in brick and stone construction. The family numbered two daughters and three sons, of whom the youngest died in infancy. The parents are now residents of Berlin, Canada, and the father, having retired from business, is spending his days quietly in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

After attending school until seventeen years of age, Eckhardt C. Stein began learning the furniture finishing business, which he followed for four years, when he turned his attention to the miller's trade at Wellesley, Waterloo county, Canada. The year 1884 witnessed his arrival in Decatur and for a year thereafter he worked in a furniture factory but at the end of that time embarked in business on his own account in connection with William Lewis, establishing a feed store. After he became a partner of B. A. Brookshire, in the laundry business at No. 147 South Water street. This relation was maintained for two years, when Mr. Brookshire sold his interest to H. F. Ehrman, who sometime afterward also purchased the interest of Mr. Stein. The latter then became associated with John H. Rainey and they purchased a laundry, owned by the firm of Fleming & Company. Later F. H. Whitmer became owner of a laundry at No. 147 South Water street and Messrs. Stein, Rainey & Whitmer consolidated both plants under the name of the Decatur Model Laundry Company, located at its present quarters. He is now president and general manager of the company. After the retirement of Mr Rainey the business was incorporated October 28, 1899, and was reorganized and reincorporated on the 26th of October, 1900. Over fifty people are now employed and the laundry is the largest in the city. It has been built up chiefly through the efforts and business ability of Mr. Stein in his capacity as president and general manager, and the company today has a most complete and well equipped plant, while the excellence of the work turned out insures a continuance of a liberal patronage. Mr. Stein has been very successful in his business life, for he started out emptyhanded and is today not only at the head of an extensive industrial enterprise but is also the owner of much valuable real estate, including a nice home at No. 1035 West Main street.

In August, 1887 occurred the marriage of Mr. Stein and Miss Magdalena Fretus, of Argenta, whose parents, William and Magdalena (Getz) Fretus, were well-to-do people of that locality. They were natives of Germany and became early residents of Macon county. The father is now deceased but the mother still survives and makes her home in Decatur. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stein have been born a son and four daughters : Martin, who is now assisting his father in the laundry; Emily, Beatha, Lauda, and Paula, at home.

The parents are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, in the work of which they are actively interested, contributing liberally to its support. In politics Mr. Stein is republican, for he believes that he finds in the principles of the party platform the best elements of good government. He has now resided in Decatur for more than a quarter of a century, within which period he has firmly established himself in a creditable and enviable position as a capable and successful business man.

Frederick J. Walter

Industrial activity in Decatur finds a worthy representative in Frederick J. Walter, conducting a general contracting business, his work including cement walks, steps and cellar floors, while making a specialty of concrete block work. His ability in this direction and his business integrity have brought him a gratifying patronage that crowns his labors with substantial success. He was born in Clermont county, Ohio, July 19, 1869, and is a son of John and Martha Walter. The father, a native of Kentucky, was of German lineage and the mother was born in Germany. The father devoted his life to commercial pursuits, conducting a general mercantile store at Batavia, Ohio, where he established his home on his

The boy, thus left an orphan, was taken to the German Lutheran Orphan Home at Cincinnati and while there living attended the public schools but pursued his studies only to the age of twelve years, when he was taken to a farm, whereon he remained for five years, working diligently in the fields throughout that period, his compensation being one hundred dollars in money, his board and clothes. However, he remained two more years in active farm work and afterward was employed in various positions in Cincinnati during a period of six months. The year 1884 witnessed his arrival in Decatur. He came to Macon county to work on the farm of John Ullrich, who owned a large place near Lovington and who was a relative of Mr. Walter's mother. He remained in Mr. Ullrich's employ for two years and then returned to Decatur, where he was employed in conection with cement and concrete work. After two years he went to Birmingham, Alabama, and was employed for six months in the large roller mills located near that city. Afterward in Nashville, Tennessee, he did cement and concrete work for the Nashville Roofing Company, with which he was connected for a year and a half, when he became a resident of Richmond, Virginia, where he worked for two years at tiling and roofing. He was next at Charlottesville, Virginia, where he established and conducted a concrete contracting business. In this he met with success during the three years of his residence there, after which he returned to Decatur.

The purpose of his visit to this city was to wed Miss Josie Rich, whom he married on the 22d of February, 1894. She is a daughter of Jesse B. Rich, a well known minister of the Christian church now living retired. There are two children of this marriage, Loraine E., born February 6, 1897; and Harold B., born August 13, 1899.

