USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 2
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death ; and was also identified with one of Peoria's most prominent banks. The success that attended these connections fully attests the sagacity of Mr. Buses.
On September 22, 1618, Mr. Busey was mar- ried to Miss Artemisia Jones. To Mr. and Mrs. Busey were born eight children, of whom the fol- lowing named are now Hring: John W., who is a banker, farmer and stockraiser of Penfield, Champaign County ; Mrs. Augusta Morgan, who was formerly o? Minneapolis, Minn., is now liv- ing in Urbana ; Elsbett F .. who married Ozias Riley, postmaster of Champaign, IN .; Matthew W., who is president of Busey's Bank; George W., who is retired; James B., who is a farmer and banker of Mahomet. Ill., and Alice J., who is Mrs. Gus Freeman of Urbana. William H. died November 27, 1905. Mrs. Busey died July 18, 1914, at the age of eighty-six years. Up to within & few months of her death she seemed as young and sprightly as she was many years before. No matter how ambitious the person, no career could excel that of Artemisia Busey. Hers was a noble one, for she reared eight chil- dren to manhood and womanhood, and to each she represented the ideal of God-fearing mother- hood.
In his religious atliliation, Mr. Busey was a Baptist, belonging to the First Baptist Church of Urbana. One phase of his social life com- prised his high membership in the local chap- ter of the Masonic order. Politically he was a Democrat, and in the years 1$76-7S repre- sented his district in the Thirtieth General Assembly, having been elected on the ticket of that party. During the political campaign of 1896, the business principles to which he ad- hered classed him as a Gold Democrat, and he was the candidate of that branch of the party for trustee of the University of Illinois. In all of his many activities Mr. Busey not once neglected the interests of his home town and his efforts and good judgment largely con- tributed to the city's growth. He was super- visor of his township for several terms, and represented the city as alderman for several terins. He was one of those whose active work secured the location of the University of Illi- nois at Urbana, and also the location of the railroad running between Peoria and Indianap- olis, now a part of the Big Four system. The charitable work that Mr. Busey accomplished,
SABury
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in his quiet, unassuming way, is highly indica- tive of the man, for he did these many acts of kinduess from the very fullness of his heart. To have received praise, or any but simple, heart-felt thanks, for the kindnesses he joyed in rendering, would have been anything but pleasing to the spirit in which he worked. He was a man whom one could not well fail to
respect, for he always looked his conscience straight in the face, read its dictates, and then, seeing his course of action marked out, foi- lowed the path of right living. Death claimed him June 3, 1001, but when he departed his in- fluence for good kept hand in hand with the memory he left behind him.
GEORGE F. MCKNIGHT.
That New York state has given Chicago some of its most solid and reliable men whose actions have materially assisted in the development and advancement of the city, the records most clear- ly prove. Those who hail from the Empire State never lose their pride in it, but at the same time gladly devote their time and energy towards solving local problems in the place of their adoption. Among those who during many years of wise usefulness proved himself an honor alike to the state of his birth and to Illi- nois, was the late Capt. George F. McKnight, statesman, official, substantial business man and public spirited citizen, who fought for his country in times of war and peace. Captain McKnight was born at Buffalo, N. Y., March 9, 1837, a son of George and Susanna ( Wheeler) McKnight, the former of whom was born in Massachusetts, of Scotch descent. During his mature years he was a beef and pork packer. After his demise, his widow married James W. Sanford, originally one of the well known steamboat men on the great lakes, but later a real estate dealer of Buffalo, N. Y., where he died in 1895, being at that time the dean of bis line of business at Buffalo.
Unlike many, Captain Mcknight did not at- tend either an academy or college, his educa- tional training being confined to that given in public school No. 6, Buffalo, but naturally a student, he increased his store of knowledge up to the time of his death and became one of the best informed men of his locality. After leav- ing school, he became check clerk on the Buf- falo docks, and later steamboat clerk for the Troy & Erie line of boats operating on the great lakes. Still later. he engaged as steam- boat clerk with the Buffalo & Cleveland Steam- boat Company, remaining with this concern until he began work with the engineering corps in the enlargement of the Erie canal, which occupied him for a period of three years. Then, from 1858 until 1861, he was a clerk in the wholesale leather house of John M. Hutchin-
son of Buffalo, and at the same time, he was a member of the Buffalo Volunteer Fire de- partment.
