Decatur Township (part 42 of 46)

Confederates. Our subject dodged through the underbrush in a zigzag course, and although the bullets pattered like hail through the leaves, they all went amiss, and after a few moments, during which time he made the greatest race that he ever knew, he found himself safe and unharmed. The incident made a vivid impression which still arises with great distinctness in his mind and even now causes a feeling of uneasiness. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, Mr. Hoff received a dangerous wound in the arm. He was sent to the field hospital at Nashville, where after intense suffering the arm was amputated August 27, two months after the injury was inflicted. He was honorably discharged December 11, 1864, at Camp Butler, Illinois, having served three years and one month. Returning to Macon county, where his parents were then living, he has ever since made his residence in this county. For twenty years he was constable and collector at Maroa and for a number of years past he has lived at Decatur, where he has served as bailiff of the court.

On April 27, 1877, Mr. Hoff was united in marriage to Miss Levra O. Bann, and one child, Raymond D., born at Maroa, August 2, 1878, is the result of the union. The son married Cleada Yohe, a native of Christian county, Illinois, and is now identified with the telephone business.

Mr. Hoff from the time of casting his first ballot has been a stanch supporter of the republican party. His religious belief and practice is founded upon the golden rule and he has made many friends by his kindly disposition, who justly honor him not only for his excellent war record but for his services as a man and a citizen. The esteem in which he is held by his old comrades is indicated by the fact that he is at present junior vice commander of the Grand Army Post of Decatur.

Ezekiel Thomas Willoughby

Ezekiel T. Willoughby, who comes of pioneer ancestry, is the owner of a valuable farm in Macon county and has well earned the comfort and ease in which he is now living in Decatur. He was a true soldier when the republic was in danger and has always been a patriotic and useful citizen. He was born in Collinsville, Madison county, Illinois, August 13, 1840, and is a son of Thomas and Sallie Ann Willoughby. The father came from the state of Delaware, of which he was a native, to Madison county, Illinois, in a wagon in the early part of his manhood. The mother was also a native of Delaware but they were married in Madison county, this state. The wedding trip of the young couple was one of the unique journeys of early days, consisting of a visit to friends in Delaware. This required an entire year. Returning to Illinois, they settled in Madison county, where the father died. There were three children in the family, Hester Ann, Ezekiel T. and John Henry B., all of whom are now living. The mother was again married, her second husband being George Pratt, who departed this life in 1851. She died in 1850, leaving one child, Mary Susan, by her second husband. The daughter is now a resident of Collinsville. Our subject's grandfather, Willoughby, was a native of Delaware and emigrated to Illinois,

After the death of his parents Ezekiel T. Willoughby made his home with John Anderson, a farmer of Madison county, for about six years, at the end of which time he took up his residence with an uncle in St. Clair county. On August 13, 1862, being then twenty-two years of age, he volunteered at Lebanon, St. Clair county, in Company C, One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Infantry. The regiment participated in the battles of Fort Dernsy, Louisiana, March 14, 1864; Pleasant Hill, April 9, 1864; Tupelo, July 14, 1864; Nashville, December 15-16, 1864; Fort Blakely and Mobile, Alabama, April 7, 1865, and was also in thirty-three skirmishes. During the period of service the regiment marched on foot twenty-one hundred and eighty-seven miles, traveled by train eight hundred and forty miles and by water fifty-eight hundred and thirteen miles. The records also show that the regiment captured two stands of colors, four hundred and forty-two prisoners and eight pieces of artillery. Private Willoughby was one of the men whom the officers could always rely upon and he never shirked any duty during the three years of his service. He was mustered out at Camp Butler, Illinois, August 1, 1865, and paid off at Springfield.

After a short visit to St. Clair county, he came to Macon county in October, 1865, and purchased a farm of eighty acres, on which he lived for thirty-six years. Industrious and enterprising, he prospered through good management and safe investments and became a leading man in his locality, increasing his original farm by the purchase of three hundred and forty-five acres, which he now owns in addition to the home place. Since 1901 he has been living retired in a beautiful residence, of which he is also the owner, at No. 945 West Macon street.

On February 28, 1867, Mr. Willoughby was married in St. Clair county by Rev. Mr. Joy to Miss Mary M. Oglesby, who was born in that county, February 13, 1848. She is a daughter of William B. and Edith (Moore) Oglesby, the former of whom was a Methodist minister and was born February 3, 181 5, in St. Clair county. He was a cousin of "Uncle" Dick Oglesby, of this state. Her mother, also a native of St. Clair county, was born July 10, 1815, and was married April 25, 1841. Her grandfather Moore was a native of North Carolina, while her grandfather Oglesby was a native of Pennsylvania and an early settler of St. Clair county. William B. and Edith Oglesby came to Macon county in 1875, the former dying near Macon Station on October 28 of the same year. Mrs. Oglesby departed this life February 13, 1887, leaving two children, Mary M., now Mrs. Willoughby; and Martha V., who married John Walker, of Macon county, February 27, 1868, and was the mother of seven children, two of whom died in infancy; the others being: Edith R. who was born in 1871 ; Cornelia who was born in 1873 and died in 1882; George W., born in 1875; Carrie, who was born in 1877 and died in 1889; and Mary E., born in 1880. The mother of these children was called away June 6, 1883.

To Ezekiel and Mary M. Willoughby, ten children have been born, three of whom died in infancy. Edwin O., born October 2, 1870, is living on his father's farm in Macon county. On September 14, 1892, he was married to Lenora Johnson, of Ohio, and they have one child, W. Ervil, now living. Wil-

Ham A., born September 21, 1872, was married in Shelby county, this state, March 6, 1901, to Luella Hilvety. Sally Ann was born December 16, 1873, and on January 1, 1902, was married at Decatur to Wheeler C. Cullison, of Ohio. Two children have been born to them, Merrill and Mary Olive, and the family are now living on the farm of our subject. Henry W., born December 6, 1875, was married in Macon county, August 12, 1897, to Goldie E. Pennypacker, by whom he had two children, Dewey and Boggs. He was married a second time July 15, 1905, to Laura Belle Logue. Emily Edith, who was born June 28, 1879, and died April 9, 1910, was married January 11, 1899, to Louis Cullison, of Ohio, and was the mother of three children, Raymond E., Ernest E. and Mary Leila, all of whom are living. Ida Olive, born October 2, 1880, is living with her parents. Chester Earl, born October 18, 1884, was married November 20, 1907, to Ada Stein and now lives in Decatur.

Mr. Willoughby is a stanch friend of education and served for many years as a member of the school board. He is a believer in the authority of the Bible and attends the Methodist church. Politically he adheres to the republican party and socially he affiliates with Dunham Post, No. 141, Grand Army of the Republic, of Decatur, where he meets his old comrades and renews recollections of the years when he devoted his life to the service of his country. He is recognized as a man of the strictest honor and all who know him appreciate his sterling qualities.

Peter Doran

Decatur gained a valuable citizen when Peter Doran established his home here. He was a life-long resident of Illinois, and for many years was closely and prominently associated not only with the building interests but also with the public life and welfare of the community. He was born in Quincy, Illinois, June 7, 1846, and was a son of John and Margaret (Martin) Doran. The father was a farmer by occupation and a native of County Donegal, Ireland. However, when young he came to the United States and settled at Quincy, Illinois, where he secured employment in a packing factory. Afterward he removed westward to Clyde, Illinois, where he lived for a few years, and subsequently took up his abode in Litchfield, Illinois. He purchased land in that locality and the place became known as the old family homestead.

Peter Doran was educated in the Christian Brothers school, a Catholic institution, but, being the eldest son in the family, he early had to begin work in order to assist in the support of the younger members of the household. His entire life until his later years was one of untiring diligence and unabating effort, and his success was attributable entirely to his own labors and progressive spirit. He early accepted a position in connection with the grain business, and the experience which he gained in that direction led him to continue in the same field of labor when he started out upon an independent business career. Removing to Morrisonville, he there became proprietor of a grain elevator and continued actively in the grain trade for many years, his business creating a market for the farmers of the locality. In all of his dealings he was thoroughly trustworthy as well as enterprising, and his progressive spirit and the reliability of his methods gained for him a business that in volume and importance was most gratifying, and in time brought to him a substantial return, enabling him in his later years to live retired. He continued actively in business at Morrisonville for a long period, and then put aside business cares, removing to Decatur, where his remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He was the owner of two hundred and seventy-five acres of fine farm land in Texas, and this with other property real and personal, enabled him to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances.

