Decatur Township (part 5 of 46)

After his marriage Robert D. Wilson located upon a farm in Mount Zion township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until after the Civil war was inaugurated. On the 9th of August, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infantry under Colonel N. W. Tupper. The regiment was organized at Camp Macon and on the 8th of November went to ilemphis, Tennessee, where with his company Mr. AVilson participated in the battles of ^'icksburg, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post and Youngs Point. The regiment worked on Grant's canal all durinij the winter and the boys suffered much from sickness there. On the 19th of June. iW\v in the assault on Mcksburg, Mr. Wilson was shot throusjli the right arm and lay in the hospital fur two weeks. Ifewas then granted a furlough, which he spent at home, but soon he rejoined his regiment at Camp Sherman, \'ickshurg, when there were but three of his company remaining there, the others having been taken prisoners. He was afterward in the battles of Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and Dallas and was with Sherman on the march to the sea. On one occasion he was severely wounded by the concussion of a torpedo, a piece of which struck his heel. .Vfter Lee's surrender the regiment went to ^^'ashington and ])articipated in the grand review in the capital city, where wave after wave of baj'onetcrested I)luc passed by the reviewing stand. At Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Wilson was mustered out, receiving an honorable discharge on the 7th of June, 1865.

Returning to his home Air. ^Vilson resumed farming and engaged in the tilling of the soil in Mount Zion township until tS86, when on account of ill health he removed witli his family to Decatur, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred January 30, 1901. lie held several minor offices in the township, but was never an aspirant for political preferment. In politics he was a Republican. He belonged to Thomas White Post, G. A. R., of Mount Zion, and thus maintained pleasant relatii:)ns with his old army comrades. Both he and his wife were consistent luembers of the First Methodist Episcopal church and Mrs. Wilson is still deeply interested in its work. She resides in a fine residence at No. 960 Cleveland avenue, in Riverside. It is one of the most attractive homes in that part of the city and was built by her husband.

very wide acquaintance here. He was brave in the face of danger, fearless in the defense nt his honest conx'ictions, straightforward ill all his dealings and in all life's relations was an honorable gentleman, his sterling traits endearing him to iiis niaiiv friends as well as to his immediate family. As a ])ioneer citizen, as a veteran soldier and as one of the most respected residents of Macon county, he is well deserving of mention in this volume. It was in his home, however, that his best nature shone forth, his kindly spirit being most strongly manifested in his relations with wife and children.

Charles Adlai Ewing

Charles Adlai Ewing was born November 3, 1846, in Morganfield, Kentucky, the son of Fielding X. and .Sarah Ann (Powers) Ewing. The family removed to Bloomington, Illinois, in 1849, to Chicago in 1859, and to Decatur in 1S64. Mr. Ewing was one of the pujiils at the Chicago University during his residence there, was graduated from Princeton in 1867, and from the All)aii\' Law School in 1870. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Decatur.

On the 15th of June, 187T, he was united in marriage to Mary Giselle Palmer, of Albany, New York, and to them were born seven childr,en : Fielding Palmer, who died at the age of one month; Mrs. Marian Oldham; Belle Adlai, who died at one year; Charles Adlai, Jr. ; Giselle E. F., deceased ; Emma and Eugenia. Mr. Ewing was from boyhood an earnest Presbyterian and was for many years a trustee of the church, doing a great deal toward the erection of the new church building.

During the last administration of Governor Oglesby he was appointed by the governor on a commission to revise the revenue laws of the state. " This commis- sion, composed of some of the ablest men of the state, with the late 2^1ilton Hay as chairman, formulated a revenue code which was pronounced by the press and the thinking public to be the best adapted to the requirements of the state of anj' that had ever been presented to an Illinois legislature for adoption. That the legislature failed to enact the new code into law is probably the best commentar}^ on its excellence. Mr. Ewing always referred to this piece of public work with pride and satisfaction."

He was always a Democrat and from the first one of the most prominent workers of the sound money Democrac)^ In the conference in Chicago in August, 1895, in the direction of the literary bureau for the education of the voters and as the chairman of the state committee he worked early and late. During the campaign he made many speeches throughout the state, the last one being the Saturday before election at Peoria, where he was taken ill. He returned home and was able to be driven to the polls on election day^his fiftieth anniversary - and cast his vote. He was not considered seriously ill but death came to him suddenly on the morning of November 6, 1896. One who knew him well throughout the fifty years of his life wrote these words concerning him : " If the life of Mr. Ewing were measured by intellectual attainment, by purity of purpose, by number of friends, by acquisition of wealth, by acts of kindness and deeds of patriotism, then the fifty years just passed have been ample to round out into full measure the perfect station of manlj' power and beauty. From infancy to death there was ever a hallowed atmosphere about his very presence. Cradled in the lap of a home life which was ideal in its many perfections, his youth furnished choice companionship for the )-oung and old. Charming of manner, genuinely witty, considerate and tender, strong and courageous, always honorable, loving excellence for its own sake and not for that of emulation. These were characteristics which belonged to him naturally and which enabled him to move through the arena of an active professional career with calm poise and forceful accomplishment of honest and wise purpose.

" All these qualities of mind and heart were necessary to the great lawyer and the splendid citizen and Mr. Ewing possessed them in that high degree which enabled him to successfully champion individual rights and rescue an imperilled country from the most insidious and imminent danger that has threatened it since secession drove the great Douglas to proclaim that there were but two parties, namely, those for the Union and those against the Union.

" It may be that his absorbing concern for the triumph and the honor of his country in the recent election, for which triumph he lavishly gave of his time, of his money and of his eloquence, may have caused the apparent sacrifice of this noble life. Byron in his address to the Greeks, said ' The tomb where freedom weeps can never ha\e been too prematurely reached by its inmate, such martyrdom is blessed indeed. What higher fortune can ambition court?'

" The bar has lost from its ranks a great lawyer, the state a great citizen, and the country at large a stanch patriot, but the good that he accomplished is enduring and is ours to enjoy."

GEORGE W. DRURY, M. D. Dr. George W. Drury, a successful practicing physician of Decatur, was born upon a farm in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1853. his parents being George W. and Penelope (Evans) Drury. The father, a native of Ohio, came at an early day to Illinois, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of

Morgan county, his first home being in the vicinity of Jacksonville. There he engaged in general farming and at the close of his active business career he removed to Forsyth, Macon county, where he lived retired until called to his final rest at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His wife died in the same place at the age of seventy-two years. They reared a family of six children, of whom four are now living: Josiah, a resident of Cla}^ Center, Kansas ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Harrison Duncan, of Forsyth ; George W., and Charles, who makes his home in Springfield, Illinois.

In his youth George W. Drury came to Macon county, being only about five years of. age when his father established his home in Maroa township, Macon county. There he was reared upon the home farm and in early life he attended what was known as the old Center Ridge school. Afterward he continued his studies in the public schools of Forsyth and tlien when he had acquired a good literary education he took up the study of medicine with the intention of making its practice his life work. He became a student in the ^lissouri Medical College, in which he was graduated in the class of 1882, after which he established his office in Forsyth, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Oreana, where he was associated with Dr. A. ]\IcBridge in the drug business for three years in connection with the practice of medicine. Coming to Decatur he remained for two years and during one year of that time was county physician. He afterward practiced in Forsyth for eight years, but in 1897 again came to Decatur, w-hcre he has since remained, having now a pleasant office at No. 224 North Main street. While he is well versed in the practice of his profession in all departments he is now making a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the heart, lungs and kidneys. He has informed himself particularly well along these lines and his skill is of a superior order. He now has a large private practice and he has also been medical examiner for several insurance companies, including the Manhattan Life Insurance Company, of which he has acted as examiner for the last three years.

In 1879 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Lehman, a daughter of Henry Lehman of Forsyth. After her death he w-as again married, his second union being with Daisy Bixler, a daughter of Andrew Bixler, also of Forsyth. Fraternally he has been connected with the Knights of l'}-thias Lodge from the age of twenty-two years, having joined the order in Coeur de Lion Lodge of Decatur. Lie was instrumental in the organization of the lodge at Oreana and later became a member of Forsyth Lodge, with which he is still affiliated. His political support is generally given to the Democracy, but he votes for men rather than for party. In his profession he has steadily advanced along lines demanding strong mentality, close application and conscientious purpose. His zeal and devotion in his work are noticeable features in his career and have contributed in large measure to his success.

