Decatur Township (part 39 of 46)

Isaac Tuggle

A self-educated and self-made man, Isaac Tuggle is today general manager of the C. J. Off farms of Macon county, comprising twenty-two hundred acres in Austin and Mini townships. He has gained recognition as one of the most able and enterprising agriculturists of this part of the state and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for in youth he was denied many of the privileges and advantages which most boys enjoy. He is one of Kentucky's native sons, his birth having occurred in Wayne county on the 17th of October, 1866. His parents were Henry and Julia (Hurt) Tuggle. The father was born in Virginia and afterward became a resident of Kentucky. His parents were Henry and Tempa (Bertram) Tuggle, the former a farmer and preacher, who was born in Germany but was reared in Virginia. Removing from that state, he became one of the first settlers of Kentucky, making the journey to that district with the Boone colony. He settled on the Kentucky river at a place which was called Boonesboro and was active in the pioneer development of that region. He lived there at a time when the Indians were a constant menace to the white settlers and when all the men had to go armed as they performed their work in the fields.

Henry Tuggle was but a youth when the family removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky and there amid all of the wild conditions of frontier life he was reared. He lived in Kentucky for a long period but afterward came to Illinois, being the first of the family to seek a home in this state.

Isaac Tuggle attended the country schools but his entire attendance at school would only cover about a year. His opportunities and advantages in youth were extremely limited but real merit and ability will come to the front anywhere and in course of years Mr. Tuggle has proven his right to be ranked with the most prominent and representative agriculturists of Macon county. He worked upon his father's farm to the age of twenty-two years and then started out in business for himself, devoting two years to farming in Macon county, after which he left that locality and removed to Sangamon county. He spent five years there and in February, 1889, came to the place where he now resides. In earlier years corn sold for ten cents per bushel and other crops were almost equally low. He at first had but two hundred and forty acres of land but the third year had charge of three hundred and sixty acres. He kept leasing more and more land until he was in charge of seven hundred and thirty acres. Then he took up all of the land belonging to C. J. Off and has been general manager for seventeen years. The C. J. Off Company owns an extensive canning factory in Peoria, and Mr. Off is also widely and prominently known as a wholesale groceryman there. In his present position Mr. Tuggle has the management of twenty-two hundred acres of rich and productive farm land. The work of the place is carefully systematized, competent help is employed and everything goes along smoothly, owing to the watchfulness and careful direction of Mr. Tuggle. He has raised every year about twenty hundred head of hogs and was formerly engaged in raising cattle but now keeps upon the place only enough cattle for his own use.

Mr. Tuggle has been married twice. He first wedded Amanda Smith and they had one child, Mary, who is now the wife of Ed Wilt and has three children, Arthur, Lucy and Beulah. For his second wife Mr. Tuggle chose Ida Carson, formerly of Wayne county, Illinois. They have seven children : Vena, who is now the wife of Alva Major and has two children, Mildred and Ida B. ; James and Charles, who assist their father in his farming operations ; Goldie, at home; Hazel; Marjorie; and Stanley.

The parents are members of the Christian church and are widely and favorably known not only in Illini township and Warrensburg but throughout the county. The extent of Mr. Tuggle's business interests has brought him a wide acquaintance and wherever he is known he is held in high esteem by reason of his genuine worth and many admirable traits of character, as well as his excellent business ability. He has learned valuable lessons in the school of experience and is today a practical, enterprising business man, whose efforts are far-reaching in their scope, while their wisdom is demonstrated in the success which has come to him.

Louis S. Bonsteel

Louis S. Bonsteel, who since 1903 has conducted a general contracting business in Decatur and has become firmly established as a progressive business man and citizen, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 5, 1863, a son of Dr. T. S. and E. (Greenleaf ) Eaton. The father was a native of Massachusetts and a practicing physician of Boston. The ancestry of the family is traced back in direct line to Thomas Eaton, who landed at Boston in 1628. He was a member of the Plymouth colony and of Puritan stock. There were five Eatons, three brothers in one family and two brothers in another, who came with this colony to the new world and their male descendants in America numbered eleven hundred at the time of the Revolution. Members of the family were participants in the Boston tea party and in many events which shaped the colonial and later history of the new world.

Dr. Eaton, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was born in 1838. After the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army in April, 1862, becoming a surgeon in the Thirty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteer infantry. He was killed at the battle of Amtietam in September, 1862, four months before the birth of his son Louis. In 1865 the mother became the wife of Dr. A. S. Bonsteel and our subject was christened under his stepfather's name and adopted that name, never knowing his own father. Dr. Bonsteel died at Corry, Pennsylvania, in 1887, the family having removed to that place after the war. The mother is now living there at the age of sixty-seven years. Dr. Bonsteel was a native of the state of New York and came of a family of noble Holland ancestry, the name being originally Von Stahl. Two brothers, Nicholas and Ludwig Von Stahl, crossed the Atlantic to Rhode Island in 1728. Two uncles of Dr. Bonsteel drove overland from Rhode Island to South Dakota with ox teams and prairie schooner in the early '40s, and the town of Bonesteel in that state was named in their honor. In 1876 one of them returned east on a visit, being at the time ninety-seven years of age and on that occasion took his first ride on a railroad train. The family is distinguished for longevity. The youngest member in the family dying a natural death was the grandmother of Louis S. Bonsteel, who passed away at the age of sixty-nine. A number of others had lived to between the ages of ninety and one hundred years. Some well known and distinguished people have been related to the family. Daniel Webster married a sister of Mr. Bonsteel's paternal grandfather; Ezra Cornell, the founder of Cornell University and at one time governor of New York, was related to the family on the maternal side; the grandmother of Judge Lindsey, judge of the juvenile court of Colorado, was a Greenleaf ; and John Greenleaf Whittier, the celebrated New England poet, was a descendant of the Greenleafs who came to Boston from England in 1636.

The mother of Louis S. Bonsteel removed to New York during the Civil war and in 1872 went to Pennsylvania, where the son was educated in the public and high schools and also in Allegheny College of Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he pursued a classical course. After completing his education he was identified with mechanical pursuits in different parts of the country and in 1903 came to Decatur, where he established a general contracting business, in which he has been successful from the beginning. He has erected the Bijou theater, St. Mary's chapel and many of the fine residences of the city and his time is fully occupied by the demands that are made upon it in the conduct of a growing and profitable business. He is greatly interested in the progress of Decatur and his motto is "patronize home industries whenever possible," thus promoting the business development and progress of the community. In 1905 he formed a partnership with H. C. Wire, also a practical mechanic, and the liberal patronage accorded them indicates their high standing in building circles.

On the 2d of November, 1893, Mr. Bonsteel was married to Miss Alma C. Huskey, of Taylorville, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Huskey, nowdeceased. They were natives of Tennessee and pioneers of this section, where they became interested in farming pursuits but later lived retired. Mr. and Mrs. Bonsteel became the parents of three sons : Richard E., whose birth occurred on the 2d of December, 1895 ; Philip Courtney, who was born September 23, 1901 ; and Louis S., whose natal day was May 13, 1904.

Mr. Bonsteel belongs to Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; and to the Modern Woodmen camp ; while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged, while his progressive spirit has led him into important relations with building operations in Decatur. He has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way and in all of his business career he has held to no false standards but has based his principles upon the rules which govern untiring industry and strict and unswerving integrity.

Leander N. Cope

Leander N. Cope, occupying a leading position among the contractors and builders of Decatur, where he has operated as senior partner of the firm of Cope & McDonald, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, May 8, 185 1, and in 1857 was brought to Illinois by his parents who settled in Olney. His father, Isaac P. Cope, was born January 2, 1824, and was a descendant of Oliver Cope, the progenitor of the family in America, who came to Pennsylvania with William Penn and was of Quaker faith. Isaac P. Cope followed the occupation of farming as a life work but put aside all business and personal considerations at the time of the Civil war and served for three years and three months as a member of the Twenty-first Illinois Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, at the close of hostilities. His wife was born in 1826, and they are still residents of Olney, where Mr. Cope is now living retired. He holds membership with the Grand Army of the Republic.

