Decatur Township (part 7 of 46)

The boyhood of Oliver L. Stuart was passed amid pioneer surrouiidintjs and his early education was obtained in a little log schoolhouse with its priniilivo furniture, though for a short time lT,e subsequently atteniled the Illinois Wesleyan University at Blooniington. which was then a mere village. He well reiueuibers when the houses were lighted onl\ Ijy candles, which were either dipped or molded at home. He has seen the old wooden mold board ])lovvs used and the first that he used was the single shovel plow. He has cut his grain with a reap hook and later v^-ith a cradle, and afterward became the possessor of a reaper run by horse power, which was considered extremely fine at that time.

After leaving school ^Mr. .Stuart engaged in teaching in ihis county for llirec months but with this exception his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. At the time of his marriage he located upon his present farm, which had been broken but otherwise unim])rovcd. Most of the country round about was either co\ered with ])onds or sloughs or was regular swamp land, and it took much labor to convert it into the well cultivated farms which we now find in this region. Mr. Stuart labored early and late to make his farm one of the best and it is to-day worth one hundred dollars per acre, although the purchase price was only four dollars per acre.

On the 1st of June, 1854, Mr. Stuart was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kile, a sister of his brother-in-law, Ed Kile, and a daughter of Josiah W. and Mary (Clark) Kile, natives of ()hio and New Jersey, respectively. About 1850 her ])arents came to Macon county", Illinois, and settled in Friends Creek township. I'utd .Mr. and Mrs. Stuart were born seven children, the oldest of whom died in infancy ; Mattie is now the wife of .Mbert C. Scott; Bertha Luella married Thomas Draper and died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-eight years ; Jessie F. is tlje wife of William H. Smith, a hardware merchant of Argenta ; Mary B. is the wife of William M. Lakin, of Champaign county, Illinois; Alta G. is the wife of .Martin Corbett, of I'ana, Illinois: and Carrie H. is at home with her parents. Mr. Stuart has provided his daughters with good educational advantages and all have been successful and popular teachers. lie has twehe granilchildren living and one deceased.

Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. I'remont, Mr. Stuart has affiliated with the Republican party, and for a number of years he filled the offices of town clerk, school director and school trustee in a most efficient manner. His father sup- ])orted the \Vhig party. Religiously both our subject and his wife are members of the .Methodist E])iscopal church and helped to organize the church at Wesley Chapel, with which they at first lield membership, but they now belong to the church at Argenta, and it is safe to say that no couple in the commnnitj' is held in higher regard than Mr. and Mrs. Stuart. He is a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association and annually attends its reunions, which are very pleasant occasions. Here are gathered the pioneers of the county, who laid the fotuidation for its present prosperity. Through the long years of his residence here Mr. Stuart has become widely known and his many excellent traits of character have gained him the high regard of his many friends.

John W. Graves

JOHN W. GRAVES. John W. Graves is now a representative of mercantile interests in Decatur, having since Jmie, 1902, engaged in the sale of aluminum goods and novelties. In this short space of time he has built up an excellent trade among acquaintances whoiri he had formerly made in a business way and also receives a liberal patronage from among those who approve of his excellent business policy and straightforward dealings. Mr. Graves is a native of Logan county, Illinois, his birth having occurred on the 19th of July, 1850. He is a son of Charles and Rachel (Cantrell) Graves, whose marriage was celebrated October 18, 1840. at Waynesville, Illinois. The father was born on the 30th of April, 1817, in Vermont, and died in the year 1850. He had started from Peoria, Illinois, for California and his death occurred on the plains. This left to the widow the care of her two small children, our subject being then but an infant. She supported them by her own labor, putting forth every effort in her power to advance their welfare and happiness and during the evening of her days she found a pleasant home with her son John W., passing away at his residence on the 25th of }ilarch, 1892. She was then laid to rest by the side of her twin sister, Rebecca, who died on the 25th of March, 1849. Mrs. Graves was a daughter of Zebulon G. Cantrell, who settled in Waynesville, Illinois, in the spring of 1832. Her mother bore the maiden name of Sarah INIcCollam, and both were natives of Virginia, the father's birth having there occurred on the 29th of June, 1773, while his wife was born February 8, 1779. They were married August 31, 1797, and removed from the Old Dominion to Kentucky, and afterward to Ohio. Having spent some time in the last named state, they then came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon count3^ in 1833, and in 1834 they removed to DeWitt county. Mr. Cantrell died at Waynesville, Illinois, September 11, 1845, ^"d his wife passed away on the 26th of May, 1843.

John W. Graves pursued his education in the public schools. In his early youth he went to Wisconsin and at the age of fourteen years he enlisted in his country's service as a member of Company K, Fortysi.xth Wisconsin \'olunteer Infantry, being mustered in on the 22d of February, 1865. He remained with the army until after the close of hostilities and was honorably discharged on the loth of October, 1865. Following his militar)- experience he entered Galesville Universit}' of Wisconsin and was graduated in the class of 1869. He then engaged in teaching school for two years, after which he entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad in the capacity of fireman. He left that service in the fall of 1873 ^^^d removed to Centralia, Illinois, where he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company in a similar position, continuing with that corporation until the spring of 1877, when he came to Decatur. Here he followed carpentering for a short time and in 1880 he accepted a position as engineer with the Decatur Coal Company, with which he was connected when it first opened its mines. For ten years or until 1902 he was employed b}^ the Union Iron Works of Decatur as foreman of the wood department and then resigned his position there and opened his present store in the month of June, 1902, for the sale of aluminum good and novelties. From the beginning he has received a liberal patronage and is now carrying on a successful trade.

On the 8th of March, 1877, ISlr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Mattie J. Edds, a daughter of Carroll and Elizabeth Edds. Their children are Edna C, who was born February 8, 1878, and was married on Christmas Day of 1899, to Harry R. Griswold, by whom she has two children, John Carroll and Jasper Edwin ; Mattie A., born January 9, 1883 ; Walter A., born August 10, 1885 ; and Nina Hazel, born January 26, 1888.

Mr. Graves is an exemplary member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., in which he is a' past master. He has been identified with the fraternity since 1892 and has thoroughly informed himself concerning Its tenets and teachings, while in his life he emhraces its beneficent principles. He also belongs to Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. \. M., and to Beaiimanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T., while of Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., he is a charter member. For sixteen years he was also a member of the famous Goodman liand, being the tub;i ])layer. He was a member of the band during the period that the organization ad- \-anced from a country band of sixteen members to one of more than state reputation, having a member.ship of forty. When he resigned in 1900 there were only four of the original members of the band still with the organization. He has alwa^'s been a lover of music and bis talent in this direction has been of value in musical circles in this city. In politics he is a Republican and a strongprohibitionist. There are few men of Mr. Graves' age who can boast of a military record in connection with the Civil war. The same spirit which he manifested when as a boy he responded to the country's call has always been one of his strong characteristics. Everything pertaining to the general welfare receives his endorsement and he has been a co-operant factor in many measures for the public good.

Hugh W. Hill

HUGH W. HILL. This is a utilitarian age and the man whose business is of worth to the world is he who wins success. To-daj^ Hugh \V. Hill is numbered among the capitalists and retired manufacturers of Decatur and is a venerable citizen of eighty-one years, respected and honored not only because of his success, but also because of the manner in which his prosperity has been won. He started out in life a poor bo}' with limited advantages, educational and otherwise, and that he is to-day numbered among the wealthy men of his adopted city is due to his own well directed and enterprising efforts, lie has been a resident of Macon county for many years and no history of this section of the state would be complete without mention of his life.

