Decatur Township (part 36 of 46)

Sheriff McGorray was in the course of years naturally attracted to the position he occupies. He traces his lineage far back on the Emerald isle, where the McGorrays have long lived and flourished and from whose blood many of the strong-armed representatives of law and order in America, not only in Illinois but elsewhere, have been drawn. He is the son of Benedict and Catharine (O'Brien) McGorray, the former a native of County Derry and the latter a native of County Galway, Ireland. The father came to America in 1832, at the age of seven years, and the girl who later became his wife landed on these shores at eleven years of age. In 1853 the couple were united in marriage at Belleville, Illinois, moving four years later to Decatur, which they made their permanent home. The railway reached the inland village in 1854 and at the opening of the Civil war Decatur was one of the most flourishing towns in the interior of the state. Mr. McGorray was connected for many years with the brick business and occupied for two terms the office of justice of the peace of Decatur township. He was an ardent lover of the country of his adoption and when the call for volunteers in behalf of the Union was made in 1861 he was among the first who presented themselves to fight under the stars and stripes. The quota for Illinois being full, he did not allow this to dampen his ardor but crossed the Mississippi river to Missouri, where he enrolled his name in the First Missouri Engineers under Colonel Bessell. At the expiration of his term of enlistment he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Fifth United States Heavy Artillery, a colored regiment with white officers, in which he served with the highest credit. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg under General Grant and was under General Pope at Island No. 10. Mr. McGorray departed this life after many years of usefulness, in 1902, leaving a memory cherished

By a wide circle of friends and relatives. His widow still survives at the age of eighty-three and makes her home at Decatur with a daughter, Mrs. Hammon. Nine children were born unto Benedict and Catharine McGorray, seven of whom are living. The names of the children are : Mary A., the wife of John S. Dempsey, of Springfield, Illinois; Sarah E., a widow; Benedict A., the subject of this sketch ; Daniel E., in the south ; John, who died in 1885 ; Margaret, the wife of Harry Schlaudeman of Pasadena, California; Catharine; Cora, the wife of P. P. Hammon of Decatur; and Winfield S., deceased.

Sheriff McGorray was born at Decatur, March 25, 1858. He received his education in the public schools and later was connected with the brick business for a number of years. Later he was identified with the ice business, but has devoted his entire attention to the duties of his office since 1906, when he entered upon a term of four years, expiring December 5, 1910. A republican in politics, he has always upheld the principles for which his father fought. He owns a well improved farm in South Wheatland township, which is now under lease.

On the 30th of June, 1890, Benedict A. McGorray and Miss Lillie Schlaudeman, a native of Macon county, Were united in marriage. Their union, which has proven a most happy one, has been blessed with two children: Charles H. and Catharine H. At the head of a peaceful and contented family circle, the years have passed pleasantly and the honors which have come because they were well earned give assurance of continued prosperity.

In a history of the medical profession in Decatur it is imperative that reference be made to Dr. Melvin Porter Parrish, who is not only one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of this city but also of central Illinois. His skill and ability have carried him far beyond the point of mediocrity and his continuous reading and research arc manifest in the power which he displays in coping with the intricate problems that continuously confront the physician.

A native of Ohio, he was born in the year 1867 of the marriage of John and Elizabeth (Donnelly) Parrish, the former a pioneer farmer of Vermilion county, Illinois. On the westward removal the father made the journey from Coshocton county, Ohio, in a prairie schooner. Casting in his lot with the early settlers, he secured a tract of land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. This was located in Sidell township, Vermilion county, and with characteristic energy he began the development of the place, which his labors transformed into a productive farm. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil and his practical methods resulted in the production of good crops. He was also prominent in the affairs of the community and was called to fill local office, serving as supervisor, as a member of the school board, and in other positions. He was as well known for his honesty as for his activity in business affairs and at his death left a most creditable record. He passed away November i, 1909, at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife, whose death occurred on the 28th of January, 1905, died at the age of sixty-three years.

Dr. Parrish was the second in order of birth in a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living. His youthful days were spent upon the home farm and he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He spent the summer seasons at work in the fields and in the winter months pursued his studies in the district school until he had mastered the branches that constituted its curriculum, after which he attended the high schools at Fairmount and Danville, Illinois.

His literary course completed, he turned his attention to preparation for the medical profession. His early studies and experiences in this line came to him in connection with the Wabash Hospital at Springfield, Illinois, and later he matriculated in Rush Medical College of Chicago, in which he pursued his course to graduation as a member of the class of 1895. He then received the appointment of house surgeon in the Wabash Hospital of Peru, Indiana, and proved so capable in that connection that he was transferred to Decatur, where he has now lived for fourteen years, arriving here in May, 1896. At first there was but a dispensary here, but subsequently the hospital was removed to this place and in connection therewith, as well as in the private practice of his profession, Dr. Parrish has gained recognition as one of the eminent surgeons of central Illinois. He is a member of the Decatur Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and in 1910 was made secretary of the surgical section of the state society.

In 1896 Dr. Parrish was married to Miss Frances Emma Barkley, a native of New York, and to them have been born three children, George Melvin, John Smith and Francis Barkley. Dr. Parrish is well known in fraternal and social circles. He belongs to the Masonic lodge and Knights Templar commandery in Decatur and to the Decatur Club. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party where national questions and principles are involved, but casts an independent local ballot. He carefully considers every point of interest to the community and supports measures and movements which he deems of benefit to the city along material, social, intellectual and moral lines. His attention, however, is chiefly concentrated upon his professional duties and in this field he has displayed ability which has gained him marked distinction.

F. L. Wren

F. L. Wren, a successful grocer of Niantic, Illinois, was born on a farm in Moultrie county, this state, April 3, 1872, a son of E. M. and Mary E. (Brown) Wren. He was educated in the district schools until he was eleven years of age, when he began working for one of the neighboring farmers, receiving thirteen dollars per month for his labor. At the age of twelve years he lost his mother and in 1885 the father removed to Hammond, Piatt county, this state, where the son entered the service of J. R. Wortham, a merchant and landowner. After working for four years for Mr. Wortham on a farm, he was taken into the store as a clerk and there he became acquainted with the grocery business during a period of four years, when he opened a store of his own in Hammond, conducting it for five years. In 1900 he disposed of the store and removed to Niantic, where he began clerking. But Mr. Wren is not a man to be long satisfied with a subordinate position and having acquired a little capital, he established a grocery of his own in 1905, which he has conducted with such success that it is now one of the leading stores of the town. A man of good business ability, Mr. Wren occupies an honorable position in the community and is highly respected by his business associates.

On March 13, 1898, at Oconee, Shelby county, Mr. Wren was united in -marriage to Miss Etta Hill, a daughter of Rev. M. V. and Josephine Hill, the father being a well known Methodist minister. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wren, but Paul R. died October 11, 1910, at the age of eight years, nine months and twenty-three days. The other child is Esther E.

Mr. Wren was reared a democrat, but his experience in the world has greatly broadened his views and for some years he has been independent in politics, voting for those men whom he considers most worthy of his support regardless of their party affiliation. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America whose principles he regards as being essentially those that apply to the great teachings of universal brotherhood. Mr. Wren has exemplified in his life that a young man of good habits and ambition may succeed, even though he may not have possessed advantages in his early life and has only himself to rely upon. He has also learned that talent is not a necessity for success, but the object may be gained by persistence and a reasonable endowment of common sense. He and his wife are respected members of the community where they have made many friends by their upright lives.

Edward L. Harris

Edward L. Harris, who established the firm of E. L. Harris & Company of Decatur on the 1st of February, 1909, has since conducted an extensive business in plumbing, heating and lighting and also as a dealer in engineers' supplies. His birth occurred in Montgomery county, Illinois, on the 30th of January, 1868, his parents being James L. and Jane L. (Laudon) Harris, who were natives of Massachusetts and Illinois respectively. He attended the grammar and high schools of Litchfield in the acquirement of an education and in 1882 began learning the plumber's trade, entering upon an apprenticeship with H. Mueller & Son, of Decatur. For a period of nineteen years he remained in the employ of that concern, working as a journeyman plumber. During the following eight years he conducted business as a member of the firm of Field, Shorb & Company. One the 1st of Febuary, 1909, he established his present enterprise at No. 352 North Main street and under the style of E. L. Harris & Company has since built up a large business in plumbing, heating, lighting, etc.

