Decatur Township (part 45 of 46)

In the country schools of his native county David S. Shellabarger of this review pursued his studies but his opportunities in that direction were very limited. His labor was needed on the farm and education in those days was a secondary consideration. He soon became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and learned to appraise unfaltering diligence at its true worth. In 1856 he came west by way of Chicago over the Illinois Central Railroad to Decatur, which at that time had no other railway line, the Illinois Central having been completed the year before. He was then a young man of nineteen years, courageous, ambitious and determined. He accepted a position in his uncle's lumber yard as a day laborer, working at a dollar and a quarter per day. He continued for some time in that position and later with J. H. Kaufman & Company, lumber dealers, and on the death of John H. Shellabarger, who was a partner of Mr. Kaufman, he succeeded to his interest in the business, with which he was connected for two years. At the end of that time he disposed of his interest and in 1859 he bought an interest in the mill owned by Hinkle & Condell. After a time he sold out in that connection and purchased a mill on the Wabash" tracks in company with his uncle, Isaac Shellabarger. This was afterward known as the Shellabarger Mills and David S. Shellabarger was active in the operation and management of the business until 1903, when he sold to the American Hominy Company. In 1878 he was associated with his brother, J. L. Shellabarger, and J. P. Griswold in the mills which were known as the Shawnee Mills, named for the Shawnee tribe of Indians at Topeka, Kansas, and further extended his business operations in the Sunflower state by building a mill at Wichita, Kansas, in 1874, in company with William Bowers. Ten years later he sold his interest in the Shawnee Mills at Topeka and in 1886 disposed of his interest in the Wichita Mills, at which time he purchased a mill at Salina, Kansas, in company with his son, Fred D. Shellabarger. The mill had a capacity of two hundred barrels which has since been increased to twelve hundred barrels and there are thirty-three elevators operated in connection with the business. David Shellabarger is the president of the Shellabarger Elevator Company, having thirteen elevators at different points, while four lumber yards are conducted in connection with these. A man of resourceful business ability, his plans are carefully formed and promptly executed. He is seldom if ever at fault in his judgment concerning the value of a business transaction or opportunity and his initiative spirit has carried him into important commercial relations. He is now president of a coal company and has become widely known in financial circles, being the first vice president of the National Bank of Decatur after it was reorganized, while in July, 1902, he was elected to the presidency and has since been its chief executive officer.

In the public life of the community Mr. Shellabarger has been prominent for many years. His fellow townsmen would accord him almost any gift within their power and yet his aspirations have not been in the line of office holding. He has, however, served for two terms as alderman of the first ward, and was mayor of the city for one term, filling that office when the first water works was built. He was in the council when the movement was instituted and was occupying the chair of municipal executive on the completion of that public utility. In public affairs as in private life it has been his habit to carry forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken and his loyalty to the general good has been again and again demonstrated in many tangible ways, particularly in his cooperation with a generous suppport of projects instituted for the benefit of the city.

On the 7th of January, 1862, Mr. Shellabarger was married to Miss Anna E. Krone of Decatur, and unto them have been born seven children: William L. ; Lucien C. ; Fred D. ; Adele S., the wife of E. B. Hillman of Quincy, Illinois; Marie S., the wife of Smith Crowder of Oakland, California; Grace S., the wife of J. M. Allen of Decatur; and Corinne S., the wife of Thomas H. Ramsey of Red Bluff, California.

Mr. Shellabarger has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1858 and has attained the Knights Templar degree in the order. For fifty-two years he has been a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, being converted and joining the church when it sood on the exact site of the National Bank of Decatur, of which Mr. Shellabarger is the president. For eighteen years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school, for many years has been on the official board and has also served as one of the church trustees. He takes a very active interest in religious work and in fact in every movement that tends to uplift humanity and to advance intellectual and moral progress. The name of Shellabarger is indeed inseparably interwoven with the history of Decatur and has ever stood here as a synonym for honorable activity as well as for successful accomplishment.

T. Quickel, a retired agriculturist residing on section 18, Long Creek township, is the owner of more than a section of land, all of which he leases. The rest which he now enjoys is the fitting reward of a life of untiring industry, indefatigable energy and well directed effort. His birth occurred in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of February, 1835, his parents being Michael and Katherine (Krone) Quickel. About the year 1660 three brothers of the name emigrated from Germany to America, landing at Baltimore, Maryland. One settled in York county, Pennsylvania, and the other went to North Carolina but all trace of these two has been lost, our subject's direct ancestor being the only one of whom there is any record. The ancestors of T. Quickel were on the whole leading, cultured and prominent people, several of them following the profession of teaching and one serving as a justice of the peace. All lived to attain a ripe old age, the grandfather of our subject being one hundred and three years old at the time of his demise. Michael Quickel, the father of Mr. Quickel of this review, passed away in 1846 when fifty-one years of age, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1897 at the age of ninety years. One of their sons died as the result of hardships endured in the Civil war, while two of their daughters yet reside in Pennsylvania.

T. Quickel, whose name introduces this review, attended the schools of the Keystone state in the acquirement of an education and remained on his father's farm until a youth of eighteen, when he left home and began learning the miller's trade. Wishing to augment his knowledge, he again entered school and subsequently taught in Pennsylvania for a period of ten years, proving an able and successful educator. In 1864 he journeyed westward in search of a favorable location. After traveling all over the state of Iowa he came to Illinois and at the end of six months' residence in Decatur selected Long Creek township as a permanent place of abode, locating on a partly improved farm of eighty acres in section 13 in 1867. He paid forty dollars an acre for the property and as his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase from time to time until it now embraces more than a section of land. General agricultural pursuits claimed his attention throughout his active business career and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also devoted considerable time to the raising of stock, fattening hogs and cattle. For two terms he likewise taught school in Macon county. There are miles of tiling on his estate and the farm is a model one in every respect, growing more valuable each year. Though still giving his supervision to its operation, the property is being cultivated by tenants and Mr. Quickel is living practically retired. The prosperity which has crowned his efforts is directly attributable to his own labors, for he started out in life for himself with nothing except a sound body and mind. He still resides on his farm, preferring the peace and quiet of rural surroundings to the bustle and confusion of city life. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service in the Union army but, accidentally breaking his ankle, he was unable to go to the front.

Mr. Quickel has been married twice. In September, 1866, he wedded Miss Mary A. Reeser, of York county, Pennsylvania, her parents being William and Elizabeth Reeser. One daughter, Katherine Elizabeth, was born of this union. The wife and mother passed away in Long Creek township in 1870 and the following year Mr. Quickel was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth A. Hursh, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Her parents, Christopher and Katherine (Spahn) Hursh, were prominent residents of the Keystone state. By his second wife Mr. Quickel has one son, Oscar H, whose birth occurred on the 7th of March, 1873.

In politics Mr. Quickel is a stalwart democrat and for several years he served as a school director. He is a member of the Grange and also belongs to the Methodist church, the teachings of which he exemplifies in his daily life.

He speaks the German language and is a well informed man, keeping in touch with the progress of the times. His tastes are simple and he is temperate in all things. The period of his residence in Macon county covers more than four decades and he is widely and favorably known within its borders. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.

William F. Berry

William F. Berry, who is recognized as one of the represenative farmers of Macon county, was born in Menard county, Illinois, in 1855. He is a son of John C. Berry, who was also a native of Menard county and a son of John M. Berry, a noted Presbyterian minister and one of the early circuit riders of Illinois. The father of our subject was educated under pioneer conditions in Menard county and became a farmer, later removing to DeWitt county and locating in Macon county about 1870. After cultivating rented land most of the time .for a number of years he removed to Missouri and died in Cooper county in March, 1906. He yielded to the gold excitement and traveled overland to California in 1859, although the journey was in some degree undertaken for the benefit of his health. He returned home without any large amount of the yellow metal but he brought with him a goodly store of health, so that he lived for forty-seven years after his eventful journey and witnessed the great transformation by which the west was redeemed from the wilderness for the use of man. The mother of our subject, who was Jane Duncan before her marriage, was born at Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1833 and accompanied her parents on their removal to Sangamon county, where she was married. She is now making her home with the subject of this review. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Berry: Benjamin, who died in infancy; Mary, now Mrs. Roberts, of Kansas City; William F. ; Martha, now Mrs. Cook, of Farmer City, Illinois; and John H., James C. and Edward A., all of Missouri.

