Decatur Township (part 8 of 46)

In 1853 Joseph Trimmer came to Illinois, in company with his wife and seven children, the journey being made across the country through Ohio and Indiana in a prairie schooner. They reached Macon county in June of that year and spent the first winter in an old log cabin, which was built by John Hanks with the assistance of Abraham Lincoln. Later Mr. Trimmer bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on the mound in Hickory Point township, eighty acres of which had alread}' been placed under cultivation, and to the further development and cultivation of his place he devoted his energies throughout the remainder of his life. He died on the 20th of July, 1886, and was laid to rest in Boiling Springs cemeter}^ He was an earwest and consistent member of the church of God and was a Republican in politics. After his death the sons, Joseph, Jr., and Daniel W., took charge of the place and later our subject and Abraham bought it, each taking eighty acres. The latter now resides at the old family homestead. A year after her husband's death Mrs. Trimmer, with her youngest son, George W., removed to Decatur and built a pleasant residence at No. 943 North Water street, where she is now living at the age of eighty-two years. Grandma Trimmer, by which name she is familiarly known to her many friends, can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer days when this part of the country was mostly wild and unimproved and deer, geese, ducks and other wild game was plentiful. She and her family were forced to endure many hardships and privations and there was much sickness among the early settlers. Decatur was a mere village on her arrival in this county and many of the thriving towns of this region had not yet sprung into existence. Before leaving PennsyKania she used to spin and weave most of the cloth used for clothing for the family. In those days she used to mold all the candles for lighting her little home and cooked her meals over an old fashioned fireplace, doing her baking usually in a Dutch oven. Her first cook stove was of primitive construction and had but three legs. She used to ride to church on horseback with one child on her lap and another on the horse behind her. Since the age of fourteen years she has been a faithful member of the church of God and has led a consistent Christian life which has won for her the love and respect of all who know her.

Mrs. Trimmer is the mother of nine children, namely: Andrew J., a resident of Hickory Point township ; William, who died from illness while serving in the Union army during the Civil war ; Abraham, who lives on the old homestead ; Joseph F., a resident of Hickory Point township ; Mary E., widow of Isaiah Henry and a resident of Iowa ; Daniel W., of this sketch ; Henry ^L, who makes his home in Decatur; John P., who is now living in Louisiana ; and George W., who resides with his mother in Decatur. Mrs. Trimmer has thirty-eight grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

The subject of this sketch was only four years old when he accompanied his parents on their removal to ]\Iacon county and in the district schools of Hickory Point township he obtained the greater part of his education, though for one year he was a student in the public schools of Decatur. Leaving home at the age of twenty-one he worked as a farm hand by the month for four years, and then went to Iowa, where he engaged in farming on rented land for one year. After his marriage in 1875 he located on a farm one mile northeast of his present place in Hickory Point township, this county, and operated his father's land for eight years. In 1883 he purchased one luiiulrcil aiul sixty acres of land in ( Ireenwood county, Kansas, wliere he was engaged in farming for five years, and at tlie end of that time he sold out and returned to Macon county, renting a farm south of Forsyth for seven years. In the spring of 1896 he removed to a place near Niantic, and lived there until 1901. The following year was spent near La Place in Piatt county, and in 1902 he returned to the old home farm, which he and his brother Abraham purchased of the other heirs. They divided the property and our subject now owns the north half of the southeast quarter of section 27, Hickory Point township, where he now lives. He has erected all of the buildings upon his portion of the farm and has made other improvements which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry.

On the 6th of Ajiril, 1876, Mr. Trimmer was united in marriage to Miss .Maggie Good, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, April 20. 1S51, and is the fifteenth in order of birth in a family of nineteen children, fourteen of whom reached man and womanhood. Her parents, Peter and Catharine (Zorger) Good, spent their entire lives in York county, the former dying at the age of eighty-three years, the latter at the age of seventy-six. I^nto Mr. and Mrs. Trimmer have been born thirteen children, of whom three, Etta, Pearl and Esther, died in infancy. Those still living are Roy, a resident of Hickory Point township, who married Cora Woodcock and had one child, Ada May, who died at the age of eighteen months; Clarence, at home; Ada F., wife of John B. Herr, of York, Pennsylvania ; Eva, who is the wife of C. Webb, of Macon county, and has two children, Edwin and Nora; and Harry, Elma, Frank, Katie, Otto and Amelia, all at home.

Mr. Trimmer and his family arc members of the church of God and he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of .\merica at Forsyth. He votes with the Republican party and has filled the office of school director in his district. \\ herever known he is held in high regard and he has a host of warm friends in the county where he has so long made his home.

Axdriav J. Trimmer

This well known and highly esteemed citizen of Hickory Point township, who is engaged in farming on section 32, was born on the 26th of September, 1839, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Joseph and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer. His father is deceased, but his mother is still li\ing and now makes her home in Decatur, Illinois. It was in 1853 that the family came to this county and here our subject completed his education, having previously attended school in Pennsylvania. During early life he worked one summer on a farm in Piatt county, Illinois, and after his marriage located on his present place, where he has one hundred and twenty acres under a high state of cultivation. He has followed general farming and stock-raising quite successfully since reaching man's estate. His labors, however, were interrupted during the Civil war as he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry, under Captain West and Colonel Lockey, and was in the service for six months.

On the 6th of March, 1862, Mr. Trimmer was united in marriage to IMiss Elizabeth Rife, who was born in the house which is still her home, .\ugust 30, 1842. Her parents were Joseph and Elizabeth (Garver) Rife, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1840 and settled in Hickory Point township. Her father died in July, 1886, and she is now the only survivor in his family of three children. I'nto ^fr. and Mrs. Trimmer have been born ten children, as follows: Mrs. Mary C. Flickinger, of Decatur, who has four children; Grant, at home; ]\lrs. Libbie Welty, of the state of Washington, who has five children ; William, at home ; ]\Irs. Ida Kiser, of Decatur, who has two children ; Charlie, who married Cora Crossen and has three children ; Mrs. Luie Westhafer, of the state of Washington, who has two children ; Grace, at home ; Mrs. Stella Danzeisen ; and Irvie, at home.

Politically Mr. Trimmer is identified with the Republican party and fraternally is a member of Durham Post, No. 141, G. A. R. During the fifty years of his residence in this county he has seen the greater part of its development and he is widely known as a good reliable citizen, one devoted to the public welfare.

Abraham Trimmer

Among the enterprising farmers of Hickory Point township probably none is better known than Abraham Trimmer, whose home is on section 27. He was a lad of ten years when he came to this county and here he has made his home the greaten part of the time since. Since old enough to work he has given his attention to agricultural pursuits and in his chosen occupation he has prospered, becoming a well-to-do citizen of the community where he resides.

Mr. Trimmer was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, on the 31st of January, 1843, a son of Joseph and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Daniel W. Trimmer on another page of this volume. He began his education in the county of his nativity and after coming to Macon county, Illinois, he attended school to some extent. He remained on the home farm with his parents until he attained his majority and then worked out one summer, after which he engaged in farming for himself upon rented lanil in Hickory Point township for two 3'ears.

On the 28th of February, 1867, Mr. Trimmer was united in marriage to ?^Iiss Priscilla Cross, who died in the winter of 1878, leaving three children, namely: William Edward, J. Franklin and Lou I\Iay, now the wife of B. Brady, of the state of Washington. 'Mv. Trimmer was again married January 17, 1882, his second union being with Emma Binns, a native of Morgan count}', Illinois. Four children blessed this marriage but two are now deceased, those living being Leroy and Ethel.

After his first marriage Mr. Trimmer located north of Boiling Springs in Hickory Point township, where he rented a farm for two years, and then rented another place west of Forsyth for the same length of time. Going to Iowa in 1872, he purchased land and engaged in farming there for five years, but at the end of that time he sold out and returned to Macon county, purchasing the Jacob Cross farm in Harristown township, where his first wife died. After his second marriage he rented that place and removed to his father's farm in Hickory Point township, where he lived for three years. The following three years were spent in Maroa and at the end of that time he purchased fifteen acres of land just west of Decatur, where he resided for three years. On disposing of that place he removed to Piatt county, Illinois, where he bought a farm and operated it for four years.. His next purchase consisted of a tract north of Decatur, where he resided for one year and then sold, buying a small farm southwest of the city. \\'hen he sold the latter property he purchased a part of his father's farm on section 27, Hickory Point township, where he has since lived. He has made a number of valuable and useful improvements upon the place, including the erection of a new barn in 1903. This farm has been in possession of the family since 1862,

Avhen our subject's father purchased a quarter section of land on section 27, Hickory Point township, wliich has since been equally divided between Abraham and his brother Daniel W.