Henry A. Shettel

Sound judgment combined with fine ability in mechanical lines has enabled the subject of this biography, a well known resident of Warrensburg, Illinois, to make for himself a place among the leading business men of that place. Here he follows blacksmithing and also deals in agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, etc., and has built up a good trade which is constantly increasing.

nati\es of that state, wlicre their ancestors located at an early day in its history. The father was born in Conewago township, York county, in 1844, and was engaged in blacksmithing at Faustown for some time. Our subject received a good practical education in the common schools of his native place, where he was a student until he attained his majority, though in the meantime he had started upon his business career, working two years in a dynamite manufactory on the Susquehanna river near Mt. Wolf. After leaving school he assisted in the construction of the oil lines from West A'irginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, being thus employed for eight months. During the following two months he worked on his father's farm, and then went to ]\Iiddlebury, Indiana, where he spent one month.

About this time his father w^as killed while felling a tree and Mr. Shettel returned home and had charge of the farm for one year. It was then sold and he removed with his mother to York, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the Billmire & Small car shops for eight months first as a horseshoer and later as a car builder. In the spring of 1893 he came to Illinois and for four months was employed on a farm near Bearsdale, after which he was on ]\Irs. William Montgomery's stock farm for a few months. He next entered the employ of John Barron, a blacksmith of Warrensburg and three j'ears later purchased the shop which he has since conducted with good success. He also ddals in buggies and agricultural implements and in this branch of his business he has also prospered.

Mr. Shettel was married February 21, 1901, to Mrs. Verna (Taggart) Keister, who was born January 13, 1868, a daughter of Harrison and Margaret J. (Hanks) Taggart, of mini township, where she was educated in the public school. This union has been blessed with one child, Catherine, born October 6, 1902. Mr. .Shettel owns a nice hiime and business location and the success that lie has achieved is certainly well merited, being due entirely to his own industrious efforts and good management. He is a good reliable business man, and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability have elected him alderman of the second ward, whicli ofiice he is now filling. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican part}', and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 17, of Decatur.

Robert Faries

ROBERT FARIES. Robert Faries was born in Shelby county, Ohio, March 4, 1837. He lived on a farm near Middletown, Ohio, from the age of six to eighteen years, going to school nearly all the year round until the age of ten, after which he went in the winter time only. Having shown a mechanical bent by making many playthings, such as wagons, sleds, etc., and culminating in a working stationary steam engine and boiler, complete in every detail, it was decided that he should learn the machinist's trade and to that end he got work in the old Madison Railroad shop at Indianapolis, Indiana, remaining there and at the shops of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Railroad until the spring of 1859, when he went with a party across the plains to Colorado, known then as Pike's Peak, starting about the middle of March and going from St. Joseph, Missouri, by oxteams. They arrived at a little cluster of sod-covered log cabins, called Denver city the 2ist of June, remaining in this vicinity until fall, when he joined a blacksmith in a trip to Taos, New IMexico, going with some Mexican teamsters who had brought up a load of flour and were going back emptv. They stayed there until March, i860, when they went back to the mines. Having tried mining at first without much success, he made his living and other ex-

In the fall of i8()0, with a company of others, who like himself, had failed to make a fortune in the short time that they had been in this new country, anil had concluded that it would never amount to any- - thing anyway, he wont back to what they were in the habit of calling "The States." Arriving in St. Jiiseph late in October fiat broke, he worked in a livery stable for a few weeks and later as an engineer in a ])laning mill. Business was dull in consequence of the political excitement which had ju.st culminated in the election of .Abraham Lincoln to the presidency of the United States. The mill shut down and he went back to Indianapolis, working for small wages in a machine shop through the winter. He enlisted in the fore part of Ma»-ch in Company II, Eleventh Indiana \'olunteers for three months. Lew Wallace, colonel. After seeing some pretty rough service in Alaryland and X'irginia, the company was mustered out of service at Indianapolis, in July, after nearly four months' service. While most of his company re-enlisted for the three years' service he had become too deaf to hear the word of command and went to work again in the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Railroad shops, where he remained most of the time during the war.

In 1864-5 he invented and patented a cast iron steam boiler similar to some of those that are used now for steam and hot water heating, but as this manner of heating had not come into use at that time, he had little other use for it than to generate steam for steam engines. Me built several of these boilers and ]nit them into use in different places and at first they seemed to promise success and he got some good testimonials from the users of them. But later they developed some faults that caused their failure. He had sent out one of these boilers to Decatur for the use of the new firm of dreoly & l!rodt, who vvere starting a furniture factory on Mason street (now Wabash avenue) in the building which is now used for the Hard Plaster factory.

This brought him to Decatur in the spring of 1866. His boiler and this firm soon failing, he got a position with the Central Iron Works (now Union Works) who, together with mill and elevator work, built steam engines. He set uj) the engines they sold and worked in the sho]) l)etween times, lie remained with them about three vcars. He then, in 1870, went to work as fori'man of the machine department of the Decatur .\gricultural Works, where he remained until it went out of business in 1872. He got permission to ])ut up a small engine here and run ])art of the machinery on ])lovv and other farm machine repair work. In- pa\'iiig a per cent of the income as rent for the use of building and tools. This arrangement lasted only about one year when Chaml)crs & Quinlan bought the property and -Mr. Paries worked for them for about another year. In 1875 he bought the W'ilson r>oiler shop, which is now a part of the Decatur Novelty ^\'orks on Morgan and Williams streets, and. bringing the plow rcjiair work with him, did general plow, machinery and boiler repair business and sheet iron work. In 1877 he took William L.'Oakes into partnership with him in this business and in 1881 sold out his interest to Mr. Oakes. He then put a small engine and a lathe into the basement of his residence and did some special machine work in the winter and spring of 1882. In the spring and summer of this year he built the nucleus of the present Paries Manufacturing Company's plant and continued the manufacture of special machinery such as box fastener, hog-ring and checkrower wire making machines. During the winter and. spring of 1883 he made some checkrower wire for the firm of Kaylor, McClelland 6v: Pishcr and having found that there was more money to be made by running machinery than in making it for others he continued to do this and has gradually worked into a manufacturing business, the chief of which has been checkrower wire. This got him into a patent law-suit, which lasted for over twelve years, costing a great deal of work, worry and money, and although he lost in the lower courts and finally compromised by paying a considerable sum, it was not all loss for the suit tended to deter others from going into the business in competition with him. In 1890 he built the first addition to the factory and among other improvements put in an electric lighting plant and in putting up fixtures for holding the lamps he devised an adjustable bracket for shifting and holding the lamp where put. He had before this been doing considerable brass work in the way of store window display fixtures and working lamp fixtures in with these and by continually adding to them, the company has worked up a very large electric and gas fixture business. Most of this fixture business has been worked up since the business was incorporated in 1894. Since the beginning twenty years ago, Mr. Faries and the Fades Manufacturing Company have made several important special machines, the chief of which are automatic checkrower wire machines and machines for spinning lamp shades.

A couple of years ago, 1900, Mr. Faries got up a little device for automatically tripping of a camera shutter and which he calls an "Autopoze," by the use of which the photographer is enabled to take his own picture, or include himself in "the group." While this is of not much importance in an}^ way, a good many amateurs, and especially tourists, find satisfaction in the use of it. By putting themselves in the picture they can prove that "they were there."

In September, 1901, Mr. Faries, in company with others, started the Decatur Refrigerator & Manufacturing Company, but as factories are to be written up separately little need be said about this here.

Mr. Faries was married in Ohio in 1867 to Lena Bender. He has two daughters and one son, all grown up and the daughters married. Mr. Faries says he was born and raised a Democrat and has always been one, but as the party of that name has always been on the wrong side of the issue ever since he has been of the voting age he has always voted the Republican ticket.

John Crocker

The name of John Crocker is a familiar one in grain and banking circles throughout the state and Maroa owes much of its business activity and consequent prosperity to his'efforts and enterprise. The enterprising spirit of the west, which has led to the rapid development of this section of the country, is perhaps his strongest characteristic.

Mr. Crocker is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred in \''andalia, in 1857, his parents being John H. and Louisa V. (Philbrook) Crocker, who are mentioned on another page of this volume. The family removing to Maroa during the early boyhood of our subject, he was educated in the public schools of this city until he had mastered the common branches of learning, after which he continued his studies in Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois. Later he became a student in Dartmouth College, at Hanover, New Hampshire, in the class of 1881. On his return to Maroa, he joined his father in the banking business and in the grain trade. This association was continued until the death of the father, February 10, 1890, since which time John Crocker has continued in the conduct of extensive and important interests. He is a member of the firm of Crocker & Company, bankers, one of the soundest financial institu- tions of this part of the state, its safe, conservative poUcy recommending it to the confidence and patronage of the pubHc. He is also the president of the Crocker Elevator Company and has become widely known as one of the extensive grain dealers of the state, the company owning six different plants in Macon county. The business furnishes an excellent market to the grain producers and at the same time yields a very desirable profit to the stockholders of the company.