William F. Berry was born in Menard county, this state, and educated in the public schools of DeWitt county, Illinois, where his parents took up their residence when he was an infant. He grew up as a farmer boy and began for himself after his marriage, renting land in Macon county. He acquired an enviable reputation as an energetic and capable farmer and in 1904 removed to his present location on a section of land owned by J. Smith, which he operates with the assistance of three sons. He is also the owner of forty acres of good farm land in Maroa township, this county.

In 1876 Mr. Berry was united in marriage to Miss Eva J. Shockey, who was born in Kentucky in 1856 and is a daughter of James M. and Augusta (Ross) Shockey, also natives of Kentucky, who came to Illinois in 1862 and both died in this county. Mrs. Berry is the only child of her parents now living, those deceased being James M., Nancy, George R., Alice, Jennie, Dora and Grant.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Berry has been blessed by six children. Samuel A., born in 1877, was married to Miss Delia Dukes, of Macon county, and is the father of four children. Ora G., born in 1879, married Minnie Carpenter, of Macon county, and is the father of two children. Anna L., born in 1881, became the wife of J. Reed and the mother of two children. J. C, who was born in 1883, married Ida Page and is the father of two children. Clarence W., born in 1885, is living at home. Clara, born in 1887, also resides at home.

Mr. Berry has always taken the interest of a patriotic citizen in the growth and welfare of the region where he lives and he usually votes for the candidates of the republican party. He is industrious and energetic in anything he undertakes, and he and his estimable wife have set an example of perseverance and patience which assists so materially in smoothing out the rough ways and making life agreeable.

Curtis W. Rork

Among the flourishing farmers of Long Creek township, Macon county, should be named Curtis W. Rork, who was born in Blue Mound township, near Boody, January 1, 1863. He is a son of Joseph and Ellen E. (Murray) Rork, who were natives of Ireland, born near Dublin, the father in 1823 and the mother in 1816. They both arrived in America about 1847 and were married in 185 1 in New York, continuing there for six years. Coming west, they located in Kentucky for one year, at the end of which time they removed to Macon county, Illinois, settling on a farm of thirty acres near Boody. About 1865 the father sold out and removed to Long Creek township, where he purchased forty acres of land on section 29 from a Mr. Cunningham. It was raw prairie land but by hard work it was improved, attaining a reputation as the finest land in this part of the state. Here Mr. Rork engaged in growing cereals and in stock-raising with marked success, increasing his holdings from year to year according to the degree of his prosperity until he became the owner of a fine farm of five hundred and ninety acres, upon which stand two modern residences and which he beautified by planting shade trees and making many other improvements. He made a specialty for a number of years of feeding cattle and hogs, which he shipped to Chicago and Indianapolis markets. Starting practically without a dollar, he attained a position of independence by hard work, in which he always found a willing assistant in his wife, and they were both widely noted for their kindness and their many charities. Mr. Rork retired from active farming in 1890 but remained upon the farm until his death, which occurred November 5, 1893. The beloved wife was called away December 2, 1900. Three children were born to them: Curtis W. ; Joseph C. ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Foley, who died September 1, 1891.

The subject of this review grew up as a farm boy and was educated in the public schools and since eighteen years of age has devoted his attention to farming. After the death of his father he received his share of the family estate and now is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, occupying the old homestead which was built by his father and which is endeared to him by many fond associations. Like his father, he has pursued general farming and stock-raising, giving special attention to the raising of fast horses. He has devoted to his work an enthusiasm and ability that seldom fail to yield gratifying results, and as a horse breeder he has gained an enviable reputation which extends beyond the limits of Macon county.

On February 10, 1909, Mr. Rork was united in marriage to Miss Mayme Welch, of Denver, Colorado, a daughter of Daniel and Bridget (Burke) Welch, who were born in County Kerry, Ireland, and coming to this country were married at Anderson, Indiana, in 1865. Mr. Welch reached New York, March 1, 1863, and established himself in Indianapolis, where he maintained headquarters for railway construction for many years. His wife was called away thirty years ago and he is now retired from active labor and spends his time with his children in Illinois, Oklahoma and Denver, his son James now being general superintendent of the Colorado & Southern Railway.

Mr. Rork is a supporter of the republican party but has not aspired to political honors although he has served with great acceptance to the tax-payers and people of his region as commissioner of highways. He is affiliated with the Catholic church and in all the relations of life has so conducted himself as to gain the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is justly regarded as one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Macon county.

Lowber Burrows

Lowber Burrows was long a most honored and distinguished citizen of Decatur and to the closing hours of his life he preserved the precious prize of keen mentality, although he was nearing the eightieth milestone on life's journey when the end came. Such a man must Victor Hugo have had in mind when he said : "Though the frost of winter was on his head the flowers of spring were in his heart." In appearance Mr. Burrows seemed a much younger man and in spirit and interests was yet in his prime. Fifty-eight years he lived in Decatur and from the day of his arrival until the closing hours of his life he was a prominent factor in the city, contributing as few others have done to its development and progress.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Burrows was born in the city of Philadelphia, November 9, 1830. His parents were cultured and well-to-do people. His father, John Wesley Burrows, was of English extraction, while his mother came of Dutch parentage. Spending his youthful days in their home, Lowber Burrows attended the public schools of Philadelphia until he entered business circles with bookkeeping as his first experience along mercantile lines. He came to Decatur as clerk through the influence of Jasper J. Peddecord, with whom he formed in time a partnership for the conduct of a general mercantile store. From the beginning the venture was successful and the business gradually increased. At that time the firm owned the only fireproof safe in Macon county and their patrons frequently asked the favor of allowing them to place their ready money in this safe for protection. Soon the safe became nearly filled with the money bags belonging to the patrons of the store, and examination revealed the fact that over twenty-five thousand dollars were on deposit there. In view of the responsibility resting upon the firm in keeping so large a sum, the depositors were asked to allow the various deposits to be placed to their credit subject to check. This was agreed to and thus the first banking business of Decatur was organized. It became a popular department of the house of Peddecord & Burrows, and in three years the business of that department had grown so rapidly that it was decided to dispose of their mercantile interests and devote their undivided attention to banking. In 1857 William Martin was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Peddecord, Burrows & Company. He retired after two years and the old firm of Peddecord & Burrows was then resumed. This partnership was maintained without interruption until 1878, when William M. Boyd joined them under the firm style of Peddecord, Burrows & Company. There was no other change until 1889, when Mr. Boyd died, but the style of the house was not changed until the death of Mr. Peddecord in 1899, when the business was reorganized under the name of L. Burrows & Company. From the outset the business of the bank continued to increase along substantial lines and a general banking business was conducted. Mr. Burrows proved that he was able to solve intricate financial problems and met every demand made upon him in this connection. His bank, as from the beginning, remained the foremost financial enterprise of the city, its stability unweakened in times of financial storm, its integrity ever being above question.

Mr. Burrows, however, was a man of marked business ability and did not confine his efforts to one single line. His resourcefulness enabled him to reach out into broad fields and many interests profited by his support, his cooperation and his sound business judgment. He became a half owner in the Decatur Furniture Factory which had been established by W. A. Barnes and William Lintner for the manufacture of pumps, while later they took up the manufacture of certain lines of furniture. When the firm of Peddecord & Burrows purchased the furniture factory they began the manufacture of high grade furniture and also continued the manufacture of pumps for a time. Mr. Burrows became an extensive investor in real estate. He purchased property when ten dollars an acre was considered a high price for Macon county farms. He sold thousands of acres in Macon, Moultrie, Shelby and adjoining counties at a less figure, and even then there was no rush for purchases. He lived to see much of this property increase ten and some of it twentyfold in value, and holding much of it, he derived in his later years a very substantial income from his holdings.

After residing for two years in Decatur, during which he satisfied himself of its future prospects, he returned to Philadelphia and there on the 14th of March, 1854, was married to Miss Lavinia Bering, a sister of J. Edward Bering, although the latter did not come to Decatur until long after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burrows. With his bride Mr. Burrows immediately returned to his western home and as there was no railroad entering the town at that time they completed their journey by stage coach. Fifty years later, on the 14th of April, 1904, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, postponing it for a month because of the Lenten season. Theirs was a most happy married life and an ex- ceptionally congenial relationship, terminating only in death on the 8th of January, 1908, when Mrs. Burrows passed away. They were the parents of four children yet living: J. Bering Burrows, a resident of Decatur; Mrs. Ida M. Daniel, of Columbus, Ohio; Miss Maude I. Burrows, of Decatur; and Mrs. M. Bell Strange, of Minneapolis. Their eldest son, Lucien L. Burrows, died in 1905.

