Decatur Township (part 40 of 46)

Clarence J. Hill spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, and through the winter months pursued his education in the district schools near his father's home, while in the summer seasons he worked on the home farm, receiving practical instruction from his father in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. On reaching man's estate he began farming on his own account and as the years passed and he carefully saved his money he was enabled to invest in farm land, becoming the owner of a good property of ninety acres. He brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and erected new and substantial buildings, making many improvements on the place which today make it one of the valuable properties of the county. Everything about the place indicates that he was in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines, while his interests were so wisely and carefully conducted that he won substantial success and was numbered among the representative and progressive farmers of the locality, and at his death he left to his widow some valuable farm land in addition to city property in Decatur, one of which is the residence she now occupies, at No. 1207 West Wood street.

It was on the 6th of February, 1895, that Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Cleo Clyde Taylor, who was born in Macon county, July, 1878, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Taylor, farming people of Macon county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born five children, Bonnie, Hattie, Edna, Freda and Clarence, Jr., ages respectively fourteen, twelve, ten, seven and four years.

In politics Mr. Hill gave his allegiance to the democracy, doing all in his power to further the influence of that party in the community although he neither sought nor desired public office for himself, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his business affairs. He was not remiss, however, in the duties of citizenship, for his influence was ever upon the side of progress, improvement, reform and advancement. He was a consistent member of the Bethlehem Presbyterian church. He passed away April 19, 1907, at the early age of thirty-four years, and his death was the occasion of deep regret among the many warm friends whom he had gained in Macon county and who entertained for him high regard because of his many sterling qualities.

George S. Connard

A resident of Decatur for seventeen years, George S. Connard has become well known here, and the ability that he has displayed in business has gained him wide and favorable recognition. He is now cashier of the Citizens National Bank, to which position he was called in January, 1905. Macon county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred within her borders March 15, 1856. His parents were Charles E. and Nancy M. (Agur) Connard. The father's family were Pennsylvania people, while the mother's ancestors were Scotch-Irish. Charles E. Connard arrived in Macon county in 1842 and settled on a farm in South Wheatland township, where he was one of the pioneers, aiding in the development of that part of the county, especially along agricultural lines. He there resided until his death, which occurred September 27, 1909. For more than three decades he had survived his wife, who passed away on the 30th of September, 1878. He was not only a prominent farmer of the community, but was active in public affairs, serving in several township offices. He was a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church in his township for many years, his influence always being found on the side of right, truth and progress. His was an honored old age, and he passed to his reward in his eightieth year.

George S. Connard was reared on the home farm to the age of seventeen years, during which period he attended the district schools, while later he pursued a commercial course in Eastman's National Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York. In 1875 he became agent for the Illinois Central Railroad, which he thus represented for three years, and on the expiration of that period he began farming on his own account, devoting the succeeding twelve years to general agricultural pursuits. In 1893 he came to Decatur and for nine years was with the National Bank of this city, holding different positions that brought him broad experience in connection with the different phases of the banking business. In January, 1905, he entered the Citizens National Bank as assistant cashier, and was chosen cashier in July, 1906. He is proving a popular officer, courteous and obliging to the patrons of the bank, and at the same time thoroughly loyal to the institution which he represents. Recognizing the fact that capability and fidelity constitute the best recommendation for promotion, he has thus worked his way upward and is well known in financial circles in this city.

On the nth of October, 1898, Mr. Connard was married to Miss Laura Ebert, of Decatur, and they have one child, Theodora. Fraternally Mr. Connard is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and since 1876 has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Elwin. He endeavors to conform his life to its teachings and at all times has held himself closely to a rule of conduct that commands for him respect and honor.

Samuel O. Hilbrant

Samuel O. Hilbrant, occupying the responsible position of cashier of the Argenta Bank, in which connection he has proven his ability to solve the intricate problems of finance, has been connected with the bank since 1898. He has long been well known in that part of Macon county, however, for he came to the county in 1876 when a lad of twelve years. He is the son of Samuel Hilbrant, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Upon the home farm he was reared and the common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, while subsequently he attended the high school of Argenta and also had the benefit of two years' instruction in the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso. When his school days were ended he took up the occupation of farming, to which he had been reared, and devoted two years to the tilling of the soil. He then accepted a position in a bank in Medaryville, Indiana, where he remained for two years, and thus with knowledge derived from practical experience he undertook the work to which he now devotes his energies, be- coming cashier of the Argenta Bank in 1898. He is not only an efficient but also a popular officer of the institution, courteous and obliging to the patrons, and at the same time carefully safeguarding the interests of the stockholders. He was also for a time connected with the Argenta Telephone Company, acting as secretary, treasurer and general manager, but later sold his interest in that business.

On the 29th of June, 1898, Mr. Hilbrant was married in Medaryville, Indiana, to Miss Minnie Sternberg, a native of that state, reared and educated there. They are the parents of two sons and two daughters : May, Lucille, Robert and William. Mr. Hilbrant has purchased a lot and erected a neat residence in Argenta, which the family now occupy, and it is one of the hospitable homes of the city, extending good cheer and cordial welcome to many friends.

Politically Mr. Hilbrant is a republican and for two years filled the office of township collector. He has also served as clerk of the village board and is interested in everything pertaining to the substantial development and progress of the community. He is not neglectful of the higher and holier duties of life as is evidenced in his membership in the Argenta Presbyterian church, to which Mrs. Hilbrant also belongs. With various branches of Masonry he is identified including Argenta Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Decatur Chapter, R. A. M. ; Decatur Commandery, K. T. ; and the Mystic Shrine of Peoria. He has served through all the chairs in the blue lodge and is a past master. He has also filled all of the offices in the Odd Fellows lodge of Argenta, of which he is a past grand, and he has represented both the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities in their respective grand lodges of the state. He is indeed a prominent and leading citizen of Argenta and a well known business man whose activity has been an element in the growth and progress of the town and county. His spirit of undaunted enterprise promises well for a successful future and has already established him in a creditable position at the present time.

Oscar Lacey Erisman

Oscar Lacey Erisman, a prosperous farmer of Macon county, whose home is in section 10, Niantic township, was born on the farm where he now lives, February 20, 1886. He is a son of William H. and Lillie (Buck) Erisman, both of whom are now living in Sangamon county, this state. There were five children in their family, Garland, Oscar Lacey, Estella, Iva and Sadie.

The subject of this review was reared upon the home farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he removed with his parents to Sangamon county. He was educated in the common schools and under his father became thoroughly familiar with the various operations of agriculture and stock-raising, showing an adaptability to farming pursuits that gave bright promise for his future career. At twenty-three years of age he was married and brought his bride to the home farm, where he has since continued. Here he cultivates sixty-seven acres in section 10 and eighty-eight acres in section 3, Niantic township, making a total of one hundred and fifty-five acres, all of which is productive and yields handsome annual returns for labor and time expended.

On the 17th of February, 1909, Mr. Erisman was united in marriage, at Illiopolis, Illinois, to Miss Anna Fried, a native of Logan county and a daughter of Jacob and Catharine Fried, who are identified with farming interests. One child, Lillie Catharine, born April 23, 1910, has blessed this union.

Mr. Erisman cast his first vote for the democratic ticket and is a stanch upholder of that party. He and his wife are valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Illiopolis and he is identified fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, being at the present time chancellor commander of the local lodge of the latter order in Illiopolis. He was reared under favorable circumstances and, although just fairly launched in the business to which he expects to devote his life, has made an excellent start, being thoroughly acquainted with all branches of farming. He is active, energetic, wide-awake and ambitious to keep step with the progress of the twentieth century. His friends prophesy for him a prosperous and useful career.

Rolland E. Persinger

Rolland E. Persinger, alert and enterprising, with aptitude for successful management, has been one of the forceful elements in the prosperity which has attended the Leader Iron Works since the organization of the business. Throughout his connection therewith he has been secretary and treasurer of the company that, operating along progressive lines, has become one of the extensive and important business enterprises of Decatur. He is still a young man and the qualities which have brought him success argue for a still more prosperous future. Macon county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Maroa on the 23d of September, 1870.

