The Biographical Record of DeWitt County, Illinois, Illustrated.
Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901.

Note: These biographies were transcribed as written and may contain errors.  We welcome your corrections concerning factual data.  Just send an e-mail to the  County Coordinator, and be sure to give us your name and return e-mail address.

GEORGE D. GANO. (Volume 1, Page 374)

George D. Gano, one of the prosperous farmers of Creek township, resides upon section 14, and has been a property owner of DeWitt county for many years. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, May 16, 1828, and was the son of George and Jane (Steele) Gano, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The father died when our subject was eighteen months of age. During his life he worked at his trade of blacksmith.

George D. is the only survivor in a family of six children. He remained with his mother until he was five years of age, when he was taken by Mr. Pyle, of Clarke county, Ohio, with whom he remained until his benefactor died when George was fourteen years old. Since then he has depended upon his own exertions. The only education the boy obtained was in the district schools and he had but few of the advantages offered by these. After the death of Mr. Pyle he worked for an uncle for twelve months for thirty dollars and then to work for a cousin at five dollars a month, remaining with this relative nearly a year. After working until he was twenty-seven at various lines of business, our subject went to chopping wood for a railroad for fourteen dollars a month. After finishing that labor he commenced farming upon rented land in Union county, Ohio, but later moved back to Clarke county, where he resided until 1867, when he came to Creek township, DeWitt county, Illinois, and purchased one hundred acres of unimproved land. From time to time he has added to this property and now has a large farm consisting of two hundred acres of land, while at one time he owned four hundred and seventy-five acres. Upon this excellent farm he carries on general farming and makes a specialty of grain raising. He has put many thousand feet of tile on his property and he has redeemed part of it from the swamp, making the land one of the best farms in DeWitt county. In politics he is a Republican and prior to the formation of that party was a Whig. He has never taken any prominent part in party matters, preferring to give his attention to his own affairs.

On August 1, 1855, our subject married Susan Ward, a native of Clarke county, Ohio, a daughter of Abijah Ward, one of the early settlers. To Mr. and Mrs. Gano have been born the following children: Sarah married D. N. Merrick, of Creek township, and [they] have six children— Emanuel, deceased; Jessie, Libbie, Lloyd, Lorie, and Maude. Margaret is the wife of S. O. Merrill, a brother of her sister's husband, and they reside in Creek township; Samuel is a resident of Keokuk county, Iowa, and married Mellie Barclay and they had one child, which is now deceased; Frank, a resident of Creek township, this county, married Sarah Mansfield and they had four children, namely— Welby, Irvin, Roy and Bert, deceased. William, also of Creek township, married Bina Edwards and they had four children, namely— Harry, deceased; Oscar; Lalina; and an infant, deceased. David, living with our subject, married Dollie Long and they had a child born to them— May Marie, and Mrs. David Gano died when the little one was but an infant.

Mr. Gano is highly respected in the community where he has made his home for so many years and deserves the prosperity which has attended his efforts, for all of his success is due to his own efforts, integrity and thrift.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:

MERRIL, S. O.   GANO, MARGARETTE E.   01/27/1881   DE WITT
MERRIEL, DAVID N.   GANOE, SARAH E.   01/21/1875   DE WITT

CHARLES R. GIDEON. (Volume 1, Page 275)

One of the busiest, most energetic and most enterprising men of Clinton is Charles R. Gideon, who deals in all kinds of paper and paints and carries on a large business in painting, papering and decorating. He was born on the 3d of July, 1850, on East Main street, Clinton, in a house that occupied the site where Mrs. Holderman now resides, and is a son of George William Gideon, who was for many years an honored citizen of this place. The founder of the family in America was Peter Gideon, Sr., a native of Holland, who, in company with his wife and son, Peter, Jr., started for the new world prior to the Revolutionary war, but the wife died en voyage. Peter, Jr., located in Maryland, but afterward removed to Loudoun county, Virginia, where he followed farming until his death. Both he and his father, Peter, Sr., fought for the independence of the colonies in the Revolutionary war. The former died at the advanced age of ninety-six years. He had three sons, George, William and Henry.

Of this family George Gideon was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Maryland and about 1819 removed to Champaign county, Ohio, where he made his home until coming to Clinton, Illinois, in 1847. Here he conducted a hotel, where the Masonic block is now located, but the building was afterward moved by the father of our subject, remodeled and converted into what is now known as the City Hotel. The grandfather laid out the Gideon addition to Clinton, it being now a residence portion of the city, and his home was on East Main street, where Mrs. Holderman now lives. Socially he was a member of the Masonic order. He died at the age of ninety-two years, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Miller, and was also a native of Virginia, died at the age of seventy-two. Their children were George; Armstead; Peter; Wesley; Samuel; Jacob; Mrs. Sarah Savage; Catherine, who first married a Mr. Gerry and second a Mr. Campbell; Mrs. Ann Parker; and Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell.

George W. Gideon, our subject's father, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1813, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, and later to Illinois. He purchased a farm of eighty acres adjoining Clinton, on which the Woodlawn cemetery has since been laid out, and he also owned what is now the Charles Kellogg place. For two years he was engaged in the grocery business in Clinton, and later bought the old Campbell store, which was a two-story building. This he moved to the lot adjoining the City Hotel, and up to the time that he was called to his final rest he conducted a hotel in this building. He attained the age of seventy-six years. As one of the leading and influential citizens he was several times elected to the town council, and also filled the office of justice of the peace for a time. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In early life he married Miss Lydia Kidder, who was born near Hartford, Connecticut, in 1811, and died in 1868. She was a daughter of Nathaniel Kidder.

In early life Charles R. Gideon, of this review, learned the art of house painting, papering and decorating, to which business he has since devoted his energies, and is today one of the leading business men in his line in the city, employing seven or more men during the busy season. Since reaching manhood his sons have been associated with him. He has done the painting and decorating on many of the principal buildings of the city, and his own handsome residence, erected in 1900, excels all others in decorations. He possesses much artistic talent and has a rare and choice collection of drawings and paintings which he executed himself. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Universalist church, to which his father also belonged, but his grandfather held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

In 1873 Mr. Gideon wedded Miss Mary C. Bell, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of George and Phoebe Bell, of this county. By this union were born five children: George Walter, Paul, Edwin, Flora Belle and Phoebe Ellen. The sons are all associated with their father in business. George Walter married Mrs. May Stell.

CHARLES GLENDINNING, V. S. (Volume 1, Page 387)

Among the popular and prosperous men of Clinton, DeWitt county, Illinois, one that deserves special mention is Charles G. Glendinning, V. S., who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on April 23, 1863. His parents moved to Canada in 1864, having sailed from Glasgow. The father was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation all his life, although he also farmed to some extent in the County of Peal, Ontario, Canada. The mother died in 1899 at the age of seventy years. Our subject was one of a family of five girls and three boys and he has a brother who is also a veterinary surgeon.

Dr. Glendinning was educated first in the common schools of Canada and at the age of twenty-three he entered Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, and there he remained for two years, taking the full course. In 1889 he was graduated from the institution and came direct to Clinton, Illinois, where he opened an office and has since practiced his profession. His clients have so increased that he now has more than he can attend to and is sent for from all parts of the four neighboring counties.

On December 25, 1891, he married Miss Florence Newton, who is a native of Illinois, and whose parents are now both deceased. Dr. Glendinning is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, the Mutual Protection League, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is a Republican, but does not take an active part in party affairs. Both he and his wife are both active members of the Methodist church, in which he is a steward and treasurer of the Sunday school, and Mrs. Glendinning is a teacher of the Sunday school and vice-president of the Epworth League. They are both very worthy people and highly esteemed in the community where they reside.

JOSEPH R. GRADY. (Volume 1, Page 239)

So distinct a pioneer of Illinois is Mr. Grady that he vividly recalls when Macon and DeWitt counties were wild and uncultivated, and when but few had emigrated here and availed themselves of the latent fertility. During the long years of his wisely directed life he has played an important part in developing the locality of which he is now a resident, though at present retired from the active work of tilling fields and gathering harvests. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born near Huntingdon, Huntingdon county, March 2, 1822, and lived at the place of his birth and in the western part of the state until 1856. His parents, Hiram and Elizabeth (Work) Grady, were born in Pennsylvania, the latter, in Lancaster county, where he engaged in farming for many years, later removing to Huntingdon county, where his death occurred at the age of seventy-two years, his wife having pre-deceased him in 1866. Into the family were born nine children, three of whom are living, and of these Joseph is the oldest.

In the early subscription and later public schools Mr. Grady received his education, and until twenty-four years of age lived at home and assisted his father with the farm work. In the western part of the state he rented a farm which he managed successfully for several years and afterwards worked at day labor for some time. Upon coming to Illinois he located first near Clinton, in Texas township, DeWitt county, but after a short time removed to Logan county and later to Warren county, where he remained for a year, but eventually returned to DeWitt county. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Texas township from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, which he cleared up and upon which he erected a small house and prepared to cultivate his land. Here he lived for about forty years, and is still the owner of the property, which is now farmed by his youngest son. This land was added to from time to time until it assumed the large proportions of four hundred acres, all of which is now divided among his children. While occupying his farm he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and was successful beyond his most sanguine expectations. Though a Democrat in politics and a worker for municipal purity, he never cared for political office, though he held the office of ward commissioner for two terms and school director for several terms. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, having joined that organization thirty years ago, and is now a member of Maroa Lodge, No. 314.

In Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Mr. Grady married, February 24, 1857, with Isabella Jane McCartney, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of John and Isabella McCartney, a farmer in the state of William Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Grady have been born seven children, four of whom are living. Tryphena Grady was born on the home place in Texas township, became the wife of George T. Farran, a farmer of Friend's Creek, Macon county, and died, leaving seven children, seven years ago. The children are: Allie, Ida, Joseph, Jennie, Maude, Grace and Viola. Hiram Grady is one of the substantial farmers of Texas township and has a comfortable home on his farm of two hundred and seventy-nine acres on sections 26 and 36. He is prominent in the affairs of the county, and is at present serving as a member of the school board. Mrs. Hiram Grady was formerly Agnes Mayall, and she is the mother of four children, Hubert, Pearl, Hazel, and Mary. Samuel Grady died at about the age of nine years; he was born in the home place in Texas township. Ida M. is the wife of Robert M. Mayall, who has a farm of eighty acres on section 26, Texas township, comprising a portion of the Grady property. In the family there are four children, Mabel, Homer, Leo and Marie. Geneva is the wife of A. J. Shoemaker, who works a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Creek township, forty acres of which he owns, and the balance belongs to his father-in-law. They have two children, John and Emma. Emma Grady died at the home place at the age of seven years. Lewis lives on eighty acres of the home place, married Lydia Bennett, daughter of Henry Bennett, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Creek township, and has four children, Francis, Opal, Hersall, and Lucy. All of the children were born on the home place, and were educated in the public schools.

CAPTAIN JOHN D. GRAHAM. (Volume 1, Page 428)

Captain John D. Graham, residing on section 2, Creek township, DeWitt county, Illinois, has lived in this county since 1852. He was born in Pike county, Ohio, in 1828, and was a son of Samuel H. and Lucy (Danison) Graham, who were natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively. The father was a son of Arthur Graham, who was a native of Ireland, born of Scotch-Irish parentage. Arthur Graham came to America when a young man and located in Virginia, where he married, but later removed to Pike county, Ohio, about 1822, and was one of the early settlers of that county. He engaged in farming. The parents of the mother of our subject also removed to Ohio at an early day and assisted in the development of the state.

Samuel H. Graham was also a farmer during his entire life. He removed to DeWitt county, Illinois, and located on what is now Creek township, making that his home during the remainder of his life, and dying there at the age of sixty years. His widow was seventy-eight years of age when she died. Both are buried in the Lisenby cemetery in Creek township. Prior to his marriage with the mother of our subject, Samuel H. Graham married Nancy Thomas, by whom he had one child, Christian, who has been dead many years. Seven children were born to Samuel H. Graham and his wife Lucy, as follows: Our subject; Mary, who resides with her brother Harvey in Creek township; Absalom, who died in 1864, when only twenty-nine years of age; Keziah, who married William Lisenby, of Creek township; Dorcas, who died in childhood; James Henry, who resides in Salt Lake City, Utah; Harvey, who resides in Creek township.

Captain John D. Graham attended the schools of Fairfield county, Ohio, to which locality his father had removed when he was about three years of age. The school-houses were made of logs, with puncheon benches with pegs for legs. At one end was an immense fireplace which was not large enough to heat the little room sufficiently, and the greased paper at the windows was a poor substitute for glass. The little fellow had to trudge a mile and a half to school through the snows of winter and the heat of summer, and yet considered himself fortunate that he was given this opportunity of obtaining an education. Later he attended the Greenfield Academy in Greenfield township, Fairfield county, thus receiving a much better education than his associates. Early in life John was forced to take upon his shoulders the work of a man. While he was yet at school, his father broke his leg, and the faithful son left school and assumed the father's tasks, remaining with the family until after their removal to DeWitt county, Illinois, and the father's death.

In 1862 John D. Graham enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Thomas Snell, and was mustered in at Camp Butler as first lieutenant of the company. The regiment was sent to Jeffersonville, Indiana, first doing camp duty and drilling, and later, when they crossed into Kentucky, they were in several engagements against General Morgan. Our subject participated in the siege of Knoxville and the engagements at Campbell Station and Huff's Ferry. He was in the battles at Blaine's Cross Roads, Strawberry Plains and Mossy Creek, and then started on the campaign through Georgia, by the way of Knoxville and Chattanooga, and was in several spirited engagements as well as in the battle of Decatur, Georgia. After this last named battle our subject was honorably discharged on account of disability, in October, 1864, with rank of captain, having been promoted in the spring of that year at Knoxville, Tennessee.

During the time he was absent his beloved father had passed away, and John, with a brother, engaged in farming, and have always remained partners. They now own five hundred and eighty acres of rich farm land in Creek township, which is devoted principally to stock-raising, and their product meets with ready sale in the market on account of its excellence.

On March 1, 1866, Captain John D. Graham was married to Miss Rebecca Van Ness, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Cornelius Van Ness, a native of Vermont. Mrs. Graham was one of seven children and the youngest of the family. Her parents never left Ohio, where they died. To Captain and Mrs. Graham four children have been born, namely: Minnie and Nellie, who both died in infancy; Samuel C., at home assisting his father; and George F., also working on the home farm.

