Decatur Township (part 6 of 46)

Frank M. Pratt

FRANK M. PRATT. The business interests of Frank M. Pratt are important and extensive, involving the investment of much ca])ital, demanding keen sagacity, close application and strong business ability in their control and, while he is meeting with splendid success, he also belongs to that class of representative American citizens who are promoting public prosperity by pushing forward the industrial wheels of progress. The day of small undertakings, especially in cities, seems to have passed and the era of gigantic enterprises is upon us. In control of mammoth concerns are men of master minds, of almost limitless ability to guide, of sound judgment and discrimination. Their progressivencss must not only reach the bounds that others have gained, but must even pass beyond into new and broader untried fields of operation ; but an unerring foresight and sagacity must make no mistake by venturing upon uncertain ground. Thus continually growing, a busi- ness takes leadership in its special line and the men who are at its head are deservedly eminent in the world of commerce, occupying a position that commands the respect while its excites the admiration of all. Frank M. Pratt is actively associated with the control of enterprises that are so large as to be national in their character. He is now president of the Pratt Cereal Oil Company and Pratt & Company, of Decatur, and is actively associated with the American Hominy Company, which embraces large industries in various cities throughout the United States.

The life record of Frank M. Pratt began in Litchfield county, Connecticut, January 21, 1853, his birth having occurred on the farm owned and occupied by his father, Enos B. Pratt. The family is of English lineage and at an early epoch in the development and colonization of New England was founded in that portion of America. The paternal grandfather was Martin Pratt, a native of Connecticut, and among his children was Enos B. Piatt. The latter was also a native of the Charter Oak state, born in 1828. Throughout his business career he carried on farming and in the tilling of the soil met with creditable success. For a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Emeline Bierce, who was also born in Connecticut. The family continued to live in that state until 1874, when they came to Decatur, Illinois, and here the father changed his occupation from agricultural to mercantile pursuits, establishing a grocery business'on Franklin street, in which he carried on operations along both wholesale and retail lines. At the same time he engaged in the buying and selling of horses, which he shipped to Connecticut, and for fourteen years he carried on business here, his life's labors being ended in death in 1888. His widow still survives him. making her home in Decatur at the age of seventy-six years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pratt were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, seven of whom are now living, namely : Martin B., who is a prominent merchant and grain dealer; Ralph E., who is engaged in the grain business in Chicago and is vice president of the American Hominy Company, also interested in the feed and oil business and in the Pratt Cereal Oil Company ; Riley E., a leading business man of Buffalo, New York, and manager of the Pratt & Company grain business there ; Nellie, now the wife of George Tucker, of Decatur; Abbie P., who is at home with her mother; and Ada, the wife of Heston I. Baldwin, a member of H. I. Balwin & Company, of Decatur. When a little lad of about six years Frank M. Pratt entered the common schools of his native state and later continued his studies in the home academy. He entered upon his business career as a teacher, being employed in that capacity in the graded schools of Connecticut for two years. On coming to Decatur he engaged in the grocery business with his father and later located in Oreana, Macon county, where he conducted a general store and also engaged in the grain business for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Decatur and entered into partnership ^rith his brother Ralph E. Pratt in the grain business. In 1888 they opened a branch establishment in Chicago and in 1890 another in Buffalo, New York. Riley E. Pratt took charge of the last named. From the time of his return to Decatur Frank M. Pratt's success in business has been uniformly rapid and the enterprises of which he is at the head have assumed mammoth proportions. In 1890 he built the transfer elevator at Decatur, and four years later, in connection with his brother Ralph E. Pratt built a large mill for the manufacture of hominy and cereals, the latter business being consolidated in 1902 with about fourteen different concerns of the middle west engaged in the manufacture of cereals throughout Ohio,

Indiana and Tllinois, under the name of the American Hominy Company, of which Ralph E. Pratt is vice president. Their headquarters are in Chicago and the business is capitahzed for three milHon five hundred thousand dollars. Upon the consolidation of these mills Frank AI. Pratt formed the Pratt Cereal Oil Company, with a capital stock of six hundred thousand dollars, the principal stockholders being himself and brother Ralph E., and they built a large mill for the extraction of corn oil, it having a capacity of six hundred thousand pounds of ground corn and capable of producing sixty thousand pounds of oil per day. The ground corn is taken from the hominy mill and is that part which for a time was looked upon as refuse and regarded as of no value except for feed, but at the present time it is utilized, bringing a good profit. The oil mill was put in full operation in September, 1903, and has become one of the most important industries of central Illinois and of the western states. The Pratt plant of the .American Hominy Company is noted in milling circles as an example of cleanliness, of purity of products and the general excellence of its manufactures. It is cr|uipped with the latest and best improved machinery, having several special features, including steel tanks for storage purposes and immense elevators.

In 1876 Frank M. Pratt was united in marriage to IMiss Marj^ J. Boyer, of Oreana, a daughter of William P)Oyer, one of the prominent old residents of that place. They have two children: JNIrs. Helen G. Vance, who is now a widow and resides in Decatur; and Charles F., who is connected with Pratt & Company, of IDccatur. Wr. Pratt has been prominently identified with both the Decatur Club and the Decatur Country Club. He has served as president of the former and has been vice president of the Country Club since its organization and in the city where he has long made his home

Such in brief is the life history of a man who, by his own energ}', perserverance and indomitable strength of character, has achieved a reputation that entitles him to rank among the leading merchants of the world, due alone to his keen foresight and honesty of i)urpose, and a bright example - to the rising generation of what can be accomplished by untiring energy and attention to business. His success has been truly wondcrfid and due alone to his individual efforts. One of the most active of men, never idle, and keeping his wealth in motion for the interests of the city he lives in, his name in coinniercial circles is a tower of strength and with him there is no such a word as "fail" in anything he undertakes.

John G. Stop.Er

|c)hn (1. Stober, who is a merchant policeman of Decatur, was born November 14, 1846, in the town of Silbcrhausen, in the province of Saxony, Germany. He was a son of Henry and Elizabeth Stober, in whose family were four sons and a daughter, two of whom are yet living in the fatherland. Three of the number emigrated to America and one died here. The father was a dry-goods merchant and by the capal)le conduct of his business aflfairs won a good living for his family.

In the public and parochial schools of his home town John G. Stober was educated and after ])utting aside his text books he received his business training in his father's store, becoming associated with his father and brothers in this enterprisse. At the age of twenty years he was drafted into the regular army of Germany and six weeks after he had joined the service war was declared between I'russia and Austria. Mr. Stober was then called to the front and served for six months, participating in a number of battles, including the engagements at Pressburg, Citgin and Koenigkratz. After the war was over he served for tliree more years. At the end of nine months he was made corporal of his regiment and when two years had passed he was made third sergeant. On the 15th of June, 1869, he received an honorable discharge and again he engaged in business with his father, but on the 15th of June, 1870, he was recalled to the army and participated in the Franco-German war, serving under William I. He fought in four battles - Beaumont, Cravette, Sedan and the siege of Paris, and was present at the time that Napoleon III was taken prisoner. For one year he remained with the army and then was honorably discharged on the 15th of June, 1871, his regiment being stationed at that time at Erfurt.

On again returning home Mr. Stober joined his brothers in business, his father having died in the meantime, his death occurring February 27, 1869, and on the ist of Februar}^ 1882, the mother of our subject passed away.

From 1871 until 1876 Mr. Stober was associated with his brothers in the conduct of a successful mercantile enterprise in his native land, but the opportunities of the new world attracted him and in the latter year he decided to emigrate to the new world.

Bidding adieu to friends and native country he sailed on the 9th of Februar3% 1876, for New York, where in due time he landed. He then made his way across the country to Connersville, Indiana, where he lived for three years and then again started westward, locating at Pocahontas, in Randolph county, -Aikansas. One year was passed there, at the end of which time he returned to Indiana. While on the return trip, however, he passed through Decatur and was greatly impressed with the city and its prospects. The vision of this place remained continually in his mind and in 1883 he returned here to become one of its residents. He was first employed as an engineer by the Decatur Brewing Company and later he ' engaged in business on his own account, conducting a grocery store on East Williams street. When Captain Keenan was elected mayor of the city in 1887 Air. Stober was appointed to a position on the regular police force and has since served in that capacity, either as a regular or merchant policem.an. for the past sixteen years. He is now a merchant policeman, although at the present writing he is away on leave of absence, having gone to the fatherland to visit the country from which he has been absent for twenty-eight years. He sailed on the 4th of August, with pleasant anticipations of again renewing the acquaintances of his earl)^ life and looking once more upon the scenes amid which his childhood was passed.

