USA > Illinois > A history of southern Illinois; a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests > Part 6
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William Clark Carson attended the public schools of Woodburn, the Bunker Hill Military Academy and Shurtleff College, but did not com- plete his course in the latter institution, owing to failing eyesight. La- ter his parents removed to Greenville, where he attended Greenville Col- lege, and graduated therefrom in the class of 1895, with the degree of Bachelor of Commercial Science. In the following year Mr. Carson en- tered the employ of W. W. Lowis, of The Greenville Advocate, and he has sinee been connected with this paper. He became eity editor in 1898, and when Mr. Lowis was appointed postmaster of Greenville, in May, 1906, he took over the active management of The Advocate, in which he secured a half-interest May 1, 1908, the firm style at that time becoming Lowis & Carson. Also at that time he assumed the editorial and busi- ness management of the paper, and aets in that capacity at present.
The Greenville Advocate is one of the oldest publications in the state, having been in existence for more than fifty-four years, and since March, 1911, has been issued twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, the former containing from four to ten pages, and the latter from eight to sixteen pages, filled with accurate and comprehensive news and illustra- tions, while the editorial page wields a strong influence in matters of im- portanee along all lines. One of the most modern plants in this part of Illinois has been erected for its use, and everything that goes to make up a wide-awake, up-to-date newspaper has been installed here, including linotype machine, eylinder presses and a modern folder. Three men are employed in the editorial department and six in the mechanical depart- ment and press rooms, in addition to a large force of carriers, and the circulation has grown rapidly in late years, now being more than two thousand one hundred. Mr. Carson believes in progress, has taken an active interest in local affairs and has identified himself with all move- ments tending to better his community in any way. He is staneh in his support of Republican principles, but has not sought publie prefer- ment on his own account. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World, while his religious association is with the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a consistent member.
On October 14, 1900, Mr. Carson married Miss Louise Seawell, daugh- ter of the Ilon. Charles W. Seawell, who served two terms in the Illi- nois State Legislature and fifteen years as an internal revenue agent, be- ing for three years in charge of the Chicago internal revenue offiee. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have had one child, Mildred, who is attending school.
WILLIAM W. Lowis. Possessed of industry, zeal, a real love of his chosen work, elever wit and an individual style, with a high ideal of journalistie work, William W. Lowis of Greenville, Illinois, dean of the newspaper men of Bond eounty, established a widespread reputation in this state among his colleagues, and from the elose of the Civil war until his practical retirement from this field of endeavor, in May, 1906, was as- sociated in official capacities with some of the leading periodicals of the state. Mr. Lowis, who for five years has been aeting in the office of post- master of Greenville, was born in Spalding, Lincolnshire England, Febru-
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ary 10, 1846, and is a son of John Walker and Elizabeth Ann (Bond Lowis.
John Walker Lowis was born in Louth, England, and as a young man learned the draper's trade, which he followed at Spalding until May, 1850, in that year coming to the United States and settling in Janesville, Wis- consin. Two years later he removed to Freeport, Illinois, where for sev- eral years he held the office of deputy recorder of deeds, and in 1872 he went to Escanaba, Michigan, retired from active life and lived with his children until his death in 1874. He was a Northern Democrat during the Civil war, and a faithful member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Lowis was married (first) in England, to Elizabeth Ann Bond, who died at Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1850, and to this union there were born eleven children, of whom William W. was the sixth in order of birth. In 1852 the second marriage of Mr. Lowis ocenrred, when he was united with Miss Mary Nichols, of Janesville, by whom he had two children. Mrs. Lowis survives her husband and makes her home with her daughter in Es- eanaba, Michigan.