Mr. and Mrs. Burrows were among the founders of St. John's Episcopal church and took a most active and helpful part in its work. Mr. Burrows served as a member of the vestry for many years, entering upon the position when the membership of the church did not exceed a dozen. The meetings were then held in the old Masonic hall and later in a second floor room on Water street. In 1858 a lot on Water street was purchased at a cost of five hundred dollars and the church building was erected. The first Christmas in the new church building was duly celebrated and it is believed to be the first time Christmas was ever observed as a holy day in Decatur. Here, too, was said to be the first children's Christmas tree and the custom of decorating the church at Christmas with evergreen and on Easter with flowers was first introduced by St. John's although largely since copied by other religious bodies. On the occasion of his seventyninth birthday anniversary the vestry of St. John's as a testimonial of high esteem and appreciation adopted resolutions in honor of Mr. Burrows and at the same time presented him with a handsome gold-headed cane of ebony, appropriately inscribed, and a large bouquet of American beauty roses.

He was one of the oldest member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., and he also belonged to Decatur Club. He would never consent to hold public office save that of a member of the park board from 1892 until 1899. He took a great interest in the parks and much of their present beauty is due to his efforts. He was throughout his life an intense lover of flowers. Their cultivation was his recreation, their beauty ever a source of keen delight. In the little home to which he brought his bride he cultivated a window garden and when it was possible to make other arrangements he built a bay window on the south side of his house and filled it with flowers. At length he built a conservatory - the first private conservatory in this part of the state. There Mr. Burrows spent his leisure hours for five years, in which time he learned much about the cultivation of plants and flowers. In 1880 to secure proper temperature he built another greenhouse back of his residence and in this way was able to grow roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and palms, and was very successful in his cultivation of all kinds of plants and flowers. As it became possible he began the cultivation of rare plants until his assortment was as varied as could be found anywhere in this state. He understood the plants from a scientific standpoint and, moreover, had the deepest love for them. It was not infrequent that he would take a plant that someone else had abandoned and bring it to a healthful and blossoming condition. Moreover he was most generous with his flowers and plants and the blossoms were constantly seen in the sickrooms, not only o'f his friends but in the homes of rich and poor alike where he believed that they would add to happiness and cheer. Nor was his taste for the beautiful confined to flowers, for he was largely a connoisseur in music, in art and in literature. His pictures were always of the best and while he did not seek to have the largest library, his was composed of the choicest books.

Another phase of Mr. Burrows' character that made him extremely popular was his pronounced social traits. No one had keener appreciation for the good qualities in others. He enjoyed to the full the companionship of his friends and held friendship inviolable. His home was for many years the center of the social life of Decatur and in the period following the Civil war, when many early entertainments were given by the town people in the nature of theatricals, cantatas and tableaux, Mr. Burrows was always a leading figure in such and displayed rare ability as an actor. It is said that his rendition of Shylock in the Merchant of Venice has never been excelled in Decatur either by amateurs or professionals. He had an almost inexhaustible fund of humor and no one could more quickly see the ridiculous side of anything.

The death of Mr. Burrows occurred on the 16th of October, 1910. He was almost eighty years of age but in appearance seemed much younger and his active interest in the affairs of the present continued to his demise. Unlike so many of the aged, his thoughts were not retrospective. He was a believer in progress and his own life exemplified that spirit. At the time of his death one of the local papers in an account of his life said : "Mr. Burrows came here from Philadelphia in 1852, a handsome, polished, courtly gentleman. Illinois was new at that time and things were raw. The inhabitants were trying to wrest a living from the soil and without drainage, without roads, without markets it was a perpetual struggle. The polished young easterner settled down among them and stayed here. He never lost one whit of his polish, he never relinquished an iota of his courtesy. He was successful in a business way but what is of even more importance was his social value to the town. For many years, for, indeed, a period of nearly half a century, his house was one of the social centers. He quickly took position as the social leader and through all his life here, until the last dozen years, he was the most active social factor. The death of Lowber Burrows is the ending of a cycle, the closing of an era. The passing of a man so conspicuous for so long a period in the business and social life of a community means much more than that another has joined the great majority. It really means the ending of one important epoch. The Decatur of the past sixty years has gone forever. The Decatur of the future will be quite a different thing. No one man will ever bear the same relation to the Decatur of the future that Lowber Burrows bore to the Decatur of the past."

Clyde C. Young

With good technical training to supplement the practical experience which he received under the direction of his father during the period of his boyhood and youth, Clyde C. Young is now operating the old homestead farm according to progressive and up-to-date methods, the utilization of which is bringing him substantial and gratifying success. Born in Christian county, Illinois, on the 9th of January, 1875, he is a son of B. F. and Sabila F. (Schrantz) Young, natives of Ohio. The former was born in 1835 in Canton, Ohio, and in 1866 came to Illinois, locating in Christian county, where he carried on farming for a number of years. He is now living retired, however, making his home in Stewardson, Illinois. In 1868 he wedded Sabila F. Schrantz and unto them were bore two children. The elder, Orres E., was born in 1871, and is now married, making his home in Detroit, Michigan.

The second son, Clyde C. Young, received his preliminary training in the public schools of Illinois and later attended the University of Illinois, where he pursued a course in natural science. He then profited by a year's study in the Northwestern College of Pharmacy at Chicago and after leaving that institution was employed in the drug business for about six years. At the end of that time, in 1899, he was married, and, returning to agricultural pursuits, began his domestic life upon his father's farm, which is still his place of residence. The farm is a well developed property of two hundred and forty acres located on sections 11 and 14, South Macon township, and the excellent condition of the fields and the neat appearance of the place speak for well directed effort and intelligently applied labor on the part of Mr. Young. Indeed, enterprise and progress might well be termed the salient elements in his life, and the success which is now his is a strong argument in favor of practical experience, reinforced by thorough technical training.

In 1899 Mr. Young wedded Miss Alice Lewis, who was born in 1877 and is the eldest of a family of five children, her parents being James S. and Jane (Burris) Lewis, natives of Sangamon county, Illinois.

Mr. Young is well known and prominent in fraternal circles, holding membership in Decatur Lodge, No. 189, K. P., and also in Decatur Lodge, No. 401, B. P. O. E. Interested as all American citizens should be, in the political situation of the country, he has thoroughly informed himself concerning the questions and issues of the day and gives stalwart support to the republican party. He is now serving his second term as school director but aside from that office he has never held nor sought political preferment, choosing rather to devote his time and attention to the management of his personal interests. Comparatively a young man in years, he is still imbued with the spirit of energy and ambition which usually attends a man during the early years of his business career, and the position to which these elements have already brought him in the path to prosperity augurs well for a bright future.

Elroy Cottingham

Elroy Cottingham is one of the energetic and enterprising farmers of South Wheatland township, Macon county. He lives on a highly improved place of four hundred acres on section 15 and is recognized as an up-to-date agriculturist and stock-raiser, who is thoroughly posted as to practical farming operations and competent to solve almost any problem that may arise in his chosen calling. He was born in Clay county, Illinois, March 1, 1864, and is a son of George and Martha (Hurlock) Cottingham. The father of our subject was born in Noblesville, Indiana, and came to Illinois in the early '60s and settled in Clay county but later moved to Jasper county, where he departed this life in 1892 at the age of fifty-six years. He was an educated man and for a number of years taught school, later directing his attention to farming. He was a man of excellent mental resources, a good teacher and a successful farmer. The mother was born in Indiana in 1837 and is now, at seventy-three years of age, living with her children, where she receives the loving attentions which are due to a mother who never hesitated at any sacrifice to promote the welfare and happiness of her family. There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cottingham, our subject being the third in order of birth.

Elroy Cottingham grew to manhood upon the home farm and was educated in the common schools, beginning his business career by working for wages. In 1893 he commenced farming on his own account and in 1902 he removed to his present residence, which is the Murphy estate, and here engages in general farming, also raises live stock for the market and has conducted his operations with a good judgment that from year to year has produced very satisfactory returns.

In 1898 Mr. Cottingham was united in marriage to Miss Vinnie Metcalf, a daughter of Fenton and Mary (Whitson) Metcalf, natives of Indiana. She was the sixth in a family of ten children and was born July 14, 1871. Three children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cottingham: Grace, born April 8, 1901 ; Edith, June 15, 1903; and Florence, February 15, 1910.

Mr. Cottingham is an adherent of the republican party and, although he has not been an aspirant for political honors, he has for the last four years served most acceptably as member of the school board of his district. He and his wife are esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in their lives have attempted to put into effect the teachings of the Great Book which they have found to be a constant solace and an inspiration for the duties which have arisen from day to day.

