USA > Illinois > Champaign County > A Standard history of Champaign County Illinois : an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, civic and social development : a chronicle of the people, with family lineage and memoirs, Volume II > Part 11
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The More family is of sound and honorable English stock, but traces its ancestors back for a number of generations in this country, where its members have been conspicuous in numerous lines of human effort. One of the prominent family connections was Colonel James Fry, the following facts regarding whom have been taken from the archives of the State of Massachusetts: In a list of the men chosen for the expedition against Crown Point, April 15, 1756, agreeable to the order of his excellency William Shirley, Esq., was Colonel James Fry of Andover, who was engaged April 19, 1775. It was reported in the Provincial Congress, May 20, 1775, that commissions be issued to officers of Colonel Fry's regiment, and that Colonel Fry receive orders to make a disposition of his forces about Bos- ton, dividing the army into three divisions, consisting of two brigades each, and forming a brigade in General Putnam's division. Colonel Fry was also among the minute men who marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, from Andover to Cambridge. Colonel Fry was born at Andover, Massa- chusetts, in 1710; died January 8, 1776; married, November 20, 1734, Elizabeth Osgood. Their daughter, Joanna Fry, born in 1737, died 1767, married Thomas Farrington. Their son, March Farrington, had a daugh- ter, Betsey Ann, who married Henry More, Jr., and their son was James R. More.
James R. More was born at Delhi, New York, May 17, 1829, and was married October 26, 1852, to Louisa M. Lee, their children being: Edward V .; Ella Lee, who married John A. Pillars, had two children, Charles Adrian and Antoinette; Charles A. Pillars married Harriett Estes, and their daughter, Dorothy Lee, married William J. Taylor; Henry; Anna Helen, who is now Mrs. Tubbs; Bessie F., who died in infancy ; Fred ; and Nellie Lee, now Mrs. Parr. James R. More in his vocations alternated between farming and school teaching and writing fire insurance. He was for many years an educator in Michigan and also followed that occu- pation after his migration to Illinois, where, in 1859 and 1860, at Rantoul, he taught school. He died March 28, 1916, after an honorable life, respected and esteemed by the community. Mrs. More, a loving parent, faithful wife and affectionate and loyal friend, "whom none knew her but to love her, none named her but to praise," entered into rest December 23, 1912.
Edward V .. More was still a child when brought from his native place of Florence, St. Joseph County, Michigan, to Rantoul, Illinois. Here his father commenced teaching, and Edward V., a child of three years, was a privileged character in the schoolroom, where he would add to the amuse-
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ment of the pupils by bringing his blocks and saying his letters. He was extraordinarily bright and progressive in his studies and in a few years could "spell down" the entire school, which he frequently did, thereby giving much pleasure to his parents, as well as to his aunt, Pauline More, who was also a teacher in the Rantoul school at that time. When he became a student in the Rantoul High School an event occurred that brought out the strong traits of character in the boy which, in later years, have been forcibly manifested in his various activities. At the time mentioned, the weather having become suddenly excessively hot, the students in the graduating class held a council and decided that the teacher should dismiss the school and accordingly called upon him with a demand that he do so. When he finally stated that he could not graduate the class unless they took another four weeks of study and the final examination, they delib- erately took their books and walked out of school. Not so with young More, however, although his fellow pupils tried their utmost to win him to their way of thinking. He had just as strong ideas on the subject as they did and lived up to his determination to stay with his studies, and for four weeks longer pluckily remained at his desk, eventually passing his examination with credit. His teacher gave him his examination questions on slips of paper and he was required to answer them on the blackboard, which extended all around the room. He secured 100 in geography, 100 in history, 98 in grammar, and proportionately good marks in his other studies.