William W. Lowis was four years of age when the family eame to the United States, and his education was secured in the common schools of Freeport, Illinois. On completing his schooling he became clerk in a store in Janesville, Wisconsin, from whenee he enlisted for service in the Fortieth Wisconsin Volunteers, and served six months during the Civil war, participating in some heavy engagements in Tennessee and Ala- bama. On receiving his honorable discharge he went to Freeport, where he was initiated into newspaper work, serving an apprenticeship to the printer's trade in the office of the Freeport Bulletin. After one year he was made foreman of the office, a position which he held for fifteen years, and then went to Lanark, Illinois, where for two years he pub- lished the Carroll County Gazette. Disposing of his interests there, he re- moved to Lena, Illinois, and for sixteen years was owner and publisher of the Lena Star, and in 1893 came to Greenville and purchased the _Idro- catc. This paper, one of the oldest in the state, was established in 1854, and is now published twice a week, having a eirculation of two thousand. In 1898 Mr. Lowis made William C. Carson his city editor, and in May, 1906, that gentleman took over the active management. In May, 1908. the firm of Lowis & Carson was formed, Mr. Carson at that time becoming half-owner, editor and business manager, although Mr. Lowis still hohls a half-interest in the newspaper. The Advocate is one of the leading Re- publiean organs of Southern Illinois, and is equipped with a plant that is in every way sufficient to its needs. The policy of the paper shows that its publishers realize the great responsibility they have assumed in these days when newspapers practically control public opinion, and by the hearty support it is being given it has been demonstrated that the road- ing publie appreciates the efforts of the owners to put forth a clean, re- liable source of information. In 1906 Mr. Lowis was appointed post- master of Greenville, in which office he has served to the present time. Hle served as private secretary to Lieutenant-Governor W. A. Northeott dur- ing his first term, and has always been prominent in Republican polities, being chairman of the Republican County Central Committee for Sey- eral years. The best interests of Greenville have been uppermost in his mind. and he was largely instrumental in securing the Federal Building for this eity.
On January 6, 1870, Mr. Lowis was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Newcomer, and they had one son, who died at the age of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Lowis are consistent members of the Episcopal ehirch. He has been prominent in Grand Army cireles, and was ad-
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jutant and commander of the local post for a number of years, while fra- ternally he is connected with the Masons and the Court of Honor.
JAMES EDWARD VENERABLE. In this section of the country, teeming with successful farmers and orchardists, one of the foremost places should be given to James Edward Venerable. Starting out in life with the great handicap of orphanhood, he has now reached the place where he holds the distinction of being the largest shipper of I'rnits and vegetables in the Cobden district. This splendid rise is the result of his own cour- age and determination, strengthened by the fight against adverse condi- tions. The respect with which he is regarded in the community is suf- ficient proof that his struggle for snecess has not only resulted in a fine business, but also in a strong and upright character.
Mr. Venerable was born at Metropolis, Illinois, on the 18th of April, 1858, being the only child of Benjamin and Eliza (Crittenden) Vener- able. llis father was a native of the Blue Grass state, who had been at- traeted by the rich farm lands of Southern Illinois and had migrated to this section before the Civil war. But this peaceful life was not to last, for when the Civil war broke out the farmer dropped his plow, enlisted in a cavalry regiment and served through a large part of the war in the Union army. He fell at last in a skirmish with the guerillas. He and his wife had left by death the young boy, James, adrift on the world when but eighteen months old.
During his youth the lad was a welcome inmate in the homes of three families, but he always considered that of Mrs. Betsy Lamer, in Union county, his real abiding place. Until he became of age the boy worked for various farmers, thus serving his apprenticeship and gaining the prae- tical experience which was to serve him in such good stead during his later life. By frugality and stern self denial he saved sufficient money to buy his present home farm of forty acres. He immediately followed the trend of the times into specialization, devoting his time to tomatoes, so successfully that he was able to increase his acreage to its present size of two hundred and seventy acres. This land is planted with seventeen hun- dred apple trees, three thousand peach trees, twenty-five hundred pears, and the remainder of the farm in a valuable diversified erop, which in- eludes asparagus and rhubarb. In 1911 the apple trees produced a rather poor crop, which he sold for five thousand dollars, but the peach crop was very fine, bringing him three dollars a bushel, the total being between eight and ten thousand dollars. At one time he also grew sweet potatoes in large quantities, but now he does not raise any for the market.
Mr. Venerable believes strongly in fraternalism, his affiliation being with the Ancient Masonic order, Cobden Lodge, No. 446, Chapter No. 46. at Anna, and he also has the honor of being a Knight Templar of Cairo Commandery, No. 13. Ile has always stood for the principles of true sportsmanship, and his own healthful out of doors life has caused him to wish to give his friends an opportunity to possess some of its benefits. To this end he founded the Cobden Gun Club, further display- ing his altruistic spirit by buying and developing the land which the elub now owns. Although many fine shots have become members of the club since its beginning, his reputation as one of the best marksmen still remains undisputed.
