USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 32
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When the town of Lincoln was laid out, Mr. Lincoln, who had done all the legal work neces- sary, attended the first sale of lots. Some years later, in 1856, Colonel Latham was present at the organization of the Republican party in Bloomington, Ill., and was an influential factor in securing the nomination of Mr. Lincoln for the presidency. Mr. Lincoln never went to the city where Mr. Latham had settled without calling upon him.
Reared to agricultural pursuits, Robert B. Latham for eleven years was engaged in culti- vating the lands secured from his father's es- tate, then moved to Mount Pulaski, and engaged in the real estate business. That same year he was elected sheriff of Logan County, but after the loss of his first wife, in 1854, he came to Lincoln. In partnership with J. D. Gillett and Virgil Hickox he purchased the northwest
quarter of section 31, township 20, range 2 west, in Logan County, and on it founded a town, to which he gave the name of his friend, Abraham Lincoln. Colonel Latham laid out that part of the town which lies east of Union street and offered lots for sale in August of that year, and a little later, with his asso- ciates, built the Lincoln House, which was de- stroyed by fire April 19, 1870. The town of Lincoln was built on the new right-of-way of the Chiengo and Alton Railroad, and is the only one named for the martyred president with his consent. Here Colonel Latham erected many business houses and residences.
In 1800 Mr. Latham was elected a member of the legislature by a majority vote of more than 200 in excess of Mr. Lincoln himself, who was, at that time, a candidate for President of the United States. The legislation was of that kind which characterized the stormy period of the Rebellion, and the action of Mr. Latham everywhere met with the approval of his con- stituency. In 1862, at the expiration of his term, he proceeded to raise a regiment of sol- diers from Logan and adjoining counties. By the unanimous voice of the men he was chosen colonel, and was accordingly appointed by Gov- ernor Yates. The regiment, the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, then commanded by General Grant. The following quotation from an army correspondent shows the esteem in which he was held by officers and men : "Jack- son, Tennessee, May 1, 1863. We still sleep in the open air, and while we are so highly favored by pleasant weather, we would just as soon remain in this condition as any other way. Col. Latham stays here with us, sharing the same privations which we do and appears to care more for the comfort of his men than for himself. The Colonel is becoming very pop- ular with his men. Since coming south the Colonel has shown himself to be a man, not only of deep sympathies, but also of much more talent and ability as a commander than we had supposed, and he has gained the confidence and esteem of the entire regiment. I have heard quite a number say that since coming here they would not be willing to exchange him for any other colonel in the service. This popu- larity is increasing every day and we think we can boast of a colonel who is an honor to bis regiment, to Logan County, and the Prairie State."
This ready adaptation to his new position was
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very . characteristic of the man. His native ability to command and his wise discrimination in the administration of discipline, as well as his heartfelt sympathy with his soldiers, was felt by all the rank and file. Ifis superior officers treated him with marked deference. Owing to a severe illness Colonel Latham was confined in a Memphis hospital, afterwards going north to recuperate. In October, 1863, he rejoined his command. Exposure, overwork and the after-effects of his illness, however, forced him to resign in January, 1864. Though not permitted to remain in the field in consequence of his feeble health, he never relaxed his efforts to sustain the Union cause, and by word, deed and material aid he labored diligently for the maintenance of the national existence. Later, Colonel Latham resumed his political activities and served on six different occasions as presi- dential elector. He had a wide acquaintance among prominent men and among those who were constant visitors at his home might be mentioned : Governors Oglesby and Cullom, Judge David Davis, Senator Trumbull and Judge Lawrence P. Weldon.
According to his own ideas, Colonel Latham's most important work was in connection with the railways, and the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railroad and a branch of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad were built through his efforts. At this time Lincoln was the largest corn shipping point in the world. The Chicago & Alton Railway, having a monopoly, charged such a high rate for freight that Colonel Latham decided to build the new road. He neglected his own private interests for the sake of the future prosperity of his town and county. Without any prospect of per- sonal emolument, for five years he ceased not to exert himself till the roads were secured and the cars were seen loading the burdens to the eastern market. The day the ties of the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur were laid in Lincoln, the rates on the C. & A. dropped 10 couts a bushel for corn. The benefits of the wisdom of Colonel Latham were at once felt by every farmer in Logan County. It was about 1867 that these railroads were chartered. In 1869 the stock was voted and placed. Colonel Latham became first president of the first named road and early in 1871 the road was completed.