His father, Captain J. M. Persinger, was a native of Shelby county, Ohio, and in Centerville, that state, he wedded Miss Sarah Beck, who was born in that place. Following their marriage they removed to De Witt county, Illinois, where they lived for a year and then took up their abode in Maroa, where they spent about thirty-three years, Mr. Persinger being engaged in the harness business during that time. In 1880 he established a hardware business, with which he was prominently connected up to the time of his death on the 17th of October, 1900. His widow still survives and is yet a resident of Maroa.

Entering the public schools of his native town at the usual age, Rolland E. Persinger pursued his studies through consecutive grades until he left the high school to become a student in the University of Illinois. He also attended the U. S. Grant University at Athens, Tennessee. From early youth he was acquainted with the hardware trade, assisting his father in the store while not attending school and after finishing his studies he became associated with his father in business and thus continued until 1895, when he accepted a position with the Crocker Elevator Company of Maroa. He remained in that connection until 1903, when the business of the Crocker Company was absorbed by the Shellabarger Elevator Company of Decatur. He became a stockholder in the latter and removed to Decatur, where he was made a director and later elected treasurer of the company. In that connection he bent his energies to the development and growth of the business and was active in its management until the ist of August, 1905, when he disposed of his interests in that company and became associated with the Leader Iron Works, which was then practically in the stages of organization. He believed that there was a splendid field for such an enterprise, made investment in the stock and was elected secretary and treasurer of the new company, in which dual capacity he has since served. His efforts in this connection have ably supplemented the labors of the other officers and, working in harmonious union, they have developed an enterprise of large and profitable proportions. Its ramifying trade interests have reached out into all sections of the country and its shipments, covering a wide territory, bring a substantial financial return annually.

On the 8th of March, 1905, Mr. Persinger was married to Miss Leona C. Harkrader, of Decatur, and to them has been born a daughter, Helen Bernice. Mr. Persinger belongs to Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., and also holds membership in the Decatur and Country Clubs. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church and his study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to support the republican party, although the cares of business are now too great to allow him to serve in political office. While a resident of Maroa, however, he filled the positions of mayor and city clerk and his influence in matters of citizenship is always on the side of progress, reform and improvement. His attention, however, is now concentrated on the development of the business which has been so largely promoted through his industry and discrimination. Energetic, prompt and notably reliable, he never stops short of successful accomplishment and the methods which he has employed in the attainment of success are such as conform to the strictest business ethics.

Mrs. Tabitha Spore

Mrs. Tabitha Spore needs no introduction to the citizens of Friends Creek township, for she is well known there and has an extensive circle of warm friends. She was born in that township and is a daughter of Joseph D. Long, a native of Pennsylvania, in which state she grew to mature years and was married. He afterward removed westward to Ohio, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of that state, and about 1830 came to Illinois, casting in his lot with the few residents who claimed Macon county as their home. It was then largely a wild, unimproved and undeveloped region. The Indians still lived in the state, for it was two years afterward that the Black Hawk war occurred. The prairies were still covered with their native grasses, the forests were uncut and the streams unbridged. Only here and there had a venturesome spirit established a home on the plains of this part of Illinois and land was to be had almost for the asking. Mr. Long entered several hundred acres in Macon county and developed and improved a large farm in Friends Creek township, becoming in time one of the prosperous and well-to-do farmers of Macon county. Upon the place which he developed he reared his family and his life was an active and useful one, his

Mrs. Spore is one of a family of seven daughters and one son but only three of the number are now living. She was reared in Macon county, attended the public schools and was trained to the duties of the household, so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own when in 1859 she gave her hand in marriage to Seth F. Spore, who was one of the early settlers of Macon county, coming from Ohio. He was a painter by trade and followed that pursuit for a number of years. At the time of the Civil war he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served throughout the period of hostilities and was then honorably discharged. He took part in a number of important engagements and many skirmishes and his experiences were those which usually fall to the lot of the soldier who takes part in the long hard marches and arduous campaigns.

While Mr. Spore was serving at the front his wife removed to Wisconsin, locating at Oshkosh, where he joined her after being mustered out of the army. There he worked at his trade for fourteen years and it was there that his death occurred. After his demise Mrs. Spore returned to Illinois, settling in Macon county and taking up her abode upon the farm in Friends Creek township where she now resides. She inherited one hundred and eighteen acres of land from her father and improved the place with the aid of her sons, so that she now has a neat and well developed farm property, in the midst of which stands a comfortable residence. There are also good barns and outbuildings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock, and altogether hers is a valuable place, showing careful management and practical judgment on the part of the owner. That she is a lady of excellent business ability is indicated in the fact that she has not only placed valuable improvements upon her land but has also given to each of her children two thousand dollars to aid them in gaining a start in life. All of this was made from the farm. Mrs. Spore has three children, two sons and a daughter: Richard and William, who are carrying on the home farm; and Adelia May, the wife of Abraham Arnett, of Decatur. The sons are industrious and sucessful agriculturists and are men of exemplary character and worth, widely and favorably known in Argenta. The Spore home is a hospitable one and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed by the many friends of the family.

Samuel Hilbrant

Samuel Hilbrant needs no introduction to the readers of this volume and especially to the citizens in the northeastern part of Macon county, for he is most widely and favorably known. He owns a farm of eighty acres within two miles of Argenta and has long been closely, actively and honorably associated with agricultural interests in this locality. He became a resident of the county in October, 1875, and in the intervening years has won the high esteem of his fellowmen because of his activity and reliability in business, his progressive spirit in citizenship and his social, genial nature, which everywhere wins him friends.

His birth occurred in Shelby county, Ohio, May 13, 1844, and he was reared to manhood upon a farm there. He acquired a good common-school education and through the period of his youth remained with his mother, his father having died when the son was a small lad. After arriving at years of maturity Samuel Hilbrant began working by the month as a farm hand and to some extent engaged in railroading, in fact his early manhood was a period of unremitting toil, devoted to active duty in the gravel pit, to work on freight trains and to farm labor. He has swung a cradle many a day and borne his full part in the work of the harvest field. He has mowed hay with a scythe and dropped seed by hand in the days of early spring planting. He became familiar with all the departments of farm work at a period when none of the modern farm machinery was in use but has lived to see a wonderful transformation in the methods of tilling the fields and caring for the crops.

On the 8th of March, 1868, Mr. Hilbrant was married in Shelby county, Ohio, to Miss Mima Elliott, who was born and reared in Shelby county and was a daughter of Samuel Elliott. After their marriage they began their domestic life upon a rented farm in Ohio, which Mr. Hilbrant cultivated for a number of years. Leaving his family there he came to Illinois in 1875 on a prospecting trip and was so well pleased with the country that he established the family home here. Coming to Macon county he first rented land and was soon joined by his family. He afterward purchased eighty acres of land, upon which a few improvements had been made, and with characteristic energy and determined purpose he began the further development and improvement of the farm on which he erected a good residence, a large barn and substantial outbuildings, furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock. He continued farming thereon until 1910, when he rented his land and purchased a residence in Argenta, where he took up his abode. He has since added to and remodeled the house and now has a comfortable and attractive home. While upon the farm he made a specialty of raising Poland China hogs, fattening a large number each year for the market. This constituted an important and profitable branch of his business.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hilbrant have been born four sons and a daughter: Elmer E. is married and is employed as a conductor on a freight train on the Illinois Central Railroad ; Samuel O. is cashier of the Bank of Argenta and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Harvey is married and is carrying on the home farm; Mary is the wife of J. M. Barnes of Sac City, Iowa; and Charles is living in Argenta.

The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Hilbrant is serving as a steward. His wife takes a very active part in all branches of the church and is a member of the different auxiliary societies. Of the Odd Fellows lodge of Argenta Mr. Hilbrant is a charter member and has filled all the chairs, being now a past grand, while in the Grand Lodge he has represented the subordinate body. He has served from year to year as the right supporter of the noble grand and he is now a member of the Decatur Encampment. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his politcal support to the presidential nominees of the democratic party. He was first called to the office of supervisor to fill out an unexpired term and was then elected and reelected, serving as a member of the county board for five years. He has also been township school trustee for several terms and has served on the board of education, the cause of the public schools finding in him a stalwart champion, whose efforts in their behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial. He has frequently attended the county and state conventions of his party as a delegate and is a man of considerable local prominence and influence. His labors have been a feature in the attainment of success in the prosecution of public measures as well as individual business interests, and his life work has been characterized by an unfaltering spirit and a firm determination that no ordinary difficulties nor obstacles can brook.