.Mr. Hill was born in North Carolina, on the i8th day of July, 1822, and of that state his parents, John and .Xscnath (.\ndre\vs) Hill, were also natives. In 1835 the father removed with his family from North Carolina to the new state of Missouri, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of that locality. There he spent his remaining days, passing away in the year 1851. His wife, however, had died ])rior to the family's removal from North Carolina, her death having occurred in 1824.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Hugh \V. Hill was reared. He worked in the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn and it was only for a brief period during the winter months that he was enabled to pursue his education. He mastered the common branches of learning in a log school house, to wdiich he was ciimpelled to walk for a distance of three miles, returning in the same manner each evening. He was a youth of only thirteen years when his father removed to Missouri and there he assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm in the timber, sharing with the others in the family in the hardships and trials incident to frontier life. It was in the year j86o that Mr. Hill came to Illinois, locating first in Bond county, where he remained for eighteen months. In February, 1866, he came to Macon county and was first identified with farming and stock-raising here. As he had no capital with which to purchase land he leased a farm located about nine miles from Decatur and with characteristic energy he began the cultivation of crops that he might provide a living for himself and family. For eight years he remained upon that land, devoting his energies to general farming and stockraising and while there he gave considerable attention to the breeding and raising of hogs. Certain troubles that he had with his hogs led to his success in business life. His hogs would root and he felt that he was compelled to resort to some measure that would prevent this as the animals were injuring his pasture lands. Becoming incensed at a hog that was engaged in its usual delightful occupation of rooting he caught the animal and with an awl punched a hole through his snout and inserted therein a piece of wire, after which he twisted the ends together. This proved effective for the hog could root no longer. This led to an invention which has become of world wide value and is now in universal use. Mr. Hill began studying some method which would be an easier and quicker way of ringing hogs' noses and as the result of his thoughts and experiments he gave to the world the invention which is known as the hog ringer and which is to-day used not only extensively throughout the United States, but throughout the entire world wherever those animals are raised. Immediate success, however, did not follow his work, for after securing a patent on his invention he found some difficult}- in gaining co-operation of any one with capital. He was himself without sufficient means to manufacture the ringer and place it upon the market and when he made business propositions to different men of capital in the locality to join him in the work he found little encouragement. At length, however, he formed a partnership with Charles P. Housum under the firm style of H. \\'. Hill & Company. A wide system of advertising was entered upon and when the public recognized the fact that Mr. Hill possessed an article of much value to the farmers the business increased with great rapidity so that the work continued almost night and day in order to meet the demands made upon the house. The patronage came from foreign countries as well as from all sections of the United States and the business grew to mammoth proportions, becoming one of the leading industrial concerns of Decatur. Each year the sales increased and thus Mr. Hill steadily added to his capital, meeting the success which he well merited because of his perseverance, his capability and his energy. He continued in the business until 1894, when he sold his interest in the plant and retired to private life with a handsome competence. In the meantime he had made judicious investments in real estate, becoming the owner of valuable farms in Macon county, which is situated in one of the richest agricultural districts of this entire county. His farms are highh^ cultivated, being made very productive through tiling. He has placed about thirty-six miles of tiling upon his land, using pipes of four, sixteen, eighteen and twenty-four inches. His early experience in farm work has made his later labors in this direction of value and he became recognized as one of the most progressive and capable agriculturists of Macon county. In addition to his other business concerns he has been largely interested in coal mining, becoming the owner of two mines in Decatur and another near Niantic, Macon county, from which he derives a good income.

In 1843 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hill and Miss Eliza J. Stevenson and for almost si.xty years they traveled life's journey together. Mrs. Hill, who was a native of North Carolina, proved a most faithful companion and helpmate to her husband and when she was called to the life bej-ond on the 30th of June, 1902, there ended a married relation that had been almost ideal. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born a son and five daughters : Clara, the wife of John Biddle; John N., who is a prosperous farmer and dealer in live stock, controlling important agricultural interests in Illinois ; Alice, the deceased wife of Jonathan Guess ; and Catherine Asenath, who became the wife of Thomas A. Bone, a ^t;;rain dealer, and died IcaNins; three children : X'irginia 1^., who died at the age of two years ; and Augusta, who died at the age of twenty-four years.

Mr. Hill proudly cast his first vote in support of the candidates and measures of the Whig party and continued one of its advocates until the organization of the new Republican party, when he joined its ranks. He has since followed its banners and yet maintains a deep interest in its success. He has never been an aspirant for political honors or office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs. Although his early life was a period of earnest toil, in which he was deprived of many of the comforts and conveniences which go to make life worth the living, he is to-day one of the prosperous men of Decatur. A gentleman of great natural ability his success in business from the time of the establishment of his manufacturing enterprise was uniform and rapid. As has been truly remarked, after all that may be done for a man in the way of giving him early opportunities for obtaining the requirements which are sought in the schools and in books, he must essetitially formulate, determine and give shape to his own character; and this is what Mr. Hill has done. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained the most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever suportcd those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

WILLIAM 1). CHAMBERLAIN. There is no country which Offers as excellent advantages to young men for advancement in business life as America, but while this is so, it is also a well known fact that "Tabor is king;" that progress in commercial or industrial circles depends upon earnest, persistent and honorable effort, untiring industry, and these form the basis of the prosperity that has come to William D. Chamberlain, of Decatur, where he is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of awnings and tents.

Mr. Chamberlain was born near Chapin, Morgan county, Illinois. March 26, 1849, son of Grififin and Elizabeth (Averitt) Chamberlain. The father was a native of Richmond, Virginia, and in 1828 became a resident of Morgan county, Illinois, removing to the west with his father, whose namesake he was. Griffin Chamberlain, Sr., engaged in manufacturing, conducting a large powder mill in Richmond, Virginia, before his removal to Illinois. In the family were four children, three sons and a daughter, but Peter T. Chamberlain, who is now living in Kansas, is the only survivor. The father of our subject after attaining his majority became a well known factor in business circles in this state. In connection with his father-in-law, Nathan G. Averitt, he was one of the first settlers in Harristown township, establishing his home in the locality known as the " prairie." Mr. Chamberlain entered a quarter section of land from the government and this in course of time he brought to a high state of cultivation, transforming it into a valuable farm. He erected thereon a fine ten room residence, also commodious out buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and his farm was recognized as one of the best improved in the county. A year after the erection of the residence, however, it caught . on fire and in his efTorts to save the building Mr. Chamberlain was injured and died from the effects in 1871, when fifty-three years of age. He left a widow who is still living and two sons. William D. and James H.

In the common schools, such as existed in the primitive days in Illinois, William D. Chamberlain began his education. A little later, however, several influential residents of llarristown township, desiring to have better educational facilities, leased a suitable building, employed teachers and established a private educational institution which was known as the Harristown high school, in which a two year's classical course might be pursued. jMr. Chamberlain availed himself of the opportunity thus afforded and later he pursued a three year's course in Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, thus becoming a well informed man, of broad general learning.

For one year he engaged in teaching school and in 1872, following the death of his father, he returned to the home farm, where in connection with his brother, James H., he engaged in agricultural pursuits, conducting the old home place until 1877. He then purchased a half interest in a general store in Harristown, entering into partnership with his father-in-law, I. F. Peck. They conducted that business for two years and, still retaining the ownership of the store, they formed a partnership with T. W. Cann and established a grocery on Water street, Decatur. This was conducted under the firm name of I. F. Peck & Company for three years and at the expiration of that period both stores were sold and the partnership was dissolved.

It was at that time - in the year 1885 - that Mr. Chamberlain began the manufacture of mattresses for the wholesale trade. Not long afterward he extended the scope of his business by opening a department for the manufacture of awnings and tents and the trade in the latter was increased so that in course of time his entire attention was devoted to this line. His business has become so extensive that Decatur is now recognized as a producing center for such products. He manufactures awnings and tents of every grade and description and his sales are very extensive. The firm also rents large shipments of stock for camping purposes. He sold to Clinton one thousand chairs and has furnished chairs to various Chautauqua Association, including those of Pontiac, Bloomington, Urbana, Danville and Shelbyville. In 1903 he made extensive shipments to two Chautauqua assemblies in Illinois and to the Kentucky State Fair, also to the Chautauqua at Jackson, Mississippi, and at other places. The business is now conducted under the name of the Decatur Tent & Awning Company, at No. 118 East Williams street, with William D. Chamberlain as manager. The leading partners in the enterprise are Mr. Chamberlain and H. W. Averitt. The business has assumed mammoth proportions and is the outcome of the enterprise, clear judgment and experience of him whose name introduces this review.

On the loth of March, 1873, Mr. Chamberlain was joined in wedlock to j\Iiss Florence M. Peck, a daughter of I. F. and Mary (Cann) Peck, of Lafayette, Indiana. Mrs. Chamberlain died January 12, 1902, at the age of forty-seven years, leaving two children, Gertrude and Cecil. In his social relations Mr. Chamberlain is connected with Decatur Camp No. 144, M. W. A., and was one of the seventeen charter members upon its organization in 1883. He is also a charter member of the Fraternal Tribunes and he belongs to the Christian church on Edwards street in Decatur, of which he is now serving as deacon. Having spent his entire life in Illinois, he has been a witness of much of i'ts development and progress. He can recall in his boyhood days the howling of wolves and remembers seeing deer roam upon the prairies. He also remembers the building of the Wabash Railroad in 1854, an enterprise which elicited the interest of people throughout this portion of the countrv. He is now one of the prosperous residents of his adopted city and the success of his present enterprise has more than come up to his expectations. He has come to be regarded as one of the influential and substantial business men of his town. His plant is well equipped and is a growing industry, but undoubtedly will in time have to undergo enlargement. He has excellent financial ability and understands the handling of men, a combination of desirable attributes which invariably insure success.

