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 28
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Thomas J. Roth made his home with his parents until he was twenty- two years of age, and during this time did much to assist his father in the cultivation of the home farm. In the meantime he was receiving his education in the public schools of Edgar County, where he attended the Paris High School, and finally adopted the profession of teaching, a voca- tion which he followed for four years. While employed as an instructor he had become interested in the law and had spent some of his spare time in desultory reading in legal literature, but it was not until 1872 that he took up the matter seriously, in that year entering the office of Hon. J. A. Eads of Paris, Illinois, where he studied under this able preceptor for two years. He was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon, Illinois, in June, 1874, and on July 13th of the same year located for practice at Rantoul, Champaign County. Probably Judge Roth had the usual difficulty experienced by the young lawyer in getting a foothold upon the ladder of success, but once his start was made his advance was rapid, and during the thirty-two years of his residence at Rantoul he arosc to a position where he was recognized as one of the ablest and most eminent inembers of his profession in the county. In 1906 he was selected for
HARRY HERRICK
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judicial honors when elected judge of the County Court of Champaign County, which necessitated his changing his residence to Urbana. At the expiration of four years of fine and dignified service on the bench he resumed his private practice, but remained at Urbana, where he has since represented some of the largest and most important interests of the county seat.
On June 24, 1875, Judge Roth was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Eubank, who was born in Covington, Kentucky, April 14, 1848, and died June 6, 1913, and was laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, Ran- toul, Illinois. Two sons were born to this union, namely: Sidney Roscoe, who died March 21, 1917; and Harold Denio, a successful lawyer of Cham- paign County, who is now serving as assistant state's attorney under Louis A. Busch. Mrs. Roth was very popular in the social and religious life of Rantoul and for twelve years served in the capacity of member of the school board there, succeeding her husband in that position. She was equally popular at Urbana, although not so actively engaged in affairs. · Judge Roth is a Democrat. He has numerous business connections, one of which is with the Rantoul Water, Light and Power Company, of which he is president. Fraternally he is identified with the Rantoul Lodge of Modern Woodmen of America, and he and Mrs. Roth were members of the First Congregational Church of Rantoul.
HARRY HERRICK. The invention of the automobile not only brought a new element into business and social life, but in its subsequent develop- ment and improvement opened up other industries that have now become as essential to progress as the vehicle itself. The business of dealing in automobile supplies engages the attention of many wide awake business men all over the country. Champaign, with its wealth, culture, business enterprise and close contiguity to a rich agricultural section has, perhaps, a larger purchasing class interested in automobiles than many cities of equal size, and all these car owners are, to some extent, dependent on the local dealers in supplies. One of these business men is Harry Herrick, who is doing a large trade in this line and is particularly well qualified because of his practical knowledge of the construction and operation of all the leading types of cars.
Harry Herrick was born in the city of Chicago, September 9, 1877, and is a son of Dwight C. and Belle (Warner) Herrick, the former of whom was born at Baldwinsville, New York, and the latter a native of Chicago, Illinois. The Warner family located in Chicago early and the maternal grandmother of Harry Herrick was a passenger on the first passenger train on what is now the Chicago & Northwestern Railway that went out of Chicago. There were five children born to Dwight C. Herrick and wife in the old home in Oak Park, Chicago, namely: Harry; a son who died in infancy; Florence, who is the wife of H. K. Hoblitt, who is cashier of the State National Bank at Bloomington; and Burton S. and Warner, both of whom are residents of Bloomington. Until 1902 the father was in a clothing business in Chicago and then moved to Bloomington and continued in the same line there.
Harry Herrick attended the public schools in Oak Park and was graduated from the high school in 1897. He had determined on a bus- iness career and began by becoming a stock boy in a house furnishing company in Chicago, his fidelity and industry being rewarded by promotion, and for two years he was a traveling salesman for this concern. For some time after that he was connected with his father's business and then once more went on the road, this time for a clothing house and with a wide territory, his business travels taking him over Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.
