Decatur Township (part 35 of 46)

For two years Mr. Lewis assisted an uncle in a bakery and then became apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, working for three months and three days at ten cents a day and board. On his twenty-first birthday he worked until noon and then notified his employer that he was his own master. However, the latter offered him full journeyman's wages if he would continue and he remained in that employ until he had earned enough money to purchase a good set of tools. Beginning as a contractor, he was proceeding steadily on the road toward financial independence when, in 1858, he came to the conclusion that his fortune lay westward and he left New Jersey, his first stopping place being Springfield, Illinois, where he worked for the socialist colony, and while there enjoyed the pleasure of the acquaintance of Abraham Lincoln. In March, 1858, he came to Decatur and in Macon county established his permanent home. Until forty years of age he engaged in construction work and was the builder of many homes now standing in this county. About 1874 he embarked in the lumber business at Blue Mound and was also largely interested in lands and farming for twenty-five years, becoming one of the extensive landowners of Macon county. During recent years he has disposed of most of his property but retains forty acres in the county and, desiring that his children shall enjoy the advantages of his labors while he is still living, he has given to each of them a liberal allotment of land.

On September 2, 1861, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E. Clemens, who was born in Indiana, November 19, 1841, and came with her parents, Lewis and Sarah J. (Henderson) Clemens, to this state at six years of age. She departed this life January 12, 1905, and was buried in Hall cemetery, two miles north of Blue Mound. To the parents of Mrs. Lewis nine children were born, four of whom are living: Philip, a resident of Stonington, Illinois; Reuben, of Emporia, Kansas; Mary, the wife of Allen White and Tilatha J., the wife of D. A. Hidelbaugh, living in Iowa.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis: Margaret Augusta married William Gray and was called away in 1896, leaving three children, Donald A., Lelah and Margaret Augusta. Sarah E. is now the widow of Elton Nicholls. She lives near Blue Mound and has two children, Luther and Raymond. The third in order of birth died in infancy. Charles M., born December 18, 1873, was educated at the University of Illinois and married a Miss Wright, of Urbana, Illinois, who died in 1898. He now lives in Danville and is one of the prosperous architects of the city.

On January 20, 1909, Mr. Lewis was married a second time, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Matilda (Pope) Clemens, who was born near Blue Mound, December 18, 1861. Her father, Zachariah Pope, was born in Macon county about 1830 and her mother in Virginia. Mr. Pope was a soldier of the Civil war and died soon after its close, but his wife is still living in Decatur and on September 22, 1910, was sixty-nine years of age. Mrs. Lewis has a brother and sister living: Charles, of Decatur, and Zachariah, the wife of J. D. Logan, of Decatur. By her first marriage she became the mother of five children: Ethyl A., born in Macon county, May 13, 1880, is the wife of Edwin Littlefield, of

Edwardsville, Illinois, has two children, Helen and Evelyn; Nettie M., who was born January 18, 1882, died January 8, 1887, and was buried at Blue Mound, Illinois. Raymond B., born June 27, 1884, died July 10, 1905, and was also buried at Blue Mound. Charles L., born October 9, 1886, is living with his mother. Vesta E., born March 27, 1889, is living in Los Angeles, California, and is engaged as clerk in the drug business. Albert Clemens, the first husband of Mrs. Lewis, was born in Indiana, March 12, 1856, and died July 14, 1908. He was the son of Eben T. and Eliza M. (McLain) Clemens, both of whom were born in Indiana, the former in 183 1 and the latter in 1835, and they are now living at Blue Mound.

Mrs. Lewis has been for many years an active member of the Methodist church and socially is identified with the Royal Neighbors. Mr. Lewis built the home in which he now lives thirty-three years ago and it is one of the handsome residents of Blue Mound. Although he has passed the Psalmist's allotted age of three score and ten years, he retains his health and has a remarkably clear memory. His reminiscences of earlier years in Illinois are instructive and interesting in a high degree and as a conversationalist he has few superiors. Among the prized mementos which he holds as invaluable is a letter written to him by his mother in 1850. It is beautifully written and expresses in touching language the love of the mother for her son, and this letter will be handed down as a cherished heirloom in the family.

Jefferson Goodpaster Willard

Jefferson Goodpaster Willard, the owner of a valuable farm of seven hundred and twenty acres in Harristown township, was born in Overton county, Tennessee, February 21, 1827, and is now living retired, enjoying in comfort and ease with his wife and son the results of many years of labor. He is the son of William and Martha (Goodpaster) Willard and on the paternal side is of English descent. An early American ancestor, William Willard, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and afterward received a pension. Going to Adams county, Illinois, he there passed his declining years. He lived to the great age of one hundred and five and preserved his bodily strength to such a remarkable degree that he was able to ride fifty miles on horseback in one day when he was one hundred years old.

William Willard, the father of our subject, is supposed to have been born in Virginia and early in life he removed with his parents to Tennessee. In the year 1829 the family migrated to Morgan county, Illinois, where he took up three hundred and twenty acres of land nine miles west of Jacksonville. The mother was a native of Virginia and accompanied her parents on their removal to Tennessee, when they died, and where she was married. William Willard departed this life at the age of forty-seven years, in 1847, and ms w^e died in Macon county, November 8, 1861. They were both earnest believers in the Christian religion and actively identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Willard served as an officer for a number of years. He was a stanch democrat and took an active part in political affairs, becoming county assessor of Morgan county at the time when that official supervised the property assessments of the entire county. In his family were nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, but of this number only two are now living : Jefferson G., the subject of this review; and Jasper, who lives at Mount Zion, this state. Jefferson G. Willard was reared upon the home farm in Morgan county and began his education in the old log school house which, as he remembers, had the usual slab bench for a seat, the greased paper for windows and the great fireplace which occupied almost the entire end of the building. The schools of those days possessed few of the advantages which are presented so freely at the present time but they have the credit of graduating many of the noblest men and women that America has known. These men and women gained their education in the great school of life, whose teachings are more impressive and more lasting than any ever given at the college or university. At thirteen years of age the farm boy was called on to mourn the loss of his father and it is probable that the responsibility which then devolved upon him has been one of the most important elements in shaping and controlling his character. From the time of his father's death he assisted his mother in providing for the family, continuing until the younger members were able to care for themselves. In 1855 Mr. Willard took up his residence upon a half section of land which he had purchased in this county and which became a portion of the homestead. This land was entirely in its wild state and he has made many improvements, building a house eighteen by thirty feet and one and one-half stories in height, where the family lived until 1864, when the main building was erected to which improvements have been added, making the residence one of the handsomest in that part of the county. In 1864 he built a large barn, one of the most commodious in the township, and soon after arriving on the land, in 1857, he set out a grove of walnut trees planting them from the seed, and today they form a highly pleasing feature in the landscape. The farm, which embraces seven hundred and twenty acres in one body, has been increased in area from time to time, the price paid for the land ranging from twelve to sixty dollars an acre. This land is now worth two hundred and fifty dollars an acre. In addition to carrying on operations extensively as an agriculturalist Mr. Willard has been a noted stock raiser, feeder and shipper and to him belongs the credit of shipping the best one hundred head of cattle ever sent out of Macon county to the present time. These cattle were sold in Chicago, where one carload were, placed on exhibition and attracted the attention of many of the greatest cattle men of the country and were afterward all shipped to England.

On March 28, 1849, Mr. Willard was united in marriage to Miss Aliff C. Averitt, who was born in Marshall county, Kentucky, December 25, 1828, a daughter of Nathan G. and Mary (Cooper) Averitt. The parents were both natives of Tennessee and went with their respective families to Kentucky, where they were later married. Mrs. Willard was brought to Morgan county, this state, when she was two years of age, and there she grew up and received a common-school education. Mr. Averitt settled in Macon county in 1850, where he became an extensive landowner, buying a portion of his land at a price as low as seventy cents an acre, by making use of Mexican land war- rants. He passed away at seventy years of age, his beloved wife having departed many years before. One son, James Monroe, now a resident of Decatur, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard. He was married about 1887 to a Miss Dyke and is the father of three children. His home is at No. 752 West Macon street.