Politically our subject is identified with the Republican party. During the fifty years that have come and gone since he first came to Macon county he has seen wonderful changes made in this section of the state and he can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer life. The first home of the family in this region was an old log cabin very poorly constructed. At one time while his mother was ill' in bed a black snake dropped down through the boards of the loft right over her head. William Trimmer, the second son, used to assist his mother in the household duties before the only daughter was old enough to aid her and he became quite proficient in spinning and weaving. The other sons worked with their father in the fields, and when in the employ of others they would bring their wages home to assist in the support of the family, as they were in limited circumstances on coming to this state. As time passed, however, they prospered and became quite well-todo. Wlierever known the members of this famih' are held in high regard and they have many friends throughout their adopted county.

Joseph F. Trimmer, who resides on section 25, Hickory Point township, is a worthy representative of the farming and stockraising interests of Macon county. The neat and thrifty appearance of his farm plainly indicates the supervision of a careful and painstaking owner who thoroughly understands the vocation he follows and a business man of more than ordinary ability and executive force.

Pennsylvania, March 2, 1845, but in June, 1853, came to Macon county, Illinois, with his parents, Joseph and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer, making the journey in a covered wagon. His early life was passed amid pioneer surroundings and his education was begun in an old log school house. Later he attended the district school which was established near his boyhood home and when not in school aided in the work of the farm, thus gaining a good practical knowledge of the occupation which he has made his life work. At the age of seventeen years he donned the blue uniform of the northern army and was in the service for one year, under the command of Captain William W. Mattox and Colonel Stephenson, the founder of the Grand Army of the Republic. He participated in the engagement at Nashville, Tennessee, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged in August, 1865.

After his return home, Mr. Trimmer worked for his father one year, and then went to Monticello, Illinois, where the following year was passed, after which he spent two years at home. In 1871 he went to Madison county, Iowa, where he purchased land and engaged in general farming for some time. While residing there Mr. Trimmer was married on the 4th of February, 1874, to Miss Diantha Henry, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Walter) Henry, both of whom are now deceased, the former having died at the age of eighty-four and the latter at the age of eighty. The children born to our subject and his wife are as follows: Minnie, now the wife of Peter Keister, of Hickory Point township; William, who died at the age of twenty-one; Roe, at home ; Clara, who is living with her aunt, -Mary 1':. Henry; and Ora, Florence and Pearl, all at home. All were born in Iowa with the exception of the two youngest.

In 1888 Mr. Trimmer returned to tliis county and purchased his present farm on section 25, Hickory Point township, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres of choice hind, partly tiled and under cultivation. Since locating here he has remodeled all the buildings, erected a new barn and made many other improvements which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In connection with the general farming he is engaged in stockraising to some extent, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle.

At national elections Mr. Trimmer always supports the Republican party, btxt at local elections where no issue is involved he votes for the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices regardless of party ties. He has served as school director and takes a jdeep interest in educational affairs. Fraternally he is a member of Durham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

John P. Trimmer

JOHN P. TRIMMER. John P. Trimmer, another son of Joseph and Catharine (Fetrow) Trimmer, was born on Christmas day, 1853, in this county in an old log house that stood south of Joseph Rife's farm, his birth occurring the year of the arrival of the family in Macon county. He was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, and after reaching man's estate he engaged in farming here for many years, but in 1902 he and his family removed to Louisiana, where he is now operating a rice plantation and is also engaged in general farming. He married Miss Clara Stephenson, by whom he had seven children, those still living being Ina, Joseph Ren, Orril, Harlev, Katie and Jimmv.

Frank W. Lehn

Among the young men of enterprise and perseverance who are devoting their attention to agricultural pursuits and are meeting with success in their chosen calling is Frank W. Lehn, who owns and operates a good farm on section 12, Illini township. A native of Macon county, he was born in that township on the 17th of February, 1S79, ^"fl is the third in order of birth in a family of six sons, five of whom are still living, their parents being John P. and Tabilha (Jones) Lehn, both natives of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. The father came to Illinois in 1856 and located in Illini township, Macon county, where he worked by the month for a time. He took the first forty dollars which he earned to Decatur btit the banking concern there refused to accept so small a deposit. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 12, Illini township, from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, paying fifteen dollars per acre. As time passed he prospered in his farming operations and was able to add to his landed possessions until he owned five hundred and sixty acres of land in this county, now worth seventy-five thousand dollars. He made many excellent improvements upon the place, which is still owned and occupied by his widow, who is now fifty-six years of age. Mr. Lehn died January 14, 1899, honored and respected by all who knew him.

Frank W. Lehn passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and early acquired an excellent knowledge of those duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He pursued his studies at Rolling school, which acquired its name by being moved so often, the building having been formerly used as a store and church. Later our subject attended Brown's Business College at Decatur for six month's during the school year of 1895-96, and for three months in 1897. He commenced farming for himt self upon his mother's place, which he operated for two years, and then removed to his present farm of eighty acres on section 12, IlHni township. The improvements he has made upon the place have amounted to twenty-five hundred dollars, and he now has one of the most desirable farms of its size in the county. In politics Mr. Lehn is independent and he has never sought or cared for office.

On the i8th of December, 1901, he married -Miss Ada Moore, a daughter of Francis M. and Emma R. (Metlen) Moore, in whose family were eight children, four sons and four daughters, all living. Her parents make their home near Newton, Jasper county, Illinois. During his boyhood her grandfather, Alexander F. Metlen, walked from Pennsylvania to Illinois and in due time acquired a farm at Hickory Point, where he is still living at the age of seventytwo years. Mrs. Lehn is the oldest in her father's family and was educated in the Dingman and Stringtown schools near Niantic, Illinois.

George B. Short

GEORGE B. SHORT. George B. Short, an old and honored resident of Maroa township and a veteran of the Mexican war, was born on the 12th of August, 1826, in St. Clair county, Illinois, his parents being William B. and Nancy (Hill) Short, who died and were buried south of Belleville, Illinois. During the boyhood of our subject this state was largely wild and unimproved and game of all kinds abounded, furnishing the pioneers with most of their meat. He has seen the l>rairies 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 community.

Mr. Short received his early education in the district schools near Belleville, but his school privileges were limited and the knowledge there acquired has been greatly supplemented by reading, observation and experience in later years. In 1848 he commenced farming upon a tract of two lumdred and six acres in St. Clair county, Illinois, given him by his father, turning the first furrow upon that land, which was a wild tract when it came into his possession. To the improvement and cultivation of that farm he devoted his energies until 1863. when he came to Macon county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Maroa township. He has improved his place by the erection of good and substantial buildings and the planting of trees, and in connection with general farming he carries on stock-raising.

On the 19th of December, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Emeline Stookey, who died leaving one child, Barbara, now the wife of Peter Bowler, who is living at Jerseyviile, Jersey county, Illinois. Mr. Short was again married September 30, 1866, his second union being with Miss Sarah IC. Thrift, by whom he has had six children, namely; Isalina; James ?klonroe; Lottie; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Henrietta; and Golda.

During the Mexican war ]\Ir. Short put aside all personal interests and entered the United States army as a member of the Second Illinois Volunteers under Captain Lemon and Colonel Bissel. He was in the service five months and now receives a pension of twelve dollars per month from the government. In religious faith he is a Baptist and in politics a Democrat. His life has been one of industry and usefulness and he has won the confidence and respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

BENJAMIN F. SIBLEY, M. D. There are few men who live longer in the remembrance and kindly regard of those with whom they have been associated than the physician. He holds a peculiarly close relation with his patrons because in time of illness all masks are cast aside and the true nature shines forth. It is certain that there has been no medical practitioner of ]Macon county who has more justly been numbered among her honored and leading citizens than was Dr. Sibley. He practiced here for thirty years and not only maintained a foremost place in tlie ranks of the medical fraternity because of his skill and ability, but also in the public regard because of his conscientious life, his career being such as to merit the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact.

Dr. Sibley was a native of Ashford, Windham county, Connecticut, born on the 8th of April, 1827. His parents were Samuel and Hannah (Harwood) Sibley, both of whom were of Scotch lineage. The father, however, was born in Massachusetts, while the mothers birth occurred in the Charter Oak state. Removing to Connecticut, Samuel Sibley carried on agricultural pursuits there for many years. His wife died when thirty-eight years of age, leaving a family of eight children, of whom six reached adult age.