At Liberty, Indiana, Air. Stober was united in marriage on the 13th of January, 1881, to Miss Catherine McWalter, of that city. Three children have been born unto them, two sons and a daughter, but all are now deceased. Mrs. Stober was born in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland, and came to America in 1865. Her parents are now deceased.

Mr. Stober is a member of Decatur Council of the Knights of Columbus, having been initiated into that order November 24, 1901. He is also a stanch Democrat and has taken an active part in the political campaigns in this city. His religious faith in indicated by his membership in St. Patrick's Catholic church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to sek a home in America for he has 'found here the opportunities he sought and to-day he is a well known and respected citizen of Macon county, having warm friends within its borders.

Milton Johnson is distinctively American and so were his ancestors both lineal and collateral for generations. It was at a very early period in the history of America and its colonization that the Johnson family, of which our subject is a representative, was established in the new world. Only twelve years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock the Johnson family was planted on American soil b}- emigrants from Englaiul and from 1632 down to the present time representatives of the name have been found loyal in citizenship and honorable in business relations so that they have proven of worth to the communities in which they have made their homes.

Captain Othniel Johnson, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Buckland, Massachusetts, and served his country in the war of 1812. He spent his entire life in the state of his nativity and passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, his death occurring at the age of seventy-three. Edwin Johnson, the father of our subject, was one of a large family and his natal year was 1818. tie, too, was born in Massachusetts and as a preparation for the practical duties of a business career he learned the trades of a stone-mason and plasterer, ^^'llen the tide of emigration was steadily flowing westward into the states of the Mississippi valley he sought a home in \\'isconsin, locating there at tJie age of twenty-two years. Settling on a farm in the town of Greenfield, five miles from Milwaukee, he began the task of cultivating and improving the land and for forty years carried on farming there. He afterward came to Decatur to make his home with his son Milton and here died in August, 1900. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man whose strong principles and force of character gained for him the respect and admiration of his fellow men. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Pauline Howes, was also born in Massachusetts and was a daughter of Nathan Howes, one of the farmers of the Old Bay state. Her death occurred in Wisconsin in June, 1864. By her marriage she became the mother of the following named: Milton Johnson, of this review; Franklin, who wedded Miss Mary Clark, a niece of Alvan Clark, the famous telescope manufacturer, and lives in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where he is engaged in horticultural pursuits; Marj-, a resident of Oak Park, Illinois, is the wife of I. E. Brown, who for the past twenty years has been secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association of the state ; Martha, wife of Rev.

0. H. P. Smith, a Methodist Epi.scopal minister belonging to the Illinois conference; and Anna, who was educated for foreign mission work and assigned to the China department but after having made all arrangements to sail from .Seattle she was taken ill at the home of our subject while paying a farewell visit and it was several months before she recovered. She finally resigned her appointment and later became the wife of

1. J. Davis. They make their home in Oak Park, Illinois. After the death of his first wife, Edwin Johnson was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Christiana Remington. There was onlj' one son by this union, ICdwin, who was formerly an architect of Chicago, but is now engaged in tlie drug business in Sugar City, Colorado.

Upon the old home farm near Greenfield, Wisconsin, Milton Johnson first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birth occurring on the 30th of September, 1845. At the usual age he entered the district schools and therein pursued his studies for some time. In the months of summer he assisted in the work of field and meadow and continued under the ])arental roof until twenty jears of age, when as a preparation for the responsibilities of later life he pursued a course in the Bryant, Stratton & Spencer business college of Milwaukee. His first independent venture was as a teacher. For several terms he taught in the public schools where he displayed marked aptitude for the work, gaining distinction by reason of his skill and zeal. Me then became a teacher in the college where he had obtained his education, Bryant, Stratton & Spencer's, and while there was in charge of the banking department and thus acquired a keen taste for the business wdiich he has made his life work. Later he severed his connection with educational work and came to Decatur, where he has made his home continuously since 1866.

During the first three years of his residence in this city Mr. Johnson was in the service of the United States Express Company and then entered the employ of the firm of Powers, Ferris & Company, boot and shoe dealers, with whom he remained until 1872. That year witnessed the beginning of his connection with the banking business in which he was destined to rise until he is now one of the most active and influential representatives of the financial circles of this city. In 1872 he became a bookkeeper in the banking house of Millikin & Company, serving in that capacity until 1880, when he became a member oi the firm and took an active part in its control until 1892, when he sold his interest in that institution and entered upon his connection with the Citizens' National Bank, of which he is now the cashier. For one year he served as vice president and in 1892 was elected president, acting in that capacity for some time. In 1899 the bank was reorganized with Harry Shlandeman as president; William H. Starr, vice president; Milton Jiihnson, cashier; and J. N. Baker, assistant cashier. Mr. Johnson has since served as cashier and the prosperous career of the bank has been largely due to his efforts, his thorough understanding of the banking business and his sound judgment.

He has the ability to readily read and understand men and while he is always courteous in his treatment to the patrons of the bank he rarely, if ever, makes a mistake in placing trust in one wdio does not warrant it. During his connection with the Citize.is National Bank its business has been doubled many times and while the policy that is followed is conservative to the point of safety it is also progressive to the point of modern methods which are fully abreast with the times.

On the 5th of January, 1870, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Philena A. Evans, whose parents, John and Lucy (Peckham) Evans, were natives of New York, whence they emigrated westward to Waukesha, Wisconsin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born six children : Elbert E., who is a resident of Pasadena, California ; Franklin L., who was educated in the Northwestern University at Evanston and is in the National Bank of Commerce in St. Louis, Missouri ; Milton, wdio was also a student in the Northwestern University and is now teller in the Citizens' National Bank of Decatur ; Pauline, the wife of R. C. Augustine; Alva M., who is an employe of the ]\Ierchants' National Bank at Indianapolis, Indiana ; and Roy G., who completes the family. Miss Maude E. Evans, a niece of Mrs. Johnson, formerly made her home with this family. She is now married to Roy Stewart, of Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Tohnson have a beautiful residence which was erected at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars and is built in modern style of architecture. It is one of the beautiful homes of this city and in its furnishings indicates the cultured and refined taste of the inmates.

In Masonic circles Mr. Johnson has attained distinction and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He belongs to ]\Iacon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M.; Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery,

No. y, K. T. lie lias bot-n honored wilh official preferment in these various branches of Masonry, serving as eminent commander ft)r two years, and he has also held otTice in the First Methodist chnrch. of which both he and his wife are members, having been steward and president of the board of trustees for the past fifteen years. He is benevolent, giving liberally of his means to the poor and needy, but which is after the spirit of the teaching which says "Let not 3-our left hand kninv what your right hand doeth."

Viewed from any standpoint his life might be said to be a success ; and it is the success not merely of the man who prosecutes a prosperous commercial life, intent onl)^ on winning wealth, but that of the man who advances jmblic good in promoting individual prosperity. The study of the character of the representative American never fails to offer much of pleasing interest and valuable instruction, and the life of Mr. Johnson certainly furnishes food for deep and profitable thought.

Andrew Ii. -Mills

.Andrew 11. Mills is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community, and one which has long been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest, honest labor, and his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability. He now has a good practice, and his careful preparation of cases is supplemented by a power of argument and a forceful presentation of his |)oints in the courtroom so that he seldom fails to impress court or jury.

Illinois, his birth lia\ing there occurred on the (ith of C)ctober, 1S51. His parents were l-:ii R. and lili/cabeth R. (Kiniber) Mills, who were members of the Society of Friends in western Pennsylvania. In early manhood the father left ihc east, making his way to Illinois, lie settled in Putnam County and became the owner of steamboats running on the ( )liio, Mississippi and Illinois rivers, but he died when the subject of this review was only four years of age. Ill his boyhood days he was a playmate of James G. Blaine. By his marriage to Miss Kimber he had nine children, five of whom are now living, namely : Susan K., who is the wife of Robert N. West; Sarah M.. the wife of Frederick M. Cox, of Decatur; II. C, who is judge of Putnam county. Illinois; .Andrew H.. of this review; and Isaac R., who is the law partner of his brother .\iidrew.

