USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 60
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the silken folds; eight of the color guard were either killed or wounded: the regiment's loss was 158 killed or wounded out of 262 engaged, and every officer above the rank of captain of the Union forces, Including General Carse, was killed or wounded. As an evidence of the bloody "conflict of that great vietory, the successful de- feuse of Allatoona Pass made possible Gen- era! Sherman's great march to the sea, as Alla- toona Pass was the depot of supplies, and through it sufficient food was obtained to feed his army. As an evidence of the great cost of that famous defense, is shown by the fact that his company went into battle with fifty-one men including myself, all armed with sixteen shoot- ers (Winchester rifles) with the dreadful re- su't of sixteen killed and twenty-one wounded and four missing, or ten men only coming out unscathed. This was a loss, considering the length of the battle (three hours) and the num- ber engaged, unequalled during the Civil War. The company lost twenty-seven of these famous ritles auring the battic." Captain Smith paid out of his own pocket $1,100 for these rifles in order to supply his company and was never reimbursed by the government because he never asked for a return of his money. He never re- ceived any pay from any of the men of the company because those who owed him were either killed or wounded in this battle. The canine in the foreground of this famous picture before mentioned, was indeed a veteran of his species. The boys affectionately named him "Jeff Davis," whether in honor of the president of the so-called Confederacy, or for the dis- tinguished Union general who commanded the Fourteenth Corps, is not now known. "Jeff" was wounded in battle, made the march to the sea, and proudly followed his beloved colors to the Grand Review at Washington.
Captain Smith has a notable record of sign- ing the first enlistment roll of the first com- pany of the first regiment from Illinois for the war, as he enlisted on the same day that Presi- dent Lincoln issued his call for troops. An- other interesting extract relative to the war service of Captain Smith is furnished by the following taken from an address made by Gov- ernor Yates at a reception tendered him by Captain Smith at the Dunlap House, Jackson- ville, in 1900, as follows :
"I remember many years ago, when there was a reunion of old soldiers in this city and the audience was addressed by Gen. Dick Rowett.
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Civil har I, Alex .
1861-1865 Raft Co Eyth Ils Vit Od Sely
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In vivid words he painted the battle of Alla- toona Pass where a few hundred men in bine kept at bay a whole corps of the Confederate army for many long and bloody hours. Among the regiments in that bloody fray was the Seventh Illinois, and among those in counnand of a company was a slender, blue-eyed captain who stood among the winrows of the slain; where human blood ran like water; where legions of men in gray surged like a mighty whirlwind against a spartan band of boys in blue. What was the cause of this fearful slaughter? The rations of Sherman's army were penned up in the pass and Gen. French, with his legions of trained, battle-scarred veterans of the Confederate army were sent to capture and destroy Sherman's base of supplies. And had they succeeded the March to the Sea woukd! never have taken place. This is history and among the heroes of that most deadly confliet. which has no parallel in the annals of war, stood the young, blue-eyed captain -- Captain Alexan- der Smith, whom you all know; was the plain, modest, unassuming young officer who com- manded Company E, of the Seventh Illinois Infantry, the company that went into action with fifty men and lost forty of the number in the carnage of that dreadful contest, while on Kenesaw's frowning heights, twenty miles away, the signal was waving in the air 'Hold the fort, for I am coming,' and Shernian's dash- ing boys came to the rescue, the rebels were routed, and rations saved and the March to the Sea became a historical fact."
Other engagements participated in by Captain Smith were the siege and battle of Corinth, the battles of Town Creek, Florence, the Georgia campaign, March to the Sea, the Caro- lina campaign, the battles of Bentonville, Col- umbia, Neuse River, and the surrender of Gen- eral Johnston's army, ending with the Grand Review at Washington already mentioned. Captain Smith was fortunate as he escaped injury in every way, was never captured or in- capacitated by sickness, although he had many narrow escapes.