While giving his attention to the business prosperity of the town, Colonel Latham did not neglect the religious or educational interests.
Nearly every church was the recipient of his generosity. From one to five lots were given by him to the various denominations who de- sired to erect places of worship. As a friend of education he was equally prominent and exerted himself to the utmost to have Lincoln chosen as the seat of the university founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and among other inducements secured the subscrip- tion of $20,000 from Logan County. He donated ten acres and $3,000 for the erection of the college building; was made a member of the board of trustees, became its first vice president, and in the following year was made president, and continued in that office for a period of twenty years.
To him almost entirely does Lincoln owe the location of the Asylum for Feeble Minded Children. He was a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Society, and was an enthusiastic Mason, having taken all the degrees of the order up to Knight Templar and was the organ- izer of nearly all the Masonic lodges in Logan County. An unostentatious philanthropist, one of his last acts was the donation of $1,000 to the Odd Fellows' Orphan's Home, although he did not himself belong to that fraternity.
In the Grand Army of the Republic, Colonel Latham was a member of Leo. Meyers Post, and when the Sons of Veterans were organized in Lincoln, the post took his name and he pre- sented it with a flag.
While a young man, in 1840, he was quarter- master of the Illinois militia, under Colonel Skinner.
On November 5, 1846, Robert B. Latham was married to Miss Georgiana P. Gillett, daughter of John Gillett, Sr., and they had three chil- dren, John G., Mary and James, all of whom died in childhood. Mrs. Latham died August 8, 1853. On July 24, 1856, Mr. Latham was mar- ried to Miss Savillah Wyatt, daughter of Wil- liam and Rachel (Kitchen) Wyatt, who for- merly lived near Jacksonville, Ill. The father was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., a son of John Wyatt, a soldier of the American Revolu- tion. The Wyatt family had its establishment in this country in 1621, when the Rev. HIote Wyatt located in Virginia as chaplain of the colony, being a brother of Sir Francis Wyatt, who served four terms by appointment as gov- ernor of Virginia. Mrs. Latham's mother came of French and Spanish stock, and was born in Missouri. Savillah, the eighth in a family of nine children, was born November 9, 1831.
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John Wyatt, her brother, was associated with Colonel Latham in founding Lincoln. Members of his family still reside in the town. Miss Wyatt was educated at the Illinois Female College at Jacksonville, and was one of the seven charter members of the Belle Lettres Society, one of the first college literary socie- ties of the state. In 1876 Mrs. Latham estab- lished the Lincoln Art Society, and in 1881 was the organizer of the Central Illinois Art Union, the first federation of clubs known. A woman of broad culture, great charm of manner and a large knowledge of customs and people gained through a long lifetime of travel throughout almost every country of the world, of un- bounded hospitality, Mrs. Latham has long been one of the most influential forces of the society of Central Illinois. In every benevolent and public-spirited movement of her husband, Mrs. Latham was his able assistant and much of what be accomplished was due to her encourage- ment and strong personality. Colonel and Mrs. Latham bad the following children: May, Richard, Roberta, Willliam W., and Georgiana, who married Aaron L. Gamble, of Evansville, Indiana.
Col. Robert B. Latham died April 16, 1895, at Daytona, Fla., where he had gone with his family to avoid the rigors of an Illinois winter. The remains were brought to Lincoln and inter- ment was from the family home, Latham Place. During the hours the funeral services were in progress, all business was suspended in Lincoln, a testimonial which wealth, influence or position could not win. It was the reward of a grateful people in return for the services of the dead.