Every interest or enterprise calculated to prove of benefit to Maroa or promote the welfare and prosperity of the city elicits his attention and ofttimes receives his hearty co-operation and substantial assistance. He is the president of the Maroa Electric Light Company and also of the People's Telephone Company, both enterprises of value to the general public as well as to the individual stockholders. His ability as an organizer is one of the strong elements of success. He is quick to note opportunity and to secure the co-operation of others in the successful control of important undertakings, and he not only forms his plans readily but is determined in carrying them forward to successful completion.

On the 20th of December, 1893, Mr. Crocker was united in marriage to Miss Arabella Baird, a daughter of Peter Baird, and unto Ihem have been born four children : Ruth Baird, now eight years of age ; John H. and Joan P., twins ; and Thomas W., who completes the family. Socially Mr. Crocker is connected with the Masonic Lodge of Maroa and has taken more advanced degrees in the order in Decatur and Chicago, being now a well known representative of the craft, whose tenets and teachings he exemplifies in his relations with his fellowmen. In his political views and affiliations he is a Republican, and the regard in which he is held by the party and by his fellow citizens is indicated bj' the fact that he was elected to the office of mayor upon the death of his father, who was then filling the position. He gives his personal supervision to the extensive and important business interests with which he is connected, but he has never allowed this to interfere with his duties of citizenship or to bias his relations with his fellow men. With a keen appreciation for upright character, he numbers his friends among all classes and is himself honored and respected bv all who know him.

JAiMES W. CARTER. \\'hether the elements of success in life are innate attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development it is impossible to clearly determine. Yet the study of a successful life is none the less profitable by reason of the existence of this uncertainty, and in the majority of cases it is found that exceptional abilit}% supplemented by close application and earnest purpose, forms the real secret of success which so many have envied. This is certainly true of James W. Carter, who is now cashier and office manager of the Decatur Coal Company and also is connected with other important interests here. Mr. Carter is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in .Sullivan, Moultrie county, on the 5th of June, 1861. His parents were Charles A. and Polly Ann (Waggoner) Carter, who were also natives of Moultrie county. The paternal grandfather of our subject was James K. Carter, a native of Culpeper, Virginia, who in early life removed to Moultrie comity, becoming identified with its agricultural interests. There he spent some time but finally removed to Decatur, where he lived until his death, in 1874, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty years. His political support was given to the Whig party and he was a leading and influential resideiU of the coiiimunily in which he long made his home. His wife belonged to an old Kentucky family. They had three sons, Charles A.; James W. and Henry H. ; and five daughters: Nancy .\., Emeline, Frances, -Mar}' and Martha.

Charles A. Carter, the father of our subject, was born at the old homestead in Moultrie county and reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life there. After attaining his majority he was for some years engaged in the hardware business in Sullivan and in 1863 he removed to Decatur, where he continued in the same line of trade for a number of years. He then left Illinois for the far west, settling in Fresno, California, in 1880. There he still makes his home. His political support is given to the Republican party and the qualities of his manhood are .such as command for him the respect and admiration of those with whom he is brought in contact. In early manhood he wedded Miss Polly Ann Waggoner, who was born in Moultrie county, but her people came to Illinois from North Carolina.

To the public school system of Decatur James W. Carter is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He entered upon his business career in connection with the hardware trade, having charge of Iiis father's store during the latter's illness, covering a period of five and a half years. He showed excellent business ability in taking up this work and controlling the affairs of the enterprise. In 1878 he entered the em- ])loy of Overmej'er & Kaufman, who were engaged in the fire insurance business. For several months Mr. Carter was also bookkeeper for Peter Loeb, a well known foundryman, and for three years was bookkeeper in the Union Iron Works. He afterward again spent six months in the service of Mr. Loeb and then became bookkeeper in the Chicago agricultural implement house of George D. Haworth. Again coming to Decatur he accepted the position of bookkeeper for P.. Z. Taylor in the linseed oil mill, where he remained for eighteen months, and in 1885 he invested his capital in the Decatur Coal Company, of which he has since been the cashier and office manager. He is also the secretary of the Decatur Milling Company and is director in the Savings b^md & Building Association, with which he has been associated in this manner since 1891. He has also had charge of his father's business interests in Illinois during the latter's residence in California. A man of keen insight he readily comprehends business situations and utilizes the means at hand to the best advantage.

On the 28th of June, 1882, Mr. Carter married Miss Idora J. Patterson, a daughter of William F. and Melinda (Travis) Patterson. Their children are Ralph M., who is now a student in the medical department of the State University at Champaign, Illinois ; Neil T., who died at the age of two years and eight months; and Alma Lois, at home.

Mr. Carter is a popular and exemplary representative of various fraternal organizations. He belongs to Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P. ; W. C. Roe Camp, No. 7201, M. W. A. ; and in November, 1890, was made a Mason in Decatur, joining Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., of \vhich he is a past master. He has also taken the Royal Arch degree, belongs to Decatur Council, No. 16, R. & S. M., and to Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He is true and loyal to the teachings of the craft and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit. He belongs to the First Baptist church of Decatur, in which he is now serving as deacon. His loyalty to the best interests of the community has been manifested in many ways. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen and his labors have advanced the material progress and prosperity, the intellectual development and the moral advancement of Decatur.

John Ii. Crocker

The name of Crocker has been long, intimately and honorably associated with llic history of Alaroa, its development and substantia! progress, and father and sons have left an indelible impress upon the city and its advancement. He whose name introduces this review was actixely associated with business affairs here and his own upright career added new luster to an untarnished family record.

John H. Crocker was born in Derry, New Hampshije, on the 9th of July, 1829, a son of John and Mary Neal (Pillsbury) Crocker. His father was one of tlie first settlers of Man)a and the city owes its substantial upbuilding in no degree to one man as much as it does to John Crocker, who not only located here when Maroa was an embryo \illage but served as the first station agent, the first postmaster and was the first banker and the first lumber and grain merchant. He realized that business possibilities existed here and improved them. He made the most of his opportunities and in so doing he became one of the builders and promoters of Maroa and contributed in large measure to its progress. He was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church lure, became one of its first elders and contributed generously to its support, while taking a hel]iful part in its work in other ways. He died in the year 1879, respected by all who knew him. His name should be inscribed on the roll of pioneers of Macon county and he should ever be held in grateful remembrance by the residents of the town, who are now enjoying the results of his labors. He came of Scotch-Irish descent, tracing his ancestry back to colonial times, and since that period the Crockers have had marked influence in making history in the various communities in which they have resided.

John H. Crocker, whose name introduces this record, supplemented his early educational jirivileges by pursuing a com'se of study in Illinois College, at Jacksonville, Illinois, and later he engaged in teaching school for two years. He then studied civil engineering and was then engaged in that line of business in connection with the Illinois Central Railroad until 1857, and with the Cairo & ImiUou Railroad from 1857 until the war broke out. He was known as a loval advocate of the Union but he could not enlist on account of his health. However, he rendered valuable aid to his country by engineering the erection of the breastworks at P)irds Point and he was also inspector of cotton in Tennessee. Following the close of the war Mr. Crocker turned his attention to the grain and lumber business and later he joined his father in the lumber business. In these connections he became widelv known as a representative of the trade interests in Maroa, and the extent of his operations made him one of the leading merchants and financiers here. He prospered in his undertakings because his judgment was rarely at fault and because he ])ossessed a large share of that energy which is the foundation of all success.

( )n the 23d of January, 1853, Mr. Crocker was united in marriage 'to Miss Louisa P. Philbrook, a daughter of Seth and Margaret (Ward) Philbrook. She was born in Granville, Ohio, and was educated in the seminary at that place. Her father was a farmer by occupation and removed with his family from the Bucke/e state to Yandalia, Illinois, where he lived until 1865. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were born seven children, of whom four are living: George L., of Springfield. Illinois, who married Elizabeth Grimes and has two children: John, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work ; Margaret Philbrook, wife of Dr. McLean ; .\nna Louise, the wife of W. FI. Black, of Decatur: and three that died in infancy. Mrs. Crocker now has an adopted daughter, Elsie .Mav, who lives at home. She is a grad-

In his political views Mr. Crocker was an earnest Republican and served as the first mayor of Alaroa. In matters of citizenship he was ever found on the side of advancement and he labored for the future as well as the present welfare of the city in which he so long made his home. He was chosen to represent his district in the legislature, and when concerned with the affairs of the same showed the same loyalty to the .public good that he manifested in his home town. A strong temperance man, he ad\ocated the cause both by precept and example and labored untiringly to secure the abolition of the liquor evils. He belonged to the Royal Templars and served as supreme counselor. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic lodge and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His Christian faith w-as indicated by his membership in the Presbj^terian church and was exemplified in his daily life. His wife shared with him in his interest in the church and its work, she being also a member and thus in this as in many other things their relation was a most congenial one and their married life was fraught with much happiness. In the year 1890 Mr. Crocker was called to his final rest. He had started out in life empty handed, having nothing save a good education as the foundation upon which to build, but he achieved both character and fortune, leaving to his family a handsome competence and an honored name. Worthy of emulation is his life record and honored is his memory. The world is better for his having lived and Maroa especiallj' benefited by his efforts in her behalf.