On the 16th of April, 1895, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Helen L. Rourk, of Sterling, Illinois. Unto them were born three children, namely: Irene, who was born February 18, 1896, and died July 2, 1896; Lloyd D., whose

When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Harris is not bound by party ties, but casts an independent ballot, supporting the men and measures that he believes will best conserve the general welfare. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church, to which his wife also belongs. In his business career he has made steady advancement and has attained a creditable position by his indefatigable labor and effort.

William Clark Brelsfoard

Although still living upon a farm, his present home being about five miles north of Warrensburg, William Clark Brelsfoard has practically retired from the active work of the fields, for he has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. He was born March 22, 1833, near Middletown, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Jane (Van Cleve) Brelsfoard. The father was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, born in 1796. When he decided to remove westward, he made a trip on a raft to Cincinnati, Ohio, being at that time a young man. He served in the war of 1812 under Mad Anthony Wayne and helped to build the last fort at Defiance, Ohio. He then removed northward to Middletown, Ohio, where he made a permanent settlement, residing there up to the time of his demise. Upon the tract of land which he there secured and transformed into a good farm, William C. Brelsfoard was born and reared, and in the schools of his native state he pursued his education. At the age of thirty years he removed to Illinois, settling first in De Witt county and in 1866 he took up his abode upon his present farm, remaining thereon continuously since, or for a period of more than forty-four years. He borrowed the sum of two thousand dollars with which to make a payment upon his first one hundred and sixty acres and through the development and cultivation of his land and the sale of his crops he soon gained a sum sufficient to pay off his indebtedness. As his financial resources have further increased he has added to his property until he is now the owner of four hundred acres of fine land, constituting one of the valuable farms of the county. It is pleasantly and conveniently situated about five miles north of Warrensburg, so that the conveniences and opportunities of the city are easily obtained.

Mr. Brelsfoard was married in October, 1855, to Miss Susan Detro, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, near Eaton. They traveled life's journey happily together for twenty years and were then separated by the death of the wife, who passed away in 1875. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brelsfoard were born seven children. Benjamin married Miss Emma High and they have four children, Orville, Frank, Elmer and Myrtle. William married a lady from Minnesota and resides in South Dakota. Maria is the wife of John Bost. Pearson married Marie Mure and has three children. Henry married a Miss Denger and has one child, who is his namesake. Lydia is the wife of Edward Giddle and has several children. Eugene married Dennis Bost, by whom she has four children, Jesse, Ethel, Eunice and Beatrice and they live in Canada. After losing his first wife Mr. Brelsfoard was married again, in October, 1886, his second union being with Ella Bost, a native of Douglas county, Illinois, and a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Logan county.

Mr. Brelsfoard has been somewhat prominent in community affairs. He several times served as road commissioner and has done much to improve the condition of the public highways in his part of the county. He has also served on the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. His life has been a very busy and useful one, and while carefully managing his business affairs so as to gain creditable success, he has at the same time manifested a public-spirited interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and has done much to aid in the work of public progress.

The business interests of Maroa and Argenta have been stimulated through the efforts and activities of W. H. Hartman, now well known and prominent among the business men of Macon county, within whose borders he has made his home since 1864. He now resides in Argenta but has a wide acquaintance throughout this part of the state. His birth occurred in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1840, and there he was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools. His youthful environment was that of the home farm and he early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.

In days of peace the spark of patriotism in most men lies latent but with the rumors of war it is at once fanned into flame. Such was the record of Mr. Hartman, who, when his country became involved in a military contest concerning the right of part of the states to secede from the Union, joined the army of the north, enlisting on the 3d of August, 1862, as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. There was little time spent in preliminary preparation and drill, for six weeks from the day on which he enlisted Mr. Hartman was participating in the battle of Antietam, facing the heavy fire of the enemy. The regiment on that occasion lost one hundred and four men. Later he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and in many skirmishes and battles of lesser importance, serving until the end of the term of his enlistment, when he was honorably discharged in the spring of 1864.

In July of the same year Mr. Hartman removed westward to Illinois and has since been identified with the interests of Macon county. He purchased a lot in Maroa, on which he erected a business house and put in a stock of stoves and tinware, having learned the tinner's trade prior to the war. Subsequently he added a full line of shelf and heavy hardware and continued actively in business at Maroa until 1888, when he sold out there. He then erected a business block in Argenta and became a hardware merchant of this city, remaining a factor in trade interests here until he sold out to his son, W. E. Hartman. The father is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits.

Mr. Hartman was married in Maroa to Miss Sarah Barger, who was a native of Wisconsin but was reared in Maroa. They became the parents of three children : W. E., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume ; Robert C, who works in his brothers store; and Estella, who died at the age of eleven months. The wife and mother passed away in Argenta and the father afterward married Mrs. Brenan, a widow, who was born in Pennsylvania. The marriage was celebrated in 1895. While living in Maroa Mr. Hartman built a residence there which he afterward sold and purchased a home in Argenta, in which he is now pleasantly located, his former success supplying him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

In his political views Mr. Hartman has ever been a stalwart republican, standing as a stanch supporter of the party which was the defender of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called him to a number of local offices of honor and trust. He has served as justice of the peace, as police magistrate and notary public and at Maroa was also a member of the town council. He has likewise been a delegate to numerous conventions of his party and his opinions have carried weight in its local councils. He has been a resident of Macon county for forty-six years and has witnessed much of its growth and development. In the work of progress he has also borne his share and has lived an active and useful life which has gained for him the warm regard of his fellowmen, while his social qualities have won for him the friendship of many with whom he has come in contact.

John L. Helphinstine

John L. Helphinstine is one of the fortunate agriculturists of Macon county, being the owner of a well improved farm of over eighty acres, and occupies an enviable position in the community. He was born on a farm near Hillsboro, Kentucky, February n, 1876, and is a son of John P. and Lucinda (Smoot) Helphinstine. The father was also born in that state and spent his life there upon a farm. The subject of this review was educated in the public schools, pursuing his studies mostly during the winter time and assisting upon the farm through the summer season. Under the direction of his father he became thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits and remained a member of the household until he was eighteen years of age. At that time he became self-supporting and for four years he was in the employ of neighboring farmers. However, he came to the conclusion that conditions were more favorable in this state and he acordingly migrated to Macon county, where he secured a position in Harristown township, working by the month. After four years in his new location he went to Decatur and for some time worked at the carpenter's trade.

On October 8, 1902, Mr. Helphinstine was united in marriage to Miss Cotna A. Leonard, of Harristown township, which was also the place of her birth, June 23, 1880. She is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Foster) Leonard, mentioned elsewhere in this work. In settlement of the Leonard estate Mrs. Helphinstine inherited about sixty-seven acres, since which time the interest of one of the other heirs has been purchased and the farm, which is located on section 13, Harristown township, is now a well improved tract of eighty-two acres with convenient buildings and other accessories that are to be found on any well conducted farm.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Helphinstine: Samuel Payton, born May 6, 1903, in the village of Harristown; Lucille Elizabeth, born on the home farm, March 26, 1905; and Gladys Irene, born in Decatur, November 2, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Helphinstine are both active members of the Christian church, her membership being in the church at Decatur and his home at Ringos Mills, Kentucky. He was reared a democrat but for a number of years has been independent in politics and votes for the man rather than the party. He has never been an office seeker but is public-spirited and energetic in support of all enterprises calculated to benefit the community and possessess those qualities of character that command the respect of all who know him.

David L. Schroll

David L. Schroll now makes his home in the town of Warrensburg, where he is living retired, but for many years he was closely and actively asscociated with agricultural interests and is still owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres just north of the town and an eighty acre tract about three miles north of his other place. His farms return to him an excellent annual income, supplying him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Energy and determination have been salient features in his career and by reason of his intelligently directed industry and his integrity in business matters he has gained the prosperity which is now his.

Mr. Schroll was born in Ashland, Ohio, December 24, 1840, and is a son of David and Maria (Lehman) Schroll. The father's birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and as the family name indicates he is descended from German ancestry. When about twenty years of age he left the Keystone state and removed to Ohio, where he hewed out a farm in the midst of a forest, his first home being one of the primitive log cabins of pioneer days. He first owned but thirty-three acres of land but he afterward added more as his financial resources increased. He died in 1877 and his wife survived him three years, passing away in 1880.