In 1881 Mr. Venerable was married to Nancy Elizabeth Randleman, the daughter of Martin and Clara ( Lamer) Randleman. Four children were born to them: Iva, James Earl, Willis and Herbert Wallace.
Starting as a farm laborer at fourteen dollars a month, going into debt for his first Farm, and sturdily bearing this double load until he had
f
Hettie, A. Dillon
Elisha Dillon
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paid off his indebtedness, his courage and perseverance make him a figure whom the young men of his community might well use as a model.
WILLIAM GEORGE BECHTOLD, M. D. Among the professions the one making the most demand upon time, study and experience is probably that of medicine, and to make a success of his vocation the doctor must at all times be willing to sacrifice everything else for it. William George Beehtold, one of the successful physicians and surgeons of Clinton county, Illinois, whose chosen field of practice is the thriving city of Breese, has, from a humble beginning, built up one of the finest practices in this part of the county. He was born June 11, 1862, at Belleville, Ilinois, and is a son of Frederick and Eugenie (DuBoweaire) Bechtold.
Frederick Bechtold was born in Germany, in 1822, and there re- ceived his education and learned the trade of professional decorator. lle was married in that country to Mlle. Eugenie DuBoweaire, a native of France. and they had a family of ten children, William George being the ninth in order of birth. On coming to this country Mr. Bechtold fol- lowed his trade for some years, but eventually entered the insurance business and came to Belleville, Illinois, where he followed that occupa- tion until within a few years of his death, when he retired. He was a prominent citizen in Belleville, was well known in the insurance field, and during President Lincoln's administration hell several offices by appoint- ment, being a hard worker in the ranks of the Republican party. His death occurred in Belleville in 1894, while his wife passed away in 1882.
William George Bechtold received his primary schooling in the public institutions of Belleville, immediately after leaving which he entered the Missouri Medical College and was graduated therefrom in 1884, with the degree of M. D. In the next month. April. he came to Breese, where he engaged in a general practice, and he has since continued here, having won a widespread reputation by his success in numerous complicated cases. He has done considerable surgical work, and is surgeon for the Balti- more & Ohio Railroad Company at Breese. Progressive in all matters. Dr. Bechtold was one of the first in this city to adopt the automobile, and he finds it assists him materially in making calls, as well as being the means of taking numerous pleasure trips. In political matters the Doctor is a Republican, but his practice has demanded his attention to such an ex- tent that he has found little time to give to publie matters. However, he is a public-spirited citizen, and all matters pertaining to the welfare of Breese will find in him an interested and active supporter. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonie Lodge and the 1. O. O. F. In addition to his comfortable home, Dr. Bechtold owns considerable city property, and has a well-cultivated farming tract of three hundred and sixty aeres, located in Clinton county. He keeps well abreast of the new discoveries and inventions in his profession by subscribing to the leading medical journals, and holds membership in the State, County and American Medi- eal associations.
In 1894 Dr. Bechtold was mited in marriage with Miss Lena Tioman, of Belleville. Ilinois, daughter of August Tieman, a retired business man of that city, and three children have been born to this union, namely : Eugene, Dorothy and Robert.
CAPTAIN ELISHA DRIAN. The life of a successful man is an inter- esting study. When one comes in frequent contact with such a man his characteristics, his manner of doing things, as well as the evidences of his ability, seem to all work in harmony to make what the world names a great man. When one reflects upon these various points, the blending of them all into the man himself makes the study more dif-
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ficult. But one cannot fail to see distinctly the bold lines which denote success. With no one do these lines stand out more prominently among the so-called successful men of Franklin county than with Elisha Dillon, who for years has been closely identified with the business and finan- cial interests of the city of Benton. Mr. Dillon is a product of Frank- lin county, and was born August 19, 1842, a son of Captain Milliam B. and Margaret (Eubanks) Dillon, natives of Tennessee.