L'pon the home farm Andrew H. Mills was born and reared and his education was hegiin ill the district schools. During the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields and developed a strong, robust maniiood which has enabled him to apply himself closely to his professional duties in later years. After gaining his preliminary education near his home he entered Lincoln University, in which he was graduated on the completion of a five years' classical course of study in 1875. He then spent two years as a member of the faculty of the same institution and therein pursued a post-graduate course. For some time he was a successful educator and became su|)eriiitendeiit of the city schools of Waverly, Illinois, where he remained for three years. In his instruction before the class he was always clear and concise and forceful, and these r|ualities have likewise been manifested in his presentation of a case before court or jury. While acting as principal of the schools of Waverly he also took up the slud\- of law. In 1S80 he came to Decatur and completed his reading in the law office of the well known firm of Clokey & Mills, being admitted to the bar of the state in May, 1881. In the following June he entered into partnership relations with his brother, I. R. Mills, and the firm has long maintained a high reputation among the leading lawyers of the Macon county bar. For six years Andrew H. I\Iills served as assistant city attorney and for twelve years as assistant states attorney under his brother. He now makes a specialty of chancer}^ probate and real estate law, although he is well informed in all departments of jurisprudence. He does not care, however, to give much of his time to criminal law and has gained a good clientage in the other branches of the profession, being regarded as a wise counsellor and safe adviser in matters pertaining to corporation or other business interests. The firm of JMills Brothers are attorneys for the Citizens' National Bank of Decatur and they occupy a handsome suite of rooms on the sixth floor of the Millikin Bank Building. - Their law library is extensive and with its contents Andrew H. Mills has familiarized himself, being a deep student and one who has carried his investigations far and wide into the realms of judicial knowledge.

On the 2d of January, 1877, occurred the marriage of Andrew H. Mills and Miss EHzabeth E. Bell, a daughter of the late Rev. W. C. Bell, of Lincoln, Illinois. Their children are Ralph G., Judith B., Helen E., Plarold E. and Andrew Hubert. The entire family hold membership in the First Presbyterian church, and through many years Mr. Mills has been one of its most active and helpful workers. He has long served as one of its elders and for fifteen years has been superintendent of its Sundayschool. Through a considerable period he has also been chairman of the County Sunday-school .Association and is now chairman of the executive committee of the Illinois

State Sunday-school Association, while in the International Sunday-school Associa- ' tion he is also serving on the executive committee. He has taken a deep interest in the welfare of the boys and young men of the city and he secured the handsome bequests of David F. Hamsher and Reuben Betzer for the Young j\Ien's Christian Association of Decatur. He is deeply interested in the James Millikin University and has rendered valuable services to this institution. His attractive residence is situated on West Decatur street and in addition he holds valuable property interests in Putnam and Shelby counties. A broad minded man, while giving his chief attention to his business aft'airs he has j-et found opportunity to aid in the material progress, the intellectual development and the moral advancement, realizing that man's nature should grow along all these lines. A man of unswerving integrity and honor, one who has a strong appreciation for the higher ethics of life, he has gained and retained the confidence and respect of his fellow men and is distinctivel}^ one of the leading citizens not only of Decatur, but of ^lacon county.

H. E. Dickey

H. E. Dickey, a well known farmer residing on section 36, Friends Creek township, is one of Macon county's native sons and has been an eye witness of much of her development. During his boyhood much of the land was still wild and uncultivated and Decatur was but a small town. He aided in building the railroad through his locality in 1873 ^"^ i" other ways has materially assisted in the improvement of his native county, which to-day is one of the best in this great commonwealth.

Mr. Dickey was born in Friends Creek township, on the 13th of January, 1859, and is a son of William and Sarah Dickej-. His father was a native of Kentucky and was one of tlie early settlers of I'riemls Creek township, where he purchased land at the government price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. He broke antl iniprovctl his farm and for many years was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in this locality. After a useful and well spent life he died in 1875.

H. E. Dickey, of this review, obtained his early education in the Newburg schoolhouse and u hen not in school he aided in the work of the home farm, thus early acquiring an excellent knowledge of the occupation which he lias chosen as a life work. At the age of twenty-two years he commenced opcrating a tract of land belonging to his father, and is still engaged in the cultivation of two hundred and forty acres belonging to the estate. The place was improved by the father but our subject has made many changes and is now successfully engaged in both fanning and stock-raising.

In 1885 Mr. Dickey married Miss Augustus, a daughter of Clarke and Margaret Augustus, of Friends Creek township, both now deceased. Four children blessed this union, namely: Nellie, born in November, 1SS6: Lula, born in February, x888 ; Grace, born in September, 1889; and Ploward. born in July, 1891. Grace is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dickey are worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and he is also connected w-ith the Modern Woodmen of America. In his political affiliations he is a Deiuocrat and he has filled the offices of collector and school director in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. His children are now attending school in Argenta.

^\"ILLIAM A. BARNES, M. D. No adequate memorial of William A. Barnes can be written until many of the useful enterprises with -vhicii he was connected have completed their full measure of good in the world and until his personal influence and example shall have ceased their fruitage in the lives of those who were about him when he was yet an actor in the hu.sy places of the world ; yet there is much concerning him that can with profit be set down here as an illustration of what can be done if a man with a clear brain and willing hands but sets hiinself seriously to the real labors and responsibilities of life. It can be truthfully said that he was the architect of his own fortunes and from the time when Decatur was a struggling and unimportant little village down to almost the present Dr. Barnes was identified with its interests. The silent and unwritten history of its streets, its railroads and its public institutions is replete with his spirit and imtiring energy. He gained distinctive recognition as one of the leaders in business life here, having shown a marked capacity for the successful conduct of affairs of great breadth. It is not alone compatible but practically imperative that there be incorporated in this \-olume a review of his life.

Dr. liarnes was born in New Hampshire, his natal place being Claremont, while his natal day was the 15th of March, 1824. In an early period in the develoiimcnt of New iMigland the family was established there. The Doctor's paternal grandfather removed from Farmington, Comiecticut, to Claremont, New Hainpshirc, when that section of the state was almost an unbroken wilderness and amid the hills of New Hampshire he reared his family. Ira N. Barnes, the father of the Doctor, was born in Claremont and after reaching j'ears of maturity devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, but his death resulted from an accident when he was only about thirty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Harriet Eastman, belonged to an old New England family of considerable prominence.

was only six years of age at the lime of his father's death. The following year he went to live with his grandfather, with whom he remained imtil he reached the age of fifteen years and during that period he acquired an excellent education in the public schools and also in Claremont Acadcni}-. When a youth of fifteen he started westward for the purpose of making his home with a cousin in Dayton, Ohio, with whom he li\ed from 1839 until 1844. lie further continued his studies in that city and. well qualified for the teacher's profession, he became an instructor in a schoolroom in Montgomery county, Ohio, when twenty years of age. In early manhood he also engaged in teaching music, in which he was quite proficient, but another profession seemed to him more attractive and, believing that it would be also remunerative as a life work, he took up the study of medicine in 1846, his preceptor being Dr. Van Harlingen, of Centervillc, Ohio. Later he matriculated in the Starling Medical College at Columbus and in the fall of 1849 '^^ went to Philadelphia, where he pursued his second course of lectures in the University of Pennsylvania and in that institution was graduated with the class of 1850.

Returning then to Centerville, Ohio, he opened an office and entered upon his professional career, but in the autumn of the same year he located in Valparaiso, Indiana, remaining a member of the medical fraternity there for three years. In 1853 he became a resident of Decatur and for a short time practiced his profession, but also became engaged in other lines of business which ultimately demanded all of his time and attention. Upon his arrival here he purchased a tract of land about four miles from the town and at once began its cultivation and development. He bad been a resident of Decatur but two years, when in 1855 he succeeded Drs. King and Chenoweth as proprietors of a drug store in Decatur, which he conducted with success until 1859. During the period of the Civil war his time was largely occupied with official service, for in 1861 he was appointed master in chancery. In that office as in all other relations in life he was found prompt and faithful in the execution of his duties and he capably served until 1865, when he resigned.

Dr. Barnes was among the first to inaugurate the manufacturing interests which have made Decatur one of the largest producing centers of the Mississippi valley. In 1360 in partnership with William Lintner he established a factory for the manufacture of hay-presses and when this work was placed upon a paying basis it was extended in scope by the establishment of a department for the manufacture of pumps and agricultural implements. Its trade steadily increased, owing to the excellence of its product and the reliability of the proprietors, and thus Dr. Barnes became an active factor in the manufacturing interests of Decatur. After some years he sold it to his partner and later the enterprise became known as the Decatur Furniture Company, under which style it is to-day conducted. In 1868 Dr. Barnes decided to devote the greater part of his attention to real estate operations and to the improvement of his lands. In an early day he had invested largely in property in Macon, Piatt and Moultrie counties. W^ith the increase in population, owing to the large emigration from the east to the Mississippi valley, these lands had risen greatly in value and their sale brought to him a handsome fortune. He also added to their market prices bv the excellent improvements which he placed upon the property. His real estate dealings were indeed extensive and of an important character and annually his operations in this direction brought to him a splendid financial return.

his collegfiate course. Dr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Sawj-er, wIkj was horn in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania. He had formed her acquaintance while she was residing in Centerville, Ohio, and the marriage ceremony was performed in Daujjhin county, Pennsylvania. L'nto the Doctor and his wife were born the following children : Albert, now a leading business man of Decatur ; Charles M.. a distinguished attorney of Boston, Massachusetts, who died March 9, 1893: Mary, wife of George R. .Stanton, a resident of Decatur: A\'illiani, a prominent surgeon of this cii_\- : and one son who died in infancy.