Fred Heinle

Fred Heinle is the eldest of a family of five brothers, all of whom are natives of Macon county and are well known and prosperous farmers here. His home is on section n, Friends Creek township, and practical and progressive methods characterize his farm work, which includes the raising of stock as well as the cultivation of the fields. Like the others of the family his landed possessions are large. He is now cultivating two hundred and forty acres on section n, Friends Creek township, and also another tract of eighty acres a mile to the east. In the midst of his farm stands a large and attractive residence, which he has recently erected. It is modern in all of its appointments, being supplied with furnace heat, hot and cold water, bath and gas. Such a home is indicative of the progressive spirit of him who occupies it. Macon county numbers him among her native sons and it was upon the old homestead that he first saw the light of day on the 4th of June, 1867. His youthful experiences were those which usually come to farm lads who vary attendance at school with the work of the fields. He continued with his father until he had attained his majority and then made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 4th of February, 1891, in Friends Creek township, to Miss Nellie Hankins, who was born and reared in Macon county and is a daughter of Frank Hankins, one of the pioneer settlers of this region.

After his marriage Mr. Heinle farmed for a season on his father's old homestead and in 1892 located where he now resides. He had eighty acres that had formerly belonged to his father and an adjoining tract of eighty acres, the cultivation and improvement of which claimed his unrelaxing attention until 1897, when he left Macon county and went to Colorado. There he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the irrigated district and raised a crop, spending the summer there, but in December of the same year returned to Illinois. He made other investment in eighty acres in 1910, so that his present holdings comprise three hundred and twenty acres, making him one of the sucessful and extensive agriculturists of Friends Creek township. He is diligent and persevering in business and his sound judgment and progressiveness are indicated by the fact that he has gradually added to his land

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heinle have been born four children who are still living, Bessie, Walter, Ralph and Mildred, and they also lost a daughter, Helen, who died at the age of three years. The parents hold membership in the Shiloh United Presbyterian church and Mr. Heinle belongs to Argenta Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Argenta Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; and to the Modern Woodmen camp. In the Odd Fellows society he has filled some of the chairs. Politically he is a democrat of considerable influence in the local councils of his party and has served as a delegate to county conventions. He has also filled the office of school trustee for some years. He and his brothers are men of exemplary habits, of strict integrity and reliability in business and of sterling worth in all of life's relations, and the family name is an honored one in Macon county, where his father located many years ago.

Anton Spaeth

Anton Spaeth, vice president and sales manager of the Decatur Brewing Company, was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, February 9, 1855, his parents being Mathias and Crescentia (Rist) Spaeth, both of whom spent their entire lives in Wurtemberg. The father was a farmer and shoemaker, numbered among the successful men of his district. The son spent his youth in his parents' home and acquired his early education in the public schools there, while after coming to the new world he attended the Teachers Seminary at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In Germany, when fifteen years of age, he was apprenticed to the miller's trade, completing his term of indenture when eighteen years of age, or in 1873. He then came to the United States after he learned that better wages were paid in this country and that business opportunities were greater. He first took up his abode in Fremont, Ohio, where he secured a position in a grocery store as general utility boy. He could not then speak a word of English but his employer was German and gave the boy opportunity to work in his store. In this way he gained a considerable knowledge of the language and further promoted his efficiency in this regard by attending night school. He remained with his first American employer for four years, after which he came to Decatur in 1877 and accepted a position in the German school. He was a brother of the Rev. Joseph Spaeth, of St. James German Catholic church, who had built and founded the first German parochial school in this city. Father Spaeth was also the founder of the church and Anton Spaeth became the first teacher in the new school. The following year he determined to suplement his own education by further study and entered the German Teachers Seminary at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. He afterward engaged in teaching school for one year in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, and for two years in Springfield, after which he returned to Decatur and as there was no position open along the line of his chosen profession he accepted a temporary position in the grocery store of Peter Ullrich.

Not long afterward he was apointed to a position in the brewery of Henry Shlaudeman, now the Decatur Brewing Company. His duties were first as bookkeeper and collector and on the reorganization and incorporation of the business in 1888 he became a member of the firm and was made a director. On the 1st of January, 1903, he was chosen vice president of the company and is now the second executive officer, in which connection he is bending his energies to administrative direction, his sound judgment and business ability proving a strong element in the successful conduct of the enterprise.

In 1884 Mr. Spaeth was married to Miss Clara Melchoirs, of Decatur, and unto them have been born seven children : Bernard, who is employed by the Gugler Lithographing Company, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin ; Joseph, who is in the employ of the Pacific Express Company at Chicago; and Augusta, Marie, Anna, Otto and Antoinette, all still under the parental roof.

Mr. Spaeth and his family are communicants of the Catholic church and for fifteen years he served as organist and leader of the choir. He is president of the St. James German Aid Society and is a man of benevolent spirit, always willing to extend a helping hand to the needy. He is numbered among Decatur's self-made men, his success being attributable to his own efforts and his utilization of opportunities. Discouragement and failure have found no place in his vocabulary and with persistent energy that has overcome all obstacles he has worked his way upward to success.

C. N. McKirahan, whose time is devoted to the cultivation and improvement of one hundred and sixty acres of the school land about eight miles west of Maroa, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 31st of January, i860, his parents being Joseph J. and Mary Jane (Davis) McKirahan. The father, who was a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and of Scotch and Irish lineage, was a farmer by occupation. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for military aid and enlisted in the Thirty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Infantry, with which he participated in a number of important and hotly contested battles. He married Mary Jane Davis, who is of Welsh descent. She is still living in Macon county and is now in her eightieth year. She has personally attended to her business affairs since the death of her husband about five years ago.

C. N. McKirahan spent the first five years of his life in the Buckeye state and in 1865 accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Decatur, Illinois. The father was a mechanic and was thus engaged until about 1880, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in this county and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His son had been a pupil in the public schools of Decatur and was about twenty years of age when his father bought the farm. He assisted in the development and cultivation of the fields until thirty years of age but at length left home and rented land, which he began to cultivate on his own account, spending about four years on his first place.

He next began the cultivation of the Dr. Carr farm, upon which he lived for a few years, at the end of which time he came to his present place of residence, where he has made his home for nine years. He is now busily engaged in the further development and improvement of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and the soil, which is naturally rich and productive, responds to his labors in generous and abundant harvests. He cultivates the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here and he also raises some stock, making a specilty of hogs and horses and also keeping a herd of Jersey cows. He is likewise well known as a breeder of Leghorn chickens, having about five hundred upon his place. Recently he has purchased a farm of sixty-five acres in Whitmore township and expects to remove to that place in 191 1.

In 1891 Mr. McKirahan was married to Miss Jennie Fowler, who came from Ohio and is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of that state. Seven children have blessed this union, of whom four are yet living, while Teddy is now deceased and two died in infancy. Those who still survive are: Lillian Fay, who is a high-school graduate and is now attending the Eureka (111.) College; Bonnie Gail and Marjorie Lee, both in school; and Eddie Joy.

Mr. McKirahan belongs to the Christian church, which his family also attend. Most of his life has been spent in Macon county and his many sterling traits of heart and mind have gained for him the kindly regard and firm friendship of many with whom he has come in contact. He believes in progressive methods in citizenship as well as in farming, and at all times his labors are permeated by the spirit of advancement which reaches out to larger things and accomplishes substantial results.

George A. Stahl

A spirit of determination and perseverance has characterized George A. Stahl in the conduct of his farming interests. He is pleasantly located on section n, Niantic township, and it was in this township that his birth occurred on the 18th of March, 1864, his parents being John and Sarah (Woods) Stahl. The father, a native of Ohio, came to Illinois when eighteen years of age and was for a long period a representative of the farming interests of Niantic township.