Isaac Dillon, the grandfather of Elisha, was born in Virginia and at an early day moved to Tennessee, from whenee he came to Illinois, where his death occurred. He came of Irish ancestry. William B. Dillon was born in Tennessee, in 1809, and he was eleven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Williamson (now Franklin) county, Illinois. Ile was a blacksmith, farmer, carpenter and general jack-of-all-trades, and among other things made all the coffins used in his neighborhood for many years. He was a justice of the peace for forty years, and when John A. Logan practiced law in Benton he fre- quently had a ease for trial before Justice Dillon. At times the office would not accommodate the crowd gathered, and court then adjourned to a nearby large oak tree. Until 1870 Mr. Dillon resided on his farm, but in that year went to DuQuoin, and subsequently to Tamaroa, Perry county, where his death occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age. He organized and served as captain of Company I, Fifty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, until he was attacked by typhoid fever and was obliged to resign his eommission and return home. Not alone he of his family served in that war, but his three sons, Elisha, John and James, all offered themselves to their country in the cause of the Union. James was mortally wounded at Shiloh and died a few days afterward, while John died after the close of the war as a result of an illness contracted while in the service. The parents of William B. Dillon's wife were farming people of Tennessee who became early settlers of Franklin county and here spent the remainder of their lives.
Elisha Dillon, the only one of the three brothers to survive the Civil war, received the rudiments of his education as a lad in an old log schoolhouse with a clapboard roof, one door, no windows, a huge fire- place in the middle of the room, and seats made of roughly hewn logs. Ile was just about ready to enter the public schools at Benton when the Civil war came on, and he enlisted in his father's company, De- eoming its first sergeant. At the time of his father's resignation, en- foreed through serious illness, on August 18, 1862, the son Elisha was promoted to second lieutenant, and on August 31st of the same year was made captain of the company. Ile was at the siege of Corinth in April, 1862, and on October 2d, 3d and 4th took part in the three days' battle at Corinth, where his sword shield was struck and badly dam- aged by a bullet. He was with Grant at Holly Springs and Oxford, Mississippi, participating in several sharp skirmishes, one with bush- rangers being especially severe. On December 24th and 25th, during a heavy rainstorm, his company, as a part of Grant's command, marehed from Oxford. Mississippi, to Memphis, and, during that time without anything to eat and having no tents or shelter on the banks of the river, they were compelled to sleep in the rain both nights. The weather suddenly changed and their clothing was frozen to their bodies. Captain Dillon served with distinetion at Champion ITill and Black river, and in the siege of Vicksburg was in the assault on the Rebel works May 23, 1863, and in the fighting was knocked down by a Rebel shell. It was there that he contrated the illness which made his resignation imperative.
After his return to civilian life Captain Dillon went to De Witt
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county, Illinois, and with a few hundred dollars which he had been able to save purchased one hundred acres of land, making a first payment with the amount. Then he settled down to follow the peaceful life of an agriculturist. Progressive in all things, Captain Dillon was the first farmer to use tile in his section of the country, and he made one of the finest farms in the section, later selling his holdings for forty dollars an acre, at that time the highest price ever paid for land in that locality. Captain Dillon first came to Benton in 1883, in which year he established himself in the mercantile business and continued therein for two years. But not liking the business he began loaning money and buying tax titles, an occupation which he has since carried on with great success. He has a beautiful home in Benton, where he owns con- siderable property and is looked upon as one of the substantial men of the city.