David L. Schroll pursued his education in the schools of Ashland, Ohio, where he was living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted as a member of the Forty-second Ohio Infantry, with which he served for three years, proving an efficient, capable soldier whose loyalty to the Union cause was

When the war was over Mr. Schroll again took up his abode in Ohio, where he stayed for a time, but later went to Indiana, where he hired out as a farm hand and worked for one summer. He then came to Illinois and settled in Macon county, where he was employed by a relative for two years. He next began farming on his own account by renting land and subsequently purchased fifty acres, for which he paid sixteen hundred dollars. From that time on he has been very succesful. He bent every energy to the further development and improvement of, his property and as the years passed on his fields became more and more productive and he was thus able to add to his annual income. In course of time his business became sufficiently remunerative and valuable to enable him to live retired and he took up his abode in Warrensburg, where he now makes his home.

In 1867 Mr. Schroll was united in marriage to Miss Emma Watkins, a representative of a prominent family of this county. They became the parents of two children : Alice, who married George Faith and has two children, David and Joy; and David, who was the only son of that marriage. He lived to be only about seven months old, The mother passed away in 1870. Mr. Schroll later wedded Mary Beall.

At one time Mr. Schroll was president of the Illini Mutual Fire Insurance Company but resigned some years ago. He belongs to the Congregational church and is a very public-spirited man, taking an active and helpful interest in many movements and meaures for the general good. As the years have gone by he has firmly intrenched himself in the regard, respect and confidence of his fellowmen and well deserves mention in this volume as one of the representative citizens of Macon county.

One of the recently formed law partnerships of Decatur is that of Jones & McLaughlin, organized in August, 1910, with offices in the Citizens Title & Trust building. The members of the firm, Alba Allen Jones and Joseph Lyons McLaughlin, graduated in law in 1910 and 1909 respectively and have now fairly entered upon the practice of a profession to which they are devoting their best energies.

Alba Allen Jones, the senior member of the firm, was born in Macon county, January 13, 1876, ahd is a son of John Wesley Jones, who was born in Sangamon county, this state, February 17, 1845, ar>d came to Macon county with his parents about 1849. The mother who bore the maiden name of Catherine Johnson, was born in Ohio, January 18, 1853. Both sides of the house have produced stanch fighters, who risked their lives for what they considered to be right. The grandfather of Mrs. Jones served as captain in the Black Hawk war and Hugh Jones, a brother of John Wesley Jones, enlisted in an Illinois regiment under the stars and stripes in the Civil war and gave up his life for his country at the battle of Shiloh. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jones was brightened by the arrival of eight children, five of whom are now living : Corwin E., of Long Creek, Macon county; Alba Allen, of this review; Bertha, at home; Bernice A., now Mrs. Truman Quintus Sanner, of Shelby county; and Hugh W., of Casner, Macon county.

As a boy Alba Allen Jones was reared upon the home farm and received his preliminary education in the district schools. He was a diligent student and unusually quick to learn, so that when he arrived at the age of sixteen he presented himself for examination as a teacher and successfully passed the test, but the examiners announced that he was too young to receive his certificate. He became a student at the Western Illinois Normal School at Bushnell, Illinois, and in the spring of 1894, having then arrived at the age of eighteen, he began teaching in Macon county, his first school being Harmony school in Milan township. He next taught in the intermediate department of the schools at Warrensburg and for the following three years he was identified with the Union and Bois DArc schools. For three years he was principal of the Boody schools and attained a marked degree of success as a teacher. In 1902 he was elected county superintendent of schools, of Macon county, being known as the "kid" candidate and receiving the largest plurality of any candidate for that position up to the time of his election. He served in this capacity with general acceptance to the people for four years. While teaching school Mr. Jones- devoted a great deal of time to the study of law, having decided that he would ultimately enter the legal profession. He became a student of the College of Law of the University of Illinois and in 1910 was graduated from that institution with the degree of LL. B. On April 6 of the same year he was admitted to the bar and has since engaged in practice.

On December 8, 1904, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Martha Frances Cox, who was born at Areola, Douglas county, this state, March 7, 1884, a daughter of James M. and Frances Taylor (Hall) Cox. Her father, who was a well known farmer and live-stock dealer, is now deceased.

Mr. Jones as a result of his observation and study has allied himself with the republican party and is an earnest advocate of its principles. He is a member of the Methodist church and is identified with the Masonic order, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, council, commandery and shrine. He also holds membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and as he is a man of pronounced social characteristics he has many warm friends in those organizations. Mr. Jones, although a young man, has had a practical experience as a teacher and public officer and has shown a good judgment that augurs well for his future. Ambitious, diligent in whatever he undertakes and capable in execution, he has now found a work well suited to his capacity and one which promises for him abundant returns.

Joseph Lyons McLaughlin was born at Salem, Illinois, August 28, 1883, a son of Joseph Knox and Tirzah (Morton) McLaughlin. The father was born in Marion county, Illinois, in September, 1850, and the mother in the same county in 1851. Mr. McLaughlin, Sr., is a farmer and live-stock dealer and for two terms served as member of the board of supervisors for his township. In his family are nine children: Charles T.; of Marion county; Calvin J., of

Salem, Illinois; Harry H., of Old Trail, South Dakota; Stella M., now Mrs. W. R. Burgess, of Marion county; Joseph Lyons, of this review; Hugh Archie, of Marion county ; Robert J., also of Marion county ; and Walter W. and Elma A., both living at home.

Joseph L. McLaughlin attended the common schools of the county and then for three years was a student of the Southern Illinois Normal University. After teaching school for two years he entered the University of Illinois in 1906 and was graduated with the honors of his class and the degree of LL. B. in 1909. Entering the law office of Hon. F. B. Hamill, of Champaign, Illinois, he continued there until he became associated with Mr. Jones in practice in Decatur. Mr. McLaughlin gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He holds membership in the Masonic order, the Theta Kappa Nu, Delta Sigma Rho and the Egyptian Club, the last three organizations named being college societies. He was a member of two college debating teams and early gave evidence of a talent for public speaking that is highly valuable in the practice of law, provided it is under the safe control of a well regulated judgment. Mr. McLaughlin has from the outset of his career been guided by high ideals and the young man who thus launches his ship has made a favorable start on the voyage that should, indeed, be prosperous. That the subject of this review will be able to give a good account of himself in years to come is confidently prophesied by his friends.

Melvin A. Kraschel

Melvin A. Kraschel, who operates a fine farm of two hundred and fifty acres on section 27, South Macon township, is recognized as one of the prominent breeders of hogs in Illinois and his herd of pure bred Duroc Jerseys has a reputation extending over many states. He has devoted a great deal of time and expense to his specialty and the results indicate that his labor has not been in vain. Hogs from his farm have carried off the blue ribbon in competition with long established herds and today no man in the business in Illinois has a better record as a breeder of pure bred swine than the subject of this review.

Mr. Kraschel was born on a farm in Macon county, October 7, 1874, his parents being- Fred and Nancy Jane (Poe) Kraschel, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and is the eldest of five children, the other members of the family being: Theodore F., who was born April 23, 1876, and died when sixteen years of age; Ella E., who was born March 1, 1878, and is now the wife of Charles Carr, of Macon county; Hattie E., who was born December 6, 1884, and died August 6, 1887; and Nelson G., who was born October 27, 1889, and is now in Harlan, Iowa.

The subject of this review was educated in the common schools and after laying aside his books continued upon the farm until 1895, when he began farming for himself on land owned by his father in South Wheatland township. Five years later he moved to the place he has since occupied and here he has engaged in general farming and stock-raising with an unusual degree of success. A number of years ago he became greatly interested in pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs and he makes a specialty of this branch, also keeping some pure bred Englishshire stallions. He has exhibited Duroc Jerseys at eleven state fairs in Illinois and received premiums at every exhibition except the first. He has also exhibited one year at the state fairs of Iowa and Ohio and two years at the Indiana state fair and in each case was awarded premiums. He has gained a high reputation as a judge of hogs and acted in that capacity at the Illinois and Kentucky state fairs in 1908 with such satisfaction to competitors that he was called upon to serve in a similar capacity at both fairs in 1910.

On December 31, 1895, Mr. Kraschel was united in marriage to Miss Jessie L. Bromley, a daughter of Fernando and Christie A. (Clifton) Bromley, both natives of New York. She is a lady of many excellent attainments and presides over one of the happiest homes in the county. She is a native of Macon county, born October 30, 1878. Four children have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kraschel: Leo Fay, born October 29, 1896; Thomas G., April 15, 1899; Robert, March 27, 1901 ; and Howard D., July 3, 1903.