It is a noticeable fact that many of the men who have become most prominent in political, miHtary, professional and commercial life have spent their boyhood days upon farms. They seem there to gain the strength of mind and body necessary to cope with the arduous duties of a career in cities. Dr. Sibley passed his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads, working in the fields when not engaged in the duties of the schoolroom. He began his education in the district schools and when a youth of sixteen he entered the Wilbraham Academy, where he spent two years, being graduated in that institution at the age of eighteen. He did not care to make the occupation to which he had been reared a life work, but instead sought a professional field of labor and began preparation for the practice of medicine, becoming a student in Long Island, New York, with Dr. Louis Sibley, his brother, as his preceptor. For three years he continued his reading there and then in order to further perfect his knowledge he entered the Berkshire ^Medical College, in which he completed the prescribed course at the age of twenty-three.

Dr. Sibley was well equipped for the practice of his chosen profession and, moreover, he had not only a comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine, but possessed also a broad humanitarian spirit and a deep human sympathy without which success in this line can never be achieved. Opening an office in New York, he there remained for five years, following which he established an office in Erie, Pennsylvania. On leaving the latter city in 1856 he came to Decatur. In the meantime, however, he had investigated the subject of Homeopathy and became convinced that its methods were better calculated to check the ravages of disease and restore health than those in use by the Allopathic schools. He was one of the first Homeopathic physicians in Illinois. He spent the winter of 1858-9 in attending a course of lectures in the Homeopathic Medical College of St. Louis, He found new patients in Macon county as the years passed by and his skill in coping with the intricate problems that continualh- face the physician was demonstrated. His was a paticularly tender and sympathetic nature and also a cheery presence that made his visit like a ray of sunshine in the sickroom. He was always encouraging and hopeful and these elements in his professional career were strong ones in his success. At the time of the Civil war he

In Ithaca, New York, in 1850, Dr. Sibley led to the marriage altar Miss Fannie Cole, who was born in Genoa, New York, on the nth of July, 1824, a daughter of Azor and Fannie (Locke) Cole, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The father engaged in merchandising in (ienoa and both he and his wife died in New York. The Doctor and his wife became the parents of four children: Minnie Ella, who was the wife of Charles Simmons, of St. Louis, Missouri, and died December 11, 1889; Genevieve, who died in infancy ; A\'illiam S., who was born in i860, married Miss Anna Pursell, and is now employed in the Patterson shops of Peoria, Illinois: and Fannie E., who is the wife of William Slater. She is now employed as a clerk in the general store of Linn & Scruggs, of Decatur, and makes her home with her mother.

After establishing his residence in this city Dr. Sibley enjoyed a large practice of an important character and one that brought to him good financial return. lie voted with the Democracy in his later years, although in early life he was a stanch Abolitionist and, when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks, casting liis ballot for its presidential candidates from 1856 until 1872. In the latter year he supported Horace Greeley and afterward voted with the Democracy. He was for six years a member of the board of health of Decatur and was county physician for two years. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Grand Army of the Republic, but his attention was chiefly given to his practice and for some time he was a member of the firm of Sibley & Wood, of Decatur. Whatever pertained to public progress and improvement received his endorsement and manj- times his active and helpful co-operation. He passed away January 9, 1899. Who can measure the regret that was felt throughout the community in homes where his labors were so beneficial. He was known and honored far and wide. He always kept in touch with the best methods of medical practice and was conscientious in his work, following closely the strictest professional ethics. Many a poor family has reason to bless his memory and wherever known he was held in high esteem, because the qualities of his manhood were in keeping with the highest principles. He left to his family a nice residence at No. 424 Morgan street, in Decatur, where Mrs. Sibley and her daugliter now reside. His unswerving purpose, his imquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering honesty and his unchangingwill commanded the highest respect of all. He was a believer of the cause of liberty, of freedom and of progress' and his hearty co-operation was ever given to that which tends to elevate maid<ind.

Clement C. Walters

In the legal profession which embraces many of the most brilliant minds of the nation it is difficult to win a name and a place of prominence. Many aspire but few attain. In commercial life one may start out on a more elevated plane than others; he might enter into a business already established and carry it still further forward, but this is not true in the case of the lawyer. He must commence at the initial point, must plead and win his first case and work his way u])ward by ability, gaining his reputation and success by merit. It is in this way that Mr. Walters has become well known as an able lawyer of the Macon countv bar, practicing in Decatur, where he maintains his residence.

near LafaycLU', in 'i'ippecanue counly, Scptcnil)cr 22, 1867, his parents being Samuel and J]arbara (Ruttpr) Walters, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Both the Walters anil Rutter families came originally from Pennsylvania, however. Soon after their marriage the parents of our subject removed from the Buckeye state to Indiana and the father died when the son Clement was only about a year old, leaving to the widow the care of their eight children. She bravely took up the difficult task that awaited her and supported her growing children by her own hands, washing or doing other work that would yield a living for the little ones. She made every personal sacrifice possible in order to provide well for them, and gave them good ad\'antages, and to-day Clement C. Walters speaks with pride of her struggles and takes great satisfaction in providing for her comforts, surrounding her in his own home with all that can go to make life pleasant for her. She is now living, at the age of seventy-two years - a most highly esteemed lady. The children of the family are Simon ; Florence, who is the wife of John F". Boyles ; Angelina, the wife of Orace F. Cole ; Frank ; Lewis ; Mark ; Clement C. ; and Orsamus, who died at the age of nine years. After the death of her first husband J\lrs. Walters married Jacob Tidrow, and in 1875 they started with their household goods and three children of the mother's first marriage for Kansas, intending to proceed across the country to that state. On reaching Macon county, however, they were so well pleased with the locality that they decided to go no farther and Mrs. Tidrow purchased a tract of land near Rea's Bridge, seven miles northeast of Decatur. There she founded the new home of the family and began the cultivation and improvement of her land. The first home of the family was a log structure, but afterward she built a more commodious and modern residence.

Clement C. Walters was a lad of about eight years when he accompanied his mother and step-father to Illinois. Soon after arriving here he began to work out, earning at first ten dollars per month by chopping wood through the winter seasons. He was thus deprived, however, of educational privileges. He continued to work in this manner until twenty-one years of age, by which time he had managed to save from his earnings some three hundred dollars. He then determined to use this amount in the acquirement of a needed education. He devoted long hours to diligent study and after seven and a half months he had qualified himself in such a way that he was granted a teacher's certificate. He then engaged in teaching for four terms in the Peck district and with the money thus earned he was able to further pursue his own studies, taking a scientific course in Bushnell College. Before the completion of the entire course, however, he was stricken with malarial fever. After his recovery he studied evenings in order to make up for the time during his illness and thus was able to complete his course at the regular season and secure a first grade teacher's certificate. Mr. Walters soon became recognized as a capable and successful educator. He taught for four terms in the Walnut Grove district and one term in the Enterprise district. It was with the greatest reluctancy that the directors of the school accepted his resignation when he determined to devote his energies to the study of law, preparatory to making its practice his life work. Before he had completed his last two terms of school he had begun the study of law in the periods of vacation and on resigning his position as teacher he entered the office of M. C. Outten and Henry P. Page of Decatur, as a law student. Not long afterward Mr. Page died and Mr. Outten considered Mr. Walter's services so valuable lliat he secured him as an assistant

a salary before he had been admitted to the bar. Later Mr. Outten formed a partnership with Frank C. Roby, and Mr. Walters continued with the new firm during the years 1896, 1897 and 1898. In 189O, however, he was admitted to the bar. In 1899 he was elected city attorney and discharged the duties of the position so acceptably that in 1901 he was re-elected on the Republican ticket. On the 15th of October, 1900, he formed a partnership with Jacob H. Latham, under the firm style of Walters & Latham, which association has since been continued. Mr. Walters has made a specialty of abstract law and is particularly proficient along this line. He has had a large clientage and has been so successful at the bar in recent years that he has had funds sufficient to invest in other business lines. He built a large grain elevator at Rosemond, Illinois, in 1901, at a cost of three thousand dollars, and supplied with all modern and improved machinery for grinding. This elevator has a capacity of twelve thousand bushels of grain and the business is now managed by .Mr. Waller's brother, Lewis.

On the 6th of August, 1898, occurred the marriage of Mr. Walters and Miss Emma Hebel, a daughter of John and Phillippena Hebel. They have an interesting little daughter, Ruth Lucile. Fraternally Mr. Walters is connected with Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to Decatur Lodge, No. 65, I. O. O. F. ; Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P. ; Decatur Camp, No. 144, M. W. .\. ; the Fraternal Army of America ; the Court of Honor ; and Rathbone Sisters. He also takes a deep interest in the moral development of the communuiiy as iMie of the trustees of the Christian church and is a director in the Young Men's Christian Association. He is a man of broad ideas and humane tendencies and he enjoys the high esteem of the communitv in which he is now an honored citizen. He is a scholar of cultivated tastes and thus has become a favorite companion with the brighest minds of the city.

