History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 1

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940

USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 1

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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION

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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY ILLINOIS

A TALE OF ITS EVOLUTION, SETTLEMENT AND PROGRESS FOR NEARLY A CENTURY

VOLUME II

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY

1911

1606076

10.

BIOGRAPHICAL

CHARLES L. ENGLISH.

Few if any of the business men of Danville are better known throughout this section of the state than Charles L. English. He is not only one of Dan- ville's foremost citizens, but a man who for more than forty years has been prominently identified with her financial interests. He stands as a central figure in banking circles here and his name is known and honored among the leading financiers. Earnest, discriminating study of each duty that has devolved upon him and of each situation in which he has been placed have brought him a keen discriminating knowledge that now enables him to bring a ready and cor- rect solution of the financial problems which are presented to him.

A native of Indiana, Mr. English was born in Perrysville, on the 15th of July, 1846, and is a son of Joseph G. English who brought his family to Danville in 1854, being at that time only eight years of age. He has practically spent his entire life here and is indebted to the public schools of the city for the early educational advantages he enjoyed. Later he attended De Pauw University at Asbury, Indiana, for one year. His patriotism and loyalty to his country was shown in April, 1864, when he entlisted in defense of the union, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry. At that time he was not yet eighteen years of age, but he served his country well for a term of one hundred days and in October of the same year was honorably discharged. On starting out in life for himself Mr. English was engaged in the grain business for ten or twelve years and also furnished lumber and railroad supplies under contract, being associated in this enterprise with Colonel L. T. Dickason, now of Chicago. Their business grew in volume and importance until their trade assumed extensive proportions, giving employment to several hundred men.

In 1867 Mr. English became interested in the banking business, and has · since been identified with the First National Bank, of which he is now presi- dent. Since 1882 he has devoted his time almost exclusively to his banking in- terests and for a number of years filled the position of cashier, after which he served as vice president, but since 1899, upon the retirement of his father, who had been president of the institution for many years, our subject succeeded

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

to that office. In this connection his splendid business and executive ability have been called forth and the success of the institution is largely due to him. The business of the bank has steadily increased under his administration and the capital stock has been raised to three hundred thousand dollars, while there is a surplus of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mr. English has given his best energies to the advancement of this institution and is uniformly re- garded as the leading financier of this part of the state. He has played no small part in the development of the coal fields of Vermilion and adjoining counties, not exactly as an operator but in the important capacity of financing several projects. He was early identified with the Westville Coal Company and was a moving spirit in the Riola Coal Company.

In 1883 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. English to Miss Mary A. O'Hara, of Anderson, Indiana, and they have become the parents of two children, namely, Benjamin Charles and Daniel. The latter died at the age of fifteen years. The former, a graduate of the University of Chicago, of the class of 1907, married Miss Pearl Benjamin, a daughter of F. A. Benjamin, and is now a director and teller in the First National Bank of Danville.

Since attaining his majority Mr. English has always affiliated with the re- publican party and has taken a keen and active interest in its success. While not an office seeker, he wields a strong influence in political circles, being one of the party's advisors and counselors in that section of the state. His sup- port, likewise his opposition, has for years been a factor in political con- tests. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Masonic order and as a citi- zen takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the general good, being a supporter of many public enterprises and charitable institutions, to which he gives his influence as well as his means for their advancement. His business career has been actuated by laudable ambition and characterized by unfaltering industry, combined with a close adherence to a high standard of business ethics. It would be difficult to point out any one characteristic as his most pronounced trait, for his is a most evenly balanced character, in which business capacity and power are matched by recognition of life's purposes and the obligations of man to his fellowmen. By nature he is cordial and kindly and possesses a personality which, while inspiring respect, also wins the warm friendship of those with whom he comes in contact. In 1898 Mr. English erected his resi- dence at 1125 North Vermilion street, which has since been the family home.

WILLIAM F. KEENEY.

William F. Keeney, a prominent and well known resident of Vermilion county, was long actively identified with agricultural interests here but is now living retired in Catlin. His birth occurred in Catlin township, this county, on the Ist of October, 1843, his parents being Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Caraway) Keeney, both of whom were natives of Greenbrier county, West Virginia. They came to Vermilion county in 1831 and bought school land, erecting a log cabin thereon. Here they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

lives and in their passing the community lost two of its most honored and respected pioneer settlers. They became the parents of nine children but the only survivor of the family is the subject of this review.