When his country was in need of his services, he responded to its call, and in 1861 enlisted in Battery G, First New York Light Artillery, known as "Frank's Battery," despite the fact that his health was not such as to warrant his exposing himself. His services were of such value that on March 3, 1863, he was commis- sioned captain and given command of the Twelfth New York Independent Battery, Light Artillery, and so served until the close of the Civil war, when he was honorably discharged at Washington, D. C.
After leaving the army, Captain McKnight located in New York City and was there en- gaged in an off business until 1869. in which year, realizing the opportunities of Chicago, he came to this city, which continued his home until death claimed him. Upon his arrival at Chicago, he embarked in a fire insurance busi- ness, but in 1879 organized the Lake Gas Com- pany, of which he was treasurer, secretary and general manager, so continuing until 1SS8, when he became interested in the iron trade, and later in a real estate business. Always an acute judge of human nature, it was but natural that Captain MeKnight should take an active part in politics, and he was a potent factor in the work of the Republican party. His services received signal recognition at the hands of the late Governor Richard Oglesby, who appointed him a member of the Board of Equalization, and his handling of the duties pertaining to this office was so masterly that he was re-appointed upon several occasions, continuing in office until 1905. When the Town of Lake was an- nexed to Chicago in June, 1889, Captain Mc- Knight was elected one of the first two alder- men to represent the Thirty-first ward in the city council, and was re-elected to the same office upon the expiration of his first term. An extremely useful member of the Republican
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club of his ward, he was called upon many times to represent the interests of his party in city, county and state conventions, as a delegate. His military service made him interested in various organizations of a patriotie character, and he belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, the Army of the Potomac Society and the National Union Society. Socially he was a member of the Illinois Club, and of the Home Club of Englewood, having belonged to the lat- ter from its organization.
. On October 22, 1863, Captain Mcknight was united in marriage with Miss Caroline G. Case, a daughter of Captain Lyman and Rebecca (Ruggles) Case, and granddaughter of Judge Almon Ruggles of Ohio. Captain Case was for a number of years a commander of vessels and steamboats plying on the great lakes. While a stern disciplinarian, he always tempered his judgment with christian charity, and was held up as an example to those who came after him.
Judge Ruggles, one of the pioneer justices of the Western Reserve, was a man of unusual parts, whose wise and calm administration of affairs made his name a synonym for justice and equity. A strong Abolitionist, he gave his energies to the forwarding of that cause, and had a powerful influence in shaping sentiment over a wide section. Captain and Mrs. Mc- Knight became the parents of a son, Sanford C., a young man of more than ordinary calibre, whose devotion to his parents gave added value to their lives.
Captain MeKnight, after a life filled with useful deeds and kindly charities, died on April 9, 1910, and his loss was felt by his community in no light degree. Ile had so identitied him- self with its growth that many depended upon his action and advice, and in his passing, the people who knew and honored him, felt a per- sonal was that was demonstrated in many ways.
LEWIS M. SMITH.
The wonderful growth of realty values in Chicago during the early 'eighties brought to the forefront a class of men who for general ability, astuteness and driving force have been . unsurpassed in the annals of trade in this coun- try. It is well to say that conditions develop men, but it is better to say that men bring about conditions. Chicago owes what it is to the men who have had the courage to persevere, to act wisely and to keep their operations clean in one of the most difficult fields of endeavor. Each section of the city can boast of a business man who has been practically its builder, and on the South Side the name of Lewis M. Smith is nearly as familiar as the proverbial house- hold word. More than thirty years ago he embarked in a business that returned him some- thing more than twenty-six dollars a month for his labors; today, the firm of L. M. Smith & Brother is probably second to none in Chicago in the amount of business handled in a year. Mr. Smith came to Chicago and found a prolific field; yet it was not so prolific that had he been other than steadfast in his faith, firm in his convictions and courageous in the time of trials, he would have sunk into oblivion with the mediocre men who form the vast majority that are classed as failures-the losers in the battle of life. In his case, conditions of their own accord did not favor him; he made them what he wished them to be.