William F. B Usher

Those who were residents of Decatur when William F. Busher arrived in this city almost a half century ago can remember him as a humble shoemaker, working at the bench, mending shoes and doing other such tasks as fell to his lot. To-day he is a capitalist, living retired from labor, for his life of industry and strict and unswerving integrity, combined with perseverance and unremitting diligence, brought to him a handsome competence, lie is a native son of the falluTland. .Much of the civilization of the world has come from the Teutonic race. Contiinially moving westward, they have taken with them the enterprise and a(l\anccment of their eastern homes and lia\e become valued and useful citizens of various localities. In this country especially have they demonstrated their power to adapt themselves to new circumstances, retaining at the same lime their progressi\eness and energy, and have become loyal and devoted citizens, true to the institutions of the " land of the free" and untiring in promotion of all that will prove of benefit to their adopted country. The German element in America forms an important part of American citizenship, and while they cannot attain to the highest civil office in the gift of the people they have given ample evidence of their power to sustain and uphold the government of the republic and to become the factors in various communities to whom the locality owes its progress and prosperity.

When William F. Busher was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in December, 1831, his parents might have dreamed of a brilliant future for their little son, but it is safe to say that thej' never thought that he would one day become one of the foremost citizens of an enterprising metropoHtan center of Ilhnois. He has, however, been associated with Decatur for ahiiost a half century and his name occupies a conspicuous place on the pages of it? commercial history. His parents, Frederick and Dorothy (Reimer) Busher, were both natives of Germany and the father was a farmer by occupation, to which pursuit he devoted the best years of his life. Both he and his wife passed away in the fatherland. In the usual manner of farm lads of that district and period William F. Busher was reared. He attended the common schools, acquiring a good knowledge of the German language and the branches therein taught and also a fair knowledge of the English tongue. Attracted by the business possibilities of the new world he came to the United States and in 1849 landed at Baltimore, Maryland, whence he proceeded by rail and canal to Pittsburg and thence by steamboat to Cincinnati, Ohio. He was then in his eighteenth year and for a time he attended school in Cincinnati. Prepared for a business career by learning the shoemaker's trade in Germany, during his first few months in Cincinnati he received one dollar per week and his board. For three years he remained in Cincinnati and then went to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he followed his trade for twelve months. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at shoemaking until 1853, which year witnessed his arrival in Springtield, Illinois. In that city he attended the Lutheran College for a time and thus added to his knowledge and at the same time gained a greater proficiency in the use of the English tongue. The development of his character was based upon firm Christian faith and the principles with which he became imbued through attendance at Sunday

In 1855 ^Ir. Busher came to Decatur and here he opened a shoe shop for the purpose of making and mending shoes, continuing to work on the bench until 1862. He then purchased a small stock of ready made goods and finding that there was more profit to be made in the sale of such goods than in making them he entered into partnership with John Black and purchased quite a large stock. Opening their store the firm soon secured a large and growing trade and the partnership existed continuously from 1871 until 1881, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Busher purchased his partner's interest and for some time was alone, but afterward became associated with Walter Hutchins under the firm style of W. F. Busher & Company. This relation was maintained for five years and then again ]\Ir. Busher became sole proprietor. He was then carrying a large and carefully selected stock and had an extensive patronage, which made the business very remunerative. For almost forty years he was a representative of commercial interests in Decatur and in 1894, with a handsome competence as the reward of his labors, he retired from mercantile life. In 1862 he had erected a good business block at 152 East Main street. It is twenty-two by eighty feet and three stories in height and this he still owns. He also has other property interests in Decatur, including a number of dwelling houses which he rents and from which lie derives a good annual income.

Mr. Busher has been twice married. On the 2ist of February, 1856, he wedded Miss Louise Bekemyer of Springfield. She was born in Germany, spending the greater part of her girlhood in Prussia, but was living in the capital of Illinois at the time of her marriage. Air. and Mrs. Busher became the parents of four children : Walter, who died in his twenty-first year ; Carrie, who is the wife of George P. Zeiss, of Houston, Texas ; Sophia B., who is the wife of William P. Shade, a prominent business man and merchant of Decatur; and Josie, the wife of Charles Schuck, a lumber merchant of Springfield, Illinois. The wife and mother passed away in October, 1897, and in 1898 Mr. Busher was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary A. Jones, a most estimable lady whose value in social and benevolent circles is widely acknowledged. She is a member of the board of managers of the Anna B. Alillikin Home, a charitable institution, and in her is vested the power of admission and dismission in connection with this home. She possesses not only rare executive ability and marked tact in dealing with the unfortunate ones of life, but also of most cordial and charming manner that has made her a favorite among her many friends. She presides with gracious hospitality over her own beautiful home and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed by the many who know both Mr. and Mrs. Busher in Decatur.

While actively connected with business affairs Mr. Busher also finds time to aid in the promotion of interests calculated to benefit his city and his co-operation with movements for the general good has been far-reaching and beneficial. His fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability have called him to serve in the city council, of wliich he was a member in 1870-1. He has never been an active politician, however, and the honors of office have had little attraction for him. Mr. Busher was among the first to erect a monument of marked beauty to the memory of his family in Greenwood cemetery. This is in the form of a mausoleum built of granite by most skilled workmen, and was constructed at a cost of several thousand dollars. About 1873 Mr. Busher erected a fine residence built of brick and modern in all of its appointments. He is now in his seventysecond year, a hale and hearty man, and though the snows of many winters rest upon his head, in spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America for in this land where opportunity is open to all he has steadily advanced until he now occupies a foremost position as one of the wealthy and honored men of his adopted city.

Titus Query

Among the energetic and successful agriculturists of Maroa township whose success in life is due to their own well directed efforts may be numbered Titus Query, who now owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 8, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place plainly indicates his iareful supervision. He was born in Ashland county, Ohio, October 10, 1850, a son of George and Mahala (Braden) Query, who are now deceased. The father died in DeWitt county, Illinois, and was buried in Maroa cemetery, but the mother was laid to rest in Rose cemetery, DeWitt county. By occupation he was a farmer.

Titus Query was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, his time being devoted to the farm work when not in school. He attended the district schools of DeWitt county and gained a good practical knowledge of the elementary branches of learning therein taught. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself, working five years as a farm hand for twenty to twenty-two and a half dollars per month. At the end of that time he began operating rented land and was thus engaged for eight years. At the end of that period he was able to purchase a farm of eighty acres on section 8, Maroa township, where he now resides, and in

Past And Presext Of Macox Couxty

1892 bought another eighty acre tract. In partnership with his son he bought eiglity acres more in 1900, and is now the owner of a vahiable tract of two hundred acres, whicli lie has placed under a high state of culli\ation. He raises both grain and stock and is meeting with well deserved success in his undertakings.

Mr. Query was married on the 3d of September, 1874. the lady of his choice being Miss Adeline Bennett, a daughter of Aquilla Bennett, and to them have been born eight children, one of whom died in infancy, and Perry died at the age of one year. Those still living are Calvin, Eva, Sylva, Oscar, Mahala and Israel. The family are widely and favorably known and are people of prominence in their community. In politics Mr. Query is an ardent Democrat, but never sought ofifice.

Robert W. Hight

ROBERT W. HIGHT. Robert W. Hight, one of the representative citizens of Alacon, who has laid aside business cares and is now living a retired life at his beautiful home in that village, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 21, 1830, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Rapp) Hight. On the paternal side he is of French origin, while his maternal ancestors were of German extraction. He was quite young when his father died, and at the age of seventeen years accompanied his mother, brothers and sisters on their removal to Tennessee, where the family lived for two years. In 1849 they became residents of Greene countj^, Illinois, where the mother died, and in 1855 the other members of the family came to IMacon county, which has since been the home of our subject. He is the oldest of six children, three of whom are still living, namely: Robert W'., James and William.

Robert \\'. Hight received his education in a primitive old log school house with one log cut out for a window, slab seats and a huge fire place at one end of the building. His father being a farmer he early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. During his boyhood he cultivated corn with a single shovel plow, and the first crop that he raised he marked off the ground with a marker, dropped the seed by hand and then covered it with a hoe, as in those days they had not the improved machinery now found upon the farms of the twentieth century. He has seen this county developed from a wild uncultivated prairie, covered with sloughs and ponds, and abounding in wild game of many kinds. After locating here he and his brothers bought an old settler's claim and later purchased railroad land in partnership with his brother James and a Mr. Armstrong, the tract consisting of four hundred acres. In connection with these gentlemen he engaged in farming until i860, but has been alone in business since 1865, and through his own unaided efforts he became the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of four hundred acres in Macon township, it being one of the best in that locality.