Reuben Betzer

REUBEN BETZER. The object of this volume is to preserve an authentic record, as far as possible, of the lives and deeds of those who have assisted in the upbuilding of the varied interests of Macon county. The rank that a city or county holds very largely depends upon the achievements of its citizens. Some add to its reputation by elificient public service, some by professional skill, some by increasing its manufacturing or commercial interests and some by cultivating and improving its lands. To give a faithful account of the lives of old settlers and representative citizens of a community is to write its history in its truest sense. Mr. Betzer was for long years associated with agricultural interests and his last days were spent in retirement from business cares in a pleasant home in Decatur. It would be difficult to find a man who had higher regard from his friends than did Mr. Betzer and this was because of a life that manifested many admirable qualities and sterling traits of character. He became a resident of Macon county in the year 1865.

He was born in Ross count}% Ohio, his natal day being July 5, 1824, and his parents were William and Margaret (Harvey) Betzer. His father was born in New Jersey and his mother in Pennsylvania and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom Reuben was the seventh in order of birth. It was in the year 1810 that William Betzer removed to Ohio and two j'^ears later he offered his services to the government in defense of this country in the second war with England. After his return from the army he located in Ross county, Ohio, where both he and his wife spent their last days and their children have also passed away.

Reuben Betzer had the usual experiences and advantages of a farmer boy. He worked in the fields and meadows through his youth and after arriving at years of maturity he determined to follow the occupation to which he had been reared. He was a young man of twenty-five years, when he settled upon a farm near the old homestead in Ross county, there remaining until after his father's death. He received from his father a tract of land, as did the other sons, while the daughters of the household received an equivalent in money to the sum of one thousand dollars. Desiring a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Betz'er was joined in Wedlock on the 31st of December, 1848, to Miss Sarah Evans. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 9, 1826, and her parents were John and Sarah (Miller) Evans, who were also natives of Ohio. The mother died during the girlhood days of her daughter and Mrs. Betzer was then reared by relatives near Circlcville, Pickaway county, Ohio. Her father, however, continued to engage in farming in Ross county throughout his life and at length passed away there.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Betzer took his bride to his farm and there they resided continuously until 1865, when, believing that he might have still better business opportunities in a district farther west, he came to Macon county, arriving here in 1865. He took up his abode on a farm in Whitmore township, six miles northeast of Decatur and first purchased two hundred and fifteen acres of land. There he began making improvements and afterward purchased more land, adding to his place from time to time until he had a tract of three hundred and twenty-five acres. He was progressive in his farming methods, active, industrious and honorable in his, business career, but after residing upon his farm for a few years he decided to rent the land and remove to Decatur, where he enjoyed rest from further labor. He was a man to whom indolence and idleness were utterly foreign and although he retired from farm life business interests of a different character claimed his attention to a considerable degree. He was a lover of stock and engaged to some extent in stock-raising. He also worked at the carpenter's trade and aided in building many of the bridges near Decatur. In 1867 he erected a residence now occupied by his widow. On account of his health he traveled to a considerable extent, frequently spending the winter months in the south. In the summer of 1892 he visited California and at different times went to other places of interest in the country, visiting its scenes of beauty and many of its historic places, gaining thereby the culture and knowledge which only travel can bring.

.Mr. and ^Irs. Betzer had no children of their own but gave homes to two of their nieces: Efifie A. came to them at the age of thirteen years and remained with them until her marriage to .\mos F. Imboden, a policeman of Decatur. The}' now reside at No. 1243 North Edwards street. Another niece, ;\Iaria L. Evans, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Betzer from her seventh to her twentyfirst year and then became the wife of Frank Spillman, a hardware merchant of Macon, but both are now deceased.

During the winter of 1895-6, while going from his house to his bam, Mr. Betzer slipped on the ice, sustaining a severe injury. He was carried to his bed and there he suffered for several weeks, his injury combined with other causes, leading to his death on the i8th of .March, 1896. His remains were interred in the beautiful Greenwood cemetery of Decatur. He was never an active politician in the sense of office seeking and yet after removing to the city of Decatur he served as supervisor for one year, being elected on the Democratic ticket, whose principles he al'v».ys endorsed. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of this city and he took an active and helpful part in church work, while Mrs. Betzer supplemented his labors in this regard by her own zeal in the work. He left his widow in very comfortable circumstances. She now owns a nice home at No. 358 East Williams street and in addi-

Mr. Betzer was a self-made man and his possessions were obtained through earnest, indefatigable effort. He watched closely his opportunities for business advancement and by the utilization of these and by his perseverance and diligence he gained a handsome competence. He won, too, an honorable name in business circles for he was always straightforward in every trade transaction. He had many friends in Decatur and Macon county who still cherish his memory and no history of this localit}^ would be complete without the record of his life, for during thirty-one years he lived in the county and in many ways assisted in its progress and promotion. He was always deeply interested in whatever pertained to its welfare and was known as a public spirited citizen.

Dr. A\"illiam R. Boggs, who is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in ]\Iacon, Illinois, was born on the 23d of Jilarch, 1854, in Noble county, (Jhio. his parents being Alexander and Mary A. (Thompson) Boggs. His father was also a native of Ohio, born near Mount Vernon, Richland county, March 22, 1827. and was a son of Reuben Boggs, whose birth occurred in A'irginia in 1800. In early life the latter married Miss Ellenor Marquiss, and from the Old Dominion they removed to Ohio, being among the first settlers at St. Clairsville. The grandfather of our subject died at Sharon, Ohio, in 1884, at the age of eighty-four years.

Alexander Boggs was reared and educated in the county of his nativity and when a young man removed from there to Noble county. Ohio, where he engaged in farming and stock-dealing throughout the remainder of his lifu. .\bout 1849 lie wedded ^Miss Mary A. Thompson, who was born at St. Andrews, New Brunswick, March 15, 1832. Her parents, Robert and Isabel (}k[cDonald) Thompson, were natives of Ireland, where the former was born in 1800. On coming to the United States he stopped first at Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1835 removed to Noble county, Ohio. By occupation he was also a farmer. He died in iam R., of this review: John, a farmer of 1875 and his wife passed away in 1874. Unto Alexander and Mary A. (Thompson) Boggs were born eight children, namely : Robert T., who was a physician at Bloomington, Indiana, and died in 1881, when about thirty years of age ; Reuben, who died of scarlet fever in infancy ; Will- Caldwell, Ohio ; James Mac, who died in infancy: Clement, who follows farming near Caldwell, Ohio ; Lena, wife of W. O. Keith, who resides at ^^'arsaw, and is engaged in merchandising at that place : and Elmer F., a clothier of Salem, Indiana. The father of this family departed this life in May, 1894, and the mother died in Alarch, 1889.

Dr. Boggs received his early education in the- common schools of Caldwell, Ohio, and later attended the Northern Indiana Normal School, preparing for a medical course which he intended to take. After leaving that institution in 1875, he engaged in teaching school for about five years and then entered the Kentucky School of iledicine at Louisville, Kentucky, wdiere he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1883. He was engaged in the practice of his profession at Keith, Ohio, until 1890, and the following year came to Macon, Illinois, where he purchased the home, office and practice of Dr. R. Tobey, who began practice here in 1869. Dr. Boggs has since improved the property and has gradually extended his practice until it is now quite large and profitable. He has the largest general library, as well as the larg- est collection ui medical works, in central Illinois, and derives much pleasure as well as profit from his books. In 1892 he took a post graduate course at the Chicago Policlinic and is a progressive member of his profession, keeping abreast with the latest discoveries and theories by his perusal of medical journals.