On the 4th of May, 1887, Mr. Doran was married to Miss Mary Walsh, a daughter of Jeremiah and Anna (McCann) Walsh, the former a native of Ireland, whence he sailed for the new world when about fifteen years of age, landing at New York. He had made the voyage in company with his father's family, who continued their journey into the interior of the country, settling at Litchfield, Illinois. Mr. Walsh was largely educated in this country and here learned his trade. For many years he remained an active business man but at length his health failed and for three years he was an invalid. Unto him and his wife were born six children. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Doran also numbered six children: Anna, Margaret and Stella, all of whom have finished school, while Joseph, Harold and Mary are still in school.

Mr. Doran was a prominent and influential resident of Morrisonville, taking an active and helpful part in matters relating to the general good. His fellow townsmen, appreciating his work and ability, elected him to the office of mayor, and his administration was businesslike and progressive, culminating in a number of valuable reforms and improvements in the city government. He believed in a high moral standard in municipal affairs as well as in private life, and he therefore sought the best interests of the community. He and his family all belonged to the St. Morris church while in Morrisonville, and were prominent and active in church work. Mr. Doran was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His last years were spent in an honorable retirement from labor with leisure to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He won many friends during his residence in Decatur, enjoying the high regard of all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred August 1, 1910, and at his passing he left behind him many who for years had entertained for him warm regard and cherished him as a friend, neighbor and citizen.

Charles A. Hall

Charles A. Hall, a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Macon county and the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Niantic township, was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, November 28, 1847, and is the son of James H. and Sarah A. (Pritchett) Hall. The father was a valiant soldier of the Civil war and was a member of the Sixth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry under Major Nelson. He served for more than three years in the Rebellion, being present in many of the greatest battles and participating in a num- ber of the important campaigns, but during all this time, although frequently exposed to the bullets of the enemy, he received no injury whatever. In 1863, while absent from his regiment on a furlough, he brought his family to this country, locating them upon one hundred and sixty acres of land which he purchased in Niantic township. After his honorable discharge from the service of his country, he joined his family in Macon county and actively engaged in farming. After the death of the mother of our subject, the father was married a second time. By his first marriage there were eight children: Isabella, nowdeceased, who married H. W. Wells, of Niantic township and became the mother of two children; James P. of Niantic township; Charles A., the subject of this review; Sallie, who married Robert Harp and is now deceased; Lucinda, who married Henning Jacobson and is also deceased; Lydia Agnes, who became the wife of James I. Boone, of this county, and is deceased; Alonzo, now a practicing physician of Niantic ; and Walter Nelson, who died at two years of age.

Charles A. Hall was educated in the public schools and as a boy grew up on the home farm, becoming thoroughly familiar with all of its operations. At twenty-one years of age he acquired the interests of the other heirs in his father's farm and made a home there for each of his three sisters until they were married. About 1874 he sold the farm and purchased the land which he has since owned in Niantic township, paying fifty dollars an acre - the highest price that had been paid for land in the neighborhood up to that time. He has since remodeled the residence, introducing a hot-water heating plant and gas and making it thoroughly modern throughout. In 1906 he built a cement barn which is the only structure of the kind in the township, and in many ways he has added to the value and appearance of his farm, making it in all respects a highly desirable property. He is also the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of improved land at Dexter, Stoddard county, Missouri, which he acquired in 1906, at fifty dollars per acre. Mr. Hall is a thorough farmer and has attained a well earned success in his life work.

On January 20, 1874, Air. Hall was united in marriage at the Christian church in Niantic to Miss Laura Averitt, of Harristown township, a daughter of Nathan and Penelope (Templin) Averitt. On the same occasion and at the same place two other couples were married, Lucinda, the sister of our subject being married to H. Jacobson, and Clara B. Pritchett, a cousin, becoming1 the wife of J. H. Chamberlin. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall. Lucie Aliff, a graduate of Hamilton College at Lexington, Kentucky, later taking a course of study at Louisville, is now the wife of Ferdinand F. Culp, who lives near Warrensburg and has one son, Harold. Clara Averitt, a graduate of Hamilton College, is now living at home. Charles Nathan died at the age of four months. Russell Pritchett has been a student for the past two years at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mr. Hall was reared as a democrat and voted for Horace Greeley for president, but since 1896 he has been identified with the cause of prohibition. Since 1866 he has been a member of the Christian church at Niantic and has served with great acceptance as deacon, elder and Sunday school superintendent in this church, having also been a charter member of the same. He is a valued member of the Modern Woodmen of America and has occupied all the chairs in the local lodge. Mr. Hall was fortunate in the selection of a wife and to her prudence and good judgment he owes much of his success. He is justly recognized as one of the substantial and useful men of the community - a man with the highest sense of justice and honor - and one whose life has exemplified in a striking degree the principles that are the basis of all right thought and action.

Benjamin F. Hill

Although many years have passed since Benjamin F. Hill was called from this life, he is still remembered by many who knew him and who found him ever a straightforward, honorable business man and worthy citizen. He devoted his life to farming, making his home in Wheatland township. He was numbered among the native sons of Macon county, his birth having here occurred on the 20th of February, 1836. His parents were Francis and Hannah Hill, in whose home he spent his youthful days and acquired his education in the public schools. During the periods of vacation he worked in the fields, and when school was in session his morning and evening hours were largely occupied with the chores and other light work on the farm. After he had attained his majority he determined to make the occupation to which he had been reared his life work and accordingly rented land, which he carefully and systematically cultivated until from his earnings he had saved enough to enable him to purchase a farm of his own.

On the 1st of October, 1857, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Adaline M. Ridgway, a daughter of John and Sarah (Bridges) Ridgway. Her father, a native of Kentucky, came northward to Illinois and was a landowner of Sangamon county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born the following children: Sarah A., living at home with her mother; John Francis, who married Jennie Mount and has eleven children, Harry, Edith, Ray C, Ethel L., Benjamin F., Ruby M., Elmer, Guy, Harold and Caroline ; Lillie, who is the wife of Ira Warnick and has one child, Bernard; Hattie, the wife of Clarence Montgomery and the mother of three children, Cecil, Benjamin and Lela; Clarence, who married a Miss Taylor and died leaving a widow and five children, Bonnie, Hattie, Edna, Freda and Clarence; Cyrus, Caroline, Benjamin F. and Benjamin O., all now deceased.

In support of his family, Mr. Hill followed the occupation of farming and as previously stated invested in land, becoming owner of two hundred and four acres in Wheatland township, which he transformed into a valuable and productive farm, making this one of the excellent properties of the county. He added to it many substantial improvements and placed his fields under a high state of cultivation so that generous harvests were annually gathered. He became recognized as one of the representative farmers of the community and continued to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits until the 20th of March, 1874, when his life's labors were ended in death. The community thereby lost a worthy citizen, his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a devoted hus- band and father. In business circles he was always thoroughly reliable and he stood for what is best in the life of the individual and of the community.

Since her husband's death Mrs. Hill has removed from the farm to the city and now resides at No. 1253 West Wood street. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and has many friends in Decatur and other parts of the county.

Joseph R. Stocks

In a history of those who have contributed to the agricultural development of central Illinois mention should be made of Joseph R. Stocks, who, though his earthly pilgrimage is over, was for many years a representative farmer and worthy citizen of this portion of the state. He was the owner of a farm of three hundred and thirty acres of land in Moultrie county, one of the fine farm properties of the district. His birth occurred near Chillicothe, Ohio, on the 26th of November, 1853, his parents being George and Myra (Epworth) Stocks. The father was a farmer by occupaton and on leaving Ohio brought his family to Illinois. The district in which he settled was still largely wild and unimproved. He took up land in Moultrie county, developed a farm there and reared his family thereon, continuing to make the place his home until he was called to his final rest.