Mr. Willard for many years was allied with the democratic party but later became a prohibitionist and has since adhered to that organization. For nine years he filled the office of road commissioner and although it required three years for him to persuade the other members of the board to endorse his recommendation, he succeeded in securing stone abutments for the bridges built during the remainder of his term of office. He was among the first citizens of the county to advocate a county agricultural association and after it was established he served for three years with marked ability as its president. Reared as a Methodist, he continued in that belief for some years but finally became convinced that the Christian church more closely represented the teachings of the Great Master and he has since that time been one of its members. He has acted as deacon and later as elder, acomplishing a great deal in making the church a power in the neighborhood. While living in Morgan county he became a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but since taking up his residence in Macon county he has not retained his membership.

In 1909 the sixtieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Willard was celebrated at the residence of their son in Decatur. Friends gathered from far and wide to extend their greetings and the event will be remembered as one of the most interesting assemblages of the kind known in the community for many years. Mr. Willard owes much of his success to the constant encouragement and support of his wife who has been indeed to him a loving companion and helpmate. Together they have witnessed the great transformation by which the wild land was reduced to the uses of man and today they behold happy homes and thriving communities where in earlier days their eyes rested upon naught but the forest or the naked prairie. Of all this they have been a part and faithfully did they contribute of their strength and resources in accomplishing the marvelous change. It is a pleasure to record in this work the honored names of a family that has contributed so greatly toward the upbuilding of Macon county, erecting a monument vastly more enduring than any built with the

Nathan L. Krone

While Nathan L. Krone has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey he yet remains an active factor in business circles, continuing in the drug trade in which he has been so long and honorably engaged. No history of Decatur would be complete without his record, for he has lived in the city for sixty-one years, and not to know Mr. Krone here is to argue one's self unknown. His name stands as a synonym for business enterprise and integrity, for public spirit in citizenship and for fidelity in the relations of private life.

Mr. Krone is a representative of one of the oldest families of Pennsylvania. That state was the birthplace of his grandfather, Michael Krone, who after attain- ing his majority was united in marriage to Miss Franklynberger. Their son David Krone was born in Pennsylvania, acquired his education in the public schools and afterward served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, which he made his life work. He married Miss Ruth Worley, also a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Nathan Worley, who was of German lineage, but was born in the Keystone state, where he also met and married Miss Popp, a lady of Welsh descent.

David Krone and bride began their domestic life in New York county, Pennsylvania, where they resided until 1839 and then came to Decatur, where they found a small town containing only a few hundred population in the midst of a prairie that was but sparsely settled. The Black Hawk war had occurred only seven years before, and the settlers of the community told tales of Indian occupancy and of other experiences of pioneer life. Mr. Krone began work at the cabinetmaker's trade and also turned his attention to the hotel business, becoming proprietor of the Macon House. He was connected with cabinet-making until his death in 1867. His wife survived him for about eighteen years, passing away in the spring of 1885. Their children were as follows: Margaret, the wife of George W. Bright, of Decatur; Annie, the wife of David S. Shellebarger, long a prominent business man of this city; Mrs. Sophia McClurg, of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Nathan L.

The last named was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 14th, 1833, and was therefore but six years of age when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. Here he entered the public schools and gave his attention to the mastery of the branches of learning which constituted the curriculum until he reached the age of sixteen years. He then made his initial step in the business world, securing a clerkship in a dry-goods store, in which he remained for four years. He was afterward with the firm of King & Reed, druggists of Decatur for three years, at the end of which time he became connected with Dr. J. E. Roberts, a druggist with whom he was associated for seventeen years. Mr. Krone then went to Iowa and for a brief period resided in Council Bluffs, but his strong attachment for Decatur caused him to return, and he entered the store with which he had so long been connected, although in the meantime W. C. Armstrong had become the successor of Dr. Roberts as proprietor of that establishment. He was a representative of Mr. Armstrong's interests for sixteen years and then embarked in business on his own acount, opening a store at the corner of Calhoun and Herkimer streets in 1893. He has maintained one of the well equipped drug stores of the city during the past seventeen years, his stock being tastefully arranged, while his honorable business methods and earnest desire to please his patrons have brought to him a gratifying trade.

Mr. Krone has proven his worth as a citizen of Decatur in other ways besides his business connections. For nine years he filled the office of city treasurer and gave most careful and accurate accounting for the public funds. He stands at all times as a loyal advocate of the measures which are deemed essential as factors in the growth and upbuilding of the community.

In 1854 Mr. Krone was married to Miss Jane Frederick, a daughter of Samuel and Rachael (Robinson) Frederick. Mrs. Krone was born in Ohio and by her marriage has become the mother of one son Charles O., who is his father's asso- date in business. He married Mrs. Ella Dew, of Zanesville, Ohio, in October, 1894. Mrs. Krone belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a faithful and active assistant in its work. Mr. Krone is a prominent Mason, holding membership in Macon Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter, R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he has never swerved in his allegiance to its principles. A contemporary biographer has written of him : "His manner is genial and entirely free from ostentation, without pretense or display. He commands the respect of his fellowmen and they regard him as a valued friend. He has added much to the brightness of life and has been true and fathful in every relation in which he has been placed. Now at the age of seventy-seven years he commands uniform confidence and is an honored representative of the trade interests of the city, whose development he has witnessed through almost his entire history. His residence in Decatur covers more than the Psalmist's allotted span of life of three score years and ten.

James Connaghan

James Connaghan, a prosperous farmer whose home is on section 12, Niantic township, the family residence being just inside the corporate limits of the village of Niantic, is a native, of the Emerald isle. He was born on a farm in the town of Ballinamore, County Donegal, August 8, 1848, and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Gatens) Connaghan. When he was about five years of age his parents removed to the village of Maryhill, about three miles from Glasgow, Scotland, where the son grew up, receiving only a limited education, as he was early put to work in order to assist in the support of the family. There were eleven children, of whom he was seventh in order of birth. At sixteen he began to learn the molder's trade and about a year later the father died. Charles Connaghan had been twice married and by his first union there were three children, the oldest of whom came to America and served in the Civil war. The family never heard of him again nor has any trace been found of the other two children. Of the eleven children by the second marriage seven grew to maturity and it is believed that six are now living.

In the spring of 1867 James Connaghan bade farewell to boyhood scenes and went aboard a vessel which was bound for America. After a voyage of twenty-one days he arrived in New York and soon joined his brother Charles, who was living at Kortright, New York. After a few months the brothers came to Macon county, Illinois, where they began work by the month. However, on account of the failing health of his brother and upon the advice of a physician they returned to Scotland, leaving the port of New York on the day of the national election in November, 1868, when General Grant was elected president of the United States. The voyage was made in the steamer City of Cork, which was a sister ship to the noted Confederate cruiser Alabama, which created such havoc at the time of the Civil war. The brothers spent six months in the old country, at the end of which time they again came to the new world, landing at Quebec, and after a few weeks were once more in Macon county, where they had decided to make their permanent home. James Connaghan worked for some time for J. J. Batchelder, and later the two brothers rented land of him for about three years, when they sold their lease and removed to Piatt county, Illinois. After an experience of a year there they went to Moultrie county, where our subject purchased ninety-six acres of land at thirty dollars an acre, upon which there was a small house and barn. This property he sold a short time afterward and then rented one hundred and seventy-six acres of land in Moultrie county, where he continued for twenty-one years and became quite successful as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. A turning point in his career was reached when he secured a lease on three hundred and twenty acres of prairie land in Moultrie county. Upon this there was a lake, which he agreed to tile at ten cents a rod for laying the tile and five cents a rod for filling, the expense incurred by the purchase of the tile to be taken out of the rent. The lease he held for about five years, but in the meantime he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land where he now lives at sixty-five dollars per acre and later added forty acres more at one hundred dollars per acre, locating thereon about 1900. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land near Bement. He and his brother were for some time the owners of a corn sheller and also became owners of a horse power thresher, which he operated for a number of years. On the organization of the Niantic Farmers Elevator Company Mr. Connaghan became a stockholder and was elected president of the company, in which position he still continues. He was also an organizer of the Niantic & Harristown Telephone Company and was its second president. He resides in. a beautiful and commodious home, heated and lighted according to the most improved modern methods, and has equipped his farm with every desirable convenience, making it one of the most complete establishments of the kind in this part of the county.

At Decatur, November 24, 1880, Mr. Connaghan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Ryan, with whom he had become acquainted in Niantic. She is a native of New York state and is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Cotter) Ryan. Seven children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Connaghan: Margaret Edith, at home; Sadie May, the wife of Samuel Gordon, of Macon county, and the mother of one child, Alice Louise; Charles Richard, who is a graduate of Brown's Business College of Decatur and is living at home; Mary Irene, at home ; Blanche ; Leo C. ; and Bernard.

