Decatur Township (part 9 of 46)

Captain Lytle, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the i)idjlic school system of his native city for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward attended the W'aterford Academy at Waterford, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies for a year. He then accepted a clerkship in a general store owned by the Sharon Iron Company at Clay Furnace, Pennsylvania, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to BuiTalo, New York, where he was in a commercial college during the winter of 1857-58. During the latter year he came to Illinois and settled first at New Boston in Mercer county, where he accepted a position as bookkeeper in a general store, Init after the inauguration of the Civil war he could not content himself to remain in business life while his country was in danger and he therefore gave up his position to enlist on the 20th of August, 1861, at Springfield, as a member of Company G, Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry under the command of Captain Southward and Colonel N. B. Buford. The regiment was sent to Cairo, Illinois, in September of the same year and was assigned to General John A. McClernand"s Brigade, which was composed of the Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first of the Illinois regiments. With his command Ca])tain Lytle participated in a number of engagements and skirmishes. He was present at the battle of Belmont, Missouri, on the 7th of November, 1861, and the regiment being detached from Mc- Clcrnand's Brigade and assigned to the gunl)oat llotilla, participated in the siege of Island No. 10. He took part in the siege of Corinth in June, 1862, was at Nashville, Tennessee, from September 11 to November 23, and during this time participated in the battle of La \'ergne, followed by the battle of Stone River. On the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, he was in the battle of Chickamauga and in the battle of Missionary Ridge on the 25th of November, 1863, at which place he was wounded in the right leg and right arm. In consequence he was sent to the hospital. When he had partially recovered his wounds he rejoined his regiment at Loudon, Tennessee, and participated in the battles of Rockyface Ridge. Resaca, Burnt Hickory and Kenesaw Mountain. In the last engagement, June 27, 1864, he lost his left arm. On the 20th of September, 1864, he was honorably discharged and, being mustered out of service, returned to Pennsylvania.

Captain Lytle spent the winter of 1864-5 in the Kej'-stone state and in the later year went to- Nashville, Tennessee, in the interest of the American Bridge Company, remaining in the south until the company closed up their business there. He then returned to the north and since 1866 has been a resident of Decatur. He was first employed as a bookkeeper by William Lintner & Company, of this city, remaining with that house for six and a half years. In 1872 he organized the Decatur Cofifin Company in partnership with Thomas T. Roberts, the business being carried on under the firm style of Roberts & Lytle. Thus he contint:ed in the manufacture of coffins and caskets until 1875, when he sold his interest, for in that year he was appointed postmaster of Decatur, in which capacity he served for twelve years under various administrations. On the expiration of his term in 1887 he again entered commercial circles as a member of the Lytle & Eckles Hardware Company and for five years was associated with that business. In 1893, however, the firm disposed of its interests and soon afterward Captain Lytle was appointed assistant postmaster under William F. Calhoun. His previous connectiDn with the office and his thorough understanding of the business make him a most capable assistant and one who merits the highest confidence and regard of those with whom he is associated in an official capacity.

On the I2th of January, 1864, Mr. Lytle was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Smith of Waterford, Pennsylvania, a daughter of George and Mary Smith. Four children were born of this union : Harry ^^'ells, who is now in Kansas City, Missouri: Frank A., of Decatur; Robert B., who died in 1891 ; and Edith May, the wife of Craig Smith, a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Both the Captain and ]\Irs. Lytle are well known in Decatur and the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their accpiaintances. They reside at No. 521 West Williams street and they are members of the First Presbyterian church, with which the Captain has been identified for more than thirty years. He takes a most active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the progress and improvement of the church. In his political views he is a stalwart Republican and has labored earnestly for the success of the principles which he believes will best promote county, state and national welfare. He was for ten years chairman of the Macon County Republican Central Committee. For three years he was township and city collector and in these various positions has manifested the same loyalty to duty that he displays in the postoffice. He is a man of broad capabilities, is ever courteous and at all times is a gentleman in the truest and best sense of the term. He cares not for display nor is there about him the least shadow of mock modesty. He is a gentleman of fine traits and thorough culture, occupying a leading place in the regard of his friends as well as in official circles in De- catur. He takes an actixc interest in the Grand Army and its work and is past commander of the post at Decatur, which was the first ever organized, this being the birthplace of the order known as the Grand Army of the Republic. lie was made senior vice commander of the department of Illinois in 1888 and has frequently been a delegate to various national encampments.

DA\ID PATTERSON. In reviewing this history of David Patterson one is reminded of the words of a great New York financier, who said: "If you are not a success, don't blame the times you live in, don't blame the place you occupy, don't blame the circumstances you are surrounded with - lay the blame where it belongs - to yourself. Not in time, jjlace nor circumstance, but in the man, lies success. If you want success you must pay the price." Realizing the truth of this, Mr. Patterson has paid the price of concentrated effort, indefatigable energy, of perseverance and well applied business principles and has won the victorj' which he determined to gain when he started out upon an independent business career. He is to-day an extensive landowner of Macon coimty and one of the representative citizens of Decatur.

A native of Scotland, Mr. Patterson was born in Dumfrieshirc, in April, 1835, a son of George Patterson, who died when the subject of this review was but six years of age. Two years later the mother also passed away and thus David was left an orphan when a little lad of eight summers. He went to live with an aunt, with whom he made his home for three years and during one year of that time he earned a small sum of money by herding cattle. When a * youth of eleven years he began work as a farm hand and during the summer months was given some money for his services.

while HI the winter months he worked for his l)oard and the privilege of attending school. It will thus be seen that his youth was a period of toil. He had few of the ad- \antages which most boys enjoy, the cares and responsibilities of life coming to him very early. After working as a farm hand for a time he secured a position as a sheepherder in the mountains and was thus employed until he was about fifteen years of age, when he determined to prepare for a trade and served an ajiprenticeship to a carpenter in Dumfricshire, the man by whom he had previously been employed going as security on the apprenticeship bond. This was certainly indicative of his former faithfulness and fidelit}- to the earlier employer. During his apprenticeshi]) he also attended school for three months during the year and thus his education was completed, save that in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons. He attended school altogether for perhaps a year, but life's practical duties have brouglit him knowledge that has proven of marked benefit in the active affairs of life. After completing a four years' apprenticeship, during which time he had become master of carl)entering. he was employed as a journeyman for a year, but business opportunities were not very great in his native land and he resolved that he would come to America, where he hoped to have better advantages for advancement.

Having no money, Mr. Patterson borrowed a sum sufficient to pay his passage across the ocean. He made the journey in a sailing vessel and seven weeks and three days had passed ere the voyage was completed and anchor was dropped in the American harbor. Mr. Patterson was then about twenty years of age - a young luan resolute, determined and enterprising. Coming at once to Illinois, he located first in Sangamon county, where he had relatives living and soon afterward secured a position at tin- carpenter's trade in Atlanta, Logan county, where he worked for two weeks. He then went to Buffalo Hart Grove, in Sangamon count)-, and afterward spent some time in Missouri, residing in Benton and in St. Clair counties of that state for six years. He prospered in his work there and, making judicious investments of his money, became the owner of a good farm of three hundred and ten acres in St. Clair county. He not only was interested in general farming but also became quite well known as a stock-dealer. In partnership with a cousin he purchased four hundred head of cattle in Missouri with the intention of bringing them to Illinois, where he hoped to dispose of them at an advanced price, but the speculation proved unfortunate. This was the year of the great frost in August, 1863, and he thus lost all that he had previously saved. He did not allow his losses, however, to aft'ect his courage or his ambition, and on returning to Illinois he worked at his trade in Mount Pulaski, Logan county. Later he returned to Missouri and for a year and a half followed carpentering in Sedalia.

At the end of that time he sold his farm property in St. Clair county and again came to Illinois. For some time thereafter his energies were devoted to the dual occupation of carpentering and farming, for while working at building operations he also managed a farm which he had rented in Logan county. Thus he again managed to gain a start in the world and when he had won a sufficit-frt sum of money he purchased fifty-six acres of land on section 18, Austin township, whereon he resided until his removal to Decatur. He then put aside carpenter work in order to devote his entire attention to the farm and gradually he has advanced until he is to-day one of the most j)rosperous and extensive landowners of the county. From time to time he has added to his property until he now owns fourteen hundred acres of land in Macon county. He erected one of the best farm residences of his township, his home being a commodious one and in the rear stand good barns and all the necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He carried on farm work along progressive lines and throughout his connection with that department of business was classed with the most enterprising agriculturists of the community. In 1887 he left his farm and took up his abode in the city of Decatur, where he is now engaged in real estate operations. Here he has built four residences at an average cost of five thousand dollars, and he also owns a business lot at the corner of Church and Williams street, another at the corner of Cerro Gordo and Church streets, a house on North Edwards street and forty-three acres of land near the Pugh street school, all of which property he has acquired since coming to Decatur.