Robert H. Woodcock

In early manhood Robert H. Woodcock liccame a resident of Macon county and has since been largely identified with its development, material upl)uilding and business growth. He found a district in which the land was largely unimproved and its surface was dotted here and there with ponds or crossed by sloughs. Many changes have since occurred and now this is one of the richest farming districts of the state and in its midst is a thriving commercial and industrial center and many smaller towns showing great business activity. Mr. Woodcock is actively and successfully engaged in the private banking business and in real-estate dealing and in both branches is meeting with prosperity.

A native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Woodcock was born .August 30, 1835, ^ son of Edmund and Susanna (Funk) AN'oodcock, the former of English lineage and the latter of German descent. From Pennsylvania the parents removed to Illinois in 1849. The father was a wagonmaker by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide for his family, including his wife and ten children, nine of whom reached years of maturity, the subject of this review being the third in order of birth. Those still liviuir are ^tarv, .Sarah, Robert H. and

Etta B. The father died in Ouincy, Illinois, in 1856, and the mother's death occurred in Carrollton, this state, at the very advanced age of ninety-five years.

Robert H. Woodcock supplemented his early educational privileges by a course of study in the seminary of Greene county, Illinois, and was graduated when twentyone years of age. After leaving school he went into a dry-goods store as bookkeeper, serving in that capacity for two years and then came to Macon county. In 1862 he took up his abode in the village of Macon, where he established a grocery store, which he conducted for three years, selling out in January, 1865. The following August he entered the eni])Ioy of the Illinois Central Railroad Company as agent, being the third man to hold the position at this place, and his term continued si.xteen years. Two years previous he had become agent for the American Express Company and acted in the latter capacity altogether for eighteen years. He then engaged with H. Faling for eight months in the banking business, then purchased the interest of his partner and has since engaged in the banking business, with the exception of a period of two years. He has also dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling land, and sold most of the property belonging to the Illinois Central Railroad Company for fifteen miles on each side of the railroad track and fifteen miles north and south. He conducts a private bank, which has a good patronage, for he is known as a most reliable man and has back of his institution ample securities.

Shortl}- after coming to Macon county, Mr. Woodcock was married October 29, 1863, to Miss Frances J. Rives, who was born in Greene county, this state, March 18, 1841. Her parents. Rev. James and Elizabeth (Hood) Rives, were from North Carolina and spent their last days in Greene county, Illinois. Iler father was a Republican in politics and a minister of the Meth-

In his political views Mr. Woodcock is an earnest Republican, active in the party, and has been honored with a number of local offices. He served as alderman of Macon for two years, was mayor one year, and for fourteen years was supervisor, one-half of which time he was chairman of the board. He has been a delegate to various county, state and congressional conventions and has e.xerted a strong influence in the local ranks of the party. Socially he is connected with South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. ^I., and with one exception is the oldest Mason in Macon, having joined the order at Lincoln, Illinois, in 1866. He was active in establishing the school system and his labors have been effective and helpful along many lines for the public good. When Mr. Woodcock came to Macon county he made the journey on horseback over the prairies, on which the grass grew almost as high as the horse's back. There was only one house within four miles and a tract of only eighty acres was under cultivation at that time. He has done his full share for the development and progress of the county, has watched with interest its growth and as a pioneer citizen as well as leading business man well deserves representation in the history of the county.

Harold Rives Woodcock

HAROLD RIVES WOODCOCK. Harold Rives Woodcock, who is associated with his father in the banking business at Macon, under the firm style of R. H. Woodcock & Company, was born in this town, June 6, 1871, and in the public schools acquired his literary education, while his business training was received in Brown's- Business College, of Decatur, in which he completed the course in the class of 1890.

I'revious to this time, however, he had served as bookkeeper from 1887 to 1889, in the Woodcock & Hight Bank of Macon, and following the completion of his school course he became cashier in the Heilman grocery house of Decattu". In 1891 he was cashier in the R. H. Woodcock & Company Bank in Macon, and later occupied a similar position in the First National Bank at Collinsville, Illinois, from March until July, 1902. He then returned to Macon and has since been engaged in the banking business as cashier and partner, being thus associated with his father under the business style of R. H. Woodcock & Company.

Politically' Mr. Woodcock is connected with the Republican party, strongly endorsing its principles and laboring untiringly for its success. He has served as town clerk of Macon, and in 1899 '^^ was elected supervisor for a two years' term. He served as chairman of the board in 1900-1 and was then re-elected for the term of 1901-2, but resigned in June of the latter year. His social relations connect him with the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in South Macon Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M. and is now a past master. He also belongs to Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., of which he is a past chancellor and district deputy, and thus in both organizations he has been honored with official preferment, showing the regard in which he is held by his brethren of the fraternities.

In 1896, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was celebrated the marriage of Harold R. Woodcock and Miss Bertha Middleton, and they now have an interesting little son, to whom they have given the name of Rives Way. The business history of Macon would be incomplete without mention of the \Voodcocks - father and son - who are prominent and worthy representatives of financial interests and who in social life are also prominent, both families having many warm friends here.

JAMES S. C. CUSSINS, M. D. The cit)' of Decatur, with its pulsing industrial activities and rapid development, has attracted within its confines men of marked ability and high character in the various professional lines and in iliis way progress has been conserved and social stability fostered. He, whose name initiates this review, has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of the state and by his labors, his high professional attainments and his sterling characteristics has justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by the medical fraternity and the local public. He has resided in Decatur only since 1901. but for twenty-five years has been a practitioner of this part of Illinois, where he is widely and favorably known.

The Doctor was born in the city of ZancsvilJe, Ohio, on the 24th of March, 1851, a son of .SamiioJ A. and Jane (Cairns) Cussins, both of wlioni are natives of the P>uckeyc state, and the latter was a daughter of Dr. Cairns. The father of our subject learned the carpenter's trade in earlv life and became a contractor and builder. In 1864 he removed with his familv to Decatur, where he became actively identified with the building interests, continuing his work along that line until a short time prior to his death. In this way he did much for the imiiroxcment of the city and many evidences nf his handiwork are still seen in substantial structures here. He passed away in 1869.

riie Doctor was a youth of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to this city and his youth was here passed, his early education lieing acquired in the schools of Decatur under the direction of Professor E. A. Gastman, a most thorough and competent teacher, who for more than forty years has been principal of the Decatur schools. He was also a student in the University of Illinois for two years. On the completion of his literary course Dr. Cussins determined to enter upon the study of medicine, preparatory to making its practice his life work. He became a student in the office and under the direction of Drs. E. \V. Moore and Ira N. Barnes, who d.irected his reading until he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, in which institution he was graduated with liie class of 1877, winning the degree of M. D.

It was in August of the same year that he entered upon his professional career as a practitioner in the little town of Owaneco, Christian county, Illinois. He soon demonstrated his ability there and gained a liberal patronage which continuallj^ grew as the years passed by. hOr twenty-four years he conducted practice there and then desiring a still broader field of labor he returned to Decatur in 1901, opening an office on Prairie street over the store of the Decatur Gun Company. One of the local papers said of him: "With his remarkable jihysique and careful living, in spite of twenty-five years of hard jjracticc, the Doctor to-day is actively ])racticing his chosen profession and endowed with all the energy which has charactei'ized his work in the past."

In January, 1878, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ella Lord, of Decatur, a daughter of Thomas Lord, one of the old and prominent residents of this city and of l\Iacon county. They began their domestic life in Owaneco and there two children were born unto them : Lelah, who died at the age of twelve years, and Minerva May. P>essie Marie and James S. C, Jr., were born in Decatur. 'i"he Doctor and his wife occu])y an enviable position in social circles and their own ]:)leasanl home is noted for its cordiality and gracious hospitality.

Politically the Doctor is an ardent Democrat and has taken c|uite an active and I)rominent part in ])nl)lic affairs, serving as a member of the board of supervisors in Christian county for eleven years and w,is

Not only has he attained success in his profession but is also a popular and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. His membership is now with Locust Lodge, No. 623, F. & A. ^I. ; Chapter, No. 102, R. A. ^L, at Taylorville, Illinois, and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T., of Decatur. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Decatur Medical Society and through the interchange of thought and experience in its meetings keeps in touch with the methods which the various members of the fraternity are following and also gives of his own knowledge for the benefit of his professional brethren. He has followed along the line of general practice in medicine and surgery and is recognized as a man of marked ability in his profession, of keen intellectuality and of cultured tastes. He has made an honorable name for himself not only in professional circles, but in the community in which he makes his home and has many friends. He is a valued acquisition to the medical circles of the city, in which his boyhood was passed and already in Decatur he has gained a liberal patronage which is indicative of his superior skill and of the confidence reposed in him by the general public.