Joseph R. Stocks was a youth of about fifteen years when he came with his parents to Illinois. He had begun his education in the public schools of Ohio and finished his course in Moultrie county. He worked on the farm at home during all of his school period when his time was not occupied with his textbooks and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. At the age of twenty-one years, however, he started out in life on his own account and then rented land, which he cultivated for about five years. During that period he saved from his earnings an amount sufficient to enable him to buy a tract of land. To this he added from time to time as his financial resources increased until he became the owner of a valuable property of three hundred and thirty acres lying altogether in Moultrie county. His well directed labor wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place. He added to his farm all modern equipments and accessories and as the years passed on became numbered among the representative agriculturists of central Illinois.

Joseph R. Stocks was married on the 22d of October, 1874, to Miss Minnie E. Foulk, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Munich) Foulk. The father was a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, and on coming to Illinois at an early day settled in Macon county, where he won recognition as a prominent and influential citizen. He was both a farmer and carpenter and was the owner of about two hundred acres of rich and valuable land in this locality. He is now living in the state of Missouri but his wife has passed away.

Mrs. Stocks was the third in order of birth in a family of eleven children and by her marriage has become the mother of the following children: Archie, who wedded Miss Angie Fletcher, by whom he has six children - Lloyd, Ada, Lester, Beulah, Beatrice and Irene; William, who resides on the home farm; George Elmer, deceased, who married Miss Stella Craven, by whom he had four children - Diamond, Pearl, Kenneth and Errol; Walter, who has passed away; Estella Mae, who is the wife of Wilbur Hill and has three children, Ambrose, Laura Ellen and Ernest; Samuel Ernest, who married Miss Clio Crowder and has one child, Lois Marie ; Clarence E., who lives on the home farm ; Bertha, living at home in Decatur, Illinois; Goldie E., who is still under the parental roof; Joseph H., who is attending school; and Gladys, at home, who is a high school student.

The family belong to the United Brethren church and take an active and helpful interest in its work and the extension of its influence. As the years passed, notwithstanding the demands made upon him by a large family, Mr. Stocks prospered in his undertakings and was able to leave his wife and children in comfortable financial circumstances. He was alert, determined and enterprising and his success was attributable to no outside aid or influence but was the direct result of his earnest labor and diligence. For three years prior to his death he lived retired in Decatur. He died March 6, 1908, and left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name as well as a good property.

George Louis Heinle

A representative of the Heinle family needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for the name has long been closely, actively and honorably associated with the farming interests of Macon county. George Louis Heinle is now farming on section 2, Friends Creek township, and his neighbors and friends know him as a man of determined purpose who in the development and cultivation of his place carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He both tills the fields and raises stock, his farm comprising two hundred acres of rich and productive land. He also owns another tract of one hundred and sixty acres within two miles of the home farm and personally gives his attention to the cultivation of both places.

He was born on the old Heinle homestead, March 10, 1874, and is a son of George L. Heinle and a brother of Samuel Heinle, in connection with whose sketch on another page of this work mention is made of his parents. He worked in the fields in his youthful days and his training was practical. His educational privileges were those afforded by the common schools and he remained with his father until the latter's death. He has ever been content to follow the occupation to which he was reared and which George Washington characterized as "The most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man."

On the 1st of January, 1900, George L. Heinle was married to Miss Lula Mary Myers, who was born and reared in Macon county and is a daughter of Wash Myers, one of the prominent and well known farmers of this region, now residing in Argenta. Mr. Heinle took his bride to his farm, a tract of ninety- four acres, which he further improved, adding all the accessories and equipment of a model farm of the twentieth century. His other investments in land have made him the owner of three hundred and sixty acres, comprised within two well improved and valuable farm properties, and he likewise owns realestate in Argenta. In addition to raising the grain best adapted to soil and climatic conditions, he also raises and feeds stock, largely making a specialty of heavy draft horses. This branch of his business is a substantial source of income and he is regarded in the community as one of the leading stock-raisers. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Heinle has been blessed with one child, a daughter, Grace Gertrude. The parents belong to the United Brethren church and its teachings find exemplification in their well spent lives. Mr. Heinle belongs to Argenta Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he has attained the Master Mason degree, and he also holds membership with Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Argenta. He is a stalwart advocate of the democracy and was elected and served for six consecutive years as highway commissioner. For five years he was a member of the board of education and is now township school trustee and district clerk. He has ever been most loyal to the public trusts reposed in him and that he seeks the welfare of the community is shown by his genuine and hearty cooperation in matters relative to the public good.

Job W. Stocks

Job W. Stocks, a retired farmer residing at No. 1048 West Decatur street in the city of Decatur, is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Ross county, that state, on the 28th of March, i860. He is a son of George and Miriam (Epworth) Stocks and is of English descent. His father was born in Berry Brow, England, and was a son of Benjamin and Mary Stocks. Benjamin Stocks was a mechanic and worked in the factories of England, never leaving his native land. He and his wife were buried at the old home there.

George Stocks was educated in the schools of England and as a young man came to the new world, thinking to have better opportunities and find better privileges on this side the Atlantic. While making the voyage to the new world he met the lady whom he afterward married, the wedding ceremony being performed a short time after their arrival in the United States. Both the Stocks and Epworth families went to Ohio, where they made their first settlement in the southern part of the state, probably in Vinton county near the Ross county line. George Stocks worked at odd jobs for a time and later became connected with railway interests, becoming a practical civil engineer. In England he was associated with old Jimmy Griffiths, prominent in English history, Mr. Stocks acting as one of his assistants. For some time he worked as a civil engineer in railroad construction here but afterward purchased a farm in Vinton county, Ohio, clearing the land and preparing it for the plow. He remained upon that place for about nine years and then sold the property, after which he came to Illinois. In this state he first rented a farm of Robert Patterson, about six miles south of Decatur and near the village of Elwin. He was there for six years, after which he purchased a farm in Moultrie county and about a year later took up his abode upon that place. This has since been known as the old Stocks homestead and the father resided thereon until his death. His remains were interred in the New Hope cemetery near Dalton City and in his passing the community mourned a representative and esteemed resident of the county.

Job W. Stocks was the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children and was but a baby at the time of his parents' removal to Illinois. He is inj debted to the public school system of Macon county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and later he worked upon the farm with his parents. At the age of twenty-one he began farming on his own account, securing eighty acres of land, which he brought into cultivable condition and from his fields eventually gathered rich and abundant harvests. He had a team when he went upon the farm but little else, and it was his close application and untiring energy that made him one of the successful agriculturists of the community. At length he sold that property but purchased other land and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres in his present farm, which he now rents. His place is located in Lovington township, Moultrie county, and he became well known as one of the enterprising agriculturists of that community. At length, however, he determined to put aside active business cares and retire to private life. He therefore leased his land and took up his abode in Decatur, now making his home at No. 1048 West Decatur street.

On the 15th of February, 1883, Mr. Stocks was married to Miss Cora A. Thomas, a daughter of Milo and Sarah Thomas. They have four children: Arthur E., who married Cecil B. Wilt and resides upon the home farm; Dot E., who was educated in the Lovington high school and is now at home; Olive and Clarence Otis, who are also under the parental roof.

The family attend the Christian church and are interested in its work and growth. Mr. Stocks belongs to the Woodmen lodge and for a number of years he served as school director, the cause of public education finding in him a stalwart champion. He is deeply interested in all matters of progressive citizenship and on all affairs of vital importance to the community he stands loyally for what he believes to be right.

Warner Proctor

Warner Proctor, deceased, made farming his life occupation and met with most excellent success in business affairs. A native of Kentucky, he was born in Fleming county, on the 17th of June, 1828, and continued a resident of that county throughout life. His father, William Proctor, was also a native of Kentucky, and had the following children: William, John, Lafayette, Washington, Eldrich, Lucinda, Amanda, and Nollica, who were lifelong residents of the Blue Grass state.