In 1868 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wright, a native of Scotland, and unto them have been born three children, one of whom is now deceased. John T., who is engaged in agricultural pursuits and resides in Decatur, married Emma Christensen and has three children, one son and two daughters; David, who is also a farmer living in Decatur, married Laura Christensen, a sister of his brother's wife, and they have three children; Joseph died at the age of four years. The mother of these children passed away in September, 1875, and in October, 1876, Mr. Patterson was joined in wedlock to i\Irs. Fannie (Smith) Parks, a native of Effingham county, Illinois.

In his political affiliations Mr. Patterson has always been a Democrat, but has never been an active politician. He has, however, served for a number of terms as a school * director, for six years was township trustee and for two years represented his town on the board of supervisors. His attention, however, has chiefly been given to his business affairs and along lines of well directed effort he has achieved success that enables him to be numbered among the capitalists of his adopted county. Obstacles and difficulties have impeded his progress and yet he has surmounted these and gone steadily onward to the goal of prosperity. His career is that of an upright and conscientious business man who well merits the prosperity that has come to him.

Frank H. Whitmer

Frank H. \Miitmer is one of the younger re])resentatives of business interests in Decatur, yet is one of the most progressive and prominent. Could the citizens of a half century ago have been told that there would in the course of a few years be instituted a central system of heating for a locality, whereby heating plants in private homes could be dispensed with, the tale would have been received as the idea of a dreamer, and yet this has come to pass and to-day there is scarcely a city of any size in the United States that does not possess such a system. Frank H. Whitmer is now the general manager of the Whitmer Steam Heating & Power Plant of Decatur, which industry is classed among the most important and extensive here.

One of the native sons of the city, Mr. Whitmer was born February 6, 1875, and is a son of Henry M. and Anna (App) Whitmer. The father was born in Pennsylvania near Harri.sburg and was a mechanic of natural ability in that direction. In his younger years he was engaged in the manufacture of sash and door frames. In the j-ear 1859 he came to Decatur, finding here a small city with few industrial interests, yet giving promise of future development. Mr. Whitmer engaged in brick contracting and met with success in his undertakings in the west. He was the only one of the famil}-, however, to come to Illinois. In 1892, seeing an opening for the establishment of a new business, he established the Whitmer Steam Heating & Power I'lant of Decatur and continued his connection therewith until his death, which occurred November 3, 1899, when he was sixty-four years of age. He was a man of splendid business ability and of keen discernment and his efforts proved valuable in the expansion of the city and its material growth. His widow still survives him and is living in this city. They were the parents of the following named : Edward, who is a resident of Jacksonville, Illinois; Alberta B., who is the wife of Harry Byrne, of Chicago ; Howard, deceased ; Cora, the wife of Anluir L. McNabb, of Decatur; and Frank H., of this review.

The last named acquired his education in the ])ublic schools of Decatur and spent his youth in the usual manner of the boys of the period, enjoying the pleasures of the playground, which were alternated with school and other duties. At the age of eighteen years, however, he entered upon his business career in connection with the operation of the heating plant. The Whitmer Steam Heating & Power Plant has fifteen thousand feet of mains and fifty thousand feet of. radiation and covers seven blocks of Decatur. Seven boilers are used with a total capacity of seven hundred and forty horse power. Two teams are constantly employed in hauling coal, the plant using thirty tons of coal per day. Ordinarily only five boilers of the seven are in operation. These are Babcock & Wilcox water tube boilers of one hundred and fifty horse power capacity each, and there are two Oakes fire tube boilers of one hundred horse power each and three of eighty horse power each. There is an average pressure carried of from one hundred to one hun- dred and liftcen pounds. The plant was established, as before stated, in 1892 by Henry M. Whitnier, and the son Frank H. Whitmer early became interested in its workings. The business grew rapidly and in 1894 two large boilers were added, one of which is kept in reserve. Two pumps arc kept busy, supplying water which is forced into two large tanks and from there is conveyed to the boilers, while two are kept in reserve. A double system is used, so that if one part of the plant is disabled from any cause the other can be immediately put in operation. There are four regular firemen and one extra fireman emploj^ed and its extensive business in its various departments is under the management of Frank H. Whitmer. The plant is now one of the most important enterprises in Decatur. In 1899 Mr. Whitmer also became interested as a third owner in the laundry at 147 South Water street, Decatur. For a time the owners were J. H. Rainey, E. C. Stein and F. H. Whitmer. During the first year, however, Mr. Whitmer purchased Mr. Rainey's interest and the business has since been carried on under the name of the Decatur Model Laundry Company. All the latest machinery necessary to enlarge and modernize the plant was purchased so that it is now as complete in its equipments as any establishment found in any city of the Mississippi valley.

In 1896 Mr. Whitmer was happily married to Miss Lula Mallory, a daughter of Rollin V. Mallory, of Decatur. They occupy an enviable position in social circles, where the hospitality of many of the best homes in this cit}' is graciously and freely accorded them. Mr. W'liitmer became a member of Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P., in 1896, and he is also a member of the Iroquois Club and of the lodge of Stationary' Engineers. \\'hat he has already accomplished in the business world is an indication of his abilitv and argues well for a successful future. He stands as a well known representative of industrial circles here and one whose faith in Decatur is indicated by his active co-operation in public measures for the general good.

Robert Taggart

Mr. Taggart became a resident of Decatur in 1890, but was connected with a business where acquaintances are extensively and rapidly formed and thus he became widely known, enjoying in large measure the respect and confidence of those with whom he was associated so that his death was deeply deplored by many friends. During his residence in Decatur he was proprietor of the Central Hotel. A native of Ireland, his birth occurred on the Emerald Isle, on the 15th of August, 1857, his parents, being Thomas and Martha (Kingsbury) Taggart, both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to America about 1859, bringing with them their familv. They settled in Xenia, Ohio, where the father secured a position as baggage master on the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving in that capacity continuously until his death. His wife also died in Xenia.

Robert Taggart attended school in Xenia and he was a self-educated as well as selfmade man. By doing chores and little odd jobs he saved up enough money to educate himself and thus prepared for the business world. He went to Cincinnati, where he attended a business college for one term. Returning then to Xenia he there began brickmaking, but continued in that work for but a short time. He afterward accepted a position as a clerk in a hotel in Xenia known as the old Corey House and thus received his first experience and training in the work which was to be the source of his income throughout the greater part of his life. He proved a popular clerk because of his obliging niannor, liis close fidelity to duty and his devotion to the interests of those whom he served. For several years he continued as clerk in Xenia and then removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he still continued in the hotel business. He became manager of the N. G. Omer House and held that position for twelve years, on the expiration of which period he came to Decatur. .Arriving in this city in 1890 he purchased what is known as the Central Hotel and continued to conduct it with marked success until his death. He made it an excellent hostelry which won favor with the traveling public because of the entertainment furnished the guests by a host who did everything in his power to promote their comfort and welfare, wliilc tlioy were his guests.

Mr. Taggart was married December 19, 1877, in Xenia, Ohio, to Miss Mary (Ireenwood, a native of that city and a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth ( Layman) Greenwood. Tier father was a native of England, but coming to America resided in early manhood in \'irginia, where he was overseer of slaves. He afterward removed to Greene county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until his death, making his home near Xenia. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, and she, too, died in the Buckeye state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taggart were born five children : Ralph, who is now day clerk in the St. Nicholas Hotel of this city : Thomas, who is a clerk in the chief engineer's office at Chicago, Illinois: Robert, who is serving as a clerk in a hotel at Frcuchlick, Indiana; Mary, who resides at home ; and Edgar, who is also with his mother.

In his ])olitical views Mr. Taggart was a stalwart Republican, but never turned aside from business cares to seek political preferment. He held membership in the Masonic lodge at Terre Hautc; Indiana, and also attained the Knight Templar degree in the commandery there. He belonged to the Independent Order of C)dd I'^ellows of Xenia and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. For three years after his death Mrs. Taggart conducted the hotel, showing excellent business abilitj- and marked powers as a manager. She then purchased her present home at No. 443 North Morgan street in Decatur, where with her children .she now resides. She is quite prominent in the social circles of this city and has many warm friends.

i\Ir. Taggart passed away on the 29th of November, 1897, at Battle Creek, Michigan, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery, Decatur. He was prominent and influential in Decatur, \vhere he had become widely known and where the sterling traits of his character had gained for him warm regard. He was richly endowed in those qualities of manhood that win friendship and he had the happy faculty of drawing closer to him as the years passed the friends whose regard he once gained. His geniality and courteous manner were aUiong the salient features of his career and added to these qualities was strong determination and excellent management, which in his business life won for him a fair measure of success.