James H. Parker

JAMES H. PARKER. It was the commonly accepted belief in olden times that labor was the source of success ; to-day the world demands another element - that of sound judgment. Both qualiiies are possessed by James H. Parker, now one of the most extensive landowners of Macon count}' and the president of the

Citizens' Bank of Maroa. With few advantages in youth, depending upon his own resources as the years have gone by, he has risen to a prominent position among the prosperous men of the county and by the most honorable and businesslike methods has gained his prosperity. A native of Ohio, he was born in 1846, a son of James S. and Rachel (Hankinson) Parker. The father, a farmer by occupation, was born in New Jersey and removed to Ohio when a young man of twenty years. In 1853 he became a resident of DeWitt county, Illinois, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he sold a year or two later. He then came to jNIacon county and purchased a tract of land west of Maroa, where he carried on farming until three or four years prior to his death, when he removed to the town and lived retired until called to his final rest on the 5th of May, 1880. His wife long survived him and died in 1901. This was an old and highly respected couple.

James H. Parker attended school in Macon county, but is largely self-educated, reading, observation and experience adding greatly to his knowledge. Nature also endowed him with a good degree of common sense - a quality very essential in the business world and too often lacking. He did not fear that laborious attention to labor which is the basis of prosperit}- and in his early manhood, as in his more mature 3ears, labored earnestly and persistently. He started out for himself at the age of twenty-one years and at first operated his father's land. The training which he had received in the work of the fields now stood him in good stead. He diligently and energetically carried on his work and in the course of a few years had saved enough money to purchase a farm of his own. With renewed energy he began its cultivation and as the years passed he added to his landed possessions from time to time until he now has about two thousand acres, much of which Hes within Macon county and is therefore in one of the richest farming belts of the entire country. His home farm, lying west of Maroa, comprises live hundred and forty-five acres. He formed a partnership with the man who now lives upon the place and operates it, and the remainder of his land he rents. His possessions represent years of earnest, consecutive toil and show what may be attained through enterprise and industry. His business interests, however, have not been confined entirely to agricultural pursuits but have gone beyond and embraced other fields of labor. He is now the president of the Citizens' Bank of Maroa, a reliable financial institution receiving a good patronage, and is also the president of The Farmers' Mercantile Association.

In 1871 Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Emma A. Shaw, a daughter of William G. Shaw. They visited Chicago on their wedding journey and had just left that city when the great fire occurred. Unto them were born two children, but both died in infancy. -Mr. and Mrs. Parker own and occupy one of the handsome residences of Maroa and its hospitality is one of its most marked and pleasing features. They belong to the Methodist church, taking an active part in its work, and ^Ir. Parker is a member of the blue lodge of Masons in Maroa and of the commandery of Clinton, Illinois. He also holds membership relations with the Knights of Pythias here. In politics he is a Republican and once served as supervisor, but would never consent to hold other office. His best public service is rendered as a private citizen and he is found as the advocate of many progressive and beneficial measures. With little assistance from his father, James II. Parker has won for himself an enviable position in financial circles and in public regard and stands to-day as one of the

Charles F. Ruehl

.Mmost a half century has passed since Charles F. Ruehl became a resident of Macon county. He is now a retired farmer and merchant, making his home in Decatur, and the rest which has been vouchsafed to him has been justly earned and is therefore richly merited. It is a fact of which perhaps due recognition has not been given, that a large majority of the valued citizens of this portion of the state have had their nativity in or trace their lineage to the great German empire. Mr. Ruchl is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, his birth having there occurred on the 31st of August, 1832. His parents, Ernst and Elizabeth Kuchl, never left the fatherland, but spent their entire lives in their native country. When their son Charles was a little lad of si.x years they sent him to the public schools, where he continued his studies until he reached the age of fourteen and afterward he became a student in a gymnasium which is equivalent to a high school in this country. Entering upon his business career he was first, employed as a farm hand and afterward became manager of an estate belonging to a nobleman, in which capacity he served for four years, fie had acquired a practical knowledge of farming as it was then conducted in the old country and his services were of value to the gentlciuan by whom he was employed.

The land of the free, however, was to him a source of attraction and since 1852 he has been allied with .\merican interests. No native son of the country is more loyal to the United States and hir welfare than is Charles F. Ruehl. In 1852 he took passage on a westward-bound sailing vessel that weighed anchor in the harbor of Bremen bound for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. He did not tarry long, however, in the latter city, but went almost at once to Hamilton, Ohio, and in that vicinity secured work as a farm hand, .\fterward he removed to Logansport, Indiana, where for three years he followed various pursuits. In 1856 he arrived in Decatur, Illinois, and having in the meantime saved some of his earnings, he established a retail grocery store on Water street. For eight years he conducted the business, being one of the early merchants of the city. He then sold out and removed to Forsyth, Macon countj^ where he not only conducted the railroad ofifice, but also handled grain, carrying on his store there for twenty-four years. His business grew to an important one and he realized a handsome annual income as the result of his labors. While a resident of Forsyth, in 1874 he went to Iowa, where he purchased eight hundred acres of valuable land, which he rented. For some time he visited Iowa once or twice each year to superintend his property interests, but made his home in Decatur. In 1892, however, Mr. Ruehl sold his Iowa property for sixty-five dollars per acre, which was an excellent advance upon the purchase price. He is now practically living retired, loaning his money and merely devoting his attention to this work and the collection of its interest.

The home life of Mr. Ruehl has been very pleasant. He married Miss Thekla Stommel and they became the parents of two children : Ernst, who is now residing in Champaign county, Illinois ; and Lillie, who is the wife of Perr^^ Lashier, of Sac county, Iowa. After the death of his first wife Mr. Ruehl wedded her sister, Otella, and four children graced this marriage, namely: Carl, who resides in Centralia, Illinois; Louis, who is manager of a lumber yard at Freeport, Illinois ; Max, a practicing physician who is emplo3'ed by the ]McCormick

Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois, devoting his entire time and attention to professional work among the McCormick employes, numbering several thousand ; and Harold, who is a bookkeeper in the Citizens' National Bank of Decatur. Otto Link, who follows farming, is a son of Mrs. RuehTs first marriage.

In his political views Mr. Ruehl is an earnest Republican, but without the party bias or aggressive spirit which many political workers show. He forms his ideas independently and is firm in support of his honest convictions. In matters of citizenship he has always been loyal and true to the best interests of the city, state and nation. He may well be termed one of the pioneers of Macon county, for through almost a half century he has witnessed its growth and development. He has seen Decatur grow from a small town to one of the leading metropolitan centers of the state, becoming an industrial city second to none in Illinois, save Chicago. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and wherever he has gone he has won friends, who recognize his worth and accord him their warm regard.

WILLIA^I CLARK. William Clark, who is engaged in tlie real estate business in Decatur, has resided in this city since February, 1890, previous to which time he was for some years connected with agricultural interests in Illinois. His birth occurred in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, on the 27th of April, 1827, his parents being William and Sarah (Hayes) Clark, who were natives of the Keystone state. The family is of English lineage, but both the father and grandfather of our subject were born in this country. The grandfather also bore the name of William Clark and he was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, enlisting at the age of sixteen years. He did valiant service for the country and afterward devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. The father of our subject was also a farmer by occupation. He followed that pursuit in Pennsyhania throughout his entire life and in 1847 1^"^ passed away, being then sixty-five years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Sarah Hayes, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction and who was also a native of Pennsylvania. She proved to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey, and her death occurred in 1850.