Mrs. Graham is an active member of the Christian church, as are her sons. In politics Captain Graham is a Democrat in national matters, but in local affairs he votes rather for the man than for party principles. He has served most acceptably as collector for several terms, as well as several terms as supervisor. While he was on the board of supervisors the railroad was built, and he took an active part in protecting the interests of his township. Captain Graham has also served as school director. Having lived in this county for so many years, he can remember when the entire locality was wild land, and he has often gone by wagon or on horseback to Springfield for the necessary groceries and to Bloomington for flour, but later he went to LeRoy, McLean county, for such articles. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, who possesses the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends and the confidence of the entire community.

HARVEY GRIFFITH. (Volume 1, Page 378)

Among the prosperous farmers of Harp township is Harvey Griffith, of section 16, who was born on October 22, 1853, and is a son of Bayard and Leah (Deffenbaugh) Griffith. The father was born in Ohio, about 1819, and was educated in Ross county, that state. Upon coming to Illinois he first settled in Mason county, and entered one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie land. On this he built a cabin and broke the land with very primitive appliances. At the time of his death he owned about two thousand acres in Harp township, DeWitt county, three hundred acres in Shelby county, Illinois, and one thousand acres in Kansas. His wife died in 1858, and the father later married Miss Savilla Reed. He died in 1892. By his first marriage he had the following children: Levi, a farmer of Chase county, Kansas; Wesley, an extensive farmer of St. Clair county, Missouri; Newton, who is a farmer of Chase county, Kansas, and owns twenty-five hundred acres; Daniel and Isaac, deceased; Cornelius, a farmer of Nebraska; our subject; and Amanda, who married C. C. Wright and they reside in Clinton. By his second marriage the father had six children and five of them are still living. He was a Democrat, but never aspired to office.

Harvey Griffith was educated in the district schools and when he was seventeen he went west to Minnesota and Kansas, where he remained until he was twenty-five. At this time he returned home and married Ida Bodkin, who was born in Logan county, Illinois, and was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Walter) Bodkin, both of whom were natives of Ohio and are now dead.

After his marriage Mr. Griffith went back to Minnesota and there remained for eight years engaged in farming. He then returned to this county and now owns in addition to the one hundred acres he received from his father's estate, twenty acres he added to it. This farm he devotes to grain raising and he has been very successful. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and is a man held in high esteem by his neighbors. To himself and wife have been born three children, two of whom are now living, as follows: Jacob, who died when eight years of age; and Gertrude and Frank who are at home.

GEORGE W. GRINER. (Volume 1, Page 249)

Among the highly respected and honored citizens of Barnett township is numbered George W. Griner, who dates his residence in DeWitt county from October, 1853, and whose home is now on section 31, Barnett township. He was born in New Jersey, on the 22d of June, 1835, a son of William and a Miss (Brooks) Griner, also natives of that state. His paternal grandfather, James Griner, was born in Germany, and on coming to the new world in colonial days, settled in New Jersey. He served with distinction as a captain in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war. His last years were spent in Indiana, where he died at the extreme old age of one hundred and ten years. About 1838 the father of our subject, accompanied by his family, removed to Marion county, Indiana, where his death occurred in 1850. The mother had died in her native state, and the father subsequently married again.

George W. Griner had but a meager chance to gain an education, as he was only able to attend school for a few weeks during the winter, and from an early age he was dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. For five years he and his brother engaged in farming together upon rented land. In 1853 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years.

In Tunbridge township, this county, Mr. Griner was married, November 25, 1855, to Miss Mary Copenberger [aka Coppenbarger], who was born here. Her father, George Copenhagen [sic], was born in Tennessee, and about 1825, when a young man, he came to Illinois and served in one of the early Indian wars of this section. He married Miss Nancy Henderson, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John Henderson, who was one of the first settlers of DeWitt county, Illinois, but afterward returned to Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Copenberger were married in this county, and made their home in Tunbridge township, where he followed farming for many years.

For a year after his marriage Mr. Griner engaged in farming on rented land, and then removed to a tract of forty acres in Barnett township, owned by his wife, it being a part of their present farm. To it he has since added eighty acres and has made many useful and valuable improvements thereon until it is now one of the most desirable farms of its size in the locality. Mr. Griner has always given considerable attention to stock-raising, and now makes a specialty of a high grade of Hereford cattle, which he keeps for dairy purposes, and he is accounted one of the best butter makers in his part of the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Griner are the parents of the following named children: (1) Jane is the wife of Alfred Trowbridge, of Midland City, and they have four children: Ada, who is the wife of George Phelps and has one son, Fillmore; Ura, wife of David McClimans; Charles; and Homer. (2) Nancy married G. E. Kimble, of Missouri, where she died in February, 1901, leaving four children, Elsie, George William, Ethel and Oldman. (3) George B. aids his father in carrying on the home farm. (4) Ollie May, who is the wife of J. H. Decker, agent for the Illinois Central Railroad at Midland City, and they have two children, Nellie and Della. (5) Mary is the wife of Robert Jenkins, a farmer of this county, and they have three children, Dudley, Pearl [and] Ara Lucile. (6) Ida M. is the wife of William Britton, of Clintonia township, this county, and they have one child, Mary.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Griner has always affiliated with the Democratic party, and has supported every presidential candidate of that party since casting his first vote for James Buchanan. He served two terms as school director, but has never cared for official honors. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and both are held in high regard by all who know them on account of their sterling worth.

JACOB B. HALDEMAN. (Volume 1, Page 38)

Honored and respected by all, there was no one in Clinton who occupied a more enviable position in business and financial circles than Jacob B. Haldeman, not alone on account of the brilliant success he achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he ever followed. He was born in Hogesstown, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of January, 1826, and was a son of Jacob S. and Ann (Brandt) Haldeman, who were natives of Lancaster county, that state. After residing in Cumberland county for many years, the parents came to Illinois in 1856, and spent their last days in Bement, Piatt county. The father was a miller by occupation and came west for the purpose of following that vocation. On his arrival here he was not pleased with the country, but our subject urged him to remain, being convinced that central Illinois would one day become the garden spot of the world. His children were Jacob, Lucetta, William, Fannie and Horace.

In the county of his nativity Jacob B. Haldeman was reared and educated, and with his father he learned the milling business. On first coming to Illinois, in 1850, he followed his chosen occupation in Springfield for a short time and in Winchester for about two years. He then came to Clinton, where, in company with S. R. Powell, he erected a mill near where the depot is now located, but after conducting the same for about two years Mr. Powell sold his interest to T. C. Berger, who was subsequently succeeded by William Haynie. Under the firm name of Haldeman & Haynie they carried on business for sixteen years, or until 1874, when Mr. Haldeman purchased his partner’s interest, and his son Charles was connected with him for two years. From 1876 until 1883 he was alone in business, and then sold out to this former partner, William Haynie, spending the remainder of his life in ease and quiet. On starting out in life for himself he received from his father a trunk, which he always kept, and seventy-five dollars in money. Although his capital was small he was energetic, enterprising and progressive, and possessed the firm determination to succeed. In business affairs he steadily prospered through his own well-directed efforts, and became one of the wealthiest men of Clinton. His accumulation he invested in real estate, which became very valuable as time passed and he became the owner of twelve hundred acres of fine farming land in DeWitt and other counties. After retiring from the milling business, he devoted his attention to looking after his farming and landed interests. In the heart of Clinton he owned a beautiful residence, surrounded by spacious grounds, which was formerly the Gideon home. About 1870 he erected a handsome house in the center of the grounds, facing both East Main and East Washington streets, and the garden he converted into an elegant lawn.

In 1854 Mr. Haldeman was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Onstott, of Waynesville, this county, who died in 1870. Of the three children born of this union both Harry and Mary died in infancy. Charles, the eldest, is now extensively engaged in the stock business in Colony, Kansas. For his second wife Mr. Haldeman married Miss Mary Shurtleff, a daughter of Rev. Asa Shurtleff, a Methodist Episcopal minister of Troy, New York. No children were born of this marriage, but they had an adopted daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Kelsey.

After a long, busy and useful life Mr. Haldeman passed away March 3, 1901. The Republican party always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles, but he never took a very active part in political affairs. In 1885 he was elected alderman, and was twice re-elected to that office, though he cared nothing for political honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in early life was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It is but just and merited praise to say of Mr. Haldeman, that as a business man he ranked among the ablest; as a citizen he was honorable, prompt and true to every engagement; as a man he held the honor and esteem of all classes of people, of all creeds and political proclivities; and as a husband and father he was a model worthy of imitation; unassuming in manner, sincere in friendship and steadfast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. His wife, who still survives him, is an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and gives liberally of her time and means to its support. She is one of those aristocratic, dignified ladies who are highly esteemed by all who know them and have many warm friends.

PHILIP HALLOWAN. (Volume 1, Page 421)

Among the prosperous and successful citizens of Farmer City, Illinois, is Philip Hallowan, who was born in McLean county, this state, October 30, 1842, and is a son of Jorial Hallowan, who was born in 1812. His mother, whose maiden name was Susanna Hand, was born in 1818, and was a daughter of George and Barbara Hand. Jorial Hallowan and wife removed to Illinois in the early days in the history of the state and by hard work and ceaseless saving accumulated property and died possessed of some sixty-five acres of land, all of which was well cultivated and supplied with house, barn and necessary buildings.

In religious matters they were active members of the Methodist church. To these good people were born the following children: Henry, William, Barbara, John W., Nancy J. and Jonathan. Jorial was a farmer all his life and his memory is cherished as that of a good, kind-hearted man, in whose death the community sustained a severe loss.

Philip Hallowan was educated in the schools of his district, and after attaining to manhood’s estate he engaged in farming, but in 1861, fired with patriotism, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and gave his country three years of his life, although he was very fortunate in not being wounded or captured.

After concluding his war experience Mr. Hallowan resumed farming and continued to pursue that calling for four years, when he engaged in business in Farmer City for some years as a merchant. At present he is one of the leading ice dealers in that locality and has built up a large and flourishing business. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has been past grand; of the Grand Army of the Republic, No. 211, Lemon Post, of which he has been commander.

Mr. Hallowan married Miss Nancy H. Walls, and they had two children: Maud, deceased; and Eliza M., who married a Mr. Yanna. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hallowan are members of the Methodist church.

JAMES W. HAMMITT. (Volume 1, Page 324)

Among the leading citizens of Dewitt county who have been identified with its interests since pioneer days is James W. Hammitt, who dates his residence here from October, 1833. He has by honest toil and industry succeeded in acquiring a handsome competence, which now enables him to spend the sunset of life in ease and retirement on the old homestead on section 18, Waynesville township, which is now carried on by his son Oscar.

A native of Ohio, Mr. Hammitt was born in Morgan county, July 11, 1818, and is a son of Samuel Hammitt, whose birth occurred near Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1789. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Hammitt, was born in Rhode Island of Scotch ancestry and at an early day removed to West Virginia, where he died during the infancy of his son Samuel. On reaching manhood the latter left his native state and went to Ohio, living first in Muskingum county and later in Morgan county, where he opened up and improved a farm. In 1833 he came to Illinois, and settled in what is now Waynesville township, DeWitt county, where he entered land and purchased a tract of eighty acres. In course of time he had a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he made his home until called to his final rest in 1862, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine McElhiney, passed away some years previously.

James W. Hammitt was a lad of fifteen years when he came with the family to this county, and he rendered his father valuable assistance in opening up the farm, remaining at home until twenty-seven years of age. He was then married in Logan county, Illinois, October 6, 1845, to Miss Susan Brock, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Andrew Brock, one of the first settlers of this section of the state, having located here in 1829. Mrs. Hammitt was reared in Illinois and was to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet for near fifty-one years. She died in 1896 and was laid to rest in Waynesville cemetery. Mr. Hammitt has nine children living, namely: Sebastian, a farmer of Iowa; Hannah, wife of O. H. Buck, of McLean county, Illinois; Guy, a resident of Atlanta, Logan county; Martin, who owns and operates the old Hammitt homestead; Lee, a resident of Atlanta; Oscar, who was married in June, 1901, to Emma McMillen, of Waynesville township, and is now carrying on the home farm; James, a farmer of McLean county; Benjamin, who operates a part of the home farm; and Katie, wife of George Smith, of Waynesville, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. John died at the age of twenty-four years, and two children died in infancy.

After his marriage Mr. Hammitt located on section 18, Waynesville township, where he entered forty acres of land, and at once began the improvement and cultivation of that place. Subsequently he entered an adjoining eighty-acre tract, and still later bought more land from time to time until he had four hundred and sixty acres on sections 18 and 19, Waynesville township, DeWitt county, and eighty acres in Logan county. His first home was a log cabin, which in later years was replaced by a good frame residence; good barns and outbuildings were also erected, fruit and shade trees were set out and many other improvements made to the place. There are now two sets of buildings upon the farm and everything is in first-class order. Mr. Hammitt continued to actively engage in farming until 1895, when he rented his land to his sons and has since lived a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest.

The Democratic party has always found in Mr. Hammitt a stanch supporter of its principles, and he has never failed to vote for each presidential candidate of that party since casting his first ballot for Martin Van Buren in 1840. He has done all in his power to advance the educational interests of his community, and for many years efficiently served as a member of the school board and president of the district. For the long period of sixty-eight years he has made his home in DeWitt county, during which time he has seen villages and cities spring up within its borders, the wild land transformed into beautiful homes and farms, railroads built and the telegraphs and telephones introduced. Deer and other wild game were very plentiful when he first came to the county. At that time the nearest post office was at Bloomington, twenty miles away. Once his father went to the office for the mail and finding the postmaster out he hunted him up on the street. When found that official took off his hat, in which he carried a bunch of letters, and from the number selected the one intended for Mr. Hammitt, Who then paid the twenty-five cents charged as postage at that time.

In the spring of 1901 a cyclone struck a granary, cow house and two corn cribs and scattered them all over the farm besides destroying shade trees and doing other damage.