Mr. Connaghan is not closely affiliated with any political party but usually votes the democratic ticket and has held several official positions, discharging his duties with the same interest and ability that he exercises in his private affairs. He is an uncompromising champion of good roads and as road commissioner in Moultrie county for nine years he succeeded in making some of the best highways in the county. He has served for a number of years upon school boards and, being a strong advocate of education, he has always insisted on hiring the best teachers available. He was reared a Catholic and his name is found on the membership rolls of St. Ann's church at Niantic, of which beneficent organization he is a trustee. Mr. Connaghan has found in his estimable wife a loving and faithful companion during all the years of their association and in their comfortable home, supplied with every convenience, they now enjoy the blessings which are the results of their own prudence and good management. They also enjoy the friendship and confidence of the entire community.

Hon. Robert A. Gray

The Scotch-Irish in America have gained an enviable reputation on account of stanch characteristics which have made them leading members in many communities. Of this nationality is Hon. Robert A. Gray, now living retired at Blue Mound, in the enjoyment of comfort and ease after many years of wisely directed effort. He was born in County Donegal in the north of Ireland, October 16, 1835, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Patten) Gray. The ancestors on the paternal side settled in Ireland perhaps as early as 1542 and the Grays of Castle Torras, though Protestants, were always celebrated for their independence and liberal political views and were held in high esteem by their Catholic fellow countrymen. The father of our subject came to the United States to visit friends in Maryland in 1836 and died very suddenly in Philadelphia. The mother departed this life in Ireland in 1845. There were four children in the family, three of whom are now living: Sarah J., the widow of James J. Martin, of St. Louis ; Robert A. ; and William A., now of Blue Mound, who was a member of the first company of cavalry that was recruited in New York at the time of the Civil war.

After the death of the father a guardian was appointed to take charge of the family estate in behalf of the children. He proved unfaithful to his trust and the entire property was dissipated so that the subject of this review was thrown early in life very largely upon his own resources. He attended school in Ireland and continued his education in St. Louis after coming to America in 1 85 1. For a time he taught school and also served as clerk on the steamboats plying the Mississippi and Cumberland rivers. This was early in the '50s when Mark Twain was gaining his first experience as pilot on the Father of Waters. Mr. Gray, however, was attracted to agricultural pursuits and for twenty-five years he was actively connected with the farming interests of Madison and Christian counties, Illinois. That he was successful is shown by the fact that he now owns two hundred acres of good Christian county land and other properties which make him financially independent. In 1908 he retired and removed to Blue Mound, where he enjoys the association of old friends and the leisure which is so essential in making complete the declining years of a busy life.

Mr. Gray has always taken an active interest in public affairs and for two years served as deputy assessor of Madison county during his residence there. Later while residing upon his farm in Mosquito township, Christian county, he became a recognized political leader in his county. In 1874 he was elected supervisor of his township, receiving all the votes that were cast except three, and was reelected continuously until he became a member of the state legisla- ture in 1885. At that time he was a candidate against Job B. Ricks, who had previously been an invincible candidate. Mr. Gray carried eleven out of seventeen townships and after the close of his first term in the legislature was again elected, serving in the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth general assemblies. He was a member of the committees on claims, education and elections. He made a record for efficient service which probably has never been surpassed in that body. He refused to be a candidate for state senator on account of ill health but was again elected to the board of supervisors and served as chairman of the building committee which erected the new county courthouse of Christian county. He acquitted himself with such high credit in that responsible position that the building has often been pointed out as a monument to the honesty and fidelity of Robert A. Gray and his associates on the building committee.

Mr. Gray has been a lifelong observer and student and from his boyhood has been a writer of prose and verse. Many years ago he was a contributor to the St. Louis Post and the Evening News and also the old Knickerbocker magazine and other publications. He wrote "Lines on the death of General Logan," which were spoken of by Mrs. Logan in most complimentary terms. He also wrote "There's but three pairs of stocking to darn tonight," "Lines on the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns," and many other poems which he can now readily repeat from memory and which have been copied quite extensively by the press. He is greatly interested in the history of his adopted state and for many years has served as a member of the board of trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library Association, with such men as Judge Lambert Tree and the Hon. J. N. Perrin. For this library he wrote a history of the Scotch-Irish in America, which was published in a volume issued by the organization in 1904 and shows a great deal of research.

On January 24, 1861, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Martha Blackburn, who was born in Ireland, October 21, 1840. She is a daughter of Samuel and Martha (Knox) Blackburn, both of whom were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in October, 1810, and the mother in April, 1815, They were married in Ireland and came to America in 1851, settling in Madison county, Illinois, where Mr. Blackburn departed this life in 1869 and the mother in 1900. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray : Hyde, deceased ; William A., of Knox county, Missouri ; Anna B., now Mrs. Walley, of Decatur; John K, of Blue Mound; Joseph, deceased; Mary, also deceased; Margaret, now Mrs. C. S. Burdick, of Christian county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Frank Long, of Mount Auburn, Christian county; Robert H., also of Christian county; Sarah, at home; and James, Frank, Francis S. and Edna B., all of Blue Mound.

Until the Civil war Mr. Gray voted the republican ticket, voting first for John C. Fremont, but at the time of the reconstruction in the south he turned to the democratic party, to which he now gives his adherence. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. He has traveled extensively in the United States and few men are better acquainted with the resources and possibilities of this wonderful country. He is a gentleman of fine social characteristics, generous, frank, straightforward and modest, and in public and private life has always won the respect of all with whom he associated. Starting as a boy upon his own resources, he attained deserved success, and now he enjoys the result of many years of application. At the same time he is accorded the honor which belongs to a man who has sincerely attempted to perform his duty.

While Dr. Elijah A. Morgan is now living retired, he was for many years a distinguished member of the medical profession of Macon county, his marked ability gaining for him a liberal practice that causes the memory of his professional service to be cherished, while to him is extended the warm friendship and kindly regard of many who have been his patients. He was born in Niantic township, Macon county, October 10, 1854. His parents were C. W., and Elizabeth E. Morgan, who were among the first settlers of Macon county, settling on a farm in Niantic township ere the work of progress and development had been carried forward in the county to any great extent. The father was a descendant of a Scotch family, representatives of which came from Kentucky at an early day, and purchased a large tract of land in Sangamon county, including the present site of the state capitol. The mother was of German lineage. On moving to Macon county C. W. Morgan could have purchased land which is today worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre for the nominal government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. At that time Decatur was simply a trading post and there were no industrial or manufacturing enterprises, and little evidence of future development and growth were to be seen. Dr. Morgan acquired his literary education in the Illinois Wesleyan university at Bloomington. From early boyhood he had a desire to take up the study of medicine, and his literary work was directed with that end in view. After leaving school he became a teacher in the public schools, regarding this however as an initial step to other professional labor. He never abandoned his idea of one day becoming a physician, and, after his school teaching had provided a sufficient capital to tide him over a study period in preparation for the medical profession, he became a student in the office and under the direction of Drs. Moore and Barnes of Decatur. He supplemented his preliminary reading by a course in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city, which he entered in 1880, and from which he was graduated in 1883, with the valedictorian honors of his class. In his college days, as in his later professional career, he was actuated by a desire to attain the highest possible efficiency and skill and until the time of his retirement he remained a close and earnest student of his profession, constantly broadening his knowledge by wide reading and research. From the time of his graduation he gave almost his undivided attention to his practice, taking little part in other business pursuits and giving comparatively few hours to recreation. Immediately after his graduation Dr. Morgan located in Maroa, where for fourteen years he enjoyed the largest country practice of any physician in the county. In 1897, in order to secure the benefit of better schools for his children, he removed to Decatur, and soon built up a large practice in this city, his previous broad experience and comprehensive knowledge being manifest in the ability with which he handled major as well as minor cases. He never sought or desired public office, and the only municipal position that he ever filled was that of a member of the board of education in Maroa for a number of years. Politically he is now and always has been a stalwart republican.