Returning from the war, a boy in years, but a man in experience, Captain Smith locatel at Mattoon, Ill., and from 1866 to 1569, was clerk in the Essex House, but in the latter year moved to Jacksonville, to assume the sune duties for the Dunlap House. So efficient did he become that he was made manager of this hostelry, and when it became the property of the Northwestern Life Insurance Company of
Milwaukee. Captain Smith purchased it in ISSO. In 1863, he bought the Park Hotel, also of Jacksonville, and still owas them. At first he operated both bowels, improving them and add- ing to their equipment, but in time he found that the Dunlap House required his undivided attention, and he leased the latter. On Jan- uary 1, 1004. he relinquished the other, and also leverd it. From then on, he has lived in deserved comfort, in retirement at his hand- some residence, No. 335 West State Street, Jacksonville, Few mien have given their party more devoted service than be. for he has always been a Republican, but bis inclinations have never been towards a public life, and he has always declined office. The Elks have in him an enthusiastic member. From the organiza- tion of the Matt Starr Post No. 378, G. A. R., of Jacksonville, Captain Smith has been one of Its most active members, and he also belongs to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and the Society of the Army of the Tennessee, which latter was organized on April 9, 1865, the day that General Lee sur- rendered.
On April 7, 1875. Captain Smith was united in marriage with Josephine Marie Litzelman, born in Terre Haute, Ind., daughter of Mathias Litzelinan of Alsatian birth, who lived in Jas- per County, Ill., for many years. Captain and Mrs. Smith have had no children of their own, but adopted one, Alexander Smith, Jr., who grew up to do them honor. He served in the Spanish-American war with the Third Mis- souri Infantry. During 1904, he followed in the footsteps of Captain Smith by acting as man- ager for the American Hotel at St. Louis, Mo., one of the hostelries erected for the accommoda- tion of the visitors to the exposition. in that city in 1904.
Captain Smith is a splendid man in every sense of the word. Brilliant as a young man, he has developed with succeeding years, and reaped the result of his greatest power at a time when the majority feel that old age has overtaken them. He has lived through the long years, bearing the burdens and trials of life uncomplainingly, always well equipped for whatever came upon him, and has never been stronger than when calamity fell upon him. As the shadows lengthen far towards the east, he is living in retirement, feeling that he has al- ready done his full duty to his family and com- munity. No man of Morgan County has more fully or to a greater extent commanded the con-
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fidence and esteem of his associates than he, and Jacksonville proudly numbers him among its distinguished veterans, and eminent citizens. His friends are many, and he is familiar with
the great of this country. All unite to do him honor and to pay the fitting tribute to his youth- ful bravery, and his more mature good citizen- ship.
LEVERETT BARKER SIDWAY.
It is an exploded idea that a man can suc- ceed only along one line, for too many of the most successful business men of recent years have demonstrated their ability to handle capably and profitably many diversified in- terests, and plan out and carry through to fruitful conclusions projects involving a dif- ferenciation of purposes that would have con- fused promoters of fifty years ago. So many industries and business interests are interde- pendent, the success of the one insuring that of the other, that it is almost necessary for the executive heads to become conversant with the details of numerous lines of endeavor. There- fore it very often happens that a man while engaged in one undertaking, may become so well posted with regard to another that he leaves the former for the latter. In it he often- times finds opportunities for broadening his scope, enlarging his viewpoint, and extending his sphere of usefulness in such measure as may redound to his credit and increase his material prosperity. Such was the case with the late Leverett Barker Sidway, who, for a number of years, was associated with extensive leather and banking interests, but later devoted his knowledge and capabilities to the handling of farm lands, amassing a fortune and placing himself among the leaders in his especial Hine.
Leverett B. Sidway was born at Otter Creek, Jersey County, Ill., February 14, 1832, a son of Gilbert D. and Emeline (Douglas) Sidway, natives of New York. The father was a tan- ner at Otter Creek during early life, but later became a leather merchant at Alton, III.
Leverett Barker Sidway attended the common schools of Otter Creek, and later took a busi- ness course in a commercial college at St. Louis. Coming back home, he worked in his father's leather store at Alton until 1$59, but in that year decided to enter a larger field, and came to Chicago to manufacture leather with William Turner, the firm being Turner & Sidway. With the outbreak of the Civil war, the firm branched out into the manufacture of cavalry equipments, and continued to do a large business until 1868. Mr. Sidway then became vice president of the Union Hide & Leather Company. In the
meanwhile he became associated with the finan- cial interests of his adopted city, and at the time of the Chicago fire, was vice president of the State Savings Institution, and was also its manager. He sold out his interest in this institution, and in 1871 organized the Illinois Trust & Savings Bank and was its first presi- dent, continuing to be its executive head until 1878. Having always taken an interest in real estate, he had grown to be an expert in realty values, and upon leaving the presidency of his bank, he entered into the handling of farm lands and large bodies of real estate. Until 1859, he was associated in his enterprises with George M. Bogue, one of the veteran realty men of Chicago, but in that year formed the firm of L. B. Sidway & Co., and he continued its head until his demise August 23, 1914. During the many years he was connected with the realty market, some of the largest deals were transacted by his firm, and he was noted for his thorough appreciation of values, and his honorable methods, which were never ques- tioned.