Mr. Smith is a M Sigander, born at Adrian, August 26, 1855, a son of Martin M. and Aun (Stevens) Smith, the former a native of Con- necticut and the latter of Glasgow, Scotland. The materra! grandfather, James Stevens, emi- grated to America during the latter 'thirties and took up his residence in Connecticut, figur- ing for many years as a prominent merchant and financier of that State. During the early 'forties, the paternal grandfather, Calvin Smith, moved to Michigan, emigrating from Connecticut overiand through New York, via the Erie Canal, and driving an ox-team from Detroit to a farm which he purchased near Mount Clemens. Here he engaged in agricul- tural pursuits and became one of the well-to-do and influential citizens of his county. His death occurred during the early 'fifties, while his wife survived him until 1872, having main- tained her residence on the old homestead. The old farm of 145 acres is still owned by Mr. Smith of this review. Both families were prominent in the colonial epoch of this country and were intelligent, earnest and honest people, ever ready to do their part in the world's work of civilization and progress. Calvin Smith was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his father, David Smith, in the Revolutionary war. The maternal ancestors were also patriots to the cause of freedom and took an active part in the Revolution. On both sides of the family Mr.
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В. Я. Вагань
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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
Smith's ancestors possessed unusual mechanical ability. Martin M. Smith, the father of Lewis M. Smith, invented the coil spring and made and installed the first springs used on railroad and street cars. This spring is placed in the truck above the journal to relieve the jar of the coach and is now in general use all over the world. Martin M. Smith enlisted in the Civil war, but was shortly thereafter dis charged on account of disability, He died in 1867 and his wife passed away in Chicago about ten years later. They were the parents of four sons: Calvin S., for many years president of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, at Chicago; Lewis M .; Frank M., who is associ- ated with his brother in the real estate busi- ness ; and Fred C., president of the Royal Enam- eling and Stamping Works, at Des Plaines.
Lewis M. Smith received his early education in the public schools and prepared for the Uni- versity of Michigan, but on account of ill bealih in the family did not enter college. He went to Minnesota and engaged in teaching school during the winter of 1880-1, but the call of the city proved too strong to be resisted and he came to Chicago and engaged in the real estate business at Oakland square and Thirty-ninth street, where he has since continued. He has occupied his present office for twenty-two years and is now at the head of one of the most flourishing real estate concerns in the city. In the spring of 1886 his brother, Frank M., be- came associated with him, and thus was founded the firm of L. M. Smith & Brother. They devote their attention almost exclusively to residence property, but have done some building. Mr. Smith is the author of the reform in leasing to tenants during any month of the year or during any period of time. He was the first South Side man to open a local renting
agency, prospective tenants having been previ- ously obliged, at a great inconvenience, to go to down-town offices for information. The firm of L. M. Smith & Brother holds membership in the Chicago Real Estate Board and is always prominent in movements seeking to promote the interests of property owners.
On January 4. 1888, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary Pettibone, a member of an early Michigan family. One son was born to this union : Lewis Pettibone Smith, now a student of the elementary department of the University of Chicago.
A splendid type of the alert, enterprising man whose record is proof that success is ambi- tion's answer, Mr. Smith has figured promi- Dently in the interests of his adopted city. He is a Republican in his political affiliations, and, although he has never aspired to public office, has shown an active interest in the success of his party. In 1884 he was secretary of the old Oakland Republican Club, during Blaine's cam- paign, the largest organization of the kind in the State, and was associated with such men as General Torrence. L. H. Bisby, Hon. R. W. Durham, John R. Bensley, James R. Mann, E. W. Hale, William H. Rand and other old Hyde Park citizens. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fratermty, being connected with the Blue Lodge, Chapter. Commanders and Shrine. He also holds membership in the Chi- cago Athletic Club, the Bankers Club and the Midiothian Country Club. Clear-sighted and energetic in business, Mr. Smith has never failed in his allegiance to Chicago. A generous contributor to worthy objeets, a faithful and loyal friend to measures of a public nature and a man whose record stands today without stain or blemish, Mr. Smith is eminently worthy of his name of representative citizen.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BERRIAN.