On the nth of August, 1885, Dr. Morgan was married to Miss Margaret Happer of Springfield, and unto them have been born two daughters : Marie H., and Helen G., twenty-two and twenty years of age respectively. The family home is a hospitable one and the members of the household have many warm friends in Decatur and elsewhere in the county. After practicing medicine for more than a quarter of a century, Dr. Morgan's health began to fail, and three years ago or more he was compelled to retire from active practice on account of total deafness and a complication of diseases. He had, however, accumulated a sufficient amount of this world's goods to enable him to live retired and yet enjoy many of the comforts of life. He still retains his membership in the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the District Medical Society of Illinois, and the Decatur Medical Society. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M.; Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; Beaumonoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; and Medinah Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Chicago. He also holds membership with Coeur de Leon Lodge, No. 17, K. P., of Decatur, and has twice represented the subordinate lodge and the Knights of Pythias grand lodge of Illinois, He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and for more than twenty consecutive years was an official member of the board. His life has at all times been honorable and upright, actuated by noble principles, and throughout his professional career he had many opportunities, which he improved, for exemplifying the beneficent spirit of Masonry and the teachings of his church concerning the brotherhood of mankind.

Frederick B. Troutman

Frederick B. Troutman is an energetic and prosperous farmer of Harristown township, cultivating one hundred and sixty acres on section 4. He is also a stock-raiser and a breeder of Duroc Jersey red hogs, in which business he has attained an enviable reputation. He was born on a farm near Wyckles, Illinois, June 18, 1877, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Morrison) Troutman. The father was engaged in agricultural pursuits and the subject of this review grew up as a farmer boy and was educated in the district schools. However, he was not entirely satisfied with his common-school course and pursued his investigations further, becoming a student at the Decatur high school, where he continued for two years. His success in his chosen calling is a new evidence that a school education rightly used is an important assistant in any business with which one may become identified in after years.

After laying his school books aside Mr. Troutman returned to the farm and continued with his father for several years. Upon arriving at the age of twenty-three he was married and for a year was connected with the Mueller Manufacturing Company at Decatur. Finding the farm more to his taste, he went to Christian county, where he continued for two years, and then came to Decatur township, Macon county, but at the end of three years located in Harristown township, where he has since continued. Here he farms one hundred and sixty acres and has made a gratifying success not only in agricultural lines but as a breeder of hogs. His herd of Duroc Jerseys attracts many buyers and has gained reputation which extends beyond the limits of the county. Mr. Troutman has brought to his work a sound judgment so important in the attainment of success and has an enthusiasm which has carried him over many difficulties that might have defeated a less resolute man.

On March 15, 1900, Mr. Troutman was married to Miss Rosa D. Musser, of Decatur, who was born and reared in Harristown township and is a daughter of Adam B. and Mary A. (Cormany) Musser. She is blessed with fine mental endowments and a good education and has proven a true assistant to her husband, always exerting an influence for further advancement and by her example inspiring others to lives of usefulness. Two children have been born to them: E. Lucille, born June 17, 1903; and Alice A., October 23, 1909.

Mr. and Mrs. Troutman are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Harristown and active workers in its interest. He has been a lifelong republican and cast his first presidential ballot for William McKinley in 1900. He is an avowed champion of the principles of his party. Although a young man he has made a start which gives great promise of a constantly increasing sphere of usefulness.

Samuel C. McConnell is one of the well known farmers of Whitmore township, whose worth in the community is widely acknowledged. He owned two neat and well improved farms and his energy and well directed activity are manifest in the excellent appearance of these places. His life work has ever been in harmony with high and honorable principles, and his record proves what may be accomplished by determined purpose intelligently directed.

A native son of Illinois, he was born in Scott county on the 15th of November, 1850. His father, Thomas McConnell, was born in Virginia on the 17th of April, 1826, and was reared in the Old Dominion upon a farm. When a young man, he removed westward to Illinois, settling in Scott county among its early residents. The conditions and hardships of pioneer life were there to be seen, and Mr. McConnell bore his part in the work and progress of development as the years passed on. He was married in Scott county to Miss Sarah Truesdall, who was born in Virginia, where she was reared to the age of fourteen years, and then came to Illinois with her father, who was another of the worthy pioneers that Virginia furnished to Illinois. Following his mar- riage, Thomas McConnell carried on farming in Scott county for a number of years but in 1861 removed to Macon county, settling in Whitmore township, where he cultivated a rented farm for a few years. He reared his family and spent his last days in this county, passing away January 22, 1872, when but forty-five years of age. His wife long survived him, her death occurring in 1891. Their family numbered three sons and three daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity, those still living being: Charles, who is a business man of Wichita, Kansas; Jennie, the wife of John Prey, of Sedgwick county, Kansas; Laura, the wife of Reason Reed, of Wichita, Kansas; and Samuel C, of this review; William, born in 1854, died October 12, 1886; and Mary, the wife of C. D. Sterns, was born August 28, 1852, and died August 14, 1877.

Samuel McConnell came to Macon county with his parents when a lad of nine years, and was reared in Whitmore township, the common schools of that locality affording him his educational privileges. He remained with his father until the latter's death and afterward lived with his mother until twentyfour years of age. He was married in Whitmore township on the 18th of February, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Jane Good, who was born and reared in Macon county, a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Barnett) Good. Her father was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, and came to Illinois about 1847. Here he was reared and married, the wedding being celebrated in the house in which Mrs. McConnell new resides. The wedding day was June 29, 1852, and Miss Elizabeth Barnett became his wife. She was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and in her girlhood days came west with her parents to Macon county, Illinois. Her father, George P. Barnett, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, spent the days of his minority there, and in 1849 came with his family to Macon county, settling in Whitmore township. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is the farm now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. McConnell. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made when this property came into his possession, and with determined purpose and unfaltering energy he began the development of the farm. In 185 1 he erected the residence that is now standing upon the place, hauling the pine lumber and shingles in a wagon from Chicago. He continued a valued representative of the pioneer life of this county until his death, which occurred January 23, 1866. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Mussleman, was also a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she resided to the time of her marriage. She died in Macon county, July 24, 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-six years.

Mrs. McConnell has four sisters, namely: Barbara Ann, who is now the wife of B. J. McAllister and has two children, Nevin and Grace; Linda, who is the wife of Theodore Colman and has three children, Lloyd, Mae and Fannie; Mary, who is the wife of Theodore Funk and has two children, Mae and Carrol ; and Emma Mae, who is the wife of W. R. Adams and has five children, Laura, Doris, Roy, Ethel and Florence.

Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McConnell located on a farm in Whitmore township, which he rented and cultivated for several years. In the meantime he carefully saved his earnings and at length invested in a farm near Argenta in Friends Creek township, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty acres. This was already an improved property, to which he further added modern equipments and accessories. He erected a good house, also built a substantial barn, a double corn crib and a granary. He fenced and tiled the fields and carried on the farm work along most practical and progressive lines. Later he and his three brothers bought the place which he now occupies - a tract of sixty acres - for their mother, who spent her last days here. Following her demise, Samuel McConnell purchased the interest of his brothers in the property, and in 1896 took up his abode upon the farm, which is one of the old developed properties of the county. Later, however, he rented the place to his son and removed to his present farm, which is situated on section 32, Whitmore township, and was the home of Mrs. McConnell's grandfather. He has devoted his life to the raising of grain and stock and has been quite successful in raising and feeding stock for the market, this constituting an important branch of his business.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have been born two children: Lewis Irwin, who is married and for ten years has resided upon the farm formerly occupied by his parents; and Valerie Pearl, the wife of Thomas H. Acorn, a farmer of Whitmore township. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McConnell have three children, Ethel May, Hazel Lucille and Velma Edith.

In his political views Mr. McConnell is a democrat, earnest in his support of the party principles, but at local elections where no issues are involved he votes independently. He has served as township school trustee for a number of years, and has also done good and effective work in the interest of education as a member of the school board. He was also pathmaster for several years and has served on the petit jury but has never desired or sought public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to business affairs, in which his well directed labors have brought to him substantial success. He has served as administrator for and has settled four or five estates. His labors have been an element in the growth and progress of his community, for his cooperation can always be counted upon to further any movement for the general good. He is a careful conservative business man who has the confidence and esteem of the entire community, and his business integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in his life work.

Thomas Blackburn

Ireland has contributed to America many of her most active and useful young men, who under the republic have accomplished a noble work in assisting in the onward march of civilization. Every department of American life has felt their presence but nowhere has it been more clearly manifest than in the agricultural and stock-raising communities. Macon county, Illinois, as a great agricultural center has attracted many of the stalwart sons of Erin and among them was Thomas Blackburn, now deceased, the subject of this review. He was born in County Limerick, Ireland, in 1816. He was educated in his native land and there grew to manhood, after which he came to America and for a number of years was a contractor in the construction of the Wabash Railway.