In his lifetime Colonel Lathans saw the entire development of the state of Illinois. He bore well his part in that work. In whatever posi- tion he was placed he showed himself equal to the work and master of the situation. What he accomplished is not to be measured by mere words or empty phrases. His record stands upon a more enduring foundation, that of real deeds wrought for others and kindly thoughts materialized into substantial institutions. As long as Lincoln stands the name of Col. Robert B. Latham will be remembered and kept in grateful regard by those who are benefiting and who will benefit from his lifework.
GEORGE R. THORNE.
Lessons are daily brought home to us ; tuition is ours for the asking in the various fields of human endeavor; we need no school or in- structors to show us in which direction we must lay the course of our energies to gain position and success. It is true that study is needed, but the careers of the men who have tried and have attained, furnish better instruction than can be gained through any other line. One of these lessons is that a real man does not allow himself to know the word "quit" has found a place in our dictionary, our vocabulary or our personality. We may take a case in this con- nection and illustrate our point. George R. Thorne who, through a long and honorable con- nection with the world-known establishment of Montgomery Ward & Company, and his thought- ful interest in other persons and things and by bis genial social qualities, has well earned the confidence and high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
George R. Thorne was born at Vergennes, Vt., September 29, 1837, a son of Hallette and Sarah Thorne, who came of English stock. During bis boyhood, Mr. Thorne was on a farm in his native state, and secured such educational ad-
vantages as were offered in his community. When he reached the age of twenty years, he realized that there were little or no opportuni- ties for advancement at home, so went to Kala- mazoo, Mich., where he was employed as a clerk in a mercantile establishment until the outbreak of the Civil war. Responding to the president's call for troops, Mr. Thorne enlisted and served as a lieutenant quartermaster in the Army of the Missouri, with headquarters at St. Louis throughout the period of hostilities. Fol- lowing the close of the war, he was sent west as quartermaster of the Second Missouri Artil- lery, and there spent several months, the detail being engaged in subduing Indian uprisings.
Later on Mr. Thorne came to Chicago and engaged in a grocery business for a short time, and then went into a lumber business, con- tinning in the latter until 1872, when he sold and joined A. Montgomery Ward in establishing the house of Montgomery Ward & Company. This enterprise prospered from its inception, and was incorporated in 1889 with Mr. Ward as president, and Mr. Thorne as vice-president. The former continued at the head of the house until his death, but the latter retired in 1803,
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although up to that date he remained the second in command. The establishment of the con- cern in 1872 was the beginning of the mail order business. The idea of securing patronage through the mails was thought to be an im- practical one by the majority of the most progressive business men of that day, but Mont- gomery Ward & Company proved that such con- tention was wrong. At first this method was conducted upon a small scale, as the confidence of the country had to be gained, and people taught to buy through the mails, and so well did this pioneer mail order house succeed, that it not only placed itself among the concerns known all over the world, but led the proces- sion for countless others which soon fell into line. The initial success was in very large measure due to Mr. Thorne's honesty and sound, practical business methods. Throughout his active life, he gave his undivided attention to the upbuilding of this business, and at the time of his retirement, the annual sales had reached $23,000,000. The trade had extended from coast to coast, and a branch house was established at Kansas City, Mo. As they grew old enough, Mr. Thorne's sons entered the house, and worked themselves up from hum- ble positions to those of responsibility. Their grasp of affairs enabled the father to retire, and since then, under their skillful and sys- tematic methods, the business has still further expanded.
George R. Thorne was married at Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1863, to Miss Ellen Cobb, a daughter of Merritt D. Cobb of that place, and they had
seven children, namely : William C., who is vice-president of Montgomery Ward & Com- pany; Laura, who is the wife of Reuben H. Donnelley of Chicago; Charles H., who is now president of Montgomery Ward & Company ; George A., who is connected with Montgomery Ward & Company ; James W., who is publicity and sales manager of the company ; Robert J., who is manager of the Kansas City branch ; and Mabel C., who is deceased. Since his re- tirement, Mr. Thorne has spent much of his time in travel, visiting nearly every point of interest in the world. However, he has retained his residence at Chicago. It was through his efforts that the Midlothian Country Club was organized, and he has served it con- tinuously as its president. His principal recreation has always been golf. In poli- ties his views have always made him a Republican. Socially he belongs to the Union League and Kenwood clubs, and in addition to the Midlothian Club, he is connected with other golf clubs of the city. In close touch with the progress of events, he displays the activity of a man much younger than his years. He is a man who has known adversity; he has felt its sting and its humiliation; but he rose above those things early in his career, and through a cheerful nature and energetic life, has not only forgotten the dark days of his beginning, but has been able and willing to help others over the obstacles that lie in the path of ambition.