In 1862 Captain Dillon was married to Miss Laurenda Maddox, daughter of James Maddox. who was an early settler of Franklin county, and she died in 1863, during which same year he was married to Miss Olive Martin. Mrs. Dillon, who was a daughter of Samuel Martin, an early settler of DeWitt county. died May 12. 1888, leaving one child. John S., who was second lieutenant of Company F, Ninth Illinois Regiment. during the Spanish-American war, and is now the editor of a newspaper at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Dillon's third marriage occurred January 15. 1893, when he was united with the widow of his cousin, Captain W. J. Dillon, of Company C of the gallant Eighteenth Regiment, who was killed at Shiloh. Captain Dillon was a law stu- dent of John A. Logan, and was county judge of Franklin county when the war was inaugurated. He resigned to enlist and was made first lieutenant of his company. For gallantry at Belmont he was promoted captain of his company. He was first wounded at Fort Donelson, but. with his wounded arm in a sling, rejoined his regiment in a short time and met his death at Shiloh. His widow was made an honorary daugh- ter of the Eighteenth Regiment, as being the youngest widow of the regiment. Her maiden name was Hettie A. Duncan, daughter of John R. and JJane (Riddell) Duncan, and a direet descendant of Queen Isa- bella of England, of whom history has it that "From King John and Isabella every sovereign who has since sat upon the throne of England is descended." Mr. Dunean was born in Maysville. Kentucky, and all his ancestors served in both the Revolutionary war and the War of 1812. Mrs. Dillon's grandfather was an orderly to General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. The Riddell family traces its ancestors back to the year 886. A. D., to the Earl of Angonlesme and Piragord of France, ancestors of Queen Isabella. Mrs. Dillon was a step-daughter of Ilon. Walter S. Aiken, prominent in Southern Hlinois, he having served as postmaster of Benton, as judge of Franklin county and as a member of the Illinois legislature. As her mother was an invalid the daughter, then a young girl, assisted in entertaining many noted guests at the family home, including Governor Yates, Governor Oglesby. Gen- eral and Mrs. Logan, General and Mrs. I. N. Haynie, Judges Browse. Marshall and Allen and other noted personages. From the time of their first meeting at the old Logan home here Mrs. Logan and Mrs Dillon have retained the warmest friendship for each other Mrs Dil- lon, then a young girl, was the Logans' guest when Senator Douglas made his memorable visit to Benton. Mrs. Logan has accorded Mrs Dillon a place in her forthcoming book. "The Part Taken by Women in American History." Mrs. Dillon is prominent in social affairs, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the W. C. T. P. and of the Self Culture Class of Benton.
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Captain Dillon is senior vice commander of the Southern Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Reunion Association, the largest organization of ex-soldiers in the world, which was established twenty-nine years ago and holds reunions every year, at which time there is an attendance of from ten thousand to fifteen thousand people. He organized the G. A. R. post here and was its first commander. A stanch Republiean in political matters, his first vote was east for Abraham Lincoln for pres- ident in 1864. When the offices of the Franklin County Chronicle were destroyed by fire, August 23, 1893, he showed his loyalty by purehas- ing a new press, naming it the Benton Republican, and in December of the same year the paper issued its first edition. Captain Dillon was colleetor of his township in DeWitt county for three years when the township was largely Demoeratie, but he was elected each time on the Republican ticket. In 1876 he was candidate for the office of sheriff of DeWitt county, on the Republican ticket, but owing to political conditions at the time he met with defeat, although by only a small margin. Ile has on numerous occasions served as delegate to state and eounty conventions, and in 1892 was made county chairman and re- elected in 1894 for two more years (that year marking the first time Franklin county ever went Republican). He was made special ser- geant to the convention in 1896 that nominated MeKinley for the pres- ideney, in 1896 also was made chairman of the senatorial district, and in 1898 two Republican representatives were elected for the first time in the history of the district. He is now serving as treasurer for the Republican central committee, and for a number of years has acted as publie administrator of Franklin county. During the Spanish- Ameriean war he organized a company for the regiment named for the Chicago Press Association and received a captain's commission from the governor, but the division was not needed and never went to the war. In fraternal eireles Captain Dillon has been for forty-two years an Odd Fellow, and is a charter member of the Elks lodge in Benton.
As a soldier, as a business man and as a citizen Captain Dillon has proved himself a thoroughly representative citizen of Illinois, and well merits the respect and' esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
JUDGE HENRY WILSON is the police magistrate of Herrin and has been connected with the city government in some capacity or other almost from the inception of the town. He came here while the townsite was yet responding to the toil of the husbandman and has watched its phe- nomenal growth and aided modestly in its development as an industrial eenter and as a competitor for metropolitan honors in Williamson county. Judge Wilson dates his advent in this locality from 1896. There was nothing on the site of the future Herrin but a depot and a few frame structures-stores scattered here and there. He built the first cottage that could be styled a home and established a saw-mill in the woods close by and for several years was engaged in cutting into lumber the limited quantity of timber adjacent to the town.
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