William S. Smith

William S. Smith, who for the last eight years has been living retired at Niantic, and who, during a large part of a long life, was actively identified with the farming interests of Macon county, is a native of Kentucky, born in Nicholas county, December 4, 1835, and is a son of William S. and Elizabeth (Henderson) Smith. The father departed this life a short time before the birth of our subject, leaving a widow and three children. The mother was again married and about 1840 the family came to Shelby county, Illinois, and settled upon a farm.

It was in the midst of pioneer conditions that William S. Smith grew up, and he possessed little advantages of school education, as his stepfather kept him hard at work, giving him little opportunity for attendance at the neighboring schoolhouse. However, our subject gained a great deal of practical education in the affairs of the farm, so that at eighteen years of age he branched out for himself, finally purchasing a farm of one hundred acres in Dora township, Moultrie county, for which he gave his note. He prospered and in the spring of 1888 came to Macon county, where he purchased a promising farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, which he developed with great assiduity, but finally traded it for his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, Harristown township, which was then valued at one hundred and ten dollars per acre. In 1902 Mr. Smith erected a handsome residence in Niantic, to which he removed, and here he is spending his declining years, enjoying the fruits of many years of self-denial and rightly directed application, during which time he not only advanced his own interests, but greatly promoted the interests of others. In December, 1863, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Margaret E. Bushart, of Moultrie county, by whom he had eight children, one of these being Alvah R. Smith, whose record appears elsewhere in this work. After the death of his first wife Mr. Smith was a second time married, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Caroline Smith, the widow of his brother, and she has proven to him a faithful and loving companion. He is identified with the republican party and, although he has never sought official preferment, he has held several minor political offices, in which he displayed the same interest that he has exhibited in his own affairs. He and his wife are active members of the Christian church and firm believers in the inspiration of the gospel. They have many friends in Macon county, where they are widely and favorably known. The success of Mr. Smith is due to his industry, economy and clear judgment and also to his acknowledged integrity and exemplary life.

Among the self-made residents of Macon county, Illinois, who owe their present prosperity entirely to their own well directed efforts in agricultural lines, is numbered D. J. Phillips, who carries on general farming and stockraising in Pleasant View township. A native of Ohio, he was born in Chillicothe, Ross county, on the 12th of January, 1852, and is a son of John T. and Mary (Walters) Phillips, the former born in Virginia in October, 1827, and the latter in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The father, who carried on general farming for a number of years, is yet living and makes his home near Decatur, Illinois. The mother passed away on the 16th of September, 1883, and was laid to rest in Salem cemetery. Her two brothers, John and Captain James D. Walters, were veterans of the Civil war, the former enlisting from Memphis, Tennessee, as a member of the cavalry and the latter from Illinois as a member of the artillery. In the family of John T. and Mary Phillips were six children, as follows: D. J., of this review; Louis, of Oklahoma; Charles and W. L., residing near Decatur; Adam, making his home in Decatur; and Oliver, of St. Louis. ,

During the period of his boyhood and youth D. J. Phillips attended the Cross Roads and the Elwin schools, near Decatur, in the pursuit of an education and later for four years was engaged in teaching in those institutions. The periods of vacation were spent as a farm hand, for his training in agricultural lines had by no means been neglected, early becoming familiar with all the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. In 1882, deciding to devote his entire time and attention to farming, he purchased thirty-seven acres of land near Decatur, which he operated for some time. He then leased that place and rented a larger farm near Boody for five years, after which he returned to his own farm, remaining thereupon for two years. He then came to Pleasant View township in 1893, where he has since rented one hundred and twenty acres of land from Mr. Groniger. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising, and his enterprising spirit, close application and businesslike methods are salient features in winning him a degree of prosperity which is most creditable.

On the 18th of September, 1884, Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Mary Downey, who was born in Macon, Illinois, February 10, 1862, a daughter of John and Mary (Coleman) Downey. The father, who was born in Ireland about 1800, came to America in the same year that the Wabash Railroad was built and passed away in 1886, his remains being interred in Macon, where he had located as a young man. His wife, also a native of Ireland, where her birth occurred in 1823, died in 1892 and was likewise buried in Macon. Their family consisted of five children, but only Mrs. Phillips is now living. She has proven herself a true helpmate and has done much toward advancing her husband's interests. She is an extensive chicken-raiser, in which direction she is meeting with gratifying success, and her efforts therein are proving an important feature of the farm.

The religious faith of Mr. Phillips is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church, while in fraternal circles he is identified with the Woodmen camp. He gives his political support to the democratic party and for several years was collector of the township. In public office and in private life alike he has ever displayed those qualities which speak for good citizenship, and he enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellowmen. He and his wife occupy a prominent place in the community in which they reside and are popular with their many friends because of their generous, kindly nature and the warm hospitality of their home.

James G. Leonard

Among the prosperous young farmers of Macon township is James G. Leonard, who is the owner of one hundred and forty-seven acres of the Leonard homestead and the home place in Harristown township, Macon county. He has spent his life upon a farm and was born near Illiopolis, Sangamon county, Illinois, October 2, 1876. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth S. (Foster) Leonard and was quite young when the family removed to Macon county. He was educated in the district schools and as he grew up he became acquainted with the varied operations of the farm, including not only the plowing and planting and gathering in the harvest, but also the raising and marketing of live stock, in which, from his boyhood, he has always taken a keen interest. He became a successful farmer and stock-raiser and in addition to his regular farming operations, he is the owner of two steam threshing outfits which he has managed so well that they have proven excellent paying investments.

On December 22, 1900, Mr. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Moore, who was born in Virginia, a daughter of Hayden Moore. She came to Illinois with her parents in her girlhood, the family locating near Auburn, Sangamon county. She became acquainted with her future husband at the home of John Leonard, near Illiopolis. After residing on the home farm for four years, Mr. Leonard and his wife took up their residence on another farm, and in 1906 bought sixty-three acres on section 14, Harristown township, at one hundred and twenty-eight dollars an acre. At the time of the settlement of the Leonard estate he sold this land to his brother, H. K. Leonard, at two hundred dollars per acre. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard : Dora, Myrtle, Edgar and Lawrence. The parents are both members of the Christian church. Mr. Leonard has always voted with the democratic party but has never been a seeker for political honors. He is now serving as road commissioner of his district. He is a man of energy and determination and is the fortunate possessor of an abundance of good common sense which he applies in the various details of his business. He has never been afraid of work and seeks labor rather than recreation and thus finds an outlet for his energy in what is useful rather than ornamental. Financially he is independent and he has many friends who recognize his sterling worth and are interested in his continued prosperity.

Otto Herman Tietze

Otto Herman Tietze, owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, South Macon township, and one of the highly respected farmers of Macon county, belongs to stanch Teutonic ancestry. He was born in Berlin, Germany, May 29, 1861, and is a son of Herman and Mary Tietze, also natives of Germany. The father learned the weaver's trade in the old country but, desiring more favorable conditions for himself and family, came to America in 1866 and located in Illinois. He is now living with the subject of this review and has reached the venerable age of four score and five years. The mother was called away at the age of forty-five, in 1871.

Otto H. Tietze was the youngest of four children and grew up in the parental home, receiving his education in the public schools. After laying his books aside he began working for wages, continuing until nineteen years of age, since which time he has farmed for himself. By diligence and economy he acquired the capital with which he purchased eighty acres of land in 1891, forming a portion of the farm which he now owns, and in 1904 purchased eighty acres adjoining. He has devoted his attention to general farming and stock-raising, and his labors have been from year to year rewarded, so that at the present time he is one of the most successful agriculturists in one of the most prosperous farming districts of the state.

Mr. Tietze has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Emma Richardson, to whom he was united in 1884, a daughter of William and Mary Richardson, the former a native of England and the latter of Illinois. Mrs. Tietze died leaving two children, the elder of whom, Stella Mary, was born in

July, 1887, and became the wife of Homer Whittaker. They are now living in Macon county and are the parents of two children. William, the second child, was born in June, 1889, and was married January 30, 1910, to Viola Cook, a daughter of Charles and Kate Cook, of Macon county. They are also living in this county. Mr. Tietze was a second time married in 1901, selecting as his wife Miss Lillian Ellis, a daughter of James and Mary Ellis, who were born in Indiana and came to this state in the early days. Mr. Ellis served three years and six months in the Civil war, enlisting in Company B, Eightieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participating in many of the great battles of the Rebellion, among which were those of Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga. He was with Sherman's army in its march to the sea, and as a soldier, nobly performed his duty. He and his estimable wife are now living in Windsor, Illinois. They are the parents of seven children, Mrs. Tietze having been born May 18, 1871. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tietze : Roeder E., born July 12, 1902; and James O., born December 10, 1907. Mrs. Tietze received a good education and was a teacher for one year in the Macon high school and for eleven years in the township schools, attaining an enviable reputation in the calling. One of her brothers taught for six years and three of her sisters were also teachers, each of them having four years' experience in the schoolroom. The members of the family are now all married except one brother and one sister.