EZEKIEL G. F. HARRISON. (Volume 1, Page 234)

After years of active labor, devoted principally to farming and stock-raising, Mr. Harrison is now living a retired life in Clinton, having a nice home at No. 719 North Center street. A native of Illinois, he was born in Sangamon county, on the 11th of November, 1828. His father, Ezekiel B. Harrison, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, and traced his ancestry back to Benjamin Harrison, the father of William H. Harrison, ex-president of the United States. When a boy, the father of our subject went to Kentucky, where he grew to manhood and was united in marriage with Miss Anna James Bell, who was also a native of the Old Dominion. About 1822 he came to Illinois and settled in Sangamon county, where he bought an improved a farm, making his home thereon until 1848, when he removed to Petersburg, Illinois. There he died at the age of sixty-seven. His wife, who passed away some years previous, was about fifty years of age at the time of her death. Both were active and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he united at the age of twelve years, afterward becoming a local preacher of that denomination. In politics he was a Whig. He had eleven children, of whom two died in infancy, but only three are now living, namely: Milton B., a resident of Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois; Lucinda Priscilla, wife of Enoch McGrady, of Belleville, Republic county, Kansas; and Ezekiel, our subject.

Mr. Harrison, of this review, was reared and educated in Menard county, attending first the subscription schools and later the district schools. He was graduated at the Petersburg high school, and then commenced teaching in the district schools, following that pursuit, together with clerking, for about ten years. For a time he carried on a general store of his own at Petersburg. In 1861 he came to DeWitt county and purchased eighty acres of partially improved land in Barnett township, and on selling that property bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in the same township. Subsequently he disposed of that property and removed to Wilson township, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. To this he later added another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, making a good farm of three hundred and twenty acres of well-developed land. Mr. Harrison made many improvements upon this place and successfully engaged in its cultivation, and also made a specialty of the raising of fine stock until 1891, when he rented the farm and removed to Clinton, where he owns an imposing home. Here, surrounded by all the comforts of life, he is now living retired, enjoying a well-earned rest.

In 1857 Mr. Harrison married Miss Emily Jane Carman, a native of this state, and a daughter of Charles L. and Arenia (Perkins) Carman. Her father was born in New York state. Our subject and his wife are the parents of ten children, namely: (1) William died in infancy; (2) Charles, who is engaged in the furniture business in Clinton as a member of the firm of Lemon & Harrison, married Laura Barnett and has one child, Edith Kohinoor; (3) Frank E. is a resident of Stockton, California, and is traveling agent for an importing house; (4) Edwin I., a resident of Bloomington, Illinois, married Sarah Brock, and they have had four children, two of whom died in infancy, the others are Wilbur and Helen; (5) Albert died in infancy; (6) Elbert Grant, a resident of Normal, this state, married Aletta Burwell and has four children: Lester Earle, Verna Berle, Elbert Iredell, and an infant; (7) Lilly May is the wife of Sherman Grant Hull, a druggist of Clinton, they have one child, Cecile; (8) Minnie Lue died in infancy; (9) Ruby June is the wife of George W. Edward, of Clinton, who is in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company; (10) Florence Lucile is at home with her parents.

Mr. Harrison's career has been an upright and honorable one, and he has the confidence and respect of all who know him. His wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and the family receive and merit the high regard of the entire community.

FRANK E. HARROLD. (Volume 1, Page 113)

One of the most prominent young men of DeWitt county is Frank E. Harrold, who is now so creditably serving as clerk of the circuit court. He is a native of this county, born near the village of DeWitt, on the 6th of January, 1873, and is a representative of a prominent old family of that locality. His father, Jesse F. Harrold, was born in Henry county, Indiana, January 18, 1838, and is a son of Eli and Carrie (Ayres) Harrold, both natives of Virginia. Our subject’s paternal great-grandfather, William Harrold, was born in England, and on coming to the United States first settled in North Carolina, and from there removed to the Old Dominion. He fought for American independence in the Revolutionary war. The Ayres family was among the French Huguenots who settled in North Carolina at a very early day in the development of this country. Their name was formerly De Ayres. In 1842 Eli Harrold, our subject’s grandfather, came to DeWitt county, Illinois, from Henry county, Indiana, and located on the farm in Harp township now owned by J. F. Harrold. There he died at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife passed away at the age of fifty-four. They had seven children, namely: Mrs. Lucinda L. Williams; Elicum; Mrs. Frances Arbogast; Alfred; Martha, who first married a Mr. Walters, and second a Mr. Mulkey; Mrs. Katherine Cardiff; and Jesse F. All lived to old age, and all are deceased with the exception of the last two named.

Locating in Harp township Jesse F. Harrold followed farming and stock-raising quite successfully throughout his active business life, and was one of the first breeders of thoroughbred Chester hogs in this county. He still owns a well-improved farm, but is not living a retired life in DeWitt, enjoying the fruits of former toil. During the dark days of the Rebellion he laid aside all personal interests and enlisted in July, 1861, in Company F, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a private, but the following year was commissioned captain of his company. He is now an honored member of James Hutchinson Post, No. 201, G. A. R., of which he is past commander, and is also a member of Amon Lodge, No. 261, F. & A. M., of DeWitt. In early life he took quite a prominent part in public affairs, and in 1874 was elected state senator on the Independent Reform ticket. He served as school treasurer for the long period of thirty years. In 1865 he wedded Miss Mary Robbins, who was born in DeWitt, and is a daughter of Darnell F. Robbins, and by this union were born five children: Lawrence, a farmer of Harp township; Annie, deceased wife of L. E. Reed; Frank E., our subject; Ira O., a merchant of DeWitt; and Maud, at home with her parents. The early ancestors of our subject were members of the Society of Friends, while later they were Baptists in religious belief, and his parents are now members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The early education of our subject was acquired in the public schools of this county, and he later attended the Normal College at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he was graduated in 1893. He engaged in teaching for seven years, being principal of the schools of DeWitt two years of that time, and then with his brother Ira O. he succeeded the firm of Watt Brothers in mercantile business in DeWitt and still owns an interest in the store. In 1900 he was elected clerk of the circuit court on the Republican ticket to succeed W. O. Rogers, and is now filling that office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

On the 26th of December, 1900, Mr. Harrold married Miss Olive Hammers, of Zanesville, Ohio. He is a prominent member and past master of Amon Lodge, No. 261, F. & A. M., of DeWitt, and is also a member of Goodbrake Chapter, R. A. M.; and of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights of Maccabees. Whether in public or private life he is always a courteous, genial gentleman, and is well deserving of the high regard in which he is held.

W. SCOTT HARROLD. (Volume 1, Page 334)

Prominent among the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Wapella township is W. Scott Harrold, who owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres, pleasantly located on section 32 within two miles of the village of Wapella. He is a native of this county, born on the old home farm near where he now resides, January 8, 1849, and is a worthy representative of a prominent pioneer family.

Isam Harrold, the father of our subject, was born in North Carolina in 1815, and was a son of Jonathan Harrold, who removed with this his family to Virginia in 1825, and a few years later went to Indiana, where he opened up a farm, making his home there for a few years. In 1833 he came to Illinois, and made a permanent location near Waynesville, DeWitt county. Here Isam Harrold entered several tracts of land, including that owned and occupied by our subject, and from the wild land developed a good farm in Wapella township, becoming one of the most substantial agriculturists of his community. He wedded Miss Mary Ann Lisenby, who was born in Monroe county, Kentucky, but was reared in DeWitt county, Illinois, from the age of nine years, her father, Alexander Lisenby, being one of the pioneers of this region, having located here the winter of the deep snow. Mr. Harrold died February 20, 1893, and his wife passed away in September, 1891, both being laid to rest in the Crum cemetery.

Scott Harrold, of this review, is the only son and fourth in order of birth in their family of six children, the others being Louisa, wife of J. H. Farris, of Washington county, Iowa; Rebecca, wife of Alfred Wilson, of Wapella township, this county; Ruth, wife of J. H. Borders, of the same township; Mrs. Nancy Troxel, a widow, who owns the old home farm but now resides in Normal, Illinois; and Laura, wife of C. J. Riddle, a thrifty farmer of Wapella township.

On the old home farm our subject grew to manhood, and obtained his education in the district schools of the neighborhood and the schools of Wapella. During his minority he gave his father the benefits of his labor, and at the age of twenty-one took charge of the farm. After his marriage he located on the farm where he now resides, built a good residence, barn and outbuildings and made many other improvements which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In addition to general farming he carries on stock-raising with marked success, and is today one of the most prosperous and substantial citizens of Wapella township.

Mr. Harrold has been twice married, his first wife being Miss Eveline Cantrell, who was born in Waynesville township, this county, and died here June 12, 1885, leaving three children, namely: Roy M., who is now married and engaged in farming in this county; Berzie A., who was educated at the Clinton high school and the State Normal School, at Normal, Illinois, and is now one of the successful teachers of DeWitt county; and Bernice, at home.

On the 30th of December, 1886, Mr. Harrold was united in marriage with Miss Alice King, also a native of DeWitt county, and a daughter of Robert King, who was one of the early settlers here. She was educated in the public schools of Waynesville and LeRoy and the State Normal School, and prior to her marriage successfully engaged in teaching for several years. The children born of this union are Helen and Welby K. Mr. Harrold is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Wapella and its auxiliary societies and is an active worker in the Sunday-school.

The Republican party has always found in Mr. Harrold a stanch supporter of its principles since he cast his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant in 1872, but he has never cared for office, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business affairs. He was elected, however, and efficiently served as president of the board of township trustees for some years, and he has never withheld his support from any enterprise having for its object the good of the community in which he lives. He has witnessed the wonderful development and progress that has been made in this section of the state during the past half century, and has ever borne his part in the work of upbuilding, so that he is accounted one of the most useful and valued citizens of Wapella township.

JOHN HART. (Volume 1, Page 209)

This well-known and honored resident of Clinton, Illinois, is a native of Ireland, and was a lad of about nineteen years of age when he crossed the broad Atlantic with his parents to make their home in the new world. He was born September 12, 1849, in Longford county, Ireland, and is a son of James and Catherine (McGoey) Hart and a grandson of John and Mary (Dalton) Hart, who were born in Dublin county, Ireland. John Hart was a farmer in his native country and had charge of a large tract of land for Captain Bond. They reared a large family of eight children, namely: James, our subject’s father; John was a farmer and came to the United States, but later returned to Ireland, where he died; Mathew and William were both priests of the Roman Catholic church; Elizabeth married M. McLoughlin: Bridget became the wife of J. Reynolds; they settled in this county; Ann married Thomas McGoey, who is now deceased, but she is still living in Clinton; Catherine, now deceased, became the wife of J. Maehan, of this place. The father lived to reach the age of seventy years and the mother about ninety.

In 1868 James Hart, our subject’s father, came to Wapella, DeWitt county, where he lived for one year. He then settled in Clintonia township, where he purchased a farm, and for thirty years followed agricultural pursuits with marked success. At the time of his death, which occurred July 10, 1898, he was in his seventy-fifth year. His wife, who still resides on the old homestead, has reached the good old age of eighty. To this estimable couple were born nine children, as follows: John, the subject of this review; Bridget, now deceased; Mathew, of Springfield; Mrs. Maria Barry, of Springfield; Thomas, deceased; William, who is now a road commissioner of Clintonia township; Peter, a farmer in the county; Michael, deceased; Patrick, a farmer in this county; and James, deceased.

When John Hart first came with his parents to Wapella he worked in the railroad shop as a fireman and helper for about ten years. He then came to Clinton and accepted a position as engineer of the Clinton Electric Light & Heat Company, which place he acceptably filled for five years. At the end of this time he entered the Illinois Central Railroad shops, where he remained until May 1, 1899, when he was appointed engineer of the Clinton water works, which was established in 1887, and which in 1898 was remodeled and enlarged, until today it is one of the finest-equipped water supplying establishments in the country.

On August 1, 1877, a ceremony was performed which united Mr. Hart in marriage with Miss Mary A. Burk, who was born in Ohio August 12, 1857, and is a daughter of Edward Burk, of Wapella, Illinois. To them were born six children, namely: William and Edward, machinists; Emmett, Paul and Leo, students; and Joseph, an infant.

Our subject has built a very pleasant home at the corner of South George and Jefferson streets, and is a member of the DeWitt County Building Association, of which he is a director. He has always taken an active part in the progress of his adopted city, and has never withheld his support from any object which he believed would prove of public benefit. His life has been an upright honorable and useful one and he is held in high regard by all who know him.

WILLIAM H. HARTSOCK. (Volume 1, Page 369)

Among the successful farmers of Creek township, DeWitt county, Illinois, is William H. Hartsock, who resides on section 16. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, February 25, 1859, and is a son of George and Emily (James) Hartsock, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The parents of George Hartsock were natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Ohio and there lived and died. The father of our subject followed farming in Ohio, where he was educated and where he married Emily James, making that state his home until 1853, when, fired with the spirit of emigration, he removed to Texas township, DeWitt county, Illinois, where he had purchased land prior to coming to the Prairie state. There was but a little log cabin on the land, but the brave pioneer worked ahead, improved his land and dwelling house, and in time prospered until he had four hundred and forty acres of improved land. On December 27, 1899, he died and was buried in Woodlawn cemetery, Clinton. His widow is still living in Clinton, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. George Hartsock were the parents of six children, all living, namely: Emerson, who is engaged in the grain business and also farms to some extent in Creek township; William H., our subject; Charles M., who resides in Texas township on the home place; E. May, who is making her home with her mother; Ralph, who resides in Clinton with his mother. [They only listed five. They forgot James.]

Mr. Hartsock attended the schools of Texas township and worked upon his father's farm until he was twenty-one, when he and his brother, James, undertook the management of the old homestead. This partnership continued for three years, when our subject was married and removed to section 16, Creek township, where he owns and operates one hundred and forty acres of rich farm land which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. The farm is kept in excellent condition and the house, barn and outbuildings are well cared for.

On December 25, 1883, our subject was married to Miss Emma Ziegler, a native of DeWitt county, and a daughter of Henry Ziegler, one of the early settlers. He was born in Germany but was brought to America when a baby and has always followed farming with the exception of a few years spent in a plow factory when a young man. Mrs. Hartsock was one of nine children, six of whom are still living, namely: Mary, who married Henry Weber and they reside in Iowa; Henry, who resides in Clinton; Mrs. Hartsock; Rose, who married Samuel McFail, and they reside in New Jersey; Jacob, who resides in Iowa, and Arthur, who resides in Iowa. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartsock, namely: Edna, Winnie, Gussie and Bert, all four in school; and Roscoe and Oma.