It was upon the old homestead farm that George A. Stahl spent the days of his boyhood and youth, during which period he acquired a fair commonschool education. On the 17th of December, 1885, when about twenty-two years of age, he married Miss Levina Gepford, of Niantic, who was born on the place where she now resides, October 23, 1868. Her parents were George W. and Henrietta (Kitch) Gepford. Her father was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and at an early day came to Illinois with his people, who settled near the timber in Macon county. Her mother was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and removed westward with her father's family. It was in this county that Mr. and Mrs. Gepford were married, taking up their abode upon the farm which is now the Stahl home. The father entered eighty acres of land from the government and although it was a wild and unimproved tract when it came into his possession, he converted it into productive fields and spent the remainder of his days upon that farm. He was twice married and by the first union there was one daughter, Amanda, who is now the wife of Bennett Durflinger. By his second marriage there were two children who reached adult age: Abraham Lincoln, who now lives on a farm at Jettersville, Virginia; and Mrs. Stahl. The former has been married twice. He first wedded Mary Combs and they had four children. For his second wife A. L. Gepford married Madie Bailey, and they became the parents of three children. The father of Mrs. Stahl died January 23, 1904, and the mother passed away August 19, 1887, the graves of both being made in Long Point cemetery. He was a republican in politics and well informed concerning the leading questions and issues of the day but was not an office seeker. He served for one term as justice of the peace. He took an active part in religious work, holding membership in the Christian church, in which he served as deacon and elder.

After his marriage George A. Stahl came into his father-in-law's family and has since resided upon the old home farm, which in 1902 he purchased from Mr. Gepford. He has since devoted his time and attention to the further development and improvement of the property, which is a highly cultivated tract of land, equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century. Here the following children have been born unto him and his wife: Olive Myrtle, born April 21, 1887; George Lester, May 9, 1890; Sarah Hallie, January 1, 1892; Alva Cecil, February 5, 1894; and Bernice Ruth, born June 26, 1897. Mr. Stahl belongs to the Christian church as does every member of his family. They take an active and helpful interest in the various departments of church work, and he is serving as one of the deacons. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of many remarkable characteristics, holding firmly to a course which he believes to be right, and his many commendable qualities have gained for him the confidence and friendly regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

George Morgan Cox

Although George Morgan Cox has passed from this life, his memory will be cherished for years to come, for he was loved and respected by all who knew him, owing to the many sterling traits of character which he possessed. In early life he followed farming in Macon county but for eighteen years prior to his demise he had lived retired in a nice home in Decatur, his success in former years enabling him to spend his last days in comfort and ease. He was born on the home farm in South Wheatland township, April 5, 1830, a son of Ephraim Cox, who was born in Maryland. He remained in the south until 1829, when he made his way northward, settling in Macon county, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1851.

George Morgan Cox was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, working in the fields during the spring and summer months, while during the winter seasons he trudged his way to the district school, there to learn the lessons that might prepare him for a business career in his later life. He was engaged in farming throughout a long period and was industrious, persevering and thrifty. When he retired from active connection with business affairs, eighteen years prior to his death, he purchased a nice residence located at No. 1227 West Wood street, and there he passed away September 8, 1909.

On the 19th of November, 1851, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Ellen A. Downs, who was born March 15, 1832, in Circleville, Ohio, and this union has been blessed with two sons and two daughters: William Henry, who is married and lives in Decatur, owning a nice residence on West Macon street ; Mary Ann; Margaret, the wife of Louis Perdue, who follows farming in Macon county; and Samuel Chester, who also makes his home in Decatur.

Mr. Cox was a charter member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in South Wheatland township, having been identified with the organization for sixty years. Although a stanch supporter of the republican party he was not a man who sought to figure in public life, preferring to leave office holding to others. He was, however, interested in anything that tended to advance the best interests of his home city or community, and his influence was ever a potent element in the work of progress and improvement. He thoroughly enjoyed home life and took the keenest pleasure in the society of his family and friends. His life was exemplary in every respect and he ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth may well serve as an example to those who come after him.

George William Richardson

Energy and enterprise have ever characterized the business life of George William Richardson, and these qualities are particularly dominant in the management of a successful agricultural enterprise. One of Illinois' native sons, his birth occurred in Jackson county on the 24th of November, 1850, a son of William and Salvena (Ulrich) Richardson. The father, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1824, came to America in 1844 at the age of twenty years, locating first in Jackson county, Illinois, where he remained until 1862, when he removed to Canada. His residence in that country, however, covered but two years, and in 1864 he returned to Illinois, taking up his abode in Macon county, where he was residing at the time of his death on the 22d of February, 1900. His entire life had been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In 1849, he had married Miss Salvena Ulrich, who, born in Germany in 1831, came with her parents to America in 1847. The family home was established in Illinois, and here she gave her hand in marriage to William Richardson. Her death occurred on the 21st of May, 1902, two years after that of her husband. Their

The eldest of this family, George William Richardson, was reared under the parental roof and in the public schools of this state acquired his education. He remained with his father, assisting in the cultivation of the fields until twenty-one years of age, when, actuated by a desire to gain a larger knowledge of the world than the narrow confines of farm life afforded, he left home to enter business independently. For about seven years he was engaged at various occupations throughout the country.

His time was thus occupied until 1878, when he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Cotner, who was born November 28, 1856, and was the eighth in a family of twelve children born unto David and Elizabeth (McKinn) Cotner. Her parents were both natives of Indiana and came to Illinois, locating in Macon county in 1875. Here her father passed away on the 5th of July, 1897, at the age of seventy- eight years, having long survived his wife, who departed this life August 15, 1888, when sixty-three years of age.

After his marriage Mr. Richardson returned to the occupation to which he had been reared and for which he was well equipped by thorough and comprehensive training received on the old homestead during the period of his boyhood and youth. The young couple began their domestic life on a farm of two hundred and forty acres located on section 3, Milam township, the property of F. M. Shaffer, and in its operation Mr. Richardson has since continued in the capacity of renter. His efforts have proved successful, for he has introduced many modern and progressive methods in the conduct of his enterprise and his labors have been characterized by a spirit of industry and perseverance - essential factors in any degree of prosperity.

With the passing years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson was blessed with a family of twelve children, three of whom are now deceased. Orlethia S., the eldest, was born November 10, 1878, and resides at home. Carrie, who was born on the 29th of January, 1880, was united in marriage on the 27th of January, 1904, to Pearl Huddelston and now makes her home in Rose Hill, Jasper county, Illinois. Arthur F. Richardson, born September 12, 1881, is also at home. Eva, whose birth occurred on the 12th of April, 1883, was married February 25, 1903, and has now passed away, her death occurring September 17, 1904. Dora, born April 2, 1885, was married in June, 1901, to Clarence Dennison, of Macon county, and they have four children. Albert R. was born October 16, 1886, and on the 5th of October, 1908, was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Jackson, of Macon county. They have two children, and now make theif home in Buena Vista county, Iowa. George R. was born January 1, 1889, and is yet at home. Annie B., born June 17, 1891, passed away March 14, 1892. Esther Delene, born October 2, 1893, is likewise with her parents. Wilmer L., born September 27, 1896, is now deceased, passing away November 5, 1897. The other members of the family, Walter L. and Bessie M., born March 14, 1899, and October 28, 1904, respectively, are also under the parental roof.

Mr. Richardson and his family attend the United Brethren church, and his wife and two children hold membership therein. They are well known socially in the community in which they reside and their home is the popular resort of a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Richardson belongs to Dalton City Lodge No. 1965, M. W. A., and he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party, believing that its principles are best adapted to conserve public interests. He has been called to public office on several occasions, having served at various times as clerk, commissioner and assessor, and in all matters of citizenship has ever been found public-spirited and loyal.

Frank L. Evans

Frank L. Evans, whose record is written in tangible terms of success, is the president and treasurer of the Evans Elevator Company. From the outset of his career he has watched every opportunity pointing toward progress and each forward step in his business career has brought him a broader outlook and larger advantages. Gradually he has worked his way upward and his prosperity represents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his.