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Mr. Herrick continued in that line until 1909, in which year he came to Champaign and here embarked in the automobile business. Mr. Herrick was one of the pioneers in several business ventures in connection with rapid transportation, starting the first completely equipped garage at Champaign and also the first taxicab line. In December, 1909, he drove the first auto truck that ever came into central Illinois, the route being from Pontiac, Michigan, to Champaign. At present he is devoting his entire attention to the automobile supply business, having branch houses both at the Chanute Aviation Field, Rantoul, Illinois, and at Bloomington, Illinois. He is widely known in automobile circles and is president of the Champaign Automobile Club.
On April 4, 1903, Mr. Herrick was united in marriage with Miss Katheryn Walls, who is a member of an old Champaign family. She is a daughter of the late W. W. Walls, for many years a substantial business . man here. Mr. and Mrs. Herrick have four children : Harriet, Robert W., Arthur James and Richard. Politically Mr. Herrick is a Republican, but he takes a more active part in business affairs than in politics, never failing, however, to give his support and lend his influence to every matter of good government. He is greatly interested in the subject of good roads. Fraternally he is an Elk, and he and wife belong to the Presbyterian Church.
CHANCY L. FINFROCK is one of the younger members of the Champaign bar and for the past three years has been associated in practice with Roger F. Little.
Mr. Finfrock was born in Urbana, May 19, 1892, a son of John H. and Jordena (Johnson) Finfrock. His father was born in Pennsylvania and his mother in Ohio. John H. Finfrock came to Champaign County in 1875. Locating at Urbana, he identified himself with his regular busi- ness as a flour miller and was one of the substantial citizens of that district until his death in July, 1896. The mother is still living in Urbana. Chancy L. is the only survivor of his parents' four children, the other three having died in infancy.
He was graduated from the Urbana High School in 1910 and then entered the University of Illinois, where he completed the law course and received his LL. B. degree in 1914. . In September, 1914, Mr. Finfrock became associated with Mr. Little, and they have one of the well appointed law offices of Urbana, located at 1091/2 Main Street.
Mr. Finfrock is a Republican and a member of the Masonic order. He married, June 29, 1916, Miss Grace Dellenbach of Champaign.
GEORGE SCHOON, whose fine farm establishment is in section 32 of Kerr Township, has been a resident of Champaign County almost continuously since he was four years of age. He is a native of Germany, and inherits many of the substantial qualities which have made that people famous under every clime of the world.
Mr. Schoon's parents were Christian and Mary Schoon, and he was one of their two children, John and George. The parents, seeking better oppor- tunities for themselves and for their children, immigrated to America when George was four years of age. Coming to Champaign County, they located near Penfield, and both the boys attended school here and grew up to indus- trious manhood.
Mr. George Schoon married Miss Mattie Booher. She was born at Blue Grass in Vermilion County, Illinois, a daughter of Benjamin and Frances (Harper) Booher. Her parents were both born at Darlington, Indiana, and settled near Sugar Grove in Champaign County on March 5, 1865. There
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were thirteen children in the Booher family, Mrs. Schoon being about sixth or seventh in order of birth. With her brothers and sisters she secured her education in the Armstrong school.
Mr. and Mrs. Schoon were married Christmas Day, December 25, 1902. Mr. Booher was a kind and indulgent father, and it was one of his expressed wishes that all his daughters should marry from his home. Thus the mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Schoon was made a matter of family celebration, and their wedding was witnessed by many relatives and friends, and altogether it was a scene of pleasure and good wishes which is still a pleasant memory to all participants.
For the first year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schoon worked on his father's farm until the father retired to Gifford. The young couple then continued on the Schoon homestead for a time, but for the past thirteen years Mr. Schoon has been the farm manager for Mr. A. A. Arms near Penfield. He has under his supervision 300 acres of land, and Mr. Schoon is widely recognized as one of the most productive farmers of Champaign County. He has found Mr. Arms a prince of a landlord, kind and consid- erate of the welfare of Mr. and Mrs. Schoon, and their associations have been both profitable and pleasant, each party endeavoring to do the best for the other and working for mutual interests and sharing the responsibilities of the farm.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schoon, two sons and two daughters, named Lena Alberta, Mary Frances, George Harold and Virgil Oakley. These are four bright, energetic children, all of them students in the Penfield school. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon have also given their daughters culture in music, especially the piano, and the girls have eagerly accepted this opportunity and are progressive and hard working students and show signal ability in their musical culture.