Along political lines the influence of 1 'r. Barnes has been felt and he was one of the first standard bearers of the Republican party in Macon county, continuing its support until his death, which occurred August 20, 1897, in Dansville, New York. Noting with interest the progress of events he took a deep interest in the movements which led to the establishment of a political organization for the further suppression of slavery in the United States and from 1856 .up to the time of his demise he gave an unfaltering allegiance to the party which was the cause of the abolition of this great national evil. He labored earnestly for Fremont during the campaign of 1856 and delivered a number of political addresses in his behalf throughout the county. He was one of the representative citizens of Decatur and filled several public positions, his fellow townsmen recognizing his devotion to the general welfare, as well as his personal worth, elected him mayor of the city prior to the Civil war and several times he was a member of the city council. Whatever tended to promote the welfare and progress of Decatur elicited his earnest attention, active co-operation and substantial aid. W ith other prominent men he was inlluential in securing to the city the ,n\ >ieni of railroads which has made it an important commercial center through furnishing an outlet for the agricultural and commercial products of this locality and bringing it into close relations with other trade centers. He was one of the active members of the Citizens' .Association, organized to advance the public interests of Decatur. The cause of education found in him a warm friend and for a number of years he took an active part in behalf of the schools as a member of the board of education and for some time was its president. From its organization until his death, with the exception of one year, he was president of the Decatur public librarv. His benevolence was uno.stentatious and genuine, and there is nothing in the story of his life to show that he ever for a moment sought to compass a given end for the purpose of exalting himself. He championed mea.sures and aided men, and accepted as his reward that thrill of delight which always accompanies victories achieved. Endowed by nature with a sound judgment and an accurate, discriminating mind, he feared not that laborious attention to the details of business so necessary to achieve success, and this essential quality was guided by a sense of moral right which would tolerate the employment only of those means that would bear the most rigid examination by a fairness of intention that neither sought nor required disguise. It is but just and merited praise to say of Dr. Barnes, that as a business man he ranked with the ablest; as a citizen he was honorable, i)rompt and true to every engagement; as a man he held the honor and esteem of all classes of people, of all creeds and political proclivities ; as a husband and father he was a morlel worthy of all imitation; unassuming in his manner, sincere in his friendship, steadfast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. Throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness, his duties were performed with the greatest care, and during a long life his personal honor and integrity were without blemish.

Charles E. Connard

In the pioneer epoch in the history of this section of Illinois, Charles E. Connard came to Macon county and has since been an important factor in its substantial development and permanent improvement. He has seen its wild lands transformed into fine farms, while industrial and commercial interests have been introduced and thus towns have become thriving cities. In the work of progress he has borne his part and has been particularly active as a representative of the agricultural interests of the community. His home is on section 2, South Wheatland township.

Mr. Connard was born on the 6th of November, 1S29, in A'lontgomery county, Pennsylvania, a son of John and Dorothy (Schriver) Connard and grandson of Ebenezer Connard. The father was a native of Bucks county, this state, and was there reared and educated. His wife was of German descent. In 1830 they removed to Ross county, Ohio, where the following ten years were passed, and in 1840 they came by wagon and team to Macon county, Illinois, locating near where our subject now resides. The father was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a Democrat in politics until 1856, when he joined the newly organized Republican party. His death occurred on the 6th of November, 1876, when he was seventy-three years of age, and his wife passed away Alarch 27, 1891, at the age of seventy-nine. They were the parents of the following children: Sarah Anne, the wife of John

King, of IClwin ; Hannah, who married James Lowry, of Decatur, and died in 1856; .Mrs. Catherine Widick, who is living in ^^'ebster county, Iowa ; Maria Angeline, who died at the age of twenty years; and Charles E.

The early educational privileges afforded our subject were very meager, but by reading and observation he has become a well informed man. During his early life he was associated with his father in farming, and on the death of the latter became the owner of four hundred acres of land, the only improvement upon the place being a log cabin and sixty acres under fence. But as time passed Mr. Connard placed acre after acre under cultivation and erected good and substantial buildings, making his farm one of the best in the locality. In addition to his farming interests he has dealt in grain for the past thirty years and is now part owner of an elevator at Elwin, being associated with his sons and others in the business. The elevator was erected by him and has a capacity of fifty thousand bushels. He also built a large corn crib at that place. To his sons he has given a portion of his" land, but still retains two hundred and forty acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved.

At Elwin, in 1855, Mr. Connard was united in marriage to Miss Nancy A.Eagur, who died on the 30th of September, 1878, in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she was a consistent member. Unto them were born the following children : George S. ; Milton A. ; Carrie, wife of William Wilt, a farmer living near Lake City, Illinois ; Effie, who died at the age of ten years ; Johnnie, who died at the age of eight ; Alartin E., whose sketch appears below; Charles H., a resident of Alarseilles, Illinois; and Harley and Hattie, twins, the former of whom died at the age of one year and a half, and the latter now the wife of William Flovd, of TTollvwood, California.

In 1879 Mr. Connard was again married, his second union being with Miss EHzabcth J. Rozzell, a native of Macon county and a daughter of Micah and Isabella (Davis) Rozzell, who were natives of South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and were married November 4, 1845. I'^^r father was one of the early settlers of this county and was engaged in farming in Long Creek township. He died on - Christmas day of 1888, and his wife departed this life in September, 1880. In religious faith they were Presbyterians. Their children were David, a farmer of Tennessee and postmaster at Dughill, Tennessee; Mrs. Connard, who was born October 5, 1851 ; Isabella, wife of Scott Satt, a shoemaker of Whiteboro, Texas ; Anna, wife of James W'ithgott, of Decatur ; and Lily, who is living with her sister in Texas. ]\y his second marriage Mr. Connard has three children: Curtis, Marcus and \Valter, all at home.

Since 1849 Mr. Connard has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been officially connected with the same. He cast his first presidential vote for General Fremont in 1856 and has since affiliated with the Republican party. For over sixty years he has been identified with the interests of ^lacon county and is justl}' regarded as one of her honored pioneers and representative citizens who have borne an important part in her upbuilding and development. He is widely and favorably known and well merits the high regard in which he is held.

George S. Connard, our subject's eldest son and one of the present members of the firm of grain-buyers of Elwin, was born on his father's farm in this county, March 15, 1856, and received his early education in the district schools of the neighborhood, afterward graduating at Eastman's National Business College of Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1875. Shice starting out in life for himself he has engago<l in farming, has acted as railroad agent for the Illinois Central Railroad Company and has dealt in grain at Khvin. He ran the first check-rower in the county, which was made by Hayworth & Sons in 1869, and was purchased by Iiis father. He continued farming on the home place until 1883, when he purchased eighty acres of land in South \Vheatland township which formerly belonged to his grandfather. On the 31] of l'\-bruary, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Crumm, a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, who came to .Macon county with her parents. She died .\pril I, 1893, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Connard is also a incmlxT of that church and has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school and as class leader. He cast his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield but for the past eighteen years has supported the Prohibition party. He served as township clerk before he attained his majority and has always taken a deep interest in public aft'airs.

M. A. Connard, the junior member of the original firm of M. A. Connard & Company, grain buyers of Elwin, was born on the old homestead in South Wheatland township in 1858. He was married in June, 1885, to Miss Eva L. Foster, a native of Decatur and a daughter of David and Margaret (Price) Foster. She died in December, 1891, leaving three children: Arthur F., Nellie and Mae.

Martin E. Connard

MARTIN E. CONNARD. Prominent among the business men of Macon county is numbered Martin E. Connard, a well known grain dealer of Elwin. No one in that locality is better known for his entire life has been spent there and all his interests from boyliood have been closely associated with those of his native township. In business affairs he has met with

Past And Present Oe Macon Col'Ntv

Ah". Connard was burn in South \\ heatland township, May i6, 1868, a son of Charles £. and Nancy (Eagur) Comiard, whose sketch precedes this. After completing his common school education he attended the Northern Illinois Normal School and Dixtjn Business College for a time. In 1886 he became connected with the grain business in the employ of the firm of M. A. Connard & Company, and in 1893 became a member of the firm, the name being then changed to G. S. Connard & Company, as his brother George S. had purchased Milton A.'s interest in the business. On the 1st of 'November, 1900, William R. Hopkins became a member of the firm, which still carries on business under the name of G. S. Connard & Company, and they now have control of the grain trade in Elwin, handling one hundred thousand bushels of oats and two hundred thousand bushels of corn annually. Shipments are made to Memphis, Tennessee, New Orleans, Decatur and other points, and Martin E. Connard lias charge of the buying and selling of all grain at their elevators. He is also interested in a general store at Elwin and is the owner of the Elwin Telephone system, which began the building of its lines in 1892 and now has over eighty phones in operation, practically covering the whdle of South Wheatland township.