A native of the neighboring state of Indiana, Mr. Evans was born in La Fayette on the 1st of March, 1869, his parents being Thomas L. and Anna (Childs) Evans, both of whom were natives of central Ohio. The father was a graduate of Otterbein College, of Ohio, and devoted his life to educational work, with which he was prominently identified for more than forty years. Intellectual activity in various communities has been largely stimulated by his efforts and his own enthusiastic zeal. Recently he has retired from that field and is now engaged in the real-estate commission business in Decatur. He came to this city in 1879 and has been principal of three different ward schools here. He was elected and served in the office of county superintendent of schools and his educational activities brought him a wide acquaintance, while his personal qualities have gained for him the high regard of those with whom he has come in contact. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and on the 7th of August, 1862, he was made second lieutenant of Company K. Later he was promoted to first lieutenant of the same company and subsequently was made captain of Company C, serving with that rank until the close of hostilities. He was captured by the rebels in the battle of Sabine Crossroads during the Red River expedition, April 8, 1864, and exchanged on the 23d of the following October. At the close of the war he was mustered out July 29, 1865.

Frank L. Evans was reared at home and acquired his education in the public and high schools of Decatur, being graduated with the class of 1887. He was afterward a student in the University of Michigan for one year. In the fall of 1887 he accepted a clerical position with the Standard Oil Company, with which he was thus connected for two years. It was subsequent to this time that he attended the Michigan University, after which he returned to Decatur and resumed his connection with the Standard Oil Company. In 1891 he went to Indianapolis as special clerk for the Standard Oil Company and was promoted to the position of chief clerk. In 1893 he returned to Decatur and continued in the employ of the same company until 1895. His active connection with the grain trade began when he accepted the position as bookkeeper for the firm of Dumont & Company in December, 1895. He acted in that capacity until January, 1897, when he resigned to engage in the grain business on his own account, becoming one of the organizers of the corporation of B. S. Tyler & Company. He was made secretary of the company and the business was established upon a paying foundation. Mr. Tyler died in 1902 and in 1904 Mr. Evans bought the interest of the other stockholders and organized the Evans Elevator Company, of which he became president and treasurer. He has had the entire management of the business since that time and the fact that it is now one of the successful enterprises of the city is an indication of his excellent business ability, keen sagacity and unfaltering enterprise. He has ever been watchful of opportunities pointing to prosperity and in the field in which he has labored has so directed his energies that substantial results have been achieved. Aside from his connection with the grain trade he is the present manager of the Ennis farms in Macon, Piatt and Moultrie counties.

In September, 1899, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Alice Bering, who was born in Sloatsburg, New York, January 6, 1872, a daughter of J. Edward Bering, of Decatur, and they have one child, Edward Bering, born August 3, 1900. Mr. Evans' political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party. He belongs to the Chi Psi, a Greek letter fraternity, and holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Decatur Club and the Country Club. Social qualities render him popular and business enterprise and integrity have gained for him an unassailable and enviable reputation in the commercial circles of the city.

William Taylor

Inflexible as the laws of nature, is the rule which governs honorable success. It comes as the direct and logical result of earnest effort, intelligently directed, and the life history of William Taylor is another proof of this fact. He was born August 7, 1832, near Flemington, in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jabez Taylor, whose family numbered three sons and two daughters, the other members being Lemuel, Vandervere, Catherine and Mary.

William Taylor was reared on a farm in his native county and acquired his early education in the district schools near his home. After reaching mature years, however, he came to a realization of the fact that his educational facilities were inadequate to meet the responsibilities of life, and ambitious to become better equipped in this direction, he went to New York city and attended a night school, while during the day he was employed by a commission firm of that city. His time was thus spent for two years, when he sought the broader opportunities of the west and came to Illinois, first locating in Jersey county. He spent but a brief period in that section and then settled in Montgomery county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres, cultivating the same for seven years.

Mr. Taylor then leased a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, in Illini township, Macon county, operating the same for a decade. Later Mr. Taylor purchased a farm of two hundred and ten acres in Friends Creek township. To the development and improvement of this farm he then devoted his best energies and became a very successful agriculturist. He made a close study of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and his fields annually returned him golden harvests. In 1881 Mr. Taylor decided to abandon farming and removed to Decatur, purchasing a nice residence at No. 301 West North street. After spending about two years in this city, in the spring of 1883, he removed to Waverly, Illinois, but only remained in that place about four years, when he returned once more to his home in Decatur to spend his remaining days. He still retained possession of his farm of two hundred and ten acres in Friends Creek township, and later invested in a second tract of eighty acres in Milan township, and from this he derived an annual income that supplied himself and family with all the comforts of life.

It was prior to his removal to the west that Mr. Taylor was married in Flemington, New Jersey, to Miss Sarah Jane Hickson, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 13th of March, 1859. Mrs. Taylor was born in Jersey ville, Illinois, April 13, 1839, and by her marriage she has become the mother of a daughter and two sons. Mary Eleanor, the eldest, was born October 27, 1862, and is with her mother in Decatur. Clarence G., born September 6, 1864, is a practicing physician of San Francisco, California. James Frederick, who was born April 3, 1870, is a tax collector and makes his home in Decatur.

Mr. Taylor gave his political allegiance to the republican party, but neither sought nor desired office. He was a consistent member of the First Baptist church of this city. He was devoted to the welfare of his family, and at his death left them in very comfortable financial circumstances. He passed away June 8, 1897, at the age of sixty-five years, and in his demise Decatur mourned a citizen whose worth was widely acknowledged and whose example is well worthv of emulation.

Hon. Orpheus W. Smith

Eight years' service on the county bench has given proof of the ability of Judge Orpheus W. Smith, whose decisions at all times fair and impartial, have won the approval of the bar at large and have received the indorsement of his superior officers. Judge Smith is a splendid representative of the profession to which life, liberty and property look for protection. He was born upon a farm in Jasper county, Illinois, January 3, 1866, a son of Daniel P. and Mary I. (Eagleton) Smith. The father, who was born near Zanesville, Ohio, devoted his life to farming. In manner he was plain and unostentatious, was careful and painstaking in business and thoroughly reliable in all transactions with the public. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office. Three times he was elected county treasurer of Jasper county, being chosen to that position in 1873, again in 1879, and once more in

1882, so that his incumbency in the office covered nine years. He died April 10, 1897, having for ten years survived his wife, who passed away August 28, 1887.

Judge Smith, spending his youthful days upon his father's farm, worked in the fields through the summer months and in the winter seasons attended the country schools. He supplemented his early educational training, however, by five terms' study in McKendree's College at Lebanon, Illinois, and taught school in the interval. He determined, however, upon the practice of law as a life work, and completed his law course in that college in June, 1891, after which he was admitted to practice at the Illinois bar. He taught school for another term, however, before entering upon the active work of the profession, which he did at Newton, Illinois, in partnership with Judge James P. Jack, with whom he continued for two years. In January, 1893, he began practicing alone and so continued until 1897, when he was installed as one of the justices of the peace of Decatur. In 1901 he was reelected to that office and served until 1902, when he was elected county judge, and in 1906, and again in 1910 was reelected, so that he is now serving for the third term, his incumbency in that office will be for a period of about twelve years. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the bar of Macon county both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character that impresses itself upon a community. Devotedly attached to his profession, systematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, calm in temper, diligent in research, conscientious in the discharge of every duty, courteous and kind in demeanor and inflexibly just on all occasions, these qualities have enabled Judge Smith to take high rank among the representatives of the bench in this part of the state.

On the 24th of November, 1892, Judge Smith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Scott, and to them were born twin daughters, Mary I. and Carrie L., on the 23d of April, 1898. Judge Smith and his wife are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mutual Benefit Association. In more strictly professional lines he is connected with the Macon County Bar Association, and no higher testimonial of his qualifications as a man and judge could be given than the fact that the bar of Macon county holds him in highest regard.

Louis B. Dickson

A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 2, Milam township, was not only the birthplace of Louis B. Dickson but is the scene of business operation for him at the present time. He was born January 15, 1878, the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose parents are Adam and Harriet J. (Gleason) Dickson. The former, born in Scotland, came as a young man of eighteen years to the new world, the first ten years after his arrival here being spent in Michigan and Wisconsin. He was about thirty years of age when he continued his journey to the middle west, locating on the farm which is now the home of our subject, and for many years he devoted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of this place. In the fall of 1909, however, he took up his abode near Janesville, Wisconsin, where he died December 18, 1910. Mrs. Dickson, who was born in Ohio, accompanied her parents on their removal to Macon county in the early days, and it was here that she met the man whom she afterward married. She survives, having reached the age of sixty-three years.