On the 23d of July, 1863, Mr. Hight was married in this county to ]^Iiss Martha J. Unroe, a native of Virginia, born February 6, 1848, who came to Illinois when a child and grew to womanhood in this county. Her parents, J. T. and Sarah (Clark) Unroe, were both natives of Rockbridge county, Virginia, and from that state came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1855. For five years he acted as overseer of the Lawrence estate, one mile north of Pana, and later removed to Pittsburg, Crawford county, Kansas, where he purchased a farm, it being his home at the present time. His wife died there in 1890. Of the eight chil- dren born to them Airs. Higlit is the secoiul in order of birth, and two sons and three daughters are still living. Mr. Unroe has always adhered to the Democratic party and for several years has been prominently identified with public affairs, serving in a great many county and township offices. He is a member of the .Methodist Episcopal church and the Masonic fraternity. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hight, five sons and three daughters, seven of whom are still li\ing. namely: Maggie, wife of Frank Webb, of Decatur ; Florence, wife of J. FI. Culver, of Decatur; Ervel, who is married and living in Assumption, Illinois; Nora N., who lives with her sister, .Mrs. CuKcr, in Decatur; Robert, who is married and also lives in that city; and Clyde and Ra\', who now have charge of their father's farm.

In i8y5 Mr. Hight retired from active labor and removed to Macon, erecting one of the best homes in the town, it being large, roomy and modern in all its appointments. It is also well shaded and surrounded by a beautiful lawn and cement walks. While living on the farm Mr. Hight served as school director of his district, assisted in building the schoolhouse, and did much toward promoting educational interests. Both he and his wife are active and hcl])ful members of the Methodist E])iscopal church, of Macon, to the erection of which they contributed liberally, and he is now serving as steward. In all the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in liim and he has a large circle of friends and acc|uaintanccs throughout his adopted county. The prosperity that has come to him is certainh^ well merited, for he has led an lionorable, industrious and useful life and has made his own way in the world from an early age. In politics he is a Rcpul)lican but has never cared for office.

Edward Foulke

In the early days of Macon county's development Edward Foulke became a resident of Maroa township, settling upon a farm there. He was long a worthy representative of agricultural interests of the community and while his life history contained no e.xciting chapters, it yet contained lessons of value that might profitably be followed by all who wish to gain success along legitimate and honorable lines. Fie was a native of Flamilton county, Ohio, born on the 31st of July, 1834. His parents were John \L and Ann (Sinclair) Foulke. The father was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and the mother's birth occurred near Baltimore, Maryland. In the county of his nativity John AI. Foulke carrietl on farming for a number of years and then removed to Baltimore, where he resided for a few years. Subsequently he became a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, where through a long ]ieriod he was engaged in the |)ork packing business, but in old age he retired to private life, putting aside all business cares, and lived with his two chiltlren throughout his remaining days. His death occurred at the home of his son Edward in Maroa township in 1874, while his wife passed away near her native cit}" in 1844. They had but two children, the daughter being Lydia A., who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1837. She was educated in a seminary near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and engaged in teaching school until the Civil war broke out, wlicn she became an army nurse and served in that capacity for over three years. In 1881 she married David ^^'ilson, of Wenona, Illinois, her present home. She is a prominent and active member of the Woman's Relief Corps and department president of the National Armj' Nurses' Association.

that direction were supplemented by a course in Tremont Seminary in Pennsylvailia. He then went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he studied and worked as a florist, remaining in that city for several years. He next removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in the florist business until 1857. In that year, attracted by the possibilities of Macon county, which was then being rapidly developed, he came to Illinois and purchased a farm in Maroa township, giving his attention to agricultural pursuits from that time until his retirement from active business life. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising and rich fields and meadows returned to him good crops of grain and hay. He realized also a good income from his stock, both branches of his business proving profitable. Upon the farm he made substantial and excellent improvements and added all the equipments and accessories necessary to a model farm of the period. Living on his first purchase until 1894, he then removed to Decatur on account of ill health and passed his remaining days in retirement from active labor.

On October 13, 1864, Mr. Foulke was united in mariage in Maroa township, to Miss Adelaide Colladay, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, born on the 4th of March, 1841. Her parents were Jacob W. and Julia A. (Stull) Colladay, both natives of Philadelphia, where her father engaged in business as a contractor and builder until 1858. That year witnessed his removal westward and he established his home upon a farm in Maroa township, Macon countv, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for many years. His wife died upon the old family homestead and he then removed to Decatur, where he lived a retired life until called to his final rest. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Foulke was blessed with five children : Anna F., the wife of E. Arthur Pinkham, who is proprietor of a feed siore in Indianapolis, Indiana; John M., a farmer of South Dakota ; Edward L., who married Gynietha Cox and is employed by Swift & Company, at Kansas City, Missouri; Llewellyn, who married Leila Craig and resides upon the old home farm in Maroa township; and Caroline E., who is a graduate of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor and is principal of the schools of Corunna, Michigan.

In his political views Mr. Foulke was a stanch Republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party and doing all in his power to secure their adoption. He was never an office seeker, but held minor offices in his township, such as supervisor and school director. He belonged to the Society of Friends at Benjaminville, Illinois, with which his wife was also a member. He became a well-to-do citizen of this county and thus left his family in comfortable circumstances, when on the 29th of October, 1900, his death occurred. During his long residence in the county he lived at peace with his fellow men, so honorable was he in all his business affairs, faithful in citizenship, and loyal in friendship. Mrs. Foulke owns a beautiful residence at No. 1005 North Church street in Decatur, where she resides, and she is also the owner of the old home farm of three hundred and eight acres situated in Maroa township, three miles south of the village of ^laroa. This is a well improved and valuable property and returns to her a very gratifying income.

Miner R. Allsup

MINER R. ALLSUP. Miner R. Allsup, who since 1891 has engaged in the grain business in Maroa and is now the vice president of the Citizens' Bank, was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, in the year 1861, his parents being Washington T. and Margaret Allsup. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in De\\'itt county up to the time of his death, wliich occurred about a of a century ago. His widow, a native of Ohio, afterward became the wife of L. B. Hobbs and is now living in Maroa. Mr. Allsup of this review also has a brother living in .\faroa and a sister who is married and resides in Wichita. Kansas.

Miner R. AIlsu]) accjuired his education in the schools of his native county and of Maroa. He was reared to farm life and early became familiar with the labors of field and meadow. When he was fifteen years of age his father died and the following year he started out in life for himself and has since been dependent upon his own efforts. His present position in financial circles is in marked contrast to his condition at that time. He began farming and stock-raising on his mother's land, and in his undertakings met with success. Later he gave much time and attention to the purchase and shipping of stock, and his investments yielded him a good financial return. About twenty years ago he purchased land in DeWitt county and since that time he has increased his landed possession until he is now one of the most extensive landowners of this part of the state, having very valuable farming property, which returns to him a gratifying income. At length leaving the farm, although not abandoning agriculutral interests, Mr. .Mlsup jnirchased the Midland Elevator of Maroa, which has been operated since 1875, and of which he has been the owner since March, 1891. He handles a large amount of grain annuallv and his business adds to the expansion of the business interests of the city. Mr. Allsup also feeds hogs, cattle and horses for the market and his annual sales of stock reach a large figure. His business has steadily grown since the time, when as a boy, he began operating his mother's land. Long since it assumed very profitable proportions and to-day Mr. Allsup is numbered among the substantial citizens of the county. He is also connected with financial interests, being the vice president of the Citizens' Bank of .Maroa.

In matters of citizenship Mr. Allsup is equally progressive and Maroa has profited by his efforts in her behalf. He is a Democrat in his political views and at the present time in serving as mayor of Maroa. He brings to the discharge of his official duties the same businesslike and enterprising methods that have marked his career as an agriculturist and stock-dealer and the city is therefore enjoying a practical administration and one that is valuable in the promotion of its substantial progress and permanent improvement. Mr. Allsup is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Maroa and is well known throughout this part of the state because of his extensive business connections, his wide acquaintance and his social relations. He is a man of strong character, of marked individuality and of sterling worth. His fellow men respect him and the world accords him the admiration which is ever given in recognition of a purpose accomplished in accordance with methods which neither seek nor require disguise.

Oliver Z. Greene

OLIVER Z. GREENE. Since 1873 Oliver Z. Greene has been a resident of Decatur and since 1882 has been the president of the Decatur Coffin Coml^any, one of the leading industrial eiiterprises of the city. He is a man of keen discrimination and executive force and in the control of important business enterprises has shown marked capability. The history of mankind is replete with illustrations of the fact that it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed. Perhaps the history of no country so forcibly impresses one with this truth as the annals of our own republic and certainly in our own land the ])a]ni was awarded to New England's sturdy sons. If anything can inspire the youth of our country to persistent, honest and laudable endeavor, it should be the life record of such men as he of whom we write, for from the age of sixteen years Oliver Z. Greene has been dependent upon his own resources and to-day is controlling enterprises which make him a prosperous resident oi his adopted city.