Life seems to shower upon some men distinc- tion of magnitude, and yet it is but seldom that such honors come to the undeserving. A man must be worthy before he is singled out from his associates for advancement, and he is re- quired to maintain that same high standard to retain what he has already gained. Especially is this true with reference to those promotions on the bench. Before a man can attain to a judgeship, he must have given years to study and training, as well as to successful practice at the bar. In addition, he must show that he
is qualified by natural ability for the serious duties pertaining to such an honored office. When he is thus elevated, his appointment con- fers a distinction that he retains as long as he lives, for it is the ballmark of his dignified capability. Such a man was the late Judge Benjamin Franklin Berrian of Quincy, who for years was one of the leading attorneys of that city, and Probate and County Judge of Adams County, Ill. Hle was born in New York City, October 2, 1820, a son of George W. and Han- nah ( Brower) Berrian.
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In 1818, George W. Berrian, with an uncle, made a trip overland to western Illinois, and there made the acquaintance of John Wood, the first settler and final founder of the city of Quincy, who later was distinguished as Gov- ernor of the State of Illinois. Mr. Berrian was deeply impressed by the new country, and a year later, he demonstrated his faith in it by purchasing a quarter section of land in what later became the northern portion of Quincy, now known as the Primrose Addition. It was platted by Judge Berrian, and what is called Berrian Park was donated by him to the city.
The Berrian family came west in 1844, and settled at Quincy. At that time, Judge Berrian was fourteen years old, and the youngest of the family of three sons, namely : George W., Jr., who died in 1898; William, who died in 1896, leaving two children living in the East, and Judge Berrian. . Growing up in the new community in which his parents had elected to live, Judge Berrian developed with it, and his actions influenced local history. He was one of the first aldermen to represent the Fourth Ward of Utah City in 1857, and was re- elected in 1858 and in 1860, and in 1869 was made its chief executive head. During his ad- ministration as mayor, he introduced many re- forms, including cash payments for city ex- penses instead of vouchers, which custom had prevailed. While discharging the duties of these offices, Judge Berrian studied law, in the office of Wheat and Marcy, was admitted to practice and in 1870 was elected county judge, with Probate jurisdiction, holding that impor- tant office for seventeen years. Possessing as he did the true judicial mind, he made his de- cisions fearlessly and creditably, and seldom had an appeal sustained against any of them. His legal lore was profound, and he added to his professional learning, a deep insight into human nature, a broad comprehension of the requirements of the times and took a pride in keeping abreast of them.
Judge Berrian was twice married, first to Miss Charlotte Elliott, who died May 26, 1863, leaving three children : John G., Hannah M., now the wife of Lyman McCore, present county judge of Adams County, and Benjamin F., Jr., all of Quincy. On January 28, 1868, Judge Ber- rian was married (second) to Genevra Nance, born December 11, 1844, daughter of Clement
and Permelia (Watson) Nance. One son, Clem- ent N. Berrian, was born October 18, 1853, and died October 25, 1911. A full sketch of this young man will appear elsewhere in this work. Judge Berrian was connected with the Masonic fraternity, having attained to the Knight Tem- plar degree. In politics he was a Democrat, and always gave his party loyal service. In religious views he was a Unitarian. His death occurred July 15, 1911, as the result of a sud- den attack of heart disease. He was with his son, Benjamin F., Jr., taking measurements of some land near his home, which he had just sold, when he was stricken down. His death came as a shock to the community, and was deeply deplored by his countless friends. Hard- ly had his family realized their loss, when an- other member was taken away, the son and brother, Clement N.
During the many years he was associated with Quincy, Judge Berrian always had its interests at heart, and could be depended upon to give sound advice, as well as material aid to those movements which were designed to prove of benefit to the majority. In platting Primrose Addition, Judge Berrian opened up new territory, and encouraged the location there of first class people by giving them the beauti- ful little park that bear's his name. Ilis services as a public official were valuable, and he ren- dered them as a duty he owed his citizenship. With his associates, both at the bar and on the bench, Judge Berrian was a favorite, for he always was willing to assist professionally those less fortunate than himself, and also gave them his ready sympathy and cordial good will.