William F. Keeney attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and lived with his parents until they were called to their final rest. He then took charge of the old homestead farm in Catlin township and the property is still in his possession. General agricultural pursuits claimed his attention throughout his active business career and eventually brought him the competence that now enables him to spend the evening of life in honorable re- tirement. Since the Ist of January, 1909, he has made his home in the village of Catlin, having there erected a fine residence. His property holdings em- brace five hundred acres of valuable land in this county and also a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Meade county, Kansas. He is likewise identified with financial interests as the vice president of the First National Bank of Catlin and is also a director of the bank at Oakwood, this county.

On the 13th of October, 1880, Mr. Keeney was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Richards, a native of Indiana and a daughter of James and Mary (Kepley) Richards, who were likewise born in the Hoosier state. They came to Vermilion county, Illinois, after the close of the Civil war and passed away in Georgetown. Their children were twelve in number.

In politics Mr. Keeney is a stanch republican but the honors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him. Fraternally he is identified with Mayfield Lodge, No. 635, K. P., and the Modern Woodmen of America at Catlin, having filled all of the chairs in the latter organization. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Catlin. Having always re- mained within the borders of Vermilion county, he has gained an extensive circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, and his salient characteristics are such as have won for him the unqualified respect, esteem and good will of his fellowmen.

HENRI STRONAHON BABCOCK, M. D.

Not all who become followers of the medical profession attain success therein. It demands special fitness, a ready sympathy combined with quickness of per- ception in determining what remedies are needed for the peculiar condition of the patient, and these qualities must be added to a broad, comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the principles of the medical science. In all of these particulars Dr. Henri S. Babcock, a well known physician and surgeon of Dan- ville, is well acquainted for his chosen work and has thus achieved success.

Dr. Babcock was born in Conewonego township, Warren county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 26th of August, 1869, his parents being Joseph Foulton and Jennie E. Babcock. In the paternal line he is descended from English and Dutch ances- try, while on the maternal side he comes of Irish and Welsh lineage. The father of our subject loyally fought for the preservation of the Union during the period of the Civil war.

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

In his youthful years Dr. Babcock attended the Warren Union School of Warren, Pennsylvania, being graduated from the academic department in 1887. Wishing to enter professional life, he became a student in the medical department of the University of Michigan, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1891. The same year he located for practice at Jamesburg, Vermilion county, Illinois, where he remained for a decade or until 1901, since which time he has resided continuously in Danville, having here built up an extensive and profitable patronage in the line of his profession.

On the 24th of December, 1891, in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Babcock was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Buck, by whom he has two children, Joseph Henri and Jennie May. In his political views Dr. Babcock is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, having attained the fourteenth degree in the latter fraternity. The Danville Physicians Club also numbers him among its members. He is a man of marked individuality, of strong character and stalwart purpose, who in citizenship and professional circles and in private life commands the respect of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

HON. A. G. PHELPS DODGE.

A. G. Phelps Dodge needs no introduction to the citizens of Danville or of Vermilion county. A man of broad education and extensive knowledge, of considerable wealth, he has proved himself a prominent factor in the community through the quiet, yet forceful, influence which he exerts in behalf of public progress through his generous support of measures for the public good and by the timely assistance which he renders when material aid is needed.

Cheshire, England, was the original home of the family as far back as the ancestry can be traced. A patent bearing date April 8, 1306, states that "Peter Dodge, gentleman of the town of Stopworth, county of Chester, England," did such loyal and valiant service for his sovereign, Edward I, that he and his heirs forever were entitled to "have, enjoy and use" a coat of arms. On the 10th of July, 1629, William Dodge, the first American ancestor, arrived at Salem, Massachusetts, and that he was a man of considerable prominence is indicated by the fact that he bore the title of Mr .- a term significant of a leading position in a community and of high moral worth. William Dodge and his brother Richard were the progenitors of families that through succeeding gen- erations have sent their representatives into almost every state in the Union. Moreover, the history of the Dodge family is one of closest connection with American annals. Not only have representatives of the name gained positions of leadership in business circles but have also left their impress upon the laws of state and nation through service in the general assemblies and in congress, while in the military history of the country the name stands distinctly forth. Hon. William E. Dodge, the father of him whose name introduces this review, was a well known philanthropist and merchant of New York city and for a considerable period represented his district in congress.

