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Is well known as one of the prominent farmer and stock-men of Blue Mound township, and as such we subjoin a brief sketch of his life, from the time he left his native land a poor wandering youth to the time he became known as one of the opulent farmers of Macon county. He was born in the province of Waldeck, Germany, Nov. 16th, 1832. He is the son of John and Nettie Bailey, (Ger. Behle,) average livers, according to European status. He is the second son of a family of five children, and remained on his father's farm till the age of nineteen was attained, when he determined to put into execution the previously formed resolution of seeking a home and fortune in the United States. Accordingly, in company with some other young male friends, he left the shores of his fatherland, and arrived in New Orleans in the spring of 1852. There he met an agent of the Ills. Cen. R.R., was employed by him, and brought to this state to the town of Decatur. Here he met a rough reception indeed. As soon as it was known that a number of young German boys were employed to work on the road, they were assailed by a mob of Irish R.R. Paddies, and would likely have been killed by them had not the good people of Decatur interfered in their protection. This mob had no other object in view than to monopolize work, and was possibly instigated to some extent by a national hatred found among the low-born and ignorant. Not deeming it safe to continue longer on the road, Mr. Bailey cancelled his engagement with the company, and hired out as a farm-hand about three years. He then rented land and farmed for himself about the same length of time, after which he bought one hundred acres in this township, the nucleus of his present fine farm, comprising some 700 acres of Macon's richest soil. In 1858, he was united in wedlock to Miss Henriette, daughter of Annie Delbridge and John Fahrenhorst, of Prussia--a lady of fine domestic accomplishments and personal qualities, and the mother of their five bright boys and three promising daughters. For the first few years of his farm experience, Mr. Bailey had a run of bad luck, included in which was the burning of his fine barn, in which was stored all his machinery and agricultural implements. He has, though, kept steadily at work, and business has prospered in his hands, and now he ranks among the wealthiest farmers of the county, and every dollar of his property has been made, and that, too, in accordance with the strictest construction of the principles of business integrity, since he arrived her a poor, destitute German youth, among a strange though a sympathizing people. In no sense of the term can parsimoniousness be charged to his account. He has been liberal with his means in all true demands of charity, and to the interests of the public weal. He aided largely in the building of the German Methodist Church of his community, of which he and his lady are members, and has taken an active interest in the good cause of education. He is conferring on his children, as they grow up, all the advantages which his wealth commands, and lives and acts on the principle that property is a means rather than an end. He has a pleasant home, and a pleasant neighborhood, with many friends, and it can be said of him that the "lines have fallen in pleasant places." History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 195
The ancestry of the Baker family on the paternal side is Irish and Welsh, and on the maternal, Irish. Nathan Baker, the paternal grandfather, was a native of North Carolina. He removed to Tennessee in 1815, and remained there until his death, in Sept., 1824. He married Elizabeth Aston. She was also a native of the Carolinas. By this marriage there were eight children. William D. is the only one living. He was born in North Carlina, September 12th, 1800. He went with his father to Tennessee, and remained there until 1828, when, in the fall of that year, he emigrated to Illinois, and settled near Bethlehem Church. The next spring he removed to section 20 of Long Creek township, and there he has continued to reside until the present time. He and his brother-in-law, David Davis, were the only settlers in 1828, in what is now known as Long Creek township. William D. Baker married Matilda Martin. The date of the marriage was Nov. 13th, 1823. She was born in South Carolina, Sept. 29th, 1799. Both she and her aged husband are still living where they settled over a half century ago. Mrs. Baker's father was a native of Pennsylvania, and moved to the Carolinas. His father was a soldier of the Revolution, and his grandfather a soldier in the old French war, and was taken captive by the Indians, and remained in captivity for several years. By the marriage of William D. and Marilla Baker, there have been six children, four boys and two girs--five of whom are living. Their names are, Matilda, wife of Andrew Dennis, James T., now a resident of Missouri, Mary E., widow of Rev. John R. Smith, William P., of Montgomery county, Illinois, and Nathan M.., the subject of this sketch. He is the youngest of the family, and was born in Long Creek township, October 22d, 1837. He has been reared, and yet lives on the place where he was born. In his youth he had remarkably good advantages for receiving an education, which he improved. Besides his education received in the public schools, he spent several years in the academy at Mt. Zion. In April, 1862, he was regularly ordained a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and from that time to the present, except when prevented by sickness, has been in charge of a congregation. In the summer of 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. "C," 116th Regt. Ill. vols., for three years. Upon the organization of the regiment he was promoted to the captaincy. He resigned the position in 1864, and returned to Long Creek township. On the 1st of September, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Price. She was born in Butler county, Ohio. Her parents, John and Elizabeth Price, were natives of Rockingham county, Virginia. John Price came to Ohio in 1849. His wife, and mother of Mrs. Baker, removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1857, and settled in Macon county, Wheatland township, where she still resides. Mrs. Baker was born August 2d, 1841. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker five children, three of whom are living. Their names are, Florence R., born Aug. 3d, 1870, Mary E., born Aug 17th, 1874, Emma L., born January 11th, 1876. Mr. Baker is a respected member of the order of Free Masonry. He is a strong advocate of temperance, and belongs to an organization for the suppression of the liquor traffic. Politically, he is an advocate of republican principles, as promulgated in the platforms of that party. He, however, takes no further part in politics than to express his principles through the right of suffrage. As before stated, Mr. Baker and his family may be regarded as among the pioneers of Macon county. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 183
JAMES M. BAKER was born September 18, 1811 in North Carolina, and came to Macon County in 1830; was married to ARRAANNA H. HODGE, who was born in North Carolina, May 15, 1816, and removed to Macon County in the winter of 1830-31. Of their children - ROBERT was born September 10, 1830. S.A. E. was born March 7, 1848: marrried to JAMES GREGORY, and died in March 1873. History of Macon County, Illinois, From its Organization to 1876. Submitted by: Sandy
NEWTON N. BAKER was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, February 28, 1803; moved to Rutherford County, Tenn., when he was eleven years old, and moved to Macon County in 1830 and settled 5 miles east of Decatur; was married to Tabitha J. Hodge in 1835, and died May 27, 1872. His wife was born in Orange County, North Carolina, in 1814, who came to Illinois in 1829, and settled in Sangamon county, remained one year and then removed to Macon County; she is still living in Decatur. Of their children - AMZI H. was born in 1836; was married to Anna White, in 1867, and is now living in Decatur. MARY C., was born in 1839; was married to S. C. Davis, in 1857, and is still living in this county. JOSEPH N. was born - and is now living in Decatur. JAMES W. was born - also living in Decatur. History of Macon County, Illinois, From its Organization to 1876. Submitted by: Sandy
History of Macon County, Illinois, From its Organization to 1876. Submitted by: Sandy
William M. Baldridge, who is engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business in Decatur, is a native of Decatur County, Ind., his birth having occurred on the 25th of July, 1833. He is one of a family of ten children born until Ebenezer W. and Elizabeth (Wallace) Baldridge, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, William Baldridge, was born in Virginia, and spent the latter part of his life in Adams County, Ohio. He was a minister of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, now called the United Presbyterian Church, and preached for about forty years, or until his death, which occurred in 1824. He was the father or twelve sons and three daughters. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Michael Wallace, was a native of Kentucky, and followed farming in Shelby County, that State, and in Decatur County, Ind. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at his home some years later. He and his family were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and his ancestors as far back as the year 1400 were adherents of the same faith. Of the eight childen and two daughters in the Baldridge family only three are now living; William, of this sketch; James, who resides in Charleston, W.Va., where he holds the position of telegraph operator and ticket agent; and Thomas H., of Catlettsburgh, Ky. The father of this family was a physician, who engaged in the practice of medicine for over forty years, and died June 1, 1893, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife, who was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, died at the age of forty-four, and in 1862 he was again married. We now take up the personal history of our subject, who spent the greater part of his youth in Ohio, and there acquired his early education. He completed his literary studies in the Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, after which he started out in life for himself. He embarked in merchangising in Hamilton, Ohio, and after a short period went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he followed the same business for some time. He also engaged in teaching there, and was distributing clerk in the postoffice under the Buchanan administration. In 1858 his connection with the railroad commenced. He began in the freight department, and was afterward conductor on the Des Moines Valley Railroad until 1862, when he went to La Fayette, Ind., and ran trains on the Wabash Railroad for seven and a-half years. Subsequent to that time he was employed in the railroad offices of that road. Later he formed a connection with the Big Four Road. He has performed almost every duty in connection with that line of work, and in all the different capacities has been a faithful and efficient employe. At length, on account of failing health, he left the road in 1873. On the 21st of September, 1854, Mr. Baldridge married Miss Pamelia J. Boyce, daughter of Rev. William M. and Nancy (Grimes) Boyce, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. Six children were born of their union, two sons and four daughters: Nannie E., Mary I., Willie M., Allie B., Alva M., and Jennie, but Mary and Willie are now deceased. Allie has become the wife of John H. Mitchell, telegraph operator in South Bend, Ind. He was formerly Deputy County Clerk of Tippecanoe County, Ind., for eight years. They have one child, Joseph B. On leaving the railroad in 1873, Mr. Baldridge became insurance solicitor in La Fayette, Ind., and followed that business for fifteen years, in connection with real-estate dealing. In December, 1890, he came to Decatur, and has since made this city his home. Himself and his wife are members of the Assembly Presbyterian Church. In his social relations, he is an Odd Fellow, and in politics is a supporter of the Republican principles. He is a genial and pleasant gentleman, and though his residence has been of very short duration, he has already become quite popular throughout the community. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co, Illinois, 1893 - p. 223-223
 Of Decatur, Illinois, was born
at Claremont, New Hampshire, on the 19th of December, 1829.
His father, Ira Norton Barnes, was a representative New England farmer, and being industrious and
closely attentive to his business, he managed to draw from among the rocks of his native state a
comfortable support for his large family. The mother of Dr. Barnes, Harriet Eastman Barnes, was
a member of the old Eastman family, from which sprung Daniel Webster and other distinguished
characters. When Dr. Barnes was only three months of age his father received a severe scald
while boiling maple-syrup, which resulted in his death after a few days. The early years in
the life of Dr. Barnes were spent at Claremont. After obtaining a good education at the academies
of his native town and of Springfield, Vermont, he began the study of medicine and pharmacy with
W.M. Ladd, M.D., of Claremont.