However, he was attracted to agricultural pursuits and, selecting central Illinois as his choice of location, he began farming in Logan county and later purchased eighty acres of land in section 22, Niantic township, Macon county, and there established his home. He made all the improvements, building a comfortable dwelling and constructing outbuildings and fences, gradually extending his possessions until he owned two hundred and forty acres in Macon county and and became known as one of the most flourishing farmers of the region.

At St. Louis, Mr. Blackburn was united in marriage, about fifty years ago to Miss Mary Clary, who was also born in County Limerick, Ireland, where she grew to womanhood, and came to America with her brother. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn: Matthew J., a policeman in Chicago; Margaret, who married John Day and lives at Lanesville, Illinois; Fannie, the wife of Patrick Blair, of Springfield, Illinois; Richard, who was born in Logan county; Ellen, living at home; Mary, who married Joseph Witt and lives at Mount Pulaski, Illinois; Catharine, at home; and William J., also at home.

Mr. Blackburn was called from earthly scenes in April, 1893, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife departed fourteen years later, in 1907. They were both buried in the cemetery at Illiopolis and were consistent members of the Catholic church. Mr. Blackburn gave his adherence to the democratic party but never sought public office, as his interest was devoted principally to his family and his farm. He was a man of high character and, starting in life with a worthy ambition, he lived to witness its realization. In his estimable wife he found a true helpmeet, who proved to him a safe adviser and to her children a loving mother. The names of this worthy couple will long be cherished for they had many friends in the county of their adoption.

Dr. Charles A. Miller, for the last six years in active practice at Macon, where he has gained an enviable reputation in his profession, is a native son of Illinois, born in Jackson county, November 5, 1875. His parents were Robert H. and Elizabeth (Oakes) Miller, the former of whom was born in Cambridge, Ohio, in 1837, and came to Jackson county, this state, about i860. H6 was married shortly after the close of the Civil war and for fifty years has been identified with the farming interests of his county. The Doctor is one of a family of three children, the others being: Hattie, now living at home; and Ernest, who married Venita Hall, of McLeansboro, Illinois, and is now engaged in banking at Makanda, Jackson county, this state.

Dr. Miller received his preliminary education in the public schools of Jackson county and, feeling a strong inclination for a professional career, began his higher studies in 1896 at Ewing College, Franklin county, this state. He continued for two years when, in order to replenish his finances, he engaged in teaching school. After two years as a teacher he attended the Southern Illinois

Normal School of Carbondale, where he continued for one year. He was next a student in the Barnes Medical College of St. Louis for two years and then he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago - the medical department of the University of Illinois - graduating from that great institution in 1902 with the degree of M. D. He began practice at Boody, Macon county, but after two years in that community came to Macon county, where he has since continued. Dr. Miller has won merited distinction in his profession by conscientious application and has availed himself of every opportunity for information concerning the various departments of the healing art. He is a constant student, his library containing many of the leading works on medicine and surgery, while he is also a close reader of the best medical magazines and reviews. He is blessed with a cool judgment and having been thoroughly trained early in his career under some of the most able teachers in America, he is well equipped for the responsible work in which he is engaged.

In 1902 Dr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Kate McMurphy, a daughter of A. C. and J. A. McMurphy, of Carbondale, this state. She is second in order of birth in a family of three daughters. The oldest, Miss Daisy, is a trained nurse in Chicago, and the youngest, Carrie, is now Mrs. B. F. Norfleet living in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Miller was born in 1877 and is a woman of unusual intelligence and a devoted wife and mother. Two children, twins, Berna and Cecil, born November 18, 1903, have come to brighten the home of Dr. and Mrs. Miller.

The Doctor holds membership in South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. M., and also in Beacon Lodge, No. 434, Knights of Pythias, and Camp No. 362, Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are both identified with the Order of the Eastern Star, which is one of the auxiliary organizations of Masonry. Dr. Miller has from the time of arriving at man's estate been an earnest supporter of the republican party. He is not affiliated with any religious denomination but attends the Methodist church, of whieh his wife is a member and to whose beneficences they are liberal contributors.

John Emmett Henebry

John Emmett Henebry, a practical and progressive farmer living on section 26, Niantic township, not far from the town of Illiopolis, was born in Dewitt county, Illinois, November 29, 1869. In his life work he has given proof that industry and energy are substantial elements in the attainment of success. His parents were Phillip and Bridget (Thorp) Henebry, now residents of Bement, Illinois. They were farming people and lived in various places until at length they purchased land in Long Creek township, removing to that farm when their son John was but a mere child. They there resided until he was about twelve or thirteen years of age, when they became residents of Piatt county, Illinois, but afterward again settled in Dewitt county. Subsequently, however, they went once more to Piatt county.

John E. Henebry aided his father in the farm work until twenty-one years of age, at which time he went to St. Louis, where he was employed in connection with the operation of the street car system of that city for about two months. He then returned home and the following spring hired out by the month as a farm hand. Subsequently he worked in the railway shops in Clinton, Illinois, for a few months but believing that he would find farming a more congenial and profitable occupation, he rented land in Piatt county and began farming on his own acount. Two years later he went to assist his father on a place which the latter had purchase in Champaign county and after a year there spent John E. Henebry began farming near Dalton, Illinois.

On the 6th of February, 1895, in Decatur, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia Ann Van Dongen, who was born in the village of Macon in Macon county, Illinois, September 26, 1867, and is a daughter of Joseph and Bridget (Kane) Van Dongen. Her father was born in a village near Antwerp, February 27, 1829, and was twenty-one years of age when he came to America. He represented an old Belgium family and in his native country he acquired a good education. After crossing the Atlantic to the new world he remained in the east for a few years and was employed as coachman and as clerk in a hotel in Jersey City, New Jersey. Subsequently he came west and for a brief period was in Chicago, where he was married. The mother of Mrs. Henebry was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and came to the United States with a cousin when thirteen years" of age. She was living in Jersey City at the time she became acquainted with Mr. Van Dongen. Following their marriage they removed to Morris, Illinois, where they conducted a hotel for a few years and thence came to Decatur, where they also managed a hotel for several years. Afterward they removed to other towns and later came to Macon, where Mrs. Henebry was born. For about a year they were residents of Tolono, where Mr. Van Dongen was employed as a watchman. He lived in Decatur for a time and afterward spent twenty-one years upon a farm which he rented, there passing away on the nth of January, 1902.

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Henebry resided on different farms for about four years and then removed to Macon county. Here he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits and is now occupying the Knap farm on section 26, Niantic township. In addition to cultivating the fields he is engaged in breeding pure bred Percheron horses, high grade shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep. His live stock interests are a very important branch of his business and are bringing to him substantial return.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Henebry has been blessed with five children : Phillip Felix, who was born on a farm near Penfield, Champaign county, Illinois, January 20, 1896; Anna, who was born September 17, 1898, in Piatt county; Joseph F., who died in infancy; Josephine, born in Macon county, May 6, 1903; and Bernard who was born on the Knap farm in Niantic township on the 15th of May, 1906.

Mr. Henebry is a democrat but not an office seeker. He was reared in the Catholic faith and with his wife attends the church at Niantic. The limited financial resources of his father made it necessary that he early depend upon his own labors for support and his life has been a busy, active and useful one, in which there have been but few idle moments. His diligence and industry constitute the basis of his advancement and have brought him substantial return and as the years have gone by he has made for himself a place mong the enterprising agriculturists of Niantic township.

Delaney & Delaney

One of the leading business firms of Niantic is Delaney & Delaney, dealers in grain, buggies, farm implements and live stock. The firm is composed of John S. and Lawrence Delaney, natives of Illinois, and sons of James and Mary (Doyle) Delaney. Both of the parents were natives of Ireland. James Delaney came to America when he was about twenty years of age and in Sangamon county, this state, he met Mary Doyle, who afterwards became his wife. For a time he rented land in Sangamon county, but in i860 bought a small tract near Oreana. Prospering in his undertakings, in 1865 he came to Niantic township, Macon county, and purchased one hundred and seventy-five acres of land, establishing a home where he spent the remainder of his life. By industry and good management he increased his holdings until he became the owner of a fine farm of five hundred and twenty acres and was known as one of the extensive live-stock dealers of the county. He departed this life in 1894 but is survived by his widow who is living in Niantic and has arrived at the venerable age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, and eight of whom are now living: Anna, who married John Hogan and lives at Illiopolis; Patrick W., who lives in Decatur; Thomas, a policeman, also of Decatur; John S., born February 3, 1859, and living in Niantic; Maggie, the wife of James Muldoon, and living on the old home place; Michael L., who married Maggie Doran, and' is the owner of an elevator at Chatsworth, Illinois ; Lawrence, who married Rosa Graham, deceased in 1904, and is the father of seven children; James, who married Alice Burns and died October 18, 1909; and Jerry C, of Belief ourche, South Dakota, who married Ella Stableton and has one child.