Louis B. Dickson was reared on the home farm, while his education was acquired in the public schools of Macon county. After completing his education, he took up work in earnest in connection with his father, thus being engaged until 1897, when he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Grace Wilson, the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight children born unto W. T. and Emma (Bottrell) Wilson. She was born December 27, 1881, and by her marriage has become the mother of two sons, Earl L. and Walter B.

Following his marriage, Louis B. Dickson engaged in farming on the old home place on his own account, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. He has here one hundred and sixty acres of valuable and productive land, which responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. In addition to carrying on general farming, he raises considerable stock, making a specialty of draft horses, which he disposes of at popular prices. He carries on his work in accord with the most modern and progressive ideas and this combined with his honorable dealing constitutes the foundation for the splendid success which he today enjoys.

Mr. Dickson is a stanch republican in his political belief and support, and for the past three years has filled the office of assessor. He and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church at Dalton City, of which Mr. Dickson is serving as an elder. Mr. Dickson has spent his entire life in Macon county, and is therefore widely and favorably known, having a host of warm friends in this section of the state, while his estimable wife also shares with him in the high regard in which he is held.

Milton Johnson

Correctly judging his own capacities and powers and also life's contacts and experiences, and utilizing the former as strenuously and effectively as the latter, Milton Johnson is today recognized as one of the prominent and influential business men of Decatur, where for a long period he has figured in financial circles. He was formerly president of the Citizens National Bank, and was also president of the Citizens Title & Trust Company.

A native of Wisconsin, Mr. Johnson was born in Milwaukee county, September 30, 1845, an(i is a son of Edwin and Paulina (Howes) Johnson. The father, a native of Massachusetts, took up his abode in Wisconsin in 1842 and the mother arrived there the following year. They were married in Milwaukee county and in support of his family Edwin Johnson followed the trade of a stonemason and plasterer, while still carrying on farming. He built many foundations and took large and important contracts. He also purchased a little farm and in his life there were few leisure hours, for his entire time was given over to his farming or his trade. He died at the age of eighty-two years in the home of his son Milton in Decatur. He had served as town clerk and township superintendent of schools, and while in Wisconsin was elected to represent his district in the state legislature. He was justice of the peace for many years and was known far and near as Squire Johnson. A man of unfaltering honor, he was just and upright on all occasions, and over his record as a citizen and official there fell no shadow of wrong. While his township was largely made up of German citizens, he ever enjoyed their highest regard, and they gave to him unfaltering support. His integrity was ever above question and his straightforward business dealings won the respect of all. His wife passed away in 1864, her death being the result of a runaway accident. In the family were two sons and three daughters, who reached adult age: Milton; Franklin, a leading horticulturist of Sauk county, Wisconsin, making his home in Baraboo; Mrs. Mary Brown, whose husband was the first state secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association of Illinois; Mrs. Martha Smith, the wife of a Methodist Episcopal minister of West Allis, Wisconsin; and Mrs. Anna Davis, the widow of Isaac J. Davis of Oak Park, Illinois. There is also a half-brother, Edwin, a druggist, who is living at Sugar City, Colorado.

Milton Johnson was educated in the country schools and in Bryant & Stratton Business College of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He made his initial step in the business world in 1866 as an employe of the United States Express Company, and was sent to Decatur, where he represented the company until 1869. In that year he became bookkeeper and clerk for Powers, Ferris & Company, wholesale and retail boot and shoe merchants, with whom he continued until 1872, when he entered the banking house of J. Millikin & Company, the partners being James Millikin and J. R. Gorin. Mr. Johnson acted as bookkeeper in that bank and in other positions until 1892. In the meantime he had become a member of the firm and in the year designated he sold out and became interested in the Citizens National Bank, of which he was vice president for a year. He was then elected to the presidency and continued in office with brief interruptions until January, 1909, when he became the first president of the Citizens Title & Trust Company, of which he was one of the organizers. Mr. Johnson has thus long been identified with the banking business of Decatur and ranks among the leading financiers of Macon county. Honored and respected by all, no man occupies a more enviable position in banking circles, and this is not alone by reason of the success he has achieved, but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. His carefully formulated plans have been promptly executed, and his keen sagacity and unfaltering enterprise have been manifest in the success which has attended his efforts.

Mr. Johnson laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage on the 5th of January, 1870, to Miss Philena A. Evans, a native of New York and for many years a resident of Waukesha, Wisconsin. They now have five sons and one daughter: Elbert E., a resident of Los Angeles, California; Franklin

L., assistant cashier of the Merchants National Bank of St. Louis, Missouri, who was previously for sixteen years with the National Bank of Commerce of that city; Milton, Jr., assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Decatur; Alva M., who for four years was with the Merchants National Bank of Indianapolis, and is now business manager of Flint, Eaton & Company, manufacturing chemists of this city; Pauline, the wife of R. C. Augustine, an optician of Decatur; and Roy G., of Decatur.

In his political views Mr. Johnson is an earnest republican, and at all times takes a deep interest in the welfare and upbuilding of the city, his cooperation being a tangible asset in movements for the general good. He belongs 'to the First Methodist Episcopal church, was for many years president of the board of trustees, and all during that time served as treasurer of the board. He has been an earnest and untiring worker in religious affairs, and has sought with equal fervor the benefit and upbuilding of the community and individual in other directions. He is known as one of the prominent members of the Masonic fraternity in Decatur, belonging to Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., since 1867. He is also a member of Macon Chapter No. 21, R. A. M., and to Beaumanoir Commandery No. 21, K. T., serving for two terms as eminent commander, and also becoming a member of the grand commandery of Illinois. He is in thorough sympathy with the purposes and principles of the craft, and is one of its exemplary representatives. His life work has at all times been characterized by progress, whether in the field of business, in politics or in fraternal relations. He seems to have readily recognized the opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by and where the chance has come for a forward step he has made it, thus gaining a broader outlook and still greater opportunities. Thoroughness has also been one of his characteristics, and he has therefore completely mastered every work that he has undertaken. He has never regarded business, however, as the sole end and aim of existence, but rather as but one phase of life, leaving him time and opportunity for cooperation in those activities whereby the general public is a direct beneficiary.

Homer Otho Whitaker

Farming has constituted the life work of Homer Otho Whitaker, who is now giving his attention to a valuable and well improved tract of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 3, Milam township. His birth occurred in Bloomfield, Indiana, July 9, 1878, his parents being A. J. and Clementine (Edwards) Whitaker. The former was a native of Wisconsin, while the latter was born in the Hoosier state. In early manhood the father removed to Bloomfield and it was there that he became acquainted with the lady whom he afterward made his wife. Unto them were born three children, the son, Homer Otho, being a little lad of only three years at the time of the mother's death, which occurred when she was but twenty-nine years of age. The father, too, passed away at a comparatively early age, being but forty-five years old when called to his final rest on the 7th of July, 1898.

Homer Otho Whitaker, as above stated, was but three years old at the time of his mother's demise, after which he was reared in his father's home to the age of eighteen. In the meantime he pursued his studies in the common schools of his native state, and at that age came to Illinois and secured employment on the farm of his uncle, E. B. Combs, whose sketch also appears in this work. Mr. Whitaker continued to work for his uncle for several years, during which time he gained practical knowledge of the best methods of farm work, so that when he started out in business on his own account he was well qualified to carry it on in a successful manner. It was in 1905 that he made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Stella May, a daughter of Otto and Emma E. (Richardson) Tietze, of Macon county. She is the eldest of their two children, the date of her birth being July 11, 1887.

Following his marriage, Mr. Whitaker located on a farm in Macon county, cultivating the same until the spring of 1908, when he removed to his present place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Milam township. He has here a good tract of land, and the crops which he annually gathers are the result of his untiring efforts and careful management. In addition to general farming, he raises stock to some extent, and both branches of his business are bringing him a substantial annual income.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have been born an interesting little son and daughter: Edward Otto, who was born June 25, 1907; and Elizabeth Clementine, whose birth occurred on the 12th of August, 1908. Mr. Whitaker is a republican in his political belief, although at local elections he does not confine his vote strictly to that party. His fraternal relations are with Dalton City Camp, M. W. A., while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a member. They are people of the highest respectability and worth, fully meriting the high esteem and regard in which they are uniformly held.