In July, 1849, he was commissioned by Governor Dinsmoor as assistant surgeon of the 15th regiment of New Hampshire militia. He remained in the drug store of Dr. Ladd several years, and then he determined upon a collegiate course of study. After two year spent in preparation at Kimball Union Academy, he entered Dartmouth College in 1851, and graduated there from in 1855, with the degree of A.B. The following year was spent in the drug business with his brother, Dr. W.A. Barnes, at Decatur, Illinois. He then removed to Jackson, Mississippi, where he taught a select school and read medicine with Dr. S.C. Farrar. In 1858 he received the degree of A.M. from Dartmouth College, and attended his first course of medical lectures at Hanover, New Hampshire, and continued his medical studies under the tuition of Professors Dixi Crosby and E.R. Peaslee. He spent the summer of 1859 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending the clinics at the various hospitals, and in the autumn of the same year he matriculated at the Jefferson Medical College. In 1861, he returned to Philadelphia and attended his last course of lectures, and graduated at the Jefferson School in March, 1862. Immediately after graduation he located at Decatur, Illinois, and formed a partnership with Dr. E.W. Moore, which has continued to the present time. In March, 1863, he was appointed and commissioned as surgeon of the 116th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. In 1864 he was appointed surgeon-in-chief of the 2d Div. Army Corps, and in 1865 was placed in charge of the Division Hospital. He was with his regiment when, as part of the Army of the Tennessee, it participated in the battles around Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi; Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and Knoxville, Tennessee; Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Atlant, Fort McAllister and Savannah, Georgia; and Columbia, South Carolina. After marching with Sherman to the sea, and thence through the Carolina and Virginia to Washington, District of Columbia, he was mustered out with his regiment near the latter city in June, 1865. He at once returned to Decatur and resumed the practice of his profession, in which he has been very successful. The partnership between him and Dr. Moore has existed longer than any other medical partnership in Macon county. He has been a conscientious and industrious physician, and his energies have been wholly devoted to his large practice. Dr. Barnes is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society and of the American Medical Association, and one of the physicians to the Hospital of the Sisters of St. Francis. On the 25th of September, 1861, he was married to Diantha G. Sargent, of Claremont, New Hampshire, who died May 10th, 1879. He has one child, a son, Lynn Moore Barnes, born October 3d, 1873. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 141
A native of Claremont, New Hampshire, and was born on the fifteenth of March, 1824. His paternal grandfather was one of the early settlers of New Hampshire, removing from Farmington, Connecticut, to Claremont, when that aprt of the state was almost a complete wilderness. His father, Ira N. Barnes, was born at Claremont. He was a farmer in comfortable circumstances; when only about thirty years of age his death resulted from an accident. Dr. Barnes' mother, Harriet Eastman, belonged to an old New England family, which has produced several men of distinction. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of five children. He was six years old when his father died. From seven till he was fifteen years of age, his home was with his grandfather. He had good advantages for obtaining an education, the neighborhood in which he was raised abounding in excellent schools. He attended the Claremont academy. In the year 1839, when fifteen he went to Dayton, Ohio, to live with a cousin. He attended school at Dayton, and in the year 1844, when twenty, began teaching school in Montgomery county, Ohio. He also for a time taught music, to which he had devoted considerable attention. He began the study of medicine in 1846, in the office of Dr. Van Harlingen, at Centreville, Ohio. After completing his preparatory studies, he attended his first course of lectures at the Starling Medical College at Columbia. In the fall of 1849 he went to Philadelphia and began his second course of lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in the spring of 1850. His marriage occurred on the thirtieth of October, 1849, to Eleanor Sawyer, a native of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, with whom Dr. Barnes had become acquainted while she was a resident of Centreville, Ohio. His marriage took place in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. In 1850 after his graduation, he began practice at Centreville, Ohio, but in the autumn of the same year removed to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession for three years. In 1853 he became a resident of Decatur. He purchased a track of land four miles from town, and devoted his attentionto its improvement. In 1855 he succeeded Drs. King and Chenoweth in the ownership of a drug store in Decatur, which he carried on till 1859. He received the appointment of master in chancery in 1861, and filled the office throughout almost the entire period of the war, resigning in 1865. He was one of the first to embark in the namufacturing business, which has added so much to the prosperity of Decatur. In 1860, in partnership with William Lintner, he started a factory for the manufacture of hay-presses, to which the making of pumps and agricultural implements was afterwards added. His was one of the first manufacturing establishments in Decatur. He disposed of his interest to his partner, from whom the factory passed into the hands of the present proprietors, who carry it on as the Decatur Furniture Factory. Since 1868 he has been principally engaged in dealing in real estate, and the improvement of lands, of which he owns several tracts in Macon, Piatt and Moultrie counties. Dr. Barnes was one of the old original Republicans of Macon county, and has been a member of the party from its first organization in this part of the state. He took a deep interest in the support of Fremont, the Republican candidate for the Presidency in 1856, and made several speeches in his behalf throughout the county. He has been one of the representative citizens of Decatur, and has filled several public positions. Previous to the war he was Mayor of Decatur, and has represented his ward several times in the board of Aldermen. He has been an advocate of every enterprise which he considered likely to advance the interests of Decatur, and did his full share toward securing to the city the system of railroads, which now makes it such an important railroad centre. He was one of the active members of the Citizens' Association, organized to advance the public interests of Decatur. In the educational interest of the city he has always taken a warm interest. For several years he has been one of the active members of the Board of Education, and is now its President. With the exception of one year he has been President of the Decatur Public Library since its organization. These facts are sufficient to show his connection with the best and most important interests of Decatur, to whose superiority as an educational centre, and place of residence few citizens have done more to contribute. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 143
Was born in Frederick county, Maryland, September 8th, 1833. His parents, Cornelius Barrick and Mary Snook, were natives of the same county, where he followed the calling of carpenter. Mr. Barrick was brought up in the same trade, and laid the foundation of his fortune by the use of the saw and plane. When about seventeen, in company with his oldest brother, William, he directed his course to Illinois, in order to find a larger field of operation, and to have an opportunity to grow up with the country. He made a location in the old village of Middletown, Logan county, and there completed an apprenticeship under the superintendence of his brother, who was a finished and experienced workman. He followed the business two years in Lincoln, after which he directed his steps to Christian county. There, in 1855, he purchased his first farm, a tract of 133 acres, which he reduced to cultivation. He afterwards sold and bought till he owned three farms in that county. He has also owned as many in this county at different dates, and has been known for several years as one of the active business men of this county. About three years ago he located in Blue Mound, and bought the homestead of John Armstrong. His object in coming to this town was to look after the interests of an elevator, in which he had purchased an interest in 1875. In 1877, he bought out the other partners, and has since conducted the business alone. He has added needed improvements suitable to a large and increasing trade, and now does a business equal in magnitude to any of the kind in the county, handling this season 200,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Barrick has proven a valuable acquisition to the trade and commerce of his town and community, and has gained for himself a reputation in business capability and commercial honor second to none. His private life is also without reproach, and he stands before the people without a blemish on the family escutcheon. He was married while in Logan county, to Miss Barbara A., the daughter of Samuel Gaver, formerly also of Frederick county, Maryland. This lady died in the spring of 1863, leaving four children, three daughters still surviving, two of whom are married, viz: Melinda, the consort of Charles Wilcox, a resident of Christian county, and Carrie, the wife of Wm. Henshie, of this county. His second and present wife was formerly Mrs. Jane R. Leister, relict of Jno. Leister, formerly of Bureau county, and native of the Chesapeake States. Five heirs constitute the fruits of this union, a son and four daughters. Mr. Barrick in the multiplicity of business has not neglected the greater concerns of the Christian religion, but for a number of years has tried in a humble manner to serve the "King of Kings." He has maintained a consistent and creditable standing in the Methodist church for a quarter of a century, where his family have also found a spiritual home. He is a republican in his political creed, and therefore a Union man in the full sense of the term. He was not in the late war himself, but his family furnished to the Union columns six brothers and one brother-in-law, who fought through the war, which eventuated in the integrity of the Republic. Mr. Barrick is a firm believer in the great future of the American nation, is an advocate of the equal rights of all before the bar of civil law, and that in social standing men should be taken breast high--that is, valued for their moral and religious worth alone, independent of monetary considerations. He came to this state poor and with only a limited education, but by industry and good judgment he has amassed at least an independence in property, and by a long course of general reading and business calculations he has supplied what he failed to acquire in his early school days. He has treated all with fairness in trade, has never taken the advantage in cases when others have been dependent on him, and to his perpetual credit it can be said that in no instance has he oppressed the poor, and that in all business transactions, however needy second parties were, he has always treated them as if no disparagement in circumstances existed. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 109/10
Hails from the rich and cultivated old county of Madison, where his grandfather, Joseph Bartlett, settled in 1808, being an emigrant from Tenn., in wich W.R., Mr. B's father, was born, and who was seven years old when the family arrived in Illinois. He married Miss Lucy Thompson, by whom he raised a family of ten children, all now dead but Mr. Bartlett, Wm. R., Jno. W., James P. of Washington territory, Mary A. Hunter, of Portland, Oregon, and Thompson, of Sedalia, Mo. Mr. Bartlett was born near Edwardsville, Nov. 11th, 1832, was raised as a farmer, and on attaining his majority, leased a half section of land for ten years, which was the means of starting him, financially, in the world. He was married in 1861, to Miss Isabella McNickle, the daughter of George and Jane McCoy. A short time before the expiration of his lease he bought a farm of 100 acres, four miles east of his county-seat, on which he lived till his removal to this county in 1868, and which he disposed of at the round price of $80 per acre. He at once, on his arrival here, purchased the fine farm in Milam township which has since been his home, and which is handsomely improved, and in a superior state of cultivation--equal in every respect to any in his precinct. Though in the strictest sense a farmer, and having no taste for official cares and responsibilities, still he has held some of the positions of trust within his township. He was its second supervisor and held the office for two terms, and for three years was commissioner of highways, and was the first town collector. His public duties were discharged in every respect with ability and integrity, and to his endeavors the people are indebted for the timely and excellent system of grading and drainage imperatively demanded by the topography of the country. He was bereaved by the death of his amiable companion in 1874, who left behind her six children--all still living save one which followed its mother to the grave in a few days. His second wife was Miss Henriette Naftel, an accomplished lady, by whom his family circle has been enlarged by the birth of three additional children. From family traditions we gather the following facts in regard to the early history of the Bartlett family. His great-grandfather was a French Quaker, who settled in Va., and afterwards moved into Md., where Mr. B.'s grandfather was born. He was a frontiersman in an eminent sense, first in N.C., then in Tenn., and lastly in Ills. He was in the Black Hawk and other early Indian wars, and was one of the best informed old settlers of his day, was well known by many of the earlier politicians of the state, and such were the retentive qualities of his memory that he had the histories of the three states in which he had lived almost by heart. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880p. 235