Mr. Tietze is allied to the democratic party and votes for its candidates in national elections, but in local affairs is independent. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Macon, of which he is trustee. Mrs. Tietze is an active worker in the Home Missionary Society and is also an esteemed member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. Tietze has found in his wife an intelligent and sympathetic companion, who has been to him an invaluable assistant in all deserving undertakings. Nature endowed the subject of this review with the qualities of character that count for most in the attainment of a worthy manhood and he has secured the confidence and respect of all who know him. A plain, straightforward man, his object in life has been to do good according to his opportunities and in this object he has indeed succeeded.

Edward B. Combs

When determination, hard work and careful management form the basis upon which any business enterprise is founded the result is almost absolutely certain, and it is to these qualities that Edward B. Combs attributes the fact that today he ranks among Macon county's most successful and substantial agriculturists. Born in Greene county, Indiana, on the 24th of July, 1852, he is the second son of J. J. and Sarah (Whittaker) Combs. The father was born in North Carolina in 1825 and the mother in Ohio in 1835, and at an early day they took up their abode in Greene county, Indiana. At the time of their arrival that region was a wild, unsettled district, with few evidences of modern civilization. The nearest town was Vincennes, a small village about sixty-five miles distant, to which they were compelled to drive in order to purchase groceries and other necessities of life. That remained their home until 1 86 1, when they removed still further west, locating in Christian county, Illinois,' where they resided for four years. At the expiration of that period they took up their home in Macon county and here Mr. Combs was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1899, when the success which had attended his efforts made it possible for him to retire from active business, and he became a resident of Macon, where he was living at the time of his death, on the nth of February, 1909. In the early days he had purchased considerable property at from a dollar and a quarter to thirty dollars per acre, being at the time of his death the owner of nine hundred and eighty acres - land which increased in value with the passing of the years and the rapid settlement of the country, making him one of the wealthy landowners of his section. His widow, who survives him, makes her home in Macon and is well known among a large circle of warm friends. She is a faithful and devoted member of the Baptist church, the teachings of which have ever proved the guiding influence of her life.

Edward B. Combs was a lad of nine years when he came with his parents to Illinois, and in the schools of Macon he acquired a good education. Nor was his practical training neglected, for during the periods of vacation he worked upon his father's farm and amid the busy activities of rural life formed good habits and learned lessons of industry, integrity and perseverance, qualities which proved valuable assets in his future career. He remained at home, assisting his father, until he attained his majority, when he left the parental roof to establish the foundation for a happy home of his own through marriage. At that time he purchased three hundred acres of land in Mount Zion and South Wheatland townships, and later, as he prospered, he became the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres in Clay county, Illinois. The appearance of his home farm, located on section 30, Mount Zion township, indicates clearly a life of thrift, of unfaltering perseverance and of hard, earnest labor, for when it came into his possession thirty-four years ago it was an undeveloped tract of land, with no buildings, and all of the excellent improvements with which it is equipped today were placed thereupon by Mr. Combs. The residence which he erected is modern and up-to-date in every particular, the barns and outbuildings are substantial and commodious and the place is today the best tiled farm in Mount Zion township and perhaps in Macon county. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, paying especial attention to oats, wheat and corn, and sells on an average of over fifteen thousand bushels of the latter commodity annually. Aside from his farming interests, which rank him among the foremost agriculturists of his section of the county, he is interested in a fourteen county telephone line in Texas, of which his son Alfred J. is manager.

It was on the 13th of August, 1873, that Mr. Combs was united in marriage to Miss Luella Whittaker, a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Smith) Whittaker, natives of Coshocton county, Ohio. The mother, who was born on the 28th of April, 1827, passed away in April, 1908, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. The father, whose birth occurred on the 22d of February, 1830, for many years followed farming in Wisconsin, was later engaged in the grain business in Illinois, and is now making his home in Colorado, where his time and attention are occupied in superintending extensive mining interests. His daughter, Mrs. Combs, who was born on the 19th of April, 1855, is the only surviving child of the family, a son, Alfred Judson Whittaker, having passed away about ten years ago, at the age of fifty years, leaving four children.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Combs have been born the following children: Alfred J., who was born on the 12th of June, 1874; Inez, who passed away at the age of twenty-two years; Maud I., who wedded Ora Herbert; and Pearl G. and Maimie E. They also adopted the only child of their daughter, Inez, who passed away when her son was but five weeks old, leaving a husband who still survives her.

Fraternally Mr. Combs holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in politics he gives stanch support to the republican party. He has, however, repeatedly refused to become a candidate for public office to which his fellow citizens would elect him, preferring rather that his political services should be done in a private capacity, deeming his personal interests sufficient to fully occupy his time and attention. It has been this close attention to business, combined with a capacity for hard work and an unusual aptitude for good management, that has formed the basis of his present gratifying success, and the qualities which have proved salient features in his business career are quite worthy of emulation. Nor can his success in life, however, be measured in terms of material gain alone, for his personal traits of character have ever been such as commanded the respect, confidence and good will of his fellowmen, and Macon county numbers him among her valued and representative adopted sons.

Albert H. Moss

Albert H. Moss, one of the younger farmers of Pleasant View township, is comfortably established in his life work and has proven highly successful in agricultural and business affairs. He was born on the farm where he now lives, April 2, 1881, and is a son of William and Henrietta (Delbridge) Moss. The father was born in Germany, June 23, 1832, and came to America at the age of fifteen years, settling in Macon county when conditions were quite different from what they are today. He has lived to see Decatur grow from a small village to a beautiful and flourishing city. The mother of our subject is also a native of Germany, born February 14, 1844. At the time of the Civil war the father was drafted into the army but his services being required at home he procured a substitute. He and his wife now make their home in Blue Mound. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom live and make their homes in Pleasant View township : Elizabeth, the wife of John Short ; Fred ; August ; Emma, the wife of Lewis Reis ; and Albert H.

The subject of this review was educated in the district schools and as he grew up became thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm work. At twenty-three years of age he was married and has still continued upon his father's farm, which consists of four hundred and eighty acres and of which he rents one hundred acres on section 17, Pleasant View township. He is a large corn grower and, being a man of good judgment and great industry, has been very successful in all of his undertakings.

On the 21st of December, 1904, Mr. Moss was united in mariage to Miss Bertha Botoner, a native of Christian county, Illinois, born February 5, 1883, and a daughter of William and Margaret (Short) Botoner. Her father, who was born in Washington, D. C, April 10, i860, came to this state and here he died May 15, 1904, being buried in Hall cemetery, near Blue Mound. The mother was born in Sedalia, Missouri, September 23, 1862, and she is now living in Blue Mound. Three children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Botoner: Bertha, now Mrs. Moss; May, the wife of Rolland Davidson, of Pleasant View township; and Myrtle, now living with her mother. The two grandfathers of Mrs. Moss served in the Union army during the Civil war- Henry Botoner and William Short, - both of whom proved to be valiant soldiers for a noble cause. One child, Opal Lolita, born June II, 1908, has come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Moss. This child is a representative of the fifth generation, now living, of the same family - a statement which can be made of very few families of the United States.

Mr. Moss gives his adherence to the democratic party and socially is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and the Woodmen of the World. Although he was reared in the German Lutheran church, he is now a member of the Alethodist church, as is also his wife. He is a representative of the class of self-made men "who combine steadfast purpose and excellent executive ability. Such men generally succeed in what they undertake and are respected by their neighbors and the entire community. The offspring of an excellent family, he has worthily upheld its reputation and today ranks as one of the substantial citizens of Macon county.

George W. Eaton

Among the soldiers of the Civil war now living in Decatur, the name of George W. Eaton is worthy of an honored place. He is living retired after a long life of activity and usefulness, three years of which were devoted to the service of his country. He was born in Washington county, Missouri June 4, 1831, and is the son of Lazarus Eaton, who was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, April II, 1793. His mother was Lydia Bugg, who was born in 1796 and the parents were married September 18, 181 5, in Haywood county, North Carolina. The father, who was a farmer, came to Perry county, Illinois, and here he departed this life August 22, 1872. The mother was called away November 10, 1863. Our subject's paternal grandfather was Abraham Eaton, also a native of Rowan county, North Carolina, while his Grandfather Bugg was a native of North Carolina and emigrated to Missouri in the early times, ending his days there. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lazarus Eaton: Henry, born October 10, 1816; William L., born December 7, 1818; Isaac M., born September 3, 1820; Lazarus N., born August 22, 1822; John B, born

July 18, 1824; Nancy J., born December 24, 1826; Eliza A., born March 8, 1829; an infant, born November 3, 1834, who died at birth; and Andrew J., born February 9, 1837. The children of this family were all born in Washington county, Missouri, and our subject is the only one now living-.