Mr. Greene was born in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, May 20, 1834. His father, Oliver P. Greene, was likewise a native of Pittsfield and was a son of Ephraim Greene, who was born in the Old Granite state and was descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry. After arriving at years of maturity Oliver P. Greene was united in marriage to Charlotte M. Fay, a native of Warwick, Massachusetts, and in their home the boyhood days of their son Oliver Z. were passed. He acquired his early education in the public schools of Pittsfield and afterward attended the home academy in that town until he reached his sixteenth year, when he began learning the carpenter's trade. When he had largely mastered that pursuit he went to Lowell, ^Massachusetts, where he was employed .as a journeyman for a year, working in two of the principal mills in that city. In 1853 he went south to Alabama, where he became foreman of the bridge department for the Chattanooga & Memphis Railroad Company, acceptably serving in that capacity for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, wdiere he engaged in contracting and building, erecting a number of dwelling houses during his four years' residence in the north.

On leaving Alinneapolis he came to Illinois and, establishing his home in McLean county, he engaged in general farming, carrying on that ])ursuit there for several years. In 1862 he arrived in Macon county, Illinois,, where he has since resided, settling first at Harristown, a small station on the Wabash Railroad. There he engaged in the grain business and was also employed as station agent by the railroad company. Prospering in his undertakings he later sought a broader field of labor and in 1873 removed to Decatur, where he became interested in the Roberts Greene Company, the business being conducted under partnership relations. The company was engaged in the manufacture of coffins, the enterprise having been established by Robert P. Lytle, but its founder sold out soon after Mr. Greene purchased an interest in the business. When his connections with the enterprise had covered nine years the business was incorporated under the firm style of the Decatur Coffin Company, with a capital stock of eighty thousand dollars. At that time Mr. Greene was elected president, while George E. Moeller was chosen vice president and Thomas T. Roberts, secretary and treasurer. This business wasincorporated for the purpose of manufacturing coffins and the company entered upon a successful career. They now have an extensive plant and ship the products of the house throughout the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The plant is equipped with the latest and best improved machinery, and coffins of all grades are manufactured, so that the house is able to meet the varied demands of the trade. For twenty-one years Mr. Greene has remainfd jiresident of the company and much of the successful control of the industry is due to his untiring business sagacity and sound practical judgment.

In 1863 Mr. Greene was united in marriage to Mis.s Clara A. French, a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of Hiram French. Mrs. Greene is a lady of marked culture and possesses superior skill and talent as an artist, many tine works in both portrait and landscape painting which are the result of her skill adorning the walls of their beaiiliful home. Unto .Mr. and .Mrs. Greene have been born two daughters : Myrtle F., who became the wife of \\'illiam D. Harvey, a resident of Boston, Massachusetts, and died in 1893 ; and Clara Al.. who is the wife of Kilburn H. Rob}^ Jr., who is teller in the National lUuik of Decatur. The wife and mother died in November, 1901. She was most devoted to her family, was a faithful friend and an acceptable and conscientious member of the Congregational church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greene joined that church upon its organization and she aided materially in its upbuilding and the extension of its influence. She was also a member of the Art Club of Decatur and her charming personality made her a favorite in social, church and home circles. Mr. Greene gives his political support to the Republican party and while residing at Harristown he served for eight years as postmaster, occupying the position under the administration of Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. His substantial brick residence in Decatur was erected in 1882 and in addition to this jiropcrty and to his extensive interests here he is the owner of good farms which he rents. In the church with which he is connected he has held official preferment and is recognized as one of its strong working members. Throilgh the past five years Mr. Greene has spent the winter months in southern California, but throughout much of the remainder of the year he is located in Decatur, superintending his important business interests. His history is the record of one who has attained an honorable position and marked prestige among the representative men of the middle west. Witli consistency it may be said that he is the architect of his own

Andrew Rothfuss

ANDREW ROTHFUSS In the year 1863 Andrew Rothfuss, now deceased, became a resident of Decatur, and the business circles of the city found in him a valued addition to their ranks. He became well-to-do and his influence and energy were the foundation upon which he builded his success. A native of Germany, his birth occurred on the 3d of April, 1832, his father being John Rothfuss, a native of the fatherland. There he and his wife spent Iheir entire lives and Mr. Rothfuss engaged in general farming. He died when his son, Andrew, was but two years of age, and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1875.

In the public schools of his native country Andrew Rothfuss acquired his education. He was the only member of the family that ever came to America, but when about iwcnty-two years of age he became imbued with a strong desire to seek his home in the new world and accordingl)' made arrangements for leaving the fatherland. Bidding adieu to friends and native country, he crossed the Atlantic and landed in the new world without ftuids. He had previously learned the baker's trade in Germany and after coming to the United States he traveled all over the country, working at his trade in many of the principal cities of .America. He also followed this pursuit on different steamboats on the rivers here and filially in 1863 he came to Decatur. He then established a saloon in the old public square under the Millikin Bank and later ])urchascd a Ijuilding on the south side of the s(|uarc on East Main street. There he

During this time Mr. Rothfuss was married in Decatur to .Miss Rosina Keck, also a native of (jermany, born on the 2d of September, 1839. Her parents always lived in Germany but three of their children came to the United States, although all are now deceased. There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rothfuss: Lillian, who married Iver Phillips and died in 1901 ; Rosa, who died at the age of six years; Anna Margaret, the wife of J. Casper Bolay, who was born in Germany, November 24, 1867, and is now conducting a saloon in Decatur where he is living with his wife and two children, Andrew and William, one little boy having died in infancy ; Andrew Lewis, who died in February, 1901 ; William Jacob, who married Miss Elma Cockrell and resides' in Decatur, being employed in the large dry goods store of Bradley Brothers.

After his marriage Mr. Rothfuss continued in the saloon business until 1891, when he sold out to his son-in-law, Mr. Bolay, and then lived retired until his death, which occurred June 27, 1903. His wife passed away in 1879. I" ^"s political affiliations Mr. Rothfuss was a Democrat, but never an office seeker. Both he and his wife were members of the German Lutheran church of Decatur and he took a deep interest in the work of the church, contributing generoush' to its support. He was a self-made man, having no capital when he came to the new world, but gradually he added to his possessions and at the time of his death he owned the business block from Xo. loi to III inclusive on East Main street, which is on the public s(|uare and is a very valuable piece of business property. He also owned a beautiful residence at No. 305 West Wood street, which was the family home and which is now occupied by ^Ir. and Mrs. J. C. Bolay. All of this property he left to his daughter Mrs. Bolay and his son William Jacob Rothfuss. He was one of the leading and well-to-do citizens of Decatur and a \-ery j)rominent representative of the German-American citizenship in Macon count}-.

Barton S. Tyler

A deep feeling of sadness spread throughout Decatur when it was announced that Barton S. Tyler had passed from this life, but while those who knew him remain his memory will be cherished not so much on account of the splendid success which he achieved in business, not because he contributed to the improvement of the city and promoted its commercial activities, although they would make him worthy to be long remembered, but because of his life of helpfulness, of good cheer, of broad sympathy and his deep interest in and labors for the benefit of his fellow men. His nature was so kindly and genial that he won not merely regard but that deeper feeling which, call it friendship or love, binds man in close relation to his fellow men in ties which naught can sever. Thus it was that Decatur has seldom so widely and sincerely mourned one of her residents, but for fifty-seven years he was closely associated with the history of 2^1acon county and there w^ere few of its citizens who did not know Mr. Tyler - by reputation if not personally.

Barton S. Tyler was born on the 19th of August, 1845. on the old family homestead situated about five miles east of Decatur at what is known as Antioch Station. His parents were the Rev. and Mrs. John W. Tyler. The father, a native of Fayette county, Kentucky, removed to Illinois at an early day and in 1836 arrived in Macon county, casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers. He was among those who laid broad and deep the fouiulalioii for ihe present developniont and prosperity of the county and tor more than a half century he made his home within its liorders, taking a deep and abiding interest in whatever pertained to the general good. His death occurred in 1888 and his wife passed away in 1892. Their family was a large one, of whom the following survive : Dr. B. B. Tyler, a prominent divine of the Christian church now located in Denver, Colorado; Rev. J. Z. Tyler, of Cleveland, Ohio; Charles, who is living in Oklahoma; Mrs. Stephen Cook, a resident of Denver, Colorado; Alice, whose home is in Des Moines, Iowa; Mrs. Sue Odor, of Decatur; and Mrs. J. A. Meriweather, of Decatur. Mr. Tyler of this review also had a half-brother, John, and a half-sister, Mrs. Nancy J. Housley.