Besides general farming Mr. Schoon has been very successful as a stock raiser, particularly in the raising of horses, which seem to thrive under his management. His barns have sheltered a number of Percheron horses. He and his wife are people who believe in enjoying life as they go along, and besides their teams of horses they own a fine Studebaker car. Mr. Schoon believes in operating an automobile on the sane and safe plan. From time to time he and his family have enjoyed some very pleasant trips. Thus they have brought the joys of life into their country home, and the home is one which the children will hardly desire to leave for the attractions of the city. .
On February 6, 1916, Mrs. Schoon's mother died very suddenly, and her death was a great shock to the family. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon are active members of the United Brethren Church at Penfield and their children are being reared in the same faith and are attentive members of the Sunday school. Fraternally Mr. Schoon is affiliated with the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Pythias, and Mrs. Schoon is a member of the Royal Neighbors. These social orders have proved valuable factors in their lives and means of broadening life's activities. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon are among the most representative families of Champaign County, and their life's work has brought them many rich rewards. Mr. Schoon is a true American citizen, loyal to the land of his adoption, and has been fortunate in having his lot cast with Champaign County and in the broad opportunities that have come to him through a capable and efficient wife. Mr. and Mrs. Schoon may be found at their pleasant home northwest of Penfield, where they enjoy the confidence and esteem of their neighbors and have a most pleasing retrospect upon days well spent and duties well performed. In politics Mr. Schoon gives his support to the Republican party, but votes for principles rather than according to the strict dictates of partisanship.
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CHRISTIAN SCHOON was for many years enrolled among the active and vigorous farmers of Champaign County, but from the fruits of his industry long continued he is now enabled to enjoy a life of comfortable retirement in his home in the Village of Gifford.
Mr. Schoon, like many other of the most capable men who have tilled and cultivated the soil of Champaign County, is of German origin. He was born at the Town of Reepshold in the Province of Hanover, a son of George and Sophia (Burns) Schoon. He was the oldest of three children, the other two being John and Mattie. Christian Schoon grew up and received his education in Germany and he served three years in the German army in the Seventy-eighth Regiment of Infantry, being a corporal. He was in the army while Emperor William, the first, was on the Prussian throne and while Prince Bismarck was counselor to the German Empire. This Emperor William was grandfather of the present Kaiser. Mr. Schoon obtained an honorable discharge from the army, and though he rendered faithful and loyal service to the land of his birth, since coming to America he has been equally loyal to the flag of his adopted land.
In 1875 Mr. Schoon married in Germany Miss Mary Monck. She was a daughter of George and Katrina (Ennen) Monck. Seven years after their marriage they determined to better their fortune by coming to America. They took passage on the ship Oder, which on a later voyage was lost at sea. After landing at New York they came direct to Champaign County and for twenty-one years they farmed for that prince of landlords, Azro Arms, on one of Mr. Arms' fine places near Penfield. Mr. Schoon is one of the men who made a success as a farm tenant, and was able eventually to retire with an ample competence for his needs. During all those twenty-one years Mr. Arms never asked him for a contract, feeling assured that he was dealing with an honest man. They depended upon each other's word and there was never a time when a misunderstanding arose which could not be quietly set- tled. Their relationship indicates how two congenial and honest men may get along in business affairs with mutual satisfaction and esteem.
Mr. and Mrs. Schoon are the parents of two children, George and John. Both were well educated in Champaign County, and besides what they learned in books they acquired habits of industry and principles of moral integrity from their parents. George is a successful farmer living on the A. A. Arms place near Penfield, and he married Miss Mattie Booher. They have four children, named Alberta, Mary, George and Virgil. John Schoon, who is a mechanic living at Gifford, married Elizabeth Johnson, and they have two children, Christian and Flossie.