Following the removal of the family to Olney, Leander N. Cope entered the public schools of that city and passed through consecutive grades until at the age of sixteen years he put aside his text-books and learned the trade of bricklaying, which he followed until 1872, when he began business on his own account as a brick contractor. He remained in Olney for a decade thereafter and in 1882 came to Decatur, where he continued in the same line of business, joining his brother in a partnership under the firm style of Cope Brothers. This relation was maintained until 1895 and Leander Cope became partner of Frank Jahr, with whom he was associated until 1907. In that year he formed a partnership with Hugh J. McDonald, a practical carpenter, under the firm name of Cope & McDonald. He has been identified with many important building operations in the city. He had the contract for the erection of the Central Church of Christ, built a large addition to St. Mary's Hospital and has been called to other localir ties as a representative of the trade. He built the Ford county courthouse, the jail of Champaign county, the jail and courthouse in Warren county, Indiana, the library building at Watseka, Illinois, a school building at Colfax, Illinois, the Young Women's Christian Association building at Decatur and is now engaged on the construction of the new high school building of Decatur, which is one of the largest high schools of this part of the state. He also built the courthouse at Salem, Illinois and numerous residences and business houses in this and other cities. His work has been of a most important character and his patronage has constantly increased in volume and importance, indicating his high standing in the field of business which he has chosen as his life work.

On the 22d of November, 1876, Mr. Cope was married to Miss Martha Gaskin, of Bridgeport, Illinois, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gaskin, who were natives of Ohio. Her father was a miller and died in i860. The family came Illinois during the period of the Civil war and Mrs. Gaskin remained in this state until her death in 1901. Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Cope: George E., born October 5, 1879; Jesse B., November 22, 1881 ; Roy E., March 15, 1885; and Edith.

In his political views Mr. Cope has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and for one term he represented the third ward on the board of city aldermen but has always preferred to leave office holding to others, feeling that his business affairs fully occupy his time and attention. He belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Decatur and to the Sons of Veterans, and in those organizations has many friends. He resides at No. 646 West Macon street, where he owns a good home, and he and his wife are well known in the city, where they have many friends. Mr. Cope has resided here continuously since 1882, or for a period of more than twenty-eight years, and has made for himself a most creditable name and position in building circles, his labors proving not only an element of personal success but also a feature in the substantial improvement of the city.

Charles C. Nye

Charles C. Nye, a highly respected and representative farmer, is living on the Mora Ritchie farm about four miles south of Warrensburg, where he has one hundred and sixty-five acres of land highly cultivated and splendidly improved according to the most modern agricultural methods. Almost his entire life has been spent in Macon county, although he was born upon a farm near Stockton in San Joaquin county, California. His parents were Jones and Lucy (Lynch) Nye. The father was born in the year 1832 and was living in Wooster, Ohio, when he started for California. He was one of the '49ers that went across the plains, being at the time but seventeen years of age. He experienced the usual hardships and privations incident to the long journey across the prairies of the Mississippi valley and the arid plains and mountain ranges farther west. He remained a resident of California for a number of years and in 1859 Lucy Lynch also went to the Pacific coast, traveling by the Fort

Leavenworth route. They were married in that state and continued residents of California until 1865, when they returned by way of the Panama route to New York. Subsequently they took up their abode in Illinois and are now living with their son Charles.

While born in the far west, Charles C. Nye has spent the greater part of his life in Macon county and has made farming his chief occupation. In his youthful days he attended the common schools and later went to the State University at Champaign, pursuing a course in the classics. His education completed, he took up farming again and in tilling the soil and in caring for the crops he has displayed good business ability and unfaltering energy. His methods are practical and also progressive. He quickly adopts any new idea which his judgment sanctions as of value in promoting the work of the farm and he now has a well developed property, on which are substantial buildings, while the latest improved machinery is used to facilitate the work of the fields.

In 1883 Mr. Nye was united in marriage to Miss Fannie L. Knapp, a daughter of Charles and Nancy J. (Parks) Knapp. They are the parents of four children: Frances Catherine, who supplemented her public-school education by two years' study of art in Millikin University; Charles Arthur, who is a graduate of the State University of Illinois ; and Linn Jones, who is attending the Decatur high school; and Ralph, who died in infancy.

The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are very prominent in all church work. Mr. Nye likewise belongs to the Masonic lodge and has served on the school board. He is interested in all that has bearing upon the welfare and upbuilding of the community and the advancement of its best interests and gives hearty support to any movement for the general good. He has a wide acquaintance in this county, where he has so long resided and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present is an indication that his life has ever been an honorable and upright one.

John Newton Orr

John Newton Orr, who has lived retired in Decatur for the past two years, owning a fine modern residence at No. 1631 North Water street, was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Macon county throughout his active business career and still supervises his extensive farming interests in Friends Creek township. His birth occurred in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the nth of January, 1858, his parents being Joseph and Lorinda (Darling) Orr. He is of Scotch-Irish descent on the paternal side, while his ancestors in the maternal line came from Virginia.

Joseph Orr, the father of John Newton Orr, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1829. In 1876 he came from Ohio to Macon county, Illinois, purchasing and locating upon a partially improved farm in Friends Creek township. There he successfully carried on his agricultural interests until the time of his retirement, erecting good buildings and otherwise improving the property. On putting aside the active work of the fields he took up his abode in the town of

Argenta, where he lived in honorable retirement until called to his final rest in February, 1905. The period of his residence in Macon county covered three decades and he gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. His wife, who survived him for two years, passed away on the 24th of November, 1907. They were the parents of two children, namely: Mrs. John Bricker, of Argenta; and John Newton, of this review.

The last named, who was a lad of about eighteen years when brought to this county by his parents, obtained his early education in the district schools of Ohio and the high school at Warsaw. He taught for six years in the country schools in Friends Creek township, Macon county. Throughout his active business career he was busily engaged in the work of the fields, owning and cultivating lands in sections 22, 26 and 25, township 18, range 3. In 1908, having acquired a handsome competence by reason of his well directed labor and capable management, he removed to Decatur, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He still supervises his extensive farming interests, however, and derives therefrom a gratifying annual income.

Mr. Orr has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Mary E. Crawford, of Coshocton, Ohio, who died in 1894, and after her demise married Miss Emma Love, who died in 1910. He has two children, Mattie L. and Edna B. by his first marriage.

While residing on his farm Mr. Orr served as supervisor for two terms, being elected to that position on the republican ticket. He has also acted as school director for a number of years, the cause of education ever finding in him a warm friend. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons at Argenta. His life has been well spent and all who know him entertain for him warm regard by reason of the fact that he has made good use of his opportunities and has always been fair and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen.

Walter Roy Major

Walter Roy Major is one of the younger representatives of farming interests in Macon county, whose ability, however, is proven in his success. He is now renting two hundred and forty acres of fine farm land about two and a half miles from Harristown. He was born in Woodford county, Illinois, near Peoria, on the 5th of April, 1881, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Major. His grandfather, Benjamin Major, came from Kentucky to Illinois, being the first of the family to establish a home in this state. He became one of the early settlers of Woodford county and for a long period was closely associated with its agricultural interests. He was also widely and favorably known there as a leading and influential citizen. His son, Joseph Major, was born in Woodford county upon the farm which he still owns. Throughout his entire business life he devoted his attention and energies to tilling the soil and raising stock and as the years passed by gained a creditable measure of success, which enabled him about three years ago to retire from active business with a competence sufficient to meet all his needs and requirements throughout his remaining days. He is now making his home in Eureka, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

W. Roy Major, spending his youthful days in his parents' home, pursued his education in the schools of Eureka, where he passed through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. He afterward attended Eureka College for one year and later went to Qunicy, Illinois, where he was enrolled as a student in the Gem City Business College. His course there well qualified him for the active duties of life and with a liberal education he returned home. During all of this period when not engrossed with the duties of the schoolroom, he worked for his father upon the home farm. He was only nineteen years of age when he began to rent land from his father. The tract of course was small but in tilling it he developed the energy and ambition which have ever been among his salient and admirable characteristics. From the start he has won success and about three years ago he took up his abode upon the farm of two hundred and forty acres which his father had purchased about eight years ago. He is carefully and systematically improving and cultivating this place and the wisdom of his judgment and the value of his practical methods are shown in the excellent appearance of the place.

In October, 1905, Mr. Major was married to Miss Pauline Pruessie, whose people were from Wisconsin. They now have one son, Joseph. The parents are rapidly winning a large circle of warm friends in this locality, where they are regarded as citizens of sterling worth. Mr. Major's influence is always cast on the side of justice and truth. He is leading a busy life in the cultivation of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres and he is now giving some attention to stock-raising. Although he has been a resident of the county for but a brief period he has become firmly established as a representative agriculturist of this district.