Mr. Kraschel is a member of South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. M.. and also of Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., and of the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has never aspired to public office, as his interest is centered in the work to which he has given a great deal of time. It is a long step from the razor-backed hog to the standard hog now being delivered to the packing houses, but Mr. Kraschel recognizes that greater improvement is yet possible. In one sense he is a missionary and cannot fail to be a benefactor. He is a persistent advocate of improvement in the hog and he has been instrumental in no small degree in arousing a sentiment in its favor. He is an enthusiastic and hard working man in anything he undertakes and has met with deserved success in a vocation to which he is devoting his best energies.

Montford E. Peniwell

No record of Macon county would be complete without the sketch of Montford E. Peniwell, county clerk and the worthy son of a worthy father who proved his courage and devotion to the Union by four years of faithful service in the field. There is no doubt that blood "tells" in the great game of life and in the struggle it is often the one who has a good foundation in a robust ancestry that wins the day. It is an observed fact that the sons of veterans of the Civil war, both north and south, are materially in evidence all over the country, inheriting, as very many of them do, the characteristics of fortitude and spirit of self-denial that enabled their fathers to meet undaunted the dangers of the battlefield and the anxieties of separation from home, with possibilities of never beholding the familiar faces again. Many sons of noble soldiers are filling positions of trust and responsibility and among them is the subject of this review, who has attained his position mainly through his own efforts and without the assistance of wealth or influence of interests inimical to the best welfare of the state.

Montford E. Peniwell is a native of Moultrie county, Illinois, born December 10, 1865, and is a son of Thomas and Mary E. (Dawson) Peniwell, natives of Indiana and Delaware respectfully. Thomas Peniwell, who was a farmer and merchant, located at Decatur about i860. The great interests involved in the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy aroused his patriotism and he freely offered his life in defense of the principles which he believed to be the foundation of the republic. He enlisted in Battery I, Second Illinois Artillery, and served throughout the entire war on many a bloody field, as those who are familiar with the fighting characteristics of the Second Artillery will testify. He was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, in one of the fiercest conflicts of the war, but recovered and later lost an arm by the premature discharge of a cannon at a soldiers' reunion. His comrades, recognizing his faithfulness, made him commander of Dunham Post, No. 41, G. A. R., which office he held at the time of his death, May 25, 1903. He was for sixteen years city ticket agent of the Illinois Central Railroad and also of the Vandalia line when summoned by the call which every soldier regardless of whether he belongs to the rank or file must at last heed. His widow still survives and makes her home at Decatur.

Montford E. Peniwell received his education in the public schools of Decatur, but a wide experience with men and affairs has contributed in no small degree in rounding out the education for which the public schools gave only the foundation. He assisted his father in the railroad ticket office, but later learned the trade of sign, fresco and house painting, which he followed for nine years. Having a natural desire to see the world, he attached himself to the theatrical business and as a musician traveled for five years with various companies, among them Forepaugh's circus, Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and various dramatic organizations. He gained valuable experience in extended trips throughout the east and west, which have been of practical benefit in his later career. Being a man of good habits, he did not yield to the temptations that overcome many young men when separated from home and its attachments.

Having seen the world in many phases, the home instinct drew him to settle permanently among old friends and amidst the familiar scenes of his boyhood. His affable manners gained friends, who advised a political career. To this he acceded and was elected city treasurer, serving a term of two years. He was then elected city clerk and occupied the office for two terms - a period of four years. He served as deputy county treasurer under E. R. Moffett for four years and in November, 1906, was elected county clerk of Macon county for a term of four years. In all his official career he has retained the confidence of the public and is recognized throughout the county as one of its most trustworthy citizens. His social qualities have endeared him to a wide circle, both in secret societies and outside of them. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, Eagles, Modern Woodmen of America, White Cross Society and the Musicians Union.

On the 27th of September, 1894, Mr. Peniwell was united in marriage to Miss Lucille Weisner, of Decatur. Three children have blessed the union: Robert O., Leota Irene and Zelma Lucille. As indicated above, Mr. Peniwell is a self-made man. He owes his present position of respect and influence to sound principles of life, early inculcated by parents who recognized the importance of a right start in life. The honors and emoluments that have accrued to him he has earned, and it may truthfully be said that in his earthly possessions there are no dishonest dollars. The future of any man who has lived forty-five years "on the square" is assured and one of the greatest needs of the country today is public officials of unblemished record and unspotted integrity.

James H. Record

James H. Record is identified with the farming interests of Macon county, cultivating a part of the Samuel Powers estate of five hundred acres, which he rents. He was born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, in June, 1841, and is a son of William S. and Susanna (Said) Record. His paternal grandfather, John Record, was one of the early settlers of Kentucky. The family is of English lineage and the name was originally spelled Records. The first Record who crossed the Atlantic to the new world settled in New Jersey. William S. Record, the father of James H. Record, was born in Kentucky and removed from there to Illinois in 1857. Various representatives of the name have become prominent in different localities in which they have lived, including Dr. Record, of Kansas City.

In his youthful days James H. Record attended school in Kentucky, where he resided to the age of sixteen years, when he came to Illinois, taking up his abode in Coles county in 1857. There he worked as a farm hand and his diligence and industry made it easy for him to obtain paying positions. He was thus employed until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company C of the Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Captain Monroe. On the expiration of his first term he reenlisted under Captain M. W. Robbins and was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, after a service of four years, during which period he participated in many of the important and hotly contested battles that led up to the final victory which crowned the Union forces. He never faltered in the face of danger nor hesitated to discharge any duty that devolved upon him and with a most creditable military record he returned to the north and again become identified with farming interests in Illinois.

On February 21, 1867, Mr. Record was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Swope, and unto them have been bom four daughters and three sons: Nellie, a trained nurse, who is a graduate of the Lincoln Hospital of Chicago; Carrie, who was formerly a school teacher but is now deceased ; Grace, the wife of George Flint and the mother of three children, Frances M., Clarence R. and J. Kenneth ; Clarence C, who died at the age of nine years ; John, a graduate of the schools of Lincoln, Illinois, and now aiding his father in the operation of the farm, where he lives with his wife, who was formerly Margaret Diamond, and their children, Grace and James A.; Charles, a graduate of the James Millikin University of Decatur and of the Union Theological College of New York city, who

Mr. Record has been a resident of Macon county since 1878 and since 1890 has occupied the farm upon which he now lives. He has leased a portion of the Samuel Powers estate of five hundred acres and is busily engaged in the cultivation of the fields, his practical methods in tilling the soil and caring for the crops bringing to him substantial returns in large harvests. He is deeply interested in politics and ever keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His political allegiance is given to th erepublican party and he has served as chairman of the board of supervisors and as assessor for two years. His religious faith is that of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is past commander of the Dunham Post, No. 141, Grand Army of the Republic, his membership in the latter organization enabling him to maintain pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He is as true and loyal in matters of citizenship today as when he followed the old flag where rung the cry of battle and was heard the cannon's roar. His wife is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps.

Thorough professional training in this country and Europe well equipped Dr. Frank J. Mittan for the duties which now devolve upon him as a general practitioner of Decatur. He is one of the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred in De Witt, on the 13th of April, 1865. His parents were George H. and Eliza M. (Erwin) Mittan.

Entering the public schools at the usual age Dr. Mittan passed through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student at Farmer City, Illinois. His professional training was received in Rush Medical College at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. In the meantime, however, he was engaged in teaching school for four years, but he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor and when opportunity offered began preparing for the practice of medicine. Following his graduation he spent ten years in practice in Colfax, during which time his constantly broadening experience qualified him in large measure for the responsible duties that are now devolving upon him. He came to Decatur in 1903, after a year spent in professional work in Europe, during which time he attended some of the leading clinics of the old world and observed the methods of practice of some of the most renowned physicians and surgeons of Europe. He is doing excellent work in Decatur and has been accorded a liberal practice, which is indicative of the skill and ability which he has displayed in the performance of his daily professional duties. His office is splendidly equipped with electricity, sterilizers and all modern appliances which produce immediate and permanent results, and Dr. Mittan keeps in touch with the most advanced methods of the profession.