On February 14, 1856, Mr. Sidway was mar- ried to Miss Louise Martin of Alton, a daugh- ter of Judge William and Emma ( Webb) Mar- tin. Mr. and Mrs. Sidway became the parents of the following children : William and Charles, both of whom are deceased; George T., who is a rancher near Monett, Mo., in charge of landed interests there; and Henry, who is of Godfrey, Ill., and is conducting a large asparagus farm, married Louise Milner of Chi- cago, and they have children, Gladys L. and Virginia G.
Mr. Sidway was a vestryman of Grace Epis- copal Church, and served on the building com- mittee when the present Grace Church edifice was erected, and always took a deep and abid- ing interest in church work, contributing gen- erously of his time and money. One of the old members of Blaney Lodge A. F. & A. M., and of Apollo Commandery, K. T., Mr. Sidway was a recognized influence in Masonie circles, and his death was deeply felt by his brother members, for he endeavored at all times to carry into his business life the lofty teachings of his order.
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The Union League Club had in bim a useful member, and he was instrumental in forward- ing many of the plans of that organization, especially during its younger days. While a Democrat in national matters, as he grew old- er, Mr. Sidway broadened, and voted inde- pendently upon local matters, feeling that it was often expedient to judge a man by his
fitness for office rather than according to his party connections. True to the highest ideals of his church and fraternity, Mr. Sidway lived out his useful life, and in his history is to be found a record of unblemished manhood and high moral courage that the rising generation will do well to study.
CHARLES PHIPPS GILLETT.
It can be truly said of Charles Phipps Gillett, of Jacksonville, Ill., that he has given the best that is in him to the service of the afflicted of earth, and no man can do more. He has always loved humanity with a devotion that has known no thought of self, and being a broad-minded, many-sided man, he has been able to sympathize with others in both joy and sorrow. The yearn- ings, aspirations, desires and ideals of his pure, noble heart live on and will never die, no matter what may in time happen to his mortal frame, for they are prompted by sturdy manhood and invincible courage and earnestness of purpose that have always animated his whole career. He has known how to live, and to direct his actions wisely and well.
Charles Phipps Gillett was born at the insti- tution for the Deaf and Dumb at Jacksonville, Ill., a son of Dr. Philip and Ellen M. (Phipps) Gillett, the former of whom was long promi- nently connected with this school. He was ad- mitted to be one of the greatest American authorities regarding the instruction and train- ing of the deaf during his life, and his ideas have been carefully carried out by his son, who has been proud to follow in his footsteps. Dr. Gillett was born at Madison, Ind., March 24, 1833, and passed away at Jacksonville, Oe- tober 2. 1901, a son of the Rev. Samuel Trum- bell and Harriet Ann (Goode) Gillett. The fam- ily was founded in America by Jonathan and Nathan Gillett, who arrived at Nantucket. R. I., May 30, 1630. Members of this family served with distinction in the Revolutionary war. the War of 1512 and the Civil war. and took part in all the local Indian warfare of their several communities, as they were men of courage and high patriotism.
After being graduated from De Pauw Univer- sity, Ind., in 1852. Dr. Gillett entered the Indi- ana institution for the education of the deaf and dumb, and became one of the instructors of that body. His success encouraged him to adopt this work as his life career, and he continued along
this philanthropie line for thirty-seven and one- half years. On April 26, 1856, he was made superintendent of the Illinois institution, and during his long and able incumbency of the post, he brought this school up to so high a standard that his methods were adopted by similar ones all over the country. Being a devout Methodist, he believed in instructing his pupils along re- lizions as well as secular lines, and developed some beautiful characters by precept and ex- ample. Both as an instructor and writer, for he wielded a facile pen, Dr. Gillett accomplished wonders for those who needed his care, and his name will ever be associated with this magniti- cent work.