Absalom H. Drysdale

Absalom H. Drysdale, well known in connection with the automobile business in Decatur, was born July 21, 1869, in Gibson county, Indiana, a son of Calvin and Rebecca (Lasher) Drysdale, both of whom are now deceased. Following the removal of the family to Moultrie county, Illinois, the son pursued his education in the public schools of that county and about twenty years ago became a student in Brown's Business College of Decatur, at which time he remained in the city for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Princeton, Indiana, where he became agent for the United States and the Adams Express Companies, which he thus represented for seven years, He returned to Decatur six years ago and soon afterward engaged in the automobile business. He now owns the largest garage in the city and is agent for the following well known cars : the Buick, Matheson, Corbin, Welch and Franklin, all of which are machines of good make and for which he finds a ready sale. In connection with the garage a well appointed repair department is conducted and his business is liberally patronized.

On the 6th of February, 1908, in Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Drysdale was married to Miss Jennie Phipps, and they have a pleasant home in Decatur, where they have gained many friends. Mr. Drysdale belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and his political support is given to the republican party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which connection he is making steady progress.

John E. Nichols

John E. Nichols, methodical and systematic in all of his business affairs, recognizing in his life and work the fact that perseverance, energy and thorough understanding are the elements of success, is one of the leading insurance men of Decatur, now acting as general manager for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company for Illinois, outside of Chicago. The city of his residence is also the place of his birth. He was born August 23, 1863, and is a representative of one of the old families of New York.

His father, Charles Nichols, was born in Rochester, that state, and the year 1858 witnessed his arrival in Decatur, after which he devoted his attention to general farming in Decatur township and also to the purchase of horses for the government. He remained a resident here for about twenty-seven years and in 1885 established his home in Boxbutte county, Nebraska, where he soon became a prominent and influential citizen. He filled the position of postmaster there during President Cleveland's first administration and was also chosen judge of Boxbutte county. While in Decatur he became a charter member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., and his entire life was in harmony with the teachings of the craft concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He died January 30, 1898, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1863. Mrs. Nichols bore the maiden name of Alzina Braden and was a daughter of J. Y. and Laura (Hunting) Braden, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Vermont and was of New England ancestry. During the pioneer epoch in the development of Macon county J. Y. Braden established his home here and was closely associated with the work of progress and upbuilding for a number of years.

As indicated, John E. Nichols is a representative of two of the old families of this city. He was an only child and spent his youthful days under the parental roof, supplementing his early education, acquired in the public schools of Decatur, by a course in a business college at St. Joseph, Missouri, and also by study in the Rockport Seminary, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. For a few years thereafter he devoted his time to the profession of teaching, which he followed in Macon and Piatt counties in the decade between 1880 and 1890. In 1889, however, he had become identified with the Manhattan Life Insurance Company as agent and acted in that capacity until the 8th of May, 1899, when he was made manager for the state of Illinois, outside of Chicago, with headquarters at Decatur. This position he has since filled, building up an extensive business for the company. The year 1910 has been the most successful one since he entered the insurance field, the total for the first nine months of the year being one-half million dollars. He has several agents under his supervision and carefully supervises their work, at the same time diligently devoting himself to the major duties that devolve upon him as manager. Several years ago Mr. Nichols was sued by a former agent for twelve hundred dollars, which he claimed was due. He retained the Hon. William E. Nelson as attorney for the plaintiff. Mr. Nichols made the proposition that both parties lay their evidence before Judge Nelson and let him be attorney, judge and jury. The plaintiff declined to leave the matter to his own lawyer with the result that he suffered disastrous defeat in the circuit court of Macon county. This illustrates clearly the confidence and esteem in which Judge Nelson is held by one who has known him throughout his entire life. It also indicates clearly Mr. Nichols' own desire for absolute justice in business affairs. His integrity in business circles stands above question.

On the 28th of November, 1889, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Bertie E. Sutton, a daughter of T. L. and Elizabeth Sutton, of Pike county, Illinois. They became parents of four daughters: Ollie Fay, Mae, Hazel E. and Vivian. On the 6th of June, 1904, Mr. Nichols wedded Miss Mabel Buchen, of Moweaqua, Illinois, and unto them has been born a son, Charles E.

Mr. Nichols maintains membership in Cisco Lodge, No. 599, I. O. O. F. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party but as his views were not in harmony with the free silver platform of 1896 he joined the ranks of the republican party, which he has since supported to a considerable extent, although he is largely independent, casting his ballot as his judgment dictates. He is a popular citizen, whose social, genial nature has won him many friends, while the sterling traits of his character enable him to retain the friendship that is once accorded him.

Thomas Delaney

In all the broadness of the Mississippi valley there is to be found no land richer or more productive than in Macon county and one of the excellent farm properties which are a source of pride to the county is in the possession of Thomas Delaney - a highly cultivated place of one hundred and sixty acres about a mile and a half southeast of Warrensburg. His entire life has been spent in Illinois. He was born near Peoria, on the nth of August, 1851, and is a son of John and Johanna (Corcoran) Delaney. The father was a native of Ireland and on crossing the Atlantic settled in New York. He was also in Canada for a time and subsequently lived in Vermont. After coming to Illinois he took up his abode in Knox county and the year 1862 witnessed his arrival in Macon county, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1879. His life was devoted to farming and with the usual experiences that come to the farm lad Thomas Delaney spent his boyhood and youth. His education was acquired in the district schools of Knox county and when not busy with his text-books his time was devoted to tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He is both a farmer and mechanic, possessing much natural ability along the latter line. This enables him to keep everything about his place in excellent condition and his farm presents a most attractive appearance.

It was on the 22d of October, 1885, that Mr. Delaney was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Powers, and unto them have been born six children, as follows : May J., who completed her education by attending Millikin University of Decatur; John W., who has recently finished school and intends to rent a farm and start in life on his own account; Joe, who aids in carrying on the home farm; Charles Leonard and Francis V., both of whom are in school ; and Catharine H., who completes the family.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and- they attend services in Decatur. Mr. Delaney has led a busy and useful life, in which there have been few leisure or idle hours. He has ever worked diligently and persistently to gain a start and provide a comfortable living for his family. As the years have passed by he has prospered and the proof of his life of intelligently directed activity is found in his ownership of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of arable and productive land. He works untiringly in the fields in order to make his farm productive and as the years have gone by his crops have returned him a substantial annual income. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes.

Archer T. Davis

Archer Tiff an Davis, who has been successfully engaged in the drug business at Decatur for the past sixteen years, is a representative in the paternal and maternal lines of two of the most prominent pioneer families of Macon county. He was born on a farm in this county on the 20th of September, 1874, being the youngest son of Amos T. and Mary A. (Myers) Davis. His paternal grandparents, Isaac and Mary (Brown) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ross county, Ohio, removed to Pike county, Illinois, in 1834. There Isaac Davis followed farming until his removal to Perry, Pike county, where he was engaged in merchandising for several years. Subsequently he spent a short time in Logan county and then came to Macon county, living retired in the village of Mount Zion until called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom Amos T. Davis was the fourth in order of birth and the youngest of the sons.

Amos T. Davis, the father of our subject, is now one of the two surviving members of his father's family, his sister being Mary E., who makes her home in Mount Zion. His birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, in 1831 and he was therefore but three years old when taken to Pike county, Illinois, by his parents in 1834. The year 1852 witnessed his arrival in Macon county. In 1855 he crossed the plains to California in search of gold, returning to this county in 1858 and settling in Long Creek township. In association with his brother, Edward R., he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land on sections 34 and 35 and they were successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until the latter's removal to Missouri. On the 14th of March, i860, Amos T. Davis was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Myers, whose birth occurred in Macon county in July, 1839. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Rev. Hiram Buck (now deceased) and took place at the old Long Creek church, which has since been destroyed by fire and has been replaced by a new edifice.