When Mr. Christian Schoon came to America he possessed very little money. He was unable to speak a word of the English language, and it was fortunate indeed that his industry and good common sense early attracted the attention of Mr. Arms and brought about that long and continuous employment which has been mentioned. Mr. Schoon has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends, and is now serving his fifth consecutive term as a member of the school board and is clerk of the board. He believes in securing the best instruction for children, and has been instrumental in bringing the. Gifford High School to its present high state of efficiency. His family are all active members and supporters of the German Lutheran Church at Gifford. Wherever the public has required his services Mr. Schoon has performed them with conscientious ability. At one . time he served on the jury during Judge Cunningham's administration, and has always been a great admirer of that noble man.
On coming to America Mr. Schoon made a close study of political prob- lems in this country, and determined to give his support to the Republican party and has always followed the principles he thus early acquired, though
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he supported Mr. Roosevelt during the Progressive movement. Mr. Schoon gives much credit to his capable wife as a sharer in their mutual joys and sorrows and the accomplishments which now enable them to live without care and anxiety in their home at Gifford.
JOSEPH GORDON. Champaign County lost one of its most industrious and capable citizens in the death of Joseph Gordon at his fine country home in section 18 of Compromise Township on January 10, 1915. His home had been in Champaign County over forty years and his residence was a continuous record of well directed energy, wholesome influence in the com- munity, of prosperity as a business man and of complete devotion to his family and home.
He was born in County Wexford, Ireland, a son of John and Mary (Whalen) Gordon. When he was twelve years of age the family came to America. There were five sons and three daughters, Joseph being the oldest. An education partly in the schools of Ireland and partly in the United States equipped Joseph Gordon for the serious battles of life.
On February 3, 1874, he married Miss Ellen McQuaid. Mrs. Gordon, who is still living at the old homestead, surrounded by her sturdy sons and capable daughters, was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Milan) McQuaid. Her parents were also natives of Ireland. She was ten months old when they came to Champaign County, the McQuaids being among the pioneers of Rantoul, where Mrs. Gordon was educated in the public schools. She had one brother, Thomas.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gordon started out to make a home for themselves and provisions for their family. Five miles from Rantoul Mr. Gordon bought eighty acres of land at $40 an acre. He possessed all the qualifications which the successful farmer requires. He and his wife had youth, energy, industry, and they were willing to sacrifice many con- veniences in order to provide for the future. After five years on their first farm they moved to Compromise Township, and subsequently bought 160 acres three miles southeast of Gifford, which in course of time was developed into their permanent home. When they went there the land had very few improvements. There was a small three-room house but no fruit or shade trees. Mr. Gordon planted with his own hands many fruit trees and shade trees, and these now give the home one of its most attractive aspects.
Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon. Their names in order of birth are: Charles N., Thomas F., Joseph E., Catherine G., Mary E., Anna E., Agnes T., William B., Margaret A., John R., Loretta F. and three others, Emily, James and John, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon early realized their responsibilities as parents and took strict pains to see that their children would have the best of educational advan- tages. Besides keeping them in the local schools, they gave them the advan- tages of the high schools at Gifford and Penfield. Charles completed his education in the Brothers School at Peru, Illinois, Anna was a student in St. Joseph's Academy at Bloomington, and Mary attended the Sisters School at Champaign. Charles N. Gordon, who lives at Penfield, is a merchant, proprietor of a large general store, married Ellen T. Collins, and for his second wife Ellen Dwyer. Their children are Frances and Eugene. Thomas F. Gordon, a farmer in Compromise Township, married Bessie O'Connor. Joseph E. Gordon married Catherine Nolan, and their children are Helen, Joseph, Paul, Mary, Emily, Rita and Charles. Catherine G. Gordon is the wife of Edward Nolan, and they live in Compromise Township. Their children are Mary A., Ruth and Josephine. Mary E. Gordon married John Nolan, a farmer. The other children are still at home. William B. is active manager of the farm, with the assistance of his brother John. Their well
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tilled fields indicate the care bestowed upon them through many years and also the industry of these two brothers.