On the 24th of November, 1886, Dr. Mittan was married in Bellflower, Illinois, to Miss Emma L. Butcher, and they are cordially received into the social circles of Decatur. While living in Colfax, Dr. Mittan served as president of the school board for eight years and has always been a stalwart champion of the cause of education. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, in which he has attained the Knights Templar degree. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Central Church of Christ. That he is interested in the progress of his profession and wishes to keep in touch with the advancement of the medical fraternity is evidenced in the fact that he is a member of the Decatur Medical Society. Since starting upon his professional career he has made continuous advancement and, actuated by laudable ambition, he is bound to reach a still more creditable and enviable position in the ranks of the medical fraternity.

Irven J. Heckel

Irven J. Heckel is one of the self-made men of Macon county. Beginning upon a rented farm thirty years ago, he applied himself with much diligence that at the present time he is the owner of a highly improved farm of two hundred acres and is assured of a competence for himself and family; or if he so desires may retire from active labors at any time, knowing that a handsome income is available each year. His success is a striking illustration of the possibilities in America awaiting any man who will labor intelligently, provided he exercises patience and persistence in the earlier stages of his career.

Mr. Heckel was born in Long Creek township, Macon county, January 12, 1859, and is a son of John Joseph and Elizabeth (Hanks) Heckel. The father was a native of Erfurt, Prussia, Germany, born May 4, 1810, and was educated at the celebrated Wittenberg University. He became master of several languages and all his life was a student and thinker. After serving three years in the Prussian army he came to America and settled in Long Creek township, this county, about 1834. He began upon a small tract of raw land, which he brought to a high state of cultivation, and he became one of the successful farmers of the county. The mother of our subject was a second cousin to Abraham Lincoln and a playmate of the president in his early boyhood. She was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, April 23, 1822, and was married May 3, 1840, to Mr. Heckel, who lived to be eighty"-two years of age and departed this life on February 6, 1892. The beloved wife and mother was called away four days previously. In their family were eight children who are now living.

Educated in the common schools, the subject of this review assisted in the work of the home farm until 1880, when in connection with his brother, Charles A. Heckel, he rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Oakley, Illinois, which they operated with a marked degree of success for three years. In 1883 Mr. Heckel purchased a tract of fifty-four acres of unimproved land in Long Creek township, which became the nucleus of the beautiful farm of two hundred acres which he now owns. This farm is thoroughly tiled and improved with a fine modern residence and with buildings, fences, shade trees and all the accessories seen upon the best farms. Here Mr. Heckel engages in general fanning and stock-raising and yearly fattens hogs and cattle for the market.

On October 3, 1893, Mr. Heckel was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Lichtenberger, of Long Creek township. She is a daughter of C. H. and Elizabeth (Nesbit) Lichtenberger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Macon county. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Heckel : Vera Elizabeth ; Lynn L., who died in infancy ; and John J., born June 2, 1899.

Mr. Heckel accepts the principles of the democratic party as those best adapted to enhance the prosperity of the American republic. He is a worthy member of the Modern Woodmen of America and is identified with the Christian church. He has been greatly blessed in a wife of high character, who has always been to him a loving helpmeet and a safe adviser in times of emergency. Together they have traveled the path of life, setting an example well worthy of imitation. Their home is one of the pleasant gathering places, where friends and acquaintances may always be assured of a cordial welcome and where hospitality has found a congenial abode.

Stamen Keagy

While Stamen Keagy was still an active factor in the world's work, he devoted his time and attention to farming, and during the period of his residence in this county lived about two miles west of Harristown. He was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Keagy, natives of Germany, although they came from Switzerland to the new world. The family home was established in the Keystone state, and in the public schools there Stamen Keagy pursued his early education. On removing westward, he became a resident of Indiana, and his next removal brought him to Illinois, at which time he located in Monroe county. He was in the county for about five years before his death. He purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he carefully cultivated for some time, then sold. Afterward he started to Kansas to buy land, but his death occurred when he was on the way. Previous to disposing of his interests in Macon county, he had not only been well known as a representative farmer, but also as a leading and extensive stock raiser, making a specialty of that branch of his business, which proved to him a profitable source of income.

Mr. Keagy was married in 1856 to Miss Emily A. Glasgow, a daughter of James and Hester (Baldwin) Glasgow. The father was a native of Kentucky, whence he removed to Indiana and later came to Illinois. In this state he first settled in St. Clair county and afterward went to Monroe county, whence he removed to Macon county, where the family has been represented for many years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keagy were born five children. Ophrah is now a retired agriculturist, but is still the owner of one hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable and productive farming land. His farm is situated about twelve miles south of Decatur near the town of Macon, and the place presents a most attractive appearance, owing to the excellent improvements he has made upon it. He was born in Monroe county, this state, on the 21st of January, 1861, and following the removal of the family to Macon county he pursued his education in the public schools here. When he was seventeen years of age, his guardian purchased a farm of sixty-four acres and upon that tract of land he began business on his own account. Subsequently he sold the property and purchased his present farm, to the development and improvement of which he gives personal supervision, although he leaves the actual work of the fields to others.

He now lives with his mother in Decatur, and is a well known representative of the business interests of the county. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons. Orphia, the second member of the Keagy family, is deceased. Dama is at home. Ida is the wife of J. I. Lebo and has one child, Chester. Ira S. the youngest, wedded Mary Johnson and has one child, Ruel.

Mr. Keagy was a public-spirited citizen, while cooperating in all practical measures for the general good. He served as a member of the school board and the cause of education found in him a warm and helpful friend. In business affairs his judgment was sound, his enterprise unfaltering, and his determination keen, and because of these qualities he won substantial success, enabling him to leave his family in comfortable circumstances.

Levi T. Cross

Among the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Macon county is Levi T. Cross, whose home is located on section 14, Harristown township, where he is the owner of ninety acres of land which has been highly improved under his management. He first saw the light of day in Christian county, this state, May 3, 1863, and at the present time is forty-seven years of age, being in the prime of a vigorous and useful manhood. He is a son of James W. and Sarah (Hearst) Cross. His father was born in Maryland and went with his parents to Indiana at an early day, where he grew to manhood and was married. The mother of our subject was also a native of Maryland and also accompanied her parents to Indiana. She and her husband subsequently removed to Christian county, Illinois, where he prospered in his farming operations, but finally removed from the farm to Blue Mound, where he died in 1909. His wife departed this life on the home farm in 1893. Their remains lie side by side in Hunter cemetery, Christian county.

Educated in the public schools of Christian county, Levi T. Cross grew to manhood upon the home farm, and there assisted his father until he was twentyone years of age. Having gained a thorough knowledge of agricultural pursuits, he began farming for himself upon rented land, where he continued with some success for three years. As he was ambitious for more rapid advancement, he removed in 1888 to Decatur, where he was interested in the draying business for fourteen years, and through good management he acquired the means by which he purchased the farm upon which he now lives, paying eighty dollars per acre. He has made a number of improvements which have greatly enhanced the value of the property, and it is now worth two hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre. The farm has an air of neatness and thrift that is a good index of the character of its owner.

At Decatur, October 15, 1884, Mr. Cross was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Heckwine, who was born and reared in Christian county. Her parents, John and Sophronia (Fischer) Heckwine were natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively. The mother came to America when she was twenty years of age, and the father after he had arrived at full maturity. They became acquainted in this state and were married at Chicago, taking up their residence later near Mount Auburn, Christian county. Mr. Heckwine was called away when the daughter was quite young, and she grew up under the loving care of her mother. Two sons have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cross. Orville L. who was born in Christian county, August 6, 1885, was graduated from the Decatur high school in 1902, and is now acting as foreman of the field force of the Decatur Herald. Rolla C, who was born in Decatur, September 25, 1888, is living with his parents.

Mr. Cross is a man of much experience and is the happy possessor of firmness, sagacity and foresight, which traits have contributed in an important degree to his success in life. He is a democrat, although he has not devoted much time to public life, his attention being mainly given to his own affairs. His wife is a member of the Christian church at Decatur, and Mr. Cross holds membership in Celestial Lodge No. 186, I. O. O. F., and also in Camp No. 1626, M. W. A., both located at Decatur. He also contributes to the support of enterprises calculated to benefit the community and possesses those qualities of character that are most essential to good citizenship.