After his graduation Mr. More obtained employment with his uncle, J. A. Benedict, who conducted a general merchandise store and who proved a stanch and loyal friend, assisting and encouraging the youth and showing him numerous kindnesses that caused him to ever feel the greatest grati- tude in after years. He remained with his uncle for ten years, or until the elder man's death, when he went into the United States Railway Mail Service on the Illinois Central between Chicago and Centralia, being thus employed for three years. Later lie held a position in the great department store of Marshall Field & Company at Chicago, and subsequently in the office of the Santa Fe Railroad at Streator, Illinois, following which he went to Auburn, New York, and established himself in business as the proprietor of a photographic studio. Returning to Rantoul in 1892, Mr. More · embarked in the fire insurance business with his father, a field in which he has met with a satisfying measure of success, being the representa- tive of several old-line companies and having built up an excellent business at Rantoul and throughout Champaign County. He is well known in busi- ness circles, where he has established a reputation for fidelity and integrity.
Mr. More has always been public spirited and interested in those things which promote the well being of a community. As proof of the confidence of the public in his judgment and ability, it may be stated that he filled the office of village clerk in a most satisfying manner for thirteen years, and for several years was also police magistrate. Politically he had always been a Republican until 1912, when, under the leadership of Theo- dore Roosevelt, the great Progressive party movement was inaugurated, and Mr. More gave his support to the new organization. Fraternally he is affil- iated with the local lodge of the Masonic order, of which he is a past master. His religious affiliation is with the Episcopal Church.
The More family has contributed in liberal manner to the history of Champaign County, possessing those admirable and sterling traits of character ever found in those whosc deeds in life have helped brighten the way for otlicrs. The family has also given to the world some strong and talented characters, among them the noted sculptor, Charles Adrian Pillars, a nephew of Edward V. More, who is the only one ever having the honor of placing a marble statue in the Hall of Fame in the Capitol at Washing-
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ton, District of Columbia, that of Dr. John W. Gorrie, M. D., which stands next to that of Frances E. Willard. The latter was chosen by the State of Illinois, and the former by the State of Florida. Gorrie was the inventor of artificial ice before the Civil War, and his invention was considered of such great value in alleviating the suffering of the thousands of victims of yellow fever that the State of Florida chose him as its representative, and Mr. Pillars was commissioned to make the statue.
Edward V. More is the owner of a pleasant home at Rantoul, where he has the esteem of the community not only as a man who has led an honor- able and useful life, but as the representative of a family the characteris- tics of which have stood for straightforward dealing and honorable conduct in all of life's avenues of endeavor.
ARTHUR SHERIDAN is one of the live and enterprising real estate men of Champaign, and has been broker and agent for some extensive blocks of central Illinois farm lands and has handled a number of important transac- tions in that field. He is also well known in local politics and is one of the citizens of Champaign who can be counted upon for effective exertion of public spirited service.
Mr. Sheridan was born in Champaign, September 16, 1874, a son of Patrick and Catherine (Sullivan) Sheridan. His father was a native of County Mayo and his mother of County Cork, Ireland. Patrick Sheridan came to America about 1850, living in New York State for several years and in 1854 coming to Champaign County. He was long and successfully iden- tified with mercantile pursuits in this county and died here in November, 1892. His widow survived him until March, 1894. They had seven chil- dren: John, Maria and William, all deceased; Anna, custodian of the State Home at Geneva, Illinois; Dominick and Elizabeth, deceased; and Arthur.
Arthur Sheridan grew up in Champaign, attended St. Mary's Parochial School, but at the age of fifteen gave up his studies and books to earn his own living. For three years he worked on a farm, and for about four years was connected with McFadden & Company in the feed business. He subse- quently acquired interests in the livery business and in other local enter- prises, but since 1904 has devoted his principal time and attention to handling real estate, particularly Central Illinois lands.
Mr. Sheridan is an active Democrat, was Seventh Precinct committec- man eight years, and secretary and treasurer of the county central com- mittee six years. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is a member of the Catholic Church.
On October 29, 1902, he was married to Miss Maymc Connelley of Spring- field, Illinois. They have no children.
DALLAS SPRAGUE has for many years been a resident of Champaign County, and his fine farm and home are located in Compromise Township, in section 8. He is one of the best known citizens of northeastern Cham- paign County and his own record and that of the family deserves a promi- nent position in this publication.