At the usual age ^^'illiam Clark entered the public schools and afterward attended a subscription school, thus fitting himself for teaching. He followed that profession in his locality for a number of years and also continued to engage in the operation of the old home farm during the periods of vacation. He continued to reside in Pennsylvania until 1856, when he came to Illinois, locating first in Kendall county, where he secured a tract of land and successfully engaged in farming. After a period of twenty 3"ears he went to Mecklenburg county, Virginia, spending a few months in the Old Dominion. Preferring Illinois, however, as a place of residence, he then returned to this state and located in Champaign county, where he purchased a farm, which he owned and operated for eighteen years. He was a progressive agriculturist and everything about his place indicated his personal supervision. Neatness and thrift characterized the farm and he annually harvested good crops as the result of the care and labor which he bestowed upon the fields. In February, 1890, however, he rented his farm and removed to Decatur, where he has since made his home, residing at No. 619 West Wood street. For some time he has engaged in the real estate and fire insurance business here and has secured a good clientage in both lines, having negotiated a number of realty transfers and at the same time written quite a large amount of insurance. In 1855 Mr. Clark was unite<l in marriage to Miss Charlotte Hall, of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jesse Hall. They became the parents of four children: Everett Howard, who is now living in western Kansas; Jesse Hall; iMinnie Belle, who is residing in Decatur, and Emma, who is now in Chicago. The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church of Decatur and Mr. Clark has been a stalwart Republican since the organization of the party, when questions of national importance are involved, but at local elections he votes independently. His residence in Illinois covers a period of almost a half century and his labors aided in making this state the splendid agricultural district which it is to-day. His many admirable characteristics, his steadfastness of purpose and the genialty of his temperament have made him an integral part of the prosperity and general development of the communities in which he has made his home.

William B. Hunter

WILLIAM B. HUNTER. Throughout the years of his manhood this gentleman has been actively identified with the agricultural and industrial interests of Macon county and is to-day a prosperous citizen of Mount Zion, where for the past three years he has engaged in the nursery business, owning a one-third interest in the Mount Zion Nursery. He claims Illinois as his native state, his birth occurring in Bond county, November 25, 1850. His father, James B. Hunter, was born in Kentucky and at an early day came to Illinois, being engaged in farming in Macon county for some years. He entered the army during the Civil war as a member of Company I, One Hundred and sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Tnfantrv and when hostilities ceased he relurned to this state, where he resided for a time, but is now Hving in Arkansas. He married Miss Nancy Griggs, and to them were born four children, as follows : Jennie, wife of Henry Fruit, of Decatur ; Emma, wife of Jackson Hanks, also of Decatur; Lucy, wife of Thomas Elker, who makes his home in California, and William B., of this review.

William B. Hunter spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm and in 1862 began earning his own livelihood. For three years he was employed on a farm near Elwin and then came to Mount Zion township, where he worked as a farm hand by the month until he had accumulated sufficient capital to buy a tract of land and engage in farming on his own account. For a short period during his early life he was employed as a clerk in a general store but with that exception his time and attention have been wholly devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which line he has prospered, becoming owner of over four hundred acres of rich and arable land in this county. In connection with his farming operations he has been engaged in the nursery business for the past three years in partnership with E. K. Hurlbert and George Spitler and this venture has been a success from the start.

Mr. Hunter is a man of untiring disposition, and although safe and conservative in his business methods, he is yet energetic and progressive, and to these elements in his character he owes his success in life for he started out for himself with no capital and has made his way in the world unaided from the age of twelve years. In politics he is a Democrat but at local elections generally votes independent of party lines, endeavoring to support the best man for the office.

practice in Decatur is Dr. Noah D. Myers, who has that love for and devotion to his profession which have won him a place among the ablest representatives of the medical fraternity in this section of the state.

The Doctor was born in Fountain county, Indiana, February 17, 1843. His grandfather, Jacob Myers, was a resident of North Carolina and in the spring of iSii removed to Indiana. He found that the red men were so numerous at that time that he considered it unsafe to reside in such close proximity to them and, accordingly, returned to the south. In 1829, however, he again ventured to the frontier and remained a resident of Indiana until his death. John Myers, the father of our subject, was also born in North Carolina and died April i, 1903, at the residence of the Doctor in Decatur. He wedded Catherine Fine, who died in 1892, at the age of seventy-nine years. Both were of German lineage. In their family were eleven children, of whom four are now living, namely : Noah D. ; Peter, who resides in Gila, Illinois ; Susanna, the wife of M. M. Sowers, of Gila ; Amanda C, who is the wife of J. A. Sanders, of Covington, Indiana.

Upon the home farm in his native state Dr. Myers spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He attended the public schools and he worked in the first steam sawmill in his locality, this having been erected by his father near Wallace in Fountain county. Later he became a student in Harmonia College at Russellville, Indiana, and subsequently matriculated in the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, where he pursued a scientific course. With broad general knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. A. T. Steele, of Waveland, Indiana, and in 1870 he became a student in Rush Medical College of Chicago, but that instilutiuii was burned during the great Chicago tire in 1871 and Dr. Myers therefore completed his course in the medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he was graduated with the class of 1872. Being now well equipped for his chosen profession the Doctor opened an office in Veedersburg, Indiana, where he remained for a short time, removing then to Browns Valley in the same state. In 1874 he came to Illinois, locating at Gila, Jasper county- He built the first house in the village there and practiced in tliat locality for thirteen years, having a large country practice which was of a varied and important character. In 1887, however, desiring a broader scope for his labors, he came to Decatur, where he has since carried on general practice and has won for himself a place among the leading and successful physicians of the city. He belongs to the Decatur Medical Society and the members of the medical fraternity acknowledge his worth and capability.

In 1873 Dr. Alyers was united in marriage to Miss Mattie J. Ward, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Musgrove) Ward, of Parke county, Indiana. They now have four children : Bessie Lee, the wife of W. H. Peters; Minnie M. ; Lulu P., the wife of William A. Shorb ; and Merle M.

The Doctor is a valued representative of the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in 1889 in Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., with which he is still affiliated. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and holds membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America ; the Fraternal Tribunes and the Yeomanry. His political support has ever been given to the Democracy and he has taken an active part in politics. He was a member of the pension borfrd during President Cleveland's administration. The Doctor deserves credit for what he has accomplished. He earned a portion of the funds necessary for his college expenses as a

"Hoosier schoolmaster" in the rural districts of Indiana. He has throughout his" l)rofessional career advanced steadily by reason of his close application, his zeal and interest in his work and his broad study and thorough investigation. He is connected with a calling wherein advancement is won through merit and it is because of his capability that he is justly regarded as a prominent practitioner here.

IRA N. BARNES, A. M., M. D. Dr. Ira N. Barnes was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, December 19, 1829, and was the youngest of the live children born to Ira Norton Barnes and Harriet Eastman. His father died when he was four months old. He spent his youth attending school in his native town and at an early age became a clerk in a drug store. He fitted for college at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire, and entered Dartmouth College in 185 1, graduating therefrom in 1855 with the degree of A. B. He was a classmate of the late Nelson Dingley, of tariff fame, and of Chief Justice Field of the superior court of Massachusetts. He first came to Decatur in November, 1855, and spent the following year in the drug business with his brother, the late Dr. W. A. Barnes. In 1858 he received the degree of Master of Arts from Dartmouth College and in the same year attended his first course of medical lectures at Dartmouth Medical College and read medicine with Drs. Dixi Crosby and E. R. Peaslee at Hanover, New Hampshire. He spent the summer of 1859 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending the clinics at the hospitals and in the autumn of the same year matriculated at the JefTerson Medical College and graduated therefrom in March, 1862. He then located in Decatur, Illinois, and formed a partnership with the late Dr. E. W. Moore

In 1863 he was commissioned as surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment, llHnois Volunteers, which was attached during the whole war to the First Brigade, Second Division of General Sherman's famous Fifteenth Army Corps. He served with his regiment at the various battles around Vicksburg, Champion Hills and Jackson, Mississippi, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta, Georgia. February 22, 1864, he was appointed surgeon in chief of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, on the staff of Brigadier General Morgan L. Smith. He was on the - famous march to the sea and at the storming of Fort McAllister, Georgia, and thence marched through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington, D. C, where with his regiment he took part in the grand review and was mustered out of the service June 9, 1865, by reason of the close of the war.

He married Diantha G. Sargent, of Claremont, New Hampshire, September 25, 1861, who died May 10, 1879. One son was born. Dr. Lynn M. Barnes, who graduated at Harvard University in 1896 and at Harvard Medical School in 1900, and is now a practitioner of medicine. At Decatur, Illinois, July 8, 1886, Dr. Barnes was again married, his second union being with Mary Wilder.

Dr. Barnes is an honored and respected resident of Decatur, where he has practiced for so many years, becoming the loved family physician in various households. Man's worth in the world is determined by his usefulness - by what he has accomplished for his fellow men - and he is certainly deserving of the greatest honor and regard whose efforts have been of the greatest benefit to his fellow citizens. Judged by this standard Dr. Barnes may well be accounted one oi the distinsfuishcd residents of Decatur, for throughout his professional career, covering many decades, his labors have been of a most helpful nature. Certainly his life work has been of the greatest practical benefit and the world is better for his having lived. Although he is now seventy-four years of age he is yet connected with affairs of moment to the city of Decatur, where he has long made his home, although in recent years he has retired from the active prosecution of his profession.