Charles Phipps Gillett was carefully educated in the public schools of Jacksonville and at the Illinois College, continuing in the latter insti- tution until 1SS1. Having studied with the idea of entering the work so successfully carried on by his father, Mr. Gillett became his assistant in 1881, and was later made secretary. Until 1893, he hell the position of assistant superin- tendent. when he succeeded his father, who bad resigned. Mr. Gillett for a time assumed the duties of the superintendent of the Minnesota State Institution at Faribault, and in 1898-99 was instructor in the Louisiana State School for the Deaf, at Baton Rouge, and in May, 1900. re- turned to the Illinois Institution for the Instruc- tion of the Deaf and Dumb as a teacher, and has since remained. continuing his glorious work as only he can. His pupils have always recog- mized the fact that in him they have had a true friend, and one who was laboring to assist them, and they are disconsolate if business takes him away even for a day.
Mr. Gillett has always contended that there was no special providence in success or failure in work or life, for each one has to solve his own problems, but he does believe that special assistance should be given those whom nature has deprived of a full complement of faculties. A man of the highest moral character. the key-
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note of his life has been simplicity and sincerity. He entered upon his work with his heart and von- science as well as his intelligence, and his results show that he has known how to blend all hap- pily. Ilis great, warm, human heart has always been sympathetic, and his compelling conscience has never let him rest until he has made every effort possible to bring about desired results. Because he has been so wrapped up in his work, Mr. Gillett has given but little time or thought to outside matters. Resolved from the first to give his pupils every advantage, he has spent him- self in their service, and has worked night and day to study out new methods and secure a per- fect carrying out of old ones. Mr. Gillett has
served the cause he early espoused with faith- fulness and purity of motives, and no better tribute can be paid his memory when he is gone, or to him while still living, than the en- thusiasm and devotion displayed whenever bis. name is mentioned by those under his charge whose ears hear not, and whose lips can never frame words they can know the sound of, but who, through his kindly ministrations and intel- ligent teachings, are capable of sustaining con- versations and taking their place in the world as well as those who have never known what it is to be deaf and dumb and to be thus shut out from so much that makes life worth the living.
WILLIAM SLOAN CHERRY.
Certain conditions call for special qualities of mind and character in order that the best in a man be brought forth. While all may be born equal, circumstances, surroundings and aids or disadvantages cause a difference to develop which marks the distinction between a man of affairs and one whose accomplishments never rise above the mediocre. By many it is argued that in the smaller cities men have a chance to reach a more complete personal development than the great centers of population where in- dividuality is cramped and finds expression rather in masses than singly. The man of the smaller community comes into close touch with his associates, realizes the crying needs of his fellow men, and feels for each one a more or less personal regard that urges him onward to exert himself for the public weal. Doubtless the best results are secured in such instances by the men who know how to advance their personal inter- ests as well, for the man of successful operation of his own affairs is one who has the foresight and experience that enables him to act efficiently and fearlessly for the good of the masses. Streator can boast of one man who eminently belonged to this class of desirable citizens, for it had among its leading residents for a num- ber of years, the late William Sloan Cherry, whose connections with the coal trade in the vicinity of this city, made his name a well known one throughout the state.
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William Sloan Cherry was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, July 9, 1837, a son of Wil- liam and Henrietta (Sloan) Cherry, both of whom were born in Ireland. There the father died and the mother brought her three-year-old son to the United States, being accompanied by
her father. There were three others in the fam- ily, but William Sloan Cherry outlived them all. Upon their arrival in this country the little party located first in Virginia, but later went to Pennsylvania, arriving there in 1843. Grow- ing up in the Keystone State, William S. Cherry attended the private and select schools of Schuyl- kill County. In 1856 he and his brother en- gaged in anthracite coal mining, and in this con- nection be laid the foundation for his later ex- pert knowledge which was to serve bim in such good stead. When the Civil war burst upon the country, he became an engineer in the naval service and was appointed third assistant engi- neer on the Nipsic, November 16, 1861; and was appointed second assistant engineer on the New Ironsides, July 26, 1866, and resigned October 25, 1867, after seven years of continuous service. During the Civil war, he participated in the battle of Fort Fisher, and during three of his seven years in the service of the government, he sailed along the South American coast, and in all had some very interesting experiences.