Mr. Sprague is a native of West Virginia, born at Moundsville, on the Ohio River, in Marshall County, twelve miles below the city of Wheeling. His parents, John J. and Jane (Hull) Sprague, werc also natives of the same state.
When Dallas Sprague was about twenty-seven years of age, having acquired his education in his native state, lie came to Illinois to seek better opportunities and began farming in Grundy County. Soon afterward he met and married Suzan Severson. Mrs. Sprague has the industrious capa-
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J. R. Esworthy M& Family.
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bility characteristic of licr ancestry. She was born at Bergen, Norway, a daughter of Seward and Suzan Severson. She was reared and educated in her native country and at the age of twenty-six came with a number of young friends to America to find and utilize the splendid opportunities of this country. From New York she traveled by railroad to Chicago and from there to Morris, Illinois. Being an industrious young woman, she readily found employment and while thus engaged made the acquaintance of Mr. Dallas Sprague. This acquaintance ripened into an affection which brought about their marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Sprague continued to live in Grundy County for three years and then removed to Champaign County, which has been their home now for many years: They first rented a farm near Gifford, working it sixteen years and for another six years rented from Mr. Thomas McQuaid. While they were living on others' property Mr. and Mrs. Sprague not only made a comfortable living but were looking ahead to the future. Being naturally economical and thrifty, they finally acquired the capital with which they bought the 123 acres in their present farm, situated two miles southwest of Penfield. They have in many ways beautified and improved their farm, and have commodious buildings for all purposes and uscs.
Five children have been born to them, William, Sylvia, John, Bertha and Joe. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague have been very much concerned with the proper education and training of their children, and besides sending them to the district schools they gave them the advantages of the Penfield High School. Bertha graduated from the Penfield High School. William Sprague married Ida Otis, and their two children are Dallas and Florence Marjorie. The daughter Sylvia is now the wife of Thomas Harper and has two chil- dren, George and Suzan. Bertha Sprague married Harry Peterson and has a son, Lawrence. The sons John and Joe are still at home and assist their father in the management of the farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Sprague are active members of the Baptist Church at Gifford. The Baptist faith has had the allegiance of the Sprague family for many years. In politics Mr. Sprague is generally a Democrat, but is a man of broad views and supports the principles and candidates rather than party. He is a strong advocate of temperance and will be one of those who will readily support the amendment for nation-wide temperance when it is submitted in the State of Illinois. As one of the representative farmers he enjoys the confidence of the public and for thirty. years has served as director of the public schools in his district and has also served as road commissioner. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a charter member of the Modern Wood- men of America at Gifford. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague maintain a most hospitable liome and have endeared themselves to their community by their neighborly acts of kindness. Mrs. Sprague deserves much of the credit for the family well being and fortune, since she has stood beside her husband with counsel and assistance through all the years of their married life. With a family grown to manhood and womanhood Mr. and Mrs. Sprague arc now living in comfort in their fine country seat in Compro- mise Township and express great loyalty to the county of Champaign, which has been their home for so many years.
J. R. ESWORTHY, whose country home is on Rural Route No. 15 out of St. Joseph, has spent the greater part of his active life in Champaign County. He began here almost empty handed and that he now owns one of the larger and better improved farms of the county is a distinct tribute to his hard working industry and persistent efforts.
Mr. Esworthy was born in Union County, Ohio, May 14, 1849, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Good) Esworthy. His father was born in Mary- ·
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land, of which state the grandfather was also a native. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania. J. R. Esworthy was the second of five children. He acquired his early education in a country sehool near Nashport in Muskingum County, Ohio. From Muskingum County the family removed to Putnam County in northwestern Ohio, then to Missouri, and finally to Illinois, locating near Potomae. It was in that locality of Vermilion County that J. R. Esworthy came to manhood, having in the meantime completed his education in the public schools and having received a classical training as a farmer and husbandman from his father.