Mr. Hartsock is a member of Gilmore Lodge, No. 455, K. P., and is one of the most active workers in the organization. In politics he is a Democrat and has served most acceptably as collector and has also been commissioner of the township but has never desired office, preferring to devote his attention to the affairs of his home and family. He is a man of high character and sterling integrity and enjoys universal esteem in the community in which he resides.

ELIHU HELMICK. (Volume 1, Page 422)

Among the residents of Farmer City none are more deserving of representation in this volume than Elihu Helmick, who for many years was actively identified with the agricultural interests of DeWitt county, and who has, through his well-directed efforts, gained a handsome competence, so that he is now numbered among the largest land owners of this section of the state. Keen discrimination, unflagging industry and resolute purpose are numbered among his salient characteristics, and thus he has won that prosperity which is the merited reward of honest effort.

Mr. Helmick was born in Pendleton county, West Virginia, March 26, 1822, and is a son of Adam Helmick and grandson of Jacob Helmick. The latter was probably a native of Germany, and was one of the pioneers of West Virginia, where he followed farming throughout life, dying at a good old age. He married Miss Borer and to them were born seven children, among the number being Jacob, John, Adam and Abraham.

Adam Helmick, our subject’s father, was born in Valley River, Randolph county, West Virginia, and spent his entire life as a farmer in his native state, his sons having tried in vain to persuade him to come to Illinois. During the war of 1812 he enlisted, but before he arrived on the scene of action peace was declared. He was twice married, his first wife being Hannah Teeter, who died leaving five children, namely: Abel, Cornelius, Moses, Elizabeth and Annie. For his second wife he married Catherine Huffman, a daughter of Christian Huffman, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Mr. Helmick died at the age of sixty-five years, and his widow subsequently came to Dewitt county, Illinois, to make her home with her sons, and here died at the age of seventy. She was a native of Bath county, Virginia, and the mother of five children, of whom two died in infancy and Reuben died when young. Those who reached years of maturity were Nathaniel, who is represented on another page of this work, and Elihu. The parents were both devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church and reared their children in that faith.

In 1846 Elihu Helmick, in company with his brother Nathaniel and his family, started by wagon for Central Illinois. On their arrival in Christian county, the others stopped while our subject came north on a prospecting tour, looking up a suitable location. Being pleased with DeWitt county he decided to settle here and rent a farm until he found a favorable opportunity to buy, having previously accumulated two hundred and fifty dollars. In February he rented a small place and sent for his brother and family. Subsequently they bought an adjoining tract of a Mr. Wright, this being a claim of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Rutledge township, only a very few acres of which had been broken. This place is still owned by our subject. He first built a small frame house, which he later replaced by a more commodious and substantial structure.

Mr. Helmick was married in 1847 to Miss Mary Trimble, who was born in Highland county, Virginia, January 20, 1824, and is a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Colaw) Trimble. Her father, who was a native of Scotland, died in middle age, his death being caused by drinking from a cool spring when overheated by work. He left only two children, George Hezekiah and Mary. The mother subsequently married Frederick Wayman, by whom she had three children, Sarah A., Susie and Jacob. She was eighty-four years of age at the time of her death. (1) Eliza Jane married William Vance, and died leaving four children, Willis, Clara, Fannie and Walter. (2) Elizabeth is the wife of James Bland, and they have six children living, Ashley, Mary A., Hattie, Walter E., Bessie and Dell. George Ewell and Bertha are deceased. (3) Annie J. married Thomas Warman and died leaving one son, Wilber. (4) Simeon Clark married Ida Johnson and has four children, Charles, Mary, Francis and Ivy Jane. (5) George W. is represented on another page of this volume. (6) Charles A. married Eliza Gammon. (7) Francis M. died at the age of sixteen years, and the two who were born prior to Eliza Jane died in infancy.

In his business affairs Mr. Helmick has been ably assisted by the encouragement and aid rendered him by his wife, who has been to him a true helpmate, and by their combined efforts met with success. As soon as they got one farm paid for they purchased another, and today own four hundred and forty acres of fine farming land in DeWitt county; six hundred and eighty acres in Champaign county; and over two hundred acres in McLean county, all of which property has been acquired through their industry economy and perseverance. When Mr. Helmick found that he could no longer say to his sons, come boys, but had to say, go boys, while he could only look on and superintend the work, he decided to retire, and removed to Farmer City, where he has since made his home, having purchased the Vaneman property there. During his younger years he was considered one of the best stock raisers of his community, and always kept from fifty to one hundred head of cattle and as many hogs. He also raises fine horses. His farms are well improved, are tiled and drained, and supplied with good sets of buildings, while fruit and shade trees add greatly to their beauty.

Politically Mr. Helmick affiliates with the Democratic party, and although he has never sought office he has been called upon to serve as supervisor and school director. Both he and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they contribute liberally, and they are among the most highly esteemed citizens of Farmer City.

GEORGE W. HELMICK. (Volume 1, Page 282)

One of Santa Anna township’s most successful farmers and stock-raisers is George W. Helmick, whose entire life has been passed in DeWitt county. He was born in Rutledge township, on the 27th of August, 1859, and is a son of Elihu Helmick, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He grew to manhood on the home farm, and received the best of training in agricultural pursuits under the able direction of his father. He assisted in the work of the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then took charge of the place, carrying it on for six years. With all the views of an ambitious young man, full of energy and life, he entered largely into the stock business, and has successfully engaged in that pursuit ever since. He bought the Mickens farm, now owned by Mr. Haynes, but after operating it two years he sold out and removed to Farmer City, where he was engaged in the ice business for some time, being the only dealer in that commodity in the city. While residing on the farm he also engaged in threshing and corn shelling.

Disposing of his business there in 1895, Mr. Helmick purchased one hundred and twenty-three acres known as the C. H. Huddleston farm, and also bought an adjoining forty-acre tract known as the Crum farm, both being located in Santa Anna township. He has since enlarged the barn, built corn cribs and made other improvements, and in the operation of his land shows that he is one of the most systematic and successful agriculturists of his locality. He has a fine herd of thoroughbred Shorthorn and polled Durham cattle, and is also breeding thoroughbred Poland China hogs. He is fast coming to the front as one of the most successful stock-feeders in the county, and in all his undertakings he has steadily prospered, being a man of more than ordinary business ability and sound judgment.

Mr. Helmick was married October 29, 1885, to Miss Loraine Fuller, a daughter of Daniel Fuller, and they have one child, Minnie May, who was born in Rutledge township, September 2, 1889. After attaining his majority Mr. Helmick voted the Democratic ticket for some time, but is now a stanch supporter of the Prohibition party, having always been a strong temperance man. In 1899 he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is now an active member and steward of the same.

NATHANIEL HELMICK. (Volume 1, Page 304)

Farmer City is the home of many men who are now passing their last days retired from the more active duties of life. Among this class of citizens we find the honored subject of this sketch, who, although now in his eighty-fifth year, is still hale and hearty.

Mr. Helmick was born in West Virginia, July 29, 1816, and is a son of Adam and Katherine (Hoffman) Helmick, both natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where the family settled prior to the Revolutionary war, in which great struggle for American independence both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subject took an active part, serving under General George Washington.

Adam Helmick was twice married and it was from his second union that Nathaniel was born. His father was poor in this world’s goods and as a consequence could not be much assistance in a temporal sense. He was nevertheless a good man and sought both by precept and example to instill good principles into his children, and his last thoughts and words were to the effect that they might lead good lives and meet him in heaven.

Nathaniel Helmick continued to reside in the place of his nativity until the 22d of September, 1846, when he started for Illinois, then the far west. After a full month on the way by wagon and team, he arrived near Taylorville, Christian county, Illinois. Here he remained but a short time, moving from there to Rutledge township, DeWitt county, on the 7th day of February, 1847. Here he made his home until march, 1879, when he moved to Farmer City, where he has since made his home.

On September 1, 1836, he married Miss Mary Tringler and as a result of this union the following children were born: James, Adam, Ursula, Letitia, Jane, Elihu Wesley, Felix Polk, Mary Catherine, Henry Franklin, Susan Minerva, Nathaniel Pierce, Charles Jackson, and Stephen A. All the children grew to full manhood and womanhood and had families of their own before there was a break in the large family by death. Letitia Jane, who was married to a Mr. Harper, was the first to answer the summons of death, passing away on the 17th day of December, 1882, and on the 20th day of November 1886, Susan Minerva, who was married to Frank Horn, was called to her final reward. James, the oldest boy, died in Arkansas September 21, 1891. In July, 1876, after the family had all been reared, Mrs. Helmick passed away, after almost forty years of faithfulness to her husband and of service and devotion to her home. She was a noble Christian woman and was mourned by all who knew her.

On July 7, 1878, Mr. Helmick was again married, his second union being with Mary A. McClain, who is still his faithful and devoted companion.

Mr. Helmick is strictly a self-made man and what success he has achieved in this world is the result of his own well directed efforts, his economy, frugality and perseverance. In 1847, when he landed in Rutledge township, his whole earthly possessions consisted of a wife, seven children, two horses and a wagon load of household goods, and one hundred and seventy-five dollars in cash. His first purchase of land consisted of forty acres, upon which he erected a rude log house. He added to his original purchase until he had enough land to give each one of his children one hundred acres. With hardly the necessities of life he began his residence in this state and bore his share of the hardships incident to the life of a pioneer. But he started life with these high principles: to work hard, to be honest in all his dealings with his fellow-men, and to be economical. For over fifty years he has been an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his many friends will testify to the true Christian life which he has always led. Such men’s lives are worthy of emulation and no work devoted to the lives of the pioneers of DeWitt county would be complete without the record of Nathaniel Helmick.

WARREN HICKMAN. (Volume 1, Page 458)

Prominent among the leading citizens of Clinton, Illinois, is numbered Warren Hickman, who has taken quite an active and influential part in political affairs, and is now so creditably serving as county clerk of DeWitt county. He was born October 7, 1863, in the city where he now resides, and is a son of Llewellyn B. Hickman, who was one of the first, if not the very first, merchant tailor in Clinton. The father was a native of Kentucky. On coming to Clinton he opened a shop in an abandoned passenger car which stood on the present site of the hardware store of Dudley Watson, and there he engaged in business until his health failed. In the meantime he had built a residence, which George Greer now owns, and there he worked at his trade to a limited extent as long as his health permitted. He died in 1869, at the age of sixty-two years. In 1850 he married Mrs. Cynthia V. (Rose) Brown, who was born in Alabama and first married Andrew Brown, by whom she had one son, Thomas. The children born of her second marriage were William J., a resident of Springfield, Illinois; Mrs. Fannie Ziegler; Warren, of this sketch, and John L., who died at the age of forty-two years. The mother was again married in 1878, her third husband being B. J. F. Mitchell. She was a consistent member of the Christian church, and died in that faith June 8, 1900.

During his boyhood and youth Warren Hickman attended the public schools of Clinton and the Waynesville Academy. On completing his education in 1879, he began his business career as a laborer at agricultural pursuits, but shortly afterward accepted a position as clerk in the general store of R. H. Dragstrem, and he gave such satisfaction that his services were retained for eighteen years. He then went to Peoria and entered the wholesale house of a wagon manufacturer, holding that position until elected county clerk. He has since discharged the duties of that office, and has proved a very popular and efficient officer, his services giving the utmost satisfaction. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

Mr. Hickman married Miss Ella Dean, who was left an orphan at an early age and was reared by Mrs. Lemuel E. Thompson, of Waynesville. They now have two children: Walter Dean and Ella Thompson.

RODNEY P. HILL. (Volume 1, Page 407)

Rodney P. Hill, who descends from an old English family and is one of the influential men of Clinton, Illinois, was born on April 20, 1834, in Henry county, Kentucky, and is a son of George L. and Louisa V. (Hickman) Hill. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Kentucky. The maternal grandfather, Hickman, participated in the war of the Revolution.

George Hill went to Kentucky when a small boy with his mother, his father having died when he was in infancy, and he received his education in Kentucky, where he remained until 1837, October 14th, when he came to Illinois and purchased six hundred and forty acres of land in Texas township, DeWitt county, paying five dollars an acre for it. Very little of the land had been broken and there was but a small log cabin with dirt floor on the property. Realizing how rough and difficult life would be in such wilds, George went to work and soon had a nice house put up that had four rooms downstairs and two in the loft, and also erected a log stable. He hauled the corn to Chicago with ox teams, taking enough food along to last three weeks and bringing back provisions and necessities sufficient for a year. He also dealt extensively in salt, selling it to his neighbors at ninety cents per bushel, and also shelled his corn and that of his neighbors. His method of doing this was original. He placed the ears of corn through a hole in the wagon box and forced them through by hand. By hard work he was enabled to place the greater portion of his land under cultivation and lived to see green fields where he had found tracts of timber.

In politics George Hill was an old-line Whig and later a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church and always took an active part in all its work. For several years services were held in his house and he was a deacon in that body. The influence of his noble, Christian life was widely felt throughout the community, for he was a man who lived his religion in his life, and on account of his integrity his word was always considered as good as his bond. This honorable and honored man lived to the advanced age of ninety years, dying in 1887, and his wife died the previous year, when about eighty-six years, and both are interred in Woodlawn cemetery at Clinton. The part these good people took in the settlement of this portion of the state was a prominent one. They were among the first settlers and they not only endured the privations, but aided others to bear up under their load and many a weary life was brightened by the efforts of Deacon Hill and his most excellent wife.

Rodney P. Hill, our subject, came to DeWitt county with his parents when but three years old, making the trip overland in a wagon, although his mother rode on horseback all the way, with the youngest boy in her arms, and during that long journey but one night was spent in shelter. Rodney was educated in the log school house of the neighborhood, with its rude benches and many inconveniences, and worked upon the farm during the summer months. This school was a subscription one and the children had to take turns in attending, as the expense was too great to admit of their going all at once. After he reached the age of eighteen the school advantages of our subject ceased and since then he has been obliged to teach himself.