James Delaney was identified with the democratic party and a stanch believer in its principles, rearing all of his sons to vote the democratic ticket. Although the father never aspired to public office himself, John S. Delaney served as road commissioner of Niantic township for sixteen sucessive years and succeeded in opening up several roads in the township. The father was a lifelong member of the Catholic church, retaining his membership with the church at Decatur until a building was erected at Niantic, when he transferred his membership and from that time forward was a liberal contributor to the Niantic branch. Mr. Delaney was a man of great industry, upright and honorable in every act, and one of the most public-spirited citizens of his township. He taught his children to respect labor and they grew up as independent and useful members of the community. He was generous and kind-hearted and made friends wherever he was known and no one had anything ill to say of James Delaney.

Referring in detail to the firm of Delaney & Delaney, it is proper to say that the business was established in 1900 by N. A. Mansfield and John S. and James Delaney. They built their elevator the same year and continued together until January, 1904, when Mr. Mansfield disposed of his interest and the firm was reorganized under the title of Delaney Brothers, consisting of John S., James and Lawrence Delaney. On October 15, 1908, the elevator caught fire from a passing train and a loss of twenty thousand dollars was inflicted which was partially covered by insurance. The elevator was promptly rebuilt, the capacity being about forty thousand bushels, and several improvements were made in the new building which have assisted materially in the operation of the plant. The firm is now prospering as never before and its members are justly regarded as substantial and progressive citizens who have the public welfare at heart and while they advance their own interests also assist in no small degree in promoting the permanent good of the entire region.

John Clark

John Clark, who since 1908 has enjoyed a gratifying patronage as a grocery merchant of Decatur, owns a well appointed store at No. 1549 E. Marietta street and resides at No. 650 E. Conduit street. His birth occurred in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of December, 1876, his parents being Thomas and Helen (Henley) Clark, who are natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively. The father was the first in order of birth in a family of six children, while the mother was the eldest child of her father's second marriage. They were joined in wedlock on the 31st of December, 1875. Thomas Clark was brought to the United States by his parents when but two years of age, the family home being established in the Keystone state. He came to Illinois in February, 1882, and is now a substantial and respected resident of Decatur. He has been engaged in coal mining throughout his entire business career and during the past twentythree years has been pit boss for the Decatur Coal Company here. Unto him and his wife were born fourteen children, seven of whom passed away in early life. The others are as follows: John, of this review; Mary, now living in Springfield, who is the wife of Edward J. Morrow and the mother of one child ; and Joseph Edward, Helen, Richard, Margaret and Charles, all at home.

John Clark obtained his preliminary education in a convent school of Decatur and afterward pursued a course in the Scranton (Pa.) Correspondence School, receiving his diploma in mining in 1893. The following year he passed the examination in mining for the state of Illinois, following that profession until 1902, when he entered the coal office as city scale clerk. In 1908 he embarked in the grocery business and has since conducted a successful establishment of that character in Decatur, having built up a large and profitable trade.

In 1898 Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Annie McGonnigle, of Decatur, who was the second in order of birth in a family of six children, her natal day being March 25, 1882. They are now the parents of six children,

In politics Mr. Clark is an inflexible republican and for four terms he capably served as assessor of Decatur township. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Order of Eagles. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clark are faithful communicants of St, Patrick's church at Decatur. They enjoy an extensive acquaintance throughout the community and well merit the regard and esteem which are uniformly accorded them.

Francis M. Hostetler

Francis M. Hostetler, a retired farmer and merchant of Harristown, who owns about four hundred and twenty acres of valuable farming land in this county and an orange grove in Florida, was born in Clark county, Indiana, February 3, 1835. His parents, Jacob and Tabitha (Crum) Hostetler, were both natives of Kentucky and after their marriage lived in Indiana. In 1835, the same year in which our subject was born, the parents came to Macon county and located on section 14, Harristown township, where the father entered government land at one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre and in the course of years became a large landowner and one of the leading men in his community. He was an ardent supported of the democratic party and held several public positions of responsibility, serving as assessor for one year, as associate county judge, and for many years as justice of the peace. He departed this life at the age of sixtythree. There were three children in the family: Francis M., the subject of this review; Mary Jane, now Mrs. J. C. Campbell, of Decatur; and Malinda E., the wife of C. E. Hunsley, of North Dakota.

Francis M. Hostetler grew up on what was then the Illinois frontier and early became familiar with many of the hardships of pioneer life. He was educated in a log schoolhouse with split logs for seats and greased paper for windows, and he remembers that the first stove that was introduced into the region was placed in this little log schoolhouse and was regarded as a great curiosity and attracted many visitors. He assisted in the work of the farm and at eighteen or nineteen years of age hauled timbers to make culverts and bridges for the Wabash Railroad, which was then in the course of construction through Macon county. From his earliest recollection Mr. Hostetler has been identified with farming operations and also at various times with the mercantile business and he attained high success both as a merchant and as a farmer, possessing unusual foresight and sagacity, and being endowed with those habits of industry and perseverance which are so necessary in the management of all business affairs. While a young man he received as a gift from a member of the family one hundred and sixty acres of land in this county, which he still retains, and to which he added from time to time until he became the owner of his present large and well equipped farm, paying from twenty to seventy dollars an acre for most of the land. At the close of the Civil war he engaged in the mercantile business at Tuscola, this state, for three years, and in 1876 he removed to Latham and was there actively connected with mercantile affairs for six or seven years, but he finally located at Harristown in 1884, where he has since made his home.

In 1857, in Decatur township, Mr. Hostetler was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wykle a native of Greene county, Tennessee, who passed away in 1907, and Mr. Hostetler was again married, April 21, 1910, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Bertie (Coleman) McAnderson, who was born in North Carolina, March 2, 1886, a daughter of William and Ann Eliza (Simmons) Coleman. Her first husband was John McAnderson, of Newbern, North Carolina, by whom she had one child, Lizzie, born in North Carolina, July 19, 1902. In March, 1903, she removed to Point Washington, Florida, and at Bartow, that state she met Mr. Hostetler, in December, 1909, the meeting resulting in marriage the following April. Mr. Hostetler has recently been in the habit of spending his winters in Florida.

He has been a lifelong democrat but has never been drawn into the whirlpool of politics, as his attention has been devoted to his various business interests. He is a member of the Christian church and gives liberally towards its support. He is also identified with Tuscola Lodge, I. O. O. F., and has made many friends in Macon county who admire him on account of his useful life and the interest he has always taken in those with whom he has been associated.

Charles A. Thrift

Charles A. Thrift, well known to the people of Macon county, having most acceptably filled the office of sheriff of the county for four years, and a successful farmer and business man, was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, August II, i860. He is a son of Andrew J. Thrift, who was a native of Kentucky and came in the early days to St. Clair county, this state, locating in Macon county in 1863. He was a farmer and starting in this county with one hundred and sixty acres of land he increased his possessions until he became the owner of a valuable tract of four hundred and eighty acres. He was a democrat and was a man highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends on account of many valuable qualities. He married Anna C. Peters, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to this state with her parents and is now living in the city of Decatur. They had four children who are now living: Alonzo M., of Decatur; Charles A., the subject of this review; Mary, now Mrs. Welden, of Centralia, Illinois; and McKinney, of Alton, Illinois.

Charles A. Thrift came to Macon county with his parents in 1863. He received his education in the public schools and on laying aside his books devoted his attention to the farm, continuing under his father until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he was married and located on land which was owned by his father-in-law. In 1891 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, comprising part of his present farm in Hickory Point township. By industry and good management he was able to purchase more land and now owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which is under a fine state of cultivation and has become quite valuable. For a number of years he was interested largely in the cattle business and fed a great many cattle upon his farm. Some years ago he removed to Decatur and he has since rented his land, his attention being applied especially to the mercantile business. In October, 1905, he purchased the business of J. M. Hughes & Company in Decatur and is now conducting it under the title of C. A. Thrift & Company, carrying farm machinery, seeds, wagons and buggies, and in these lines satisfying a growing demand, from a wide region.