On the 30th of June, 1G98, Mr. Connard led to the marriage altar Miss Mae Hopkins, who was born February 20, 1876,- and they now have two children : Lucile, born March 14, 1899; and Harold, born July 20, 1900. The family have a lovely home in Elwin, which was recently erected by Mr. Connard and which is supplied with all modern conveniences. Ele is a member of the Methodist Episco]ial church and a supporter of the Republican party. In 1903 he was commissioned notary public for a term of four years. Although comparatively a yoimg man he already occupies a prominent [josition in business circles and his success is largely due to his energy, perseverance and progressive ideas, as well as his good business ability.

Samuel S. Hopkins, the father of Mrs. Connard, was born near Circleville, in Pickaway county, Ohio, November 24, 1846, and is of Scotch-Irish descent, though the family was founded in this country in colonial days, one of its members having been a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In early life Mr. Hopkins came to Macon count}-, Illinois, and was married near Boody, November 14, 1872, to Miss Emmaretta Williams, who is also a native of (Jhio, born in Gambier, Knox cotmty, on the 23d of September^ 1848. She was a member of the first graduating class from the Decatur high school, which consisted of but four members. This was in 1867. For three vears she successfulh- engaged in teaching in Warrensburg, this county, and during the years of 1870 and 1871 had charge of a school near Blue Mound. Her father, William Henry Williams, is still living and has one brother and five sisters, the youngest of whom is sixty-three and the oldest eighty-two years of age. His father was a soldier of the war of 1812 and his grandfather took part in the Revolutionary war and was with ^^'ashington during that terrible winter at A'alley Forge.

After his marriage Samuel S. Hopkins located on the old Flopkins homestead, about two miles southeast of Elwin, and from there removed to a farm near Assumption, Illinois, where he spent two years. His next home was on a farm near Forsyth, and about 1884 he removed to a farm near Mount Zion, where he spent ten years. The following seven years were passed in Decatur, and in the fall of 1901 he came to Elwin. where he embarked in general merchandising with his son, W'iUiani R., and his son-in-hi\v, Martin V.. Connard, under the firm name of S. S. Hopkins & Company. He has five children, namely : William R., Mae, Bessie, Lelah and Tracy, and the family circle has never been broken by tlie hand of death, in his political views j\lr. Hopkins -is a Republican and he is now serving as postmaster of Elwin. He is a prominent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is closely associated with the work of the Sundayschool. Wherever known he is held in high regard as a man of abilitx' and sterling worth.

Fred E. Schroedkr

FRED E. SCHROEDKR. W ith the business interests of Warrensburg Fred E. Schroeder has been identified since attaining man's estate and is to-da)' one of the leading merchants of the place, carrying a large and well selected stock of hardware and furniture. He was born here on the 5th of April, 1875, and is a son of Max R. and Marie E. (Hagely) Schroeder, both of German descent. His paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schroeder, were natives of Germany and emigrated to America at an early day, being residents of Frceport, Illinois, at the time of their deaths. Both reached an advanced age, the former dying when ninety-one and the latter when ninety. Our subject's father came to Macon county in 1871 and settled at Warrensburg, his home being on the site of the old City Hotel, wdicre our subject was born. Here he followed shoemaking and harnessmaking for some years and served as the first postmaster of the village, being appointed to that office during the administration of President Grant, although he was a stanch Democrat in politics. At that time he was able to keep all of the mail in a sewing machine drawer. He also served as justice of the peace for several years and was holding that jiosilion at the time of his death, which occurred on the 31st of October, 1S85. He toi)k a verj^ prominent and acti\e part in public affairs and was one of the leading and inliuential citizens of his part of the county. His estimable wife still survives him at the age of sixty-nine years and now makes her home with our subject. She is the mother of eight children, two of whom are now deceased, those living being Rudolph H., a resident of Warrensburg, who married .\l])ha Loretta Acres, the camp of Royal Neighbors of this place being named Alpha Loretta in her honor; Jenny, wife of Frank Kretzer, of Warrensburg; Louise, wife ot Amos Robinson; William R., who married Eva Raymond and lives in Warrensburg; Frank, who married Lulu Slonaker ; and l-'red E.

Fred F. Schroeder was educated in the village schools, which he attended tuitil fourteen years of age. and then began earning his own livelihood by working on a farm. Tn 1892 he accepted a clerkship in the general store of Ell White & Company, where he remained for four years, and then in ])artncrship with his brother, Txudolph H., opened a hardware and implement establishment under the firm name of Schroeder Brothers. In 1899 he purchased his brother's interest and has since continued alone. He has ceased to handle agricultural implements but has added a stock of furniture, being the exclusive dealer in that line in Warrensburg. He has met with marked success in his mercantile efforts, having built up a large trade which is constantly increasing.

On the 2d of June, 1897, Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage to Miss Flora Minson, a native of Macon county, and a daughter of Tilden and l'"mma (I'lsh) Minson. She was educated in the home schools and the high school at Decatur and for three years successfully engaged in teaching. I'lilo Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have been

Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd- Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, being past grand in the former lodge. His political support is given the Republican party and in 1898 he received the appointment of postmaster of Warrensburg under President McKinley and is still filling that office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is one of the most progressive, enterprising and reliable young men of the town and the position he occupies in business circles is well deserved, it having been attained through persistent industry and untiring: efTort.

Nicholas Scherer

Nicholas Scherer became a resident of Decatur in 1882 and at his death was well known in business circles. He w^as born in France on the 4th of June, 1825, and was a son of Jacob Scherer, who was also a native of France. About 1865 the father sailed for the new world with his famihs first locating in Lowville, New York, where he purchased a farm, carr3'ing on agricultural pursuits in that vicinity for several years. He then took up his abode in the village where both he and his wife are now living. He has spent his last few years in retirement from labor and at the age of eighty-one is enjoying a well merited rest and also receiving the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded those who advance far on life's journey.

The educational advantages which Nicholas Scherer received were limited. He gained much knowledge, however, .from experience and through contact with the world and when twenty years of age he emigrated to .\mcrica with his parents, assisting in the development of the home farm in New York. There he remained until J 882, when in connection with his brothers, Jacob and Emile, he came to the west, settling in Decatur. His brother Jacob is now night watchman of the Mueller Manufacturing Company of this city and Emile is in the shops of the Union Iron Works.

Nicholas Scherer of this review was first employed here by the Decatur Brewery, working there for some time. He then had charge of an express wagon for the Pacific Express Company for about two years and after his marriage he embarked in the saloon business, establishing a retail local house on East Eldorado street, conducting the enterprise for eight }'ears. On the expiration of that period he sold out and engaged in tending bar until his death.

Mr. Scherer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Frank, a native of Decatur and a daughter of John and Theresa (Kepler) Frank, who were natives of Germany and are represented elsewhere in this volume. ^Ir. and Mrs. Scherer became the parents of two children : Frank, who was born ^^lay 19, 1885, and is now telegraph operator at Winston ; and Jacob, who was born April 13, 1887, and is with his mother. They now occupy a nice home at No. 350 South Broadway, W'hich was erected by ^Ir. Scherer and in addition to this property- Mrs. Scherer also owns residence property at Nos. 738, 746 and 760 Leafland avenue.

Mr. Scherer was never an office seeker nor desired such return for party fealty. However, he gave an unfaltering support to the Democracy. He belonged to the Catholic Knights and both he and his wife were members of the Catholic church of this city. His business career w-as successful and he steadily advanced working his way upward through energy, determination and tidclity to duty. Year by year his financial resources increased and it was tluis that he was enabled to make judicious investments in real estate which now returns to his faniilv a good income.

Guy Archer Randolph

Prominent among the young business men of Macon county is Guy Archer Randolph, who is now successfully engaged in the banking business at \\'arrcn.sburg and is rapidly working his way to a foremost position among the able financiers of this section of the state. A native of Illinois, he was born in Aetna township, Logan county, on the 15th of November, 1873, and is a son of James M. and Elizabeth G. (Jett) Randolph. The birth of the father also occurred in that township, June 27, 1846, but the mother was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, on the 30th of January, 1855. Tier father, William Jett, was killed in the battle of' Richmond, Kentucky, August 29, 1862, while serving as a private in the Eighteenth Kentucky \'olunteer Infantry during the Civil w'ar and the following year Mrs. Randolph, who was then a child, accompanied her mother on her removal to Illinois. James M. Randolph, the father of our subject, has spent his entire life in central Illinois and now owns and operates a valuable farm of five hundred acres near Kenney. lie is a well educated man, having spent two years at ShurtlefF College, .'Mton, Illinois, after completing the common school course, and he is one of the leading and representative citizens of his community.