Until his marriage Mr. Hill remained at home, but when he was twenty-four, on April 3, 1858, he married Miss Ellen Reese, who was born in Wales in 1829. Her parents, Morgan and Esther Reese, came to America, landing in New York City, and settled in Whitesboro, New York. In 1855 Miss Reese came to Clinton to visit her brother, who was the pastor of the Baptist church of that city, and in this way she became acquainted with Mr. Hill, and they were married as above stated. They began their married life upon land given by Mr. Hill's father out of his original grant, consisting of one hundred acres, part of which was timber. At the time of the father’s death our subject purchased fifty-seven acres more. When he first obtained his land there was no house upon the property, but he built a frame structure. Later he moved this one quarter of a mile further north and in 1899 he rebuilt his residence and today has a pleasant story and a half house, thirty by forty feet in dimensions, surrounded by fine shade trees. There is an excellent barn and orchard on the farm and all the land is well cultivated and devoted to general farming, stock and grain-raising.

The wife of our subject died on April 17, 1899, and was interred in Woodlawn cemetery in Clinton, Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born four children, one girl and three boys, namely: Esther Ann, who died November 23, 1900, aged forty-eight years, and was interred in Woodlawn cemetery, Clinton; Joseph, now deceased, who married Ellen Swain, who keeps house for our subject and has one child, Nellie; William M., who married Amelia Coats and resides in Nebraska, where he operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and he has three children, Neva, Ethel and Jessie; and Frederick C., who married Miss Mabel Hulett and who is an attorney-at-law of Clinton.

After the death of his wife Mr. Hill moved to Clinton and purchased a fine house and grounds on West Van Buren street, where he makes his home. He now rents his farm and lives a somewhat retired life. In politics he is a strong Republican and has served as school trustee one term and school director for twenty years. In religion he is a most earnest member of and deacon in the Baptist church and in this denomination Mrs. Hill also held membership. Mr. Hill is a man who finds his greatest enjoyment in the companionship of his family and friends, and having devoted so many years of his life to hard work, he can now rest upon the results of his labors, feeling well content with himself in that he was able to bring so much out of little.

JAMES HIRST. (Volume 1, Page 336)

James Hirst, a prominent retired farmer now living in Farmer City, has been a resident of DeWitt county since 1853. He was born near Leeds, England, January 8, 1828, and is a son of Edward and Hannah Hirst. The father was born in Hudersfield, near Hull, and belonged to a good old English family. He served in the army under the Duke of Wellington, and participated in the battle of Waterloo. His business was that of a broadcloth manufacturer. In 1846 he came to America, accompanied by his wife and nine children. His wife was in poor health, and believing that an ocean voyage and a change of climate would prove beneficial they crossed the Atlantic, but she died in 1842, at the age of sixty-two years. Her birth occurred in Dublin, Ireland. Her children were: John; Mary, who remained in England; William; Henry; Edward, who was in the same company and regiment as our subject, and was killed at the battle of Deep Bottom, Virginia, August 12, 1864, after serving three years; Eliza; James; Eli; Maria; Hannah; and two who died in infancy. Our subject and his sister, Maria, are the only ones now living. She now resides in Springfield, Ohio. For his second wife the father married a Miss Sams, by whom he had one son, George W. The father owned and operated a farm in Edwards county, Illinois, until called to his final rest in 1846, at the age of seventy years.

The subject of this sketch accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, and grew to manhood in Edwards county, Illinois. At the age of twenty he went to Clark county, Ohio, where he followed farming until 1853, and then came to DeWitt county, Illinois, where he worked for John Weedman until his marriage. He then rented land and engaged in farming on his own account until the Civil war broke out.

In October, 1861, Mr. Hirst enlisted in Company I, Thirty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and went with his command first to St. Louis, Missouri, from there to Williamsport, Maryland, and the to Hancock, Virginia, taking part in the battle at that place. He was also in the battle of Winchester, and then went up the Shenandoah valley to Fredericksburg, Virginia, whence the command was ordered back to Port Republic, and took part in the engagement at that place. The regiment was then sent to Harrison’s Landing to cover McClelland’s retreat, and subsequently marched to Yorktown. They went into winter quarters at Suffolk, and the following spring proceeded to Port Royal, South Carolina. When his regiment veteranized in 1863 he was discharged on account of disability and returned home, having fought most valiantly under the stars and stripes, showing great devotion to the cause of his adopted country.

After his return home, Mr. Hirst bought a farm of eighty acres in Santa Anna township belonging to the Jacob Kirby heirs, and to the improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his energies for several years, meeting with good success in his farming operations and accumulating a nice property. He still owns the farm, but in 1897 he removed to Farmer City and purchased a nice residence on William street, built by Edwin Embry, and here he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He deserves great credit for the success that he has achieved in life, having received no outside aid or financial assistance, but being a man of sound judgment and good business ability, he has steadily prospered until he is now quite well-to-do. Socially he is a prominent and influential member of the Grand Army Post at Farmer City, in which he has filled offices, and is now junior vice-commander, and he also belongs to the Masonic Lodge, No. 710, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of Farmer City.

On the 1st of January, 1856, Mr. Hirst married Miss Ruby Dart, a daughter of Mrs. Ruby Dart. By this union were born four children: William, who died in infancy; Frances, of Farmer City; Mary I., of Chicago; and James Louis, a farmer who married Emma F. Page and has two daughters, Ruby and Lois. The wife of our subject died in 1863, at the age of thirty-four years, and he was again married October 15, 1866, his second union being with Mrs. Mary E. Kirby, a daughter of Phineas Page and widow of Jacob Kirby, who at his death left two children, William H. and Flora E. Mrs. Hirst died March 12, 1898, at the age of sixty-nine years. By his second marriage our subject had one daughter, Winifred Jane, who married Lewis Rutledge and has one son, Hirst Rutledge, who is Mr. Hirst's only grandson.

Hirst Rutledge traces his ancestry back to Thomas and Sarah (Officer) Rutledge, who were of English and Irish descent. The former, a native of Georgia, was a resident of Kentucky while serving as a ranger in the war of 1812, and at an early day came to Illinois. After living for some time in White county, he removed to McLean county in 1828, and there died two years later, at the age of sixty-two. His wife survived him about thirteen years. They were the parents of ten children, including: Cynthia, Jane, Robert, Officer, Mark and William Jackson.

William Jackson Rutledge, just mentioned, was born in White county, Illinois, June 23, 1816. He had very little opportunity to attend school, but nature did much for him, and he was a fine man in every sense. Through his own efforts he became a well-educated man and successful farmer. In early life he assisted in the support of his mother and the younger members of the family until nineteen years of age. He then married Eliza Duffield, who died three years later, leaving two children: Martha J., deceased; and John Allen, the grandfather of Hirst Rutledge. The father of these children was again married in 1839, his second union being with Mary VanDevender, daughter of Jacob VanDevender. Mr. Rutledge died at the age of sixty-six years. He was one of the prominent and well-to-do citizens of his community, and Rutledge township, DeWitt county, was named in his honor.

John Allen Rutledge succeeded to his father's estate, which consisted of over six hundred acres, and successfully followed farming throughout life. He married Miss Calistia J. Arbogast, a daughter of Peter and Sarah (Wood) Arbogast, and she still survives her husband, making her home in Farmer City. The children born to them were as follows: (1) Charles Jasper died young. (2) George A. wedded Mary J. Fuller and they have four children, Lula I., J. Clyde, Amanda and David. (3) Martha A., the deceased wife of A. Huffman. (4) William J. married Lucy Parvin and they have four children, George, Omer, Cecil A. and Pearl. (5) John S. married Clarinda P. Andrew. (6) Lewis M. married Windifred J. Hirst, and they have one son, Hirst. (7) Ollie H. is the husband of Flora Doty and they have three children, Owen M., Arthur B., and Lott. (8) Mary E. is the wife of M. B. Kinkaid. (9) Mamie D. is the wife of C. H. Judd. (10) One son died in infancy.

FREDERICK HOFFMAN. (Volume 1, Page 311)

Frederick Hoffman, of section 27, Texas township, DeWitt county, Illinois, was born on June 22, 1849, at Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. He is a son of Nicholas and Margaret (Hines) Hoffman. The father came to the United States in 1853 with his family. They sailed from Bremen and had a very long and stormy passage, being on the water nearly three months.

At the end of this journey they landed in New York and came at once to Illinois, locating at Peoria. Here they remained the first winter and the father worked with his brother-in-law. In the spring he engaged in farming for himself, renting a farm near Peoria and there continued for eight years. At the expiration of that time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie land in Peoria county, and this he improved and put under cultivation, creating a good and substantial home and erected a comfortable house. Here he continued until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-eight years of age.

The mother of our subject died when she was ninety years of age, in 1899, in Macon county, Illinois. Our subject was one of six children born to his parents and the fifth in order of birth. Five of these children are still living. The father was a Democrat in politics and the parents were both members of the Catholic church.

The education of our subject was obtained in the common schools of Peoria county. Children of the present day have no realization of the hardships endured by their parents and grandparents to secure the meager educational advantages offered them. The tiny log house, with walls filled with mud and floored with rough slabs of wood filled with "slivers" for tender feet, would be poorly heated by the open fireplace situated in one end of the room. The backless seats were made of pieces of wood unplanned and rough, with pegs for legs, and a hole in the wall gave a little light and fresh air. Aside from the "speller" and a tattered book or two, generally the property of the "teacher," the only fund from which information could be drawn was the Bible, so that small wonder was it that in the early days of this country, although Sunday-schools were unknown, for children to be made familiar with Holy Writ from infancy up.

For two years after his father’s death our subject remained at home, conducting the property for the estate. In 1874 he removed to DeWitt county, arriving in November of that year and rented land. Later he removed to Macon county, but after seven years returned to DeWitt county and purchased seventy-nine and one-half acres of land on section 27, Texas township. This property he has improved and upon it he has erected a comfortable home and resided in it ever since. His broad acres show the result of his careful cultivation and all of his buildings are in excellent condition. Mr. Hoffman understands thoroughly the latest improved methods of farming and owns and uses machinery in the operation of his work. His cattle are of a good breed and his horses kept in excellent condition, although he does not aim to do any extensive breeding, devoting his time to general farming.

Mr. Hoffman married Mary A. Mallard on April 14, 1873, in Peoria county. She is the daughter of Jefferson V. Mallard, who was born in North Carolina, but came to Illinois about 1855 and located at Pontiac, Illinois. By trade he was a blacksmith and formed one of the many who did so much to make Illinois the great commonwealth it is today.

Eight children were born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, namely: Katherine, who is the wife of William De Priest, a farmer of Texas township; Mary, who is at home; Della, who is the wife of Charles White, of Iowa; Minnie; Bertha; Carl; William and Freda. All of these children have grown to be a credit and pleasure to their parents, and while some have flittered from the home, those who are left make cheery the pleasant house and join the parents in showing delightful hospitality to the visitors within their gates.

In politics Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat, and so deeply do his friends and fellow townsmen recognize his merits that he has been called upon to serve as school director and is now holding that office, while he has also served the township in various other capacities, meeting the obligations of his charges in a manner that reflects great credit, not only on Mr. Hoffman himself, but also on those who elected him to positions of trust and responsibility.

SAMUEL E. HOLMES. (Volume 1, Page 462)

Mercantile interests at Weldon have been materially strengthened by the successful business of Samuel Edward Holmes, the leading hardware merchant, and dealer in farm implements, carriages and buggies. He was born in Goose Creek township, Piatt county, Illinois, December 31, 1874, a son of Zachary Taylor and Mary (Wood) Holmes, natives respectively of Indiana and England. The maternal grandfather, William Holmes, was a pioneer of Clark county, Illinois, and a successful farmer. For several years he lived in Minnesota and is now a resident of Farmer City, Illinois. To himself and wife, Betsey (Hoge) Holmes, have been born ten children: John; Evelyn, who is the wife of Clinton Lee; Oliver; Polly A., who is now Mrs. William Dawson; Oscar; Zachary T.; Sarah, who is the wife of Fulton Aikens; Frank; Alice, who is the wife of Charles Stortts; and Alexander. The maternal grandfather, Samuel Wood, was a native of England and came to America about 1850, locating in Philadelphia. He later removed to Canton, Illinois, where he engaged for several years in the harness business, after which he located in Goose Creek township, Piatt county, and engaged in farming until his death. The parents of S. E. Holmes were married at the Wood homestead in Goose Creek township and continued to live there until 1899, when they located in their present home. There were three children in the family, Samuel E.; Oscar A.; and Charles Clyde.

The early part of Mr. Holmes’ life was spent in Piatt county, where he received a common school education and assisted his father about the farm. He left the old familiar surroundings in the fall of 1898 to engage in the agricultural implement business in Farmer City, remaining there until March of 1900. Thinking to better his business prospects he then sold out his stock and removed to Weldon and entered upon the successful business career which is a matter of pride to his fellow townsmen. He carries a complete line of hardware, agricultural implements, buggies and wagons, and selects his stock with due regard to improvements and late innovations, and all possible demands on the part of customers. He is prominent in all enterprises of importance in the city, has a genial and strong personality, and enjoys the confidence of all who are associated with him, whether in a business or social way.

On the 7th of April, 1896, Mr. Holmes married Nora B., daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Vance) Huffman of Farmer City, and of this union there are two children, Adeline and Vernelle. Mr. Holmes is a Democrat in politics, and is at the present time serving his first term as village clerk of Weldon.

JOHN W. HOUGHAM. (Volume 1, Page 240)

John W. Hougham, a well-known agriculturist residing on section 36, Waynesville township, is a native of DeWitt county, his birth having occurred in Wapella township, on the 15th of November, 1855. His parents were John and Samantha (Atkinson) Hougham, early settlers of this county, where their marriage was celebrated. The father died before the birth of our subject. The mother resides in Wapella township. She was a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Atkinson, one of the pioneers of this county.

The subject of this review remained with his mother until about grown, and was educated in the common schools of DeWitt county. For several years he worked on a farm by the month, and then went to California, carrying on a ranch in Sacramento county for over six years. In 1883 he returned to Illinois and bought a farm in Wapella township, which he operated for several years, but in 1894 he sold that place and purchased his present farm of eighty acres on section 36, Waynesville township, to the further improvement and cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results. He has remodeled the residence, erected a good set of outbuildings, set out fruit, and made many other useful and valuable improvements.

After he had been in California three years Mr. Hougham returned to his native county, where he was married on the 25th of April, 1878, to Miss Mary Jane Scott, who was born in Knox county, Missouri, in 1858. Her father, W. L. Scott, a native of Tennessee, came to Illinois when a small boy, and here grew to manhood and married Miss Drusilla Cox, a native of Missouri. He subsequently removed to Knox county, that state, but is now living in Adair county, Missouri.