George F. Lowe

GEORGE F. LOWE. One of the prominent and representative citizens of Pleasant \'iew township in the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a native of Illinois, born in Summerfield, St. Clair county, and belongs to an old and honored family of this state. His father Captain George Franklin Lowe, was born in Tennessee in 1816, but was only three years old when he came to Illinois with his ])arents, and settled in St. Clair county, where the grandfather of our subject "purchased land, which later became the property of the father. A part of the old homestead was afterward laid out to form the village of Stimnicrficlcl. Tn early manhood Captain Lowe married Miss Martha Phillips, who was born in Washington county, Illinois, and was a daughter of Colonel Philliiis, who entered the army as a private during the Mexican war and rose to the rank of colonel. He was a prominent and c.\tensi\-e farmer of Washington count\% where he owned about a section of land. When the country became involvecjl in civil war the father of our subject was commissioned captain of a company organized in St. Clair county and assigned to the One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the war he continued to make his home in that county until 1881, when he came to Macon county and purchased a farm of ninety-two and a half acres near the village of Macon, but after the death of his wife, which occurred in 1885, he sold the place to his sons, Albert and George, and now makes his home in Kewanee. Illinois, where he owns property.

George F. Lowe is the eighth in order of birth in a family of ten children, the others being as follows: J. H., a physician, died in Kewanee, leaving a family ; Emma is at home with her father ; Ellen married Dr. David Alvis and lives in Kewanee; Lucy is the wife of B. H. Ober, who is engaged in the manufacture of steam heaters in Duluth, Minnesota; A. G. married Hattie Cameron and resides in Chicago, although he is now in Texas; Albert married Ruth Spencer and follows farming in Shelby county, Missouri ; Addie is the wife of John W. Seibert, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Eldorado, Kansas; F. O. married Lena Jacobs and is engaged in the practice of medicine in Kewanee, Illinois ; and C. E. married Sarah Hill and makes his home in Winfield, Kansas, where he has been a teacher in the Winfield .'\cadcmy, a Methodist institution,

The primary education of our subject was obtained in the schools of Summerfield and he later attended McKendree College, which was then in charge of his uncle D. W. Phillips, as president. That gentleman was also presiding elder in the Alton district for a time and was a prominent clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in Chicago, having superannuated relations with the church at that time. It was the intention of Mr. Lowe to fit himself for the medical profession, and for some time he studied under the direction of his brother, Dr. J. H. Lowe, of Kewanee, his brother Frank O. being a student there at the same time. The latter completed his course and is now practicing at Kewanee, but our subject was obliged to give up his studies on account of ill health and in 1884 commenced farming in Alacon ' county. As previously stated he and his brother, Albert, now of Missouri, bought the father's farm in this county, which with their other property here made them owners of one hundred and seventy-two and a half acres. Our subject finally sold out and on the ist of January, iSqy, went to Texas, locating in Brazoria county between Houston and Galveston, where he engaged in the fruit and real estate business for nearly two years. He next made his home in the Iron mountain district of Missouri, for a time, and then returned to Macon county, Illinois. After residing for a short time in Blue Mound he purchased his present farm of eighty acres on section 35, Pleasant View township, which is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. It is now under a high state of cultivation and improved in a worthy manner.

On the 24th of March, 1887, Mr. Lowe was united in marriage to Miss Efifie L. Reedy, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 14, 1868, a daughter of Amos and Rose (Bookwalter) Reedy, in whose family are four children : Elmer E., who lives with his parents near Macon; Susie, now the widow of James E. House and a resident of Blue Mound; Effie L., wife of our subject ; and IVIayme, wife of E. J. Divan, a real estate dealer of Decatur. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been born three children; Bessie E., born October 27, i88g; George Mervil, born September 25, 1892; and Wayne Reedy, born January 4, 1895.

As a Republican .Mr. Lowe takes quite an active and influential part in local politics and has been a delegate to the county conventions of his part)'. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Blue Mound, is now serving as trustee. He is widely and favorably known ill tlic couniy of his adoption and by the possession of those qualities, which in every land and clime command respect, he has won manv friends.

JOPLX H. CUL\'ER. The term "'captains of industry'' is a familiar one in the parlance of the day and has arisen from the conditions existing at the present age of the world's history when business activity has replaced the records of wars and conquests. The men who awaken public attention and regard are they who are controlling the large commercial and industrial interests of the country. Each city has its representative men who have worthilj' won this title through their management of extensive business concerns. The praise and compliment it implies is due John H. Culver, of Decatur, whose association with important industries has caused him to be classed among the leading residents of this city and made him a man of wealth, notwithstanding that in his career there have been days of trial and discouragement when disaster threatened and defeat seemed imminent. His capability, perseverance and honorable dealing have triumphed over adversity and now he stands as one of the foremost representatives of business life not only in Decatur but in Illinois as well.

A native of Christian county, this state, John H. Culver was born on the 26th of Dcccmloer, 1858. a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Scott) Culver. The father was a farmer by occupation and also engaged in stock-raising. He became well known as a landowner in Xelnaska but made his home in ^Macon county until 1883, when he removed to the west. He passed away in Blue Mound, Illinois, in 1891, at the age of sixt3--two years, and his wife died in 1884.

John H. Culver was only five years of age when brought l)y his parents to Macon county. Here under the parental roof he was reared and at the age of sixteen he supplemented his early educational privileges by study in the normal school at Taylorville. When he had completed a thorough business course he accepted a position in the office of his brother, J. S. Culver, of Taylorville, who was owner of an extensive monument establishment there and at several other points. John H. Culver soon mastered the business and became superintendent of the plants. On attaining his majority, however, he returned to Macon county and through the succeeding three years was engaged in teaching school with good success. On the expiration of that period he rejoined his brother, who in the meantime had established headquarters at Springfield, Illinois, and there he devoted his entire attention to the mastery of all the details of monumental work save the strictly mechanical jiart of the business. At nine dift'erent points in Illinois his brother had established monumental works and was in control of a mammoth enterprise in that line. John H. Culver eventually became a partner in the enterprise and soon afterward llicy closed all the branch }-ards and greatly increased the capacit}' of the central establishment. The)' concentrated their work and business there, their patronage being very extensive and their work returning to them a splendid income. Their partnership continued for four years, at the end of which time John H. Culver sold out and came to Decatur, arriving in 1889.

In the meantime the business of the firm met with disaster, not through any lack of capable management but because they discharged a debt or obligation of honor, which left them financially crippled. They had endorsed for the contractor on government work at Fort Rilej-, Kansas, and as he failed to carry out his contract, it was finished by the Culver Brothers, but this left them in very straitened financial circumstances. When John H. Culver arrived in Decatur he had but one hundred and fifty-eight dollars, and within the fourteen 3'ears which have since elapsed he has become one of the wealthy men of this part of the state. During the two years following his removal to Decatur he was upon the road as a traveling salesman for his monument house and his business reached a phenomenal figure. He worked night and day to retrieve his lost fortunes and his efTorts were ceaseless until he had passed the financial goal which he had previously reached. In 1891 he opened a small establishment for the handling of electrical supplies. Not long after this R. F. Piatt obtained a franchise from the city for commercial lighting, but failing in the conduct of his business Mr. Culver and his partners fell heir, in a way, to his franchise and shortly after securing another franchise they incorporated the Municipal Electric Company of Decatur, with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars and Mr. Culver as the president. Thus he entered upon a new field of labor, which he has expanded and developed until the scope of his efforts is most far-reaching, the work proving of benefit to many cities as well as a source of great remuneration to himself. The business of the new company was successfully managed for a few years but in 1895 failing health compelled Mr. Culver to seek a change of climate and he went to Florida. Upon his return a few months later he found the concern in the hands of a receiver, but with his customary energy he took hold of the business and within ten months the receiver was discharged and the enterprise once more on a paying basis. The capable control and business foresight of Mr. Culver were manifest in the constantly increasing success attendant upon this enterprise and in 1898 the plant was sold by him for one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. For a number of years he has been engaged in the building and control of various light, water and heating plants all over the state of Illinois and yet retains the ownership of some of these, including the Tuscola Light & Heating Plant and an interest in the Assumption Light & Heating Company. He was also at one time the owner of a similar plant at Moweaqua, Illinois. In addition to his own plants ;Mr. Culver has built many plants for others throughout the state, including the Capitol lighting plant for the state of Illinois at Springfield.