Warner Proctor was reared and educated in much the usual manner of boys of his time and on reaching manhood was married January 12, 1854, in Scott county, Kentucky, to Miss Sarah E. Miller. She was born December 15, 1838, and was the daughter of John and Jane (Leresque) Miller, who were also natives of Kentucky. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the prominent men of his community. For ten years Mr. and Mrs. Proctor led a happy married life, but on the 5th of May, 1864, he passed away, leaving a widow and six children. John W., the eldest, is married and has six daughters and two sons. Martha Jane and Mary Elizabeth, twins, were born in 1856. The former married J. R. McLean and resides with her mother at No. 303 West Main street, Decatur. Mary Elizabeth married C. M. Chasteen, arid is also a resident of Decatur. Sarah Margaret, the next of the family, was married in Kentucky to Frank Perry and now makes her home in Decatur. Robert C, born in Kentucky, November 27, 1861, is married and lives in Reedville, Massachusetts. Warner Lee, born September 28, 1864, is deceased, and was laid to rest beside his father in the family burying ground in Kentucky.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Proctor continued a resident of the Blue Grass state for some time, but in 1882 came to Illinois, arriving in Decatur on the 8th of January, and here she has since made her home, her residence at the present time being at No. 303 West Main street. Like her husband, she is a consistent and earnest member of the Christian church, having in early life united with the Bethlehem congregation in Bourbon county, Kentucky. She is a woman of many estimable qualities, and during her residence in Decatur has made many warm friends who esteem her highly.

Francis M. Rogers

It is universally conceded that Illinois, with its rich and fertile soil, contains some of the finest farm land to be found in the entire Union, and among those who are successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits in this state is numbered Francis M. Rogers. More than a half century has passed since he first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birth occurring in Mason county, Illinois, on the 24th of December, 1858, his parents being Frank and Helen (Pettijohn) Rogers, The father was a native of Kentucky and came to Illinois in early boyhood, settling first in Mason county. Later he took up his abode in Macon county and here remained until his death, which occurred in March, 1872, after many years devoted to general farming. He was fifty-two years of age at the time of his demise. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Helen Pettijohn, was also a Kentuckian by birth but at an early day came to Illinois with her parents, the family home being established in Macoupin county. There she gave her hand in marriage to Frank Rogers, and she yet survives her husband, making her home with her son Francis, who is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, of whom all are living but three. Of those surviving, with the exception of two, all are married and have families of their own.

At an early day Francis M. Rogers was brought by his parents to Macon county, and here he acquired a good education in the common schools. He also received thorough practical training in agricultural lines, for early in life he became familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the farm lad and as his years and strength increased he aided more and more largely in the cultivation of the fields, continuing to assist his father until the latter's death. He then took charge of the old homestead and has continued its operation to the present day. He practices rotation of crops, raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and his well tilled fields yield abundantly at harvest time. He also raises and fattens stock for the market and both branches of his business are proving profitable.

In February, 1902, Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Coffman, who was born in 1873 and was the eldest in a family of eight children born unto Jacob and Catherine (Woolumer) Coffman. They were both natives of Ohio and came to Illinois in 1875, locating in Sangamon county. By her marriage Mrs. Rogers became the mother of two children, of whom the eldest, Lloyd, died at the age of three years and six months. The surviving son, Floyd, was born on the 10th of October, 1909.

Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are both identified with the church interests of the community, the former holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and the latter in the Christian church. In politics he gives his support to the republican party, and twice he has been elected by his fellow citizens to the office of assessor. He is not, however, a politician in the sense of office-seeking and aside from that office his political activities have been those of a private citizen, his business interests demanding his time and attention. The long years of his residence in Macon county have brought to him a wide acquaintance, and the high place which he occupies in the regard of all with whom he has come in contact is an indication of his upright character and sterling worth.

John P. Gardner, Jr

Throughout his entire life John P. Gardner, Jr., followed the occupation of farming and by reason of his well directed thrift and industry was enabled at his death to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances. He was born July 5, 1839, in what is now Gardner township, Sangamon county. His father, John P. Gardner, Sr., was born in Kentucky in 1805 and came to Illinois in 1833, remaining a resident of this state until his death, his remains being interred in the family burying ground at Farmdale, Illinois. At his demise he left a widow and six children, Hiram, James, William, John, Sarah and Lucy. They also lost one child, Mary, in infancy.

John P. Gardner, Jr., was reared to the occupation of farming and made it his life work. For many years he carried on general agricultural pursuits in Curran township, Sangamon county, and was diligent and determined in the prosecution of his work, thus converting his land into richly cultivated fields. His methods were practical and progressive and as the years passed the good crops which he raised brought him a substantial annual income and gained him a place among the men of affluence in the community. For fifteen years prior to his death he lived upon one farm and was numbered among the prosperous

On the 3d of December, 1884, at Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Emma F. Pollard, of Sangamon county, who was born near Island Grove, February 20, 1852. Following their marriage they took up their abode about five miles west of Springfield, establishing their home upon a farm which they occupied for about fifteen years. The death of Mr. Gardner occurred January 1, 1898, and his remains were interred in Oak Ridge cemetery of Springfield. His life of diligence and determination enabled him to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances, and the honorable methods which he displayed in the conduct of his business affairs gained for him an untarnished name. He was not a member of any secret societies. His political allegiance was given to the democratic- party, yet he took little active part in political affairs. His religious faith was that of the Christian church, his membership being with one of the congregations of that denomination in Springfield.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gardner there were born six children: James E., a farmer, who is married and resides at the town of Gardner in Sangamon county; Charles P., who makes his home in Springfield; Harvey P., of St. Louis, Missouri, who is connected with the ticket office department of the Wabash Railroad in that city; Florence E., who resides at home with her mother in Decatur; Kendall B., who is also at home; and Leonard W., who completes the family.

Following her husband's death, Mrs. Gardner removed to Macon county, taking up her abode in Decatur, where she has since lived. The family residence is at No. 445 West Prairie avenue, and in addition to this property Mrs. Gardner also owns a farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Sangamon county, which returns to her a very gratifying income. Mr. Gardner was almost sixty years of age at the time of his death. His had been an active and useful life, devoted to the welfare of his family, and wherever he was known he was held in highest regard.

In the days when Macon county was largely an undeveloped region, when its native forest trees were uncut and its prairies uncultivated, Joseph A. W. Hostetler was born in one of the pioneer homes of this region, his birth occurring in the little village of Decatur, on the 7th of February, 1835. His father, Joseph Hostetler, had removed from Indiana to Illinois in 1832, but in 1838 returned to the former state, settling at Bedford, Lawrence county. Subsequently he removed to Wisconsin and in 1855 again went to Indiana, remaining in that state until 1861, when he removed to Illinois, here residing until his death in 1870, his remains being interred in the cemetery at Lovington. In early life he devoted his time and energies to farming but several years prior to his death was graduated in medicine.

Joseph A. W. Hostetler remained with his father in the various localities in which the family home was established until about twenty years of age. He studied medicine under his father's direction for a time and later under the supervision of his brother, Dr. D. J. Hostetler, while subsequently he was graduated from a medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio. He began practice in 1856, following his profession until 1862, when he could no longer content himself to remain at home while the stability of the Union was threatened and entered the army as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Regiment, with which he served for three years. At the close of the war he returned home and resumed the practice of his profession, in which he made for himself a creditable name and place.

Dr. Hostetler was married on the 5th of August, 1856, at Bedford, Indiana, to Miss Carrie Newland, of that place, the wedding ceremony being performed by the Rev. James M. Matthis, pastor of the Christian church. Mrs. Hostetler is a daughter of the Rev. William Newland, who was a minister of the Christian church, filling the pulpit at Bedford. He also organized and built the oldest Christian church in that locality, about four miles north of Bedford, and acted as its pastor for thirty-five years. He gave his time and talent freely to the work of the ministry and never would accept any compensation for his services.

Unto Dr. and Mrs. Hostetler were born the following children : Virgil N., a coal dealer, living at Cedar Falls, Iowa; William J., who is married and has two children, and who is engaged in the printing business in Decatur ; and Gertrude and Lucy, who are attending school in Decatur.

Fraternally Dr. Hostetler was connected with the Odd Fellows and his life was in harmony with the beneficent teaching of the order. His political allegiance was ever given to the democracy. He held membership in the Christian church, as do all of his family, and his life was actuated by high and honorable principles and characterized by many good deeds. He was acquainted with pioneer life in its various phases and lived to witness the remarkable development and growth of this section of the country. His death occurred in 1904 and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret not only to his family but to many friends who had learned to admire and esteem him for his many substantial and commendable traits of character. Mrs. Hostetler still survives her husband and resides at No. 241 West William street. Like him, she is held in high regard by all who know her and has an extensive circle of warm friends in this locality.

Colonel Nathan W. Tupper

The period of Colonel Nathan W. Tupper's residence in Decatur covered about nine years, during which time he firmly established himself in public regard as a man, as a citizen and as a lawyer. In the practice of his profession he gained a large clientage of an important character and his name is inseparably interwoven with the early judicial history of this district. Moreover as a veteran of the Civil war he gave his life in defense of his country.