Abraham Myers, the maternal great-grandfather of Archer T. Davis, emigrated from Germany to South Carolina and thence went to Kentucky, where his demise occurred. He had a brother who was killed at Fort Moultrie during the Revolutionary war, while one of his sons lost his life in an Indian raid in Missouri. Jacob Myers, a son of Abraham Myers and the grandfather of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, was born in Daviess county, Kentucky, in 1802. Although his school privileges were quite limited, he acquired a good practical education through business experience and contact with the world. In 1829 he began journeying westward on horseback and at the end of six weeks arrived at his destination in Macon county, Illinois. He settled on section 35, Long Creek township, in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, and entered eighty acres of land from the government on section 36. There he erected a log cabin which is still standing - a mute reminder of pioneer days. In November, 1836, he entered another eighty-acre tract on section 31 and as his financial resources increased, he made additional purchase until at the time of his death his property holdings embraced one thousand acres of rich and productive land on sections 34, 35 and 36, Long Creek and Mount Zion townships. It was in 1854 that he was called to the home beyond. In the year 1832, in the state of Kentucky, he had wedded Miss Elizabeth Wood, who was a native of that state and who accompanied her parents on their removal to Moultrie county, Illinois. She passed away in 1846. The record of her children is as follows : Joseph, who was killed in a railroad accident at Long Creek, Illinois ; John A., who is likewise deceased ; Mary A., the wife of Amos T. Davis, of Decatur, and the mother of our subject; James W., deceased, who served throughout the Civil war as a member of the Twentieth Illinois Infantry; and Sarah C, who died when a maiden of sixteen years. Following the death of his first wife Jacob Myers married Mrs. Melinda (Widick) White, a native of Christian county. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Nancy L., who died in Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Myers were both faithful and earnest members of the Methodist church. The former gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. Michael Myers, a brother of Jacob Myers, was the first grand juryman in Macon county. The first marriage in Long Creek township was that of Bailey Myers and Jane Black.

Amos T. and Mary A. (Myers) Davis, lived on a farm in the vicinity of Long Creek for twenty-six years. In 1886 the former put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Decatur, where he and his wife have since lived in honorable retirement. They were the parents of six children, as follows: H. B., of Decatur; H. F., a resident of Colby, Kansas; Archer T., of this review; Mrs. Frank McBride, living in Decatur; Lulu, who passed away in 1883; and Edithf who died in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Davis celebrated their golden wedding on the 14th of March, 1910, at their home at No. 537 West Macon street in

Decatur. Many gifts of gold were presented to them by their children, relatives and friends and the occasion was a most happy one. Among the guests present were the following: Charles Davis, of Columbia, Missouri; Isaac Davis, now deceased; Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Sprague, of Bement; Miss Mary E. Davis; Mrs. E. R. Davis, of Springfield; Dr. J. C. Willits, the pastor of the church of which Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Davis are members; and Mrs, M. A. Buck, the widow of the Rev. Hiram Buck, who performed the marriage ceremony.

Amos T. Davis is a democrat in politics and while living on his farm served as supervisor of Long Creek township during the years 1872, 1873, 1877 and 1879. He is a Master Mason and has been identified with the fraternity for fifty-seven years. Both he and his wife have been members of the First Methodist Episcopal church for more than half a century and have always been numbered among its active and faithful workers. The latter, who joined the church when a maiden of fifteen years, has been continuously connected therewith for fifty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Davis are among the best known and highly esteemed residents of Macon county and deserve prominent mention in a work of this character.

Archer T. Davis, whose name introduces this review, obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Decatur, being graduated in 1894. The following year he pursued a course of study in the National Institute of Pharmacy at Chicago. In 1896 he embarked in business as a druggist, opening a store on the southeast corner of Oakland avenue and West Main street - opposite the Anna B. Millikin Home and one door east of his present location at No. 1099 West Main street. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and druggists' sundries and enjoys a most gratifying patronage. His store is equipped with an up-to-date soda fountain and is a popular resort with the students of James Millikin University. A genial, courteous and obliging gentleman, he has won many friends among the students, who help make his enterprise a profitable one.

In Sullivan, Illinois, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Whitfield, of Moultrie county, her father being Zachariah B. Whitfield, who is deceased. Their home has been blessed with two children, Charlotte and Dorothy, who are ten and eight years of age, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and own a modern home in one of the "beauty spots" of the city, their address being No. 448 Powers Lane.

For fifteen years Dr. Martin V. Lonergan was a representative of the medical profession in Decatur, during which period he gave ample proof of ability that carried him beyond the ranks of mediocrity, winning him recognition as one of the most able and successful general practitioners of the city. He was extremely careful in diagnosing a case and his judgment was seldom if ever at fault in foreseeing the outcome. He wisely used his time and talents for the benefit of mankind and at the same time gained from his labors the substantial success which is the legitimate and merited reward of all effort.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Lonergan was born February 4, 1852, and came of Irish ancestry. His father, Michael Lonergan, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and learned the carpenter's trade before leaving his native land as a young man to seek a home in America. He located in Philadelphia, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Donahue, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who had come to this country with her parents, with whom she remained until she gave her hand in marriage to Michael Lonergan. In 1856 they removed with their family to Illinois and Mr. Lonergan carried on carpentering in Jacksonville until 1870, when he sold his business and property interests there and turned his attention to farming in Sangamon county, his remaining days being given to agricultural pursuits. For eighteen years he resided in that county and then at the age of seventy was called to the home beyond. He held membership in the Catholic church and in politics was an earnest democrat. His family numbered six children: Martin; John, who resides upon the home farm; Maurice; Maggie; and two who are deceased.

Dr. Lonergan was a little lad of but four years when he came with his parents to Illinois. At the usual age he began his education in the schools of Jacksonville, which he attended until fourteen years of age, when he started in business life as an employe in a store in that city. Realizing, however, the need and value of an education, he afterward resumed his studies in the Whipple Academy and later pursued a course in Brown's Commercial College. The evening hours were devoted to study, the day to the duties of the store. In this way his education became such as to qualify him for teaching and for five years he followed that profession in Sangamon county. This, however, proved but an initial step to further labor, for he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. David Prince, of Jacksonville, while still engaged in teaching. In further preparation for the practice of medicine he entered the Long Island Hospital College at Brooklyn, New York, and afterward studied for a time in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city. Post-graduate courses in the Chicago Polyclinic in 1884 and in the New York Polyclinic in 1894, further qualified him for the onerous duties of the profession, upon which the preservation of health and life largely depend. In the latter year he also acted as house physician in the Mothers and Babies Hospital of New York. The strength of his character is indicated in the fact that his own labors provided the means necessary in the attainment of his education. When the funds which he had originally saved were exhausted he again resorted to school teaching to replenish his exchequer. He was graduated in 1877 and through the influence of his roommate, J. A. Dawson, opened an office at Casner, Illinois, in March, 1878.

One of his first patients was Mrs. William Wilson, who subsequently became his mother-in-law. Becoming acquainted with her daughter Mary, they were married on the 14th of November, 1878. Mrs. Lonergan was born and reared in Mount Zion township, Macon county, and unto them were born four children, of whom Bertie died at the age of four years, while John M. passed away at the age of seventeen. Ellis C, who had completed the first year's work in Millikin University, died October 30, 1905, at the age of eighteen years. He was a natural artist, who delighted to do sign writing and cartoon work, and his father still has in his possession a fine specimen of his penmanship in a scene showing the canals and houses of Venice. It is a perfect reproduction of the original copy and was made while he was attending the Walnut public school. The only surviving child of that marriage is Bertha May, a graduate of the Decatur high school. The wife and mother died on the anniversary of their marriage, November 14, 1901. Dr. Lonergan was again married, November 27, 1902, when Mary E. Dresback became his wife.

On locating at Casner, Illinois, Dr. Lonergan formed a partnership with Dr. Dawson and the relation was maintained until November, 1883. He then practiced alone in Casner until 1895, when he came to Decatur, where he lived until his death. Here he owned a good drug store, which he successfully conducted and at the same time was accorded a liberal patronage in his profession. He was also examining physician for the Equitable and for the New York Life Insurance Companies. Broad reading and investigation kept him in touch with the onward march of the profession. He was quick to adopt any new method or remedial agency which he believed would prove of value in the restoration of health and he had a well equipped office, enabling him to do advance work in his profession. He held membership in the Macon County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At the time of his death he was a member of the board of health of Decatur.

Fraternally Dr. Lonergan was connected with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M.; Macon Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. ; and Decatur Council, No. 21, R. & S. M. He was likewise a member of Casner Lodge, No. 463, I. O. O. F., of which he served as noble grand. His political support was originally given to the democratic party but he could not indorse its attitude upon the money question and later voted with the republican ticket. He believed that local option should settle the temperance question and was himself a strong temperance man who did everything in his power to suppress the sale and use of intoxicants. On many occasions he voted for the men whom he knew would favor the cause of temperance, regarding the use of spirituous liquors as one of the evils of the race. He and his wife held membership in the Second Presbyterian church and were advocates of all measures which tend to uplift humanity or promote the welfare of the community. In all of his work Dr. Lonergan was actuated by conscientious purpose and high and honorable principles, and his close conformity to the ethics of the profession gained for him the high and unqualified regard of his brethren of the medical fraternity. Dr. Lonergan met his death December 31, 1910, by suffocation in a fire in the St. James Hotel in Pana, Illinois.