Mr. Gordon during his long residence in Champaign County became known not only as a very capable farmer but as a kind neighbor, a loving husband and a dutiful father. He was devoted to the welfare of the Catholic Church at Penfield and he and John Fleming carried the first petition to solicit funds for the building of the present church. In politics Mr. Gordon was an active Democrat. His sons have filled different positions of public trust, William B. having been trustee of the school board of Compromise Township, while Joseph E. has been supervisor and Thomas is now filling the office of township treasurer. Thus in many ways the name of the Gordon family has been identified with the substantial interests of Champaign County.
That Mr. Joseph Gordon was a farmer and business man of unusual ability and judgment is evidenced in the fact that at the time of his death his estate comprised 1,120 acres of the fertile lands of Champaign County.
W. M. EALEY, who has followed a varied and active career as a teacher, minister of the Gospel and as an earnest, hard-working citizen in what- ever capacity life has called him, has for many years been a resident of Champaign County.
He was born near Brazil in Clay County, Indiana, May 18, 1853, a son of William and Wealthy (Hicks) Ealey, his father a native of Ken- tucky and his mother of Indiana. His mother was born August 30, 1834, and is still living at Urbana at the age of eighty-three. William Ealey went into the Union army from Indiana as a member of Company F of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry. After nine months he was discharged from duty on account of illness. He was a farmer by occupation, and in April, 1891, removed to Champaign County, Illinois, where his death occurred in August, 1895. Of his five children W. M. Ealey is the oldest. Clara J. is the wife of John Gibbens of Clay County, Indiana; Sarah A. is the wife of John Barnett of Saskatchewan, Canada; George, a resident of Clay County, Indiana; and Emma, wife of Albert Muncie of Brazil, Indiana.
W. M. Ealey grew up in Indiana, attended country schools and at the age of sixteen qualified as a teacher. He was actively engaged in the work of this profession for twenty years. He finally entered the ministry of the Christian Church and in 1889 removed to Urbana, from which point he carried on his work in the Gospel for a number of years until he retired about eight years ago. However, he has continued to preach funeral sermons and has officiated at more funerals than possibly any ininister of any other denomination in this section of Illinois. In Jan- uary, 1890, Mr. Ealey built the home in Urbana where he still resides, a two-story stucco residence.
He was married January 1, 1875, to Louisa Presnell, a native of Clay County, Indiana. They were married for over twenty-one years, and at her death on January 25, 1896, she left eight children: Minnie, who lives at Saline City, Indiana; Cora, wife of Angus McLean of Ohio; Homer, who for four years and four months was in the United States navy and is now living in Champaign; Elmer, forcman of a planing mill at Urbana; Edgar of Modesta, California; Effie, wife of George F. Hensel of Denver, Colorado; Grace, wife of Charles Tillotson of Urbana; and Miss Burdelle, an art teacher in the public schools of Urbana. On Decem- ber 25, 1901, Rev. Mr. Ealey married Susanna H. Harris of Bellefontaine, Ohio, a daughter of Rev. J. G. Harris, a minister of the English Lutheran Church and one of the best educated men in the State of Ohio
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in his day. Rev. Mr. Harris was a linguist, being the master of eight languages and preached in both English and German. He was of English descent.
Mr. Ealey is now serving his second term as township assessor. · Polit- ically he is a Republican and has been a member of the Masonic order for thirty-nine years and also belongs to the Eastern Star, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs and the Court of Honor. He is a faithful member of the Christian Church.
PHINEAS LAWRENCE WINDSOR, librarian of the University of Illinois, is one of the ablest men of his profession in the state. He is a native of Illinois, and had a wide experience in library work both in the East and West before he entered upon his present duties.
He was assistant in the New York State Library in 1899, and from 1900 to 1903 was in the copyright office in the Library of Congress. From 1904 to 1909 Mr. Windsor held the post of librarian to the Uni- versity of Texas at Austin. He then accepted his present duties as librarian and director of the Library School of the University of Illinois.
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