He who reads between the lines will learn of the wonderful managerial ability, marked foresight, undaunted energy and above all the indefatigable industry of John H. Culver, who within the comparatively short space of fourteen years has built up a fortune which would be regarded by many as a splendid achievement of an entire lifetime. He has made judicious investments of his increasing capital in real estate and now has large property interests, including four thousand acres of land in ^linnesota, several hundred acres in the corn belt of Illinois and also property in Missouri and Nebraska. He owns the Piatt, ^lueller &

Past And Present Of Macox Cuuntv

W'heeland block, iho posioftice block, the Culver building and other valuable properlies in Decatur, and through his inxestments in this direction has done much for the material improvement of the city.

On the iilh of March, 1880, in Macon count}-, was celebrated the marriage of John H. Culver and Miss Florence Flight, a daughter of R. W. Ilight, of Macon township, and unto them have been born two children, Elizabeth and Ruth, both attending school in this city. Mrs. Culver has indeed been a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband, encouraging him in the dark days of his adversity and even assisting him in his efforts to regain a footing in the business world by acting as his bookkeeper for two years after he again started in business in this city. She now presides with gracious and charming hospitality over their beautiful home at No. 412 Prairie avenue, one of the finest residences of the city, and containing one of the largest and most complete libraries of the city. This home is supplied with all that wealth can secure and refined taste suggest and is a fitting monument to the life and labors of its owner. Both Mr. and Airs. Culver are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Culver exercises his right of franchise in su])port of the men and measures of the Republican party and keeps well informed on the issues of the day and the great questions efTecting the nation's welfare at home and in its relations with foreign powers. He is the secretary of the chamber of commerce of Decatur and is untiring in his efforts to further the material welfare of the city. Fraternally he is connected with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master; Macon Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. ; Decatur Council, R. & S. M. ; and Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T. ; and he takes a deep interest in the workings of the craft. He is also a member of Mahommed Temple of the Mystic Shrine at I'eoria. He likewise belongs to the r.encvoleiu & Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a charter member, and socially he is connected with the Decatur and Counlry Clubs. In llie fraternal organizations he is classed as a most valued member because of his absolute fidelity to the principles which form the elements of friendship. In a review of his business career it is easily seen that his success, although it seems almost phenomenal, cannot be attributed to any fortunate combination of circumstances. On the contrary he has never let pass an opportunity to better his condition by hard work, and there have been times in his business career when he worked almost night and day. He has ever been conspicuous among his associates not only for his success but for his probity, fairness antl honorable methods. His identification with industrial interests in Decatur covers fourteen years and his labors have extended far beyond the bounds of this cit}'. During this entire time he has so conducted his affairs as to merit the confidence and esteem of the entire community and no word of censure has ever been uttered against his actions. To him has largely been due the e.xi)ansit)n of industrial interests and while far-reaching have been his efforts and brilliant his success, his labors have also jjroven of great benefit to the general public in the stinuilus given to business activitv.

Eli S. Ulerv

ELI S. ULERV. One of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of Macon county whose life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits is the gentleman whose name initiates this review. He was born in Mount Zion township on the I2th of December, 1862, his parents being Eli and Mary E. (Dillon) Ulery. The mother, who died at the early age of twenty- eight years, was a native of Illinois and a daughter of Joshua Dillon, a well known stockdealer and prominent citizen of Mount Zion. Our subject's father was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and on coming to Illinois in 1836 settled in the village of Mount Zion, but four years later removed to a farm on section 2, Mount Zion township, which he had purchased and which continued to be his home throughout the remainder of his life. He was a very successful farmer and accumulated a vast amount of property although he began life for himself with a capital of only twelve dollars. Industrious, persevering and enterprising, he steadily worked his way upward until he was one of the most prosperous men of his community. During his active business life he gave considerable attention to stock and in early days drove his cattle across the country to the New York markets. As he acquired any capital he invested it in new land and in his speculations he prospered. In politics he was an ardent Republican. He died in December, 1897, at the age of eighty-two years, honored and respected by all who knew him. He had four brother^, all of whom remained in Pennsylvania, and all are now deceased.

Eli S. Ulery began his education in the common schools of Mount Zion and at the age of fourteen 3'ears entered the Christian Brothers College at St. Louis, Missouri. Immediately after leaving that institution he went to Colorado, where he enjoyed the novel experiences of a cowboy in the Green Horn mountains between Trinidad and Pueblo for four years. At the age of eighteen he returned home and has since engaged in farming, the buying and selling of horses and the shipping of stock. In 1886 he took charge of the home farm, consisting of six hundred and forty acres, and has since added to his property from time to time until he is now the owner of eleven hundred and eighty acres, most of which is under a

On the loth of March, 1885, Mr. Ulery was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Gibson Bell, a daughter of Andrew and Lucy Bell, of Mount Zion, and five children bless this union, namely: Bernard B., Simon K., Mona G., Earl A. and Mary I.

In 1901 Mr. Ulery purchased forty acres of land of S. S. Bilby in the northern part of Mount Zion township and has converted a portion of it into picnic and pleasure grounds at a considerable cost, naming the place Woodbine. Here he has erected an artistic log cabin, in which he and his family spend the mid-summer days ; has made a beautiful artificial lake; built a pavilion, water tank, boat house and a small hotel ; has scattered rustic seats throughout the grounds, which are ornamented by fountains, urns and beautiful flowers. The lake is about twenty-four feet in depth and on it is run a naphtha launch. Mr. Ulery is very fond of sports of all kinds and takes especial delight in fishing, making trips for this purpose into Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas. He is also interested in a fish pond one-half mile south of Mount Zion, the other owners being Alexander Scott, W. S. Smith, W. C. Smith and T. C. Stoner, Jr. In politics he is a Republican but is not active in political afifairs. He is a typical American citizen, thoroughly up-to-date and progressive, and his pleasant genial manners make him quite popular socially, while in business affairs he is prompt, reliable and energfetic.

Walter M. Crawford

WALTER M. CRAWFORD. The subject of this sketch is one of the successful and progressive farmers of Maroa township, his home being on section 23. Although he started out in life for himself with no capital, he has by persistent effort and untiring labor gained a nice home and

Mr, Crawford was born in \'irginia, September 9, 1863, and is the fifth in order of l)iri!i in a family of nine children, the parents being Thomas X. and Maria (Lngar) Crawford. By occupation the father was a veterinary surgeon and farmer. Our subject acquired his early education in the district schools of Roanoke county, Virginia, where he was reared, and later attended high school for a time. He began his business career at the age of twenty years by paying his father for one year's work in order that he might start out for himself. Believing that he could do better in the west than in the more thickly populated state where his boyhood was passed, he came to Illinois in 1883 and worked by the month in Macon county for about six years. He next engaged in operating rented land for eight years, and at the end of that time purchased eighty acres acres in Maroa township where he now resides. In 1897 he bought another tract of seventy acres, and to-day has a well improved and highly cultivated farm of one hundred and fi^ty acres in this county and also a farm in Grove county, Kansas. Besides the cultivation of his own land, Mr. Crawford has charge of his sister's farm of eighty acres. He feeds about fifty head of cattle annually and three hundred head of hogs, and finds this branch of his business quite profitable. He is a- stockholder in the Farmer's elevator at Maroa and being a man of good business ability and sound judgment he usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On the 15th of February, 1889, Mr. Crawford married Miss Anna Bell Bricker, and thoy have become the parents of three children, namely: Ruth, born December 15, 1893; Irene, born February 18, 1895; and Russell, born February 10, 1897. Mr. Crawford is pre-eminently a self-made man and as one of the leading and successful agriculturists of Macon county he is certainly deserving of honorable mention m its history.

George J. Danzeisen

The prosperity of any community depends upon its business activity and the enterprise manifested in commercial circles is the foundation upon which is builded the material welfare of city, state and nation. The most important factors in public life at the present day are therefore the men who are in control of successful business interests and stich a one is George J. Danzeisen, of Decatur, the senior partner of the firm of G. J. Danzeiscn & Sons, pork packers, and jobbers and dealers in beef.

Mr. Danzeisen, whose name introduces this review, has long resided in Decatur and the residents of this place have watched his progress from a humble financial position to one of prosperity. He is numbered among the worthy citizens that the fatherland has furnished to the new world, for his birth occurred in Baden, Germany, on the 2ist of October, 1834. He is a son of George and Sophia (Loser) Danzeisen, who were people in moderate circumstances in Germany, where they spent their entire lives. In accordance with the laws of his native country George J. Danzeisen attended school between the ages of six and fourteen years and at the latter age he put aside his text books in order that he might prepare for a business career, which he did by learning the butcher's trade. On the completion of the three years' apprenticeship in 1854 he sailed for America.