At the age of twenty he took upon himself the responsibilities of a home maker by his marriage to Miss Sercna Shoaf. Mrs. Esworthy was born in Indiana, daughter of David and Catherine Shoaf. The first year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Esworthy spent at his father's home and the next year they rented a farm in Compromise Township in Cham- paign County. They possessed the energy and determination that are sure to bring success in the long run and from what they earned and saved as renters they were able to make the first payment on a small tract of twenty-three and a half acres in East Stanton Township. They agreed to pay $10 an acre for this land. It was their home for fifteen years and during that time they steadily prospered. For two years they rented and lived on J. S. Kilbury's farm, and then moved to land which Mr. Esworthy bought in section 30 of Ogden Township. This tract consisted of 178 acres, but had no improvements worthy of the name. Today that farm is one of the best in Ogden Township, and its improvements are the work and creation of Mr. Esworthy's labors and intelligent management. The farm has many fruit and shade trees which they set out, commodious build- ings, and altogether constitutes a country plaee which anyone might be glad to own.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Esworthy, one of whom died in infancy. The others were James E., Sarah A., Lula M., C. D. and Maude M. They enjoyed while growing up the advantages of the local distriet schools, while Sarah was for ten terms a student in the deaf and dumb institution at Jacksonville, Illinois.
The son James E. is now sueeessfully engaged in farming east of Ogden on part of his father's land. He married Keturah Johnson and their seven children are Nora, John, Glen, Melvin, Raymond, Donald, Bur- ton. The daughter Sarah married Clarence Houston of Springfield, Illinois, and her two children are Clara Daisy and Neta Maric Houston. Lula M. Esworthy married David Stayton, who died leaving one child, Jessic Ray, and for her second husband she married William Sallce of Lebanon, Indiana, now a farmer near Fithian, Illinois. Mrs. Sallee has one child, Earl. C. D. Esworthy is a prosperous young farmer living on his father's place in Ogden Township. He first married Maud Bass, who died, leaving one child, Grace, and his second wife was Ora Valandingham. The daugh- ter Maud married Lewis Alexander, a farmer in Carroll County, Illinois. They have six children, Chester, Pearl, Ora, May, Earl and Lloyd.
Besides the land which he acquired and developed many years ago Mr. Esworthy's success has brought him much additional holding and he is the owner of 384 acres. For many years he has been one of the noted stoek raisers in eastern Champaign County, both eattle and hogs. Thrce times in one year his hogs topped the market at Indianapolis both in priee and quality. One year he shipped a Poland China hog raised on his farm that weighed 960 pounds. The finest two-year-old heifer ever shipped from the market at St. Joseph was one raised on the Esworthy place.
Mr. Esworthy's greatest sorrow was when death separated him from his beloved wife and the companion of his many years of struggle and
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increasing prosperity. Mrs. Esworthy died in March, 1916. She had endeared herself to the entire community by her kindliness and neighborli- ness, and as a home maker she shared the credit with her husband for the prosperity they enjoyed. For the past six years Mr. Esworthy's home has been brightened by his widowed daughter Sarah and her children. Sarah's husband was killed as a result of an accident at Springfield when he was struck by a street car.
His fellow citizens have more than once shown confidence in Mr. Esworthy's public spirit and judgment, and for nine years he filled the office of school director and has always been a stalwart champion of the drainage system in his part of the county. He took the lead in advocating drainage long before there was any popular support for it. Through his work the first ditch was constructed, and while much opposition was encountered at first, many of those most determined against it are now thoroughly converted and have many times praised the work which Mr. Esworthy did as a pioneer in this direction.
In matters of politics Mr. Esworthy lends his support to the principles of the Democratic party. He is an admirer of President Wilson, and especially of the wise and conservative policy which he has maintained in international relations and in the effective use of America's army and navy and economic resources to secure a just settlement of the world war on a basis of lasting peace and popular welfare. Mr. Esworthy has lived in close touch with progressive ideals, has made his own life a factor in progress, and can take a great deal of personal satisfaction in what he has done for himself and the community and what mankind generally has accomplished during the years that he has been a personal witness of the world's history.