At Caldwell, Ohio, in 1875, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Barclay, a daughter of Adam and Mattie (Miller) Barclay. Her father was born in Ireland in 1826 but when a child was brought to this country and settled in Caldwell, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He made farming his life work. Dr. and ^Irs. Boggs have one child, Ola, who was graduated at Knox College, Galesburg. Illinois, and has since taken special work at the University of Chicago. She is now at home with her parents. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which the wife and daughter arc memljcrs, and the Doctor is connected with South Macon Lodge, i\o. 467, A. F. & A. M., and Beacon Lodge, K. P., both of Macon. He is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to the subordinate lodge. No. 466 and the encamjiment, No. 245, of Keith, Ohio. In the line of his profession he holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Illinois Medical Society, the District Medical Society and the Decatur Medical Society. He is local surgeon for the Illinois Central Railroad Company and examining physician for many of the old line insurance companies. Pleasant and genial in manner he makes many friends and has the happy faculty of being able to retain them.

of Illinois. In the long line of the illustrious men of whom the state is justly jiroud the public life of few others has extended over as long a period as his and certainly the life of none has been more xaried in service, more constant in honor, more fearless in conduct and more stainless in reputation, lie is the Nestor of the Decatur bar, having engaged in practice since August, 1844, while since June, 1857, he has been a representative of the legal fraternity of this city. Upon the bench, too, he has won high honors and no resident of Decatur is more worthy of mention in this volume than Judge William E. Nelson.

The Judge is a native of Tennessee, born in AVhite county on the 4th of June, 1824. In the paternal line he comes of Irisli lineage, but the family was established in \'irginia at an early day in the history of this country. John Nelson, the grandfather of the Judge, was born in the Old Doininion and at the time of the Revolutionary war joined the colonists and aided in the struggle for independence, serving until victory crowned the American army and the Republic was established. He was a millwright and also the owner of a mill, and throughout his business career followed these pursuits. Removing to Tennessee, he spent his last days in Overton county, where he passed away at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His son, Richard Nelson, was born in Tennessee and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Eliza .McCampbell, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a daughter of Andrew .McCampbell. Her father was born in the land of hills and heather and after his marriage in that country he removed to Ireland, where he made his home until he sailed for the new world. Taking up his residence in Virginia he remained there until his removal to Tennessee and he, too, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, valiantly aiding the colonists in their attempt to win freedom from Briti.sh oppres- sion. Becoming a resident of Tennessee he carried on farming in Knox county and there died at the age of seventy-five years. Richard Nelson, the father of the Judge, was an attorney and engaged in practice in Sparta, Tennessee, from the time of his marriage until 1846, when he removed to Carrollton, Mississippi, where he spent his remaining days. Prominent i-n public affairs he left the impress of his individuality upon public thought and action and aided in large measure in shaping the policy of the states, in which he made his home. He was a member of the constitutional convention which formed the organic law of Tennessee and for many years he filled the position of judge of the probate court in Mississippi, and his knowledge of the law was broad and comprehensive and his clientage was ever of an important and distinctively representative character. His death occurred in 1865 when he was in his sixty-fifth year, and his wife passed away in Carrollton, Mississippi, when more than ninety years of age. They were both members of the Presbyterian church and to them were born five sons and three daughters, the surviving members of the family being William E. ; Mary F., w'-'o is the wife of Charles N. Scott, of Carrollton, Mississippi; and Emily, the wife of James M. ^loore, of College Cily, California.

Reared to manhood in the comity of his nativity, William E. Nelson pursued his literary education there, being a student in the subscription schools, for at that time the public school system had not been established. When sixteen years of age he took up the study of law with his father as his preceptor and in August, 1844, when twenty years of age he was admitted to the bar. Joining his father in practice he was for some years connected with the legal interests of White county and the adjoining circuit and his prowess as a lawyer was tested in the conduct of trials where he was opposed to many older and more experienced lawyers. However, he proved his skill and capability and successfully handled many intricate problems of jurisprudence. Continuing in practice in White county, Tennessee, until June, 1857, he then removed to Decatur, which was a small town but seemed to have a good future before it. Here Judge Nelson opened his law office and has since been a representative of the l)ar, covering a period of forty-six years. In the preparation of his cases he was always thorough and exhaustive. He seemed almost to intuitively grasp the strong points of law and fact and his reasoning thereon was presented so cogently and unanswerably as to leave no doubt as to the correctness of his views or of his conclusions. No detail seemed to escape him and every point was given its due prominence while the case was argued with such skill, ability and power that he seldom failed to gain the verdict desired.

It is a noticeable fact that the lawyer figures more prominently in public affairs than does the representative of any other class of business activity. The reason for this is evident and needs no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the sj)here of his profession and which touch the general interests of state. Judge Nelson is a man who has brought keen discernment and thorough wisdom to bear not alone in professional paths, but also for the benefit of the city and state which have so long been his home and with whose interests he has been so thoroughly identified. He was apipointed by the governor as one of a committee for the revisal of the statutes and in 1870 he was elected a member of the twenty-seventh general assembly of Illinois, which convened immediately after the adoption of the constitution. He served throughout all the repeated sessions of that long assembl}- and left the impress of lii.s iiulividuality upon tlie measures adopted by that body. To each question which came up for settlement he gave earnest and careful consideration and never failed in his allegiance to a course which he believed would contribute to the welfare of the entire state. After his retirement from that office he was chosen by popular suffrage to the position of circuit judge of the fourteenth circuit of Illinois and was upon that bench for one term. Later he was elected county judge of Macon county and by reelection was continued in the office for four years. On the bench he was the very embodiment of judicial dignity. He was ever courteous and considerate and never tried to win cheap applause at the expense of an inexperienced attorney or overwrought witness. A man of unimpeachable character, of unusual intellectual endowments, with a thorough understanding of the law, patience, urbanity and industry. Judge Nelson took to the bench the very highest qualifications for this most responsible office in the system of the state government ; and his record as a judge has been in harmony with his record as a man and lawj'er, distinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every i)roblcm that has presented itself for solution.

Ere leaving his native state Judge Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Snodgrass, a daughter of Colonel James and Margaret (McKinney) Snodgrass, who were residents of White county, Tennessee. This wedding was solemnized on the 26th of February, 1846, and the Judge and his wife became parents of five children, namely: Margaret Eliza, James Ridley, Theodore, Flora and Richard, but with the exception of Theodore, all died in infancy. Theodore Nelson has become a prominent figure in political circles in Chicago, Illinois, and has been honored with political preferment there. He married Augusta A.

lUainc. a daughter of John R. Blaine, of Decatur, and they have one child, Mary Lena. Mrs. Nelson was a most estimable lady whose life was in consistent harmony with her membership in the church of Christ. She died in November, 1876, at the age of forty-seven years, respected by all who knew her. In June, 1889, the Judge was again married, at which date Mrs. Lucy H. Montgomery became his wife. She was the widow of John T. Montgomery and a daughter of Judge Jeptha G. Hollingsworth, of Elkton, Todd county, Kentucky.

The Judge is quite prominent in Masonic circles, holding membership with Macon Lodge No. 8, F. & A. M. ; Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Comniandery. No. 9, K. T. He also belongs to the Christian church and has been deeply interested in the moral advancement of the community. His political support has ever been given to the Democratic party and it has been upon this ticket that he has been elected lo ])ulilic office. In local positions, political and otherwise, he has served his fellow townsmen most capably and acceptably and Decatur owes much to his cooperation in its behalf. In his private life he is distinguished by all that marks the true gentleman. His is a noble character, one that subordinates personal ambition to public good and seeks rather the benefit of others than the aggrandizement of self. Endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which we add the discipline and embellishments of culture, his is a most attractive personality and in Decatur, where he has so long made his home, he is numbered among the most honored citizens, receiving the respect and regard of people of all classes.

Henry C. Mowry

HENRY C. MOWRY. Henry C. Mowry, a prominent citizen of Forsyth, now living a retired life, was born on the 1st of March, 1835, in Smithfield,

Providence county, Rhode Island, in a liouse that liad been tlie home of his ancestors for three generations back. He is of French, EiigHsli and Welsh descent and is a representative of old and honored colonial families. His father, Asa Mowry, was also born at the old homestead in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and in early life followed the cooper's trade but later turned his attention to the practice of law and met with excellent success in his undertakings. When a young man he married Miss Louisa Johnson, also a native of Rhode Island and a daughter of George W. Johnson, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years. Asa Mowry died in May, 1841, and his wife who long survived him, passed away on the 24th of July, 1883. They were members of the Society of Friends and were most estimable people. In their family were five children, of whom one died in - infancy, the others being Abbie, who is still living in the east ; Henry C, of this sketch ; Enos, who died in October, 1863 ; and Edward M., a stone cutter by trade, who died in 1894 in Rhode Island.