Mr. Randolph is descended from one of the oldest and most prominent families of the south, the progenitors being William Randolph and his wife, Mary Isham, who came to \'irginia in 1673 and settled on Turkey island in the James river, becoming one of the most popular and intluential men of the earl)- \'irginian colony. He was a nephew of the famous English poet, Thomas Randolph, and was the father of seven sons and two daughters, whose descendants arc now niunorous in the Old Dominion and are widely scattered throughout the other states of the Union. Among the most prominent of his posterity were John Randolph, of Roanoke, the celebrated orator ; Edmund Randolph, first attorney general under President Washington and secretary of state ; Thomas Jcft'erson, president of the United States; John Marshall, chief justice; and Robert E. Lee, general in the Confederate Army during the Civil war. Among the most prominent now living are Carter II. Harrison, mayor of Chicago; and Isham Randolph, chief engineer of the Chicago sanitary canal, now prominently mentioned as a member of the Panama caiial commission.

During his boyhood Guy A. Randolph attended the common schools near his home and at the age of sixteen years entered lirown's Business College at Decatur, where he pursued a commercial course and was graduated in 1889. After one year spent upon the home farm, he accepted a position in Scroggin's Bank at Kenney, Illinois, wlierc he served as cashier for two years and a half, and at the end of that time, wishing to obtain a better education, he resigned in the summer of 1894 and entered the preparatory department of Illinois College at Jacksonville, graduating in June, 1803, at \\'hi])]ilc Academy. He wished to continue the full college course but was compelled to abandon it from threatened loss of health. In 1S95 he spent some time in travel, his, trip extending into the interior of the republic of Mexico, and he returned home in the fall of that year. In October, 1895, he made arrangements to establish a bank in W'arrensburg, and in the following July after the completion of the new bank building it was opened for business. Jn this venture Mr. Randolph has met with marked success. The deposits now amount to from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, varying according to the season of the year ; the capital is ten thousand dollars, and the responsibility of the firm, consisting of James M. Randolph, H. C. Suttle of Scroggin's bank at Kenne)-, and (j. A. Randolph, is two hundred thousand dollars.

At Midland City, Illinois, November 19, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Randolph and Miss Mary Jones, a daughter of John Jones, an old resident of De \\'itt county, and to them has been born one child, \ irginia Randolph, whose birth occurred on the 6th of March, 1899. Fraternally Mr. Randolph is a member of Warrensburg Lodge, No. 600, I. O. O. F., the Decatur Encampment and Canton No. 19, Patriarchs Militant. Since attaining his majority he has generally affiliated with the Democratic party, but is not disposed to draw party lines in matters of local interest. For one term he filled the office of president of the village board, being elected on a reform movement, and during his incumbency succeeded in regulating certain undesirable characters. Systematic and methodical, his sagacity, keen discrimination and sound judgment have been the means of bringing to him success and although he is still a young man he has already attained an enviable position in business circles. Pleasant and genial in manner and of high social qualities, he is verj' popular and has an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances.

James S. P.Aldwin

JAMES S. P.ALDWIN. r)ne of the younger attorneys at the bar of Macon county is James S. Baldwin and although a young man has attained a creditable position at the bar that might well be envied by manv who have practiced for twice his years, lie was born in New Albany. Indiana, September 14, 1874, his parents In-ing Ed and Susan E. (Spittler) r>aldwin. The father was a native of Louisville, Kentucky, born in 1835, and the mother's birth occurred in Indiana, where both are now living. In 1843 ^^^- Baldwin liecame a resident of that state. He followed the life of a pilot on the river for some time and his father, Robert Baldwin, was also a steamboat man. Ed Baldwin has now for thirty years been identified with the (juarter-master's department of the army and during the Civil war he acted as a pliot in conducting vessels which were used in the country's service. At the present time he maintains his residence in New Albany, Indiana. Unto him and his w'ife were born seven children, six of whom reached years of maturity, the subject of this review being the fourth in order of birth. One of his brothers is practicing medicine in Jeffersonville, Indiana, another is living in Toledo, Ohio, and the third is a resident of New York, while one sister is married and lives in Decatur, and another sister is with her parents in Indiana.

James S. Baldwin completed his literary education by his graduation in the high school of New Albany, Indiana, with the class of 1893. In early life he greatly enjoyed taking part in debates and manifested a deep interest in the work of literary societies. He has always directed his efforts along intellectual lines and when still quite young manifested excellent oratorical ability, a characteristic which has been of value to him in his chosen profession. Desiring to enter the practice of law he then prepared for the bar as a student in the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1896. In June of the same year he was admitted to the bar in New Albany, Indiana, and prac- ticed in bis native town for some time. He won his first criminal case in the January term of court in 1897, on which occasion he defended a man accused of steahng a set of harness from a shed and the indictment was quashed. On the 30th of March, 1897. Mr. Baldwin was admitted to practice before the supreme court. In January of that year he had formed a partnership with V.d Wilson and practiced under the name of Wilson & tialdwin until October, 1897, after which he became a partner of Frank Ewing and this association was maintained under the firm style of Ewing & Baldwin until the 1st of May, 1903, when Mr. Ewing left for Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. r.aldwin is now practicing alone and he has met with splendid success in his work as a rcpresentati\e of the legal ])rofession. He is now the attorney for the R. G. Dunn & Company and is regartled by that corporation as one of the best informed men in his line. He has engaged in the trial of two very celebrated will cases, one involving the question of insanity and the niher that nf undue intluence, and it is the only two cases of the kind ever tried in this c<innty in which the will was sustained. .Mr. llaldwin is a very hard student, earnest and diligent in the preparation of his cases and presenting his cause with a clearness and force that leaves no doubt as to his view upon the correctness of his position. He is widely known througliout Macon and other counties as a young lawyer of marked ability and one who is destined to enjoy a brilliant future. He is now the secretary and treasurer of the Macon Cmmty Bar Association and he occupies an enviable position in the regard of his brethren of the legal fraternity. He has one of the most complete law offices in the comity where all work is carried on systematically. He can refer in a moment to cases tried long years ago because everything is kept on file. In his office he is methodical in all that he does and because

On the _'oth of Xovember, 1901, Air. Baldwin was united in marriage to Miss Mary \'. Dishman, a daughter of F. E. and -Martha (Cialbraith) Uishman, the former a native of Xew .\lbany. Indiana, and the latter of Ireland. Mrs. Baldwin is a graduate nf the high school of Xew Albany, Indiana, of the class of 1895 and comes of a prominent family there. Her father always took a deep interest in affairs of local and national importance and was a public spirited citizen whose influence was stronglj felt for good in the community in which he made his home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. r.aldwin has been born one daughter, Mary \irginia, whose birth occurred December 16, 1902.

A young man of strt)ng intellectuality, his tastes have always been literary and he was one of the four who organized the Decatur Chautaucpia, which was formed in January, 1903, and which held an assembly at Riverside Park in the present year. Of the society he is now treasurer. Pie has ever been a great reader and is especially fond of biography, noting the elements in the lives of successful men and the cause wdiich formed the striking features in the lives of those who have attained distinction and honor in various walks of life. He entered upon his political career in Indiana by assisting in the election of Senator Fairbanks to the United States senate, being at that time president of a young men's Republican club. Since casting his first presidential vote he has taken a very deep and helpful interest in local and national politics, believing it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to support the principles which he thinks are best calculated to advance the welfare of the general public. He is now the secretarv of the Republican central committee of Macon county, having acted in this capacity since April, 1902. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and has attained to the highest office in the bhie lodge. Pie is also a member of the conimandery and is connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the -Maccabees and the Benevolent Protective Order o.' Elks. Both he and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian church of this citv.

Johx Frank

John Frank was a resident of Decatur from 1857 until 1902 and during the long years he became widely known and was regarded as a citizen of worth and value. He lived in this city when it was but a village and gave little promise of its present development and prosperity. He was one of the first shoemakers and he had a wide acquaintance among pioneer settlers not only in Decatur, but throughout the surrounding country.

A native of the fatherland, John Frank was born on the 18th of March, 1831. His parents both died in Germany. Ther^ he spent the days of his boyhood and youth and acquired his education and also learned the shoemaker's trade. In the year 1857 he bade adieu to friends and native country and crossed the briny deep to the new world, landing in Xew York city. He came direct to Decatur and at once began working at his trade in the employ of a Air. Wesler. He served as a cobbler for a long period and continued with Mr. Wesler for nine years. He then started a shoe shop of his own on West Main street, which he conducted for a short time and then purchased the building at No. 317 East Main street. Following his marriage he continued to engage in shoemaking at No. 317 East Alain street, where he built up a successful and large business, employing several hands. There he engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of boots and shoes and to some extent he carried on real estate 'operations. Gradually he worked his way upward. He had no friends or inheritance to depend upon to assist him at the outset of his career, but he placed his dependence upon far more substantial qualities - industry, perseverance and careful management.