Favorable reports concerning the business opportunities of this great country had reached him and he believed that he would have better advantages in the United

States, where competition is not so great and where privileges are broader in the business world than in the old country. The vessel in which he sailed dropped anchor in the harbor of New York and from that city he proceeded to Sandusky, Ohio, where he was employed on a farm. Subsequently he spent a year in the service of the Sandusky & New York Railroad Company and on the expiration of that period went to Minnesota, where he was employed in a brickyard for one season. In the following year he secured employment at the butcher's trade in St. Louis, Missouri, and there his faithfulness and capability led to his continuance in the employ of one firm for fifteen years. He had the entire confidence of those whom he represented and well merited this trust. While thus employed he managed to save some money which gave him a start in life.

Mr. Danzeisen was residing in St. Louis at the time of the inauguration of the war of the Rebellion in 1861. He then joined the home guards known as the Third Regiment of Missouri Home Guards and served in different parts of the state until honorably discharged. He then returned to the same establishment and remained there until 1871. In that year George J. Danzeisen arrived in Decatur and has since been a factor in business circles of this city. He first opened a butcher shop and meat market, entering into partnership with Adam Blenz. Their business was begun on a small scale, but gradually they increased its scope in order to meet the growing demands of the trade and for twelve consecutive years the partnership was maintained, at the end of which time Mr. Blenz purchased his partner's interest, ]Mr. Danzeisen opening the place of business now occupied by him at 130 Merchant street. As his sons became old enough to enter business life he instructed them in the trade which he had learned in his youth and gradually admitted them to a partnership. As his means accumulated he enlarged his business and also commenced the packing business, the curing of meats and the manufacture of sausages of all kinds, until now he has an extensive plant and a constantly increasing patronage that has already reached large and profitable proportions. His is the best equipped retail market in this city and his packing house, which is situated in the southern part of Decatur, has been supplied with the latest improved machinery necessary to carry on the extensive business. He has erected a large business block in which his retail market is located and his enterprise proves not only of value to himself, but to the surrounding agricultural community for it furnishes a market for the local stock dealers, ^luch of the meat which he sells is secured through the butchering of stock raised in Macon and adjacent counties. He has a very large local trade and also sells to other cities and towns in Illinois, doing both a retail and wholesale business. It furnishes employment to thirty men and the firm of G. J. Danzeisen & Sons is to-day the most important in this line in Decatur.

In October, i860, Mr. Danzeisen was united in marriage to iliss Mary Bercher, of St. Louis, Missouri. She, too, was born in Germany and by her marriage has become the mother of the following children: William, Oscar J., and Alfred, all of whom are associated with their father in business. The first named wedded Miss Louise Blenz and has three sons, while Oscar J. married Miss Mattie Banth of Decatur. In 1892 Mr. and Airs. Danzeisen crossed the Atlantic to the fatherland and after an absence of thirty-eight years he renewed the friendships of his youth and visited again the scenes amid which his boyhood days were passed. Two or three friends accompanied them on the trip and this visit abroad was a most enjoyable one. Mr.

Danzeisen and his family liold membership in the First Lutheran church and contribute generously to its support. His life record is indicative of the opportunities afforded in America to young men who are willing to work, who have determination to overcome obstacles and whose business methods arc in harmony with the strictest commercial ethics. He has achieved a success of which perhaps he did not dream in his youth and at the same time he has won in trade and social circles an honorable name.

William M. Buxdy

Eor twelve years \\'illiam M. Bundy has been engaged in business in Decatur as a dealer in sand and gravel, and. moreover, has been prominent in affairs pertaining to the city's welfare and progress, while in political circles he is recognized as an active and intluential worker. At the present time he is representing his ward as a member of the city council and Decatur has profited by his interest in her behalf along many lines of progress and improvement.

He was born October 9, 1856, in Decatur township in an old log house standing near the southwest corporation line of the city. This .is an old historic landmark, especially interesting because Abraham Lincoln is said to have aided in its erection. Far back from the road it stands, almost hidden from view by vines in the summer time and for a quarter of a century it has been too old and broken down to be occupied as a human habitation, although for long years after it was deserted by the family it served as a shelter for stock. It was built fully seventy-five years ago and information is authentically given that the martyred president of Illinois assisted in raising this pioneer home. The present residence of Mr. Bundy is within sight of the old house which served as his birthplace.

He is a son of Elijah and Eliza Ann (W'ray) Bundy. The father removed from Hendricks county, Indiana, to Macon county, Illinois, in early life and for thirty years was engaged in the operation of a sawmill, being a well known representative of industrial interests in this part of the state at an early day. He also engaged in farming to some extent. His father, Alfred Bundy, spent his life in Hendricks count}', Indiana, where he died in 1897, at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. The son, Elijah Bundy, survived him for only about two years and departed this life in 1899, at the age of sixty-five. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Eliza Ann Wray, a daughter of Hampton Wray of Kentucky. She is still living and is a most estimable lady who fully ])erformed her mother's part in caring for her eleven children, doing everything in Ikt power to promote their happiness ami enhance their welfare. The members of the family are John, William M., Frank, \\'illis, Laura, Margaret, Roy, Ira and three who have passed awaj- - James, Etta and Louis.

Having spent his entire life in this city W'illiam M. Bundy has a wide acquaintance in Decatur and we feel sure many of his friends will receive with interest this record of his career. His boyhood days were quietly passed in the enjoyment of the pleasures of the playground and in the performance of the duties of the schoolroom. His business training was received in his father's sawmill and he assisted there in the manufacture of lumber for some time. He also worked upon the home farm, performing his full share in the labors of plowing, planting and harvesting. His fitness for leadership in public affairs has long been recognized and has led to his selection for important public service. In 1885 he was elected overseer of highways and continued to fill that position for twelve consecutive years or until 1897. He was also highway commissioner from 1897 until 1900 and in 1901 he was elected alderman of his ward in Decatur, being at the present time a member of the city council. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of every measure for the welfare and progress of the city and his loyalty to the general good is above question. He has always been an earnest Republican, more or less active in local elections, and he believes it the duty as well as the privilege of every American citizen to cast his ballot in support of the measures which he believes will contribute to state and national prosperity. During the past twelve years he has been engaged in the sand and gravel business in Decatur, having a large local market as well as making extensive shipments to other towns. In 1875 occurred the marriage of William M. Bundy and ]Miss Margaret Godett, a daughter of Joseph Godett, who was a native of Nova Scotia. Their children are Nellie, now the wife of John Perl; Jessie I.; William Guy; and Walter Samuel. The social relations of Mr. Bundy connect him with Chevalier Bayard Lodge No. 189, K. P.; and Decatur Lodge No. 8, of the Loyal Americans. His life has been devoted to his family, his friends, his political interests and his business affairs. His unswerving purpose, his unquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering honesty and his unchanging will have commanded the highest respect of all.

J. T. Stuart

J. T. STUART. From pioneer times down to the present the Stuart family has been represented in Macon county and the name figures on the pages of history in connection with agricultural interests and with many lines of progress and improvement which have led to the substantial upbuilding of this portion of the state. J. T. Stuart, of this review, was born July 23, 1836, in a log house on the old homestead in W'hitmore township where he now resides, his parents being David H. and Sarah (Florey) Stuart, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Oliver Stuart on another page of this volume. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children and the second oldest now living. The family was established here in 1829.

During his boyhood J. T. Stuart attended the subscription schools, the little temple of learning being a log structure supplied with slab benches and desks and a large fire place at one end. Leaving school at the age of eighteen he then devoted his entire time and attention to the work of the home farm, having previously become thoroughly familiar with the same while aiding his father in the operation of the place. He has passed through all of the pioneer experiences, being forced to endure many hardships and privations in common with the other early settlers. He remembers distinctly when the old wooden moldboard plows were used and in the cultivation of his corn he used the single shovel plow for many years. He has cut grain with a sickle and has used the cradle many a day. Later the old fashioned McCormick reapers came into use, these being operated by horse power. Although there were many hardships to be endured, the pioneers also had many pleasures and hospitality reigned supreme in their little cabins. The latch-string of the Stuart home was always out and it became a favorite stopping place for those traveling between Decatur and Monticello, no one ever being turned away. The Methodist people also held services here, the little congregation being seated on slab benches arranged around the room. Decatur at that time was a mere village and the county was but sparsely settled. Game was very plentiful and deer was often seen. Much of the country was covered with ponds and sloughs and near the Stuart homestead on section

13. Whitmorc township, was much swamp land, but it has since been tiled and drained and converted into well improved and valuable farms. After the death of his parents our subject purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and has since bought forty acres more, making a good farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which . he has jilaced under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry. He is a very industrious and energetic man and still carries on the farm with the assistance of his sons.