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

It was in New York city on the 25th of August, 1834, that A. G. Phelps Dodge was born. Liberal educational opportunities were afforded him, and he has wisely used his time and talents for the benefit of his fellowmen and for the support of progressive public measures as well as for individual needs and pleasures. Through his operation in real estate he has contributed to the material benefit and improvement of Danville and aside from all business connections has stood as the champion of the interests of this city in which he has made his home since 1886. Early in life he had extensive timber lands and lumbering interests in several of the states, partic- ularly in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Kentucky. For nine years he was in On- tario, Canada, working one of the most extensive plants in that country, con- sisting of six large mills and a line of stream barges operating on the Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes. During his residence there he made his home on Lake Simcoe, in the county of York, one of the largest counties in Canada, which he represented in the Dominion parliament at Ottawa for two years, during the inception of the Canadian Pacific Railway by his great chief, Sir John A. Mac- Donald. His invested interests have always displayed keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise and on the whole have been attended with splendid success.

Mr. Dodge was married on the 2d of June, 1886, to Miss Rose Voorhees, a daughter of Peter and Mary Voorhees, and a favorite niece of Daniel Voor- hees, United States senator from Indiana. She has since passed away, how- ever, her death occurring July 2, 1910. Mr. Dodge has the personal qualities which make for popularity and has the faculty of placing anyone at ease in his presence. The culture of previous generations has left its impress upon him and his well developed intellectual powers and his breadth of view make him a favorite in social circles where intelligent men gather for the discussion of deep and vital questions. Danville is proud to number him among her citizens, and he in turn is proud of the achievement of the city with which he has allied his interests for almost a quarter of a century.

ELIAS D. SMITH.

Elias D. Smith, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Blount town- ship, is the owner of two hundred acres of rich and productive land, constituting one of the most highly improved farms in the county. His birth occurred in Ross township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 14th of August, 1858, his parents being George E. and Eliza A. (Fairchilds) Smith, natives of Ohio and Illinois respectively. Following their marriage they took up their abode on a farm in this county and the father has here been engaged in general agri- cultural pursuits continuously since, now residing on a tract of two hundred and forty acres on section 33, Blount township. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as a substantial and representative citizen. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, namely: John E., Marshall M., Wesley C., Woodard G., Elizabeth L., Sadie, Eva J., Josie O. and Elias D.

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

The last named lived with his parents until he had attained his majority and then rented a part of the old homestead farm, operating the place for three years. On the expiration of that period he bought a tract of two hundred acres in Blount township, to the cultivation of which he has devoted his time and energies continuously since. The property is lacking in none of the improve- ments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and the well tilled fields annually yield bounteous harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.

On the 25th of October, 1882, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Clara F. Smith, who was born on the 8th of December, 1862, her parents being Charles E. and Mary (McMullen) Smith, natives of Ohio. They came to Illinois at an early day, settling in Danville, where Charles E. Smith was employed in a mill for twelve years. At the end of that time he left the mill and became the proprietor of a feed store, conducting the same until 1898. During the past twelve years, however, he has lived in honorable retirement at Danville. He was twice married and by his first wife, who died in 1875, had three chil- dren, as follows: William, Clara F. and Ada. In 1880 Charles E. Smith was again married, his second union being with Miss Lizzie Ringen, of Indiana, by whom he had the following children: Mettie, Alice, Mary, Evert, Clarence, Gil- bert and Grover. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1900.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Elias D. Smith were born four children, namely: Palmer C., who has taught school for six years; George L., at home; Mabel, the wife of Clarence Vandivort, of Vermilion county ; and Oliver A., who passed away on the 13th of October, 1889. The death of the wife and mother, which occurred on the 29th of June, 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.

Mr. Smith is a democrat in politics and has capably served as school trustee for a quarter of a century. His fraternal relations are with lodge No. 907 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Henning, Illinois, and Modern Woodmen camp No. 4425 at Jamesburg, Illinois. Recently he has also become identified with the Masonic fraternity at Potomac, Illinois. His religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. A resident of the county from his birth to the present time, he is widely known within its borders and the sterling qualities which he has displayed in his social and business rela- tions have gained him a high place in the regard and good will of his fellow townsmen.

JACOB S. McFERREN.

"Thrift of time," said William E. Gladstone, "will repay you in after life with a usury of profit beyond your most sanguine dreams and waste of it will make you dwindle alike in intellectual and moral stature beyond your darkest reckon- ing." This statement finds verification in the record of Jacob S. McFerren, who in all of his life seems to have improved every opportunity that has presented nor wasted a moment that might be advantageously used. He has displayed both initiative spirit and a genius for organization and, never fearing to ven-

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

ture where favoring opportunity has led the way, has reached a commanding position in connection with one of the most extensive and important produc- tive industries in the country. One interest alone, however, does not indicate the scope of his activities, for his efforts have extended to many lines, cover- ing commercial, industrial and financial interests, and aside from all these fields in which his labors have brought him profit, he has put forth effective efforts for the benefit and upbuilding of his city, cooperating largely and generously where the general welfare of the community has been involved.