During his boyhood Henry C. Mowry received a good practical education at the East Greenwich Academy. He was only seven years of age when his father died and when still quite young began work in the cotton mills of his native state, receiving seventyfive cents per week in compensation for his service. By the time he was sixteen he had thoroughly mastered the business and was appointed overseer of the Smithfield Mills, with from thirty to sixty operatives under his charge. Resigning his position in 1855, he engaged in clerking in a clothing store for a time and was afterward, employed in a lumberyard until the Civil war broke out.

Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sumter's guns died away when Mr. Mowry offered his services to the government, enlisting on the 17th of April, 1861, in Company K, First Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry, as sergeant. This was the first regiment of which General Burnsides had charge and was the third to enter Washington. Our subject participated in the famous battle of Bull Run and the engagements at Roanoke, Newbury and Fredericksburg, and was once slightly wounded in the left leg by a spent ball. He received an honorable discharge in 1863, at which time he was acting as lieutenant of his company though never commissioned.

After his return home Mr. Mowry accepted a position as mail agent on the Providence & Worcester Railroad, to which he had been appointed previous to his enlistment, and he continued to serve in that capacity until coming west in 1867. He located at Forsyth, jMacon county, Illinois, where he erected an elevator, cribs and office, and was engaged in the grain business at this place until 1869, when he removed to Mattoon, Illinois. There he carried on the same business for the firm of Day, Sprague & Company, of Providence, Rhode Island, having entire charge of their western department, and in 1874 he changed his headquarters from Mattoon to Decatur. Four years later he returned to Forsyth, where he continued in the grain trade until 1896 when he sold out his business and has since lived retired, having already acquired a comfortable competence which will enable him to spend the remainder of his life in ease and quiet.

On the 2d of August, 1872, at St. Louis, Missouri, 'Sir. Mowry was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Flood, a daughter of Dennis and Elizabeth (Fletcher) Flood, both now deceased. She has one brother living, Henry Flood, who makes his home in the state of Washington. Mrs. Mowry was educated at Alt. Zion Academy, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children : Albert E. and Alfred H., but ilic latter died at the age of six years. Albert E. Alowry attended the public schools of this county and later entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, where he was graduated in 1898 with the degree of M. D. In April of I hat year he enlisted as assistant surgeon in a regiment of Illinois cavalry for service in the Spanish-.American war and remained with his command until hostilities ceased. He tlien returned to Chicago, where he opened an office and has since engaged in the practice of his profession with marked success. He makes a specialty of surgery and already ranks high in medical circles. On the 29th of July, 1901, heniarried Miss Ruth Lehman, one of the popular young ladies of Macon county, who was reared in Decatur and educated in the high school of that city. Her father was Jacob Lehman, who died of heart disease July 21, 1902. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served three years. His wife, who survives him, bore the maiden name of Catharine Weaver, and now lives on the home farm in this county. Dr. Mowry and his wife have a little daughter, Marian.

Since attaining his majority our subject has taken quite an active and prominent part in public affairs and in 1858 was elected on the Democratic ticket to the state legislature of Rhode Island. For several terms he filled the office of supervisor of Hickory Point township this county and has been actively identified with school interests. He is now independent in politics but still retains his interest in public matters. He is a member of the Unitarian church and for many years has been prominent in Sundayschool work, serving as superintendent at Forsyth. He joined the Masonic order at W'oonsocket. Rhode Island, in 1865, and at present is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Donald Post, No. 141, of J.'"orsyth. For three years he served as secretary of the State Grain Dealers" Association and in June, 1903, was elected its president, which position he is now filling in a most creditable manner. He does considerable writing for eastern papers. His public and private life are alike above reproach, for his career has been one characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty, and his genial, pleasant manner, has made him quite popular in business, social and political circles.

Samuel Powers

^Vhen Decatur was a village upon a w-ild western prairie Samuel Powers established liis home here and for many years remained a resident of this city. Its advancement and growth were the source of deep interest to him and he belonged to that class of progressive and typical .American men who are never so engrossed with their own affairs - however extensive - that they cannot aid in measures for the general good. Decatur classed him with its leading men and benefited by his efforts in her behalf. -At the same time he found in the business opportunities of the growing west the advantages he sought and by the improvement of these he worked his way steadily upward to a commanding position in financial circles.

Mr. Powers was a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Saratoga county on the i8th of May, 1816. He lived through the center of the world's greatest ])rogress and advancement along commercial and educational lines. In New England at a very early day the Powers family was established. The paternal grandfather of our subject was reared in Connecticut and William Powers, the father, was there born. He spent the days of his youth in Bridgeport, that state, at the homo of Colonel St.

John, whom his motlier married after the death of her first liusband. She bore the maiden name of Abigail Hendricks and was likewise a native of Connecticut and of Scotch and English lineage. William Powers devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits for some time after his marriage, carrying on general farming and stock-raising. He made his home in Saratoga county, New York, when it was a new and unsettled district and when it required two or three weeks to make a journey by sloop down the Hudson river to New York city. He died in the prime of life, passing away at the comparatively early age of forty-two years.

Samuel Powers of this review was then a lad of eight summers. His youth was passed in the county of his nativity, while his time was devoted to farm work and to attendance at the district schools. He pursued his studies during the cold season when it was impossible to engage in farm labor, but with the early spring planting he took his place in the fields and there worked until after crops were harvested in the late autumn. He was but fourteen years of age when the management of the home farm fell upon him and he continued its cultivation until he attained his majority when the property was sold.

Mr. Powers then determined to go to Alabama, where his brothers were successfully engaged in business, one of them being a prominent commission merchant and exchange agent in the city of Mobile. Samuel Powers, therefore, made his way to Tuscaloosa, where his brother Orlando Powers was conducting a mercantile establishment, but he found that commercial life was not congenial to him as he needed the freedom of outdoor occupations. His taste and inclination was decidedly in favor of agricultural pursuits and he determined to come to Illinois, for its broad prairies ofifcred excellent opportunities to the farmer and stock-raiser. Accordingly in company with his next elder brother, George Powers, he made the journey from Alabama through Tennessee and Kentucky to Illinois. They traveled on horseback and crossed the Ohio river at Shawneetown, reaching Decatur in July, 1839. The traveler of to-day who visits this city with its extensive industrial and commercial interests, its splendid advantages and its beautiful homes would see no point of resemblance to the little village which greeted the sight of Mr. Powers as he neared the county seat of Macon county. However, with marked foresight he made investments in this part of the state. Several railroads had been surveyed with Decatur as one of the points upon the proposed line and Mr. Powers recognized that the promises for the future were very favorable and found that the little village was destined to become a city of considerable importance. Time proved the wisdom of his opinions.

Mr. Powers and his brother made investments in real estate and though their cash capital consisted of only a few hundred dollars land values were then very low and they were able to acquire a considerable amount of realty. From the time of his arrival in this locality up to the time of his demise Mr. Powers was the owner of a tract of land adjoining the corporation limits of Decatur on the east and Avhich became very valuable owing to the improvements placed upon it and because of the growth of this city. For six months after establishing his home here Mr. Powers carried the mail between Decatur and Homer and also other points in Champaign county. He worked earnestly, indefatigably and energetically and as the result of his labor he had in a few years accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to engage in the stock business on a small scale. Prices, too, for stock were also very low in comparison with the aiuounts given at the present day, hogs sclline for onlv two dollars, while a four-

^Car-old steer bruuglu from eight to ten dollars. Mr. Powers was an excellent judge of stock and made his purchases so judiciously that he was enabled to realize good prolit on his sales. He soon established for himself a reputation for fair dealing and honesty and also for promptly meeting his obligations, which made his name a prominent one in trade circles and also a valuable one upon commercial paper. It was found that when the country became involved in financial panic dealers preferred to sell their stock to Mr. Powers because of his known reliability, all feeling sure that they would receive their money. Throughout his business career he contintied one of the most jironiinent and extensive stock dealers of this portion of the state and it was through this avenue of activity that he won the splendid success which made him a wealthy man of ]\Iacon county. lie did much to improve the grade of stock raised in this section of the state, and was especiall}' well known as abreeder of fine horses, in which regard he gained a national reputation. He was the breeder of some of the best horses that had been seen in America and, by improving the grade raised and thereby advancing prices, his labors were a direct benefit to those engaged in similar enterprises.

On the 3d of March, 1846, Mr. I'owers was united in marriage to Miss Caroline .M. Giles, a native of Massachusetts, and they became the parents of eight children : William, Myra, Carrie, George, Thcron, Frank, Edward and Chauncey. The two oldest children are deceased. The family home is always maintained in Decatur and its representatives have for many decades figured prominently in social as well as business circles.