Prominent among the successful men of Friends Creek township must be numbered J. W. Williams, who is known far and wide as a breeder and shipper of thoroughbred Poland-China hogs. His home is on section 17, about two and a half miles west of Cisco. He was born in this township in 1859, his parents being Jackson and Lavina Williams. His father's birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, in 1826, and in that state he spent his boyhood and youth. He commenced life for himself by working as a farm hand by the month. On leaving Ohio, he came to Macon county, Illinois, in a one-horse buggy and settled in Friends Creek township, becoming one of its pioneers. Throughout his active business life he gave considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of hogs, and he became quite well-to-do, owning three hundred acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1901. His wife, who came to this county when only nine years old, is still living, and continues to reside on the old home place.

During his boyhood J. W. Williams attended the public schools of Friends Creek township and under the able guidance of his father he early became familiar with the best methods of farming and stock-raising, which he has continued to follow up to the present time with marked success. At the age of twenty-three years, he commenced operatiiiga part of his father's place and in 1885 he purchased one hundred and ten acres on section 17, Friends Creek town.ship, where he now lives, paying for the same forty-four dollars and a quarter per acre. This land was entered by his grandfather, who at one time owned twenty-five hundred acres of land in this locality. Our subject has made all of the improvements upon his place. He has a good hog barn, well equipped for breeding purposes and has one of the best systems of water works in central Illinois. There is running water in eight different lots, a gasoline engine for pumping the water and over one thousand feet of pipe have already been laid. -Mr. \\'illiams is fast gaining a wide reputation as a breeder of fine thoroughbred hogs and for the past five years he has shipped forty hogs amiually to different parts of the United States. He raises pumpkins, which mi.xed with mill feed he considers the very best feed for breeding purposes and he also feeds his hogs oats and corn in equal proportions. He uses all the grain raised on his own place. As previously stated his specialty is thoroughbred Poland-China hogs and he now has some fine males, four of whom are from Chief Perfection, the Second, which was sold for forty thousand dollars, that being the highest price ever paid for a hog in the world. He was owned by a stock company in Indiana. Mr. Williams owns hogs by Top Chief, a half- interest in which was sold for twenty-five thousand dollars and he also has five hogs by Perfection Bloom, Xo. 53037, which is at the head of his herd. He also has some fine sows, sired by T. C. U. S., which is one of the greatest show hogs in the world and is owned by Burgess Brothers of Bement, Illinois. Mr. Williams aims to get as good a constitution in a hog as possible to guard

In 1890 was celebrated his marriage to Miss Alice Piper, who was born in Decatur and is a daughter of Edmond and Sarab (Querrey) Piper. They have one child; Zora, who was born November 17, 1893. Mrs; Williams is a member of the Presbyterian church and our subject belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cisco. He votes with the Democratic party but takes no active part in politics, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. He is a man of marked ability and executive force and has met with most excellent success in the occupation to which he devotes his energies. He is quite ])(ipular personally and makes friends easily.

Louis A. Mills

Louis A. Mills is numbered among the members of the bar of Macon county and is now successfully practicing in Decatur with oflfices at No. 507 Millikin Building, in this city. He was born in Putnam county, Illinois, on the 15th of October, 1864, and is a son of Joseph and Mary E. (Merritt) Mills. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and in the year 1845 left the east for Illinois. He established his home in Putnam county, where he secured a tract of land and carried on farming for many years, being a well known and respected agriculturist of that comnumity. He died in 1884 at the age of forty-three years and is still survived by his wife. In their family were six children, namely : Jessie L. ; Louis A. ; Mary Arvilla ; Mabel, the wife of S. E. Walker, of Decatur: Elizabeth, the wife of O. W. Dawson, of this city; and Maud, the wife of C. F. Parker, a resident of Julesburg. Colorado.

and successful in commercial, industrial and professional circles have spent their early years upon farms and from the free and outdoor life they gain the strength and steadfastness of purpose which enables them to cope with the strenuous duties that come during their connection with other fields of labor in later years. :Mr. Mills was a farmer boy in his youth and attended the country schools near his home. After acquiring his preliminary education he became a student in the Decatur high school and later pursued a course in Lincoln University. For a time he resided in this city and afterward went to South Dakota to look after his father's interests in that state, his father's death having occurred there. Upon returning to Illinois ^Ir. Mills of this review became a student in the office of the firm of Mills Brothers of Decatur, the partners being Isaac R. and Andrew H. :Mills. When he had continued his reading until his knowledge of the law- was broad and comprehensive he was admitted to the bar in 1890 and became a member of the firm of Mills Brothers, thus joining his old preceptors. In 1893 he became associated with the Columbia Manufacturing Company as a partner and on the ist of May, 1896, he formed a partnership with J. R. Fitzgerald for the practice of law with offices in the Millikin Building. He has since carried on general practice and has been connected with considerable important litigation in the courts of this district. During the year 1898 he was appointed assignee for the Farmers' Bank and is still acting as such.

-In 1889 Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hill, a granddaughter of H. \V. Hill, by whom she was reared. They now have two children: Margaret and Walker H. Socially Mr. Mills is a Mason, having been initiated into the order in Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., in 1894. He has since taken the Royal Arch degree in Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. .\. M. ; and belongs to Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. He has a general law practice and a good law library, with the contents of which he has made himself familiar. While yet a young man he has taken high rank among the attorneys of Decatur and the position which he has gained through meritorious endeavor is an enviable one.

D. E. Denise, one of the representative young farmers of Illini township, residing on section i, was born in Middletown, Ohio, on the i6th of August, 1871, and is a son of Garrett G. and Rebecca (Brown) Denise, who are now living on a farm east of Maroa in this county. The paternal grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania, where his ancestors located on coming to America at an early day. The mother of our subject was born in Ohio and is of English lineage. During his early life Garrett G. Denise was engaged in the dry goods and clothing business at Middletown, Ohio, but since coming to Illinois in 1884 he has turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Macon county, which he still owns and operates.

The subject of this review was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to the Prairie state and :\Iacon county has since been his home. He received a good practical education in the district schools and afterward entered Mann's Commercial College at Dayton, Ohio, where he pursued a commercial and banking course and was graduated in 1893. After leaving that institution he engaged in bookkeeping in Dayton for a time but in 1894 returned home and has since devoted his energies mainly to farming, though he has other interests. He has taken general statistics of thunder storms in a territory covering Macon and DeWitt counties, mak- ine a scientific demonstration of the laws and nature of lightning, and he takes a deep interest in demonstrating the utility and efficacy of good roads rightly constructed for the preservation of life and property.

On the 6th of October, 1896, Mr. Denise led to the marriage altar Miss Grace Cornwell, whose parents arc W'illiam and Martha (Nichols) Cornwcll, the former of English and German descent and the latter of Irish origin. Mrs. Denise acquired her early education in the country schools of Macon county and later attended the Normal School at Decatur. Prior to her marriage she successfulh' engaged in teaching school in this county for two years. Unto our subject and his wite have been born four children, namely : Chester Leone, who was born July 8, 1897, and died July i, 1899; Harold Edward, born July 11, 1899; Garrett William, born May 13, 1901 ; and Robert .\rnold, born March 4, 1903. The family have a nice home where hospitality reigns supreme and Mr. Denise is regarded as one of the leading young men of his locality. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of Maroa and is an ardent Republican in his political views. He has efficiently served as school trustee and takes an active interest in any measure for the public good.

Thomas Davis

THOMAS DAVIS. Fifty-six years have passed since this gentleman arrived in Macon county and he is justly numbered among her honored pioneers and representative citizens. Throughout the years of his active business life he was prominently identified with her agricultural interests, but is now living n retired life on section 27, South Macon township. His is an honorable record of a self-made man. who has not only won a handsome competence through his own well directed efforts but has also gained the confidence of those with whom he has come in contact by his upright life.

Mr. Davis was born on the I2lh of September, 1819, in an old log cabin in Washington county, Pennsylvania, which was destroyed by fire when he was nine years of age. His parents, George and Hester (Wheelman) Davis, were natives of the same county, the former born in 1774 and the latter in 1778. The father was a brickmaker by trade and in connection with that occupation he also operated a farm in Washington county. He died when our subject was only nine years old but his wife survived him for some years, passing awa}' at Belleville, Pennsylvania, at the age of sixty-five. They had a famil}' of seven children, but only our subject and his sister Mary Jane are now living, the latter being the widow of John Craft and a resident of Millsboro, Pennsylvania.