A native of New York, Colonel Tupper was born in St. Lawrence county, July 8, 1830, his parents being Harvey and Joanna (Willis) Tupper, who were likewise born in New York, where they resided until 1833. That year witnessed their removal westward to Akron, Ohio, and subsequently they became residents of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, where the death of Mr. Tupper occurred. Subsequently his widow became a resident of Missouri and there resided until called to her final home.

Colonel Tupper spent his youthful days under the parental roof, being taken to Ohio when about three years of age, and afterward accompanying his parents to Wisconsin. His father secured for him a farm in the latter state but agricultural pursuits had little attraction for him as he desired to enter upon a professional career. Accordingly he went to the east in order that he might supplement his earlier educational advantages by study in preparation for the practice of law. Making his way to Pottsdam, New York, he there boarded with an aunt while attending St. Lawrence Academy. Later he began teaching school in Pottsdam and afterward became principal of the schools at that place, but all the time he never forgot his determination to become a lawyer and his acts and studies were all directed toward that end. When his time was not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom he continued his reading in preparation for the bar, using every available hour in this way. In 1852 he returned to Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, and there successfully passed the required examination that secured his admission to the bar. For a year thereafter he continued in practice at that place but early in 1854 removed to West Bend, Washington county, Wisconsin, and in 1855 became a resident of Decatur, Illinois, then a small but growing town. However, it bore little resemblance to the city of the present day. All around was a vast region of wild prairie land and weeds grew in the district that now constitutes the public square of the city. There were only a few hundred inhabitants but Colonel Tupper believed that opportunity was to be had here and opened a law office, forming a partnership with Mr. Thorpe, with whom he was associated for a number of years. He afterward became a partner of Judge William E. Nelson, and, opening an office in the Powers building, they practiced there for several years and were accorded an extensive clientage. Colonel Tupper ever prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care, and his presentation was forceful, his deduction logical and his arguments convincing.

At the time of the Civil war Colonel Tupper put aside all business and personal considerations to aid the country in the preservation of the Union and was chosen colonel of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Regiment, with which he marched to the front, participating in many important battles. In 1862 he became ill and never recovered his health throughout the remainder of his term of service. On the 7th of January, 1864, he reached Decatur and on the 10th of March following he passed away. His life was given in defense of his country as truly as that of those who fell upon the field of battle.

Colonel Tupper was married in 1853 in St. Lawrence county, New York, to Miss Lamira M. Peck, a native of Malone, New York, born February n, 1829, and a daughter of Samuel and Myra (Hickok) Peck, who were natives of Vermont. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Peck became residents of Malone,

New York, where the former owned and conducted a tannery and also engaged in the manufacture of ice to the time of his death. His wife long survived him and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tupper, in Decatur, when ninety-two years of age. Unto Colonel and Mrs. Tupper there were born three children but the eldest, Herbert Eugene, died at the age of six months. Sheridan is a prominent representative of the theatrical profession, having been connected with Roland Reed, William H. Crane and other prominent actors in appearances in the leading cities of the country. He married Miss Ada Shattuck, an actress, and they make their home in New York city, although Mr. Tupper owns property in Decatur near his mother's residence and they frequently spend the summer months in this city with his mother. Emorett, the youngest of the family, died when about ten months old. Mrs. Tupper has an attractive home at No. 247 West Eldorado street, having resided in the same house for fiftyfive years. She holds membership in the Presbyterian church and has an extensive circle of warm friends in Decatur.

Colonel Tupper gave his political allegiance to the democratic party in early life but afterward joined the ranks of the republican party, which he stanchly advocated until his death. A contemporary biographer said of him: "He was a man of marked personality and strong individuality and the salient features of his career were such as won for him the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellowmen. He was ever fearless in defense of his honest conviction and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed. He gained distinction at the bar and upon the field of battle and as long as memory remains to the American people he will be honored as one whose life was given as a noble sacrifice to his country." Colonel Tupper was a man of fine personal appearance. His eyes were large, his gaze penetrating and his broad forehead indicated his strong intellect. There was also in his nature a keen sympathy that reached out to all mankind and a sense of justice that prompted his earnest support of whatever he believed to be right.

Albert E. Sanner

Albert E. Sanner, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of Milam township, is the owner of four hundred and five acres of valuable and productive land on section 4. His birth occurred in Shelby county, Illinois, on the 18th of November, 1869, his parents being Edward B. and Naomi (Pierson) Sanner. The father was born in Madison County, Illinois, on the 29th of April, 1839, while the mother's birth occurred at Augusta, Illinois, in the year 1840. Their marriage was celebrated at Augusta on the 18th of November, 1865. Edward B. Sanner yet makes his home in Shelby county. He and his wife have eight children, as follows: W. P., who wedded Miss Anna Otta, by whom he has seven children; Albert E., of this review; Hattie, the wife of I. J. Carr, of Macon county, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Clifford D., who is a lumber dealer and makes his home in Moweaqua, Illinois; Ruth, who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Elmer, of Penn township, Shelby county, and is now the mother of two daughters; Samuel, who wedded Miss Luta Ekiss, by whom he has two children; Truman Quintus, who married Miss Bernice Jones and lives with his parents in Shelby county; and Naomi, who is the wife of C. E. Coultas, resides in Shelby county and has one son.

Albert E. Sanner attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and after putting aside his text-books remained on the home farm with his father until March, 1898. At that time he took up his abode on the farm where he now resides and where he has carried on his agricultural interests continuously since. The property now comprises four hundred and five acres on section 4, Milam township, which he has accumulated since attaining his majority, having invested in land from time to time as his financial resources have permitted. In 1906 he erected a handsome modern residence, complete in every detail. He devotes his attention exclusively to the raising of grain and annually gathers rich crops which find a ready sale on the market.

In politics Mr. Sanner is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Epscopal church of Penn township, Shelby county. Fraternally he is identified with Dalton City Lodge, No. 114, I. O. O. F. His entire life has been spent in this part of the state and he is widely and favorably known here, enjoying the regard and friendship of all with whom he has come in contact.

Few deaths that have occurred in Decatur in recent years have caused such widespread and profound sorrow and regret as did that of D. L. Bunn. He was characterized as Decatur's best singer, and his musical talent was freely given for the benefit of entertainment or solace to his fellowmen. No other individual has done as much to promote and cultivate musical taste in Decatur, and the Handel Society of the city was a living monument to his interest in and appreciation for the art. He came to Decatur in 1855, being at that time a young man of about eighteen years.

His birth occurred on Kickapoo creek in the vicinity of Bloomington in Mc- Lean county, Illinois, September 27, 1837, his parents being the Rev. and Mrs. D. P. Bunn, whose family numbered five children, D. L. Bunn being the fourth in order of birth. He was but a young lad when the family removed to Macon county, taking up their abode in Friends Creek township, four miles from Argenta and just across the creek from the residence of the late Joseph D. Long. A few years were devoted to agricultural pursuits and the family then removed to Mount Pulaski. At that time Mr. Bunn's father had entered the ministry and became pastor of the Universalist church at Mount Pulaski, where he lived and labored until 1847, when he went with his family to Iowa City, which was then the capital of the state of Iowa, that had been admitted to the Union only two years before. The journey westward was made in wagons but after a year's residence in Iowa City the family returned to Mount Pulaski, again traveling by ox team, for there were no railroads in Illinois or Iowa at that time. Again the Rev. Mr. Bunn became pastor of the Universalist church, his circuit, however, embracing Decatur, Springfield, Clinton, Waynesville and Rochester, and in preaching the gospel he traveled from place to place on horseback or in a buggy.

In 1852, on the establishment of the Illinois Liberal Institute, a Universalist college, at Galesburg, Illinois, now known as Lombard University, D. L. Bunn became one of its first pupils and remained a student there for three years. Following the commencement exercises of 1855, at which time he was graduated, D. L. Bunn came to Decatur to join his parents who but a short time before had removed from Mount Pulaski to this city. Here he entered the postoffice as deputy postmaster under Colonel John P. Post, and with the opening of the public schools in the fall of 1856 he became first assistant principal of the Church Street school under Professor J. H. Remsburg. The Church Street school had just been completed and was considered a fine building. Mr. Bunn there remained until another school was opened in the second story of a building, at which time Mr. Bunn was made principal of that school and remained in charge for three years.