George W. Eaton had little opportunity for education in his boyhood, being reared under the most primitive pioneer conditions, and he therefore has received his instruction in the great school of experience. At sixteen years of age he began working on his father's farm in Perry county, Illinois and lateri was in the employ of farmers in that region, until 1855, when he was married and engaged in farming on his own account until 1862.

On August 1, 1862, at Duquoin, Illinois, Mr. Eaton enlisted in Company A, Eighty-First Illinois Infantry, under Captain James P. Cowan, to fight for the cause of the Union. The regiment was organized in Jackson county, Illinois, and mustered into service August 5, 1862, for a period of three years. Our subject became sergeant of his company and participated in many battles and numberless skirmishes. He was present at the battles of Raymond and Jackson, Mississippi, Champion's Hill, Black River and the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted from May 18 to July 4, 1863, and was almost one continuous battle. Going home on a furlough of thirty days, he rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg and took part in the Red River expedition, which was one of the important movements of the Army of the West. Later he went with his command to Memphis, Tennessee, and was present at the Guntown fight. The regiment was ordered to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and made the trip on steamboats up the Missouri river to Jefferson City in pursuit of the rebel General Price and on this expedition did considerable fighting. Returning to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, the regiment went down the river to Nashville, Tennessee, and was in the great battle near that city. Near the close of the war Sergeant Eaton went as far south as Mobile, Alabama. He returned to Montgomery, Alabama, and remained in that city for a month after Lee's surrender, to assist in maintaining peace. From that city the regiment went across the country to Vicksburg, where it was mustered out of service August 5, 1865. Sergeant Eaton drew his pay at Chicago after his return home. He was three times wounded, first at the battle of Vicksburg, where his hip was dislocated by a fragment from an exploded shell. He was also shot in the head and in the arm.

On March 15, 1855, in Perry county, Mr. Eaton was married by Squire Henry Brown to Miss Nancy E. Killingsworth, a native of Tennessee, whose parents were of the same state. Six children were born of this union: Mary E., Pleasant F., Alfred S., John H, Minnie and one who died at birth. His wife having been called away, Mr. Eaton was a second time married in Perry county, November 15, 1877, to Mrs. Mary Hurt, who was born in that county, October 6, 1845. She was the daughter of John and Amanda (Baxter) Baldridge, who came from Tennessee and settled in Perry county. Of the children born to the second marriage of Mr. Eaton six are now living: Gertrude E., born August 22, 1878, who is now the wife of John Crossman, of Macon county, and the mother of two children, Helen E. and Virginia; Flora, born August 9, 1880; George R., of Decatur, born November 5, 1882, who married

Elsie Whittaker and has two children, Ruth, deceased, and Ralph; Hershel, of Decatur, born January 17, 1885, who married Veva Clements, and has four children, Helen S., Opal E., Carl E. and Olga; Homer, born January 10, 1887; Leona, born August 18, 1889; and Ruth and Ralph, deceased. The first husband of Mrs. Mary Eaton was James B. Hurt, of Franklin county, Illinois, to whom she was married February 8, 1867, in Perry county. One child, Lizzie V., was the result of that union. She was born October 26, 1867, and is married, being the mother of seven children, Viola, Florence, Forrest, Lucille, Wilbur, Norma and Mildred, all of whom are living.

Mr. Eaton is a member of Dunham Post, No. 141, Grand Army of the Republic, of Decatur, and of the Methodist church. Politically he is in sympathy with the platform of the democratic party, but he often votes independently, being a man of broad mind who admires high character in a candidate even if he be of the opposite party. He is greatly respected by all who know him and as a brave soldier and useful citizen in times of peace he deserves an honorable place in the history of Macon county.

Theodore A. Gardner

Theodore A. Gardner, the owner of a rich and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and twenty acres in Maroa township, derives a gratifying annual income from his farming and stock-raising interests. His birth occurred in Carroll county, Indiana, in 1855, his parents being Thomas and Sarah (Squire) Gardner, both of whom were natives of Butler county, Ohio, where they were reared and married. The father was born in the year 1829, while the mother's birth occurred in 1830. Leaving the Buckeye state, they located in Indiana, where Thomas Gardner purchased a small tract of land and followed farming for six or seven years. In 1858 he came to Illinois, purchasing a farm of sixty acres in De Witt county, where he made his home for eight years. On the expiration of that period, in 1866, he came to Macon county, purchasing and locating upon a quarter section of land just across from the present home place of our subject. There he carried on his agricultural interests continuously and successfully until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to the town of Maroa. Subsequently he took up his abode in Decatur, which city numbers him among its respected residents at the present time. His property holdings embrace three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Macon county and he is widely recognized as a most substantial and representative citizen. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has ably served his fellow townsmen in several minor offices. Unto him and his wife, who passed away in 1904, were born eight children, as follows : S. E., who is a resident of Decatur; Charles, living in this county; Theodore A., of this review; Wilbert, who makes his home in Missouri; Mrs. Lucy Ferrell, of Macon county; and three who died in infancy.

Theodore A. Gardner, who was but three years of age when brought to Illinois by his parents, obtained his education in the schools of this state and has resided within its borders continuously since. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his majority he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, devoting his attention to the cultivation of rented land until 1887. In that year he brought eighty acres of land in Maroa township and has since made an additional purchase of forty acres, so that his farm now embraces one hundred and twenty acres. In connection with the tilling of the soil he also devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, which branch of his business adds materially to his income. He recently purchased an interest in the farm belonging to his mother-in-law and adjoining his home place.

In 1880 Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Julia Cooper, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Cooper, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner now have five children, namely: Earl, who was born in 1890; Josie, born in 1893; Paul, whose birth occurred in 1895; and Linnie and Albert, who were born in the years 1897 and 1900 respectively. They also adopted a daughter, Ina, who is now the wife of Robert Long, of Macon county.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Gardner has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. The cause of education has ever found in him a stanch champion and he has served as a school director. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias at Maroa, while religiously he is identified with the Methodist church. He has made an excellent record for upringht manhood and honorable citizenship and may well be classed with the representative men of the community. »

Oley D. Ash

Oley D. Ash, a progressive and prosperous farmer, is now engaged in operating a rented farm in Harristown township, and his well directed efforts are meeting with most gratifying success. His birth occurred on the 7th of April, 1875, in Harristown township, on the farm which is yet the family homestead and is a son of Josephus and Mary (Powell) Ash. The mother passed away in August, 1904, while the father still survives and resides on the old home farm.

Reared to farm life, the boyhood days of Oley D. Ash were spent under the parental roof, and he acquired a good education in the common schools near his .father's home, which was later supplemented by a six months' course at Brown's Business College at Decatur, Illinois. He also received thorough training in farm work in the fields under his father's direction, and this practical experience, combined with good commercial training, served as an excellent preparation for the conduct of an independent business venture. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he entered the business world on his own account as a renter, and has since carried on general agricultural pursuits in that capacity. At one time he rented both his father's and his father-in-law's farms, and his efforts have been so successful and his interests so carefully managed that in 1910 he was able to purchase a farm of his own, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres in Hickory Point township. It is a valuable property, for which he paid one hundred and eighty-seven and a half dollars per acre and which is now returning to him good rental. He is progressive in his methods and close application and untiring industry are salient elements in his business career.

It was on the 25th of August, 1897, in Harristown, that Mr. Ash was united in marriage to Miss Norma A. Waldorf, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, August 28, 1877. She was a little maiden of six summers when she came to Harristown with her parents, George W. and Lucretia (Brady) Waldorf, and she acquired a good common-school education in the schools of that township. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Harold Peyton, who was born April 25, 1902; and Wayne Waldorf, born April 21, 1904.

Mr. Ash gives his support to the republican party but has never desired nor sought public office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his private business interests. He and his wife hold membership in the Christian church, in the work of which they are both deeply interested, the latter having served as Sunday school teacher for a number of years. Their many excellent traits of heart and mind have made them highly respected and esteemed in the community in which they resided, and they have a large circle of friends who greatly enjoy the warm hospitality of their home. Mr. Ash early learned the lesson that success must be purchased at the price of earnest, well defined labor, and as the years have gone by his record has been one of indefatigable effort, close application and intelligent direction.