Among the earliest recollections of our subject is that of the old log house in which he was born, with its puncheon floor and large fireplace around wliich the family would gather in the evening when the day's work was done. The school which he attended was also built of logs, with greased paper windows, slab seats and other primitive furniture. It stood on Coon Island and was known as the Coon Island school in those days. After the death of his father Mr. Davis commenced learning the cooper's trade with Joshua Stoolfire, with whom he remained until he attained his majority, and then went to Licking county, Ohio, where he commenced work for his employer's brother, Jacob Stoolfire, a farmer and extensive sheep raiser. During the five months in his employ he saved some money, which he invested in sheep and put them out to feed on shares. He next rented a farm near Zanesville, Ohio, for one year and engaged in sheep raising.

December, 1847, and in partnership with Philo Buckingham bought a flock of sheep at Todd's Point, where they spent the winter, and then rented what was known as the Hale farm in South Macon township, this county, consisting of fourteen hundred acres. Here they commenced sheep raising in earnest and in a short time had between six and eight hundred sheep. This business they successfully carried on together for twelve years, under the firm name of Davis & Buckingham, becoming the largest buyers and shippers in their line in this part of tlie country, and when Mr. Buckingham died at the end of that time he was succeeded by his father, who passed away a few years later and was in turn succeeded by his youngest son, James Buckingham. Subsequently Mr. Davis purchased the latter's interest in the business, which he carried on alone and under his own name until his retirement. There was a time when he did not know how much he was worth or what amount of land the firm possessed, as they had taken up property in various parts of the country on land warrants and had sheep and cattle on every farm. In April, i860, he removed from the Hale farm to his present place of residence in South jNIacon township, where he owned a whole section of land, besides several other farms, but he has since disposed of most of his property, keeping only one hundred and sixty acres in the home place, eighty acres in Nebraska and some city property in Decatur. Besides this, however, he holds mortgages on a large amount of propert)' throughout the country. About twelve years ago he sold out the sheep business, but continued to engage in general farming, stock-raising and the buying and selling of horses and mules for some time, gradually disposing of his business and landed interests, and for the past two years he has practically lived retired on his farm. Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss

Elizabeth Rogers, also a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, who died about fourteen months later, and the only child born of that union died in infancy. Mr. Davis subsequently married his first wife's sister, Miss Rogers, who was born June 3, 1824, and by whom he had two children, but they, too, died in infancy. Mrs. Davis is the youngest in a family of ten children and the only survivor. Her parents were Francis and Elizabeth (Hupp) Rogers, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Washington county, Pennsylvania. The family lived in that county prior to the Revolutionary war and it was sometimes necessary for them, together with the other early settlers, to seek protection from the Indians in block houses that had been erected for that purpose. ]Mr. and Mrs. Rogers both died and were buried on the old home farm in the Keystone state. ^^'hen Mr. Davis came to this county he found the homes of the early settlers widely scattered, most of them being from eight to ten miles apart, and much of this region was then under water and seemed unfit for cultivation, but as the years have passed it has been transformed into fine farms which are the homes of a happy and prosperous people. In the work of improvement he has ever borne his part and has aided in the building of schoolhouses and supported the first school law introduced in the state, though he had no children to receive any benefit therefrom. For many years he efficiently served as school director and alsa filled the ofiace of road commissioner. Politically he is now a Populist. He is one of the distinguished and honored residents of Macon county and his history contains many elements well worthy of emulation. He has passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey and now receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded those who have advanced thus far.

Robert F. Kincaid

History is no longer an account of battles fought or won, or peoples conquered and of lands destroyed by large armies, but has become the record of the work of an enlightened people who put forth their best energies to utilize the natural resources of a country and to promote business activity so that the general welfare will be advanced as well as individual prosperity. Robert F. Kincaid was one well known in the business circles of Decatur and his activit}'^ and energ3' was so directed along honorable lines that he gained the good will and confidence of his fellow men. He was known as one of the pioneer settlers of Decatur for he located here in 1850, finding a village, which bore little resemblance to the present splendid city of to-day. He became connected with its business interests and spent his remaining days here.

Mr. Kincaid was a native of Kentucky, born on the 26th of July, 1847, his parents being Asa and Margaret (House) Kincaid, who were likewise natives of the Blue Grass state. They removed to Macon county, Illinois, about 1850 and settled upon a farm in Decatur township, where they resided throughout their remaining days, the father being engaged in general farming. He was among the early settlers of this locality who shared in the work which was necessary in laying the foundation for the present development of the county. Hardships and trials were endured but as the years passed the comforts and accessories known to the older portions of the country were introduced here. Both the parents spent their remaining days in the old homestead in Decatur township and there they reared their family of eight children, but only four of the number are now living, namely : Oliver W., who is a retired farmer residing at 865 East Williams street, Decatur; Charles, who is employed in a furniture house in Chicago ; David, who is farming near Decatur; and

Robert !-". Kincaid was but an infant when his parents came to J\lacon county and on the old homestead farm he was reared. His mind bore the impress of many of the historic annals of the county and he could relate many interesting incidents of the early da}s. He attended the district schools through the winter months and in the summer aided in the work of jilowing, planting and harvesting until on leaving home he came to the city and opened a meat market. For many years he conducted this business, enjoying a large trade. He always made it a point to carry a good line of meat and in his dealings he was not only straightforward and honorable, but was also obliging and very courteous in his treatment of his fellow men. After long years conne^ption with that trade he sold his market and began taking contracts for street work, which business occupied his time and attention until his demise.

In was in Decatur on the 26th of June, 1876, that Mr. Kincaid was united in marriage to Miss Libbie Robinson, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, born on the ist of October, 1S55, a daughter of Charles II. and -Margaret (ISowman) Robinson, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they came to Macon county at a very early day. The father was a farmer by occupation and after following that pursuit for many years in this localit}' he lived a retired life in Maroa until called to his final rest. Both he and his wife died in that village. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid were born six children : Bertha, now deceased ; Robert, who died at the age of eighteen years ; Hattie and Walter, both at home ; one that died in infancy unnamed ; and Charles Wilbur, who died in childhood. Mr. Kincaid passed away on the ist of Maj^ 1900.

sessions, his unfaltering application and his unremitting diligence bringing to him the financial reward which always comes as the logical result of such efforts. He was never an office seeker, but he gave a stalwart support to the Democracy. He held membership in the Masonic lodge of Decatur and his life exemplified the spirit of fraternity, which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. His widow and children now have a nice home at No. 907 East Eldorado street and in addition Mrs. Kincaid owns a large business block near her residence, which she rents, the income supplying her with many of the comforts of life. The world passed favorable judgment xipon Robert F. Kincaid in the early years of his manhood and never saw occasion to set aside or modify this judgment, because in all life's relations he was a true man, having due regard for upright principles and for his obligations of citizenship. He cared more for his reputation than for welfare, more for the regard of his fellow men than for distinguished social position and to his family, because of his upright life, he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. As long as those who knew him remain he will be held in grateful remembrance by the citizens of Decatur as well as by his immediate family.

C. R. BAUER. A work devoted to the past as well as the present of Macon county should not fail to make reference to C. R. Bauer, who was a highly respected farmer of the county and one whose life record would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny for at all times it was guided by honorable and manly principles. Pennsylvania was the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred there, in Northampton county, near Nazareth, November 26, 1847. His parents were William and Lydia (Miller) Bauer, also natives of the Keystone state and of German descent. The father was a farmer and weaver and owned a tract of land in Northampton county, which he continued to cultivate until his death, which occurred when he was fiftyfour years of age. His wife died of apoplexy many years ago. In their family were eight children, of whom C. R. Bauer was the fifth. These are Marietta A. ; James, who lives on the homestead farm ; Aaron, of South Bethleham, Pennsylvania ; Lucy, who lives in Nazareth ; C. R., of this review ; Polly, who died in infancy ; Josiah T., who owns and conducts a drug store in Stonington, Illinois ; and Andrew, who died in Rising City, Nebraska.

In the district schools of his native state C. R. Bauer pursued his education but his privileges in that direction were very limited as he was early thrown upon his own resources and had to earn his living by working upon a farm in Ohio. He also spent one year as an employe in a shoeshop in Tiffin, Ohio. About 1868 he came to Illinois and began working on a farm in Christian county, while in the winter months he again followed the shoemaker's trade. He was thus employed until 1876, when he returned to his native state and visited the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. After his return he purchased forty acres of land in Stonington township and when he had cultivated it for a time he sold that and purchased two hundred and forty acres in Mosquito township. Christian county, which remained in his possession until his demise and Avhich is now rented, the family enjoying a good income therefrom. In his farm work he was very active and energetic and his labors resulted in the production of good crops which found a ready sale on the market.