Thinking, however, to enter other professional fields, he took up the study of law in the office and under the direction of Captain Post and in the fall of 1862 he received from Governor Richard Yates appointment to the position of states attorney of this judicial district, then including Macon, Piatt and Moultrie counties, while Fayette, Shelby, Champaign and Ford counties were soon afterward added. The appointment was made to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Colonel J. P. Boyd and Mr. Bunn filled out the term, covering about two years, after which he received the republican nomination for the office and was elected and served the full term, so that his incumbency in the position of states attorney covered six years. On his retirement from the office he entered upon the private practice of law, which he followed alone for several years and then joined his uncle, Brower Bunn, in a partnership that was maintained for some time. In the spring of 1876 he became a partner of Edwin Park, and the law firm of Bunn & Park remained for many years as one of the strong combinations, representing the legal interests of Decatur. For twenty-six years he occupied one office and in 1889 removed to an office over the National Bank of Decatur, there remaining until he discontinued the practice of law and thus closed his earthly labors. He was accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage that connected him with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of this district. He was an able and conscientious lawyer, whose devotion to his clients' interests was proverbial and yet he never forgot that he owned a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. He endeavored to aid the court in administering justice and never enshrouded his cause in a sentimental garb or illusion, but studied facts, evidence, precedent and law principle clearly and forcibly. He enjoyed in full measure the confidence and honor of his professional colleagues and associates.

On the 21st of July, 1864, in Decatur, Mr. Bunn was married to Miss Amanda M. Suits, and they became the parents of three children. Hattie, born in 1865, died at the age of seven years. Frank E. is now the tenor soloist in the choir of St. Thomas Episcopal church of New York city and spent the summer of 1910 amid the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Edna M. is very prominent in local musical circles, being an accomplished pipe organist and pianist of Decatur.

Mr. Bunn was ever deeply interested in questions and projects relating to the welfare, progress and upbuilding of the city in which he so long made his home. 'A prohibitionist from principle, he voted with the party during the last fifteen or twenty years of his life and was again and again made its candidate for office, showing the regard in which he was held by those who worked with him in the interests of temperance and morality. Mr. Bunn was perhaps most widely known, aside from his profession, because of his superior musical talent. His wife, too, is a singer of rare power and sweetness, having an excellent contralto voice. She was the leading contralto in the Universalist church from the fall of i860 for a number of years and also officiated as organist. Their children have inherited their taste for and love of music and both have attained distinction. Mr. Bunn came to Decatur in 1855 and soon afterward was asked to sing at a funeral. The beauty and power of his fine tenor voice were at once recognized and no one in this part of the state has sung at more funerals than did Mr. Bunn. The readiness with which he would respond to a request of this character and the spirit which animated his music won him thousands of warm friends in Decatur. His labors, too, in cultivating musical taste and talent in Decatur cannot be overestimated. In the early days he was instrumental in organizing the Decatur Choral Society composed of twenty of the best singers of the city. Later he was active in organizing the Decatur Musical Union, which gave many fine concerts, including the rendition of oratorios. When the First Methodist church of Decatur dedicated its pipe organ under the auspices of the Musical Union, Marie Litta was secured to sing and on that occasion rendered a duet with Mr. Bunn. He many years afterward said of her : "My recollection of Litta is that she had no equal. I have always esteemed her as the finest singer of the country. I have heard all of the later day singers of note and none have impressed me as did the voice of Marie Litta." In later days Mr. Bunn became one of the organizers of the Handel Society, which was composed of over one hundred of the best singers of the city, Mr. Bunn acting as president from its organization until his death. He was for many years a member and leader of the Universalist choir and following the discontinuance of the Universalist church he became a director and tenor of the choir of the First Presbyterian church.

One of the local papers said of him while he was still living: "There is perhaps no one in Decatur who has been connected with the musical life of the city so long and so prominently as D. L. Bunn. He has a fine tenor voice and has without doubt sung at more funerals than any other person in this part of the state if not in the whole state. If he could sing any better when a young man than he does now he was a wonder indeed. His voice is remarkably rich, full and clear. He loves to sing. No one needs to be told that he is in the congregation or choir. His voice is easily distinguished in a multitude of singers by the peculiarly sweet quality of its tone. For one of his years his voice is most remarkable for its fullness and clear sweet tones."

So closely was Mr. Bunn's life interwoven with the history of Decatur that no record of the city would be complete without mention of him. He was a man of fine personal appearance, his broad forehead indicating strong intellectuality, while kindliness and congeniality beamed from his eye. He passed away in 19x37, after a residence of about a half century in Decatur. He iwas everywhere respected and esteemed and by those who came within the closer circle of his friendship he was loved. The depth of his nature often found expression in song that moved his hearers with wonderful power. He was generous with time and talent for the benefit of others and the memory of his sweet tones and his life of uprightness remains as a blessed benediction to those who knew him.

Oscar L. Bromley

Agricultural pursuits have characterized the life record of Oscar L. Bromley throughout the period of his connection with business interests of Macon county, where his birth occurred on the 21st of December, 1872. He is a son of James P. Bromley, who was born in Ohio in 1843 and in his boyhood came to Illinois, locating first in Morgan county. Later he came to Macon county and here passed away in 1905. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Nancy I. Clifton, was a native of Indiana and came to Illinois with her parents at an early day. She gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bromley in 1868, and unto this union were born seven children, Oscar L., of this review, being the second in order of birth. The mother still survives and makes her home in Decatur at the age of fifty-seven years.

The common schools of Illinois afforded Oscar L. Bromley his educational privileges, and after laying aside his text-books he devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, having mastered, during the periods of vacation, the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the farm lad. Under his father's direction he received thorough and comprehensive training in connection with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and he remained upon the old homestead until 1895. In that year he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie M. Barber, who was born in 1875 and was the youngest of seven children whose parents were Charles and Hannah Barber, residents of Illinois.

After his marriage Mr. Bromley took up farming independently and in 1900 purchased a tract of eighty acres in Milam township, Macon county, which he operated for about four years. Upon his father's death he inherited fifty-seven acres, which formed the nucleus of his present farm, and later traded his tract of eighty acres for the remainder of the farm, being now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Milam township. Illinois soil is proverbially rich and productive, and under the careful direction of Mr. Bromley his fields have been brought to a high state of cultivation, yielding annually abundant and excellent harvests. In connection with tilling the soil he engages in stock-raising, and his close application to business and his aptitude for wise management have made his enterprises fruitful and prosperous.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Bromley are three children, as follows: Jessie I., born March 2, 1899; Gladys, August 14, 1903; and Eunice, January 3, 1907. The parents belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, holding membership in Sanner Chapel, of Milam township. Mr. Bromley is also a member of Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., and his political views harmonize with the principles of the democratic party. On that ticket he was elected to the office of supervisor, which position he now occupies, and for a number of years he has acted as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stanch champion. Indeed, all matters pertaining to the material, political, intellectual and moral welfare of the community receive his hearty indorsement, and he is numbered among the county's public-spirited and loyal citizens. Attractive personal qualities also make him popular with a large circle of acquaintances, and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known him from boyhood is an indication that in private life as well as in public relations his life has ever been governed by honorable principles.

Colonel James P. Boyd

Colonel James P. Boyd is numbered among Decatur's citizens who virtually gave their lives in defense of the country during the dark days of the Civil war, for while he survived the actual hostilities at the front, his death was the direct result of his military experiences. More than four decades have come and gone since he has passed away but he is remembered by many of the older settlers.

He was born near Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1820, and when a young man went to Ohio with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Boyd, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. James P. Boyd began his education in Pennsylvania and afterward continued his studies in Ohio. He then took up the occupation of farming and became the owner of two hundred acres of good land in the vicinity of Cambridge, Ohio. Later his father died and the Colonel removed to his father's place in order to cultivate that farm. Thinking, however, to find other pursuits more congenial he took up the study of law and was graduated from a law college of Cincinnati, Ohio, after which he began practice in that city.