Timothy P. Hardbarger

The Civil war was a severe school for a young man in which to receive his introduction to the great world, and yet thousands of the leading citizens of the north and south wore the blue or the gray, and in the camp, on the march or on the battlefield, gained the lessons that nerved them for a successful career in the peaceful vocations of life. Among the men now living in Macon county who saw service on the firing line is Timothy P. Hardbarger. He was then just emerging from boyhood, being but seventeen years of age and one of the young soldiers of the Confederacy, but the impressions at that time made on his mind are as clear as if but of yesterday.

He first opened his eyes to the light of day in Roanoke county, Virginia, February 15, 1848, a son of Henry and Margaret (Kingry) Hardbarger. Henry Hardbarger was a native of Germany and came to America as a boy with his parents, who settled upon a plantation in Roanoke county. He participated as a soldier in the war of 1812. He was twice married and became the father of twenty-one children, the subject of this review being a child of the second marriage and ninth in order of birth in a family of eleven children. Three of his brothers were soldiers of the Confederacy and he himself having been conscripted into the service, became a member of the Nineteenth Virginia Battalion of Light Artillery, which was stationed at the city of Richmond and participated in its defense. He continued in the army until the close of the war, his total period of serving being about twelve months. The state of Virginia suffered tremendously on account of the great armies which devastated it for four long years and even at the present time has scarcely recovered from the vast destruction of property which then took place.

The young soldier, after returning to his old home, decided to seek his fortune under more favorable surroundings, and in 1867 he came to Sangamon county, Illinois, and began to work by the month on a farm. In 1874, having in the meantime become married, he located in Christian county, but at the end of two years removed to Macon county, where he has since been successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising.

In 1869 Mr. Hardbarger returned to familiar scenes in Virginia and on November 12, 1873, was united in marriage to Miss Mary McFall, of Roanoke county. His wife accompanied him on his return westward the following year and has been to him in all the vicissitudes that have followed, a constant encouragement and a never- failing source of strength. Eight children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hardbarger. Minnie, who married James Hacky, now resides in Logan county and is the mother of six children; Blanche, who became the wife of Herbert French, lives in Macon county and has four children; Bessie Maude, now residing in Arkansas, married Thomas Wilson and has four children; Oscar, the fourth member of the family, is employed by the month at farm labor; Clyde, who married Miss Lena Henderson, is living in Decatur and is the father of two children; Cleveland died at the age of twelve years; John married Grace Markwell; May became the wife of Charles Schott, of Harristown, this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Hardbarger are both consistent members of the Christian church and their home is noted for its hospitality and good cheer. He has all his life been a stanch democrat, but has found it necessary to devote his attention to his large family rather than to use his energies in the excitement of the political campaign. While laboring to become independent in life, he has not been unmindful of his duties as a good citizen, and, as the result of a kindness of heart and consideration for- others, which are prominent characteristics in his career, he has always been accorded the respect and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances.

John Funk

Ohio has contributed to Illinois many of her sons who have assisted nobly in building up the permanent interests of the state and added greatly to the material prosperity. Among those who deserve honorable mention is John Funk who first saw the light of day on a farm in Hocking county, Ohio, and is now the fortunate owner of a well improved farm of two hundred and forty acres on sections 35 and 2, South Macon township, Macon county. On the paternal side he is a descendant of Teutonic ancestry, his great-grandfather coming to America from Germany before the Revolutionary war and settling in Pennsylvania, at which time the country westward was largely unknown and occupied by Indians and a few adventurous white men who lived by hunting and trapping. The great-grandfather took an active part in the Revolutionary war and was captain of the company with which his three sons were connected. The two eldest were in the ranks and the next youngest son, being too young to be accepted as a volunteer, served as teamster, in which position he performed efficient service in behalf of the colonies. According to the story which has been handed down by the family, the great-grandfather had the honor of moving the household goods of George Washington and his family when the "father of his country" made the trip from Mount Vernon to the national capital to become the first president of the United States. It is said that the entire party at one of the resting points en route to the capital ate their dinner on a log, General Washington gracefully presiding as the host of the occasion. The great-grandfather was a minister of the Dunkard church and a man of considerable prominence in his day.

The parents of our subject, Abraham and Martha Funk, were natives of Ohio. The family emigrated to Illinois in 1863 and came to Macon county, where the father in 1864 bought the land which became the homestead. This was then raw prairie and required a great deal of labor to reduce it to productiveness. The father continued on the farm for many years and was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, departing this life December 21, 1891, at the age of eighty-three. In 1865 he erected the family residence and also a commodious barn and since that time many improvements have been made, so that the farm has become one of the valuable properties of the township. The beloved mother was called to her final rest in the seventy-third year of her age, passing away January 22, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Funk were typical of the men and women who form the basis of the republic and embody the elements that contribute most to the advancement and prosperity of our civilization. The father was a man of great industry, strong common sense and unimpeachable character. He was a good husband and a kind father and won the respect of the entire community of which he was an honored member for nearly thirty years.

The youngest in a family of ten children, John Funk was educated in the district schools and from his earliest recollection has been identified with the farm on which he was born. After the death of his father he purchased the interests of the other heirs and by the application of sound principles has been highly successful in his agricultural and stock-raising operations.

In 1878 Mr. Funk was united in marriage to Miss Adaline King, a daughter of Daniel and Elvira King, of Shelby county, this state, in whose family were nine children. She was born July 21, 1855. One son has come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Funk, Rufus H., who was born November 3, 1883, and was married November 15, 1905, to Miss Nannie Black. She was born May 6, 1884, a daughter of Robert and Susanna E. Black, natives of Illinois and Ohio respectively.

Mr. Funk since arriving at voting age has exercised the right of casting his ballot independently of any party and therefore he votes according to the conditions or necessities of the times. He cast his first ballot for Peter Cooper for president of the United States and is at present a strong advocate of prohibition, believing that one of the greatest dangers that threaten the country is the general use of alcoholic liquors. Mr. Funk inherited many of the traits of his father and has good business ability, a strong will and a stable character, the last being of great practical benefit to him on more than one occasion. His friends have found that he is straightforward, earnest and conscientious and may always be depended upon to do exactly as he promises. No higher commendation could be pronounced upon any man.

Richard E. Oliver

Among the valiant defenders of the Union in the Civil war who have attained deserved success as farmers in Macon county is Richard E. Oliver, whose farm burg, Sangamon county, Illinois, February n, 1840, a son of Burrell and Maria is on section 19, Harristown township. He was born in the village of Mechanics- Oliver. His father was a distiller by occupation but he quit the business and removed to a farm where he engaged successfully as an agriculturist.

The subject of this review was educated in the common schools and assisted his father upon the farm, continuing there until twenty-one years of age, when in 1862 he proffered his services to his country and enlisted in Company H, Seventy-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served with great credit until the close of the war. He engaged in many battles, the first of which was at Perryville, Kentucky, while he was a new recruit, this being a severe test for a young soldier, but he soon learned to stand in the firing line and to participate boldly in the charge. He was in the battles of Stone River, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, Lexington, Kentucky, and in many lesser engagements, learning lessons of patience and devotion to duty which have been of the greatest value to him during all the years that have elapsed since the close of the dreadful conflict. In June, 1865, he was honorably discharged from the service and, reentering the pursuits of peace, continued as a farmer in Sangamon county until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he came to Blue Mound township, Macon county, where he farmed for seventeen years. He next engaged upon a farm north of Niantic, continuing for twelve years, and on March 27, 1898, removed to his present home. He has brought his farm to a high state of cultivation and occupies a comfortable, well appointed residence which, with the evidences of foresight and good judgment to be seen in other parts of the farm, is a fair index of the thoughtful attention he bestows upon his business.

On May 9, 1867, at Decatur, this state, Mr. Oliver was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Kitch, a daughter of Frederick and Sarah Jane (Ryan) Kitch. Three children have blessed their union : Lewis Edward, who was married in Harristown, March 12, 1906, to Miss Eva Miller, of Niantic township, and is the father of two children, Margaret Rebecca and Helen; Pierce M., who married Maggie Gumner and is the father of three children, Verne, Clarence and Hallie A. ; Robert E., who married Miss Rose Warburton, of Harristown township, and has three children, Merle, Dorothy and Robert.