In i860 Mr. Stuart was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Young, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Shaw) Young, who were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Whitmore township, this county. Both her parents are now deceased. Of the ten children born to ^Ir. and Mrs. Stuart seven are still living, namely : Addie, the wife of Charles Hedges, now a resident of Nebraska; William, who married Belle Funk, now deceased, and lives in Oakley township, this county ; Emily, at home ; Samuel, who married Eflfie Williams and resides in Iowa ; Amanda, wife of James Evans, of Marion, Indiana ; Frank, who married Nellie Reed and makes his home in Macon county ; Robert, who wedded Mary Shank and lives with his father. James died at the age of sixteen years. The children all had good educational privileges and the familv is one of prominence in the community where they reside.

For twelve years Mr. Stuart held the office of constable and was school director in Whitmore township for ten years. He has always done all in his power to advance the interests of his locality along educational, moral and social lines, and is accounted one of the leading and valued citizens of the community where he has now made his home for over sixty-six years.

John A. Keck

As a representative of the manufacturing interests of Decatur John A. Keck has become well known. The avenues of activity in which he has sought an outlet for his abilities and aspirations have invariably l^rofited by his sterling worth and common sense methods. He is numbered among 1 )ecatur"s native sons, his birth having occurred here on the 25th of January, 1861. His parents were Adam and Mary (Filser) Keck, both of whom were natives of Germany and in the early '50s they came to Uecatur. The father was a brewer by occupation and for twenty years he conducted a restaurant in this city, becoming well known to the business public, his genial manner, obliging disposition and honorable business methods gaining for him the good will of the public and therefore a large share of the public patronage. He passed away in 1872 at the age of fifty-nine years and his widow, surviving him for some time, died in 1886. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five are living: Jacob; Ivlary, who is the wife of Adolph Schlick ; Adam ; Anna, who is the wife of William Young; Salina ; and John .'\., whose name introduces this record. The other children died in infanc}'.

In his youth John A. Keck attended the public schools, but at the age of sixteen years he put aside his text books and began learning the tinner's trade. Six months later he entered the printing office of the firm of Kimball & Lindsay as an apprentice, but afterward he became an employe of the firm that is now the Mueller Manufacturing Company, and later he was employed with the Decatur Furniture Company where he learned the trade of cabinet-making. With a knowledge of various business interests he started out upon an independent venture in 1882. He purchased a cigar box manufactory in connection with Jacob and John Dipper and afterward he purchased the latter's interests and moved the establishment to East Main street, where he continued in the manufacture of cigar boxes, the enterprise being attended with success, there being a good demand for the product of the factory. It was necessary to enlarge the plant in order to meet the growing demands of the trade and in 1886 it was increased to its present capacity. It was also supplied with a new steam engine and modern machinery was added. In that year the business was removed to the present location at the corner of Wood and Church streets and in 1886 the scope of the business was extended by adding a department for the manufacture of paper boxes, jewelry trays, sample cases and numerous other manufactured articles along this line. The output of the house is now sold in a number of states and seventeen employes are in the factory at Decatur.

In 1886 Mr. Keck was united in marriage to Miss Louise Young, a native of Baden, Germany, and their children are: Olga E., Arthur J., Werra L., and Elba E. Socially Mr. Keck is identified with Decatur Lodge No. 65. I. O. O. P., of which he has been a member since 1883. He also belongs to Coeur de Lion Lodge No. 17, K. P., and while he takes pleasure in attending the meetings of this organization and in extending his social acquaintances his time is most largely given to his business affairs and his enterprise to-day stands as a monument to his capability and untiring energy. His career has been successful chiefly by reason of his natural ability and his thorough understanding of the business, in which as a young tradesman he embarked. It requires something beyond ordinary business capacity to manage a large force of employes and to secure a profitable income on the invested capital. This Mr. Keck has done and to-day he is enjoying the well earned distinction of being what the public calls a self-made man.

Will L. Smith

A\'ill L. Smith is now practically living a retired life, making his home in Decatur, It is probable that no resident of this city outside of political circles is so well known throughout the country as is Mr. .Smith. He was for many years identified with one of the most ])rominent musical organizations of the LTnited States - the Swiss Bell Ringers - and in the interest of the business he traveled not only in this country, but also through Canada, Mexico and Nova Scotia.

Mr. Smith is a native of Newark, New Jersey, born on the 19th of September, 1835, his parents being Johnson and Emily (Townley) Smith. His maternal grandfather, Moses Townley, was also a native of Newark, New Jersey, and was a shoemaker by trade. He followed that occupation through his entire life in supporting his family and always remained a resident of the state of his nativity. Johnson Smith, the father of our subject, was born in Springfield, New Jersey, in 1805 and after leaving the east went first to Cincinnati, Ohio, and afterward to Louisville, Kentucky. In 1 841 he took up his abode in St. Louis, Missouri, and still later he resided for a time in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois. In December, 1855, he arrived in Decatur and spent his remaining days in this city, passing away in 1870, when sixtyfive years of age. In early life he had learned the shoemaker's trade with his father and followed that pursuit for some 3'ears in the various cities mentioned. After removing to Illinois, however, he engaged in the nursery business.

Like most American boys ^^'ill L. .Smith obtained his education in the public schools and when quite young he began assisting his father in the nursery business, in which he gained good practical knowledge. Since 1855 he has lived in Decatur and for three years was proprietor of a grocery store here.

carrying on the business with a fair degree of success. He had early developed unusual musical talent and on the 19th of September, 1857, he organized the Decatur Band, which afterwards became the famous Goodman Band, which is one of the best known bands of the ^Mississippi valley. He acted as its leader for five years and made it an organization creditable alike to the city and its founder. He is to-day one of the valued members of this band and one of its oldest representatives. In 1864 Mr. Smith became connected with the concert business as amusement manager and one of the performers of the company known as the celebrated Swiss Bell Ringers. This company was at first called the Ladies' Silver Band and was composed of eight members. Subsequently, however, the name of the Swiss Bell Ringers was taken and its title became known throughout North America. Accompanied by his wife, Mr. Smith conducted this company and traveled for twenty-nine consecutive years, covering practically all of the states of the Union, together with the countries of Canada, Mexico and Nova Scotia. The company was most prosperous between the years 1878 and 1888. It terminated its trips and concerts in the year 1892 and the company then disbanded. Returning then to Decatur Mr. Smith established his home and has since practically lived a retired life.

On the nth of February, 1862, occurred the marriage of Will L. Smith and Miss Sarah Elizabeth Coleman, an adopted daughter of John W. Coleman, of Louisville, Kentucky, who was the first principal of the first high school of Decatur. One child was born of this marriage. Charles Ellsworth Smith, who died in i80 in his thirty-second year. On the nth of October, 1887, he had married Miss Jennie Agnes Palmer, of Chicago. His widow and one son Lvbrand Palmer Smith, who was born in his political views Mr. Smith has been. a -Stalwart Republican since the organization of the party. His first presidential vote, however, was cast for Scott. He is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M.; Celestial Lodge, No. 186, I. O. O. F.j Chevalier Bayard Lodge, No. 189, K. P.; Fern Temple, No. 18, Rath bone Sisters; and is likewise a member of the Eastern Star and of the Columbia Rebekah Lodge, No. 199, I. O. .0. F. His wife is also a member of the Rebekahs.

Mr. Smith is a most entertaining and companionable gentleman, and traveling broadly throughout the continent, his mind has been stored with many interesting incidents concerning places he has visited, ])eople he has met and humorous situations he has encountered. His mind has also been broadened by contact with the world and its people and he is a genial, courteous gentleman, one whom it is a pleasure -to know and meet under anv circumstances.

Charles U. Downey

CHARLES U. DOWNEY. Charles U. Downey is the junior member of the firm of Downey & Sons, dealers in fine monuments in Decatur. He is a young man, jiossessing energy and ambition and is a prominent factor in the successful conduct of the enterprise, with which he is now connected. Lie was born in Taylorville, Illinois, on the 8th of October, 1873, his parents being M. L. and Martha (McCool) Downey. His father was a son of Jacob Downey, a native of Guernsey, Ohio, and a farmer by occupation. It was in the year 1875 that Jacob Downey left the Buckeye state and came to Decatur, where he spent his remaining days, passing away at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who was born in 1816, is still living. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Henry Mc- Cool, a native of Canada, who spent several of his last years in traveling through the west. In 1899 he died at the White Pass in Klondike.