George Johnston

George Johnston, who owns and occupies a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Austin township, is one of the worthy citizens that Scotland has furnished to Macon county, and in his life he exemplifies many of the sterling traits of the Scotch race, especially their industry and integrity. His birth occurred in town of Dumfries, March 18, 1846, his parents being James and Mary (Rodgerson) Johnston, who were natives of the same locality. They had a family of eight children, namely: James, Janet, John, George, Elizabeth, William, David and Thomas. It was in the year 1851 that James Johnston came to the United States, landing at New Orleans, whence he made his way by the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Alton, Illinois, and thence continued his journey to Springfield, making settlement east of that city. He worked on the old state house at Springfield. He was a man of excellent character and industrious habits but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for death occurred in August, 1853. His wife survived him for a number of years and passed away

George Johnston began his education in the schools of Scotland, which he attended for about two years. He was quite young, however, when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, so that his mental training was largely received in the public schools of Sangamon county, Illinois. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed successfully for a few years, proving most capable in imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. Throughout the period of his boyhood and youth he worked upon the farm when not busy with the duties of the schoolroom, and at the age of twenty-four years he started out in life on. his own account, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres about four and a half miles northeast of Latham, on which he now resides. It has been his home continuously for forty years and its fine appearance is the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift and enterprise.

On the 20th of January, 1870, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Jane Wright, a daughter of John and Nellie Wright, who were early settlers of Sangamon county. Mrs. Johnston was born June 21, 1844, and her death occurred in 1895. She held membership in the Presbyterian church and lived a consistent Christian life, being universally respected. When death claimed her she was laid to rest in Mount Pulaski cemetery. By her marriage there were three children. Robert Edward, the eldest, completed his education in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso and is now engaged in operating the home farm. He married Mussetta Cheek and unto them were born three children, George, Harry and Jane. Mary E. is the wife of Benjamin Barry and has three children, Bessie, Robert and Helen. Mrs. Barry also completed her education at Valparaiso, Indiana. Walter, the youngest of the family, died in early childhood and was laid to rest in the Mount Pulaski cemetery.

During the early years of his residence in Macon county Mr. Johnston engaged in raising and selling horses and cattle and was very successful in the business until the widespread financial panic of 1893 left but little market for stock. He then discontinued business in that line and again began raising grain. Later he turned his attention to the raising of hogs and has met such success in this business and has studied the question so thoroughly that he is considered authority on hog-raising in central Illinois. He has written articles upon the subject and made an address at the Farmers Institute of Macon county, which was very favorably commented upon by the press. He prepared an article on soil fertility which was widely read and which awakened the deep interest of all who read it.

The stimulus that he has given to agricultural development and the influence that he had had in causing farmers to hold to high ideals have not comprised the extent of his important service to the public. He has filled township and county offices and has always been greatly interested in the cause of education, being at different times officially connected with the schools. He was supervisor of his township for three and a half years and has filled the offices of township clerk and school trustee. He was also special drainage commissioner and he did excellent work in that connection, his labors being far-reaching and bene- ficial. He was likewise one of the directors of a fraternal insurance organization. He has labored for the cause of temperance and has been a member of the county executive committee on local option. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and is prominent in church work. Mr. Johnston served as township president of the Sunday School Association of Macon county for thirty years and is now a member of the executive committee of the Sunday School Association of this county. In cooperation with others he has done very good work toward organizing the Sunday schools, and training the young people for the recognition of their moral responsibilities. i

Like other sons of Scotland, Mr. Johnston is a lover of Burns. He was born near the last resting place of the great Scotch poet and has a Scotchman's pride and reverence for the memory of the sweet singer of Bonnie Scotland. Each year he joins with other Scotchmen of central Illinois in celebrating the anniversary of the poet's birth and one one such occasion he contributed the follow^ ing poem as his part of the program :

In childhood, youth, and manhood's pride Though he was poor and sorely tried, That could not quench the inward fire - He was born, he knew, to tune the lyre.

John Mooney

John Mooney, the owner of a well improved farm on section 26, Niantic township, Macon county, was born just across the road from where he now lives March 21, 1873, and is a son of Hugh and Margaret (Reed) Mooney. The father was born in County Armagh, Ireland, very late in the '20s or early in the '30s and was a son of Francis and Catharine (Graham) Mooney. He received a limited common-school education and while a young man went to Scotland, where he followed mining and where he married Margaret Reed. About 1857, desiring to seek more favorable opportunities, he left his family temporarily in Scotland and came to America and worked for a time on a farm in Sangamon county, Illinois. In i860 he began to rent land in Macon county and the same year sent for his family, which then consisted of a wife and one daughter. He continued to rent land until he purchased the farm where his daughter now lives, making his home there for the remainder of his life. He was called away March 7, 1882.

There were seven children in his family : Agnes, who married Thomas Moore and lives in Niantic township ; Francis, who married Jennie Corcoran and is now engaged in the real-estate business at Decatur; Catharine, who married Hugh Moore and is now deceased, having left one child ; Jennie, who lives on the old homestead and owns one hundred acres of it; Margaret, who married Tisdale H. Murphy, of Farmersville, Montgomery county, Illinois, and has ten children; John, our subject; and Matthew, who is married and lives in Niantic. The father was a supporter of the democratic party during his entire life after settling in Illinois. He was reared in the Catholic church, but his wife was a Scotch Presbyterian. He was a man of unusual energy and will power - one who could have made his way anywhere - and he succeeded in finding a home in a strange land, leaving to his children a competence and also what is of more value, a good character.

John Mooney was educated in the common schools and at eighteen years of age went to Springfield, where he took a course in the Springfield Business College. The father being called away when our subject was about nine years of age, he continued with his mother until after reaching his majority. Having inherited one-seventh of the family estate, he now cultivates eighty acres, which under his charge has become highly productive and is one of the most valuable farms of this size in that part of the county.

On the 25th of October, 1899, Mr. Mooney was united in marriage at Illiopolis to Miss Mary Stapleton, who was born on a farm in Logan county, Illinois, a daughter of William and Henrietta (Ryan) Stapleton. Her father was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and came to America with his brother after arriving at manhood. Her mother was also born in Tipperary and came to this country with her brother. They were married in Logan county, this state, and Mrs. Stapleton now lives with her youngest daughter in Illiopolis, her husband having been called away in 1904. There are three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mooney : Gertrude Marie, Margaret Sylveria, and Catharine Eleanor.

Mr. Mooney is a supporter of the candidates and principles of the democratic party and since early childhood has been identified with the Catholic church. He has always been accustomed to work and has attempted to perform his part in every undertaking with which he has been identified. He is a capable and thorough farmer and the ample harvests gathered on his farm each year are evidences of his skill. He is greatly respected by his neighbors and has many friends whom he has attracted by worthy qualities of mind and heart.

Fred E. Schroeder

The life work of Fred E. Schroeder is closely interwoven with the history of Warrensburg, where he is now well known as a leading merchant and also as the village president, in which connection he is controlling officially the interests of the town. In all that he does he is actuated by a spirit of devotion to the general good and is proving a most capable officer. Moreover, he is half owner in a hardware, furniture, harness, plumbing and heating establishment conducted under the name of W. R. & F. E. Schroeder. He was born in Warrensburg on the 5th of April, 1875, and is a son of M. R. and Marie (Haegley) Schroeder. The father was a native of Germany but when a young man bade adieu to the fatherland and sailed for the new world. He had been liberally educated in that country and had also learned the harness maker's trade in Germany. On coming to America he settled first in Massachusetts and afterward removed to Madison, Wisconsin, whence he came to Warrensburg in 1872, the year in which the railroad was built through. His wife was also a native of Germany.

F<-ed E. Schroeder acquired his education in the public schools of Warrensburg and afterward worked upon a stock ranch in Illini township. This was his initial business experience. Later he began clerking in a general mercantile store, where he remained for four years, when he embarked in business on his own account, joining his brother, R. H. Schroeder, in 1896 in the conduct of a hardware store They secured but a limited stock of goods and began business on a very small scale. Fred E. Schroeder bought out his brother's interest three years later and after profitably conducting the store for a time suffered heavy losses through fire. It was subsequent to this time that he admitted his brother, W. R. Schroeder, to a partnership. The latter was engaged in the harness business and the stocks of harness and hardware were combined. From that time the trade has steadily increased and they have enlarged their stock to meet the growing demands of the business until they now have the largest enterprise of this kind in the county outside of Decatur. Their business methods are thoroughly reliable and their enterprising spirit prompts them to keep in touch with the latest productions of manufacturers, so that their stock is always thoroughly modern and up-to-date.