In January, 1887, Mr. Thrift was united in marriage to Miss Jennie A. Mc- Kinley, who is a daughter of Samuel and Anna (Foren) McKinley, natives of Ohio and Alabama respectively. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Kinley: William, John, Emma, Eugene, Amanda, Alice, Elsie, Esther, Jennie and Edward. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Thrift has been blessed by four children: Grace Lorraine, who was born March, 1889, and is now a student of the Millikin school; Helen McKinley, who was; born January, 1892, and is a student of the same school; Charles Lawrence, born February, 1899; and Dorothy Jean, May, 1901.

Mr. Thrift has been for many years an active politician in Macon county. He has been identified with the democratic party and has acted as school director, collector, and sheriff of the county from 1902 to 1906, and for two terms as county supervisor, occupying that position at the present time. Socially he is affiliated with Lodge No. 312, A. F. & A. M. ; with Lodge No. 700, I. O. O. F.; and Lodge No. 235, K. P. He has for many years held membership in the Methodist church at Forsyth, Illinois. From the beginning of his career he has shown an energy and ability that seldom fail to produce gratifying results, and he has been successful not only as a farmer but also as a public officer and as a merchant. He is blessed with a cheerful and loving wife, and a happy family and has the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been associated either politically, socially or in business.

George W. Lehman

George W. Lehman, a well known business man of Decatur, who has also filled with general acceptance important public offices in Decatur and Macon county, is a native of Ohio. He was born near Springfield and is a son of Peter F. Lehman, who was born in Pennsylvania about 1829, but at the age of two years removed to Clark county, Ohio, and came to Macon county in the fall of 1865. He purchased a farm north of Bearsdale, upon which he located, and the son assisted in breaking the sod and named the town in honor of a Mr. Bear, who lived on that spot. This town was located on a railroad switch, which was put in upon the solicitation of Mr. Lehman and his son. The father was supervisor of Hickory Point township for many years and took quite a prominent interest in local politics. As a farmer and stock-raiser he attained marked success. He died in 1885, at the age of fifty-six years, and the general expressions of regret indicated the high esteem in which he was held by the community. He wedded Mary J. Albin, who was born in Ohio about 1828 and is now living at 556 West Wood street, Decatur. Eight children were born to them, five of whom are now living : George W., of this review ; Ida L., the wife of James B. Good, of Macon county ; Emma L., now Mrs. Samuel Cousins, of Franklin, Illinois; Kate, now living with her mother; and Minnie, the wife of Charles Andrews, of Decatur. The mother had five brothers, Robert, Lemuel, George, Cyrus and Samuel, all of whom were brave and patriotic American citizens, as demonstrated by service under the stars and stripes at the time of the Civil war. Robert participated in Sherman's march to the sea. George was wounded at the battle of Chattanooga and subsequently died from the effects of his wounds. Lemuel gave up his life at the battle of Chickamauga. The Albin family is a family of fighters, grandfather Albin having served in the war of 1812.

George W. Lehman was educated in the common schools of the county and spent one year at Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois. He began his business career upon the farm and also engaged in grain dealing until 1885, when he came to Decatur and for two years traveled for a Chicago firm, selling agricultural implements. Retiring from the road, he was engaged in the grocery business in Decatur for four years and then associated with a brother in the implement business as the Spencer-Lehman Company. After some years' experience in public office he became a member of the Lehman-Lewis Land Company, in which he has since continued. This company handles lands in the Red river valley, North Dakota, and as the men in charge are well qualified by experience and ability the operations have been carried on with a goodly measure of success.

Mr. Lehman for many years has been closely connected with political interests and has been prominent in the councils of the democratic party. For two years, from 1894 to 1896, he was chief of police of Decatur and in 1898 was elected sheriff of Macon county, serving for four years. In 1905 he was elected mayor of Decatur, which office he filled for a term of two years. As a public officer Mr. Lehman earned the approval of the best citizens of all parties and conducted the affairs of the various offices he filled with a conscientiousness and ability that reflected on him the highest credit.

About 1879 Mr. Lehman was united in marriage to Ida M. Lewis, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, whose father was David M. Lewis, a farmer. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lehman: Don R., a lawyer, now married and living in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Evelyn, a graduate of the Currey School of Expression, Boston, and now a teacher in that school; and Everett, who is now a student taking the general course at Millikin University.

Mr. Lehman has been for a number of years a member of the Methodist church and socially he is affiliated with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has through life been unusually active and efficient in whatever he has undertaken and has made many friends by his capable management of private and public affairs. He easily ranks as one of the most respected citizens of the country. A man of strong individuality, his contact with the world has broadened his mind and developed his sympathies, so that he recognizes the limitations and needs of the various classes of society and never judges others harshly. As a patriotic citizen he takes a lively interest in everything pertaining to the community and is ever .ready to assist in any way possible to advance its interests.

For thirty years past Edmund S. McDonald has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Decatur and has gained a reputation as one of the eminently successful attorneys in central Illinois. He has acquitted himself with the highest credit in public office and as a business man has shown an ability that has made him one of the large landowners of Macon county. Of Scotch ancestry on the paternal side, he was born at Sisson's Landing in Wood county, Virginia, now West Virginia, September 2, 1851, and is a son of John and Nancy L. (Sisson) McDonald, the former of whom was born in Philadelphia and there in infancy lost his father, who came to this country from Scotland. Very early in life John McDonald was taken to Milford, Ohio, now a suburb of Cincinnati, where the home of the family was established. As a boy he was employed in the milling and distilling business and later on the river, running between Cincinnati and New Orleans. On abandoning the river in 1853, he came to Illinois and spent a year in Scott county, at the end of which time he came to Decatur and soon afterward located in Long Creek township, Macon county. Here he purchased a tract of land and engaged in farming until his death, March 3, 1880. The mother of our subject departed this life in July, 1901. She belonged to one of the old and prominent families of Virginia and was a woman of many estimable qualities, that gained for her the respect of all with whom she was associated.

Edmund S. McDonald was educated in the public schools and for two years engaged in teaching. However, his mind was atracted to professional lines and for three years he read law in the office of Nelson & Roby, of Decatur. He was then admitted to practice but, desiring to prepare himself still further for his chosen work, he spent two years as a student in the law office of Crea & Ewing, also of Decatur. In May, 1880, Mr. McDonald opened a law office in this city and has continued in active practice ever since. He soon demonstrated his ability as a counselor and pleader and he has been identified with many of the most important legal causes in central Illinois. He has never chosen any specialty in his profession, preferring a general practice. In 1891 he was admitted to the bar of the United States supreme court, and from the beginning of his career he has always maintained a well equipped office, being the owner at the present time of one of the best selected law libraries in the state. While his attention has been mainly given to his profession he has made a number of lucrative investments and is a prominent landowner of the county.

Politically Mr. McDonald has given his support to the republican party and for many years has been recognized as a power in the politics of Macon county. In 1889 he was elected city attorney of Decatur and at the expiration of his term was reelected to the same office, serving four years in all. In the spring of 1907 the voters of Decatur selected him as mayor of the city. During his term of office a large sewerage system was installed, the water-works, owned by the city, was rebuilt and many public improvement1 were made. While mayor of the city he became a member of the Mayors Association of Illinois and greatly assisted in building up the association to its present importance. He served as president of the organizaion for one term and now holds the chairmanship of its executive committee.

In August, 1892, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Annabelle Thomas, of Decatur, and two children have been born to them, Edmund Urban and Valerian. In his wife Mr. McDonald has found an intelligent and helpful companion, who has been to her husband and children a constant support and encouragement in the pursuit of every worthy end.

Mr. McDonald was for five years a member of the Illinois National Guard and at the present time holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and a number of local lodges. His religious belief is indicated by his membership in St. John's Episcopal church of Decatur. Personally pleasing and affable, Mr. McDonald is a publicspirited man, ready and willing at all times to assist in forwarding the interests of the community. His advice is often sought in relation to important public policies and experience has shown that his opinions on public questions affecting this region are generally correct. No man in Macon county stands higher in the esteem of those who know him best, representing as he does in a remarkable degree the qualities of a good citizen, a kind husband and father and a real gentleman.