CHARLES HALLETT THORNE.
Chicago has long been distinguished for its modern methods in merchandising. The great mail order system, of which Montgomery Ward & Company are the founders, is one of the most important factors in commercialism of the Nation. Its great convenience to the public and its savings in many millions of dollars annually to the consumer. is most commendable and has revolutionized merchandising throughout the entire world. The famous establishment of Montgomery Ward & Company of Chicago, which was conceived and established in 1872. by George R. Thorne and A. Montgomery Ward, may be classed as the pioneer in this enter- prise, and is among the largest of its kind in the world. Among the enterprising and pro- gressive men who in the last quarter of a cen-
tury have utilized the opportunities offered in Chicago for business progress and attained thereby notable success, is Charles Hallett Thorne, president of Montgomery Ward & Com- pany, of this city. The possibilities of success- ful attainment constantly incite to the exercise of energy and perseverance and we find in nearly every case that those who stand highest in public esteem are men who have devoted their lives to deep study and close application, and at the outset of life placed just valuation upon honor. integrity and determination. With these qualities as a capital, Charles Hallett Thorne - entered upon his business career and has won for himself a notable name and place in the business and financial circles of the city. The characteristics which have made him one of the
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prominent merchants of Chicago are clearly de- fined and their development has placed him in the position of leadership which he today occupies in this great concern.
A native of Chicago, Mr. Thorne was born December 3, 1868, a son of George R. and Ellen (Cobb) Thorne. His early educational advan- tages were those afforded by the public schools of Chicago, and later the University of Michi- gan. Thus well equipped by liberal mental training for the duties of life, he entered upon his business career on January 2, 1889, as stock clerk in the house of Montgomery Ward & Company, and was advanced through various intermediate positions until made assistant treasurer in 1893. Later he was elected treas- urer and one of the directors of the company, and in 1914 became president. The unique posi- tion which Montgomery Ward & Company occu- pies in relation to the trade interests of America is well known, and under the progressive policy of Charles H. Thorne and his associates, rapid growth has been one of the features of the house. Resulting from a spirit of enterprise that is evidenced through new ideas and mod- ern methods in merchandising, it has flourished under the present executive heads during the last decade more than at any time in the his- tory of its existence. Though busily engaged in his connection with the house of Montgomery Ward & Company, Charles H. Thorne does not confine his ability alone to the management of his department in this establishment. He also finds time for extending his energies in various
directions and is financially interested in other enterprises. He is a director of the Continental and Commercial National Bank of Chicago and bas also taken an active interest in civic affairs, cooperating in many movements for the direct benefit and upbuilding of the city. He is a member of the Commercial Club and one of the Chicago Plan Committee of that body, and a trustee of the Art Institute.
Mr. Thorne was married at Peoria, Ill., De- cember 30, 1891, to Miss Belle Wilber, of that city, and to this union, three children were horn : Hallet W., Elizabeth W., and Leslie. Mr. Thorne is interested in golf as a means of recrea- tion and is a valued member of various leading clubs, including the Chicago Athletic and Chicago Yacht clubs and all the principal north shore organizations, including the Midlothian, Skokie and Exmoor Country clubs. He is a splendid type of the business man who has made Chicago one of the world's chief commercial centers, and yet his interests in business are not of that absorbing kind which precludes activity along those lines which make for well rounded char- acter and development. He is a man of broad information in many directions. His personal acquaintance with leading citizens of note is a broad one and his spirit of good fellowship makes life brighter for those with whom he comes in contact. He is interested in all that pertains to modern progress and improvements along material, intellectual and moral lines and his charities extend to all worthy enterprises.