In 1861 Air. Frank was united in marriage, in Decatur, to Aliss Theresa Kepler, who was also a native of Germany, born on the 5th of September, 1841, and a daughter of Enos and Anges (Staley) Kepler. Her father came to America in 1854 and, making his way direct to Decatur, was here employed as a laborer for a time. As his financial resources increased, enabling him to make investments in property, he purchased a few houses here and also owned a few acres of land near the city, although during the greater part of his residence he was employed by others. Both he and his wife passed away in Decatur. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frank was blessed with seven children : Anna, who is the widow of Nicholas Scherer, a resident of Decatur ; Mary, who became the wife of J. L. Burtschi and died on the 14th of June, 1902; Alinnie, who is the wife of Emil P. Scherer, of this city; Elizabeth, the wife of Paul Kastner ; Theresa, who is at home with her mother; and John and Catherine, who are both deceased.

Both Air. and Airs. Frank were members of the St. James Catholic church and he belonged to St. James Society here. Industry was perhaps his most marked characteristic. He was a very hard working man, lived economically and thus year by year he added to his possessions until he was enabled to leave to his family a comfortable competence. He died July 5, 1902, his loss being a great blow to his wife and children and also to many who had given him their warm friendship and regard. He was verj' well known in the city where he had resided for thirtj^-five years and he had watched with interest the developing of Decatur, noting its growth as the years passed by. His widow now owns a nice residence at No. 303 South Water street, where she and her daughter reside, and in addition to this she has the business block at No. 317 East Main street and also other valuable property in the city.

George S. Lyon

The name of Lyon has long been closely and honorably interwoven with the history of the lumber business in l^ecatur and the gentleman whose name introduces this record was the founder of the enterprise which now bears the name of the G. S. Lyon & Sons Lumber & Manufacturing Company. For many years he was a prominent and honored resident of Decatur as well as one of its leading business men.

Mr. Lyon was born in Orange, New Jersey, on the "th of May, 1832, and was one of a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters. Both his parents and grandparents w'ere natives of Jersey, the family being an old one in that state. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812 and with other events of importance representatives of the name have been actively connected. The parents of our subject both died in 1877, the father closing his eyes in death only a few hours after the mother passed away.

In his early youth George S. Lyon learned the carpenter's trade. Tn his twenty-fourth year he resolved to try his fortune in the west, having heard favorable reports of its excellent business openings and trade opportunities. Arriving in Decatur in 1856, he purchased property here and continued to make his home thereon throughout his remaining days. For four years he was engaged in carpenter work in this city and then began contracting and building on his own account. As the years passed he extended his efforts into a kindred line of business - the operation of a planing mill and the purchase and sale of lumber. He then abandoned his original trade in order to devote his cnliro time and energies to the lumber business and as the years passed Iniilt up a very extensive patronage. He was the head of the firm of Lyon, Gibson & Company, which existed for a number of )-ears and was then succeeded by that of Lyon & Armstrong. At length he ])urchascd Mr. Armstrong's interest and, associating his sons, Fred and Clyde, in partnership with him, the firm style of G. S. Lyon & Sons Lumlier & Manufacturing Company was assumed. Later the business was incorporated luider that name. George S. Lyon long continued an active factor in the successful control of the enterprise up to the time of his death and had a wide acquaintance in business circles, where he was known for his honor and strict integrity that won for him the highest regard and unqualified confidence of his fellow men.

On the 3d of July, 1857, Mr. Lyon was luiitcd in marriage to Miss Susan Ann Scott, of La Salle, Illinois. She was born on the 22d of February, 1836, in Steuben county, New York, and after her marriage accompanied her husband to Decatur, where she spent her remaining days. She was one of ten children and was the last of the family to pass away. Mr. Lyon's death occurred March 20, 1899, and his wife survived him until the iith of January, 1903, when she, too, was called to her final home. Both were earnest members of the Universalist church and took a great interest in its work and gnnvtli. Mr. Lyon served as one of the trustees of the church and was also active and prominent in Celestial Lodge No. 186, I. O. O. F. ; Decatur Encampment No. 37 ; and Canton Decatur, No. 19, Patriarchs Militant. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Lyon possessed many traits of character which endeared them to their friends and won for them the respect of those with whom they were associatetl, and in business circles Mr. Lyon gained for himself a most creditable position. From a humble place in the industrial world he worked his way steadily upward until he controlled an enterprise of magnitude that brought to him very creditable profit and at the same time was of value to the community through promoting commercial activity. At all times he was public spirited and progressive and was a citizen whose loyalty to the best interests of the county, state and nation was ever above question.

After the death of Mr. Lyon the business was incorporated with Clyde R. Lyon as president; Fred C. Lyon, vice president; John B. Robinson, treasurer; and James C. Sullivan, secretary. The plant, mill and lumber yard covers several acres and the building is especially well equipped for the conduct of the business, being supplied with steam power and furnished with the most approved and modern machinery for carrying on the work along progressive lines. Employment is given to a large force of workmen and the company maintains most just and considerate relations with those who are in their service. Honesty and fair dealing have ever been the policy of the house and the methods which were instituted by the founder have been carried on by ,his successors.

In June, 1892, Clyde R. Lyon was united in marriage to ^Jiss Minnie Bryant, of Chicago, a daughter of Charles Bryant. Like his father he has become a prominent business man of Uecatur and his career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest ])rinciples of honor and integrity.

Frank P. Towne

Frank P. Towne, the popular postmaster of Harristown and a well known merchant of that place, was born on the 6th of November, 1858, in Danvers, ^ilassachusetts, and is a son of Daniel and Paulina (Ferguson) Towne, the former also a native of Danvers and the latter of Maine. The father was a farmer by occupation and continued to make his home in his native place throughout life. Politicall}' he was a stanch Republican. The Towne family originated in England and the ancestry can be traced back to the seventeenth century.

During his boyhood and youth Frank P. Towne attended school in Danvers, Massachusetts, until seventeen years of age and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Coming to Illinois in 1875, he first located in Harristown, but was afterward engaged in farming in Champaign county, Illinois, for a short time, and then returned to Harristown, where he clerked for his brother, C. A. Towne, in the grocery business. Subsequently he was employed as telegraph operator and station agent for the ^^'abash Railroad at Sangamon, Illinois, and held a similar position at.Wyckles and also at Harristown for a short time.

In 1888 Mr. Towne was united in marriage to Miss Cora Eyman, who was born in mini township, Macon county, Illinois, in 1868, and is a daughter of James M. Eyman, who is now living a retired life in Harristown, having in early life engaged in farming with good success. Mrs. Towne's mother, who bore the maiden name of Narcissa Fuller, was a native of Indiana, and died in January, 1902. Of the four children born to our subject and his wife three are now deceased, the only one living being Letha, who is now attending the James Millikin University at Decatur.

(lid he fill ilie office that he was re-appointed under President McKinley and is still serving- in a most eflficient manner. He also served as town clerk for a short time. Socially he is quite prominent, being an honored member of Summit Lodge, A. F. & A. j\I. ; 'State Center Lodge, K. P., No. 631 ; and Harristown Camp, M. W. A. He is one of the leading and representative citizens of his community and is held in high regard by all who know him.

Those who meet Dr. Thomas in political circles and see the energy which he enthuses into his political work and note the deep interest which he takes in the success of the principles which he advocates would think that he devotes his entire attention to political labors ; those who see him in the sick room, giving thought and earnest attention to the case, speaking a cheery and encouraging word to the patient and giving minute and careful directions to the attendants, would judge that his entire time was devoted to his profession - but herein lies the secret of his success. It is his ability to enter heartily into any work at hand and to concentrate his energies during the needed time for the accomplishment of any purpose that has made him both a leading physician and a successful political leader in Macon county. Fie maintains his residence in Argenta, but has a very wide and favorable acquaintance throughout this portion of the state.

The Doctor was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1859. His father, George Thomas, was a native of London, England, and came to America in 1838, settling in the state of New York, where he engaged in merchandising. In the family were nine children, of whom the Doctor is the fifth in order of birth and the only one living in Illinois.