William E. Hartman

For the past twenty years Argenta has numbered William E. Hartman among its active, enterprising and progressive business men. He is a prominent representative of its mercantile interests and has gradually enlarged the scope of his activities until he now has one of the most extensive and best appointed stores of the town. He was born at Maroa on the 31st of May, 1870, and is a son of W. H. Hartman, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. His education was acquired in the public schools of his native town and he received his business training in his father's hardware store, assisting him for some time in its conduct and management, so that he was well qualified to take charge of the store independently, when in 1891 he bought out his father and became sole proprietor of the business. For some years they had carried on a tin shop and also dealt in shelf hardware. Afterward they increased their stock from time to time, adding heavy hardware, and today William E. Hartman has a large and well selected line of shelf and heavy hardware and tinware. He likewise carries a large line of machinery, farm implements and carriages, having a commodious room for storing the stock. Further extending the scope of his business, he added furniture and has built up a fine trade in this branch. His busi- ness in all departments is liberally patronized, owing to his honorable methods and progressive spirit. He is one of the prominent and leading merchants not only of Argenta but of Macon county, his life being an exemplification of what may be accomplished through close attention to business and progressive methods.

On the 15th of August, 1891, in Argenta, William E. Hartman was married to Miss Edna I. Welton, who was born, reared and educated in this town. They are the parents of seven children: Ernest Hartman, who is now a student in the Decatur high school; Leslie, who is assisting his father in the store; Eva, a student in the conservatory of music in Decatur; Clyde, Herbert, Merwin and Florence, all at home. Mr. Hartman purchased a five-acre tract of land upon which he erected a large residence thoroughly modern in style of architecture and its equipments. In fact it is one of the best homes in the village, tastefully furnished, and is moreover the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality.

William E. Hartman has followed in the political footsteps of his father, for his mature judgment has endorsed the principles of the republican party and he has taken an active and helpful interest in promoting its growth and electing its candidates. He has himself served in various public offices and through the discharge of his duties the best interests of Argenta have been advanced. For fifteen years he was a member of the town council and for two terms filled the office of mayor. He also has served for a number of years as school treasurer, being the present incumbent. To his political duties he brings the same clear insight and enterprising spirit which are manifest in the conduct of his business affairs. In the moral development of the town he is also interested and he and his wife are active members of the Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as an elder. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Argenta, in which he has filled all of the chairs and is a past grand. He has likewise twice represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state and is a member of the Sons of Veterans camp at Decatur. Argenta owes much to him in the way of business development and because of his public spirit, which has been again and again manifest in active cooperation with all those movements which tend to promote the material, intellectual, social and political welfare of the community.

William E. Knight, Sr

In some of Decatur's finest business blocks and residences are found the monument to the enterprise, labor and business ability of William E. Knight, Sr., a well known contractor of this city. He was born in La Salle, Illinois, October 5, 1857, a son of John and Elmira (Shepherd) Knight, natives of Baltimore, Maryland, who in the year 1855 removed westward to Illinois. The father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred in 1859, when he was but forty-six years of age. His wife survived him until 1871 and passed away at the age of fifty years. He was a carriage manufacturer in Baltimore and in early days there employed slaves to do his work. In his business life he was quite successful.

On the 4th of March, 1864, the family removed from La Salle, Illinois, to Decatur, where William E. Knight has since made his home. He acquired his education by attending the public schools until eighteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. During that period he gained a comprehensive, practical knowledge of the business in its various phases and in 1891 he began general contracting on his own account, his work including all kinds of construction. He erected the Home Telephone building, the Danzeisen block and other large business blocks, together with many of the city's attractive residences. He always lives faithfully up to the terms of a contract and the work executed under his direction is of substantial character as well as of attractive style of architecture.

On the 13th of November, 1881, Mr. Knight was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Davis, of Lynnville, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Davis, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Illinois. The father followed farming for many years and died in 1893 at the age of eighty-two. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knight have been born seven children : Laura L. ; Irene ; William E., who is now preparing for a commercial career ; and four sons who died in infancy.

Mr. Knight and his family attend the Christian church. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and he was elected alderman for a two years' term. He capably and faithfully discharged the duties of the position, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and the pleasures of social life. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and to the Modern Woodmen of America and enjoys the high regard of his brethren of those fraternities. A spirit of enterprise and progress actuates him in all that he does, being manifest in the relations of private life as well as in business.

John E. Cooper

John E. Cooper, who devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits in Maroa township, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, in 1856, his parents being Alexander and Elizabeth (Stoup) Cooper, natives of Ohio. The father's birth occurred in the year 1830, while the mother was born in 1832. Alexander Cooper, an agriculturist by occupation, followed that pursuit in Ohio prior to his removal to Indiana, from which state he came to Illinois. Here he purchased two hundred and ten acres of land, but passed away four years later, being called to his final rest in 1876. It was in Indiana that he wedded Miss Elizabeth Stoup, who now resides with her son John. They became the parents of ten children, three of whom, two sons and a daughter, have passed away. The surviving children are as follows: Mrs. Margaret Kaley, John E. Cooper, Mrs. Julia Gardner, Mrs. Lottie Brill, Mrs. Mollie Dine, Mrs. Kate Barger and Mrs. Thera Carroll.

John E. Cooper obtained his early education in the schools of his native county and later continued his studies in Illinois. Since the age of sixteen years he managed the home farm in Maroa township, Macon county. He owns about twenty-seven acres and also cultivates his mother's tract of seventy acres. His labors in the fields are annually rewarded by golden harvests and he has long been numbered among the enterprising and energetic agriculturists of the community. Both he and his mother have resided here continuously for almost forty years and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Cooper gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, being a firm believer in its principles.

Edwin Chappell, Sr

Edwin Chappell, Sr., a prosperous farmer of South Wheatland township, Macon county, was born October 3, 1852, in Somersetshire, England, his parents being James and Jane Chappell, both natives of England but of French descent. The father departed this life in 1865, at the age of forty years, but the venerable mother is still living in the old country.

Mr. Chappell was educated in the common schools and grew up upon the farm where his father lived, becoming well acquainted with farming operations. As a young man he was ambitious and enterprising and desirous of making more rapid advancement than appeared possible in his native land, so he decided to seek his fortune under the flag of the American republic. Landing in New York, he went west to Kansas and after one month in the Sunflower state returned eastward as far as Macon county, Illinois, but afterward went to Texas, where he spent one year. In 1884 he purchased forty acres of land in this county, which is a portion of the farm on which he now lives, and a year later purchased forty acres adjoining, buying and selling at various times until today he is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and two acres, which is one of the desirable properties in the neighborhood. He is engaged in general fanning and stock-raising.

On March 5, 1885, Mr. Chappell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sterr of Kercheim-unter-Teck, Wurtemberg, Germany, who came to America in 1881 and joined her brother in Decatur, with whom she made her home until her marriage. She was born March 9, 1853, and has been to her husband a true helpmeet. Three children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chappell : Edwin James, born April 16, 1886, is at home ; Emily, born May 30, 1887, married to Edward P. Brown, of Warrensburg, Illinois, and is the mother of one child, Pauline; and Anna C, born March 9, 1890, is the wife of John M. Tilton, a native of Macon county, now living in Shelby county, Illinois, and they have one child, Earl.

Mr. Chappell as a patriotic citizen of his adopted country made a careful study of the teachings of the various political parties and as a result accepted the platform of the republican party as the one upon which he has pinned his political faith. He and his family are esteemed members of the English Lutheran church of Decatur and by their influence and example have shown themselves to be worthy followers of the Great Master. Mr. Chappell as a boy acquired habits of industry, which he has had opportunity to put into daily practice in the course of an honorable and useful life and he does not regret that he cast his lot under the protection of the stars and stripes. Here he has found friends and has acquired a competence that promises to keep the wolf from the door however long he or his beloved wife may live. His kindly disposition has endeared him to people of the entire neighborhood and no man can have a higher recommendation than the respect and confidence of his neighbors.

The office of sheriff of Macon county, occupied by Benedict A. McGorray, is one of high responsibility and calls for a man of sterling qualities and unimpeachable record. He has filled the position to the satisfaction of the courts and the people for four years and has demonstrated his peculiar fitness for a place which requires a cool head, good judgment and the rare ability to know the right thing to do at a critical moment. The sheriff is the conservator of peace, and while he is the terror of evil-doers, he is the friend of every lawabiding citizen. The very presence of the sheriff, backed as he is by the legal authority of the county and the good-will of every right-minded citizen, generally means peace where there was discord, and where the right man occupies the sheriff's office the tax-payer feels that his property is safe.