Preston T. Hicks

Preston T. Hicks, filling the position of county surveyor of Macon county, his home being in Decatur, was born in Warren, Illinois, on the 1st of June, 1871, his parents being William S. and Rosetta Hicks, farming people who came from England to Illinois in 1842 and cast their lot with the pioneer settlers of this state. Their son Preston was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the high school of Warren with the class of 1887. Further educational ad- vantages were offered him and he pursued a four years' course in civil engineering in the University of Illinois at Champaign, completing the course in 1892. Since leaving college he has devoted his attention to the profession of civil engineering and surveying and during the past five years has been located in Decatur, acting as commissioner of special assessments for the city of Decatur for two years, while in November, 1908, he was elected county surveyor. He has won for himself a favorable reputation throughout central Illinois as a drainage engineer, having in charge during the past two years about forty drainage districts.

During the campaign in the fall of 1908 considerable interest and sentiment was aroused over the newspaper statements that if Mr. Hicks was elected he would win a bride - Miss Frieda R. Ruebsamen, whom he married on the 4th of November, 1908, the day after the election. As county surveyor he has introduced an innovation, highly prized by the people, in the way of a complete record and card-index system, by means of which the maps and record of any particular survey may be referred to at a moment's notice. This is very important to his constituents, as it often saves them the trouble and expense of a new survey. Mr. Hicks believes that the records of his office are just as important and deserve fully as much attention as the deed records. He has proven most capable, prompt, systematic and faithful in office and his course is winning for him high commendation. In his political views he has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias and in both orders he is held in high esteem as a worthy representative of the basic principles of the societies.

Bert Welsh

Bert Welsh, for about ten years engaged in farming and now living on the family homestead in Milam township, Macon county, was born in Moultrie county, Illinois, April 16, 1879, a son of Robert and Catharine (Reedy) Welsh. The parents were natives of Ireland and came to America after their marriage, settling in Moultrie county. Later they removed to Shelby county, Illinois, and in 1891 located in this county. In 1906 the father retired to Dalton City and there he departed this life two years later at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a successful farmer, a man of unsullied reputation, and a citizen who contributed to the extent of his ability toward the upbuilding of the county. The mother is now living in Dalton City and is sixty-one years of age. There were eight children in the family, the subject of this review being one of twins.

Educated in the common schools, Bert Welsh was reared under the genial influences of a happy home and he early became familiar with all the details of farm work. About ten years ago he began farming upon his own account and after taking unto himself a life companion he cultivated land in Shelby county, although he still continued to live at the home place. After the retirement of his father he turned his attention to the farm in Milam township, where he now has charge of one hundred sixty-one and one-half acres and cultivates the cereals, also raising stock for the market. The place is well supplied with good buildings, substantial fences and other appliances necessary to a well regulated farm and is known as one of the most valuable properties in the region.

In 1906 Mr. Welsh was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Doolin, who was born in Piatt county, Illinois, January 4, 1886, and is a daughter of John and Catharine (Bresnahan) Doolin. She is also one of twins and is the youngest of a family of nine children. Two children have brightened the household of Mr. and Mrs. Welsh, Robert L. and Mary C.

Mr. Welsh gives his adherence to the democratic party, believing that its principles are most conducive to the welfare of a free people. He and his wife are earnest members of the Roman Catholic church of Dalton City and are liberal contributors toward the various charities of which it is the dispenser. Mr. Welsh has found in his wife a sympathetic companion who presides over a happy home and has made it a center where friends and acquaintances may always expect a welcome greeting. No young man in Macon county has ever begun life under more favorable circumstances and there is every reason to believe that he has entered upon a career which will prove not only of great benefit to himself and family but to the entire community.

Robert Bivans

Robert Bivans, a soldier of the Civil war and a farmer and merchant now living retired at No. 965 East Cantrell street, Decatur, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, May 14, 1842, and is the eleventh in order of birth in a family of twelve children. His parents, Thomas and Ann (Gundy) Bivans, died when he was so young that he has very little recollection of them, and after his father's death he made his home with an uncle for a time. He subsequently took up his residence with his grandfather, Josiah Bivans, who removed from Delaware to Ohio in 1810, and during the war of 1812 served as a volunteer soldier, enlisting in Franklin county, Ohio. He was honorably discharged and was given a land warrant from the government about 1856, but this he sold for a small sum of money to Thomas Mourman, who was moving to Washington county, Iowa, and located on a tract of land not far from Washington, now the county seat of that county. Josiah Bivans was a son of Hezekiah Bivans, a native of Wales, who on coming to this country located in Delaware.

Jacob Gundy, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He was born in Pennsylvania, October 13, 1765, of Holland-Dutch parentage, and in middle life removed with his wife and children to Franklin county, Ohio, locating on a farm ten miles southwest of Columbus, where he reared his ten children, five sons and five daughters. He was the first man elected justice of the peace in his locality, now known as Pleasant township, Franklin county, and held that office for many years. His decisions which were recorded by him with a goose quill pen, are now a curios'ty, after a lapse of about a hundred years. His wife died on the home farrr in 1835 and soon after her death he came to Illinois accompanied by all his children with the exception of Mrs. Ann Bivans and Mrs. Polly Yates. He settled on a farm in Vermilion county, about fifteen miles north of Danville, where he passed away September 24, 1845, and was buried in the Gundy cemetery, near Myersville, where his grave is marked by a large block of granite, with the following inscription: "Jacob Gundy, Sen., was born October 13, 1765. Died September 24, 1845. Aged 79 years. Was a Revolutionary Soldier."

The boyhood of our subject was spent on a farm, and he attended a subscription school, where he gained the rudiments of an education. At seventeen years of age he came to Illinois with an uncle, Thomas Gundy, and made his home in Vermilion county for several months, after which he went to Christian county and remained with a brother, Thomas Bivans, for one winter. He began his active career by farming on shares but feeling the need of more education, he attended school for one winter in Macon county, and also in Fulton county. After laying aside his text-books, he again became identified with farming interests and worked by the month until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a soldier for the Union. The regiment participated in a number of important engagements. Private Bivans was doing detached duty at regimental headquarters, but on September 19, 1863, while the battle of Chickamauga was in progress, he obtained a musket from a wounded soldier of the Fortieth Ohio Regiment, and became an active participant in the fight. On the evening of the following day he was severely wounded in the right elbow and was sent back to the Chattanooga field hospital, remaining there for a number of days and receiving no surgical attention until the next Friday. On the following Monday he was moved across the Tennessee river to another field hospital, and four days later a surgeon reset the bones, and thus saved the arm. although the elbow joint had been shot away. This was one of the remarkable surgical cases of the war, a medical journal of Cincinnati in 1864 reporting four similar cases, although two of the patients died. Our subject was obliged to undergo very great suffering, and his weight fell from one hundred and fifty pounds to one hundred pounds. The operation upon Private Bivans did not prove an entire success, the shattered portions of the bone not having been entirely removed. Erysipelas set in and the physicians thought it extremely doubtful whether he had sufficient strength to carry him through. Just at this time it was necessary to move the hospital to a new location about a mile distant, and the patient was set out in the street, where he was covered with a blanket. The attendants felt quite sure that he would die. However, he revived some time before morning and was carried on a cot to the new hospital. After about a month his appetite began slightly to return and he was sent to a field hospital at Bridgeport, Alabama. When he was being carried into a tent at this place, a surgeon who had some time before suggested an operation upon the arm, happened to pass along but did not recognize the identity of the patient on account of the emaciated appearance of the latter. This surgeon gave orders that special attention should be given to the new arrival. He remained at Bridgeport about six weeks and three furloughs were issued in his name, but his condition was such that he could take no advantage of the first two. Mr.

Bivans has three daguerreotypes which will be preserved as valuable heirlooms by his descendants. The first represents him as he appeared, full of health and energy, when he entered military service, the second as he appeared, with a brother at his side, upon his return, and the third represents the dressing of the wound. He also retains the emergency apparatus in which his arm was suspended. It was cut from a sapling by one of the hospital nurses at the Bridgeport, Alabama, field hospital, and suspended over the shoulder by leather taken from the harness of one of the government mules. This rude sling he was obliged to wear day and night for more than a year. His suffering brought on many complications, causing an abscess which destroyed his left lung. Had not Dr. Enoch W. Moore, former regimental surgeon, tapped his chest, he would not be living today. He received his honorable discharge from the army in 1865, at Quincy, Illinois, and his first work consisted of painting fences and wagons. He was obliged to use his left hand and could earn only fifty cents a day. Later he became a contractor at Macon. By good management he saved money, becoming identified with real-estate interests, and finally erected a building which he rented. However, his arm still troubled him greatly, and twice he was put under the influence of morphine to have it removed but the operation was never completely accomplished. One day while in the drug store with A. W. Biddle, a former comrade, he experienced new pains in his arm and asked Mr. Biddle to assist him in removing a piece of bone from his arm. The wound then began to heal and his suffering came to an end.