In the year 1854 he removed westward to Decatur and was admitted to practice in the courts of this state. He at once opened a law office and had become well established when the progress of the Civil war aroused his patriotic nature and he offered his services to the government, enlisting in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, of which he became lieutenant colonel. The first engagement in which he participated was at Arkansas Post. Later he participated in the siege of Vicksburg, where he was wounded in June. It was not until October that he was able to return to the field. After the war he located at New Orleans, Louisiana, where he remained for three years and then returned to Decatur in ill health, passing away in October, 1869, his remains being interred in Greenwood cemetery of this city.

Colonel Boyd had been married on the 20th of September, 1855, to Miss Susan S. Packard. Unto them were born five children who are yet living. Frank S., the eldest, is married and resides at Spokane, Washington. James P. is also married and makes his home in the city of Spokane. Iola is the wife of John Baker, a resident of Indiana, and Mrs. Ada McCollenburg and Elizabeth are also living in Indiana.

Colonel Boyd was a believer in the teachings of the Methodist church and conformed his life to its principles. His political allegiance was given to the republican party from its organization. He was always a stanch advocate of what he believed to be right in matters of citizenship as well as in private life and his many sterling traits of character gained for him confidence and warm regard. Mrs. Boyd still makes her home in Decatur and owns a valuable residence at 506 West William street, where she has lived for a number of years. She has long enjoyed the kindly esteem of those who know her and is indeed one of the best known women of Decatur, having for many years made her home here.

Peter Frank Lehman

When the early history of Macon county was in the making Peter Fr. Lehman came to this part of the state. It was in the year 1836 and the Black Hawk war had occurred only a short time before. Central Illinois was largely unimproved and undeveloped, the native forests were uncut and the pr-' were covered with the wild grasses and millions of wild flowers that marked the course of summer. Although Mr. Lehman did not remain in the county at that time he afterward returned and became closely associated with the agricultural interests of this part of the state.

He was born in Pennsylvania on the 19th of August, 1826, and his life record covered the intervening period to the 19th of April, 1883, when he passed away at the age of fifty-six years and eight months. He was only two years of age when his parents removed with their family to Ohio, settling near Springfield, in which locality his boyhood and youth were passed. He was a lad of only ten years when in 1836 he first came to Macon county with his elder brother Henry. Soon, however, he returned to his old home in Ohio, and in the year in which he attained his majority - 1847 - he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Albin. They began their domestic life in Ohio, where they resided until 1865, when they removed westward to Macon county, settling in Hickory Point township. There Mr. Lehman secured a tract of land and began farming, transforming the place into richly cultivated fields, wherein he produced large crops of grain. The products of his fields found ready sale on the market and as the years passed he prospered in his undertaking, becoming in time the owner of valuable city as well as farm property. He continued a resident of Hickory Point township until 1880, when with his family he took up his abode in Decatur. He was a man of enduring strength and industry and his eneis, ,,se termination enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacle ' rns.

Gradually therefore he worked his way upward and in addition to his farm of about four hundred acres near Bearsdale he was a stockholder in the Macon County Cooperative Association and the owner of valuable city realty.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lehman were born eight children : William, John H., Frank P., Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Miller, Mrs. Ida Good, Mrs. Emma Coussins, Katie and Minnie. All were living at the time of the father's death but since his demise two of the number have passed away. Mrs. Miller died in Macon county in January, 1887, leaving a husband and five children to mourn her loss. Her remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery of Decatur. A son, Frank Pierce, died April 9, 1906, and he, too, was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery. In business he had prospered as the years passed by and at his death was the owner of considerable valuable land in Iowa, Louisiana and Texas, being considered a very wealthy man. His success was attributable entirely to his own labors, judicious management and wise investments.

Peter F. Lehman was a believer in the doctrines and teachings of the Methodist church and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party. In his active life he took a great interest in politics and public affairs and was several times called to office, serving as supervisor and overseer of the Macon county poor farm, as school director and in various other local positions, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was one of the best known citizens of Decatur, a man of stainless character, honored and p^eemed by all who knew him. Although twenty-eight years have passed away ' since he was called to his final rest he is yet remembered by those who were his associates when he was an active factor in the world's work. He left the im- ' rfess of his individuality for good upon the community and his life record piuved also that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.

Edward Ekiss

Edward Ekiss, an enterprising agriculturist of Milam township, is busily engaged in the operation of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15. His birth occurred in Coles county, Illinois, on the 1st of September, 1873, his parents being Michael and Susan (Holsinger) Ekiss, who are natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in the latter state. On coming to Illinois they took up their abode in Coles county, whence they removed to Macon county in 1878. Here they have made their home continuously to the present time, being widely recognized as worthy ancrrespected residents of the community.

Edward Ekiss, the youngest of six children, attended the public schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the farm, being thus busily engaged until he had attained his majority. At that time he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, taking up his abo<^ on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Milam towny?a the1 further cultivation and improvement of which he has devoted his attention continuously since. The property belongs to his father. It is neat and thrifty in appearance and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which are bestowed upon them.

In May, 1905, Mr. Ekiss was united in marriage to Miss Bessye Michael, who was born in the year 1883, she being the second in order of birth in a family of six children born unto James and Elizabeth Michael, of Illinois. Miss Bessye was one of Macon county's most successful school teachers, having taught in this county for several years.

Since age conferred upon his the right of franchise Mr. Ekiss has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He served as collector for one term, ably discharging his duties in that connection. Mr. and Mrs. Ekiss have a host of friends that is constantly increasing as the circle of their acquaintance broadens and all who know them speak of them in terms of warm regard.

J. C. Sudy, retired, who resides in a beautiful home in Blue Mound township, is a native of Germany, born December 17, 1830. His parents, J. Conrad and Mary (Becker) Sudy, lived and died in Germany, the former departing this life in 1859 at the age of seventy years, and the latter in 1886 at the advanced age of eighty-six years. There were four children in the family, the subject of this review being the only one now living.

J. C. Sudy was educated in the public schools of his native land and there continued until he was thirty-eight years of age. Believing that more favorable conditions existed in the American republic than under the settled conditions of the old countries of Europe, he crossed the ocean in 1868 and came west to Boody, Illinois. Here he began working by the month but in 1870 was married to Mrs. Lena Sutman, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1828.

After his marriage Mr. Sudy settled on a farm of eighty acres in Blue Mound township. He erected the handsome residence in which he now lives in 1883 and has made many improvements which have greatly enhanced the value of the place. On September 3, 1888, Mr. Sudy was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful wife, who by her first husband was the mother of five children : Julia, the wife of Henry Jostus, of Macon ; Matilda, the wife of Jacob Schneider, of Whiteside county, Illinois; Rose the wife of Peter Moss, of Macon county; William L., of Decatur; and Henry Franklin.

Henry Franklin Sutman, with whom the subject of this review is making his home, was born in Blue Mound township, December 29, 1863. He was educated in the common schools and grew up upon the farm, inheriting eighty acres of land when he arrived at manhood. In 1888 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Siedler who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, February 11, 1867, and is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Bechel) Siedler, the former of whom was born in Switzerland in 1830 and the latter in Germany in 1840. The father departed this life in 1884. Mr. Sutman is an adherent of the republican party and although he has never been a seeker for political honors he is at present a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church, of which he is one of the stewards. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutman: Clarence, who was born December 28, 1890, and died at the age of six weeks; Roy, born August 28, 1892; Leona, born 3, 1895; and one born July 3, 1907, who died in infancy.

J. C. Sudy has for many years been a stanch supporter of the republican party. He is a member of the German Methodist church, his wife having been connected with the English Methodist church. Although he has reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he has fairly good health and retains clearly in his memory many interesting incidents and observations of the early days. For more than forty years he has made his home in Macon county and here he acquired a reputation as a sincere and upright citizen who has ably assisted in the development of agricultural interests. No man is more highly respected by the people of Blue Mound township, as they recognize that by his thrift and good management he has fairly earned the comforts which he now enjoys.