In retrospect one can see Barton S. Tyler as a farm boy, working in the fields and meadows or attending the country schools. He was reared amid the refining inllucnce of a good Christian home and while his educational privileges did not embrace a college course he learned from his parents something of far more value, for by them he was instructed in lessons of industry, honesty and of reliability, .\fter starting out upon an independent business career he followed various occupations until he took up his abode in Decatur. In 1871 in company with \V. C. Armstrong and James Nicholson he made a trip overland in a wagon to the west and located in a little town in southern Kansas, but after remaining there for three years he returned to Macon county. He first became connected with the grain trade at Casner, where he engagcil in the purchase and sale of the cereals raised in this locality. He also conducted a store there.

iSi)5, lie began (lie grain business on his own account in partnership with T. A. Bone and on the 31st of January, 1897, the firm of r.. .S. Tyler & Company was incorporated with l-"rank Evans as a partner of the gentleman previously mentioned. In the spring of 1902 Mr. Tyler further extended the scope of his labors by becoming the senior partner in the firm of Tyler, Harney & Com]Kiny, and of both business enterprises Mr. Tyler was the president up to the time of his demise. His operations in grain were extensive, annually increasing both in veilunie ;ind importance. He handled and shipped very large amounts of grain and his business was so capably and wisely conducted that it l)rought to him a splendid financial return. Perhaps no representative of the grain trade in Illinois was more widely known throughout the state or held in higher regard by grain dealers than was Barton S. Tyler. He was for some years activeh- and pruniincntly connected with the Illinois Grain Dealers' Association, of which he was one of the founders and in the control of its interests he took a most important ])art until about two years prior to his death, when on account of ill health he was forced to leave the active management of the association to others. For a number of years he served as its secretary and was afterward its president. This was an organization resulting in much benefit to grain dealers throughout the state and Mr. Tyler was also active in bringing about legislation favorable to grain men. In all matters pertaining to the good of the grain business he was an untiring worker and on several occasions he labored for measures which he believed to be right as a matter of principle, but which he knew would be detrimental to his personal success. In his business affairs he was ever guided by industry, perseverance and determination which became elements in his character in early life. He trained an unassailable reputation and no one ever connected with him in trade transactions had aught to say against his honesty and fair dealing. He was entirely trustworthy and he would sacrifice his own interests rather than injure others. His life record is another proof of the old adage that honesty is the best policy, for his labors were crowned with a fair measure of success so that he left his family in very comfortable circumstances.

On the 28th of October, 1873, J\Ir. Tyler was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Jones, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Hugh and Vandalia Jones, both of whom died when Mrs. Tyler was a small child. They became the parents of four children, but Ralph, Lelah and Gussie are now deceased. The surviving daughter, Gertrude, is with her mother, occupying a pleasant home in Decatur, which was left to them by the husband and father. Mr. Tyler's home life was largel}'^ ideal. There was a close and most congenial companionship between himself and his wife and the activities of the one were supplemented by the sympathy and encouragement of the other.

With Mr. Tyler friendship was inviolable and he always maintained a most kindly attitude to his fellow men, arising from a sincere interest in their welfare. He Held membership with the Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks and also with the Modern Woodmen of America. Decatur profited by his efforts and zeal in her behalf and his encouragement and co-operation proved important factors in promoting her welfare along more than one line. Mr. Tyler was largely instrumental in holding the first corn carnival of Decatur. He was the first to suggest and start the movement and labored indefatigably for its success. It became an event in the history of the city, to which the residents of Decatur have ever pointed with pride. With the exception of the brief period which Mr. Tyler spent in Kansas his entire life was passed in the count}^ of his nativity and because of his many excellent traits of character he gained a wide acquaintance and the favorable regard of all with w^hom he has associated. Thus it was that his loss was deeply felt throughout the community when on the 27th of July, 1902, when nearly fifty-seven years of age, he was called to his final rest. The history of the county was largely familiar to him from an early period in its development and he could relate many interesting incidents concerning this district when it was 3'et upon the frontier. Perhaps no better estimate of his character could be given than the words of a business man who knew ^Ir. Tyler for years and who said "Bart Tyler was a man in the best sense that the term implies and I know of no better wav of describing his character."

James N. Sampson

JAMES N. SAMPSON. James N. Sampson, who is now successfully engaged in farming on section 34, Friends Creek township, has had a rather eventful life. He was born in Gould, Yorkshire, England, in 1851, a son of John and Sarah Sampson, and when an infant lost his father, who died during the great epidemic of cholera in that country. Our subject spent his early life upon the sea, sailing from England, and in that way he traveled all over the world. At one time the ship on which he sailed was wrecked while crossing the North Sea. It was caught in a storm and sprung a leak. The sea was very high and the engines were all under water. Those on board had all given up hope when their signal of distress was seen by another steamer, which sent a life boat to their assistance. Mr. Sampson helped lower a life boat from their own vessel but it was smashed to pieces. A second boat was then lowered and after a great deal of difficulty all were finally taken on board the other steamer.

About twenty-five years ago Mr. Sampson came to the United States and first located in Decatur, Illinois, where he acted as sewer inspector for twelve years and built the first trap that was ever used in a sewer in that city. For the past five years he has devoted his time and attention to farming, on a fine place of one hundred and sixty acres left to his wife on section 34, Friends Creek township, where he resides, and a forty acre tract just across the road from their home. There was nothing on the farm when it came into his possession, but he has erected a good, substantial residence, barn and other outbuildings and now has a well improved place under a high state of cultivation. He raises grain and some stock, and in his farming operations has prospered.

In 1879 Mr. Sampson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hildebright, a native of Friends Creek township. Her father, Henry Hildebright, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1824, and spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native land. He then came to America, landing in New York. Walking across the Alleghany mountains, he first settled in Ohio, where he worked as a coal miner for two years, and then came to JNIacon county, Illinois, making his home in Friends Creek township throughout the remainder of his life. In 1859 he married Miss Margaret Hetzel, who was from Berlin, Germany, and to them were born two children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Sampson, and Mrs. Manford Beckham. The mother died in 1870, and in May, 1879, ;\Ir. Hildebright was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Bayer, who is still living. For fifty-three years he was a resident of Macon county and during that time he steadily prospered in his farming operations, owning at the time of his death four hundred acres of choice land, which was worth about fifty thousand dollars, and which has been equally divided between his daughters. After a useful and well spent life he died December 28, 1897, at the age of seventy-four years, honored and respected by all who knew him.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sampson were born two children : Sarah, who died at the age of nine years; and Lizzie, at home. The parents are both earnest members of the Baptist church and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. Mr. Sampson is a Royal Arch Mason and Sir Knight and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Alodern Woodmen of America at Argenta. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republican party, and he takes a deep and commendable interest in the affairs of his adopted country.

George Stare

GEORGE STARE. In the history of pioneer development of Decatur mention should be made of George Stare, for he came to the present site of the city when it was all wild prairie land and from that jieriod up to the time of his death was actively associated with business interests and with the early substantial dexclopnient of the county. He was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and there his boyhood and youth were passed. L)n leaving his native state in 1850 he went to Ohio, but the following year returned to Pemisylvania, and on again coming west in 1852 spent some time in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was in 1853 that he first visited Decatur and the following year located permanently here. Believing that the opportunities of the west were better than the business privileges of the east he established his home in Macon county, finding here a region in which the work of civilization and progress had scarcely begun. A few houses were scattered here and there through the district, but much of the land

Mr. Stare established the Jirst planing mill in ^ilacon county and engaged in the manufacture of lumber for some years, in partnership with his brother, the late John Stare. The product of their mill was in demand as the munber of settlers increased and they did a good business. Near their plant on Cerro Gordo street, about fifteen or si.xteen years ago, they made a fruitless search for natural gas, sinking from eight to nine thousand dollars in the undertaking, but the enterprises with which he was connected generally prospered and he left his family a handsome competency. In trade circles in Macon county he was prominently known and in all his dealings he was found to be reliable and upright.