In 1869 Mr. Cherry became a private citizen once more, and embarked in the manufacture of white lead, at Wilmington, Del., but in 1871 came to Illinois, and for the next forty-three years was located at Streator, where, in con- nection with the Chicago, Wilmington & Ver- milion Coal Company, he rendered valuable services as mine superintendent. In 1889 he made a trip to Glenwood Springs, where he spent eighteen months, and later went to Colo- rado Springs, Colo., and while there he was gen- eral superintendent and vice president of the Grand River Coal & Coke Company. In 1892 he returned to Streator, and resumed his eon-
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nections with the Chicago. Wilmington & Ver- milion Coal Company, continuing with that con- cern until 1904, when he resigned his position. Realizing the need for better mine appliances, Mr. Cherry invented a number of devices now in use, and was one of the first to introduce 19od- ern machinery in the mines. He was the in- ventor of the first patented safety dumping cage ever put into successful operation. On account of his practical ideas and his determined carry- ing out of them, the company enjoyed unexam- pled prosperity. Not only, however, did Mir. Cherry work for the advancement of his com- pany, but also for his men, and was instru- mental in the organization of the Miners' Insti- tute, which had for its object the giving of miners a scientific education through which they are enabled to pass the state examinations and secure certificates that qualify them for holding important positions as mine inspectors and su- perintendents. A man of exceptional teennica! knowledge himself, he gave his personal atten- tion to the educating of his men, and encour- aged them to advance themselves, and secured both their respect and love. One who knew Mr. Cherry extremely well. in speaking of him said. that his mind was pre-eminentiy of a scientific turn. and his was a' frank nature, candid and outspoken. He was a good figliter and a fair one. Honorable, reasonable, willing to grant any just claim, he was recognized as the friend of the working man. The immunity from strikes enjoyed by Streator was largely dne to his wisdom, foresight and sense of jns- tice. The miners trusted him and he was worthy of their confidence.
On June 6, 1872. Mr. Cherry was married to Mary D. Godfrey of Philadelphia, Pa., and they had five children : William G. and Charles G., both of whom died in infancy : Henrietta, who is Mrs. Harry Newell Barr of Denver, Colo., has three children. William F., born December 31, 1903, Cherry, born February 19, 1910, and Cath- erine, born February 18, 1912, all of whom were
born at Denver: Walter G., who resides at Chi- cage, married Leonora Logier, a daughter of Max Bernhard and Anna Logier, of Pontiac, Ill .. and they have one child, William Logier, born December 20. 1007; and Robert H., who resides at Chicago, married Aurelia Donley, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Donley, of Peoria, Ill., and they have a daughter, Dorothy, born Angust 12. 1903. Mrs. Cherry survives her lisband and makes her home at Streator. She was a daughter of Charles and Lucy ( Smith) Godfrey, of Philadelphia, where Mr. Godfrey was general manager of the American Sunday School Assoontion for thirty-five years.
Mr. Cherry belonged to Streator Lodge No. 607. A. F. & A. M .; Streator Chapter No. 168, R. A. M. : Streator Commandery, K. T., and also to the Loyal Legion of Denver. All of bis ma. ture life he was a staunch Republican, and dur- ing his earlier years he was very active in party Diatiers, Although he came of Quaker stock. Mr. Cherry united with the Presbyterian church, at Streator, and did much towards making it a strong factor in the religious life of the city. He was a man of principle, and while not urging his religious belief on others, took his faith into his everyday life, and convinced others of the value of Christianity by means of his manner of living. A gentleman in the highest sense of the word, he sought to win men through kind- ness rather than by undue force of his author- ity, and as a result his death was universally luourned. Ifis remains were followed by a large concourse of sorrowing people, and his influ- ence lives after him. Those who knew and ap- preciated him, may well strive to emulate him and win for themselves some measure of the de- votion which was freely accorded him. Although his life is ended, his work goes on, and the power of his well spent years continues and will as long as what he stood for endures, for his stand- ards were raised upon the sound foundations of Christian manhood, brotherly love, and frater- nal equality.
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