Was born at Hampton Falls, Rockingham county, New Hampshire, July 12th, 1823. His ancestor, the Rev. Stephen Batchelder, or "Bachiler" as the name was then spelled, came over from London, and became pastor of the church at Hampton before 1638, having previously preached at Lynn; he returned to England in 1656; he had a son, a minister, in London, who never came to this country; but his grandson, Nathaniel Batchelder, settled at Hampton Falls. The farm at Hampton Falls on which he settled has been in the possession of the family since for five successive generations, and on it the subject of this biography was born. His great-great-grandfather was Nathaniel Batchelder, first settler of Hampton Falls, who married Elizabeth Foss; his great- grandfather was Josiah Batchelder, who married Sarah Page; his grandfather was David Batchelder, whose second wife was Mary Emory; his parents were Moses Batchelder and Abigail Drake. His grandmother, Mary Emory, had three brothers in the Revolutionary war. Moses Emory was the sixth of eight children; he was raised at Hampton Falls. Jan 22, 1852, he married Sarah A.L. Batchelder, of Pittsfield, New Hampshire. In 1864 he came to Macon county, and the next spring settled in Illini township. He owns 305 acres of land. He is a republican. His children are Fred. J., Natt. C., Frank, Edward and Clarence. Since 1843 he has been a member of the Congregational Church. The Batchelder's ancestors having died, some of them, at an extreme old age. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 218
Has been a resident of Hickory Pt. township since 1857. He is descended from a family which has resided in New England for several generations. His ancestors were early settlers at Deerfield, New Hampshire. His father, Edmund Batchelder, was born and raised at Deerfield. His mother, Nancy Smith, was a native of Seabrook, Rockingham county, New Hampshire. The subject of this sketch was born at Deerfield, Rockingham county, New Hampshire, on the nineteenth of October, 1830. He was the second of a family of four children, of whom two were sons and two daughters. He obtained a good education in the common schools. His father was a man in comfortable circumstances, and owned between two and three hundred acres of land--a fair-sized farm for New England. On growing up, he made up his mind that New Hampshire was not the place in which he could best make his way in the world, and concluded to go West. In the fall of 1855 he came to Coles county, Illinois, where he remained till July, 1856, when he came to Decatur. He found employment for some months in Decatur, and in the spring of 1857 assisted in building a house on the Bloomington road, about nine miles north of Decatur. The following summer he went into the business of breaking prairie. In the autumn of 1857 he purchased eighty acres of land in section eight of Hickory Point township, which he began improving in the spring of 1858. For several years he followed breaking prairie, also purchased ditching machines, and part of the year was engaged in ditching. With the money thus earned he met the payments on his land, on which, in1862, he erected a dwelling. In October, 1864, he married Mary Ritchie, daughter of Samuel Ritchie. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in 1872. His second marriage took place in the fall of 1873, to Mrs. Margaretta Richards. Her maiden name was Margaretta Corman, and she too was born in Pennsylvania. He has been engaged in farming, and owns two hundred and sixty-five acres of land, part of which lies in Illini township. His farm, which he has kept in grass, is one of the model farms of the township, and everything about it is kept in the best of order. It is amply supplied with fruit of all kinds, and the improvements and buildings are of a substantial character. Besides managing his own land, he leases an adjoining half section. He has eight children, four by each marriage. When he first came to Hickory Point township, few improvements had been made on the prairie, which lay for miles open and uncultivated. Toward bringing it into subjection, and transforming it into productive farms, Mr. Batchelder has done his full share. He began life in the West, with no capital except his own energy, and his success illustrates what may be accomplished by well-directed industry. He has taken no part in public life. He is a republican in politics, though he has never been strictly attached to any party, and for local offices has always supported the man whom he considered best fitted for the position. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 205/6
It has been a disputed question as to what circumstances are best calculated to develop a strong and versatile character. All agree, however, that the endowments of nature are of supreme importance, and must go hand-in-hand with the other circumstances of life. It is true that circumstances have much to do in calling forth the qualities of the mind, then how important is it to study human biography! It has been said that almost any life is an interesting study when written out in full. Certainly this would be the case with the life we are now about to glance at. The subject of this sketch, Abraham H. Bates, is the son of Joseph H. and Nancy B. Bates. His father was a clergyman, and though a man of small means, he had the blessing of a large family. A.H. was the ninth child out of a family of twelve. His parents moved from near Jacksonvill, Illinois, in 1846, when the subject of this sketch was two years old, and where he was born, to Adams county, in the same state. Here the boy Abraham mingled agricultural pursuits with his books, until he was seventeen years old, when he entered an academy to prepare for college. After this, he entered Knox College, Galesburg, Ill., where he graduated in 1866, being with one exception the youngest member of the class. As a college student, and especially as an academy student, Mr. Bates was a lover of sport, as well as a lover of study, and was often chosen first in literary contests, and in athletic exercises as well. After graduating, he studied law for a while, but finding this study too confining, he went south on an extended tour for his health. His classical and legal studies having pretty well exhausted his finances, he found himself in the city of Houston, Texas, in the sinter of 1870, with only five cents in his pocket. Having spent this nickel to buy a paper, he looked it over, and chanced to find an advertisement for the principal of an academy. He at once without hesitation applied for the position, and was accepted. While principal of this academy, rifles and bowie-knives gave him several pretty close calls, still he quietly held his ground until his first term closed, when he returned north to prosecute his theological studies. This he did by entering the General Theological Seiminary of the Episcopal Church in New York City. in the fall of 1871. About the time he graduated in this institution, the controversy between the high and low church parties ran high. Such controversy not being according to his tastes, and also not having a decided preference for a rigid ritual, he entered the Presbyterian Church. Having received a call to the Presbyterian church of Empire City, Oregon, in 1873, he at once set out for the Pacific Coast. Having arrived at San Francisco, he found a small steamer ready to sail up the northern coast in a few hours. This vessel never having carried a clergyman before, the sailors looked upon the young person with a good deal of suspicion. Their worst suspicions were confirmed when about three hundred miles out of port, when the steam cylinder head broke, and the vessel was compelled to start back to port under sail. After drifting at sea for several days with unfavorable winds, it occurred to the captain that, as things looked disastrously unfavorable, he had better invite the clergyman to pray. This he did, and no sooner were prayers over, than a strong north-west gale arose and carried the vessel in safety back to port. It is enough to say that from that hour the tone and bearing of the sailors toward Mr. Bates changed entirely. The vessel being duly repaired, he again set out for Empire City, where he arrived in December, 1873. Empire City being then the most western incorporated town in the United States, and being upon the wild Pacific coast, Mr. Bates was delighted with the strangeness of the situation, and entered upon his work with zest. Many chapters could be written of his two years experience here as a preacher--climbing mountains, fording rivers, facing dangers of town, forest, and ocean. Contending with many dangers and difficulties, he yet gave a part of each day to study. His first attendance on the presbytery of his church was at Eugene City, over a hundred miles distant. This is the way he reached Eugene City--4 miles in a small skiff, 2 miles on foot, 16 miles in a wagon, 9 miles in a skiff, 18 miles in a small steamer, 6 miles on foot, 14 miles on horseback, 60 miles by rail. Being friendly toward education, he began the erection of an adademy on Coos Bay, but before the buklding was completed, the illness of his mother and sister in Illinois induced him to resign his entire work, and return to his native state. Shortly after his return, he received a call to the Maroa Presbyterian Church, where he labored for four years and a-half. In 1878 Mr. Bates spent his summer vacation in Europe, and most of his time in the art galleries of London, Paris, and other cities. Upon his return, he delivered a number of lectures on his trip abroad, which were eagerly listened to. Mr. Bates confesses that no two spots in Europe have greater fascination than Mr. Spurgeon's tabernacle in London, and the galleries of the Louvre in Paris. In June, 1880, Mr. Bates was united in matrimony with Miss Lydia E. Parker, youngest daughter of the late James S. Parker, of Maroa. In July following he tendered his resignation as pastor of the Presbyterian church, being impelled thereto by a desire to take a vacation of several months, and also to carry forward several literary enterprises. His ministry was characterized by peace and good-will, and a good degree of prosperity, the church becoming at once self-sustaining, which it had not been before. Mr. Bates' manners are easy and unaffected, and he is socially distinguished for his love of life and good humor. His chief enjoyment, however, is the quiet study of literature, especially the classics. His success so far has been so decided that we are warranted in believing there is a brilliant future before him as a speaker and writer. History of Macon Co., IL, 1880 - p. 167/8
James Beard, a farmer residing on section 10, South Macon Townshiop, was born in Washington County, Tenn., July 26, 1826, and is a son of Thomas and Jane (Hall) Beard. The Beard family is of English lineage and was probably founded in America during Colonial days. The father of our subject was also a native of Tennessee, his birth having occurred in the eastern part of the State in 1804. He followed farming throughout his entire life, and in 1849 emigrated to Macoupin County, Ill., where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1860. His wife was born in the same neighborhood as her son James, and her last days were spent in Macoupin County, she passing away at an advanced age. This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living. Our subject is the eldest. John Cole is a resident farmer of Macoupin County. Valentine is now living in Carlinville, Ill. John also makes his home in Macoupin County. No event of special importance occurred during the boyhood and youth of our subject, which were quietly passed under the parental roof until he had attained the age of eighteen. He then began to learn the harness-maker's trade, and in 1849 he accompanied his parents on their removal to the West. He had expected to return to Tennessee in a short time, but on reaching Illinois he was so pleased with the country and its prospects that he determined to make his future home in this State. He secured work as a farm hand by the month, and for a number of years he was employed in that capacity. On coming to Macon County, he made his first purchase of land, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he bought of the railroad. It was entirely unimproved, but he at once began its development and soon transformed it into a rich tract. Since that time, however, he has disposed of a portion of his property, now owning a forty-acre farm. The lady who now bears the title of Mrs. Beard was in her maidenhood Miss Sallie Moser. Their marriage was celebrated in Macoupin County, in February, 1866, and for more than a quarter of a century they have now traveled life's journey together. They are members of the Methodist Church, and are highly respected citizens, whose excellencies of character and upright lives have gained them many friends. In his political affiliations, Mr. Beard is a supporter of the Republican party. He has never been a politician in the sense of office-seeking, but has been elected and served as Road Commissioner and School Director. He has led a quiet and unassuming life, yet true to every public and private trust, and his freedom from ostentation has undoubtedly been one of the factors that have gained him the high regard in which he is universally held. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co., IL, 1893 - p. 236-237