In political sentiment Mr. Hougham is a Republican, and on national issues always supports that party, but at local elections he votes for the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices. For six years he efficiently served as commissioner of highways, and has been a member of the school board and a delegate to the county conventions of his party. He is also a trustee of the cemetery in Waynesville township. Religiously he is a member of the Rock Creek Christian church, and socially is a member of the Odd Fellows’ lodge at Waynesville, with which he united in 1898. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county where almost his entire life has been passed, and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

ISAAC F. HOUSEMAN. (Volume 1, Page 21)

One of the most prominent and influential business men of Farmer City is Isaac F. Houseman, vice president of the Old First National Bank. He was born near Monticello, Piatt county, Illinois, March 25, 1849, and is a son of Isaac F. and Elizabeth (Fisher) Houseman, and grandson of Isaac F. and Elizabeth Houseman. The grandfather, who was a farmer and stock raiser by occupation, died when over eighty years of age. In his family were seven children, two sons and five daughters, the former being Joseph and Isaac F. The father of our subject was born in New London, Ohio, and in early life removed to Piatt county, Illinois, where as a farmer and stock raiser he was meeting with good success at the time of his death, which occurred October 26, 1854, when he was forty-six years of age. His home was in Goose Creek township, that county. His wife died in 1860, at the age of forty-four years and five months, and the remains of both were interred in Fisher cemetery, Champaign county. They had a family of nine children, namely: Abigail M., wife of C. E. Monroe; John, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Emily M., wife of W. L. Shaffer; Frances E., wife of John Withers; William, who wedded Mary Freelove; Lydia A., deceased wife of W. A. Steen; James Ward, a resident of Kansas; Isaac F., our subject; and Charles C., who married Kate Wright.

Being left an orphan at an early age, our subject has made his own way in the world unaided. He first attended the public schools, and then engaged in teaching until he had earned enough to pay his way through the Wesleyan Institute at Bloomington, Illinois. His time was practically devoted to school teaching from 1868 until 1884, when he was made assistant cashier of the Old First National Bank at Farmer City, with which he has since been connected in an official capacity.

This bank, which is one of the best of the county, was organized June 1, 1874, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, the officers being James H. Harrison, president; Cary Burford, vice president; and L. B. Erwin, cashier; while the stockholders were Cary Burford, James H. Harrison, Robert O. Crawford, Samuel B. Erwin, George W. Herrick, Andrew M. Cummings, David Kelley, William W. Murphy, William C. Wrathbun, W. G. Cochran, R. E. Moreland, George W. Snook and William Latham. In 1884 Mr. Harrison resigned, and R. O. Crawford served as president two years, being succeeded by Jacob B. Lewis, at which time A. M. Cummings was elected vice-president. On the 1st of January, 1886, R. O. Crawford was elected president; T. H. Slick, vice-president; J. H. Harrison, cashier, and I. F. Houseman, assistant cashier. The next change made in its officers was January 1, 1891, when Mr. Harrison was succeeded by G. W. Chisholm as vice-president. Up to the expiration of the charter in 1894, the cashiers of the bank were L. B. Erwin, until January 1, 1875; William Young, the following year; A. F. Davison, the next; and F. J. Miller from the 1st of January, 1877, until the 1st of January, 1886, when he was succeeded by Mr. Harrison, and in 1887 he was succeeded by Mr. Houseman. The bank was reorganized as the Old First National Bank of Farmer City, January 1, 1894, with a capital stock of sixty-five thousand dollars, the officers being R. O. Crawford, president; Jacob Swigart, vice-president; and I. F. Houseman, cashier; and D. L. Fuller, assistant cashier. On the death of Mr. Crawford, in August of that year, he was succeeded by Mr. Swigart and our subject was elected vice-president and D. L. Fuller, cashier. The stockholders of the new organization are I. F. Houseman, H. H. Gilmore, R. O. Crawford, Morton Kent, Gus Levy, M. T. Mace, Jacob Swigart, F. P. Sangster, James Jackson, John McDonald, C. L. Burford, Hirum Doner, Dr. M. McIntyre, D. W. Richards, T. L. Ijams, John Watson, James Watson, G. Watson and David L. Fuller. The bank is in a flourishing condition and now has a surplus of eight thousand dollars. The original bank building was built of brick with a very substantial vault, which was entirely unharmed when the building was burned in 1879. It was at once rebuilt, and is a good brick structure, twenty-two by eighty-eight feet, and two stories in height. It is located on the corner of Main and Green street, which was formerly the site of William Young’s residence.

Mr. Houseman was married, December 7, 1875, to Miss Clara L. Weedman, a daughter of Isaiah Weedman, who was a representative of one of the prominent and successful early families of this section of the state. By this union were born two children: Guy Weedman, who is now a student in pharmacy at the Northwestern University at Chicago; and Ruth Elizabeth, aged four years. Mrs. Houseman is one of the most popular and leading ladies of the city. The family has an elegant home on John street, and besides this property Mr. Houseman owns business property in Farmer City. He is a member of Farmer City Lodge, No. 710, A. F. & A. M., of which he is past master; Farmer City Chapter, No. 175, R. A. M.; and both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star Chapter of the same order. They are also members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as steward for twelve years. Politically Mr. Houseman is identified with the Republican party. His strict integrity and honorable dealing in business commend him to the confidence of all; his pleasant manner wins him friends; and he is one of the popular and honored citizens of Farmer City.

JOHN F. HUBBELL. (Volume 1, Page 152)

This well-known and prominent citizen of Wilson township, who has made farming his life work, was born on the 17th of November, 1833, in Lewis county, Kentucky, and is a son of Luther S. and Eliza (Ferris) Hubbell. His father was born in Ohio, of Scotch ancestry, while his mother was a native of Kentucky and of Irish descent. They were married in Lewis county, of the latter state, and from there removed to Fayette county, Indiana, and later to Cincinnati, Ohio, where the father conducted a cooper shop for a few years, employing several hands, he being a cooper by trade. Subsequently the family returned to Kentucky, and in 1852 came to Illinois, locating in what is now Wapella township, DeWitt county, on the 22d of March. There the father engaged in farming on rented land, and later operated a rented tract in Wilson township, but his last days were spent in the former township, where he died at the age of fifty-eight years, his remains being interred in Sugar Grove cemetery at Long Point. He became the owner of land in both Wapella and Wilson townships. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and as one of the leading and influential citizens of his community he was called upon to fill the office of supervisor of Wilson township. Both he and his wife were earnest and consistent members of the Christian church, and he served as one of its elders. Mrs. Hubbell survived her husband only about eleven months, and was also fifty-eight years of age at the time of her death.

This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, namely: (1) George T., a resident of Oklahoma, married Judith Bird and had ten children, Oscar, Owen, John, Minnie, Kate, Maude, Claude, Susan, Margaret and one deceased. (2) John F., our subject, is the second in order of birth. (3) Ephraim enlisted in Company E, Twentieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Shiloh. (4) Joseph Oscar, a resident of Iowa, served in the same war as a member of Company C, Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He first married Catherine Vance, who died, leaving one child who is still living, Charles, and for his second wife he married Tillie Ellis, by whom he has three children, Harry, Paul and Guy. (5) Francis was a member of the same company and regiment as his brother Joseph O., and is now deceased. He married Olivia Ives, who with her two children, Charles and Fanny, lives in Decatur, Illinois. (6) James, a resident of Wapella township, married Elizabeth Cunningham, and has seven children: Lilly, Ella, Fred, Cora, Nora, Abe and John. (7) Paris N., a resident of Iowa, married Minnie Moyer and has one child, Jessie. (8) Mary is the wife of John T. Brown, of Iowa, and they have five children, Charles, Fred, George, Alma and Allie. (9) Sarah married Philip Carr, and they died, leaving three children, two of whom are still living, Charles L. and Jennie.

John F. Hubbell was educated in the schools of his native state and remained with his parents until he attained his majority, coming with them to Illinois. On starting out in life for himself he was engaged in cutting wood the first winter, cutting fifty cords of four-foot wood, which he sold to the Illinois Central Railroad Company. In the following spring he and his oldest brother rented a farm near Heyworth, McLean county, which they operated one year, and then engaged in farming together on rented land in Wilson township, DeWitt county, for five years.

On the 13th of September, 1856, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Terhune, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Brown) Terhune, who were natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, respectively. She is the second in order of birth in their family of six children, the others being as follows: (1) Ruth is the wife of Alva Ellis, of Iowa, and to them were born nine children: Millard, John Alvin, William, Edward, Frank, Emma and Fannie, all living; and Ida, deceased. (3) Mary is the wife of William Carr, of St. Louis, and they have six children: Walter, Louis, Harry, Charles, Belle and Etta. (4) Anna lives near Lane Station in Creek township, this county. (5) Daniel, deceased, was a member of Company K, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. He married Melvina Thompson, who is still living in Minnesota, and they had two children, George and Louis. (6) Marine, who is now living in Kansas, was a member of Company A, Second Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He married Mary Dunbar and has three children, Carter, Charles and Susan.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell were born the following children: (1) Francis Ephraim, a resident of Wilson township, this county, married Catherine Parlier, and they have one child, Elmer. (2) Ollie is the wife of Edward DeAtley, of Wapella. (3) Alice is the wife of Edward Bell, of Wilson township, and they have three children, Lyle, Carle and Opal. (4) Mary, and (5) William, are both at home.

His home in Wilson township being burned in 1862, Mr. Hubbell then removed to Wapella township, where he rented a farm for about two years, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on sections 18 and 20, Wilson township, where he has since made his home. One-half of this tract had previously been broken, and to its further improvement and cultivation he has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results. He has built a nice residence and barn, has set out fruit and shade trees, and in other ways has done much to enhance the value and attractive appearance of the place. At one time he was interested in the breeding of short horn cattle and made butter quite extensively, but his specialty now is Jersey stock.

Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, Mr. Hubbell has been an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and he has been honored with several local offices, serving as assessor thirteen years, school treasurer twenty-three years, and road commissioner three years. He ably discharged the duties of these various positions, and is recognized as one of the most valuable and useful citizens of his community—one who is always ready to give his influence to any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit. He and his wife are members of the Christian church at Long Point, and it is safe to say that no couple in Wilson township are held in higher regard than Mr. and Mrs. John F. Hubbell.

ALVIN W. HUFFMAN. (Volume 1, Page 273)

Alvin W. Huffman, of Farmer City, is the proprietor of one of the finest and largest livery and boarding stables in DeWitt county, and is one of its most energetic and progressive business men. He was born in this county on the 5th of July, 1860, and is of German Descent. His paternal great-grandfather, Christian Huffman, not only served four and a half years in the Revolutionary war, but was also in the war of 1812 for eighteen months. His early home was in Pennsylvania, but his last days were spent in the Old Dominion, where he died at the age of eighty years. He had eight children, Namely: Daniel, George, Laban, Christian, Jonas, Mrs. Elizabeth Helmick, Mrs. Arbogast and Solomon.

The last named, Solomon Huffman, was the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Greene county, Virginia, and was married in Randolph county, that state to Elizabeth Westfall, who died young, leaving two children, Benjamin and Cornelius. For his second wife he married Hester Bonner, by whom he also had two children, Job and Sylvanus. Throughout life he followed farming and died in Pendleton county, Virginia, in 1884, at the age of eighty years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man of many sterling qualities.

Cornelius Huffman, our subject’s father, was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, August 4, 1833, and in early life traveled considerably. In 1854 he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and purchased a small tract of railroad land, which had been slightly improved by Henry Huffman. To its further development and cultivation he devoted his energies for some years, and as time passed added to his original purchase until he is now a large land owner. Since 1895 he has lived a retired life in Farmer City, where he owns a fine home. He is an earnest member of the United Brethren church and a Prohibitionist in politics. He married Miss Elizabeth Vance, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hensley) Vance, early settlers of this county. She was born in Athens county, Ohio, March 5, 1838, and died January 4, 1890. She was the mother of the following children: Alvin W., our subject; a son who died in infancy; Sophronia E., wife of S. F. Lewis; Sylvanus G., a resident of Clinton; Laura C., at home; George F., a resident of Weldon; and Nora B., wife of S. E. Holmes.

Alvin W. Huffman grew to manhood upon his father’s farm and assisted in its labor. He began life for himself upon a farm of eighty acres, which he subsequently sold, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in McLean county. On disposing of that place he purchased a farm in Santa Anna township, DeWitt county. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of land in Sangamon township, Piatt county, Illinois, where for some time he was successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of fine horses. He has owned some valuable trotting stock, and for his age is considered one of the best judges of horses and other stock in this county. Besides his property in this state Mr. Huffman owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kansas. On the 1st of November, 1900, he purchased of J. D. Ingles a good livery business in Farmer City, which was established in 1889 by J. E. Foster. Renting his farm, he has since given his attention to the livery business, and is meeting with excellent success. He has enlarged and remodeled his barn until it is now one of the best in the county, and it is well equipped, as he keeps about thirty head of horses and twenty double and single turnouts, besides two buses and two cabs. He is always on hand to meet the sixteen trains which arrive daily in Farmer City, and in the conduct of his business employs six hands.

Mr. Huffman was first united in marriage with Miss Martha Rutledge, a daughter of John A. Rutledge. She died May 26, 1886, and in 1889 Mr. Huffman married Miss Belle Merifield, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Johnson) Merifield. Her maternal grandfather was John Johnson, an early settler of Wilson township, this county. On the paternal side her great grandparents were James and Hannah Merifield, natives of Virginia, who died near LeRoy, Illinois, the former at the age of eighty-seven years, the latter at the age of sixty-five. Their children were Henry, John, Olive, Mary, Sarah, Nellie, Otha and Samuel. Henry Merifield, Mrs. Huffman's grandfather, was born in Greene county, Ohio, and died at the age of seventy-seven years. He made farming his life work, and efficiently served as sheriff of DeWitt county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Conway, died when about seventy years of age. Unto them were born the following children: John, Benjamin, Rachel, Wililam, Aquilla, Newton, Providence, Mary, Hannah, Emily, Harvey and James. John Merifield, the father of Mrs. Huffman, was born in McLean county, Illinois, August 1, 1830, and in early life followed farming in Wilson township, DeWitt county, but in 1900 he sold his property there and bought a place near Farmer City, where he now resides. In 1863 he joined the boys in blue of Company G, Ninety-Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He is now an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a stanch Republican in politics. He has ten children, namely: James H., Charles E., Solomon F., Belle, Addie, Cora, Sherman, Jacob, Maud and Hattie.

Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are the parents of three children: Ray, John and Dewey. Religiously they are members of the United Brethren church, and politically he is identified with the Democratic party. In business affairs he is prompt and notably reliable, and he commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.

GEORGE F. HUFFMAN. (Volume 1, Page 100)

Among the heroes who helped to lift the yoke of English oppression from the shoulders of the Colonists during the Revolutionary war, was the paternal great-grandfather, Christian Huffman, who was born in Pennsylvania, and there lived for many years. Added to his service of four and a half years under the banner of Washington, was an equally meritorious and courageous service in the war of 1812, when he fought for eighteen months after his removal to Virginia. What was most remarkable was the fact that during both of the conflicts he was neither wounded or captured, or laid up in the hospital. Both himself and wife, who was formerly a Miss Cole, of Virginia, lived to an advanced age and reared to usefulness a family of eight children, of whom Solomon, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia and carried on farming enterprises in Pendleton county, where he died in 1884, at the age of eighty-one years. The maternal grandparents of G. F. Huffman, John and Elizabeth (Hensley) Vance, were born, reared and married in Virginia and eventually removed to Ohio, going from there to Vermilion county, Illinois. When but a few months in the Illinois home, disaster overcame the family through the death of the grandfather, who accidentally shot himself while cleaning a rifle, his death following in four days. Some years later his widow, Elizabeth (Westfall) Huffman, and children removed to DeWitt county, Illinois, where the former died at the advanced age of eighty, at the home of her son Cornelius.

Cornelius and Elizabeth (Vance) Huffman, the parents of George Franklin, are natives, respectively, of Pendleton county, Virginia, and Athens county, Ohio, the former having been born August 4, 1833. The father removed to McLean county, Illinois, soon after reaching his majority, and after a year settled in Rutledge township, DeWitt county, where he became one of the prominent and substantial farmers of the county. The children born into the family are: Alvin W., who is represented on another page of this work; Sophronia, who is now Mrs. S. F. Lewis; Sylvanus G., a sketch of whom will be found on another page of this record; Laura; George F.; and Nora, who is the wife of S. E. Holmes. George Franklin was reared and educated in Rutledge township, and aside from the education acquired in the public schools attended for a term the N. I. C. Normal school, at Dixon. Before attaining his majority he combined with his father in the purchase of a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Santa Anna township, DeWitt county, his interest being disposed of to his father at a later day. He then purchased a farm of two hundred acres on section 33, Sangamon township, Piatt county, which he successfully operated for four years and still owns, and which has proved a most remunerative and satisfactory investment. In December, 1900, he located in Weldon and engaged in the horse exchange and livery business, in which he is still successfully interested. His public spirit has found an outlet in various offices within the gift of the people, all of which have been discharged with satisfaction to all concerned. He is a Democrat in politics and has been prominent in political affairs both in Piatt and DeWitt counties. He is a member of the United Brethren church.

February 11, 1897, Mr. Huffman married Emma L., daughter of William and Elizabeth Riley, of Wilson township, DeWitt county. Of this union there is one daughter, Verna Belle.

SYLVANUS G. HUFFMAN. (Volume 1, Page 471)

S. G. Huffman, proprietor of the largest livery and boarding stable in Clinton, was born in Rutledge township, this county, November 9, 1865, a son of Cornelius Huffman, of Farmer City. His paternal great grandfather, Christian Huffman, was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and spent his last days in Virginia, where he died at the age of eighty years. He not only served four and half years in the Revolutionary war, but was also in the war of 1812 for eighteen months. In his family were the following children: Daniel, George, Laban, Christian, Jonas, Solomon, Mrs. Elizabeth Helmick and Mrs. Arbogast.

Solomon Huffman, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Greene county, Virginia, and was married in Randolph county, that state, to Elizabeth Westfall, who died young, leaving two children, Benjamin and Cornelius. For his second wife he married Hester Bonner, by whom he also had two children, Job and Sylvanus. Throughout life he followed farming and died in Pendleton county, Virginia, in 1884, at the age of eighty years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man of many sterling qualities.

Cornelius Huffman, our subject's father, was born in Pendleton county, Virginia, August 4, 1833, and was reared in the south. In 1853 he came to Illinois, and after spending one year in McLean county, located in DeWitt county, having purchased sixty acres of land of Henry Huffman. Later he sold that place and bought one hundred and twenty acres of railroad land, which he still owns. He has since purchased one hundred and sixty acres of George Freelove, and forty acres of D. Turner, both adjoining his farm, and he successfully engaged in the operation of his land until 1895, when he rented the place and removed to Farmer City, where he bought the J. Wheeler property and converted it into a nice home. He is an earnest member of the United Brethren church and a Prohibitionist in politics. He married Miss Elizabeth Vance, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hensley) Vance, natives of Virginia, who removed from that state to Athens county, Ohio, and from there to Vermilion county, Illinois, where Mr. Vance died. The death of his wife occurred in DeWitt county. Mrs. Huffman was born in Athens county, Ohio, March 5, 1838, and died January 4, 1890. She was the mother of the following children: Alvin Warren, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume; a son who died in infancy; Sophronia E., wife of S. F. Lewis; Sylvanus G., our subject; Laura C., at home; George F., a resident of Weldon; and Nora, wife of S. E. Holmes.

Our subject was reared upon the home farm and on reaching manhood went to Kansas, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising for a time. While there he was united in marriage with Miss Willie Brown, of Dodge City, a daughter of Frank M. Brown. By this union were born four children, namely: Vera; Esther; Beulah, deceased; and Walda.

After his marriage Mr. Huffman removed to Mansfield, Illinois, where he engaged in horse dealing for six months, and then carried on the livery business at Weldon for fourteen months. Coming to Clinton in February 1900, he purchased three hundred and thirty acres of land in Texas township, known as the T. W. Warner farm, built new barns and sheds upon the place, and embarked in stock-raising, keeping from fifty to one hundred head of Durham cattle and from one hundred to one hundred and fifty Poland China hogs. He also breeds road and draft horses, and owns a fine Hambletonian stallion of Kentucky bred. On the 4th of November, 1900, Mr. Huffman bought the livery stock of J. A. Curl, including thirty head of horses, some of which he has since sold and buying others now has forty head. He has also purchased vehicles, and now has one of the largest and best equipped stables in the county, employing from twelve to fifteen hands. Fraternally Mr. Huffman is a member of the Royal League of America.

HUGHES BROTHERS. (Volume 1, Page 439)

The Clinton Register, the Democratic paper of DeWitt county, is published by Hughes Brothers. The first issue of this paper was published May 29, 1868, by A. J. Blackford, and he continued its publication until November 27, of the same year, when W. L. Glessner and C. C. Stone, to whom he sold the paper, became its editors and publishers. This partnership continued until September 15, 1873, when Mr. Stone sold his interest to F. M. VanLue, who retired from the business August 7, 1874. Mr. Glessner continued its publication until October 1, 1881, when J. H. Waggoner & Son, who had bought the plant, took charge. They owned and published the paper just four years. They retired September 28, 1885, when George W. and Perry Hughes, who had been reared near Clinton, became editors and proprietors, and have since published it under the firm name of Hughes Brothers. The frequent changes had not been beneficial to the paper, as but little money had been expended in equipping the plant. When Hughes Brothers assumed control, the paper was four-page, the paid circulation about six hundred and all the machinery of the plant was not worth five hundred dollars. Since that time the paper and plant have undergone a transformation rarely known in a country printing office. The paper outgrew its dingy quarters in an up-stairs room and a building lot was bought in 1894. In 1895 a two-story brick building with basement was built, and dedicated August 9, of that year, addresses being made by Hon. E. A. Snively, of Springfield; Hon. Owen Scott, of Bloomington, and Hon. V. Warner, of Clinton. With the new home for the Register had come new presses, new folder, new boiler and engine, new type, etc. Nearly six thousand dollars was spent within four months equipping the plant and providing a home for the paper, which was increased from four to eight pages, all home print. Since that time a twenty by twenty-two foot job room has been added, making two thousand six hundred and eighty square feet of floor space used. The circulation of the paper has been increased more than twice and a half, and the plant is said to be the best in the state in any city no larger than Clinton, and better than is found in many cities double its population. The machinery bought new, consisting of new press, three job presses, boiler and engine, folder, cutter, perforator, stapler and small pieces, cost over three thousand dollars.

George W. Hughes, senior member of the firm, was born June 9, 1853, in Clermont county, Ohio, his parents moving to DeWitt county, Illinois, in September of that year. After completing the studies of the public schools, he attended Wesleyan University at Bloomington, and, in 1878, completed the course of the Springfield Business College. He taught five terms of school in his home township, four of them being the same school. He was the Democratic nominee for state senator in the thirteenth district in 1890. September 28, 1893, he was married to Miss Eliza B. Shaw, eldest daughter of Achilles B. and Harriet B. Shaw, of Texas township.

Perry Hughes was born in Texas township, April 22, 1856, and lived on the home farm until 1882, when he was employed in the Register office by J. H. Waggoner & Son. He was postmaster of Clinton during Cleveland’s second term. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Clinton, December 13, 1888, he was married to Miss Florence Argo, eldest daughter of Emanuel G. and Sarah Argo, of Clintonia township. They have one child, Ruth Argo.

WILLIAM HUGHES. (Volume 1, Page 434)

William Hughes, deceased, was for several years one of the most highly respected and honored citizens of Texas township. He was born on the 16th of February, 1811, in Clermont county, Ohio, and on the paternal side was of Irish descent, through the family have made their home in this country for several generations. In 1801, his grandfather, William Hughes, removed with his family from North Carolina to Ohio, settling on land which now forms a part of the city of Cincinnati. At that time the finest building on what is now Main street was a log cabin. By occupation he was a farmer. He never held office, desiring only to serve his country in the private walks of life that he might more fully enjoy the quiet of his home. In his family were seven children, six sons and one daughter, namely: Levi, Nathaniel, Isaac, Jesse, James, Sina and Cyrus.

James Hughes, the father of our subject was born in North Carolina, in 1786, and was fifteen years old when his parents moved to Ohio. In 1806 he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Dunnurn, who died a few months later, and in 1808 he married Miss Catherine Johnson, who was born in New Jersey, and with her parents moved to Ohio in 1789, settling in Clermont county. Eight children blessed the second union, five sons and three daughters: John, William, Rebecca, Ann, Jacob, Jane, Silas and James. Only two are now living: James at Altona, Indiana, and Silas, at Goshen, Ohio. The father served in the war of 1812 and was at Fort Defiance at the time of Perry's victory on Lake Erie.

In the county of his nativity Mr. Hughes, of this review, grew to manhood and continued to make his home there until forty-two years of age. On the 9th of November, 1842, he married Miss Margaret Cain. Her father, Richard Cain, was born in Virginia, May 8, 1795, and while young removed with his parents to Clermont county, Ohio. At the age of seventeen years he entered the service of his country as a soldier of the war of 1812 and served until its close. He then returned to his old home, where he was married in 1817 to Miss Eliza Danbury, who was born near Trenton, New Jersey, and was also quite young when she removed with her parents to Clermont county, Ohio. By this union were born one son and three daughters, namely: Margaret, William, Milly and Mary. The mother of these children died in 1828, after which the father removed to Darke county, Ohio, in 1853, and there died in 1859, aged sixty-four years.

In the fall of 1853, Mr. Hughes, in company with his family, came to DeWitt county, Illinois, and located on a farm in Texas township, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest February 5, 1874, when nearly sixty-four years of age. Politically he was always a stanch Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832, but he held no office except those of his township, and was never a candidate for any other official positions. His upright, honorable life gained for him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact, and his fellow citizens held him in the highest esteem.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were born seven children, of whom the eldest died in infancy. Those still living are Albert M., a contracting carpenter of Clinton; Nelson R., who has served as county superintendent of schools, having been elected to that office in November, 1890, and makes his home in Clinton; Warren F., a farmer of Texas township; George W. and Perry, who have been in the newspaper business in Clinton since 1885; and Eliza, also a resident of Clinton. In January, 1892, the mother removed from the farm to Clinton, where she died on the 13th of the following November at the age of seventy-four years. She was a most estimable lady, and an active member of the Texas Christian church, with which she united in 1875. Her husband was also a member of that church.

JOHN H. HUME. (Volume 1, Page 135)

John H. Hume, whose farm is just outside the corporate limits of Wapella, on section 35, Wapella township, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Pike county, on the 9th of May, 1843. His father, George A. Hume, was born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, March 4, 1809, of English and Scotch ancestry, and he was a lineal descendant of David Hume, the noted English historian. In his native state George A. Hume grew to manhood and married Miss Melinda Hume, who was born in Grant county, Kentucky, and was a daughter of James Hume, also a native of that state. About 1830 they came to Illinois and first settled in Brown county. It was in September, 1857, that the family removed to DeWitt county, where the father purchased four hundred acres of land and successfully engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life.

The subject of this sketch was a lad of fourteen years when he located here. His primary education was obtained in the public schools of this state, and in 1859 he entered the State Normal at Normal, Illinois, where he was a student when the Civil war broke out. Laying aside his text books he enlisted, October 14, 1861, in Company L, Fourth Illinois Cavalry, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and he participated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and Hatchie’s Run; the siege of Vicksburg; the first battle at Jackson, Tennessee; and the Meridian campaign, besides many skirmishes and scouting expeditions. Fortunately he was never wounded, though a bullet once passed through his cartridge box and clothing, grazing the flesh and raising a swelling. His three years of enlistment having expired, he was honorably discharged in November, 1864, and returned home.