M. L. Downey, who is the senior member of the firm of Downey & Son, is a native of Ohio. He came to Macon county thirtyfour years ago and located in Macon township, where he followed farming until 1871. He then entered the employ of J. S. Culver, proprietor of marble works in Taylorville and in 1890 he came to Decatur as an employe of Mr. Culver, acting as a stone-cutter in the Decatur Monument Works. In 1901, associating with him his son, Charles U., he established his present business on North \\'ater street, where all tine grades of monument work are prepared and exhibited. In early manhood he wedded ]\Iiss Martha McCool, a native of Canada, and unto them have been born five children, of whom Charles U. is the oldest. The others are Myrtle, the wife of William Junkens ; Laura, Louis and Hazel.

Charles U. Downey has spent his entire life in Illinois. His youth was passed in Taylorville and his education was acquired in the public schools. He began learning his trade in i8go as an employe of J. H. Culver of Decatur and he there remained until 1898, when he went to the west. Locating in Denver, Colorado, he worked at his trade there for two years and on the expiration of that period located in Butte, Montana, where he had charge of the monumental work, belonging to L. F. Prescott. For two years he filled the position of superintendent and then in October, 1901, he returned to Illinois and has since been in Decatur. Here he opened monumental works in partnership with his father at No. 344 North Water street under the firm style of Downey & Son. They do a general line of monumental and cemetery work and have secured a good patronage because of the splendid character of their output. Both are men of long experience in this line, having practical understanding of the business both in principle and detail and added to the more mature judgment of the father is the energ)% laudable ambition and helpfulness of the son, thus making the firm a strong business combination.

In 1895 Charles U. Downey became a Mason, being raised in Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M. In 1896 he was joined in wedlock to -Minnie M. Hall, a daughter of Elias and Marie Hall, of Clinton, Illinois. They now have two children, Lyle W. and Verneille L. Mr. Downey has spent almost his entire life in this locality and is imbued with the progressive spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west. He is a genial man to meet, whose career of usefulness and activity has netted for him a good income.

Joseph Love

JOSEPH LOVE. Joseph Love, who in 1893 became a resident of Decatur where he was engaged in the manufacture of mattresses, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the 7th of April, 1847, his parents being Samuel and Deborah (Mitchell) Love, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state. Samuel Love came west with his family in an early day and established his home in Champaign county, Illinois, where he purchased a section of land from the government, for which he paid two dollars and a half per acre. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the tract but with characteristic energy he began to clear it and to plow and plant it. Lie also erected good buildings and in course of time developed an excellent farm which he continued to cultivate and which he made his home until his death. His wife also passed away on the old homestead in Champaign

Excellent educational privileges were afforded to Joseph Love. He pursued his early studies in the district schools and later became a student in the Champaign University, in fact, he was one of its first pupils and the thorough training which he there received well prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. On putting aside his text books he began farming near the old homestead in Champaign county and while thus engaged he returned to Ohio in 1875 '"id was there married to Miss Eliza J. Hanlon, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, born in 1849. Her parents were William and Mary (Stark) Hanlon, and her father, who was a farmer by occupation, spent his entire life in Jefferson county. His widow still resides there and has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Love: Nellie H-, who is now a teacher in the Sangamon street school in Decatur; Mary, who occupies a position as private secretary in the Boys' School in Lake Forest, Illinois ; Louella, who is a stenographer and teacher in Brown's Business College of Decatur ; Florence, who is at home with her mother; and one that died unnamed in infancy.

After his marriage Mr. Love engaged in general farming in Champaign county until 1893, when he came to Decatur and established a mattress factory near the home which is now occupied by his widow. In the new enterprise he prospered and continued in the business up to the time of his death. He did excellent work and secured a liberal patronage, his products finding a ready sale on the market. In business affairs he was strictly reliable and he became a well known and respected representative of trade interests in this city. He was energetic, a man of firm purpose and strong will and in all his dealings with his fellow men he was upright and honorable. In his political views he was an earnest Republican, believing firmly in the party and its principles yet never seeking office. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of Decatur and his life was in harmony with its teachings. He died January 18, 1898, leaving not only a comfortable competence to his widow but also an honorable name. Mrs. Love now occupies a beautiful home at No. 812 North College street, where she resides with her daughters. They are well known in Decatur and enjoy the favor and friendship of many a household here.

It is seldom that a single individual wins success and prominence along more than one line, and yet F.dmund S. McDonald is to-day accounted one of the distinguished lawyers of Decatur, is also actively connected wilh the corporation interests of the city and is one of the large landowners of Macon county. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand, are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won, for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of capacity and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the requisite qualities of the

Mr. .McDonald was born in Wood county, West Virginia, on the Ohio river, September 2, 185 1. His paternal grandfather, John McDonald, was a native of Scotland, and died during the infancy of his son John, who was the youngest of a family of two sons and two daughters. The father of our subject was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and during his infancy was taken to Ohio, the family home being established near the Ohio river, in Cincinnati. While yet a boy, he was employed in a distillery and in the milling business. Later he was employed on the river, running between Cincinnati and New Orleans. He first acted as a pilot and afterward became captain and part owner of a vessel. On abandoning the water he came to Illinois, in 1853, and spent the first year of his residence in this state in Scott county. In 1854 he removed to Decatur, and soon after located in Long Creek township, Macon county, where he purchased a tract of land and carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in 1880, when he had reached the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy L. Sisson, died in July, 1901, at the age of seventy-three years. She belonged to one of the old and prominent families of Virginia, and her ancestors did active service for their country in the Revolution and in the war of 1812. Unto John and Nancy L. (Sisson) McDonald were born eight children : Florence L., who is now the wife of Zenas R. Prather ; Edmund S. ; Andrew F. and Randoll F., twins ; Alice, who is the wife of Ira Baird ; John A.; George W. ; and Sheridan, who died at the age of eighteen months. With the exception of the last named all are yet living.

and afterward pursued a three years" course in the Northwestern University, completing his studies there in 1872. He then engaged in teaching school for two years and he began reading law in the office of Nelson & Robey, of Decatur, and they directed his studies for three jears. He was then admitted to practice, but desiring to be still better prepared for his chosen work he spent two years as a student in the office of the firm of Crea & Ewing. In 1880 he opened an office of his own in the Powers block, where he remained until 1889, when he removed to his present location in the Opera House block. He has enjoyed a lucrative practice and has one of the best law libraries and best equipped offices in Decatur. In 1891 he w'as admitted to practice in the United States supreme court. His knowledge of the law is comprehensive and exact. He is a strong advocate of the jury, concise in his appeals before the court and is a safe counsellor. His logical grasp of facts and principles and of the law applicable to them has been a potent element in his success. He. throws himself easily and naturally into an argument and his presentation of a cause speaks a mind trained in the severest school of investigation, and to which the closest reasoning is habitual and easy. Mr. Mc- Donald, however, has not confined his attention entirely to his legal practice, but has made extensive and judicious investments in various corporations of the city and is one of the largest landowners in Macon county.

In August, 1892, occurred the marriage of Mr. McDonald and Miss Annabelle Thomas, a daughter of Mrs. Jennie Thomas, of Decatur. Their children are Edmund Urban and Valerian. Mr. ^McDonald belongs to the Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. ; to Celestial Lodge, No. 186, I. O. O. F. ; and to Coeur de Lion Lodge, No. 17, K. P. In politics he is an active Republican, taking a helpful part in campaign work, and lias delivered many addresses in support of the party and its principles. In 1889 he was elected city attorney and in 1891 was re-elected to that office. His time is now largely occupied with the important duties an extensive practice. Affable and genial in manner he makes many friends and is held in high resrard bv all who know him.

Rev. William H. Davis

Throughout his entire life William II. Davis devoted his time and energies to a work of great benefit to his fellow men. For many years he practiced medicine and for nearly a quarter of a century he was a representative of the Christian ministry, laboring for the spiritual welfare of the church as he had previously done for the temporal welfare. In 1888 he became a resident of Decatur and the recognition which is ever given true worth of character was accorded him. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, August 13, 1824, his parents being Isaac and i\Iary (Brown) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In 1828 they removed westward, settling in Pike county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming for a few years. He afterward established his home in the village of Perry in Pike county, and there engaged in merchandising for several years. He next removed to Logan couiuy, Illinois, where he remained for a short lime, coming thence to Macon county, locating in the village of Mount Zion. He there lived retired, enjoying well earned rest up to the time of his death.