On September 21, 1908, the angel of death visited the household and called away the beloved wife and mother who for forty-one years had been an inspiration and support to her husband. Her remains were interred in Long Point cemetery. She was an earnest and sincere follower of the great Master and an active member of the Christian church. Mr. Oliver holds membership in the same church and is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of Harristown. Politically he is identified with the republican party and cast his first ballot in 1868 for U. S. Grant for president of the United States. His sons are supporters of the same party. Mr. Oliver has never aspired to public office but served for nine years with great acceptance to the entire community upon the board of school directors. As a faithful soldier he gained an education not laid down in the curriculum of any school or college - an education which has been one of the controlling elements of his life. It taught him courage, fidelity to every trust, confidence in the success of any worthy undertaking and gave him an insight into human nature which is so important in interpreting the actions of others. As an upright citizen Mr. Oliver has creditably performed his part and he is justly held in high esteem by all who know him.

Samuel Hugh Proctor

It would be difficult to name any branch of business pertaining to the farm that is of more importance to the permanency of agricultural interests than the breeding of live-stock. The improvement of the breed, whether of horses, cattle, sheep or hogs, is one of the great studies of modern times - in fact it marks an era in civilization, for it has been observed that as civilization moves forward, the higher bred farm animals come into evidence, and never was this fact more evident than in the first decade of the twentieth century. Among the successful breeders of horses in Macon county is Samuel H. Proctor, the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this review.

His eyes first opened to the light of day in this county, May, 10, 1868. He is a son of Hugh and Dorcas (Smith) Proctor, the former a native of Lancashire county, England, and the latter of Belleville, Illinois, where she was born in 1826. Hugh Proctor, at ten years of age came to America with his parents, who settled in Monroe county, this state. At the age of sixteen he was deprived of both parents by death. This was indeed a heavy blow and at first almost overwhelming, but at that time he was young and the world looked bright and cheerful. He succeeded in finding a friend in a farmer of Monroe county and he made his home with him for five years, at the end of which time, having reached manhood, his friend presented him with a horse, bridle and saddle as a capital with which to begin life for himself. After a few years he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land, which he cleared himself, and turned his attention to the breeding and rearing of Green Mountain Morgan horses, which he exhibited at fairs in different parts of the state and which won for him many prizes. In 1865 Mr. Proctor came to Macon county and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land which became the family homestead, and there he carried on general farming and stock-raising until he retired to Decatur in 1893. Mr. Proctor, as a result of his study of social and political conditions, became a prohibitionist thirty years ago and always adhered strictly to that party. There were twelve children in his family, the subject of this review being the eleventh in order of birth.

Samuel H. Proctor was reared upon the farm and received his education in the common schools, remaining at home until 1893, when he went to Kansas, where he lived for three years and engaged in buying and feeding live stock and in breeding race horses and pure bred cattle. In 1896 he returned to Macon county and lived for two years on a farm formerly occupied by his grandfather, at the end of which time he went to Crowley, Louisiana, and engaged in rice farming, operating four hundred acres for fourteen months. However, he came to the conclusion that Macon county presented more favorable inducements than he had seen elsewhere and he once more returned to his native county and has since lived upon his father's farm. Here he has charge of three hundred and twenty acres of land and is engaged in breeding standard bred horses and has attained the success to which he is entitled, having given the subject many years of study, so that the beautiful animals raised under his supervision represent in an important degree the result of the most careful thought along scientific lines.

In 1895 Mr. Proctor was united in marriage to Miss Ada L. Miller, a daughter of John and Charlotte Miller of this state. She was born in 1877 an^ was the third child of the family of five children. Mrs. Proctor departed this life May 29, 1908. She was a member of the Presbyterian church of Shady Grove and a woman of most estimable character, a faithful wife and a devoted mother, whose memory is reverenced by all who knew her. She was the mother of two children: Charlotte Dorcas, born December 27, 1896; and Hugh Miller, born April 26, 1903.

Mr. Proctor is a supporter of the democratic party, believing that the principles of this party represent in a higher degree than those of any other, the teachings upon which the American republic is founded. He is a public-spirited man and always favors reasonable plans for the advancement of the township or county, recognizing that eternal vigilance is as necessary in local affairs as in national.

Clinton W. Higgins

Clinton W. Higgins, who is a well known and highly respected citizen of Niantic, Illinois, was born in the village of Burlington, near Cincinnati, Ohio August 29, 185 1, a son of William and Maria (Randall) Higgins. The father was a carpenter and a native of Cincinnati and the mother was born in the same house in which our subject first opened his eyes to the light of day. About 1854 the family removed to Rockport, Indiana, where the father soon afterward died, leaving a wife and two children, a son and daughter. The latter grew to maturity and departed this life at the age of twenty-one years. In 1858 the mother took up her residence at Bethel, Morgan county, this state, where she had a brother who built her a residence. However, after about a year's residence in this county she was married to James Mansfield and four children were born to them, two of whom, James and Clara Luella, died in infancy. Nelson A. Mansfield, who was born March 30, 1861, was educated in the common schools and began early as a farmer upon rented land. At the age of nineteen he was married to Miss Catharine Dingman. He was identified with the mercantile business as a clerk for some years, but later became a landowner in Niantic township and finally entered the grain business, in which he accumulated considerable wealth. He also became interested in the grain elevator business and was one of the successful men in the community. Accompanied by his wife and two friends, Mr. Farris and his son, he was riding in an automobile when the vehicle was struck by an interurban electric car and Mrs. Mansfield was instantly killed, while her husband was injured so seriously that he died three days later. Charles A. Mansfield was also born in Morgan county and educated in the common schools. He came with his mother to Macon county in 1878, the father having died before this time, and here he engaged with marked success in agricultural pursuits and became the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres in Niantic township. He was never married and departed this life at the age of thirty-one. The stepfather of our subject had been married previous to his union with Mrs. Higgins. His first wife was a Miss McDaniel and she was the mother of five children: William H., who died at the age of forty-five or fifty years ; Alexander, who married Miss Kate Goodpaster and became quite wealthy, dying at Pueblo, Colorado; Susan Jane, now Mrs. C. H. Finson ; Sarah E., deceased ; and Melissa E., the wife of J. E. York, of Springfield, Illinois.

Clinton W. Higgins came to Morgan county with his mother after her second marriage and here he was educated in the public schools, and at seventeen began working for himself. After arriving at twenty-one or twenty-two years of age he left the farm and began working in shops and also in the railway service.

On August 28, 1894, in Wills county, Illinois, where he was working at the time, Mr. Higgins married Miss Nancy E. Noel, who was bom in Effingham county, Illinois, a daughter of Paul and Sarah (Rowlands) Noel. Her parents came to Champaign county during her infancy and later moved to Chicago, but finally settled in Piatt county, Illinois, where they continued until their death. Soon after his marriage Mr. Higgins came to Niantic township, where he lived for a few months and then removed to Decatur. He became an employe of Pratt & Company, but has since returned to Niantic, where he now resides. The mother of Mr. Higgins departed this life at his home August 12, 1908, having reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. She was a woman possessing many excellent qualities that greatly endeared her to her children and friends.

Mr. Higgins and his wife were reared in the faith of the Christian church, in which she has long held membership, but of which he did not become a member until 1909, since which time he has been an active worker, lending his assistance to every good cause with which the church is identified. He has been a lifelong democrat and is a stanch supporter of the party, accepting its principles as the best basis yet enunciated for the perpetuation of the republic. He is a valued member of Niantic Lodge, No. 318, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has filled all the chairs in this lodge, and among the brethren as well as in the community generally, he has many friends who are acquainted with his honorable career and esteem him as one of the useful and worthy citizens of this region.

William Jostes

The owner of two hundred and forty acres of good Macon county land, William Jostes may justly be designated among the prosperous citizens of Illinois. He was born in Blue Mound township, this county, September 28, 1869, and is a son of Henry and Julia (Shoop) Jostes. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in March, 1838, and came to this country, settling in Macon county, Illinois, where he was for many years closely identified with farming interests. He was a valiant soldier of the Union at the time of the Civil war, serving in the Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry until after the surrender of General Lee. The mother was born in Macon county in 1841 surrounded by pioneer conditions. She was educated in a rude log schoolhouse and in her childhood was often awakened from sleep by the howling of wolves in the neighboring forest. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Jostes, of whom the following are now living: Emma, the wife of William Fedderman, of Shelby county, this state; William, our subject; Mary, the wife of Richard Dorsey, of Christian county; Frederick, of Pleasant View township, Macon county ; Lena, the wife of Frank Phillips, of Macon ; and Lilly and Effie, at home.