In 1869 Mr. Bivans was appointed postmaster of Macon. About the same time he formed a partnership with Mr. Biddle in the drug business, continuing until 1874, when he sold out. In 1871 he and his partner acquired the building in which they carried their drug stock. The same year, on the very day in which the Chicago conflagration was raging, this building with its contents was totally destroyed by fire. There was no insurance, and almost his entire earthly possessions were wiped out of existence. Mr. Biddle put up a new building, but before they resumed business Mr. Bivans stipulated that they should keep no intoxicating liquors in stock, and under this plan the business proved a grand success. In 1873 he traded his property in Macon for a farm in Blue Mound township, but about a year later he bought out a drug and grocery establishment, which he conducted without liquor. In 1876 he sold out and went upon the road as a commercial traveler, but after one and onehalf years returned to Macon and began renting land and trading in town property. He also became a stockholder in a canning factory and cultivated sixty acres of tomatoes and fifty-five acres of sweet corn. In this work he was quite successful. For one year he acted as general agent for the Orange- Judd Farmer Company, receiving during this period one hundred and sixty dollars per month. Originally he received a pension of eight dollars a month from the government, and by various acts of congress it was advanced to twelve, fifteen, eighteen and thirty dollars, and he now receives forty-six dollars per month on account of injuries received in the line of duty.

On the 25th day of May, 1871, Mr. Bivans was united in marriage to Miss Flora A. Sweney of Fulton county, this state, a daughter of Major K. and Elizabeth (Ten Brook) Sweney. Two children have blessed the union: Albert

Waldo, of La Grange, who married Mary Rockwell and has one son, Kenneth Rockwell Bivans; and Fannie A., who is now a student in the law department of the University of Chicago.

Mr. Bivans cast his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He continued as a supporter of the republican party until 1884, since which time he has been an earnest advocate of prohibition, believing that county local option would solve many of the problems which are now facing the state and the nation. He is a stanch member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, in which he acts as steward and class leader. Socially he affiliates with Lodge No. 467, A. F. & A. M., of South Macon. He was a true soldier in times of danger, and he has been a patriotic citizen, always attempting to perform his duty to his fellowmen. As a result he has gained the respect of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who admire in him those qualities which contribute most to the upbuilding of worthy character and of good citizenship.

In 1908 Mr. Bivans was the prohibition candidate for state representative from the twenty-eighth senatorial district, comprising the counties of Macon, Logan and De Witt. He made the race for the legislature on the following declaration of principles, which were printed on twenty-eight thousand of his campaign cards : "I am in favor of the extention and strict enforcement of the local option law and for state prohibition as soon as possible ; the district primary ; initiative and referendum; search and seizure law; abolition of gavel rule; civil service; good roads; and for letting the interested taxpayers vote on the kind of roads they will have and how they will construct them. Public officials should bear in mind that they are servants of the people. I am opposed to accepting free transportation from railroad companies or corporations. I am opposed to allowing Chicago or any other city to annul the laws of the state. The legislature will be the battle ground on the liquor question, and if your candidates do not state publicly how they will vote on county local option and state prohibition, they are not worthy of your support. I am a Civil war veteran, and if elected I will defend your homes and the interests of this district as faithfully as I did the flag at Chickamauga." Mr. Bivans was not elected but according to the election returns, he had the honor of polling the largest vote ever cast in the district for a prohibition party candidate for the legislature although it was a presidential year and party lines were closely drawn.

Henry Daut

Henry Daut, conducting business in Decatur as a florist, in which connection he has secured a liberal and gratifying patronage, was born in this city October 20, 1876. His parents were Jacob and Katherine (Krueck) Daut, both of whom were natives of Bavaria, Germany. The father came to Illinois in 1866, residing in Harrisburg for two years, after which he removed to Henderson, Kentucky, and later went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked in the Weber piano factory. He was married in Evanston, Illinois, in 1873. He was living in Chi- cago during the time of the memorable fire of October, 1871, and continued to make his home in that city until 1874, when he removed to Decatur, where for several years he was employed in the rolling mills. He then began raising garden produce for the market and in the latter part of 1889 also established a florist and nursery business. In this undertaking he was successful and conducted a profitable enterprise for a number of years but at length became ill and in 1899 passed away at the age of sixty years. Later his widow and their two sons conducted the business established by the father, and the mother still makes her home in Decatur.

Henry Daut pursued his education in the public and German Lutheran schools of this city. He was trained to habits of industry, economy and diligence and in his boyhood materially aided his mother in the conduct of the florist and nursery business and in the raising of vegetables. In 1907, however, the estate was divided and since that time Mr. Daut has been alone in the raising of flowers and nursery stock. He is the owner of two acres of land and he conducts both a wholesale and retail business, making large shipments throughout the United States. He has regular customers in New York city, Chicago, Seattle and other points both east and west and the business is now one of the profitable enterprises of this character in Decatur.

On the 29th of November, 1898, Mr. Daut was married to Vlaga Freineck, who was born in Berlin, Germany, April 21, 1876, a daughter of Charles and Augusta Freineck, now farming people of Macon county. She was four years of age when she accompanied her parents on their removal to Pennsylvania and about twenty years ago came to Macon county. Mr. and Mrs. Daut have three children; Mary, Frank and Lucy.

Mr. Daut maintains his residence, greenhouse and nursery at No. 546 West Harrison street. His success is attributable entirely to his capable direction of his business affairs, his sound judgment and close application. He understands the practical and the scientific methods of raising both flowers and nursery stock and that he draws his trade from such a large territory is an indication of the fact that he bears a most substantial business reputation wherever he has become known. In politics he is a republican and in religious faith both he and his wife are Spiritualists.

Among the young medical practitioners of Decatur and Macon county, Dr. Cecil M. Jack may be regarded as peculiarly favored. Possessing every advantage of a classical and professional education and associated in practice with one of the most widely known physicians of central Illinois, he possesses unusual opportunities for attaining an enviable position in his chosen profession. Although he has engaged in practice only since 1902, his conscientious attention to his duties and his intimate acquaintance with the best modern methods have made his name favorably known throughout the region and his best advocates are his patients.

Dr. Jack is a native of Decatur, born November 15, 1876, and is a son of Samuel S. and Josephine (McKee) Jack. He was educated in the public schools of Decatur, graduating from the high school in 1895. He then attended the University of Michigan and was graduated from the literary department in 1899. Having decided to adopt the medical profession, he pursued his studies in the famed medical department of the same university and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1902. A postgraduate course in the medical schools and hospitals of New York, London and Vienna, in 1905-6, greatly added to his practical knowledge of medicine and surgery. He has met professionally many of the most noted physicians and surgeons of the world and being a close observer and a constant student, he has been steadily adding to the foundation acquired in earlier years. Since 1906 he has been junior member of the firm of Brown & Jack, a sketch of the senior member, Everett J. Brown, appearing elsewhere in this volume.

Dr. Jack is a member of the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society and the Decatur Medical Society. He is also a member of the Phi Rho Sigma college fraternity and the Knights of Pythias. On the nth of June, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Nelson, of Bloomington, Illinois. The union has been blessed with one daughter, Cecilia. Dr. and Mrs. Jack are members of the First Presbyterian church and their genial social qualities have attracted many friends. It is doubtful whether a happier circle is to be found in the state than that which gathers at this home where refinement and the graces of sympathetic companionship abide. It is entirely within the bounds of truth to say that the warmest friends of Dr. and Mrs. Jack are those who know them best.

While the medical profession involves many responsibilities and requires of its successful disciples constant vigilance and sound judgment, guided by principles thoroughly tested by the brightest minds, it also is accompanied by many awards among which are abiding sentiments of grateful appreciation and the knowledge of work well done. No man in the community stands higher than the physician qualified by talents and by education and training for his life occupation. Any young man with the proper qualities of head and heart who chooses the healing art as his vocation is worthy of the confidence of the community and may reaonably look forward to a creditable and honorable career.