Rev. ^^'illiam H. Davis was reared amid the refining influences of a good home and received his early mental training in the common schools of Pike county, Illinois, to which place he had been taken by his parents during his early childhood. Later he attended college in Springfield, Illinois. His strong mentality and tastes led him to seek activity in professional lines and determining to enter upon the practice of medicine he began studying with his uncle, who was a practicing physician in Griggsville, Pike county, Illinois. I'^or a few years he continned his reading under the direction of his uncle, and then went to Chicago, where he attended the Rush .Medical College, being graduated there in the class of 1852, F"ollowing the completion of his collegiate course he returned to Griggsville, where he practiced for several years.

While in that place Rev. Davis was tmited in marriage in 1848 to Miss Eleanor C. Randall, a native of .\lton, Illinois, born on the 1st of .\ugust, 1828. and a daughter of josiah and i''.lizal)elh (.^nadon) Randall. The father was a fanner by occupation and with his family resided in Madison county, Illinois, during the greater part of his life. P.oth he and his wife passed away in that county. The homo of Mr. and Mrs. Davis was bless,ed with ten children, six of whom are living. Isaac first married a Miss Pratt and after her death wedded a Miss John- ,son. They reside in Chicago and he is cashier for the Pratt & Buckley Elevator & (irain Company of Decatur. Edward R. married Miss Peake and resides in Springfield, while his business connection is that of a traveling salesman for a cracker house of Decatur. Newton married Miss Tacy Entriken, of Ohio, and is bookkeeper and cashier for F. M. Pratt, a grain merchant of Decatur. Charles wedded Miss May Kerr and after her death married Nellie Freidland and is deputy clerk of Boone county, Missouri. J. Frank is bookkeeper for Chambers. Bering & Quinlin Company of Decatur. George, the youngest of the family, is a harness manufacturer of Decatur, Those who have passed away are Mary Elizabeth, Ella L., Mary Emma and James Barger.

to engage in the practice of medicine in Griggsville for seven years. He then abandoned that profession in order to enter the ministry and began preaching as a member of the Illinois Methodist Episcopal conference, lie first preached at Jacksonville, Illinois, and afterward at different places in the circuit for twenty-three years, when on account of advanced age and ill health he gave up the active work of the ministry and established his home in Decatur in 1888. Here he took charge of a small church, but after a time his health became worse and he was forced to abandon ministerial work altogether. His life was one of great usefulness both in the medical fraternity and in the' ministry. He always labored for his fellow men and his efforts were most effective in building up the church and promoting the cause of Christianity. He was not denied the harvest of his labors nor of the aftermath and many there are who yet have reason to bless his memory for the aid which he gave them in understanding life and its purposes. In early years he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he favored every improvement that would benefit his fellow men and tend to advance moral development. His death occurred on the nth of January, 1899, but though he has passed away his memory is still revered and is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. In October prior to his demise Rev. and Mrs. Davis celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, having for fifty years traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity and doing all in the name of Him who came not to be ministered unto but to minister to mankind. Mrs. Davis is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur and the family is well known in this city. She has a nice residence at No. 1204 North College street, where she and her sons reside.

Chambers A. ^^IcLean, a physician of Decatur who for forty years has made his home in Alacon countj', was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the 24th of May, 1832. His parents were James and Charlotte M. A. (Argo) McLean, the former of Scotch-Irish lineage and the latter of Scotch descent. John McLean, the grandfather of the Doctor, came to America from the north of Ireland and located in Germantown, Brighton county, Kentucky, where he followed the occupation of farming. He was a strict Presbyterian in his religious faith and lived an upright, honorable life, leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon the community with which he was associated. He reached the advanced age of eighty-five years and passed away respected by all who knew him. The maternal grandfather of the Doctor was Purnell Argo, who was of Scotch birth and after crossing the Atlantic he took up his abode in Fleming county, Kentucky. During the residence of James McLean in that county he followed the blacksmith's trade for a number of years. His wife died when their son Chambers A. was only about six years of age and the father afterward wedded Mrs. Rebecca (Moren) Scott. His death occurred about 1842. By his first union he had three children but James \\'illiam and Nancy are now deceased, leaving the Doctor the only survivor. By the second marriage there were two children: ^Irs. Eliza Ann Hilligoss, now deceased, and one that died in early childhood.

In the county of his nativity Dr. McLean spent the days of his early boyhood and youth and there acquired his preliminary education in the common schools, which he attended only through the winter months, for during the summer season his services were needed upon the home farm. Thus he was reared to farm life, becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but he spent about fifteen mouths learning the shoemaker's trade. When a young man he began stutlying medicine, which he practiced for fifteen years. He then attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated in that institution with the class of 1S71. He is, hawever, largely self-educated, having acquired the greater part of his knowledge by arduous study at night. He has burned the midnight oil on many an occasion and has thus made himself familiar with higher mathematics. Latin and German, lie is now a gentleman of scholarly attainments, well informed and of broad culture, and while he has gained a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the science of medicine he has also extended his reading into many other fields.

On the 17th of June, 1855, Ur. McLean was united in marriage to Miss Lucy A. Tajdor, a daughter of Charles A. and Judith (Newcombe) Taylor. Six children were born unto them, four sons and two daughters, but only Mabel and William arc now living. Those deceased are Sabina A., Jo Henry, Charles B. and John J. William married Miss Margaret P. Crocker and is now a resident of Maroa, Illinois, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine. He has four children: John C. Franklin C, Edwin P. and Louise.

On leaving college Dr. McLean of this review went to Maroa and began practice. He made his home in that place for twenty years and during that time enjoyed a large and lucrative i)atronage. the ])ublic recognizing his skill and ability in the line of his chosen calling. When two decades had passed he came to Decatur, where he has since resided. Here he has also engaged in general practice and has enjoyed a good business, which has brought to him a comfortable living. The Doctor is conscientious in his work and has a deep interest in the practice of medicine both from a scientific standpoint and because of his sympathy with his fellow men. He also has the strictest regard for the ethics of the profession and by continued reading his knowledge has compassed all of the improvements known to the medical fraternity and when his judgment has sanctioned any new idea or method of progress he has readily adopted it for the good of his fellow men. In his political views he is connected with the Democracy, but has neither sought nor desired official recognition. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and he and his wife arc members of the Christian church. He enjoys an enviable standing in the professional and social world of Decatur and is possessed of those admirable personal characteristics which win and retain friendship.

liLLKRV M. .MKRRIS. For many years this gentleman was actively identified with the agricultural interests of Macon county and through industry, enterprise and good management he acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to live a retired life in his pleasant home at Macon. A native of Illinois, lie was born in Sangamon county on the 1st of March, 1823, and is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family of central Illinois, his parents being Stanton and Elizabeth (Piper) Merris. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject's father was born in Wrmont in 1794, a son of Ellery and IClizabeth ( liromley) Merris, and was a farmer by occupation. In early life he accompanied his father on the latter's removal to Canada, where he spent four or five years and then went to Ohio, becoming one of ihe ])iiMK'er settlers of that state. He made his home there for about six years and in the meantime was married in 1810. llv his next removal he l^ecame a resident of Springfield, Illinois, which was then on the western frontier and contained only four or five log houses. Three years later Mr. Merris settled in what is now Scott county, four miles - east of Naples, which at that time formed a part of Morgan county. He bought two hundred and eighty acres of prairie and timber land on the river bottom and engaged in farming there, until his death, which occurred on the 5th of January, 1847. His widow subsequently made her home w.ith her son, Stanton, in Pike county, Illinois, where she died in 1856. She was a native of Kentucky. They were the parents of the following children, namely: Eliza, who died April i, 1854; Julia, who died at the age of twenty-three years ; Ellery M., of this review ; William ; Daniel, who was engaged in farming up to within the last ten years but is now conducting a broom manufactory at Canon City, Colorado; Stanton, and Elizabeth. Only two of the number are now living.

The educational advantages which Ellery M. Merris enjoyed were limited as he was only able to attend school for about nine months during his entire boyhood, his services being needed at home in the work of the farm. The subscription school which he attended was conducted in an old log structure, so common on the frontier at that time, one log being cut out for a window and covered with greased paper. The building was heated by an old fashioned fireplace which would hold a back log ten feet in length. From Sangamon county our subject removed with his parents to Scott county, Illinois, where he subsequently entered a tract of government land, which he fenced with rails that he split and that were in use for forty years.