A native of Ohio, Jacob S. McFerren was born in Warren county, October I, 1845, his parents being William M. and Eliza (Snyder) McFerren, the former a merchant who was born in South Caroline and died in 1894. The family num- bered two sons and two daughters: Alvira B., now the wife of Ed Griffith, cashier of the First National Bank of Hoopeston; Mrs. Mary Huey, of Hoopes- ton ; Pingree; and Jacob S.

The last named was a pupil in the public schools of his native county and in Bartlett Commercial College at Cincinnati, Ohio. His early business ex- perience was received under the direction .of his father, whom he assisted in the store through the periods of vacation. At the age of fifteen he left school and became an equal partner with his uncle in a business at Level, Ohio, his uncle furnishing the capital, while he managed the enterprise and received half the profits. The store was conducted under the firm style of J. S. McFerren & Company. Two years later his uncle entered into other business connections, becoming a member of a grain firm, but a heavy decline in the grain market and other disastrous speculations caused the firm to suspend with heavy liabili- ties. This naturally affected the firm of J. S. McFerren & Company to a large extent, although in the meantime Mr. McFerren had built up an extensive trade. The business was closed out and all debts paid in full, leaving the firm name untarnished, although through the unfortunate speculations of his partner Mr. McFerren had but three hundred dollars left of the three thousand dollars clear profit which he had made in the conduct of his mercantile enterprises.

His capital being thus greatly reduced, he was obliged to seek employment, remaining in Ohio until August, 1865, when, thinking that perhaps better oppor- tunities might be secured farther west, he made his way to Paxton, Illinois, then a young man of twenty years. There he took charge of the books of J. W. Scott and after a short time secured a more lucrative position with R. Clark, one of the oldest merchants of Paxton, whom he served as bookkeeper to the close of the year, when Mr. Clark, owing to failing health, offered to turn over his stock and business to his nephew, A. L. Clark, and Mr. McFerren, loaning them all needed capital. The proposition was accepted and the firm of Clark & Mc- Ferren took charge of the business. Success attended the venture from be- ginning, the trade was established upon a substantial basis and their capital steadily and rapidly increased. They enlarged their stock to meet the growing demands of the trade and such was the success to which they attained that Mr. McFerren at length determined to engage in banking and in the real-estate business. In those lines he associated himself with T. W. Chamberlin, under the style of McFerren & Chamberlin, and on the Ist of August, 1872, they opened a bank in Hoopeston. Although the business was but a new concern;

HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY

they passed successfully through the financial panic of 1873, keeping their doors opened throughout that trying period and winning public confidence by the safe, conservative methods which they followed. In 1874, owing to ill health, Mr. Chamberlin retired, Mr. McFerren assuming entire management. From a small beginning the business has developed until this is recognized as one of the strong national banks of the state.

It has been characteristic of Mr. McFerren's business career that he has never failed to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way, his sound judgment recognizing the value of business conditions, while his powers of organization have led him to so manage and coordinate forces that desired re- sults have been achieved, followed by substantial success. His investments, too, have been most judiciously made and indicate his sound and discriminating judgment. He today individually owns several thousand acres of land near Hoopeston and as a member of the firm of Moore, McFerren & Seavey he has also operated extensively in real estate, the firm in the first year of its exist- ence doing a business amounting to three hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Seavey withdrew from the partnership but the firm of Moore & McFerren still exists and has large landed interests in the south through the states of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee. Their operations in different sections have been of inestimable value to the communities, for they have not only bought and sold land but have greatly improved their property, have established industries thereon and have secured transportation facilities through railroad building. They were the builders of twenty miles of railroad from Luxora, Arkansas, to Big Lake, called the Mississippi, Big Lake & Western Railroad. They have along that line thirty thousand acres of land and the railroad fur- nishes an outlet for their lumber and also constitutes a part of the trunk line from the Mississippi river to Joplin, Missouri. They have an extensive sawmill at Luxora and are also owners of a sawmill at Pitman's Island and another at Woodstock, Mississippi, each having a capacity of twenty-five thousand feet per day, while three other sawmills which they own turn out twenty thousand feet of lumber daily. Their most extensive lumber industry, however, is located at Memphis, Tennessee, where they have a double-band sawmill with a capacity of fifty thousand feet per day, the plant being erected at a cost of seventy-five thous- and dollars. Their interests likewise include a large box factory at Memphis.

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History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 1

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 940

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940