Francis J. Mooney

Francis J. Mooney is devoting his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits upon a farm of two hundred and forty acres which was his birthplace and which he now owns. He was born here September 27, 1878, a son of Peter and Catharine (Nelligan) Mooney, who are now residing at No. 408 East Eldorado street in Decatur. The father was born in December, 1840, in County Armagh, Ireland, and his parents were Frank and Catharine (Graham) Mooney, who were also natives of Ireland, where they spent their entire lives, the grandfather of our subject there following the occupation of farming.

Peter Mooney was the seventh in order of birth in a family of five sons and three daughters. His educational advantages were meager and after he had put aside his text-books he worked with his father upon the home farm in Ireland until the spring of 1864, when he went to Scotland. In the fall of the same year, however, he returned to his old home on the Emerald isle but almost immediately thereafter left for America, landing in New York in October. He made his way direct to Niantic, where he joined his brother. His financial resources were so limited that he had to seek immediate employment, which he found at farm work and since that time he has been identified with the farming interests of this section of the state. In the spring of 1866 he purchased eighty acres of land in Niantic township from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, borrowing the money with which to make the payment. For a year afterward he continued to work for the man who had made the loan and in 1877 ne began farming for himself on forty acres which he rented. He purchased land from time to time until he owned about sixteen hundred and eighty acres, becoming one of the most extensive landholders of the county. He generously aided his children by giving each of them two hundred and forty acres of land but still retains the ownership of nine hundred and sixty acres, from which he derives a splendid annual income. Moreover, his farms have constantly increased in value owing to the rapid settlement of this part of the state and the improvements which he has made upon his land.

On the 9th of September, 1872, Peter Mooney was married to Miss Catharine Nelligan, a daughter of John and Harriett Nelligan, who were natives of Ireland, the father of County Limerick and the mother of County Down. They came to American about 1852 and settled in Logan county near Mount Pulaski, where Mr. Nelligan died in 1895 at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother survived until September 17, 1909, when she passed away in her seventy-eighth year. Mr. Nelligan was a farmer throughout all his life and owned a good tract of land of two hundred and seventy-three acres. Mrs. Mooney was the elder of two children and was born July 27, 1855. Her brother died twenty-six years ago. Unto Peter and Catharine Mooney were born four children. Katie M., born April 19, 1873, became the wife of R. A. Stengel, of Logan county, and they are now living in Sangamon county with their two children, Leo and Raymond. John D., born November 28, 1876, died when but a year old. Francis J. is the third of the family. Mary A., born September 1, 1882, is the wife of W. E. Gollings, of Decatur, and they have one child, Francis J., born August 24, 1907. The father, Peter Mooney, retired from active farm life in February, 1895, after long years devoted to general farming and stock-raising. He has always been a democrat since becoming a naturalized American citizen and he and his wife are members of the Catholic church of Decatur.

Francis J. Mooney, whose name introduces this review, was about fifteen years of age when his parents removed from the farm to the city, after which he continued his education in the public schools of Decatur and spent three years as a high school student. He afterward began clerking in the clothing store of Otterheimer & Company and later acted as a salesman for Henry Bachrach, with whom he continued for about ten years. His health, however, became impaired owing to close confinement in the store and for about a year thereafter he en- no business, spending much of his time with his sister on her farm. On the ist of January, 1910, his father deeded him two hundred and forty acres of land on section 25, Niantic township, and he is now devoting his time and energies to the further improvement of his property, which is one of the good farms of the county. In his work he shows that he has not forgotten his early training upon the farm and his ready adaptability also enables him to vigorously take up the work and prosecute it with ability. He is making for himself a creditable position in agricultural circles in this part of the state.

John Hobson

Farming interests claim the time and attention of John Hobson, who is the owner of sixty-one acres of land on section 10, Niantic township, and a tract of twenty-seven acres on section 26 of the same township. This constitutes a good farm of eighty-seven acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and to which he has added many modern and attractive improvements. He was born on a farm about two miles south of Chapin, Scott county, Illinois, November 20, 1844, his parents being George and Sarah (Boyd) Hobson. His paternal grandparents were Silas and Patsy (Cline) Hobson. The grandfather, who was a farmer by occupation and a native of North Carolina, spent his last days in Illinois, where he died at the age of eighty-three years when our subject was about twenty-two. His wife, who was also a native of North Carolina, lived to the extreme old age of one hundred and two years. In their family were three sons and one daughter.

On leaving Scott county George Hobson removed to Morgan county, Illinois, where he at first rented land and later purchased forty acres of land, making his home thereon for about four years. On the expiration of that period he came to Macon county, where he invested in one hundred and sixty acres, a part of which is now the farm that constitutes the home of John Hobson. He also bought a forty-acre tract of timber land, on section 26, and subsequently twenty acres of timber land on the Sangamon county line. He lived a busy and useful life although he was called to his final rest when fifty-three years of age. He was married in Morgan county to Sarah Boyd, a native of Kentucky, who came to Morgan county with her parents. She long survived her husband and was about seventy-one or seventy-two years of age at the time of her demise. In their family were nine children, some of whom died in infancy, while William Dennis and Silas, who are unmarried, live upon a part of the old homestead.

John Hobson, the sixth in order of birth, acquired a fair education in the common schools near the old home and through the periods of vacation worked with his father until twenty-four years of age, early becoming acquainted with the best methods of planting the seed and caring for the crops until the harvests were safely garnered in the autumn. He has ever made farming his life work and is the owner of an excellent tract of land which in its thrifty appearance bears evidence of the care and labor which he bestows upon it.

It was on Christmas Day of 1866 that Mr. Hobson was married to Miss Matie Dora Augusta Bruce, and they traveled life's journey together for about fortytwo years. They became the parents of five children: James, who died at the age of two years ; George, a resident farmer of Sangamon county, who wedded Mary McDaniel and has four children; Charles, who is upon the home farm; Augusta, who is the wife of William Chrisman and lives with her father; and Bruce, who married Katie Blankenship and lives in Niantic township.

In his political views Mr. Hobson is a republican and cast his first presidential vote for General Grant in 1868. He is always fearless in support of his honest convictions and when he has cause to change his opinions never hesitates to say so. He has served as school director and is now a school trustee, and the cause of eduction finds in him a stalwart champion. He is .ever interested in matters pertaining to the general welfare and while he lives a busy life in the care of his farm he finds opportunity to promote measures of public progress.

William Perrine

William Perrine, one the largest corn raisers in Macon county, justly occupies a position as a leading farmer of central Ilinois. He was born at Sandy Lake, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1852, and is a son of Lewis and Caroline (McCluskey) Perrine. The father was also a native of the Keystone state, born in 1824, and emigrated to Morgan county, Ilinois, in 1855, but three; years later removed to Christian county. He departed this life at the age of 77 years. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania in 1833 and was called to her reward in 1904. There were seven children in their family, six of whom are now living: Alvina, the wife of Henry Waller, of Parsons, Kansas; Emeline, the wife or John Hawkins, of Christian county; William, the subject of this review; Luellen and Wellington, both of Christian county; and Flora, the wife of Frank Kinkaid, also of Christian county.

Educated in the common schools of Christian county, William Perrine was early made acquainted with the various details of the farm and even as a boy displayed an aptitude for agriculture and stock-raising that indicated unusual ability in that direction. He continued at the parental home until he arrived at the age of maturity, with the exception of two years which he spent in Colorado. After returning to Illinois he rented eighty acres of land in Christian county, but soon began buying from his father, who was a heavy landowner in this part of the state, and purchased in all eight hundred and thirty-seven acres in Pleasant View township, Macon county, of which five hundred and sixty acres were on section 4, one hundred and ninety-three acres on section 33 and eighty acres on section 34. Upon his land are four neat and commodious residences and many improvements which have largely added to its value. Mr. Perrine deals very extensively in mules and in his sheds can accommodate two hundred and fifty animals at one time. He is also a very large corn raiser, plowing each year more than five hundred acres for this purpose, and also raising oats and wheat upon an extensive scale. His grass and pasture lands are kept in excellent con- dition and in his various operations he makes use of the most improved modern machinery, thus facilitating the work and securing handsome returns upon the outlay. It would be difficult to find anywhere a better managed farm property than that over which Mr. Perrine presides.