On the 6th of IMarch, 1856, Air. Stare was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Barnett, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of five children, who are now living, nainely : William, who is engaged in the manufacture of tile at Mendota, Illinois ; Mary J., who is the widow of Henry Kreidler and is living with her mother in Decatur; Emma, the wife of A. W. Aliller, of Riverside, California; Eva, the wife of Frank M. Butcher, a resident of Los .\ngeles, California ; and Nonette, the widow of Herbert Lorraine Hovey, of Rockyford, Colorado. Besides his widow and children, Mr. Stare had several brothers and sisters living at the time of his death, these being Moses Stare, of Decatur ; Elias A. Stare, of Waukesha, Wisconsin ; Mrs. H. Kain, Mrs. Knapp, Miss Nancy Stare and Mrs. Z. T. Blaine, of Decatur; Mrs. J. Markley, of Sangamon; Mrs. E. B. Eicholtz, of St. Louis ; and Mrs. Higgins, of Pawnee, Illinois.

enterprise. He gave an unfaltering support to the Republican party, but never sought political honors, though he was a member of the city council in 1873 ^"d 1874. He was a charter member of Grace Methodist Episcopal church, being originally connected with Stapp's Chapel, and it was mainly through his efforts that Grace church was built. He always took a very active and prominent part in church work, was a teacher in the Sabbath-school, and a member of the official board of the church throughout life. A man of considerable influence, he left the impress of his individuality upon public thought and opinion and aided in shaping the public policy as Decatur and Macon county emerged from primitive conditions and pioneer environments to take their place among the leading cities and counties of this great commonwealth. His life was upright, his actions manly and sincere and his loyalty to the public good and to straightforward principles was unquestioned. He passed away on the 5th of July, 1892, leaving behind him a memory that is cherished by his many friends. At his death the following resolutions were passed.

"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in Flis wise providence to take from us by death our beloved brother, George Stare, we therefore adopt the following as a tribute to his memory :

Stare was a member of Grace church from the time of its organization t.) the day of his death. In his private character and in his official capacity as trustee, steward, class leader and Sunday-school worker, he was consistent, earnest, faithful and efficient.

"By his wise counsel, faithful work and generous, self-sacrificing devotion, he did much to build up the church and make it the strong organization it is.

wliile living; we revere and clicrish his memory now tliat he has gone from ns. We feel that in his tieath the community has lost a highly respected, snbstantial and useful citizen, and we, as a church, have lost a faithful and true broilur and tcllow worker in the ciiurch.

"We desire to assure his beloved wife. Sister Stare, and all the members of the family, that in their deepest affliction they have the sincere sympathy and earnest prayers of the entire members of Cjracc church.

I.^AlAll QL'FRRY. Among the native sons of Macon county who have witnessed almost her entire development and growth and have aided materially in its upbuilding and prosperity, especially along agricultural lines, must be numbered Isaiah Querry, who was born on the edge of the timber in Whitmore township, January 6, 1839, and has spent his entire life in that locality. His parents were Elisha and Polly (Florey) Querry. both natives of X'irginia and the latter a sister of Mrs. David H. Stuart who is mentioned elsewhere in this \olumc. In 1829 the father came west in an old prairie schooner and entered a tract of land on section 14, Whitmore township, where our subject was born. He subsequently bought more land and continued his farming operations here until his death, which occurred in 1856. His wife survived him for some time and died at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were eight children, all of whom reached years of maturity and six of the number are still living, namely: Nathaniel, John, Isaiah. Loretta, Sarah and Eliza, but our subject is the onl}- one residing in Illinois.

Like most boys of his day Isaiah Querry acquired his education in a log schoolhouse and his earl\' life was spent in a rather uneventful manner upon the home farm. In the spring of 1861 he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah Jane Strope, a native of ()hio. and they began their domestic life upon a rented farm near the timlier, where they lived for a year and a half. At the end of that time Mr. Querry returned to the old homestead and tenderly cared for his mother during the last fourteen years of her life. Selling forty acres of the home place he bought an im])ro\cd tract of eighty acres on section 11, Whitmore township, for which he paid fifty-two and one-half dollars ]^er acre, but which is now worth one hundred and twenty dollars per acre, owing to the improvements he has made upon it and the rise in land values. In early days he used a single shovel ])low and cut his grain with a cradle but as time has passed he has equipi)ed his farm with the latest improved machinery and to-day has one of the model places of the locality. He has made a specialty of the raising of full blooded Poland-China hogs and draft horses and as a stock-raiser has met with success.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Querry have been born the following children : Mrs. Annie Purrows, now a resident of Iowa; Mrs. Laura Mathias, of Hickory Point township, this county ; Walter, who married Mabel .Mathias and lives in Whitmore township; Nettie, widow of Dave Welton and a" resident of Argenta ; Edith, a resident of Decatur ; Rinda and Lena, both at home ; and Mary, who died of consumption in the winter of 1902, her death being a sad blow to her parents and many friends.

publican and has once or twice been a delegate to the county conventions of his party. He attends the Old Settlers' reunions and takes an active interest in their meetings. For sixty-four years he has made his home in Macon county and has been an eye witness of almost her entire development. The difference between the past and the present can scarcely be realized, even by those who have been active participants in its growth and uplniilding, and the present generation can have no conception of what was required of the early settlers in transforming the wilderness into a well settled and highly cultivated country. In the work of pogress and improvement Mr. Ouerry has ever borne his part.

Francis M. Lowry

Francis M. Lowry was for a number of years connected with agricultural interests in Illinois and did his full share in winning for the state its splendid reputation as the best agricultural district of the country. He was a native of Kentucky, born on the 2d of September, 1825, and his parents, Eli and Elizabeth (Davidson) Lowry, were also born in the Blue Grass state. In an early day they came to Illinois, establishing their home in Fayette county, where the father engaged in merchandising for several years. He afterward removed to Shelby county, Illinois, where his death occurred. The mother of our subject died during the early youth of her son and the father afterward married again and his second wife has now passed away. There we're two children born of the first union who are yet living, one in Marion county, Illinois, and the other in Shelby county, this state.

Francis M. Lowry received no special advantages in his youth and what he accomplished in life was due to his inherent force of character, his strong determination and his unfaltering diligence. He attended only the common schools and afterward learned the blacksmith's trade, while residing in Fayette county. He did not find that occupation congenial, however, and resumed farming, which he carried on for several years in Christian county, there remaining until 1854, when he took up his abode in Mount Auburn. There he again worked at the blacksmith's trade for a brief period, but after his marriage he resumed farming in Christian county and followed that occupation continuously throughout his business career.

While living in Fayette county, Francis M. Lowr}' was joined in wedlock to Miss Aleekey M. Grider, a native of Montgomery county, Illinois, born on the 24th of May, 1827. Her parents w'ere Jackson and Malinda (Scribner) Grider, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Tennessee. In an early day in the development and improvement of this state Mr. Grider came to Illinois and throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits, his death occurring in Mount Auburn, Christian county. His wife passed away in Niantic, Macon county, in :\Iarch, 1881. The home of 'Mr. and Mrs. Lowry was blessed with seven children: Andrew J., who married Nellie Godfrey, and is a molder by trade, residing in Decatur; Mary E., the wife of Francis Smith, whose home is now in Moweaqua ; Francis ^I.,Avho wedded Lillie Hoyland, and is a blacksmith of Decatur; C. Edgar, who married Ollie Robbins, and is a machinist of Springfield, Illinois ; Malinda, who is the wife of William P. Jones, a coal miner of Macon county ; Harriet, who is an operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company, and resides with her mother ; and Martha J., who is the wife of Earl Obenjane, of Decatur. He is employed in the Review office and his wife in the Western Union Telegraph office.

donned lln' bhn.' unifurm of llu' nation and went souili in defense of the Union. He was a bra\e and loyal soldier, ever true to the cause which he espoused, and for three years and live days he served in the army. He therein contracted the disease which caused his death on the 30th of June, 1873. He voted with the Republican party anil he belonged to the United Brethren church. His life was in harmony with its teachings and its principles permeateil his actions and his relations to his fellow men. He was always straightforward in his dealings and his genuine worth was acknowledged by all with whom he came in contact. After losing her husband Mrs. Lowry removed to the village of Niantic, where she resided until 1887, when she came to Decatur, where she has since made her home, living at No. 404 East Division street. She belongs to the United Brethren church in this city and is widely known in its circles and elsewhere in the county.

Captain Robert P. Lytle

Por twenty-two years Captain Robert P. Lytle has been connected with the postoffice of Decatur, for twelve years serving as postmaster and for the remainder of the time as assistant postmaster. He is acting in the latter capacity at the present and there has been no more trustworthy ofificial ever connected with the mail service of this city than Mr. Lytle.

Born in Pennsylvania, on the 8th of July, 1837, his birthplace was in Erie county. His paternal great-grandfather was John Lytle, a soldier of the war of the Revolution. The grandfather was John Lytle and the father of our subject was Andrew Lytle. The latter was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1806 and became a tanner by trade. He followed that pursuit for some years, but subsequently turned his attention to farming. For a mniihcr of vears he served as an officer in the Pennsylvania militia. In the Keystone state he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy McKay, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1892, her home being in W'aterford, Pennsylvania. The father died in 1876.