Mr. Hume was married in Brown county, Illinois, on the 27th of November, 1864, to Miss Ann Z. Stone, who was born, reared and educated in that county. Her parents, Myram and Eunice M. (Riggs) Stone, were natives of Vermont, and pioneers of Brown county, Illinois. Her mother was an own cousin of President Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Hume have a family of nine children, namely: Elton, wife of A. McHugh, of Wapella; George A., a farmer of Wapella township; Charles M., who is carrying on the home farm; Ida G., wife of Alonzo Swisher, of Wapella; Jessie P., wife of Louis Williams, of Wapella; Sadie E., wife of Charles Swearingen, of Wapella township; and Ephraim C., Stacy A. and John Thomas, all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hume began their domestic life on the old homestead, and about 1872 removed to their present farm, which consists of eighty acres on section 35, Wapella township, adjoining the village. Here they have a nice home, surrounded by fruit and shade trees, and supplied with all modern improvements. Politically Mr. Hume has been a life-long Republican, his first presidential ballot being cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, and he has supported every nominee of the party since that time. He served one term as township clerk, and has been clerk of the school board, but has never cared for official honors. He is a member of Wapella Post, G. A. R., in which he served one term as commander, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

URIAH E. HUNT. (Volume 1, Page 377)

Among the leading farmers of Nixon township is recognized Uriah Elihu Hunt. He was born in Creek township, Jasper county, Illinois, June 28, 1849, and is a son of William and Margaret (Timmons) Hunt. He was a native of Virginia and she of Tennessee. Our subject’s paternal grandfather, Stephen Hunt, was a native of Virginia and was a pioneer of Creek township, Jasper county, Illinois, where he improved a half section of land on what is known as Hunt’s branch, this place being named after him. The post office at Hunt City is also named for the family. His wife, whose name was Elizabeth, bore him seven children, namely: William, who became our subject’s father; Sarah, who became Mrs. William Henson; Joseph; Stephen; Uriah; Elizabeth, who married Levi Bonham; and Mary, who became the wife of Alex White. Both grandparents lived and died in Jasper county, he reaching the good old age of ninety-three years. The maternal father was William Timmons, formerly of Ohio, a pioneer and prominent farmer of Edgar county, Illinois.

William Hunt, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, was reared and married in Ohio, and with his parents they all came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Jasper county. He drove a one-horse wagon, with his wife, son and daughter, and his father drove three horses with his family. William Hunt took up two hundred and eighty acres of land, which he improved and at the same time worked at the carpenter’s trade, of which he has a good knowledge. Here he spent the remainder of his days, dying in 1852 at the age of thirty-four years. He was the father of ten children, of whom eight grew to maturity, as follows: Francis; Sarah married Norman Matheney; Nathan; John; Mary became Mrs. Louis Day; William; Uriah E., our subject; and James. All are now deceased except Uriah, and Nathan.

Uriah Hunt was reared on the old homestead in Jasper county, where he received as good an education as the public schools at that time afforded. At the age of seventeen years he was employed as a farm hand in Cole county, where he remained two years. At the end of that time he rented land in the same county and tilled the soil for his own interests. Here he remained until 1875, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Creek township, Mason county, continuing there for seven years. He then disposed of that property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres on sections 32 and 33 in Nixon township, where he has since resided.

On December 24, 1868, Mr. Hunt took for a helpmate Miss Lucy, daughter of Henry Beem, of Cole, Illinois, but formerly from Ohio. This union was blessed with twelve children, namely: Henry A.; Lisettie, deceased; Eva, now Mrs. William Baker; Emma married Gibson Monroe; Doran; Charles; Maude became the wife of Charles Adams; Robert O.; Ada; Lizzie; William; and Lester. While only fifty two years of age, Mr. Hunt has fifteen grandchildren.

Religiously Mr. Hunt and family are members of the United Brethren church. Socially he is a member of Weldon Lodge, No. 746, A. F. & A. M., Mozart Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen, 1787, Protection League, No. 235. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and has held office of supervisor, collector and assessor of Nixon township. He has always given his support to those measures which he believed to prove of public benefit.

CHARLES HURD. (Volume 1, Page 181)

Charles Hurd, a prosperous and substantial agriculturist of Wilson township, is a typical self-made man, and in the following record of his career there is much to arouse respect and esteem.  He has always made the most of his advantages, and by his industry, perseverance and good management has worked his way steadily upward and now stands among the successful few.

A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Hurd was born in Sullivan county, December 27, 1830, and is a son of Elisha and Florinda (Stevens) Hurd.  The father was a native of the same county and a son of Peter and Meribah (Atwood) Hurd, the former of whom was a son of Nathan Hurd.  The Hurd family came originally from England and was founded in Connecticut by four brothers soon after the landing of the Pilgrims who came to this country in the Mayflower.  The father of our subject, who was a farmer by occupation, died in New Hampshire in 1874, but the mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-one years and possesses her mental and physical faculties to a remarkable degree.  She makes her home with her youngest son, Bela, in New Hampshire, on the old homestead.  Religiously she is a member of the Christian church, to which her husband belonged, and in politics he was a Democrat.  Their children were Julana, wife of Center L. Cutts, of Massachusetts; George W., a resident of New Hampshire; Bela, who lives on the old homestead in that state; and Charles, of this review.  Three children died in childhood, while Mrs. Ellen Gardner died after reaching maturity, as did Lois, who died in young womanhood.

Our subject grew to manhood among the hills of the old Granite state and attended the district schools near his home and later the academies at Newport and Washington, Sullivan county, where he finished his education and fitted himself for teaching, to which profession he turned his attention at the age of twenty.  For some time he taught in the district schools during the winter months, while the summer season was devoted to farming.

On the 17th of March, 1857, Mr. Hurd married Miss Sarah F. Alden, a daughter of Thomas and Huldah (Blodgett) Alden, and granddaughter of Levi and Boadicia (Warner) Alden.  Her paternal great grandfather was Captain Thomas Warner, who served with distinction all through the Revolutionary war as an officer under General Washington.  Mrs. Hurd’s father was of the seventh generation, in direct descent from John Alden, who was immortalized by Longfellow’s poem—The Courtship of Miles Standish.  None of that generation are now living.  Thomas Alden died in 1892, at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife the same year, at the same age.  His children were Caroline, deceased: Sarah F., wife of our subject; George, who died young; Helen L., deceased wife of George W. Hurd, a brother of our subject; Anna G., deceased wife of Milton P. Bailey; and John, a resident of New Hampshire.   Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hurd, one died in infancy.  Those living are as follows: (1) John Alden, a resident of Wilson township, this county, married Isadora Mason and has two children, Garl G. and Malvola.  (2) Flora S. is the wife of Melvin Johnson, of the same township, and they have one child, Raymond.  (3) Charles E. married Annabel Hendrickson and lives on the home farm of our subject.

In 1863 Mr. Hurd came west and first located in Menard county, Illinois, where he had two uncles living, and he taught school there until 1868.  In the meantime he acquired some farm land in that county, which he sold in 1868, and then removed to DeWitt county, buying a one-hundred-acre tract of timberland on section 28, Harp township.  Here he resumed teaching and continued to follow that pursuit for two years.  Selling his property in 1871, he removed to Wilson township and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of improved land on sections 28 and 29, and also a ten-acre tract of timber land, which he subsequently cleared and sold.  He also taught school in Wilson township for two years.  Today he is the owner of a fine farm, well fenced and tiled and under a high state of cultivation.   Along the highway he has set out some lovely maple trees, which not only add to the beauty of his place, but which also cast a grateful shade over the passing traveler.  In 1891 he built a nice residence and erected a good barn in 1894, so that he now has one of the best improved and most attractive places of the township.

Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Hurd are members of the Universalist church and politically he is identified with the Democratic party.  His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to fill several local positions of honor and trust, serving as township supervisor two terms, and also as assessor, township clerk and school director.  His public service has been most exemplary, and his private life has been marked by the utmost fidelity to duty.  He is thoroughly identified with the interests of his adopted county, and is well known as an enterprising and reliable business man, who is held in the highest esteem by all with whom he is brought in contact.

Dr. George W. HYDE. (Volume 1, Page 136) 

G. W. Hyde, M. D., possessing the typical, progressive spirit of the west, stands to-day a leading representative of the medical fraternity of DeWitt County. He is now located in the city of Clinton, and throughout the surrounding country has an extensive practice, which his skill and ability justly merits.

The Doctor was born in Derbyshire, England, April 11, 1829, and is a son of William and Susan (Walker) Hyde, both of whom were natives of England. The father was a carpenter by trade and spent his entire life in his native land, where our subject was reared to manhood. His education was obtained in the public and Episcopal schools, he also studied and practiced medicine there. He then determined to establish a home in the new world, coming to America in 1857 and locating in Iroquois county, this state, where he practiced during the war. In 1873 he moved to Clinton, where, although there were several other physicians, he built up a lucrative practice, which extended through this and adjoining counties. Three years later he took a special course at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in the same year. Owing to his success in his profession, Dr. Hyde's practice became so large that he was obliged to confine himself to city work almost entirely. For some time his office was on Main street, but he later built a commodious home, in which he has a spacious office, at 502 South Madison street, where he has always kept a large assortment of medicines and filled his own prescriptions.

Along the lines of his profession, the Doctor is well read, a thorough student and successful practitioner, keeping fully abreast with the times, and socially and professionally stands high. There is none more sought after than he, regardless of his declining years, and the many families in which he has so long been practicing cannot consent to any other physician.

Our subject was married in England to Miss Sarah Owen, who was born in Birmingham, and a daughter of George Owen. Six children have gladdened this home, four of whom are now living, namely: Mary Ann; Alfred W., who is practicing medicine in South Dakota; Walter is following agricultural pursuits in South Dakota; and William F., formerly a druggist, but now a farmer in Jefferson county, Illinois. For over fifty years Dr. Hyde has been a member of the Baptist church, holding different offices and contributing freely towards its support. He is a member of Illinois State Eclectic Society and the National Eclectical Society. In politics he is a Republication, but has never aspired for public office, preferring to devote his whole time to his chosen profession.

He has a beautiful home, surrounded by well-kept lawns, and very tastefully laid out with shade trees, shrubbery and ferns, and it is the Doctor's own hands that have made it so attractive. He is one of the oldest practicing physicians and surgeons in the county of DeWitt, and has won honor and esteem through his well chosen profession, one whose name will be handed down from generation to generation by his wonderful success.

Judge George K. INGHAM. (Volume 1, Page 48) 

The history of Judge Ingham is one deserving of a prominent place in the annals of DeWitt county, where the greater part of his life has been passed.  The qualities of the capable lawyer, strong in argument and reliable in council, are his, and his life record reflects credit and honor upon the county which has honored him by calling him to important judicial service.

A native of Ohio, he was born July 19, 1852, and is a son of Samuel Ingham.  The ancestry of the family may be traced back to Jonathan Ingham whose parents crossed the Atlantic from Wales and established their home in the new world.  Their son Jonathan was a fuller by trade, following that pursuit in order to provide for the wants of himself and family.  In religious faith he was connected with the society of Quakers or Friends.  He reared several sons who became prominent in their respective vocations.  One of the number, Samuel D. Ingham, was a member of congress and also served in the cabinet of Andrew Jackson as secretary of the treasury.   Jonathan became a merchant and farmer; Hezekiah was a paper manufacturer; Isaiah engaged in farming and also conducted a tannery.  He was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, near New Hope, on the 15th of May, 1789, and about 1810 removed to Ross county, Ohio, where he married Susan Durst, who was born near Charleston, West Virginia, daughter of Daniel and Polly Durst, who removed to Ohio about 1812.  They had but one child, Samuel Ingham, the father of the Judge.   After the mother’s death the father was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Thatcher, and they had three children,—John C., Mary and Elizabeth.  Isaiah Ingham was a prominent Mason and held a number of offices of public honor and trust discharging his duties with unquestioned fidelity.  He was disowned by the Society of Friends because he joined the army at the general call for troops needed on account of the French and Indian troubles in northern Ohio.

Dr. Samuel Ingham, the father of the Judge, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1816 and was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier.  On the 28th of March, 1843, he married Miss Nancy C. King, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Nolan) King.  The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm and for four years the Doctor continued its cultivation.  In the meantime he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine and then entered the Physio-Medical College, of Cincinnati, where he was graduated.  He located for the practice of medicine in Andersonville, Ross county, Ohio, where he remained for eight years, and in 1858, he removed to Waynesville, Illinois.  Retiring from practice he devoted his attention to the milling business for six years, on the expiration of which period he purchased a farm in Barnett township, DeWitt county, comprising one hundred and eighty acres.  Upon this he made many improvements, placing the land under a high state of cultivation.  Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Macon county and was actively associated with agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1895, when he was seventy-eight years of age.  His wife passed away in 1891, at the age of seventy-two years.  They were the parents of four children: Alva C., a resident of Warrensburg, Illinois; Susie, who died at the age of sixteen years; Dora B., the wife of L. K. Cunningham, who lives on the old family homestead; and George K.

Judge Ingham was only six years of age when brought by his parents to Illinois, and was therefore practically reared in DeWitt county.  After completing his preliminary education in the public schools here he matriculated in the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor and was graduated in the law department with the class of 1875.  Returning to DeWitt county he began practice in Kenney, and after three years removed to Clinton, where he became associated with William Fuller, a partnership which was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit until the death of Mr. Fuller, more than eleven years later.  Since that time Mr. Ingham has been alone in the practice of law.  He has long had a large clientage and has managed law business of an important character.  His success came soon because his equipment was good, he having been a close and earnest student of the fundamental principles of the science of jurisprudence.  Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer—a keen, rapid, logical mind, plus the business sense, and a ready capacity for earnest labor, he brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts—eloquence of language and a strong personality.  As a result of his success he has made some judicious investments in real estate and is now the owner of some fine property in Clinton.

In March, 1878, was celebrated the marriage of George K. Ingham and Miss Alice Tenney, a daughter of Dr. Boynton Tenney, of Waynesville, who came to DeWitt county about 1846 and died over thirty years ago.  The marriage of the Judge and his wife has been blessed with three children, Leonard, Rolla and Helen.  Socially he is connected with the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias society in Clinton, and is a popular and valued member of those organizations.  In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican, firm and loyal in his advocacy of the principles of the party.  In 1878 he was elected to represent his district in the legislature, and although one of the youngest members of the general assembly, being then but twenty-six years of age, he was recognized as a very active and capable member of the house.  In 1882 he was appointed judge of the county court of DeWitt county, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge McGraw, and he discharged his duties with such “even handed justice” that it “won golden opinions from all sorts of people. ”  This term expired December, 1882.  Then in 1886 he was elected and has since been continued on the bench by the will of the people.  His legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasps the points in argument, all combine to make him one of the most capable jurists that has ever sat upon the bench of DeWitt county.