JOHN WILLIAM ALLEN.
In the vocabulary of Chicago business men there is found no such word as luck, for through long years of experience they have become con- vinced that prosperity and position come only through the medium of persistent application of intelligent methods that require time for their full development. To the highest order of or- ganizing sense and executive attainments nmist be added the confidence of the public and a concise and intimate knowledge of the field to be occupied, the latter only to be attained by gradual and well-timed approaches. Sudden and phenomenal rise to affluence and independ- ence is most uncommon, and not unusually is followed by complete failure. Certain it is that none would intimate that John William Allen, directing head of the large bakers' and con- fectioners' supplies firm of J. W. Allen & Com-
pany, of Chicago, owes his success to any lucky chance or circumstance. His career has been one of slow and steady advancement, from the time when as an inexperienced youth, handi- capped physically and financially, he entered the fierce competition of the Illinois metropolis, and through sheer courage and determination made a place for himself among the men who were foremost in commercial and industrial cir- cles. For many years now, he has occupied a recognized position in business and financial life, and continues to maintain a high standard of principles, which, perhaps, is one of the chief reasons for his success.
John William Allen Is a Michigander, born near the city of Ann Arbor, in Washtenaw County. September 4, 184S, and is a son of Al- mond A. and Lucy (Powell) Allen, natives of
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New York and early settlers of Michigan, where the family made their home for many years, the parents both passing away in that state. They were intelligent, earnest and honest people, rear- ing their children in paths of righteousness and always manifesting a desire to do their share of the world's work. During the great struggle for supremacy between the North and the South during the Civil war, the father displayed his patriotism and heroism by serving valiantly under the flag of the Union. He was sent west to assist in quelling the Indian disturb- ances, and while in this service lost his health, which he had never fully recovered at the time of his demise.
John W. Allen received his early literary training in the district schools of Calhoun County, Mich., and for five years his big Newfoundland dog drew him to and from school on a sled, as the lad was a cripple and almost helpless during the boyhood period of his life. He did not secure the privileges of an academic training, although of the opportunities offered he availed himself to the utmost, being an am- bitious and attentive scholar. Experience has been his chief teacher, and under its tuition he has learned many valuable and valued les- sons, but he has ever been a keen observer, a student of human nature and a great reader of books, and in this way has made himself a very well-informed man on topics of general interest and importance. With the ambition and energy that formed a part of his inheritance, he started at the age of seventeen years to learn the mill- ing business, which he followed at Battle Creek and Ann Arbor, Mich., until he attained his majority. At that time he first ventured to Chi- cago, where he secured a clerkship with the firm of Lyman & Silliman, tea and coffee mer- chants, and remained with that concern twelve years. During this time he practiced the most rigid economy, and eventually, by reason of this, found himself possessed of a capital sufficient to embark in a modest business venture. About this time, however, when he was looking for a profitable field for investment, misfortune over- came him in the shape of the failure of the Fidelity Savings Bank, in which were stored his hard-earned means. Later he considered himself fortunate to secure $500 for his bank book, and he went to work, with ambition just as strong, to again gain a capital. Two years
later he realized his ambition by becoming the proprietor of an establishment of his own when he embarked in business at No. SO West Van Buren street, where he remained successfully for eighteen years. At the end of that period, finding himself in need of a more commodions place of business, he removed to No. 208 Wash- ington boulevard, where he occupied a five-story building for nine years. He then built a mod- ern reinforced concrete and brick structure, of four stories and basement, at Nos. 110-11S North Peoria street, where he is now conducting busi- ness. He is at the head of an extensive and profitable corporation, dealing in bakers' and confectioners' supplies, operating under the name of J. W. Allen & Company. Some idea of the growth of this concern may be gained from the fact that when he started out in business he did all the work himself and at present requires the assistance of a large force of employes. He is likewise the owner of the old Windiate farm in Calhoun County, Mich. His life record is one which merits both admiration and emula- tion, for he has worked his way steadily up- ward to a position of prominence and influence in his adopted city.
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