On the 2d of June, 1897, Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Flora Minson and unto them have been born four children : Ralph, Ruth, Mildred and Harry. In his political views Mr. Schroeder has always been a stalwart republican and for seven years filled the office of postmaster. He was very prompt in the distribution and collection of mails and in the discharge of all other important duties in connection with the position. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen and with the Masons and Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His entire life has been spent in Warrensburg, so that he has a wide acquaintance here, while his many substantial qualities have gained for him the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. The growth of his business has resulted from close application, unfaltering enterprise and determination. His official record, too, is in all ways creditable and commendable and has been characterized by the accomplishment of many needed results.

Charles Y. Miller

Charles Y. Miller, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Maroa township, is the owner of about two hundred acres of valuable land in Illinois and in connection with the tilling of the soil is also extensively engaged in the feeding and shipping stock. His birth occurred in Dewitt county, Illinois, on the 9th of February, 1867, his parents being Benjamin and Martha (Pulliam) Miller. The father was born in Morgan county, Illinois, on the 27th of December, 1830, while the mother's birth occurred in Spencer county, Kentucky, on the 26th of January, 1843. Benjamin Miller was still but an infant when taken by his parents to Dewitt county, where he spent his entire life, successfully following the occupation of farming. He passed away on the nth of March, 1889, and at the time of his demise owned more than twelve hundred acres of land. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and for one term he served as supervisor. On the 28th of December, 1865, at Atlanta, Illinois, he wedded Miss Martha Pulliam, a daughter of Gideon and Mary Jane (Goff) Pulliam, who spent their entire lives in Kentucky. The mother died when her daughter Martha was but fourteen years of age, while the father passed away in 1850. Mr. Miller of this review is the eldest in a family of four children, the others being as follows. Mary whose demise occurred in November, 1905. first gave her hand in marriage to David Barcley and afterward became the wife of F. S. Meade. She had two children, Martha and Helen Barcley. Elizabeth, who is the wife of W. C. White, resides in Memphis, Tennessee, and has one child, Marian. Benjamin S., a resident of Clinton, wedded Miss Minnie Hoffman, by whom he has one child, Donald. The mother of the foregoing children was called to her final rest in October, 1906.

C. V. Miller

Charles Y. Miller attended the schools of his native county in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, assisting his father in the work of the home farm. On attaining his majority he was married and began farming independently, operating and managing the old homestead place until about February, 1907. At that time he took up his abode on the farm where he now resides - on the outskirts of Maroa, Macon county. He owns about two hundred acres of land in Illinois and in addition to his farming interests feeds and ships stock on an extensive scale, both branches of his business proving a source of gratifying remuneration to him. He also owns some property at Twin Falls, Idaho.

On the 30th of September, 1888, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hoffman, a daughter of John and Adelina (Lorious) Hoffman, who were' natives of Germany and France respectively. They came to the United States with their respective parents in early life, settled in Illinois and were here married. Their children were six in number, namely: Nicholas; Charles, who is deceased; Mrs. Miller; John and Kate, both of whom have passed away; and one who died in infancy. Unto our subject and his wife have likewise been born six children, as follows: Mary, born October 9, 1889, who is the wife of Roy O. Bennett, of Macon county ; John H, whose natal day was January 19, 1891 ; Charles, whose birth occurred on the 14th of November, 1892; William J., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 13th of March, 1895 ; Adelia May, who was born September 16, 1896; and Franklin B., whose birth occurred March 31. 1898.

Mr. Miller is a stalwart democrat in politics and is now ably serving in the capacity of supervisor of Maroa township. In Masonry he has attained high rank, belonging to the commandery at Clinton and the shrine at Peoria. He is likewise identified with the Knights of Pythias at Maroa and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. He has spent his entire life in this part of the state and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here.

Captain Isaac Newton Martin

Captain Isaac Newton Martin, a retired contractor of Decatur, is now hale and hearty at the age of seventy-nine years. He was born in the town of Norton, Delaware county, Ohio, February 18, 1831. His father, James H. Martin, was a carpenter and millwright who was born in the Buckeye state and died in Decatur in 1850. He wedded Catherine Hess, who was a native of Ohio and died in Decatur in 1882, having long survived her husband. On the paternal side Captain Martin comes of Scotch ancestry. His parents had a family of thirteen children and at the death of the mother six of the number were living. Those now residents of Decatur are: Mrs. Susan Schaeffer, the wife of Jacob G. Schaeffer, living on West Decatur street; and Isaac N., of this review.

Captain Martin, whose name introduces this record, had but meager educational advantages, attending the old-time subscription school for but one term. Otherwise he is self-educated but in the school of experience has learned many valuable lessons, becoming in time a good business man of practical ideas and progressive views. At the age of twelve years he began learning the carpenter's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after which he worked as a journeyman until 1855 or for a year subsequent to his arrival in Decatur. He came to Macon county in 1854, reaching his destination on the 3d of May as a passenger one one of the trains of the Central Railroad. His route was from Ohio to Indiana and he traveled some distance by canal boat until he reached Logansport. From that point he continued his journey by stage and railroad to his destination. After working as a journeyman for a year he began contracting and building on his own account in 1856 and, soon demonstrating his ability, was accorded a liberal patronage. He built the bridges for the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad, also a number of elevators, the Pugh street school, the Warner street school and numerous other buildings and private residences in Decatur and the surrounding country. For many years he was numbered among the foremost contractors of the city and conducted an extensive business, employing a number of workmen. He continued in active connection with building operations until 1898, when he retired.

At the time of the Civil war Captain Martin, with patriotic ardor, had espoused the Union cause, enlisting in April, 1861, for three months' service. He became a first lieutenant of the Eighth Illinois Infantry under Colonel, afterward Governor, Richard Oglesby. On the 6th of August, 1862, he reenlisted for three years' service, becoming a private of Company 1, One Hundred and Sixteenth Volunteer Infantry, but serving as lieutenant and later as captain under Colonel N. W. Tuper. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, all of the engagements of the Atlanta campaign and was afterward with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He was honorably discharged June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C, and was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, with the rank of captain on the 29th of the same month. His military record was most creditable, for in times of danger he inspired and encouraged his men by his own heroism and coolness. After the war he became a member of Post No. 1, which was the first post organized and later reorganized as Durham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., and in 1896 he served as its commander. He is also a life member of Decatur Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F., which presented him with a gold medal, known as the half century badge, in recognition of fifty years' honorable connection wtih the order.

On the 1st of November, 1855, Captain Martin was married to Miss Mary E. Harrell, who was then in her sixteenth year. Her parents were Orlando and Elizabeth Harrell, her mother being the landlady of the old Harrell House that stood on the site of the St. Nicholas Hotel and was for years the principal hostelry of Decatur. Unto Captain and Mrs. Martin were born twelve children, of whom three died in infancy. The others are: Oscar F., a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas; Landy H, deceased; James H., a dealer in leather and shoe findings at Minneapolis, Minnesota; Isaac Newton, a dry-goods merchant of Peoria; Willis S., a painter of Decatur; Elizabeth, the wife of W. A. Brown, assistant superintendent for the Standard Oil Company of Decatur; Nora, the wife of Ross Ewing, of Peoria, Illinois ; Hattie, the wife of Dr. O. E. Norman, a physician of Minneapolis ; and Jessie, the wife of William Munca. Only one death occurred

On the ist of November, 1905, Captain and Mrs. Martin celebrated their golden wedding, on which occasion all of their children were present with the exception or Oscar F., who was represented by his son-in-law, Sterling Sorrel. The children presented the parents with a fine bedroom set. There were present on that occasion a number of the grandchildren and also four of the great-grandchildren, these being the children of Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Murrt and Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis. There are few indeed who live to celebrate their golden wedding and Captain and Mrs. Martin have been particularly favored in this respect. They are still honored residents of Decatur and no history of the city would be complete without mention of them. While Captain Martin is now living retired, he yet enjoys remarkably good health and is splendidly preserved for one who has traveled so far on life's journey.

Dan W. Tait

Dan W. Tait is well known in the business circles of Decatur, where he has been closely associated with manufacturing and industrial interests. He now has the central Illinois agency for the Olds gasoline engines and also conducts a modern machine shop for engine and automobile repairs. A native son of Macon county, Mr. Tait was born in Decatur township, August 22, 1873, and is the eldest son of Joseph S. and Martha E. (Dillehunt) Tait. The father was born in Decatur, March 28, 1843, ar>d traces his ancestry back to Ireland, whence representatives of the name made their way to the United States, settling in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. It was on the 24th of January, 1871, that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Tait were married and to provide for his family he carried on general agricultural pursuits in which he met with substantial success, becoming in time the owner of seven hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which now constitutes the property of his estate. Having acquired a handsome capital, he retired in 1890 and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest until called to his final home on the 19th of April, 1909. His widow is a daughter of Benjamin and Martha Dillehunt, early settlers of Decatur and natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, March 17, 1818, and died September 23, 1869. He was for many years a lumber merchant of this city and also carried on a contracting business, in which connection he became the builder of the courthouses in Clinton and in Urbana, Illinois. His parents were James D. and Susan (Spangler) Dillehunt, who took up their abode in Decatur at a very early period in its development and remained here for seven years.