Edwin S. Kolp

Edwin S. Kolp, a general building contractor and real-estate dealer of Decatur whose success has come as the logical and legitimate result of earnest labor and close application, was born near the town of Elwin in Macon county, September 19, 1869. His parents, William and Nancy J. (Law) Kolp, were early settlers of this county and were natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois respectively. The father, who was born in 1838, died in 1906. The mother was born in 1843 and was a daughter of James P. Law, a native of Ohio, who became one of the well known and prominent pioneer settlers of Macon county, Illinois. William Kolp was a blacksmith by trade but followed farming after coming to Macon county in 1848. He also graded the roadbed of the Illinois Central Railroad from Elwin to Illinois Central Junction in 1857. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the outbreak of the Civil war and he enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years as chief musician. He afterward became a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Elwin S. Kolp attended the public schools at Shady Grove and Elwin until twenty years age, when he put aside his text-books and began learning the carriage maker's trade, which he followed for five years. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade and in 1904 established himself in business as a general building contractor. In this field he has since labored and many important contracts have been awarded him, his labors contributing to the substantial and attractive appearance of Decatur. He also deals in real estate and both branches of his business have proved successful from the start. In addition to the building of residences he does all kinds of contracting. He has recently erected a new, strictly modern home for himself and family at No. 1136 West Macon street, supplied with all the conveniences and accessories which add so much to the comfort of life.

On the 24th of November, 1893, Mr. Kolp was married to Miss Nettie Berry, of Champaign county, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Foot) Berry, who are also natives of this state and are well-to-do farming people. They are now living retired, their home being in Sadorus.

Mr. Kolp is a member of the Knights of Maccabees lodge and also belongs to the Methodist church. In politics he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His life has been well spent and his energy and enterprise have carried him into important business relations, making him one of the leading and successful contractors of the city. As opportunity has offered he has negotiated real-estate transfers and this has constituted a profitable branch of his business.

Peter R. Ground

Peter R. Ground was a self-made man who started out in business life practically penniless and worked his way upward until he became recognized as one of the leading and prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Macon county. His life history, a record of persistent effort, may well serve as a source of inspiration and as an example for those who would attain honorable success. He was born in North Carolina on the 1st of October, 1828, and his life record covered the intervening years until the 8th of October, 1906, when he was called to his final rest. His parent were Henry and Mary (Ishenheimer) Ground, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, where they continued their residence to the year 1840, when they sought a home in the middle west, removing to Spencer county, Indiana, where they resided upon a farm until called from this life. They were the parents of twelve children.

Peter R. Ground spent the first twelve years of his life in the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents to Indiana, where he continued his education as a public school student. Through the period of his boyhood and youth he worked with his father upon the home farm and on attaining his majority started out in life on his own account. On leaving Indiana he went to Greene county, Illinois where he remained for six months, and then removed to Cass county, Illinois, where he resided for four years. In 1861 he came to Macon county, where he purchased about two hundred and fifty acres of land that was capable of high cultivation. He bent his energies to the development and improvement of the place which is still owned by his widow. The evidences of his labor were soon seen in highly cultivated fields and large crops. He raised the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and followed progresive methods in the development of his place, practicing crop rotation and introducing other scientific methods of farming. When he left home he had but about eight dollars. It was therefore necessary that he work for others for some time or until he could save from his earnings a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase land.

He worked diligently and persistently and his careful expenditure at length permitted him to invest in property. He then became one of the leading farmers, his practical and progressive methods producing large crops, while he also made stock-raising an important branch of his business. He handled high grades of stock and, therefore, found no difficulty in making a sale when he placed his stock upon the market.

In the year 1855 Mr. Ground was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Frasill and they became the parents of two children of whom one is living, Lurenna, the wife of L. Baker, of Arkansas and the mother of two children, Lena and Grace. Mrs. Ground departed this life in February, 1859, ^d in l8o° Mr- Ground was again married, his second union being with Miss Angeline Jones. Four children were born unto them; Minnie, who is the wife of George McCool and has three children, Lester, Ethel and Bert; Harry, who married Grace Scott and has three children, Challace, Paul and Katherine; Robert, who wedded Martha Bradley and resides upon the old home farm with his wife and four children - Asa, Ralph, Beulah and Juanita; and Ella, deceased. The mother of these children passed away on the 5th of December, 1874, and it was in January, 1882, that Mr. Ground married Mrs. Mira Bradley, who was a widow. She has three children living by her former marriage: Quincy, a resident of Peoria; Martha, living at Dalton City, Illinois; and Maggie, of Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Ground became the parents of three children : Anna, the eldest, who was born on the farm twenty-seven years ago and first became the wife of Dr. Leroy George and had one child Leroy. After losing her first husband Mrs. George married George L. Williams, an optician of Decatur, and he has one child, Arthur. Dr. Williams is a Mason and is well known as a business man and citizen of Macon county. Kamp, the second child, wedded May Bland and has a daughter, Blanda. Homer is connected with the National Biscuit Company.

Throughout his entire life Mr. Ground followed the ocupation of farming and his history is an excellent illustration of what can be accomplished by determined purpose and honorable effort. He had no assistance either at the outset of his career or later in life, but depended entirely upon his own resources and his success came as the merited and legitimate reward of honorable effort. Mrs. Ground now makes her home in Decatur and is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George F. Cottle

Among the respected citizens of Macon county now living retired may be named George F. Cottle, who comes of stanch English ancestry and was born in Somersetshire, England, November 11, 1834, a son of Charles and Martha (Weeks) Cottle. The parents were both natives of England and came to America about 1848, locating in New York, where they continued during the remainder of their lives. There were six children in the family, four of whom are now living: William, of New York; George F., J. W., of Nebraska; and Stephen, of New York. James W., a brother of our subject, was a stalwart defender of the stars and stripes at the time of the Civil war, serving in a New York regiment

George F. Cottle arrived in this country when he was fourteen years of age and was educated in the public schools of Macon county. He grew up upon the farm and after his marriage settled in Blue Mound township, one and one-half miles west of where he now lives. In this township he continued for more than forty years, becoming one of the most successful farmers. In 1905 he decided to retire from active work and located in Decatur, but he soon found that city life was not according to his liking, as he had for so many years been accustomed to the pure air and beautiful surroundings of the country. Therefore, he returned to rural scenes and accordingly purchased the elegant residence on section 5, Blue Mound township, in which his son-in-law, W. D. MofFett, had been living, including five acres of land. Here he expects to pass his declining years in comfort and ease. He is the owner of three hundred and forty acres in Blue Mound township, a handsome residence in the village of Blue Mound, and other valuable property, so that he is financially independent and is now free from business cares.

On the 22d day of December, 1864, Mr. Cottle was united in marriage to Miss Susan E. Browning, who was born in Clark county, Kentucky, April 10, 1845. She is a daughter of William M. and Frances (Johnson) Browning, both of whom were natives of Clark county, the former having been born April 12, 1807, and the latter February 8, 1812. The family located in Champaign county, Illinois, about 1854 and later came to Macon county, where the parents continued to reside until they passed away. Eight children blessed their union, three of whom are living: Frances M., of Wheatland township, Macon county; Susan E., now Mrs. Cottle; and Henry C, of Indiana. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cottle. James E., born August 25, 1866, married Miss Anna Hill. They are now living on a farm in Blue Mound township and are the parents of one child, Guy Hill. Anna M., born October 15, 1868, is a graduate of Oxford College, Ohio, and is the wife of W. D. Moffett, of Blue Mound township. They have four children, Wilma, George F., Susan Elizabeth and Helen Lucretia. Susie Frances, born April 25, 1876, is the wife of James T. Cannon. They live in Boody and are the parents of two children, James Ebert and Gertrude. Raymond A., born May 18, 1880, attended the Decatur high school for two years and later became a student in a business college of Decatur and at Valparaiso University, of Indiana. He married Miss Nellie Blair and now lives in Blue Mound. They have one child, Joyce. William J., who was born June 24, 1883, was educated at Valparaiso University and is now engaged as a farmer in Blue Mound township. He married Miss Naomi Gouge and is the father of three children, Ruth D., William and Jessie Naomi.

Mr. Cottle is an adherent of the republican party and, being a warm friend of education, has served with general acceptance as a member of the school board. He has never aspired to political honors, as his attention has been chiefly devoted to his business interests. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which he served as deacon for thirty years and also as elder. Mr. and Mrs. Cottle practiced a great deal of self-denial in the early part of their career and are now enjoying the results of their industry. They have traveled extensively in the United States and their home is the center of generous hospitality which attracts many of the best people of Macon county. Loved by their friends and honored by the entire community, they may truly be designated among the especially fortunate ones whose names are recorded in this work.