Adam Kelly

The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Adam Kelly in Decatur, and here he resided until his death, being identified through much of the period with carpentering and building interests. He was born in County Down, in the north of Ireland, in 1824, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Kelly, who never came to the United States, but always remained residents of the Emerald isle. There the boyhood and youth of Adam Kelly were passed, and his educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools of his native country. The favorable reports which he heard concerning America and its opportunities, led him to determine to cross the Atlantic, and perfecting his plans, he bade adieu to family, friends and native land and sailed for the new world in March, 1848. Making his way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he there remained for about nine years, or until he came to Decatur, Illinois, in 1856. Here he resided for seventeen years or until his death. He learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and followed it through the greater part of his life, also engaging in contracting to some extent. He was a thorough and reliable workman, and was therefore always busy at the trade to which he devoted his energies.

On the 27th of November, 1851, in Philadelphia, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Mary McMurtry, a daughter of Archibald McMurtry, of County Antrim, Ireland, who with his wife came to this country in 1858, and remained on this side of the Atlantic until they were called to the home beyond. Mrs. Kelly was born in County Antrim, Ireland, May 6, 1830, and by her marriage became the mother of seven children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: John, George A., William J., Margaret and Maria.

The death of the husband and father occurred January 24, 1874, when he was in the fiftieth year of his age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Decatur, and was loyal and faithful to its teachings. His political allegiance was given to the republican party from its organization, but while he had firm belief in its principles, he never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and private interests. His life was upright and honorable and was the visible expression of manly principles and noble purposes. Mrs. Kelly still survives her husband and now resides at No. 1 1 14 West Macon street, in a pleasant home amid many friends who entertain for her warm and kindly regard. She has now made her home in Decatur for more than a half century and has a very wide and favorable acquaintance here.

Paul Smith

For a long period Paul Smith was identified with the business interests of Decatur as a builder and contractor, and many of the buildings of this city and surrounding country stand today as monuments to his skill and ability. He was a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred in Harrisburg, March 17, 1838. He was reared in Pennsylvania to the age of six years, when he was brought by his parents to the middle west, the family home being established near LaFayette, Indiana, the father there following agricultural pursuits. The son acquired his education in the district schools near his home and during the summer months was trained in the duties of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twentythree years, when, the Civil war having been inaugurated, he joined an Indiana volunteer regiment, remaining at the front about two and a half years.

Returning home after receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Smith began working at the carpenter's trade in LaFayette, his time being there spent for about three years. He then came to Decatur, and for a similar period was employed at his trade, doing considerable contract work. He then went to Moberly, Missouri, but after spending only about a year and a half in that locality, once more returned to Decatur and continued operations as a builder and contractor. He was awarded the contracts for building many of the substantial structures of this city, which still stand as monuments to his splendid work- manship. He was ever true to the terms of a contract, and his treatment of his employes was such as to win from all the utmost confidence and respect, while in the closer circle of his friends, he was esteemed for his many sterling qualities of manhood.

Mr. Smith was married in Decatur to Miss Sarah E. Baty, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, August 24, 1841. She accompanied her mother to this city when a little maiden of thirteen years, and from that time to the present has made Decatur her home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children, Ellis, Nora and Minnie, but all are now deceased.

Mr. Smith was somewhat independent in politics, although he favored the principles and platform of the republican party. However, he voted for men whom he deemed best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. He maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the G. A. R. Post of Decatur. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Universalist church. He passed away at Brush College, about three miles east of Decatur, on the 22d of May, 1894, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at that place. Decatur mourned the loss of a representative and valued citizen, widely recognized as a man of honor and of strong force of character. Perhaps the highest tribute that can be paid Mr. Smith is that he was successful in all of his undertakings, and that he so discharged his duties as a citizen and as a business man as to merit the confidence of those who knew him best. His widow occupies a nice home which she owns at No. 560 West North street, and she also owns two good residences on Edward street. She is also well known in Decatur, her many good traits of heart and mind having endeared her to a large circle of friends.

Dr. William Henry Walters is well remembered as a pioneer physician of Decatur and Macon county, where he practiced his profession for thirty-six years, prior to which time he had been located for a few years in Sangamon and Champaign counties, so that he became well known in various parts of central Illinois. His life record covered the intervening years between August 18. 182 1, and January 20, 1897. He was born in New Jersey, and on the paternal side came of English ancestry, his father having been born in England. He was married in this country and his death occurred when the son was but a small boy.

William Henry Walters was reared in the state of his nativity to the age of twenty years, during which period he pursued his literary education in the schools of that state. Deciding to enter the medical profession as a life work, to that end he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he became a student in Jefferson Medical College of that city. He was graduated with the class of 1849, after which he at once made his way to the then "far west," believing that Illinois offered better opportunities to the young physician than the older east. Accordingly he located in Champaign county, this state, where he re- mained for a brief period, but in 185 1 opened an office in Springfield, where he spent the succeeding decade. In 1861 he came to Decatur, where he continued in the active practice of medicine until the time "of his death. For thirty-six years he ministered to the people of this city and surrounding country, during which time he became the loved family physician in many a household and firmly established himself in the public regard as an able, capable physician of wide personal knowledge and marked skill.

On the 19th of September, 1853, Dr. Walters was married in Springfield to Miss Melissa J. Ham, the wedding ceremony being performed by Rev. Bradshaw of that city. Mrs. Walters was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, September 81, 1840, a daughter of John H. Ham, who was born in Frankfort county, Kentucky, in 1810, and was a youth of nineteen years when he located in Illinois.

Unto Dr. and Mrs. Walters were born six children, four sons and two daughters: Charles Henry, who was born in Macon county; Frederick W., who was a native of Champaign county, Illinois, and is now deceased; Margaret Ellen, who was born in Macon county; Rollo H., who is a native of Decatur ; Roy C, also born in this city ; and Ellis L., whose birth occurred in Rockford, this state.

Dr. Walters was a stanch advocate of the republican party and cast his first presidential vote for William Henry Harrison. He always took an active part in politics so far as his professional duties would permit. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church of Decatur and his life conformed to its teachings. He was a successful man, having accumulated a competency that supplies his family with all the comforts of life. He passed away at his beautiful home, at No. 671 West Prairie avenue, January 20, 1897, and there his widow and children still reside. He possessed a vigorous personality whose broad generous impulses coupled with sound judgment made him beloved to a degree seldom realized in human experience.

William H. Black

William H. Black, master in chancery since October, 1903, and one of the prominent workers in the ranks of the republican party in Macon county, was born in Chicago, July 3, 1866, a son of William and Mary (Leslie) Black, both of whom were natives of Scotland, the father having been born in Edinburgh and the mother in Arbroath. The father was a mechanic, serving a regular apprenticeship in Scotland. On coming to America he took up his abode in Chicago but after a few years removed to Champaign county, Illinois, and purchased a farm on which he resided until 1893. He then moved to Champaign and resided there until his death which occurred August 4, ioox. He made the journey to the United States in 1854 with his brother, father and mother, he paying half the passage for the party and his father paying the other half. This spirit of helpfulness toward his family was one of his marked characteristics and friends and neighbors also benefited by his generous spirit and kindly disposition. Moreover, he was known as an honest, upright citizen, whose word

William H. Black pursued his early education in the public schools and afterward attended Chaddock College at Quincy, Illinois, and the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, in which he completed the law course with the class of 1892. Admitted to the bar the same year, he located for practice in Decatur, where he has since followed his profession. Other activities have also claimed his attention and he is widely recognized as one of the prominent leaders of the republican party in this section of the state. For a time he served as chairman of the republican county central committee and his labors in support of the principles in which he believes have been effective and far-reaching. He has also been a leading representative of the Modern Woodmen of America, in behalf of which organization he has delivered many public addresses, taking an active and helpful interest for the good of the society. He acted as state worthy adviser and state lecturer for a time, in which connection he delivered lectures in the western half of New York and in Oklahoma and Indian Territory, when the order was founded in that part of the country. He is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.; and Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. He was chosen to his present office in October, 1903, through appointment of Judge Johns and has since continued in the position, his services being satisfactory to all who have to do with chancery work.