Dan W. Tait was one of a family of four children, but the eldest, a daughter, died in infancy. The other members of the family are: Benjamin F., now a practicing attorney of Chicago; and Susan, now Mrs. E. Childs, of Springfield, Illinois. The mother, who was born January 28, 1841, is still living, having made her home in Decatur since 1890. ,

In the public schools of Decatur Dan W. Tait acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the State University at Champaign, Illinois, and in Brown's Business College of Decatur. He entered business circles as an employe in the machine shop of the F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company, of which his uncle was senior partner, and after several years' experience with that house, during which period he gained broad knowledge of the business in various phases, he went upon the road as an expert on farm machinery and later as salesman of farm machinery and gas engines. He thus traveled until called back to Decatur to take charge of the office as manager of the retail and jobbing business, which position he filled continuously for ten years. He started out for himself in an independent business venture in 1897, establishing the central Illinois agency for the Olds gasoline engines and accessories, together with a modern machine shop for engines and automobile repairs. He likewise engages in the sale of fine vehicles and driving harness and from the outset the business has constantly grown in volume and importance. As agent for the Olds gasoline engines his sales extend throughout the state and he manages various sub-agencies.

On the 17th of September, 1901, Mr. Tait was married to Miss Margaret E. Wallace, of Decatur, a daughter of A. J. and Elizabeth (Leeper) Wallace, formerly of Heyworth, Illinois. Her father was interested in various lines of business including wholesale and retail stationery. Mrs. Tait is a graduate of the Normal School at Normal, Illinois, and a private school of Chicago, and for four years prior to her marriage engaged in teaching. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tait have been born a daughter and son : Elizabeth, born in February, 1907 ; and Wallace, on the 29th of August, 1908.

The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Tait belongs to Macon Lodge, No. 8 A. F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter No. 21 R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery No. 29 K. T. In politics he is independent casting his ballot as his judgment dictates without regard to party ties. He is both progressive and industrious and to these qualities may be attributed his success.

Edward R. Moffett

Edward R. Moffett, now filling the position of chief deputy in the county treasurer's office at Decatur,, is one of Macon county's native sons and his record of public service is creditable to the community in which he has always lived. He was born October 11, 1859, his parents being William T. and Helen L. (Barrows) Moffett, natives of Illinois and of Vermont, respectively. The father came to Macon county at an early period in its development and settled in Blue Mound township upon land which his father, John B. Moffett, had entered from the government at an early age. The tract upon which he took up his abode was entirely wild and unimproved, but with characteristic energy he began its development, transforming the wild land into richly cultivated fields. He continued to make his home thereon until his death, which occurred in 1863. Two

William T. Moffett also enlisted but on account of the illness of his father was not enrolled at that time. Later he raised a company and was elected captain. This company was organized to keep in subjection the residents of the north who were southern sympathizers and who were known as "copperheads." After the county adopted its township organization William T. Moffett became the second supervisor of Blue Mound township and held that office for a number of years. He was also a member of the Illinois house of representatives for two terms, serving in the legislature that passed the first laws after the adoption of the present constitution. He continued as a member of the general assembly from 1870 until 1874, and in 1876 he was elected a member of the state board of equalization. He had served for two years of his four years' term when, in 1878, he resigned, having been elected a member of the state senate, representing his district in the upper house of the general assembly for four years. Every vital question which came up for settlement received his earnest consideration and he sought ever the welfare of the people at large rather than party preferment. Later he was twice called to the office of supervisor. He died in the year 1901, and his widow now lives in Decatur. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters: Edward R. ; John B.; William D. ; Leonora A., the wife of E. P. Hall, of Mechanicsburg ; Mary H., the wife of E. W. Allen, of Harristown, Illinois; and Elizabeth A., the wife of W. N. Rugh, of Argenta, Illinois.

As a pupil of the public school Edward R. Moffett mastered the elementary branches of learning and later attended the Lincoln University for two years. He also pursued a course at the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso and then gave his undivided attention to farming until 1901. He held the office of township supervisor for two terms, was town clerk for three years, assessor for one term and commissioner of public highways for three terms. His reelections to these different offices indicated the faithfulness and capability with which he discharged the duties and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He filled the position of school trustee for twelve years and was school director for six years, and has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of public education. In 1902 he was elected county treasurer of Macon county and served for a term, which expired in 1906. Since that time he has served as chief deputy clerk under M. E. Peniwell, who had acted as deputy under Mr. Moffett. The latter has been an active factor in local political circles from the age of twenty-one years to the present time and has held some office continuously since. As was his father before him, he is one of the best known men of the county and enjoys in unqualified measure the confidence and goodwill of all.

On the 27th of September, 1882, Mr. Moffett was united in marriage to Miss Juliette A. Warnick, of Macon county, and unto them have been born seven children: William T., of Marshfield, Oregon; Ira G., operating the old homestead; John B., of Decatur; and Helen L, Edward R., Josiah Warnick and Willis G., at home. Mrs. Moffett's grandfather, William Warnick, was the first sheriff of Macon county and at his own home frequently entertained Abraham

Lincoln, who was then practicing law, Mr. Warnick having the only law books in the county. Under the old law he also administered a whipping to two horse thieves, which is probably the only horse-whipping that was ever officially done in this county.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Moffett were members of the Presbyterian church. He is loyal to the teachings of Masonry, holding membership in Blue Mound Lodge, No. 682, A. F. & A. M.; Blue Mound Chapter, R. A. M.; and Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. He is also a member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, K. P. of Decatur. His entire life has been spent in Macon county, and that his record has ever been an honorable and upright one is indicated by the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time. He has ever loyally sought the success of the principles in which he believes, and in political circles has been a potent factor in advancing the success of his party.

William H. Nicholson

Among the business men of Macon county who have won high standing by years of perseverance and intelligent application, William H. Nicholson occupies an honorable place. For a number of years connected with the banking business, he became identified with other lines, and was one of the successful promoters of the Decatur Southern Traction Railway. He is recognized as highly energetic and efficient in anything he undertakes, and is the possessor of those qualities so essential in making headway against difficulties.

He was born in Macon county, September 10, 1869, and is a son of Jeremiah P. and Catherine (Wallace) Nicholson, the former of whom was born in Kentucky March 10, 1840, and the latter in 1846. His maternal grandfather, Robert Wallace, was a native of South Carolina, born in 1827, and his wife, who is still living at Mt. Zion, Illinois, was born in Virginia, September 6, 1822. Jeremiah P. Nicholson came to Illinois previous to the civil war and served in the Eighth Illinois Volunteers from Decatur. He was in the Army of the West and participated in a number of important engagements, among which was the battle of Shiloh, and he was also present at the siege of Vicksburg. He served with great credit for three years, and after receiving his honorable discharge, returned to Macon county, where he has since lived. He is a strong adherent of the republican party, and was elected as sheriff of the county in 1910, having previously served most creditably as deputy sheriff. He is a man of many fine qualities, and in the course of a long life of usefulness has made many warm friends in Decatur and Macon county. There were seven children in the family : Mina, at home; William H., our subject; Julia, at home; Cass, of Decatur; Robert, now living in Texas; Corydon, of Decatur; and Lester, at home.

The subject of this review received his education in the public schools and high school of Decatur, and also took active career by a course in a business college. In 1889 he became identified with the Millikin Bank and served as bookkeeper for six years. He was then made receiving teller of the bank and occupied that position for about nine years, becoming thoroughly acquainted with banking operations and gaining a fine reputation among the business men of the community. Desiring to operate independently, he entered the loan and investment business, to which he has since mainly devoted his time. In January, 1910, he assisted in the promotion of the Decatur Southern Traction Railway, on which work has been commenced, the first part of the construction being between Decatur and Pana. In his business career, Mr. Nicholson has shown an ability that gives bright promise for the future. He has steadily forged ahead and has carried everything of importance which he has handled to a successful conclusion.