Wall, a daughter of Paul and Kitty N. (Seiberling) Wall, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandparents removed to Ohio at an early day in its development, settling near Akron, in Summit county. Mrs. \\'all was the eldest of a family of fifteen children. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Bauer lived in Medina county, Ohio, where Mrs. Bauer was born. Her father was a farmer bj- occupation. He was seventy-three years of age on the 6th of August, 1903. Bj' his first marriage he had but one child, Mrs. Bauer, and by his second wife he had one son, IT. L. Wall, who resides in Muncic, Indiana, and has two children, both deceased. The mother of Mrs. Bauer died September 4, 1854, and was buried in the Waltz cemetery in Wayne county, Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bauer were born five children: Walter W., who was born June 6, 1878, and died January 4, 1885 ; Lena G., who was born October 28, 1881, and died January 15, 1885; Frederick C, w-ho was born May 7, 1886, and is now attending Millikin University at Decatur ; Frank S., who was born November 27, 1888, and having finished eight years of. common school work, is now a student in Millikin University; and Harry L., who was born June 14, 1892, and is with his mother. The family home is a fine residence in Blue Mound situated in the midst of nine acres of valuable land, the entire place being worth forty-five hundred dollars.

Mr. Bauer gave his political allegiance to the Republican party and served as a school director but was never active in politics as an office seeker. While in Pennsylvania he belonged to the Lutheran church but after coming to the west united with no church organization. In his business affairs he prospered and deserved much credit for what he accomplished for at an early age he was forced to earn his own living and whatever he possessed was acquired entirely through his own efiforts. Industry and perseverance enabled him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward to the plane of afllucnce. His death occurred June 15, 1896, and his remains were interred in Hall cemetery northwest of Blue Mound. With his family he was a devoted husband and father and in matters of citizenship and of friendship he was ever reliable and trustworthy.

Frank W. Haines

It would perhaps be difficult to find a resident of Decatur more widely known than was FVank W. Haines, for during many years he was connected with the theatrical business of the city and in that way became widely known to professional people as well as to his fellow townsmen. He was a man whose sterling traits of character gained for him the warm friendship of those with whom he was associated, and the favorable judgment which the world passed upon him during the early years of his residence in this city was never set aside or in any degree modified but in fact was heightened as time passed.

Mr. Haines was born in St. Louis in the year 1851, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Richard Haines, who were Virginia people, having removed from the Old Dominion to the ^Mississippi valley. Soon after the birth of their son Frank, however, they took up their abode in Trenton, Tennessee, and afterward returned to their old home in Charleston, Virginia, where the death of the father occurred in the year 1859. It was not long after this that the mother came to Decatur to make her home with her brother, Charles Milton, and in this city she died in i860.

cational privileges were somewhat meager. He attended school to a limited extent, but being left an orphan he found it necessary to provide for his own support and worked in various shops and factories of Decatur. At different times he was employed in the Ward & Haskell Woolen Mills in the plant now owned by the firm of Chambers, Bering &: Quinlan, and in the Decatur Union Iron Works. At length, however, he inherited from Virginia relatives some money that enabled him to carry out his cherished desire of obtaining a more advanced and complete education and he entered the Sangamon street school, which was then under the direction of Professor David E. Bigelow.

Throughout the greater part of his business career he was connected with the management of the theatrical interests of Decatur, in fact, his work in this direction covered twenty-seven years. He did not leap with a single bound, however, from his entrance into this business to a managerial position, but steadily worked his way upward. He was first employed as a billposter and advertising agent at a time when the opera house interests of Decatur were represented by the old Macon Hall situated on Merchant street, where the Salvation Army barracks are now located. The place seated between four and five hundred people and was the only place in Decatur adapted to theatrical productions, having a stage and scenery, but was very primitive in comparison to the beautiful theaters of the present time. Mr. Haines, however, became acquainted with notable personages who played in Macon Hall, including Edwin Forrest and McKean Buchanan. In his business connection with the theater interests he displayed marked capability in the way of making theatrical attractions known to the public through the medium of advertising and of bill-posting. When the accommodations of Macon Hall became too small for this city and the building was replaced by Smith's Opera House with Hiram lirown as its first manager, Mr. Haines was promoted from the position of bill-poster to assistant manager. The house was opened in the fall of 1869 and during its existence many stars of considerable magnitude in ihe theatrical profession stood before its footlights. In 1873 Mr. Haines was promoted to the position of manager and while acting in that capacity he brought to the city such well known professional people as Lillian Russell, John McCullough, Lawrence Barrett, Lotta, Emma Abbott and Mrs. Langtry. Henry Ward Beecher also lectured in this opera house through the instrumentality of Mr. Haines. Again because of the growth of the city Smith's Opera House was found inadequate to meet the public demand and in 1888 the subject of erecting a musical auditorium was agitated, but Mr. Haines was ambitious to have a new theater and submitted his ideas to Charles Powers, who succeeded in enticing his father, Orlando Powers, to build a new theater. The plan was carried out and the Powers' Grand Opera House was erected, being opened on the 9th of September, 1889, by the celebrated comedian W. H. Crane in his play "On Probation." At one time Mr. Haines secured an engagement with Edwin Booth and Helen Modjeska. who presented Hamlet. This is undoubtedly the most notable attraction that has ever appeared in Decatur and the box office receipts for a single night were more than twenty-five hundred dollars, the largest sum ever received in any theater in the state outside of Chicago. On the 4th of November, 1895, the Powers' Opera House was dcstroved by fire and Mr. Haines then decided to carry out his plans of retiring from active business life. He had so managed his affairs in the meantime that he had acquired a comfortable competence that

Mr. Haines was one of the best known theater managers in the entire west and was held in the highest esteem by the profession and by his comtemporaries in this line of work. He gave to the citizens of Decatur the best class of entertainments and alwa}'s pointed with pride to the fact that during his management the Powers' Opera House never presented to the people a performance which was not clean and wholesome and which a lady could not attend with propriety. He possessed excellent - business ability added to his powers of management and his work in behalf of the opera house resulted to the benefit of its owners as well as to himself.

Mr. Haines was for many years a member of what is now known as the (loodman Fourth Rct^imcnt Military and Concert Hand, an organization whose reputation extends over many states, ^\'hen Professor Goodman died Mr. Haines accepted the leadership of the band and was its musical director until his theatrical "business assumed such [)roportions that it took all his time. He resigned and Professor Foster was appointed and later Professor Robert AValters, who is to-day its director.

On the 8th of September, 1873, -Mr. Haines was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Jennings, a daughter of Isaac D. Jennings, the wedding being celebrated in this city. They became the parents of two children: Edwin J.; and Ada,- the wife of Fred Stoner. The home life of Mr. Haines was very pleasant and his greatest interests centered in his familv and he ]nit forth every, effort in his power to jjromote the happiness and welfare of his wife and children and counted no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would prove of benefit to those whom he loved. In his ])olitical views .Mr. Haines was a Republican and at one time was nominated for collector, but could not overcome the usual strong Democratic majority. Fie, liowever, lived in cjuiet retirement after he gave up his position as theatrical manager. He greatly enjoyed the companionship of his friends who were many throughout Decatur and who entertained for him the warmest regard. For some time prior to his demise he was in ill health and at length went to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in the hope that he might be benefited there, but on the 20th of September, igoo, he departed this life. All who knew him remember him as a man of genial disposition, kindly spirit and of genuine worth, one who was honest and upright and who well merited the confidence and regard so freely accorded him.

Mrs. Haines and her children still reside in Decatur. The son, Edwin J. Haines, was born August 24, 1875, and attended the public school here, pursuing the high school course. Between the years 1895 and 1902 he occupied a position in the collection de- ])artment of the Millikin's National Bank and in the latter year he turned his attention to the insurance business, representing fire, life, health and accident insurance companies, alsi5 doing a liability and bonding iiusiness in Decatur. He is one of the representative young business men of the city, widel)' known and popular.

D.WII'.L WEBSTER 'i'KlMMER. Daniel Webster Trimmer, a well known farmer of Hickory i'oint township residing on .section 27, was born .March 29, 1849, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and is a. worthy rej^resentative of an old and highly esteemed family of Macon county, his parents being Joseph and Catherine (Fetrow) Trimmer. The father was also born in Perry county, Penn.sylvania, August 26, 1814, and was reared to farm life. In 1S3S he married Catherine Fetrow. a native of