Reuben Betzer, who is now living a retired life in Decatur, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Ross County on the 5th of July, 1824, and is the seventh in order of birth in a family of eleven children, whose parents were William and Margaret (Harvey) Betzer, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Pennsylvania. In 1810 the father had emigrated to the Buckeye State, and two years later he enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812. Of the family only two are now living. One sister, Barbara, wife of Dr. F. May, was for some time a resident of Decatur, but she and her husband are both now deceased. Michael came to Illinois in 1856, and died in McLean County, this State. Jonathan and Peter both located in Illinois in the same year. The latter died in January, 1876. Jonathan removed to Kansas in 1865, and now makes his home in Saline County. With the exception of our subject he is the only survivor of the family. In the usual manner of farmer lads Reuben Betzer was reared to manhood, and at the age of twenty-five years he settled upon a farm adjoining the old homestead, there living until the death of his father. The latter gave to each of his sons land to the value of $1,000, and to each of his daughters that amount of money. On the 31st of December, 1848, our subject married Miss Sarah Evans, who was born in Ohio in 1826, and spent her maidenhood near Circleville, in Pickaway County. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm, where they resided until 1865. In that year they determined to seek a home in the West, and, coming to Decatur, located on a farm in Whitmore Township, about six miles northeast of the city. It comprised two hundred and fifteen acres of improved land, and its boundaries have since been extended until it now comprises three hundred and twenty-five acres. To its further development and cultivation Mr. Betzer devoted his energies until 1867, when he laid aside all business cares and came to the city. His farm is highly improved with good barns, fences, a substantial dwelling and all modern necessaries and conveniences. He now rents it for $1,400 per year. Mr. and Mrs. Betzer have no children of their own, but have given homes to two. Their niece, Effie A. Betzer, came to them at the age of thirteen, and remained with them until her marriage to Amos F. Imboden, a policeman of Decatur. Another niece, Maria L. Evans, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Betzer from her seventh to her twenty-first year. She is now the widow of Frank Spillman, and makes her home in Decatur. In his political views, Mr. Betzer is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired public office. In early life he was a member of the German Reformed Church, and his wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Later they both united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and since coming to Decatur have held membership with the Old-School Presbyterian Church. Our subject served as Elder in Ohio, and was one of five who built a church in his neighborhood. His labor and enterprise in former years now enable him to live retired in the enjoyment of life's pleasures. He frequently spends his winters in the South, and the summer of 1892 was spent in California. He has visited many places of interest, and his travels have proved of much pleasure and profit to him. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co., IL, 1893 - p. 240-241 The object of this volume is to preserve an authentic record, as far as possible, of the lives and deeds of those who have assisted in the upbuilding of the varied interests of Macon county. The rank that a city or county holds very largely depends upon the achievements of its citizens. Some add to its reputation by elificient public service, some by professional skill, some by increasing its manufacturing or commercial interests and some by cultivating and improving its lands. To give a faithful account of the lives of old settlers and representative citizens of a community is to write its history in its truest sense. Mr. Betzer was for long years associated with agricultural interests and his last days were spent in retirement from business cares in a pleasant home in Decatur. It would be difficult to find a man who had higher regard from his friends than did Mr. Betzer and this was because of a life that manifested many admirable qualities and sterling traits of character. He became a resident of Macon county in the year 1865. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, his natal day being July 5, 1824, and his parents were William and Margaret (Harvey) Betzer. His father was born in New Jersey and his mother in Pennsylvania and they became the parents of eleven children, of whom Reuben was the seventh in order of birth. It was in the year 1810 that William Betzer removed to Ohio and two years later he offered his services to the government in defense of this country in the second war with England. After his return from the army he located in Ross county, Ohio, where both he and his wife spent their last days and their children have also passed away. Reuben Betzer had the usual experiences and advantages of a farmer boy. He worked in the fields and meadows through his youth and after arriving at years of maturity he determined to follow the occupation to which he had been reared. He was a young man of twenty-five years, when he settled upon a farm near the old homestead in Ross county, there remaining until after his father's death. He received from his father a tract of land, as did the other sons, while the daughters of the household received an equivalent in money to the sum of one thousand dollars. Desiring a companion and helpmate for life's journey Mr. Betzer was joined in Wedlock on the 31st of December, 1848, to Miss Sarah Evans. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 9, 1826, and her parents were John and Sarah (Miller) Evans, who were also natives of Ohio. The mother died during the girlhood days of her daughter and Mrs. Betzer was then reared by relatives near Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio. Her father, however, continued to engage in farming in Ross county throughout his life and at length passed away there. At the time of his marriage Mr. Betzer took his bride to his farm and there they resided continuously until 1865, when, believing that he might have still better business opportunities in a district farther west, he came to Macon county, arriving here in 1865. He took up his abode on a farm in Whitmore township, six miles northeast of Decatur and first purchased two hundred and fifteen acres of land. There he began making improvements and afterward purchased more land, adding to his place from time to time until he had a tract of three hundred and twenty-five acres. He was progressive in his farming methods, active, industrious and honorable in his business career, but after residing upon his farm for a few years he decided to rent the land and remove to Decatur, where he enjoyed rest from further labor. He was a man to whom indolence and idleness were utterly foreign and although he retired from farm life business interests of a different character claimed his attention to a considerable degree. He was a lover of stock and engaged to some extent in stock-raising. He also worked at the carpenter's trade and aided in building many of the bridges near Decatur. In 1867 he erected a residence now occupied by his widow. On account of his health he traveled to a considerable extent, frequently spending the winter months in the south. In the summer of 1892 he visited California and at different times went to other places of interest in the country, visiting its scenes of beauty and many of its historic places, gaining thereby the culture and knowledge which only travel can bring. .Mr. and Mrs. Betzer had no children of their own but gave homes to two of their nieces: Effie A. came to them at the age of thirteen years and remained with them until her marriage to Amos F. Imboden, a policeman of Decatur. They' now reside at No. 1243 North Edwards street. Another niece, Maria L. Evans, lived with Mr. and Mrs. Betzer from her seventh to her twenty-first year and then became the wife of Frank Spillman, a hardware merchant of Macon, but both are now deceased. During the winter of 1895-6, while going from his house to his barn, Mr. Betzer slipped on the ice, sustaining a severe injury. He was carried to his bed and there he suffered for several weeks, his injury combined with other causes, leading to his death on the i8th of March, 1896. His remains were interred in the beautiful Greenwood cemetery of Decatur. He was never an active politician in the sense of office seeking and yet after removing to the city of Decatur he served as supervisor for one year, being elected on the Democratic ticket, whose principles he always endorsed. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of this city and he took an active and helpful part in church work, while Mrs. Betzer supplemented his labors in this regard by her own zeal in the work. He left his widow in very comfortable circumstances. She now owns a nice home at No. 358 East Williams street and in addition owns the old homestead of three hundred and twenty-five acres of valuable farming land in Whitmore township. Mr. Betzer was a self-made man and his possessions were obtained through earnest, indefatigable effort. He watched closely his opportunities for business advancement and by the utilization of these and by his perseverance and diligence he gained a handsome competence. He won, too, an honorable name in business circles for he was always straightforward in every trade transaction. He had many friends in Decatur and Macon county who still cherish his memory and no history of this locality would be complete without the record of his life, for during thirty-one years he lived in the county and in many ways assisted in its progress and promotion. He was always deeply interested in whatever pertained to its welfare and was known as a public spirited citizen. Past and Present of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois (1903), pg. 190-192
Thomas Henry BEVERIDGE grandson of John BEVERIDGE (of Auchtermuchty, Fife, Scotland) married +Susannah Noble (daughter of Joshua Noble and Hannah Blackman) who were the parents of: Thomas BEVERIDGE b. 16 Feb, 1771 d. 4 Feb 1827 - Prince William Co., VA; Noble BEVERIDGE; John BEVERIDGE (?) William BEVERIDGE (?) Thomas Henry BEVERIDGE son of Thomas BEVERIDGE (born 16 Feb, 1771 - died 4 Feb 1827 - Prince William Co., VA, son of John BEVERIDGE and Susannah Noble) on 26 Nov 1795 married +Tacy Roberts (born 8 December 1778, died 5 Nov 1831 - Perry Co., Ohio; daughter of John and Mary Roberts) were the parents of: John Lander BEVERIDGE 2 Mar 1797 - 24 Aug 1871; Sarah Noble BEVERIDGE 9 Mar 1799; Susannah Noble BEVERIDGE 12 Jan 1801; Mark BEVERIDGE 27 Jan 1803; William Roberts BEVERIDGE 11 Feb 1805; Samuel Roberts BEVERIDGE 22 May 1807Noble BEVERIDGE 26 Apr 1810; Mary Ann BEVERIDGE 9 Oct 1813 - 18 Dec 1878; Thomas Henry BEVERIDGE 10 Feb 1818 - 20 Oct 1895 Keziah Elizabeth BEVERIDGE 29 Apr 1820; Charles Carter BEVERIDGE 14 Apr 1824 - 4 Feb 1868. The above information from the Bible of John BEVERIDGE, E., now in the possession of John T. BEVERIDGE, Seaman, Ohio: Imprint: "Holy Bible. Printed by Joseph Charles of Philadelphia for Mathew Carey, No 118 Market Street, 10-27-1802. Sold by subscription." Among the subscribers is the name of John BEVERIDGE., as printed in Maxwell History and Genealogy, p. 439. Thomas Henry BEVERIDGE (born 10 Feb 1818 Prince William County, Virginia - died 20 Oct 1895 Sullivan, Moultrie County, Ohio, son of Thomas BEVERIDGE and Tacy Roberts) +on 26 Oct 1837 married (1) Elizabeth Lamb (died 1858/60 Sugar Tree Ridge, Highland County, Ohio). Parents of: Noble BEVERIDGE - Jacob BEVERIDGE 15 Dec 1839 - 21 Dec 1923 - (born Adams Co. OH); Samuel BEVERIDGE 1843 - 16 Mar 1931; America BEVERIDGE 1846; Columbia BEVERIDGE 1847; John L. BEVERIDGE 11 Feb 1849 - 14 Aug 1923; Thomas BEVERIDGE 1853; Elizabeth Virginia BEVERIDGE 1856- 1945; Charles W. BEVERIDGE 3 Apr - 20 Jul 1888. On 2 Jan 1862 married +(2) Frances Ellen Parkinson Doyle (born 26 Sep 1824, died 3 Apr 1918; daughter of George Parkinson and Rebecca Ross). Parents of: Albert Jeremiah BEVERIDGE 6 Oct 1862 - 27 Apr 1927 U.S. Senator(INDIANA). Illinois Dateline - Friday, October 25, 1895, Moultrie Co. News - THE GRIM REAPER ~ T.H. BEVERIDGE The announcement of the death of T.H. BEVERIDGE, which became known early Sunday morning [20
Oct 1895] occasioned genuine surprise and universal sorrow, seeming as it did so suddenly and