WILLIAM H. COFFMAN, justice of the peace, is one of the old timers of Champaign County, went from this locality into the War of the Rebellion, from which he returned a captain, and for more than half a century has been a farmer, business man and public official. Though his years now number fourscore, he is still looking after the duties of his office as justice of the peace and also handles considerable insurance.
He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, June 13, 1837, a son of Noah B. and Elizabeth (Lamb) Coffman. His father was a native of, Virginia and his mother of Ohio. Noah B. Coffman spent his life as a farmer. In 1852 he removed with his family to Piatt County, Illinois, and on March 1, 1861, arrived in Champaign County, where he continued farming until his death in 1863. His widow died in 1872. Of their nine children William H. was the oldest. The others are: Aaron F., deceased; Mary C., who has never married and lives at Champaign; David H. of Champaign; Lueinda F., Elizabeth and Peter J., all deceased; Samuel C. of Fullerton, Nebraska; and Thomas D. of Oakland, California.
Judge Coffman was fiftecu years of age when the family came to Illinois, and his education was acquired in district schools both in Ohio and in this state. He lived on the home place with his father until he was twenty-four years of age. He had managed the farm for his brothers and sisters until he was twenty-two and then farmed it on his own account for a couple of years.
When his country needed him he did not hesitate to break home ties and business associations, and in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company I of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry at Champaign. He went out as a private, but on September 23d was promoted to sergeant; on October 24, 1862, to second lieutenant ; on March 15, 1863, to first lieutenant, and on May 10, 1864, was given his commission as captain. He was always in the same company, going out as private and coming back at its head. He was mus-
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tered out at San Antonio, Texas, and was given his final pay and discharge January 6, 1866, more than four years after his first enlistment.
His record as a soldier is one in which he can take due pride and satis- faction, and his descendants after him will always cherish that part of his record.
Captain Coffman returned to Champaign County from the war and began farming. He followed that actively until 1872, when lie removed to Bondville and became a merchant. He also acted as agent for the Illinois Central Railway Company at that place. He was a business man at Bond- ville for eight years, and on selling out he returned to his farm. In 1893 Captain Coffman gave up farming as his active vocation and removed to Champaign. In 1894 he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and besides the duties of that office he at one time conducted an extensive real estate and insurance business. He has gradually given up real estate deal- ings and now only writes insurance and attends to his official dutics.
Captain Coffman has been a loyal Republican almost throughout the life of that party. He is an active and well known member of the Grand Army post and his church is the Methodist Episcopal. In February, 1868, he married Miss Margaret M. Allen, who was born in Hardin County, Ken- tucky, and died there April 30, 1909, after they had been married more than forty-one years. There were two children: Birch D. of Chicago; and Jessie C., widow of George Gregg of Champaign County.
MRS. JANE PATTON. To live beyond the age of ninety is in itself a distinction. But in the case of Mrs. Jane Patton, whose home is out in the country in Kerr Township, many more substantial things and associations are connected with her long life. She is one of the notable women of Champaign County. Children and grandchildren have a source of pride in referring to their relationship to this venerable woman whose life began so early in the nineteenth century and has never ceased to bear the fruit of good deeds and wholesome influences.
Her maiden name was Jane Cade. She was born in Fountain County, Indiana, May 3, 1824, and has the distinction of having been the first white child born in that section of Indiana. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. William Cade. They were honored pioneer settlers of Fountain County, and during the War of 1812 her father had fought in the Ameri- can army. He was long active in politics. She was born when James Monroe was still President of the United States. The Erie Canal was still in process of construction and not a single mile of railroad had been laid in the United States. Indiana was only eight years old and Illinois had been a state for six years. She was in her twenties before the Mexican War was fought and was well on toward the middle period of womanhood when the Civil War closed. Mrs. Patton grew up in her native county and had to depend upon the meager opportunities of the district schools at a time when they were supported by the subscription plan and when there was no public system of education anywhere in the West.
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