In the public schools of his native city Dr. Thomas acquired his early education and later attended the State Normal School, at .\lbany, New York, where his literary course was completed. Having determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work he then began preparation for this calling as a student in the University of Columbia, in New York city, and was graduated with the class of 1883. Returning to Yonkers he opened an office and remained in practice there for a few years, after which he determined to locate in the west and in 1891 came to Argenta, where he has since remained. After two years he built a drug store, which he now owns and conducts, having his office in the rear of his store. His business in mercantile lines is profitable and his patronage as a practitioner is gratifying, indicating the high degree of confidence reposed in him by the public. He also owns the building occupied by the hardware store in Argenta and has a good residence property. His practice is large, and reading and study keep him in touch with the advanced thought of the day.

In 1884 Dr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Estella Castle, a native of Albany, New York, in which city her father engaged in the printing business. Li^nto the Doctor and his wife have been born five children: (jeorgc, Harry, Charles, Edward and Mary E.

The Doctor is a very prominent Mason, having attained the Royal iVrch degree of the York rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scotti.sh rite. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias lodge. He is now a member of the board of trustees of the Asylum for the Incurable Insane, near Peoria, Illinois. In ])olitics he has always been a stanch and active Republican, taking a most earnest interest in the work of the party and doing all in his power to secure the adn])tion of its principles. He has served as justice of the peace and was school director for twelve years. He put forth strong effort to secure better schools and has always been a warm friend of the cause of education, doing all in his power to raise its sti^iidard in this locality. The Doctor was a member of the steering committee for Richard Yates during his campaign for governor and he also managed John G. Keller's campaign, which indicates his influence and activity in political circles. A man of strong character, of great enthusiasm and of intense interest in whatever he undertakes. Dr. Thomas carries forward to successful completion whatever he begins and is a power in political, commercial and professional circles in Macon county.

George F. Hostetler

George F. Hostetler was a representative of one of the old and prominent families of Macon county and because of this and because of personal characteristics which entitle him to distinctive mention in this volume, we present the record of his life to our readers. He claimed Indiana as his native state, his birth having occurred in Orange county on the 26th of March, 1823. His parents were John and Katie (Huflfstetter) Hostetler, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana.- Leaving the south, the father removed to Orange county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming for a few years and then came to Illinois, settling in Macon county. He purchased a farm in Decatur township and continued to engage in the cultivation of the fields until after the death of his wife, when he removed to Texas, where his own death occurred three years later.

In the common schools of Indiana and of Illinois George F. Hostetler acquired his education, mastering the branches of learninar usuallv taught in such institutions.

When his own education was completed he began teaching school in Macon county near Decatur and afterward assisted his father upon the home farm until his marriage, early gaining practical experience concerning farm work by reason of the aid which he rendered to his father in the months of vacation. In the year i860 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Harriet E. Hesser, a native of Springfield, Illinois, and a daughter of Armstead and Harriet (Evans) Hesser, both of w-hom were natives of Virginia, whence they came to Macon county, Illinois, at a very early period in its development. Subsequently they resided at Springfield, Illinois, and later removed to Taylorville, this state, where both the father and mother died.

The marriage of ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Hostetler was blessed with seven children : Harry F., who married Cora Kyte, and resides in Omaha, Nebraska, being a traveling salesman for an implement house of that city; Katie May, the wife of William Vowell, who is engaged in the livery business in Decatur; John B., who married Maggie Le Forgee, and is an artist of Davenport, Iowa ; David F., foreman of the Lyon Planing Mill of Decatur, who married Maude Williams and has two children: Dyphne A., who was born December 29, 1891, and David Ulmont, born November 30, 1893 ; Eugene F., who married Ella Clothier and is a machinist residing in Davenport, Iowa ; Gus L., who married Ora Curtis and is now an artist living in Fort Dodge, Iowa ; and Roger H., who resides in New York city, where he is a designer in a wholesale dressmaking house.

After his marriage George F. Hostetler engaged in teaching school for one year. He then removed to Decatur and he and his two brothers established a book store on JNIerchant street, where he continued in business for six years. He then removed to Mount Zion township, where he engaged in farming until his death. In his business affairs he was diligent, persevering and determined and was always a very hardworking man, meeting with a fair degree of success in his undertakings. His death occurred on the 26lh of March, 1881, and thus ended an upright life. He had always lived at peace with his fellow men and enjoyed their confidence and regard in an unusual degree. He was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity of Decatur and his political support was given to the Democracy for ho had firm faith in the principles of the party and in their ultimate triumph in citizenship. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church of Decatur and for a long time he served as one of its ciders. He left to his family the record of an untarnished name for at all times his life was in consistent harmony with his professions. After his death Mrs. Hostetler removed to Decatur in order to educate her children and has since resided in this city. She owns a good home at No. 1318 North College street, where she is living with her son, David, and his family. The Hostctler family is a prominent one in Macon county and its members enjoy the merited regard of many friends.

Samuel Gerber

SAMUEL GERBER. A splendid type of the self-made man is Samuel Gerber, the well known banker of Argenta. His life history illustrates what it is possible to accomplish in a land where opportunity is open to all and where merit wins its just reward. He started out upon his business career empty-handed, but working fliligently and untiringh'^ he has steadily advanced until his possessions are now gratifying and valuable and his name is a substantial one on commercial paper. .Argenta's business activity has been largely promoted through his efforts, and his work

Mr. Gerber is a native of Ohio, born September 27, 1835. His parents were Peter and May Gerber. The father was born in Switzerland and in 1830 came to this country, hoping that he might thereby benefit his financial condition. Settling in Ohio ho followed cabinctmaking for four or five years, after which he established his home in Shelby county, Ohio, and opened up a farm there, devoting his attention to the caro and cullivalion of the fields from Decomber, i83(), up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. He became a well known agriculturist of the community and was widely and favoral)ly known because of his sterling worth.

To a limited extent Samuel Gerber attended the public schools of Ohio but his knowledge has been acquired largely through experience, observation and reading, and thus he has gained many valuable lessons which have proved of practical use in his business career. He started out for himself when twenty-one years of age and after engaging in teaching school for two terms he began operating his father's farm in Ohio. Subsequently he removed to near where Oreana now stands and securing a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres continued to operate this rented farm until his labors had brought to him sufficient capital to enable him to buy a farm of his own. His first purchase consisted of forty acres in Whitmore township and from time to time he added to his property until he now owns four hundred and seventy acres of land in this locality and a section in southern Illinois, which is devoted to stockraising. From 1S66 until 1875 he was engaged in raising hogs and in this way he really made his start. He afterward engaged in the cultivation of wheat and later made horse-raising his specialty. In the various departments of agricultural work

In 1882 he came to Argenta and estabhshcd a general store, which he conducted for three years. He then traded that property and in connection with J. W. Brown he erected a building and opened a bank in Argenta. This they successfully conducted until 1892, when Mr. Brown died, and the present tirm of Gerber & Son was then formed. The safe conservative business policy which was inaugurated by the bank has always been followed and has been the basis of the success which has attended the institution. The bank also owns the Argenta telephone system, which operates three hundred and seventy-five telephones ' and to the upbuilding of this enterprise Samuel Gerber gives considerable attention. He erected a large brick store building which is now occupied by W. T. J. Cooper and he also owns a nice residence in Argenta.

On the I2th of December, 1856, Mr. Gerber was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hillbrant, and unto them have been born six children, of whom four are yet living: Elizabeth, Peter E., S. N. and Mary M. Their second and third daughters, Annie and Maggie, have passed away. Mrs. Gerber holds membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. She has been a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband on the journey of life and is held in high regard by many friends. Mr. Gerber belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he votes with the Republican party. On its ticket he was elected to the offices of supervisor, commissioner and assessor, and in the discharge of his official duties has been found most reliable and prompt. In all his undertakings he has been successful and through all has sustained an unassailable rcj)ulation which makes him one of the leading and representative men of his adopted county.

Oliver L. Stuart

OLIVER L. STUART. The subject of this sketch is not only one of the most highly respected citizens of Whitmore township, but is also a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county. Throughout life he has made his home here and is now living in. honorable retirement upon his farm of eighty acres in section 14, Whitmore township. He was born in the city of Decatur in a log house which stood on the site of J. L. Drake's present place of business, his natal day being September 15, 1833. His parents were David H. and Sarah (Florey) Stuart, both natives of Virginia, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. In early life the father was engaged in teaming from Tennessee to the far east with four and six horse wagons, the wagons being of the old Virginia style. For some years he continued to follow that business and then came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Macon county. He first entered a forty acre tract of timber and another forty acres of prairie on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 13, Whitmore township, and later bought the farm of eighty acres where our subject now resides. Throughout the remainder of his life he devoted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of his farm. In 1856 he was accidentally drowned at the old Ray bridge north and east of Decatur while on his way home. His wife survived him many years and passed away in her seventy-fourth year. This worthy couple were the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy, those still living being Oliver L., our subject ; John T., wdio is living on the old homestead on section 13, Whitmore township; and Marv, wife of Ed Kile, of Decatur.