On attaining his majority Mr. Powers proudly cast his first presidential vote in behalf of the candidate of the Whig party and continued one of its supporters until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, continuing to follow its banners until his death, which occurred February 7, 1885, his remains being interred by the side of his children in Greenwood cemetery. The magnitude and importance of his business interests so occupied his attention that he never cared for political preferment, but he was elected and served as a member of the board of supervisors from Decatur township. Long ere death came to him he rounded the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten and in the evening of life with his mental and physical vigor unimpaired he overcame the customary and usual infirmities and weaknesses of age by active participation in the living issues and events of the day. In his home and in the city of his adoption he was surrounded by a circle of friends who appreciated his true worth and admired and esteemed him for his many excellent traits of character. His name will be honored for many generations as that of one of the most enterprising of the early settlers of Decatur - a man who acted well his part and who lived a w-orthy and upright life.

John W. Crane

JOHN W. CRANE. John W. Crane is well known in the business circles of Decatur, being the district agent of the Aetna Life Insurance Company. He was born on the 8th of January, 1845. in Berea, Ohio. It is believed that the Crane family originated in England. Three brothers of the name came from that country to America and settled in New Jersey. It is to one of these brothers that the subject of this review traces his ancestry. The grandfather, Elihu Crane, was born in New Jersey but spent the greater part of his active business life in Berea, Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. He held membership in the Methodist Epis- copal church and had two sons who became clergymen of the Congregational church. Plis life was ever honorable and active and he passed away at the ripe old age of seventy-six yeaj'S.

R. B. Crane, the father of our subject, was born in Ohio and during a part of his business career was engaged in the manufacture of grindstones and building stones for the Lake Shore «& Michigan Southern Railroad. In 1859 he removed from Ohio to Sedan, Indiana, where he began building a factory for the manufacture of wooden - bowls, but he died in i860 just as the plant was nearing completion. He, too, held membership in the Alethodist Episcopal church, was greatly interested in its work and aided in all possible ways in the development of the church. He was also a trustee of the Baldwin University. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Chaney, was born in Pennsylvania in June, 1820, and is still living, being in the eighty-fourth year of her age. In the family were six children, namely: John W., who is the eldest ; George M. ; Ella, the wife of Albert Buchanan ; R. B., who is a banker of Toledo, Ohio; Charles E., of Ashland, Ohio, and W. H., who is now the postmaster and a merchant at Sedan, Indiana.

At the usual age John W. Crane began his education, becoming a student in the common schools of Berea, Ohio. He there continued his studies until he had completed the high school course with the class of 1861 and later he pursued a course in Oberlin College of Oberlin, Ohio. He then entered a printing office as an apprentice on the Lorain County News, continuing with that paper for seven years. While in college he was converted and was licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal church. He became a minister of that denomination in South Bend, Indiana, and joined the Northwestern Indiana conference. He was afterward stationed at Lake Station, Indiana, and still later at Kewanna, that state. Subsequently he became associate editor of the Indiana Christian Advocate and located in Indianapolis. For some time thereafter he was identified with journalistic work and in March, 1872, he came to Decatur as city editor of the Daily Republican. In the fall of that year he joined the Illinois Methodist Episcopal conference and has acted as pastor of the following charges : Maroa, Oakland, Windsor, Kansas, Nokomis and ]\Ioweaqua, all Illinois towns. In the work of the ministry he produced good results, his influence being of no restricted order. He labored zealously and untiringly, in fact, devoted himself so closely to his work that at length his health failed and he found it necessary to retire from the active ministry. He then purchased the Weekly Mail at Moweaqua, conducting that paper for a short time, and in 1887 he became special agent for the Aetna Life Insurance Company. He has since resided in Decatur and during the past eight years has been district agent for the same company. In 1880 he represented the Indianapolis Journal on the reportorial staft during the session of the general conference of the ^lethodist Episcopal church in that city, reporting the proceedings of the conference. He has also written for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. He is still a member of the Illinois ^lethodist Episcopal conference, holding a superannuated relation and occasionally he supplies a pulpit in the absence of the regular minister.

On the 1st of September, 1870, Mr. Crane was united in marriage to Miss Amanda i\I. Hollett, a daughter of Thomas and Deborah Hollett, and their home has been blessed with three children : Minnie, who is now living in Decatur; Albert, who died at the age of twenty-five years ; and Jesse, who is employed as a stenographer by the Pacific Express Compan}', of Chicago.

Mr. Crane was mailc a Mason in Oakland Lodge of Oakland. Illinois, in 1873, and iuus deep sympathy in that order, which is based upon brotherl\- kindness and helpfulness. Both he and his wife liold membership in the Grace Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and are most deeply interested in its work, doing all they can for the furtherance of its interests. In his business life Mr. Crane is energetic and active and is thoroughly conversant with the multiplicity of details involved in the successful conduct of such a position as he is now filling.

Orville B. Gorin

Respected by all, there is no man in Decatur who occupies a more enviable position than Orville B. Gorin in commercial and financial circles, not alone on account of the success he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He possesses energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his management have brought to him the prosperity which is to-day his. For thirty-seven years he has been connected with the Millikin National Bank, of which he is now the vice-president. This covers almost the entire period of his business career and his success may be attributed in large measure to his persistency of purpose and to the thorough mastery of the work which he undertook as a young man.

Mr. Gorin is numbered among the native sons of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Taylorville, Christian county, on the 25th of January. 1849. His father, Jerome R. Gorin, was a capable lawyer and afterward a distinguished banker of Decatur, whose life work forms an important chapter in the business historv of this citv. The mother l)ore the maiden name of Eleanor E. Fawcctt and was born in Charleston, Virginia, in the year 1820. At an early day she accompanied her step-father, Mr. Walker, to Illinois, the family home being established near old Fort Dearborn in Chicago. In 1845 she became a resident of .MactMi county, to which ])lace Jerome R. Gorin had removed in 1840, first locating in Taylorville. In 1853 he became a resident of Decatur and for many years he bore an important part in the work of promoting business devclo[3mcnt and activity here. He died September I, 1897, full of years and honors, and his wife passed away in 1894. In the family were six children, three sons and three daughters.

Orville B. Gorin was a little lad of only four years when brought by his parents to Decatur, where he has resided continuously since. At the usual age he began his education in the public schools of this city and continued his studies here until he prepared for collegiate work. He then matriculated in Knox College at Galesbiu'g, Illinois, where he remained as a student for some time, broadening his mind and gaining that mental discipline which is so necessary to a successful business career. Upon leaving college he returned to Decatur and soon afterward accepted a position in the private banking institution conducted under the name of James Millikin & Company and from 1865 until the present he has been a representative of this institution, gradually advancing from one position to another until he is to-day one of the strong stockholders and the vice-president of the institution. He became a partner in 1880 and since that time his keen foresight, business discrimination and executive force have proven important factors in the successful conduct of what is now one of the strong financial institutions in the state outside of Chicago. This bank was established by James Millikin and the firm name of J.

Millikiii & Company was assumed in 1866, at which date Jerome R. Gorin was admitted to a partnership. It was in 1880 that the hitter sold his interest to his son, O. B. Gorin, and to Milton Johnson and in turn the latter disposed of his interest to Parke Hammer. Ln October, 1897, the bank was incorporated as the Millikin National Bank, with James Millikin as president; O. B. Gorin, cashier ; and J. M. Brownback, assistant cashier, the latter having become an interested partner in 1896. In 1898 the present officers were elected : James Millikin, president ; O. B. Gorin, vice-president ; J. M. Brownback, cashier ; and S. E. Walker, assistant cashier. In a history of the institution published in the Decatur Daily Herald, the following account of the bank and its methods was given : " During the entire career of the Millikin National Bank it has demonstrated beyond a doubt that it is ably managed and that its affairs are in the hands of time-tried men who weigh well every act and who depart not from the well trodden path of financial safety. All investments are most carefully made and no unnecessary risks are taken, hence the marked favor it enjoys at the hands of many of the most conservative depositors.

" It does a general banking business, loans money on approved commercial paper, issues foreign and domestic exchanges and receives the deposits of the manufacturer, mercliant, farmer and general depositor.

" Since its organization the bank has pursued the way of legitimate and conservative business, its able management avoiding the dangerous shoals upon which many banks have foundered and to-day the IMillikin National Bank stands as solid and firm in the financial world as the most timid and skeptical depositor could possibly desire. It has been held high in the people's estimation for these years because of the unquestionable character of the men at its head and the sufficiency of the capital behind it. riiore is not an officer or director in this bank in whom the people have not the utmost confidence, and as a natural result it has always enjoyed a large patronage.