After the wedding festivities were over Mr. Walter returned with his bride to Charlottesville, where he continued in business for two years, and then came again to Decatur, where he purchased a photographic studio, which he conducted for about five years. He then sold out to a Chicago firm and turned his attention to general contracting and the manufacture of concrete blocks. In this he has been very successful and has erected many residences and other buildings from concrete blocks of his manufacture. He has also built frame and brick residences, which he sells on the easy payment plan, and as a speculative builder he has contributed not only to his own success but has also enabled many to gain homes of their own through the plan which he arranges for payments. He has done much work in laying cement walks, steps and cellar floors and the liberal patronage accorded him is proof of his ability as well as business integrity. His prosperity also indicates close application and determination, diligence and careful management on his part, for he started out in life empty-handed and with few of the advantages that most boys enjoy. He is now the owner of considerable real estate in Decatur.

Mr. Walter belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having joined Jefferson Lodge in Charlottesville, Virginia, which is one of the oldest Masonic lodges in the United States. He likewise holds membership with the Royal Neighbors and the White Cross and his wife is an enthusiastic memebr of the Eastern Star and

White Shrine. They belong to the Edward Street Christian church, in which he is serving as a trustee, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His influence has always been on the side of progress, reform and improvement, and in a quiet but nevertheless effective way he has contributed to the moral and political as well as the material welfare of his adopted city.

James McLaughlin Hill, deceased, who for many years was prominently identified with the farming interests of Macon county and owner of six hundred and eighty acres of land in Harristown township, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1821. He was a son of George and Eliza (McLaughlin) Hill and came to Illinois in his boyhood with his parents, who settled on a farm near Ottawa. Here he grow up and became acquainted with the operations of the farm, gaining such education as was available in the rude log schoolhouse of the pioneer days. After arriving at manhood he removed to Morgan county and there on December 28, 1845, he was married to Miss Martha Helen Hoagland, who was born near Lexington, Kentucky, June 13, 1827. She was a daughter of Martin and Maria (Conover) Hoagland and came in her childhood to Morgan county with her parents, where her father engaged in farming. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Hill she was owner of land which she inherited from the family estate. This land they disposed of and Mr. and Mrs. Hill then removed to Cass county, locating near Little Indian. Not being entirely satisfied with the conditions in Cass county, Mr. Hill visited Macon county in the winter of 1863-64 and purchased six hundred and eighty acres of land, which became the family homestead. This land he purchased from Walter Turner, who had in 1859 built a barn of three stories, one hundred and forty feet in size, and also a residence, both of which structures are now standing. Some time after arriving at his new home Mr. Hill remodeled the residence, adding one more room and making it one of the most attractive homes in the neighborhood. Here he continued as a general farmer and as a breeder of shorthorn cattle until 1867, when he was called from earthly scenes. Although he departed this life more than forty years ago he is remembered as a man of upright character, industrious, enterprising, large hearted and a friend who never betrayed a trust. He was an upholder of the democratic party but never sought public office, as his energy was devoted to his family and his business. He was an earnest and sincere member of the Christian church and by his useful life set an example indeed worthy of emulation.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hill, the eldest of whom, Maria Eliza - named after her two grandmothers - was born October 15, 1846. She became the wife of John D. McGuire and for a few years lived on the home farm and was the mother of three children. Maude, who married Jesse E. Gouge and lives in Alberta, Canada, is the mother of two children : Roy Hill, who married Clara Tousley, and was a railroad man, who lost his life in a railway accident and left three children; and Claude McLaughlin, who married lone Doyle and now lives in Webster City, Iowa. George Martin, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, was born March 22, 1855, and died at home at the age of twenty-nine years. Helen, the third child, was born in Cass county, April 15, i860. She received a good education, as did her sister and brother, being a student for three years at the University of Illinois, the sister and brother attending Eureka College. On January 15, 1884, she became the wife of George F. Towne, a native of Danvers, Massachusetts, where he was born November 6, 1858. He is a son of Daniel and Pauline (Ferguson) Towne and was reared to the age of sixteen in his native state, when he came to St. Louis and joined his brother, a manufacturer of shoes in that city. Being an ambitious young man and desirous of advancing as rapidly as possible, he learned the trade of shoe cutter in his brother's shop. Later he visited another brother in Champaign county, this state, where he became acquainted with farming life, and from the farm went to Harristown as clerk for another brother of the family. It was while acting in this capacity that he chose a life companion and he and his wife took up their home upon the old homestead which she inherited from her father. One child, Laura, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Towne. She was born December 10, 1888, and was graduated from the Decatur high school in 1906. She then spent three months at the National Park Seminary at Forest Glen, Maryland, near Washington, D. C, and in February, 1910, entered Millikin University and expects to complete her collegiate education in the University of Wisconsin.

Mr. Towne is at the present time acting as salesman for the Peoria Drill & Seeder Company of Peoria. He is an adherent of the republican party and the family hold membership in the Christian church at Harristown, of which Mr. Towne was formerly deacon. He is also a member of Summit Lodge, No. 431, A. F. & A. M., at Harristown, and has served as representative of the lodge in the grand lodge three years. He is greatly esteemed not only by his lodge brethren but by many friends whom he has made as a business man rind citizen.