On the 9th of November, 1903, Mr. Black was married to Miss Anna Louise Crocker, of Maroa, Illinois, a daughter of John H. and Louise (Philbrook) Crocker, pioneers of Macon county, and they have one son, William H, Jr. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and are prominent in the social circles of the city. Mr. Black had but a few hundred dollars when he came to Decatur but has built up a business that has brought him a comfortable competence and his methods have at all times conformed to the strictest business ethics. In manner he is cordial, approachable and genial, and his unfailing loyalty to any cause which he espouses has gained for him the confidence and warm regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

John Milton Lowry

While long years have passed away since John Milton Lowry was an active factor in the public life and affairs of Macon county, more than passing thought should be given him because of his excellent record as a soldier of the Civil war, because of his progressiveness and reliability in business affairs and because of his promptness and capability in the discharge of the public duties that were entrusted to him. '- 1

A native of Illinois, John Milton Lowry was born in Clark county, November 2, 1825, at which period the county was a pioneer district in which the work of improvement and progress had been scarcely begun, so that he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of the frontier. He remained in that county until about ten years of age, when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William

Lowry, removed with their family to De Witt county, settling near Waynesville, Illinois. John M. Lowry resided in the latter county until about twenty-five years of age and acquired the greater part of his education in that county in attendance at the district schools. He lived upon the home farm and the work of tilling the fields and caring for the crops early became familiar to him. He was busy with the tasks incident to the development of the fields save when in school. After he had reached the age of twenty-five years he joined his brother-in-law, Preston Butler, in the conduct of a grocery business, in which he continued for three years, and at the same time conducted the postoffice at East Main street, Decatur.

On the 17th of February, 1852, Mr. Lowry was united in marriage to Miss Martha M. Pugh, a daughter of Colonel I. C. Pugh, of Decatur, and unto them have been born four children, of whom all are yet living, while all are still residents of Macon county with the exception of William I., who is located in Springfield, Illinois. Elvira E. became the wife of Perry B. Vance, who owns and cultivates a farm of two hundred acres of good land in Macon county. They have three sons : Guy P., Claude L. and Clarke E. Vance. William I. is unmarried and is a printer by trade ; Mary A. is at home with her mother ; Silas T. is married and resides in Decatur, where he is connected with the fire department, being stationed at engine house No. 1. He has three children: Isaac M., Jessie M. and Marjorie E.

Following his marriage Mr. Lowry devoted his time to bookkeeping and mercantile business until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he responded to the country's call for troops and spent three years at the front as a member of Company A, Eighth Regiment of Illinois Infantry. He participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing and other important engagements that were features in the success that finally crowned the Union arms. In his later years he became a member of the Grand Army post of Decatur and thus maintained pleasant relations with those who were his comrades when the country needed the military aid of her loyal sons. He also belonged to the Masonic lodge at Decatur and was quite prominent in public affairs, at all times supporting the projects and measures which he deemed of worth and value to the community.

Mr. Lowry was several times called to public office, serving as justice of the peace for eight years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. He was also constable for four years and in that office, as in every other position to which he was called, proved most loyal, prompt and faithful. In politics he was a stanch republican from the organization of the party and did all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success because of his firm belief in its principles. He held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur, gave generously to its support and did all in his power to promote the spread of the gospel. He died on the 8th of Kpril, 1887, at his home on North Church street, and his remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery. While almost a quarter of a century has since passed away, he is yet remembered by many who knew him and who learned to esteem and value him highly because of his many sterling traits of character. He was ever reliable in business, progressive in citizenship, loyal in military service and devoted to his family and friends.

Mr. Lowry still survives her husband and makes her home at No. 726 North Main street. She is one of the oldest among the pioneer women of the city. She attended school in Decatur at the old courthouse where Abraham Lincoln first practiced law. This building is now standing in Fairview park of Decatur, being there maintained because of its historic interest. Mrs. Lowry was a student there in 1836 when a Mr. Gobel was the teacher. She had been brought to the county in 1832 and has remained here throughout the ensuing years. Her father was a soldier in the Black Hawk war in 1832, also of the Mexican war from 1846 until 1847 and later became a colonel in the Civil war. Mrs. Lowry relates many interesting incidents of the early days when Decatur was a village with little commercial or industrial importance. She has ever been deeply interested in what has been accomplished as the years have gone by and is authority concerning many events which have left their impress upon the history of Macon county.

Decatur Coffin Company

The business of the Decatur Coffin Company was begun by a partnership consisting of T. T. Roberts and R. P. Lytle in September, 1872, with a capital not exceeding ten thousand dollars, except what was borrowed. The first building erected was thirty-six by eighty, with a lean-to for the engine room and dry house. In May, 1873, the firm was joined by O. Z. Greene, who put in two thousand five hundred dollars in money and added a credit of six thousand dollars. At this time the firm name was changed to Roberts, Lytle & Company. In 1875 R. P. Lytle secured the postmastership of Decatur, which paid a good salary, and Roberts and Greene purchased his interests, and the firm name was changed to Roberts, Greene & Company. In 1880 the firm was joined by S. R. Gher, who added to the capital of the business eight thousand dollars, and after two years, he not liking the business, Roberts & Greene purchased his interest for twelve thousand dollars cash. The business continued under the firm name of Roberts, Greene & Company until 1882, when it was converted into a stock company, under the corporate name of the Decatur Coffin Company, with a capital of eighty thousand dollars. Roberts and Greene subscribed for this stock in equal shares, with the exception of two shares taken by K. H. Roby, Sr., the attorney for the company. O. Z. Greene was elected president of the company and T. T. Roberts, secretary-treasurer. These men retained their offices until the death of Mr. Greene in 1909. In the meantime they had adopted a policy of interesting men who would help build up the business, among them being C. R. Murphy, G. E. Moeller, C. H. Logan, W. E. Murray, W. D. Kunkle, J. E. Pierce and Charles Walser, and others, several of whom afterward went into other good businesses. G. E. Moeller, C. R. Murphy and C. H. Logan still remain as officers of the company at this time. At the death of O. Z. Greene in 1909 T. T. Roberts was elected president of the company; C. R. Murphy, vice president ; and G. E. Moeller, secretary-treasurer.

The company has always been in sympathy and accord with its employes and has never had a strike. They have always been the first to adopt new devices that would improve conditions, and ten years ago installed the Webster vacuum system of heating their buildings which reduced the cost of heating two-thirds. They were also the first in Decatur to equip their plant with an automatic sprinkler system for fire protection, reducing the cost of insurance three-fourths. Later they put in a system of circulating pure air in all rooms where employes have to work. This system changes the air every three minutes protects the health of their employes, and enables them to do more and better work and with less loss of time occasioned by sickness.

The founders of this business have been foremost in their benefactions, contributing to various institutions of the city between 1892 and 1902 over thirty-seven thousand dollars, principally to churches, the James Millikin University and the Young Men's Christian Association. Two years ago they gave eight thousand dollars to the Young Women's Christian Association, and in the early effort to secure a hospital subscribed nine thousand dollars. This company has never advertised its business locally, as the business is not one that appeals to the general public.

J. A. Roney, for over twenty years past a resident of Decatur and at the present time proprietor of the elevator at Wyckles, Harristown township, was born on a farm near . Sullivan, Illinois, August 13, 1844. He is a son of James and Mary Ann (Oxley) Roney. The father having been called away when our subject was an infant, the mother was latter married to her husband's brother, John Roney. They removed to Todds Point, Shelby county, Illinois, where the subject of this review grew to manhood. He received a fair common-school education and remained at home until he was about twenty-one years of age, when he was married and began living upon a farm which he and his sister owned and which was inherited from their father. This farm comprised about three hundred acres, but after a year's experience the place was disposed of and our subject purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in the locality where Dalton City now stands, paying about forty dollars an acre. At the close of ten years he entered the grain mercantile business at Dalton City, where he had charge of a dump instead of an elevator and was in partnership with a Mr. Freeland. There he continued for eight years, in the meantime having sold his farm. His next venture was in the hardware business at Dalton City for five years.

In 1887 Mr. Roney removed to Decatur, where two years later he purchased an interest in the hardware firm of Lytle & Eckels. In 1890 he sold out and for nine years, until 1900, was identified with business interests at Hervey City. Since 1000 he has been owner of the elevator at Wyckles, which has a capacity of about ten thousand bushels and has yielded to him handsome returns upon the investment.