On the 4th of May, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Kipper, who was born in Christian county, and departed from this life one year after her marriage. He was married July 19, 1875, to Alice Warren, by whom he had one child, Warren E., born May 31, 1876. On May 4, 1903, Mr. Perrine was married to Mrs. Eliza (Baulos) Hawkins, a daughter of Jules and Emma (Lastfull) Baulos. Her father was born in France in 1832 and is now living at Buffalo Hart, Illinois. The mother died in 1878, leaving four daughters, three of whom are living : Anna, the widow of William Sanks, of Springfield, Illinois ; Julia Katherine, who died at the age of three years; Eliza, now Mrs. Perrine; and Lois, the wife of Fred Beck, of Edinburg, Illinois. Mr. Baulos had been previously married, and his children by his first wife were: Fannie, who reared Mrs. Perrine and is the wife of Jacob Cooper, of Edinburg, Illinois; Victoria, the wife of Benjamin Richards, of Butler, Missouri ; and Thomas, of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Baulos was a third time married, his last wife being Miss Ann Williams, who is the mother of one son, William. Mrs. Perrine had two children from her first husband : Orville Hawkins, born April 27, 1895 ; and Kittie, born December 5, 1896. Mr. Perrine has one son, Warren E., who was married about 1898 to Miss Jessie Adams and they are now living on his father's farm in Pleasant View township. Their children are : Zella and Neti, aged six and five years respectively.

William Perrine is an adherent of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to the prosperity of the country. He has never sought political honors but served acceptably as a director of the school board in his township. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian and Methodist churches respectively. That he is a man of large business capacity is evidenced from the activity to be seen upon his farm and the strictly up-to-date appearance of everything about the place. He represents that class of men who come to the front in any undertaking that enlists their interest and who early become business leaders in any community. Among his associates he is recognized as a man whose word is never broken and one who never deserts a friend. Mrs. Perrine is a worthy helpmate to her husband and is greatly respected for her many admirable traits of character.

James W. Reavis

During the pioneer epoch in the history of Macon county James W. Reavis became a resident of Oakley township. He was then a youth of fourteen years, having been born in Tennessee, in the vicinity of Nashville, on the 16th of June, 1839. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. John Reavis, the father owning and cultivating a tract of land near Nashville until about 1853, when they severed their connections with the south and made their way northward to Macon county, Illi- nois. They settled upon a farm in Oakley township but the father bent his energies to carpentering and in this work he was assisted by his son, James W. Reavis, who was a vigorous youth of fourteen years when the family came to Illinois. His education, begun in the schools of Tennessee, was continued in Macon county.

At the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused, James W. Reavis responded to the country's call for troops, being assigned to duty with Company A of the Eighth Illinois Regiment. He was then about twenty-one years of age and he remained at the front for four years or until the close of the war. During that period he participated in many hotly contested battles, in the long marches and the hard campaigns, but never faltered in the performance of any duty whether upon the lonely picket line or standing where shot and shell rained thickest on the firing line. When the war was over he was honorably discharged and returned to a farm in Oakley township, where he remained until his marriage.

It was on the 30th of August, 1868, that Mr. Reavis was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Forrest, of Oakley township, a daughter of G. W. Forrest, who was a lifelong farmer and became a prosperous resident of that township, where he owned and cultivated a good tract of land of one hundred and seventy-five acres. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reavis were born two children: Nellie, now the wife of G. L. Spence, of Decatur, who is an engineer on the Wabash railroad running from Decatur to Chicago, his connection with the road covering a quarter of a century; and Elmer, who is single and resides at home with his mother at No. 1 143 North Main street.

After his marriage Mr. Reavis devoted his life to railroad work in one way or another until the time of his death in January, 1903. He was a valued member of the Grand Army Post and of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. To his membership ties in these organizations he was most faithful. Moreover, he was a popular man, his many social qualities and admirable traits of character making him well known and liked.

Jan De Graff, a representative of the building interests of Decatur, who since he took up contracting here has held to the highest standards of workmanship and has thus secured a liberal and growing patronage, was born at The Hague, Holland, October 14, 1865, a son of J. and Gertrude (De Beer) De Graff, also natives of Holland, where the family had lived for centuries. The father was a baker by trade and conducted a bakery in his native land until, determining to try his fortune in the new world, he came with his family to the United States in 1866 and settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he also conducted a bakery. Both he and his wife are now deceased.

Jan De Graff was a pupil in the public schools of Grand Rapids, although his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited. However, by study and reading in his leisure hours, he managed to counteract the lack of early educational advantages and has become a well informed and practical business man.

In training for business life he took a course in drafting and architectural work and in due course of time received his diploma. He learned the carpenter's and miller's trade and established a general contracting business. He is not only an expert in building but also in general mechanical lines, having developed his natural powers and talents to a high degree of proficiency. He removed from Grand Rapids to St. Louis, afterward traveled through the south and later went to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he accepted a position as general foreman of the large electric power plant, which was completed in 1906.

In the spring of 1907 Mr. De Graff came to Decatur, where he established himself in a general contracting and building business and concrete work. By turning out first class work he has gained an enviable reputation and now has a most extensive patronage, being all that he is able to handle. Some of the most attractive and beautiful residences of Decatur in the last three years have been erected by him. Decatur welcomed him to the ranks of her representative business men and he expects to make this city his permanent place of abode. What he has to do he does promptly and he is as reliable as he is prompt and proficient.

In June, 1906, Mr. De Graff was married to Eva Waterland, a daughter of Henry and Eliza (Robbins) Waterland, of Litchfield, Illinois, who was born July 5, 1871. Her father was a native of England and the mother of Ontario, Canada. Mr. Waterland was a contractor and builder of the Wabash Railroad for twenty years but passed away about a decade ago. The mother still survives and is now living in Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. De Graff have a little daughter, Theresa.

Fraternally Mr. De Graff is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He holds membership in the Christian church and his political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. He is prompted by laudable ambition in all that he undertakes, and his energy and determination are enabling him to forge his way to the front. Already he occupies a creditable place in the ranks of the representative business men of Decatur and his further advancement is assured.

Albert T. Summers

Albert T. Summers, conducting the largest collection agency in Illinois outside of Chicago, his business being carried on under the name of A. T. Summers & Son, was born December 21, 1857, in Paris, Illinois, and since 1873 nas re~ sided continuously in Decatur. His parents were Charles and Cynthia M. Summers, nee Trogdon. The father, a lawyer by profession, was killed at Mattoon, Illinois, August 20, 1858.

Coming to Decatur when a youth of sixteen years, Albert T. Summers continued his education in the high school of the city, from which he was graduated in June, 1875. He afterward entered De Pauw University of Indiana, where he was graduated in June, 1878, and in 1880 after careful and thorough preliminary reading he was admitted to the bar. He then entered upon practice but early found that he could be of greater service to the community by doing a general collection business and since 1880 he has directed his energies in that field of labor with splendid success. His business has grown steadily and rapidly until it is now the largest collection agency in Illinois outside of Chicago. He has admitted his son to a partnership under the style of A. T. Summers & Son, and they collect claims everywhere and also negotiate all classes of loans and deal in commercial paper. Their business is carefully systematized in its various departments, and the methods which they employ are resultant, bringing a success highly satisfactory to their clients and of which they have every reason to be proud.

On the 18th of October, 1881, Mr. Summers was married in Lincoln, Illinois, to Miss Helen M. Pegram, and they have three children, a son and two daughters: Charles P., who married Miss Florence Jones, of Decatur, and is in partnership with his father; Helen L., and Ruth B. W.

Mr. Summers has never held public office but is a stanch republican, his study of the political conditions and situation of the country convincing him that the interests of good government are best conserved through that party organization. He is a member of nearly all the prominent secret societies, has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He has been honored with various offices, serving at the present writing as district deputy grand master of the twenty-ninth Masonic district of Illinois. He has likewise taken the degrees of the York Rite in Masonry, being prominent in the Knights Templar commandery of Decatur. He also has membership relations with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and attends the Episcopal church. His strongly marked personal characteristics are persistence, responsibility, reliability, honor and fair dealing. His residence in Decatur covers a period of thirty-seven years, during which time he has seen the city grow from ten to thirty thousand. Many business men have come and gone in that time and a large number of these have been Mr. Summers' clients. "Be useful" has been the watchword of his business, for he believes that if a man makes himself useful in the community in which he resides he will be appreciated, that his labors will produce the result desired of service to his fellowmen and of success for himself. Mr. Summers is widely known in Decatur and in fact over a large section of the surrounding country and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.

Clarence Jerome Hill

With the passing away of Clarence Jerome Hill, Macon county lost one of its progressive and representative agriculturists, who throughout the period of his active life was closely identified with farming interests here. He was a native of the county, born in Elwin, May 20, 1873, a son of Benjamin Franklin Hill, who likewise followed farming in Macon county.