unexpected. While not by any means strong or robust yet he had been able to attend to his
accustomed duties and had retired Saturday night seemingly as well as usual. In the morning
his wife, thinking he was asleep arose to prepare breakfast and when she called him discovered
that life was extinct. Several weeks ago he was thrown from a cart and his death is thought
to have been caused by internal injuries received at that time. He was a native of Virginia,
where he was born Feb. 10, 1819, and was a descendent of the oldest families of the state. In
early life he removed to Ohio where he remained until the breaking out of the war when he with
all his sons enlisted and went to the front. After returning from the army, unfortunate investments
swept away a considerable fortune and he, then came to Illinois where he has since resided. He
was a man of absolutely independent views in politics and religion and never lacked the courage
to express his sentiments. Mr. BEVERIDGE was twice married. The first time to Elizabeth Lamb,
Oct. 26, 1837. By this marriage he had nine children, Noble, Jacob, Samuel, America, Columbia,
John L. Charles, Thomas L. and Elizabeth Virginia. Of these Noble, America and Charles are
dead. January 2, 1862 he was married to Francis Ellen Doyle, who still survives him. By this
marriage he had one child, Albert J. BEVERIDGE. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon
and were in charge of Rev. D.F. Howe of Decatur. Moultrie Post G.A.R. #318 of which the deceased
was a member attended in a body. the internment was in the city cemetery (Greenhill). Submitted by: Ken Parker George Black is one of the pominent farmers and extensive land-owners of Macon County. He resides on section 30, Pleasant View Township, where in an early day he purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land. To this he has added from time to time, as his financial resources have increased, until his possessions now aggregate six hundred and twenty acres of the choicest land in the community. It is needless to say that this farm is a model one. The highly cultivated fields, divided by well-kept fences, the substantial buildings, the improved machinery, all attest the enterprising and progressive spirit of one of Macon County's leading agriculturists. Mr. Black was born in Sangamon County, Ill., May 14, 1826, and is of English descent. His father was a native of Kentucky, and in that State passed his boyhood days. When a young man he came with his parents to Illinois, locating in Sangamon County, where he lived until called to the home beyond. During the early days, when much trouble was experienced with the Indians, he served in the Black Hawk War. His death occurred at the age of fifty years. His wife, who was also born in Kentucky, died at the home of our subject, in this county, at the ripe old age of eighty-four. In the usual manner of farmer lads, George Black was reared to manhood. Under the parental roof he remained until he had attained his majority, and to his father gave the benefit of his services. When he started out in life for himself he had no capital save a young man's bright hope of the future and a determination to win success if it could be obtained through enterprise and perseverence. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Lavina Broom, of St. Clair County, Ill., their union being celebrated in 1847. By the marriage of this worthy couple were born eight children, of whom two died when quite young. Those still living are Andrew C., the eldest, who manages the home farm; Erastus, a well-known agriculturist of Macon County; Bruzilla, wife of Charles Pope, a resident farmer of Christian County, Ill.; David, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county; William, who is also a farmer of Macon County; and Chester L., who completes the family and still resides on the home farm. The children have all been provided with good educational privileges and are occupying respected positions in the circles of society in which they move. The mother of this family was called to her final rest on the 12th of March, 1890. She had been a true and faithful helpmate to her husband, and the sorrow felt by her family was shared by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, to whom she was endeared by her many excellencies of character. After his marriage Mr. Black began farming and his life has been one of industry. On coming to this county he purchased a part of his present farm, and as his financial resources have increased, he has extended its boundaries. His well-directed efforts have placed him in a position of wealth and affluence, and he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of this community. In politics he is an inflexible adherent of the Democracy, and for three years he served as School Director, which, however, is the only position that he would consent to accept. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend, and his support and co-operation are given to all those enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare. Mr. Black has made the most of his opportunities and privileges through life and has thus won prosperity. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co., IL, 1893, p. 234-235 Of Hickory Point township, is one of the few surviving soldiers of the Mexican war, living in Macon county. His father, James B. Black, was a native of Humphreys county, Tennessee, and married Mary McCaslin, who was born in Caldwell county. Her father, whose name was James McCaslin, emigrated to American from Ireland. The oldest of the four children of James B. and Mary Black was James R. Black, who was born in Caldwell county, Kentucky, on the fifteenth of October, 1825. In the year 1830, when he was five years old, the family moved to Illinois, and settled on Beaver creek, in Bond county, six miles wouth of Greenville. After living there ten years they moved to the southern part of Montgomery county, ten miles from Hillsboro. In that vicinity Mr. Black grew to manhood, attending school as he had opportunity. The schools were usually held in summer, from three to six months in the year, and he obtained a fair education for that day. In the year 1844, when nineteen years old, he left home and went to the state of Arkansas. He secured work in a tan yard, at Morrison's Bluffs, in Johnson county. Arkansas was then a wild and rough country. He was living in that state at the time of the breaking out of the Mexican war in 1846, and on the 15th of June, of that year, enlisted in company C, of the first Arkansas cavalry, for service against the Mexicans. From Little Rock, Arkansas, the regiment marched through a wild and uninhabited region to Texas. Arriving at San Antonio on the 28th of July, they remained in camp at that place till the following 18th of September. They then marched into Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande at Presidio del Norte. The regiment went into camp near Saltillo. It took part in the battle of Buena Vista, which fought on the 22d and 23d days of February, 1847. The First Arkansas was composed mostly of men used to a frontier life, and embraced good fighting material, though ordinarily, the men were hard to discipline and keep in subjection. The regiment fought bravely, was in the thickest of the fight, and did its full share toward securing a brilliant victory over the Mexican General Santa Anna and his forces, which greatly outnumbered the Americans. The Arkansas troops were in General Wool's command. After the battle of Buena Vista, they lay in camp, near the battleground, till June the 5th, when they set out for Camargo, where they were discharged, their term of enlistment having expired. This was the only regiment which Arkansas sent to the war. From the mouth of the Rio Grand, he sailed in a vessel across the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans, and then came by boat to St. Louis. On returning to Illinois, he bought a tan-yard, four miles north of Greenville, which he carried on three years. On the 22d of February, 1848, he married Mary Jane White, who was born and raised in Bond county. After quitting the tanning business he engaged in farming. He resided in Bond county till 1866, and then came to Macon county and settled in Hickory Point township. The death of his first wife happened in June, 1867. He was married to his present wife on the 25th of December, 1867. Her maiden name was Rachel Ritchie, daughter of Samuel Ritchie. She was born in the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Black has nine children, whose names are as follows: Henry C., Albert H., Mary A., William F., Arthur A., Edward R., Ella, Ida F. and Clara S. All but the last two were children by his first marriage. He has lived on his present farm of one hundred and eighty acres, in section 18, of Hickory Point township, since 1872. He was at first a member of the old whig party, and in 1848, after returning to Illinois, he had the pleasure of casting his first vote for president, for General Zachary Taylor, the hero of the Mexican war. When the whig party went to pieces he became a republican, and has since voted that ticket. His name deserves a place in this work, not only as a good citizen of Macon county, but as one of that constantly increasing number which took part in the most brilliant war in which this country was ever engaged. A war which added much wealth to the United States, extended its territory, and in which every battle was a victory. History of Macon County, Illinois, p. 205 Robert M. Black, who owns a farm of forty acres pleasantly located four miles northeast of Macon, on section 25, South Macon Township, is numbered among the honored pioneers of the county, for he was born in Mt. Zion Township, October 22, 1839. In a family of seven children born unto Abraham and Eleanor (Davidson) Black, he was the fourth in order of birth. Margaret, the eldest, is the wife of George Riber, a blacksmith of Blue Mound; Nancy A. became the wife of Abraham Nitzler, and died leaving three children; Sarah Ann is the wife of John Downey, a wagon-maker of Mt. Zion; Robert is the next younger; Catherine is the widow of James T. Scott, and she too resides in Mt. Zion; and Thomas B. died in the army. The father of this family was born in Virginia in 1800, and when a young man came to Illinois. In this State he married Miss Davidson, who was born in South Carolina in 1811, and with her parents emigrated to Wayne County, Ill., during her early girlhood. From that place the family came to Macon County. Mr. Black served in the Black Hawk War, and throughout his life followed the occupation of farming in pursuit of fortune. His death occurred in 1852, and his wife, who survived him for many years, passed away in 1882. Our subject was only fourteen years of age when his father died, and as he was the eldest son of the family the care of the farm and the support of his mother and her children devolved upon his young shoulders, but he faithfully performed the task and remained upon the home farm until twenty-two years of age. He then felt that his country needed his services, and, donning the blue, he enlisted on the 13th of August, 1862, as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Sixteenth Infantry, in which he served until the 3d of June, 1863, when he was discharged on account of disability, the effect of an attack of measles. On being mustered out of service, Mr. Black returned to Macon County, where he has since made his home, with the exception of five years spent in Moultrie County, Ill. On the 6th of June, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna E. McMullen, who was born in Ohio, November 15, 1848. Five children, three sons and two daughters, grace this union; Charles, now a resident farmer of Woodbury County, Iowa; Dora May, wife of George Traughber, a farmer of Macon County; David Thomas, Burton and Nancy Ellen, who are still under the parental roof. Mr. Black is a Republican in politics, having supported that party since attaining his majority. Socially, he is a member of Tom White Post No. 529, G.A.R., of Mt. Zion, which was named in honor of Capt. Tom White, who commanded the company of which our subject was a member. Mr. Black is now serving as Commissioner of Highways and as School Director of his district, and the community finds in him a faithful and capable officer. He is a man of strict integrity, whose word is as good as his bond. The same generous spirit that prompted his care of his mother, and the same loyalty which caused him to go to the front during the late war, have characterized his entire life and made him numbered among the best citizens of his native county. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon County, Illinois,, 1893, p. 212-213 One of the younger business men of Decatur, was born in Alsace, Germany, January fourth, 1852. Soon after his birth his parents removed to America. The family lived in Chicago two years, and then removed to Dayton, Ohio, where his father and mother still reside. Mr. Blume was raised in Decatur, learned the trade of a car painter and machinist, which he followed till 1869, when he entered the employment of the Singer Manufacturing Company at Evansville, Indiana, where he lived till 1872, and then became a resident of Decatur. In 1876 he took entire charge of the business of the Singer Manufacturing Company at Decatur. Under his management the Singer machine has been thoroughly introduced to the public, and has secured great popularity. He has under his charge the business in Macon, Piatt and DeWitt counties, with branch offices at Farmer City, Clinton and Monticello. The annual sales amount to ten thousand machines. On an average seventeen men are employed. Twelve wagons and twenty- nine horses are used, most of which are the individual property of Mr. Blume. A competent machinist is kept at Decatur to repair all machines, and a full line of supplies and attachments are always on hand. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 161 It is a pleasure to write the life and history of such a man as Capt. Boardman, a man who has lived patriotically and honorably, and who has faithfully served his day and generation. He was born in Seneca county, New York, and is at the date of this writing, September 10th, 1880, seventy-six years old. When about five years of age, his parents, Amos and Silva Boardman, located in Dearborn county,lndiana. About seven years were spent in that county, when a change of residence made them citizens of Ripley county, where Mr. Boardman obtained his legal majority. He only had such advantages as were common in the district schools of that day, advantages though, which he made good use of, and by which he secured fair business qualifications. He next located in Bartholomew county, and after a residence there of several years, led to the hymeneal altar, Miss Margaret Chitty, a lady of excellent personal qualities, with whom he lived in happy wedlock over a quarter of a century, and who finally died in this county, after becoming the mother of eleven children, nine of whom are still living-four sons and five daughters. The Captain continued to live in Bartholomew county, till he became a resident of this county in 1854, and for many years was noted as one of its most trustworthy and honored officials. He was first elected to the joint office of County Clerk and Recorder, a trust he held in continued succession up to the adoption of a new state constitution, fourteen years later. After this he was Circuit Clerk till his removal to Illinois. He volunteered in the United States service for the Mexican war, under the first requisition for troops, in 1846, and at once started for the field of action. He was in the army a little over a year, commanded a company during the time, and participated in the battle of Buena Vista. On coming to this county he settled in Wheatland township, then known as a precinct, and has pursued the quiet calling of a husbandman. He has been a successful farmer, and has given considerable attention to the stock interest, especially to sheep raising. He is quite a land owner, and has done his full share in pushing forward the improvements of his section, both material and social, and is still fully alive to every question affecting the welfare of both the county and township, in which he has been well known as an efficient Supervisor. In politics he is a democrat of the old Jackson school. He cast his first vote for the hero of New Orleans in 1828, and has supported all the regular national nominees up to date, being fully established in the belief that the party with which be has acted embodies the correct theory of government, and the proper doctrine in defining the relations between state and federaI authority, viz., that of strict construction. The family are English in descent. The Captain's great-grandfather migrated to America at an early date. Thaddeus was the Christian name of his grandfather, who was an early settler of the Green Mountain State. He married Miss Rebecca Smith. There the Captain's father was born and raised. His wife, Miss Noble, was a native of Connecticut. They raised a large family, and finally, died, in Ripley county, honored and respected by a large circle of friends and relatives. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 190 Dr. William R. Boggs, who is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Macon, Illinois, was born on the 23d of Jilarch, 1854, in Noble county, Ohio, his parents being Alexander and Mary A. (Thompson) Boggs. His father was also a native of Ohio, born near Mount Vernon, Richland county, March 22, 1827, and was a son of Reuben Boggs, whose birth occurred in Virginia in 1800. In early life the latter married Miss Ellenor Marquiss, and from the Old Dominion they removed to Ohio, being among the first settlers at St. Clairsville. The grandfather of our subject died at Sharon, Ohio, in 1884, at the age of eighty-four years. Alexander Boggs was reared and educated in the county of his nativity and when a young man removed from there to Noble county. Ohio, where he engaged in farming and stock-dealing throughout the remainder of his life. About 1849 he wedded Miss Mary A. Thompson, who was born at St. Andrews, New Brunswick, March 15, 1832. Her parents, Robert and Isabel (McDonald) Thompson, were natives of Ireland, where the former was born in 1800. On coming to the United States he stopped first at Baltimore, Maryland, and in 1835 removed to Noble county, Ohio. By occupation he was also a farmer. He died in (sentence incomplete) iam R., of this review: John, a farmer of 1875 and his wife passed away in 1874. Unto Alexander and Mary A. (Thompson) Boggs were born eight children, namely: Robert T., who was a physician at Bloomington, Indiana, and died in 1881, when about thirty years of age ; Reuben, who died of scarlet fever in infancy; Will, Caldwell, Ohio; James Mac, who died in infancy: Clement, who follows farming near Caldwell, Ohio ; Lena, wife of W. O. Keith, who resides at Warsaw, and is engaged in merchandising at that place: and Elmer F., a clothier of Salem, Indiana. The father of this family departed this life in May, 1894, and the mother died in March, 1889. Dr. Boggs received his early education in the common schools of Caldwell, Ohio, and later attended the Northern Indiana Normal School, preparing for a medical course which he intended to take. After leaving that institution in 1875, he engaged in teaching school for about five years and then entered the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, where he was graduated with the degree of M.D. in 1883. He was engaged in the practice of his profession at Keith, Ohio, until 1890, and the following year came to Macon, Illinois, where he purchased the home, office and practice of Dr. R.Tobey, who began practice here in 1869. Dr. Boggs has since improved the property and has gradually extended his practice until it is now quite large and profitable. He has the largest general library, as well as the largest collection ui medical works, in central Illinois, and derives much pleasure as well as profit from his books. In 1892 he took a post graduate course at the Chicago Polio clinic and is a progressive member of his profession, keeping abreast with the latest discoveries and theories by his perusal of medical journals. At Caldwell, Ohio, in 1875, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Barclay, a daughter of Adam and Mattie (Miller) Barclay. Her father was born in Ireland in 1826 but when a child was brought to this country and settled in Caldwell, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. He made farming his life work. Dr. and MIrs. Boggs have one child, Ola, who was graduated at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, and has since taken special work at the University of Chicago. She is now at home with her parents. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which the wife and daughter are members, and the Doctor is connected with South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A.F. & A.M., and Beacon Lodge, K. P., both of Macon. He is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to the subordinate lodge No. 466 and the encampment, No. 245, of Keith, Ohio. In the line of his profession he holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Illinois Medical Society, the District Medical Society and the Decatur Medical Society. He is local surgeon for the Illinois Central Railroad Company and examining physician for many of the old line insurance companies. Pleasant and genial in manner he makes many friends and has the happy faculty of being able to retain them. Past and Present of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois (1903), pg. 192-195 Arthur O. Bolen has been a resident of Illinois since his eighth year, and is now engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business at No. 104 North Water Street, Decatur. He is a successful and substantial business man and prominent citizen. The birth of Mr. Bolen occurred in Washington County, Ohio, October 15, 1858. His parents were Andrew C.J. and Lydia (Baker) Bolen, who were also natives of the Buckeye State. Their father comprised five children, two sons and three daughters, namely: Arthur O.; Armenia M., wife of Henry Funk, of Maroa, Ill.; Hester A., wife of John M. Funk, of the same place; Maggie M., wife of Silas Schenck, of Maroa; and Robert D., a resident of Greeley, Colo. The father of these children was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that calling in early life. He later devoted himself to farming, and in 1866 came Westward to Illinois, settling first at Hayworth, McLean County. After a residence of six years, Mr. Bolen removed to Maroa, Ill., where he had control of the David Davis land, which he managed successfully until his death, which occurred in 1880, at which time he had arrived at the age of fifty years. Both hea nd his wife were devoted members of the Christian Church. Four years after the death of her first husband Mrs. Bolen became the wife of Abraham Long, of Maroa, where she still resides. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Enoch Bolen, was a native or Ireland, and came to this country at an early day. He was a cooper by trade, and followed that occupation in Kentucky, where he made his home for many years. His death occurred while he was still in the prime of life. Isaac Baker, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Ohio, and was one of the early settlers of Illinois, having located in DeWitt County in the early 30's. He died at an advanced age, greatly respected and beloved. While a resident of Ohio, he held a number of public offices, but while in Illinois devoted himself to his farm. Of his thirteen children our subject's mother was the eldest. Two of her brothers, Charles and Samuel, were active in service during the late war, and the latter received wounds from the effects of which he afterward died. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm and received such school advantages as the district afforded. He remained with his parents until attaining his majority, when he rented a farm, which he operated for a year. His next venture was that of going to Maroa, where he bought out a dray line, which he carried on successfully until his father's death. The care of the home farm then fell upon his shoulders, and for two years he was thus employed. Next going to Clinton, Ill., he took charge of the implement store of Leavitt & Royal, and remained in the employ of that firm for one year. About 1881 Mr. Bolen came to Decatur in Farm and general implements, containuing with him for a year. The two years succeeding he traveled between New York and Denver selling goods. Some time afterward Mr. Bolen entered into partnership with George W. Lehman. They opened a grocery store, doing business under the firm name of Lehman & Bolen for four years. Since that time the latter has been engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business. In addition to his pleasant residence at No. 1249 North Water Street and other good city property in Decatur, Mr. Bolen owns a farm of one hundred and thirty acres near Arcola, Douglas County. It is to his own industry and good management that he owns the comfortable fortune that he now possesses, for he did not inherit anything, and has had to make his own way unassisted. Mr. Bolen and Miss Emma Braden were untied in marraige May 16, 1881. The lady is a daughter of the late David Braden, of Maroa. Her mother bore the maiden name of Anna Myers. Mrs. Bolen is a member of the Christian Church, and is a lady of much refinement and culture. In his political affiliations our subject is a Democrat. In his business dealings he is noted for his integrity and high sense of honor, and is widely and favorably known. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co, Illinois, 1893 - p. 730-731 Was born at Piketon, Ross county, Ohio, September nineteenth, 1821. His parents, Henry Bramble and Eliza Turner, were natives of Maryland, and at an early day emigrated to Ohio, and settled at Chillicothe, in Ross county. His mother died in Ross county. Mr. Bramble was the youngest fo four children. He lived in Ross county till twelve years of age, when his father moved to Newark, Ohio, and about two years afterward to Delphi, Indiana. His father kept a hotel both at Piketon and Newark, and at Delphi engaged in the mercantile business. He then moved on a farm in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and from there removed to Dayton in the same state, where Mr. Bramble's father died, when the subject of this sketch was seventeen years old. In the various places which had been the home of the family, Mr. Branble attended school and laid the foundation of a good education. He remained on the farm after his father died, and in 1840, then nineteen years of age, he married Miss Anna Slayback, who was born near Hamilton, Ohio. Her father, Levi Slayback, was a farmer, and from Ohio moved to Indiana. In his early boyhood the bent of his mind led him to attempt various mechanical contrivances, and he was always employed on some new invertion. After his marriage he still proposed to carry on farming, but his mind was so full of differnet kinds of machines and improvements that he found it impossible to make agriculture a success. In 1841 he patented an improved cultivator, and then sold the farm and built a hotel four miles from Lafayette, Indiana, called the Fountain Rise, where he remained about three years. He conceived the idea that a grain scale could be invented by which grain could be measured and weighed. He worked on this plan for eleven years, devoting to it almost his entire time. His mind was completely absorbed in the project; other business was neglected; and the money he received from the sale of his farm was soon spent. The neighbors seeing the light in his solitary room during the small hours of the night began to form the opinion that he had lost his reason, but still he worked on, trying new experiments, and changing pieces of machinery, till at last he was successful, and placed on exhibition at Lafayette a grain scale which received and measured grain, gave the number of bushels, and calculated the amount it came to at the current price. It created great excitement and enthusiasm among the people, and in six weeks he sold forty-seven thousand dollars worth of rights to territory. Thinking he had sufficient money he bought the Lafayette House, the largest hotel in Lafayette, but finding the house not large enough to suit his wishes, he bought a lot on the opposite corner and built the Branble House, which still bears his name. But this prosperity was only short-lived. The grain scale worked well enough for small quantities of grain, but for large quantities it was a total failure. His recently acquired property was swept away; to the buyers of rights he gave back their money, and he was left without a dollar. In this disheartening condition a personal friend, a banker at Lafayette, John Reynolds, came to him and asked him whether he could remedy the faults in his machine if he had time to make further experiments. Mr. Bramble replied, "Yes." Reynolds gave him a check for two thousand dollars, told him to remove his family to some suitable place, and go on with his experiments. He placed his family near Xenia, Ohio, and went to Cincinnati, and in five weeks perfected a new machine; this he placed in operation at Xenia, and it worked in a perfectly satisfactory manner, showing none of the faults of the original machine. He took out several patents covering the invention and improvements. The machine weighed all grain poured in the hopper from one pound to thousands with mathematical accuracy, discharged itself while the wheat was running, and kept its own accounts. The machinery to accomplish these results was remarkably simple and certain. He opened an office at Cincinnati, and in eleven months sold $128,000 worth of rights for which the cash or equivalent property was received. The most of this he was cheated out of by his partner, a man whom he had taken into the business without a dollar. This machine he exhibited in every state in the Union, received premiums at hundreds of different fairs, and a gold medal at the New York American Institute. At the World's Fair in the Crystal Palace in New York he was given the best location and drew the largest drowds of any of the exhibitors. He sent a man to Europe under an arrangement by which patents were to be taken out in the name of Mr. Bramble, but he took the patents out in his own name instead, thus defrauding him out of all the fruits of his invention in European countries. After these unfortunate transactions with the Automatic Grain Scale he made up his mind to go West. He had become the owner of fourteen hundred acres of land near Council Bluffs, Iowa, and in the spring of 1857 went to that locality. He found the land poor and partly covered with water, and the country wild and unsettled. His family being dissatisfied he shipped his goods back to St. Louis without unboxing, intending to return to Springfield, Ohio, unless he could find a location elsewhere. On his way east from St. Louis he stopped at Jacksonville, but not liking the place he came to Decatur, which appearing to be a thriving town, he concluded to settle there. At that time he was without a single acquaintance in Decatur. He had no money, though the sale of some fine furniture brought him some cash. Buying an acre of land of Orlando Powers, he built a shed of lumber without a floor, into which he moved a costly piano and other fine furniture. The same fall he built the brick residence in the south-west part of Decatur now occupied by Charles Ewing. His sons helped make the brick, which Mr. Branble laid, his first experience at brick-laying, and the house, even to the wood-work, was completed by their own hands, and was at the time sone of the best residences in that part of the town. He afterward built some fine residences in the same neighborhood. He then went to work on inventions. He patented an improved bedstead, which was a success, and was known as Branble's Spring Rockaway Bed, many of which are still used in Decatur. His attention was next turned to a post-office lock-box, for which he made the first application for a patent in 1865. He showed it to the Boston post-master, who agreed to adopt the box, using an appropriation of twenty thousand dollars made for that purpose. The Yale Lock manufacturing company, of Stamford, Connecticut, adopted his ideas, and began manufacturing the boxes in the face of Mr. Bramble's patent. A long and vexatious contest followed, and after Mr. Bramble had brought suit in the United States courts, a compromise was effected, and Mr. Bramble now receives a royalty on every post-office box sold in the United States. Of these boxes he was the original inventor, and the courts have decided that no other company has a right to manufacture post-office boxes. He has also a complete line of door locks and padlocks, now manufactured by Russel Erwin of New Britain, Connecticut, and said to be the best and most perfect ever put on the market. These locks took the premium at the last Paris Exposition. He expects to devote the rest of his time to improvements on locks. In his earlier life he was a somnambulist; and every night was accustomed unconsciously to walk in his sleep. In his youth he has been known to get out of bed, take a horse from the stable, and ride ten miles withou walking. After building the Bramble House, a hight four-story building, he was seen walking on the fire walls withou any consciousness of danger. The concern of his friends led them to try the experiment of lacking him inhis room at night, but waking and unable to get out of the door he jumped from his window in the third story to the pavement, receiving injuries from which he did not recover for several weeks. He has not practiced somnambulism for the last twenty years, and his health through life has been good. He has three children: O.N. Bramble, assistant engineer at the water-works; Edward Bramble, mail agent on the St. Louis branch of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific railway; and Estelle, now the wife of A.F. Jenison. In his politics he was first a Whig; became an early Republican, votin for Fremont in 1856, and has since been a strong member of that party. He has been alderman from the third ward five terms, serving ten years, a longer time than any other member of the council. He is a man of considerable influence among the voters. He was contractor for building the railroad between Decatur and Monticello, which he graded half the distance without receiving any adequate compensation on account of the financial standing of the company. He has never sworn an oath, or used whiskey or tobacco in his life. He is one of the active and public-spirited citizens of Decatur, and freely gives his time to carry out any project in which the interests of his adopted city are in question. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 143/4 Represents one of the oldest families of the United States. There were three brothers of the name, who were among the first colonists of Maryland. Two remained there and one went south. One of the two who remained in Maryland was the progenitor of James,Brown's great-grandfather, who was born in 1686, and who died in his 84th year. One of his sons, also named James, the grandfather or Mr. Brown, was born in Dorchester county of the same state, in 1710. He married the daughter of Judge Thos. White, and also lived and died in his native state, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. Brown's father, White Brown, was a native of the same county, and born in 1849. He married a Miss Lucretia Clarkston, by whom he raised a family of twelve children, three of whom are still surviving, viz., Mr. Brown and Mary Davis of this, and Sarah Rush of Pike county. He served as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary army, though how long is not known. He made a tour through the north-western territory in 1799, and returned and settled in Ross county, Ohio, in 1802, where he died in 1842. He joined the Methodist Order, under the administration of Francis Asbury, before the societies were organized into the form of a church. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years to a day. Mr. Brown was born in Ross county, February 4th, 1805. He was united in wedlock with Miss Chatham McClintock, who died in 1831, leaving one heir, Richard, now of Champaign county, in this state. He was again married to Miss Sydney Barr, daughter of Judge Thomas Barr, of Picksway county, his present wife, and who is the mother of five children, four surviving. On coming to this country, Mr. Brown purchased what was then known as the Sloan farm, an estate of eight hundred and forty acres, which he still owns, and which is without question one of the most desirable locations in the county, all things considered. He had some previous knowledge of Illinois before settling in it having travelled through a number of the best sections in 1842, while buying up young cattle to drive back to Ohio. He had ample opportunities, therefore, to make a satisfactory selection, and chose this one, both on account of its healthy and beautiful surroundings, and the fertility of its soil. Here he has since lived with his family, one of our honored and well-known citizens, who has done much toward the development, culture and business interest of his town and county, both in material and social departments. in politics he is a republican, and by religious profession a Methodist, though in no sense an extremist. He believes all men should be valued according to their moral and social merits, and that parties are only useful to reach certain ends in government, and that the proper work of churches and religious societies is to make men Christians. His sons are well-known business gentlemen, and all live near the old homestead, of whom the following record is made Nelson F., was born in Ross county, Ohio, in January, 1839. He was married January 4th, 1870, the object of his choice being Miss Mildred Pasley, daughter of Robert Pasley, an old and well-known settler of Blue Mound township, who died here in 1874. He was the son of Henry A. and Nancy Pasley, natives of Virginia, and early settlers of Hardin county, Kentucky. Her mother was formerly Miss Edna Stith, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Stith, Virginians, but old settlers of Breckenridge county, Kentucky, and who died citizens of Macon county, Illinois. Henry T. was born also in Ross county, Ohio, July 4th, 1851. He came to Illinois with the other members of the family, and was married March 5th, 1878. His wife was formerly Miss Sarah E. Jordan, the daughter of James and Emeline F. Jordan of this county,butformerly of Morgan county,where she was born. He was the son of William Jordan, a native of St. Clair county, where the family settled when Illinois was yet a territory. They were also among the first settlers of Morgan county, and are still remembered as old pioneers of the west. Thomas, the other surviving son is at home with his parents, having lost his wife, and is employed in the work of attending their large farm. The only daughter of Mrs. Sydney Livingston is also a resident of the homestead. Another son, Wesley W., was offered on the common altar of our country. He served three years in the late civil war; while there he contracted, from the exposures of camp-life, a disease, which afterwards proved fatal. He was a brave soldier, a beloved son, and died with the dew of youth still on his brow. He participated in the following engagements, viz.: siege of Vicksburg, and about the battles consequent on Sherman's victorious march to the sea, and was a member of 116th Ills. Vol. Infantry.-Col. Tupper. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 194 (NOTE: A Pasley descendent and researcher has noted that Robert Pasley, father of Mildred Pasley (wife of Nelson F. Brown included in the above biography), was the son of Henry A. Pasley and his first wife, whose name is unknown at this time. Nancy Harris was Henry's second wife.) Has practiced medicine in Macon county since 1858, was born near Whitby, in Upper Canada, on the twenty-fourth of August, 1827. His father, Abram Brown, was a native of Rhode Island; and his mother, whose maiden name was Bathsheba Wood, of the State of New York. Both were members of the religious Society of Friends. They were married in Vermont, and soon afterward removed to Canada, where his father followed farming. Dr. Brown was the seventh of ten children. When he was twelve years of age his, father, died, and his mother was left with a large family on her hands, and a farm of one hundred acres, slightly encumbered, as the means of their support. The mother was of a frugal disposition, and kept the boys at work on the farm, so that they had few advantages in the way of schools. Dr. Brown determined to acquire an education, and at the age of seventeen left home and obtained work in a neighborhood where he had an opportunity to attend school. Up to that time he was barely able to read and write. He worked during haying and harvest, and through the remainder of the year nights and mornings, clothing. himself, and getting only his board and schooling for his labor. In his twenty-first year he attended for six months, an academy at Whitby. In the fall of 1848, then just twenty-one, he took charge of the school which he had formerly attended, and was its teacher for half a year. He then entered the Wilson Collegiate Institute in Niagara county, New York, and in 1850 was a student in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Livingston county, in the same state. The means with which to attend these schools he obtained by working during the summer. He was accustomed to work during the harvest in New York, and then go to Canada and find employment in the later harvest there. At that time a demand for teachers existed in the south, and in the fall of 1850 he went to Kentucky with the purpose of securing a position. He obtained a school near Paris, Bourbon county. During the twenty-one months he resided there, he taught school, read medicine, and began the study of law. The autumn of 1852 found him attending lectures at the Georgia Medical College at Augusta, Georgia. In the spring of 1853 he began practice at Gaylesville, Cherokee county, Alabama. He returned, however, to the Georgia Medical College in the fall, and graduated in the spring of 1854. He was engaged in successful practice at Gaylesville till February, 1858. In November, 1854, he married Sarah E. Brown, daughter of F. A. Brown, one of the pioneer lawyers of Georgia, who afterward removed to Alabama. While living in the south, Dr. Brown, paid little attention to politics, and generally voted the democratic ticket. During the Fremoint-Buchanan campaign of 1856, secession was openly threatened on every stump. The excitement grew more intense as the opposition to slavery became more pronounced at the north. Dr. Brown determined to remove to a free state, and in February, 1858, settled at Maroa. He was the first physician in that place. In October, 1862, he removed to Decatur. He employed his spare time in reviewing his legal studies, which he had begun years previously, and in April, 1870, was admitted to the bar. He has given his whole attention to the practice of medicine, and has only occasionally appeared in cases before the court, generally as associate counsel in important cases in which medical questions have been involved. He has had seven children; two sons died in infancy, and three sons and two daughters are living. In politics he was a democrat before the war, though opposed to slavery. From the position of a war democrat during the rebellion, he came to act with the republican party, of which he has since been a strong supporter. Since 1861 he has been a member of the Presbyterian Chruch. He has had a large medical practice. and is well known throughout the county. The republicans in 1876 made him their candidate for prosecuting attorney. His genial disposition and fine social qualities have secured him numerous friends, while his attainments as a physician have won success in his profession. History of Macon Co, Illinois, 1880 - p. 148 J.M. Brownback, who is engaged in the banking business in Blue Mound, and is one of the substantial and representative citizens of that place, is a native of Illinois. He was born on the 16th of October, 1853, in Shelbyville, Shelby County, and is the youngest in a family of seven children whose parents were Henry and Rebecca (Zepp) Brownback. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and in his youth learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. He was married in the Buckeye State, and with his wife and family emigrated to Shelby County, Ill., in 1850, there making his jome until his death, his wife also dying in that county. The Brownback family is of German extraction, the grandparents of our subject having come from Germany to America. J.M. Brownback, whose name heads this record, passed his early boyhood days upon his father's farm midst play and work. He attended the common schools, and his primary education was supplemented by a three-years course of study in the Normal State University, of Normal, Ill., which he entered at the age of sixteen years. When his school course was ended he carried on a dry-goods store in Normal, owned by his brother, for three years. He then secured work in a bank in Le Roy, Ill., being there employed for about six months, after which he traveled for a publishing house. The next business in which he engaged was that of book-keeping, he having a position in a hotel in Pana, Ill. In 1873 he embarked in business for himself as a dealer in drugs and grains, and carried on a successful business in that line for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and removed to Blue Mound, where he opened a bank, which he still owns. On the 11th of April, 1882, Mr. Brownback was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Vandeveer, whose home was in Taylorville, Ill. By their union have been born two children, who are still with their parents: Alceium and Ellioese. In his political views, Mr. Brownback is a Republican, and while he feels an interest in political affairs, as every true American citizen should do, he has never sought or desired public office. In his social relations, he is a Knight-Templar Mason, belonging to Blue Mound Lodge No. 682, A.F. & A.M.; and Beaumanoir Commandery No. 9, K.T., of Decatur. He takes an active and commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he makes his home, and gives his support to all worthy enterprises calculated to promote the general welfare. He is an enterprising man, and his well-directed efforts through life have brought him success. The bank of which he is now at the head is one of the leading financial institutions of the county, and he is one of the representative business men. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co, Illinois, 1893 - p. 253 Sullivan Burgess, City Engineer of Decatur, is one of the honored pioneers of this county and also one of the pioneers in railroad work in Illinois. He has superintended the construction of hundreds of miles of road in this State and surveyed as much more. When we see that it is only through the railway system that the great West has been opened, and that thereby Illinois has become one of the first States of the Union, we see how much is due to those pioneers of railroad construction. The life of our subject has been an eventful one. He was born in old Concord, Mass., June 6, 1828, in the old Wright Tavern, where Maj. Pitcairn, who commanded the British troops, made his headquarters and stirred the hitorical glass of wine with his bleeding fingers, swearing that he would make the Yankees bleed worse than that. The youth of Mr. Burgess was passed in the cultured atmosphere which surrounded Concord, then the home of Thoreau, the Alcotts, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was a great favorite of the last-named, who was a great lover of children. Mr. Burgess' father kept the livery stable and often drove Emerson to Boston. The parents of our subject, Silas and Ann (Eaton) Burgess, were both descended from old Puritan families, and named their son in honor of Gen. Sullivan. He acquired a most excellent education in the fine schools of Concord, from which he was graduated. At the age of eighteen he engaged with an engineering corps, employed in the survey of the Vermont Central Railroad, and in the winter of 1849 he carried the chain across the river to Montreal for the Victoria Bridge, crossing on the ice, which was then full of holes, making the trip a very dangerous one. In the fall of 1852, having become assistant engineer in charge of construction, Mr. Burgess went to Springfield, Ill., with the chief engineer, Col. Carter, to engage in the survey of the Wabash Railroad. The only road in the capital city at that time was one running from Meredosia to Springfield, a distance of fifty miles. It was made of old strap iron rail. In December of that year they ran a line to Decatur, and with a party of surveyors Mr. Burgess came to this city on a preliminary survey, reaching his destination on Christmas Day. Here he made his headquarters and began to arrange for the permanent location of the line, having charge of the construction as resident engineer. He found Macon County at that time an almost unimproved prairie. There were few settlements and this city was a mere hamlet. In 1855, Mr. Burgess superintended the building of the railroad to Danville. From 1856 until 1861 he engaged in real estate business, including the selling of land for the Illinois Central Railroad Company as a general railroad agent, probably selling some ten thousand acres of land to original settlers. During this time, Mr. Burgess was married. In 1857, he wedded Miss Strobeck, of Potsdam, N.Y., a cousin of the late Col. Nathan Tupper. After a short married life of a year and a-half she was called to the home beyond. On the 30th of October, 1860 in Abington, Mass., Mr. Burgess married Miss Sarah J. Brown, and unto them were born two children; Annie Evelyn, wife of J.R. Haworth, of Des Moines, Iowa; and Silas Norton, who is employed to add the finishing touches to fine furniture in a Chicago factory. In April, 1861, Mr. Burgess began the survey for the Decatur & Champaign Railroad Company, now the Illinois Central, but after Ft. Sumpter was fired upon all railroad construction ceased and attention was turned to the raising of troops. During the war our subject and D.S. Stafford invented a riding cultivator for farm use, which proved quite successful. At the State Fair of 1863 held at Decatur, it took the first premium. This induced Barber & Hawley, of Pekin, Ill., manufacturers of the Haynes Harvestor, to come to Decatur and build what is now the Chambers, Bering & Quinlan agricultural implement shops, investing about $50,000 in the same. They made a contract with Messrs. Stafford & Burgess to manufacture their cultivators, paying a royalty of $5 on each one. In 1863 they manufactured twenty-five hundred, in 1864 four thousand, and in 1865 five thousand. During this time, Mr. Burgess traveled on the road introducing the cultivator for the manufacturers. In 1867 the Decatur & East St. Louis Railroad was incorporated by local parties, and our subject and C.A. Tuttle were engaged to make the survey and make plans and specifications. The property afterwards passed into the hands of the Wabash Company, by which Mr. Burgess was employed as civil engineer in constructing the road to Litchfield, a distance of sixty miles. This completed in the fall of 1870, he was employed by the Decatur & State Line Railroad Company in the same capacity on a road to Chicago, now a part of the Wabash system. In 1871, he went to Bloomington and was made Chief Engineer of the Bloomington & La Fayette Railroad, having charge of the construction from Bloomington to the State line. In 1874, he was elected City Engineer of Decatur holding the position for six years. From 1880 until 1882, he was employed on the survey and construction of the branch road from Bates to Jersey Landing. This was intended to bridge the Mississippi, but when Gould secured possession of the east bridge at St. Louis the line was practically abandoned. During the succeeding three years, Mr. Burgess traveled in California and the West for his health, but indolence and idleness being utterly foreign to his nature, he could not lay aside all work, so aided in building street railways. In 1886 and 1887, he was engaged in making surveys from Centralia southward for the Jacksonville & Southeastern Railroad, and was then appointed City Engineer of Decatur, which office he has since filled. Although the greater part of his attention as been given to railway construction, Mr. Burgess has devoted some time to other interests. Messrs. Tuttle & Burgess built a sawmill in Ramsey, Ill., and cleared fifteen hundred acres of land, making the timber into railroad ties, lumber and wood for fuel purposes. At one time they had five thousand cords on hand. Nearly all of the fourteen miles of brick paving in the city has been done under our subject's supervision. He was for several years superintendant of the Water Works of Decatur, and in 1858 Tuttle & Burgess purchased an interest in the harware store of Close & Morehouse, which Mr. Burgess managed for a year and a-half. In 1866, he established a manufactory in Springfield, Ohio, for the building of cultivators. Few men have led a more busy or useful life than Mr. Burgess. On the large Transporation Building at the World's Fair in Chicago is a quotation from Macaulay, saying that to no one are we more indebted than to him who has made rapid transit possible. We thus see then what a debt of gratitude is due Mr. Burgess for his work in constructing the magnificent railroad system of Illinois, which surpasses that of any other State of the Union. Portrait and Biographical Record of Macon Co, Illinois, 1893 - p. 204-205 |
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