His last days were overshadowed by an af- fliction which fell upon his idolized youngest son, but with true Christian fortitude, he shoul- dered the burden, and endeavored to render the load lighter for the other members of the family, especially his wife, whose life was desolated by the trouble. Now that both husband and son have been taken away, Mrs. Berrian with fortitude bows to the Divine Will, and takes comfort in the memory of the blame- less life and distinguished record of her hus- band, and knows that she shares with thousands who profited by his kindness of heart and abil- ity as a lawyer, while the thought that as a judge, he threw about her and those of the community, the protection of the law as he in- terpreted it, must be gratifying.
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Permitia . Jane
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CLEMENT NANCE BERRIAN.
When the Angel of Death spreads his sable wings over a household, taking away a loved member, deep sorrow results, and it is difficult to understand the workings of Divine Provi- dence, especially when a young life is cut short. In the course of nature, the old pass away. They have lived out their lives, experienced their share of joy and trou- ble, and are ready for the last change. When a young man, in the very flower of life, is stricken down, something appears to be wrong with the universe. The late Clement Nance Berrian, of Quincy, was just twenty-eight years old when he was taken from the midst of his family, and the wound made by his leaving will never entirely heal. Time mercifully touches with soothing fingers, else life would not be endurable.
Mr. Berrian was born in Quincy, Ill., Oeto- ber 18, 1883, a son of Benjamin F. and Genevra (Nance) Berrian. He died in this city, October 25, 1911. The preliminary educational training of Mr. Berrian was secured as a pupil in the Misses Dean school at Quincy, and he devel- oped into a bright youth, with brilliant promise. When only nineteen years old he was prepared for entrance upon a course at Leland Stanford I'niversity of California, and was looking for- ward to it with the pleasure a studious youth naturally would experience, when he was stricken with a disease which lasted for years, finally cutting short his life. Mr. Berrian had tuberculosis of the spine, and for much of the time he was entirely helpless, dependent upon the care of a faithful nurse.
In the majority of cases, such an affliction would have turned even a naturally cheerful disposition gloomy, but not so with Mr. Berrian. In the midst of agonizing suffering, he never
lost that happy outlook on life which was so characteristic of him, and ever had a pleasant word for those who came to see him. For nine years, he lived under the heavy cloud of af- fiction, and yet the sunshine of his beautiful nature shone forth and illuminated the dark places for those who loved him. Ever practic- ing rigid self-control, his sufferings were scarce- ly realized except by his physician and nurse, for he hid his agony, and turned a smiling face to his world. As he grew older, Mr. Berrian began to have that keen insight into human nature that often characterizes those similarly afflicted, and in his case he put his powers to good use. Never as happy as when ministering to others, he came in time to be the confidant of those of his former associates, who in the midst of their activities had but little time to under- stand others or even themselves, so came to him for advice and comfort. His sympathy was broad and his tenderness boundless. No won- der that he was beloved by all who knew him. The memory of the affection all displayed at his funeral will be a source of comfort to his be- reaved family, who, although recognizing the fact that his death must have been a happy re- lease, still sorrow for bim unceasingly.
Clement Nance Berrian was not permitted to be a power in the outside world. No great deeds of valor are inscribed against his name in the archives of the world's history, but his name and memory will live in the hearts of his friends, and the intluence of his beautiful life will spread over a constantly widening terri- tory. Such an influence is never lost, but extends on and on over the surface of the sea of life until it reaches the horizon which di- vides humanity from divinity.
EDWARD LESTER BREWSTER.
No history of Illinois and its prominent men contains a name more worthy than that of the late Edward Lester Brewster, for during many years he proved himself a man of financial genius, of high business ethics and human un- derstanding, and never failed to do his full duty as an individual and citizen. Although more than three years have passed away since Mr. Brewster was called from the scene of life, he lives in the memory of his many friends as a high type of American citizen. He started
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