" This bank is a United States depository. Its present deposits are about three million dollars and loans and discounts are two millions two hundred thousand. Its correspondent banks are the Hanover National Bank and the Winslow, Lanier & Company bank of New York, Merchants' Loan & Trust and First National banks of Chicago. National Bank of Commerce, St. Louis, Merchants' National Bank, Philadelphia, Merchants' National Bank, Cincinnati, besides connections with leading banking houses throughout the United States and Europe."

In 1872 was celebrated the marriage of Orville B. Gorin and Miss Ella McClellan, a daughter of Adminston McClellan, a prominent and influential citizen of Decatur, who served for twenty-eight years in the capacity of clerk of Macon count)'. Unto ^Ir. and ]\irs. Gorin has been born a daughter, Gussie J., who with her parents has enjoyed extensive travel, gaining the culture and knowledge wdiich only travel can bring. The family home is one of the most attractive and beautiful residences of the city and is the center of a cultured society circle.

Mr. Gorin is a prominent Mason, belonging to Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., also to the chapter and to Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. Not to know Orville B. Gorin in Decatur is to argue one's self unknown, for his connection with business and social interests has been so extended that he stands to-day as one of the most prominent men of the city. His interest in his fellow men is sincere and arises from a humanitarian spirit which has prompted his support and co-operation with many movements and enterprises for the general good. He might perhaps have won high political honor, but he has always preferred to devote his energies to his extensive business interests and has been instrumental in winning for the Millikin National Bank a reputation which extends beyond the limits of the state. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world and his activity in financial circles forms no unimportant chapter in the history of Decatur.

John M. Crary

John M. Crary has passed the eightyfifth mile-stone of life's journey. For many years he was connected with agricultural interests in Macon county, but is now living retired at his home in Decatur in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. A venerable citizen of the community, he receives the respect and confidence which should ever be accorded to those who have advanced far on life's journey and whose record is in harmony with all that is honorable and upright in man's relations with his fellow men.

Mr. Crary has the distinction of being born in the year in which the state was admitted to the Union, his natal day being February 4, 1818; his birthplace was the city of New York ; and his parents were John and Martha (Blakcly) Crary. The father was likewise a native of the Empire state and throughout his business career following merchandising, but both he and his wife passed away when their son John was a little lad of only seven years. The subject of this review then made his home among strangers. His privileges and advantages in youth were meager because of his orphan condition. His youth was largely passed in W'ashington county. New York, and at intervals he had the privilege of attending school, but worked for much of the time in the employ of different parties in order that he might provide for his own support. Eventually he became connected with mercantile interests b)' accepting a clerkship in a general store in New York city. The compensation for his labor, however, was very small, although for two years he remained in the store and from his experience there he gained a knowledge of merchandising and of men which proved of value to him in later years.

Believing that the new and growing west would furnish belter opportunities than he could secure in the older east where the population was greater and where there was, therefore, much more competition, he came to Illinois in 1840, locating first near Springfield. There he helped build a saw and flouring mill for John B. Auger and afterward went to iMechanicsburg, Sangamon county, Illinois, where he helped erect another flouring mill. (Jn the completion of this contract he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, which he followed successfully in Sangamon county for several years. It is along this line that his prosperity has been won. The broad prairies of Illinois furnish ample opportunity to the agriculturist, who, if he but improves his advantages, can win success because of the great fertility of the soil. In this state total failures of crops are never known and usually the fields yield in such abundance that annually Illinois furnishes a large amount of the food supply of America.

On leaving Sangamon county Mr. Crary purchased four hundred acres of land in Christian county and began the development of a farm, though at that time the tract was entirely unimproved. Later he sold that property and purchased what was known as the Fullcnwider farm of three hrnidred and fifty acres and to its further devclo])mcnt and cultivation devoted his energies untiringly. He also extended the scope of his labors by dealing in live slock. He made a specialty of the feeding of hogs, cattle and sheep and annually sent to the markets large shipments on which he realized a good financial return. His next purchase of land made him the owner of the John Johnson farm, comprising a quarter section of land, adjoining the city limits of Springfield and this he subsequently sold for one hundred dollars per acre. His money he then invested in three hundred and sixty acres of land which he continued to cultivate and improve, devoting much of tlie farm to pasture lands, whereon he raised a great amount of stock. This farm is located in Illini township, Macon county, and Mr. Crary was actively and continuously connected with general farming and stock-raising interests at this place until 1890. He has also bought and sold other lands, realizing good profit upon his investments and as a stock-dealer he has prospered, his sales annually adding to his income. At length, having acquired a handsome competence, Mr. Crary determined to put aside further business cares to enjoy the fruits of his former toil for he has a capital that supplies him with all the comforts that go to make life worth the living. Since 1891 he has made his home in Decatur.

^T^. Crary has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Elizabeth J. Steel, who was born in the state of Kentucky, and they became the parents of two children : George E., who has departed this life; and Annie E., the wife of Isaac N. Ransom, who resides in Springfield, Illinois. It was in 1863 that Mr. Crary was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 24th of May of that year. For his second wife he chose Eliza Ray, the wedding being celebrated on the 15th of September, 1863. The lady bore the maiden name of Eliza Hill and was born in the city of London, England, where she spent her girlhood days and acquired her education. She came to the United States in 1850 and after the death of her first husband, Thomas Ray, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Crarj-. She is a lady of broad culture, of innate refinement and of warm friendship. She belongs to several social organizations of the city and is deeply interested in church work, her co-operation therein proving an active factor in the development of the moral interests of the community.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Crary hold membership in the Congregational church of Decatur and he has been a liberal contributor to its support. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party in his early manhood and he is one of the few surviving men who voted for William Henry Harrison in 1840. Almost a half century later he voted for the grandson of the Tippecanoe hero, depositing his ballot for Benjamin Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Crary now occupy a very attractive and comfortable home on North Union street in Decatur and there are quietly passing the evening of life. As the day with its morning hope, its noontide of activity and its evening of completed and successful eiifort, so has been the life of Mr. Crary and at all times his has been an honorable and upright career.

WILLIAM A. MELTON, ^I. D. Dr. William Alexander Melton is a skilled physician and surgeon of Warrensburg, Illinois, whose knowledge of the science of medicine is broad and comprehensive, and whose ability in applying its principles to the needs of suflfering humanity has gained him an enviable prestige in professional circles. The Doctor is a native of Kansas, his birth having occurred in Osage county, that state, on the loth of February', 1863, and his parents are William A. and Roxie (Beckes) Melton. The father is now engaged in farming in Garfield county, Okla- honia. In his family are three children: William A., of this review; Mina R., the wife of Z. L. Hess, of lola, Kansas; and Luther T., who married Lulu Partridge and lives in Garfield county, Oklahoma.

Dr. Melton acquired his early education in the district schools near his boyhood home and later attended the Normal School at Paola, Kansas. He was in school during the winter months, while throughout the remainder of the year he worked on the home farm for some time, and later engaged in teaching school for seven years in Shawnee county, Kansas. He began the study of medicine with Dr. W. S. Pickard, of Burlingame, Kansas, and in 1892 entered the Northwestern School of Medicine at Chicago, where he was graduated in the class of 1896. That year he opened an office in Warren?burg, being in partnership with Dr. Allen for a time but is now alone, and he has built up a large and lucrative practice here. ^

In 1898 Dr. Melton was united in marriage to Miss Olive Lehew, who died January I, 1901. She was a native of Warrensburg and a daughter of Spencer and Flora (Stahl) Lehew, the former of French and the latter of German descent. ]\lrs. Lehew is still a resident of Warrensburg.

The Doctor has a well equipped office and in connection has a nice operating room. He is the owner of a fine medical library, laboratory and the latest improved surgical apparatus, and he has not only met with success in a professional way but has also prospered financially, having already acquired a comfortable competence. He gained his start in life by teaching school and through his own well directed efforts he has worked his way upward until he today stands among the leading physicians of Macon county. He is a member of the Decatur Medical Society ; the District Medical Society of Central Illinois; the Illinois State Medical Society, the .\merican Medical Association and the American Association of Life Insurance E.xaminers, being examiner for a number of the leading companies of the country and also for the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Circle. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the ^Masonic (Jrder, and in politics is identified with the Republican party. He is now serving his second term as a member of the town board of trustees. The Doctor is an active worker and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Warrensburg and has been connected with the Young Men's Christian Association, the Epworth League and Christian Endeavor Society. Genial and affable in manner, he makes many friends and is popular both in professional and social circles.