Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 65

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 joint ed
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell publishing company
Number of Pages: 1290

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children : Nina Jones, Lucy Plummer, Helen (Conkling) Condit, Frank Conkiing, Dorothy Koogler and Jane Koogler. The great-grand- children in the family are as follows: Helen McComb, daughter of Luey ; Lucy and Oella, daughters of Helen ; and Oella Conkling, daugh- ter of Frank Koogler Conkling.

While he was a man who devoted himself to his business to a considerable extent, for many years, Mr. Koogler found time for other things, and a history of his connection with the Uni- versity at Champaign illustrates his public spirit. He was a Mason and always interested in the fraternity. While a member of the Methodist church, he was very liberal in his own religious belief. For many years the public affairs of Scott Township were in his capable hands as he represented it on the county board of supervisors. He also served as road com- missioner. While the news of his death was not unexpected, as he had been in poor health owing to his advanced age, those who knew him, old and young alike, felt that in his demise they had lost a faithful friend. The whole com- munity appreciated the fact that Champaign would never have a better citizen than the one who left behind him a stainless record and a name kept unblemished from any suggestion of dishonor.

ROBERT W. WOOLSTON.

Robert W. Woolston, B. A., superintendent of the Illinois School for the Blind, at Jackson- ville, occupies a position of grave responsi- bility, to which he brings the fruitful results of scholastic training and educational experi- ence, and the understanding sympathy of a man of helpful personality. Mr. Woolston was born in 1875, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and was exceedingly fortunate in parentage, his father, J. Woolston being a Princeton man and in after years an earnest promoter of his chil- dren's educational ambitions. His own early rearing and training had been in the East, mainly in New York and New Jersey, and it was a matter of some regret to him that in the childhood of his children, after he had located in a practically new section of Iowa, they had not equally favorable advantages. After locat- ing at Council Bluffs, he acquired property in that city and became a man of affairs, and there Robert W., the third of his six sons was born and there the sons and the one daughter

were educated, all becoming educators them- selves.

Robert W. Woolston completed the common and high school course in his native city and in 1897 became a student at Wheaton Academy at Wheaton, Ill., from there entered Wheaton College and was graduated in the class of 1903, prior to this having taught some terms of school. In the same year he came to Jacksonville as an instructor in the high school department of the Illinois School for the Blind and during the seven years that he continued in that posi- tion he introduced many special features which were very acceptable and this evident interest and adaptability opened the way for his ap- pointment, in 1910, to the position of assist- ant superintendent of the institution and to that of superintendent in 1911. So entirely has Mr. Woolston had the best interests of this in- stitution at heart that he has spared neither time nor effort to increase its usefulness to those most concerned and to prove to the

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State the wisdom of giving even more attention to the handicapped to further the making of. self-supporting citizen, than is bestowed upon those to whom Nature has been kinder in her gifts. One method of arousing interest that Superintendent Woolston has found effective has been the visiting of the parents of the blind and the making of personal appeals to them, presenting the advantages accruing to all children than now are afforded instruction in a modern, well equipped institution like that of Jacksonville. These appeals and other efforts have resulted in increasing the number of students now in attendance to 210, there being accommodations for 225. The faculty of the institution includes twenty-two instructors and under Superintendent Woolston the pupils have been arranged to correspond more nearly to the public school system, there being a kindergarten, eight regular grades and a high school. During the past two years a fine cir- culating library has been installed and this added feature alone has brought happiness and content to many a lonely student within these walls. The institution was formerly under the charge of a board of trustees but its manage- ment is now vested in a State Board of Cou- trol. The American-Braille System of Teaching the Blind is in use here as it is in two-fifths of all such institutions in America and probably could not be improved upon.

Mr. Woolston married Miss Lucia Kellogg Orr, who was born in Illinois. She is a grad- uate of the Jacksonville Female Academy aud she is a teacher, and is also a talented musi- cian, being a graduate of the Conservatory of Music. In addition to his great volume of work in connection with the institution, Super- intendent Woolston finds time to also do some literary work and is a valued contributor to a number of well known periodicals of an edu- cational trend. That this work for the blind lies very near his heart is evident to any one, friend or stranger, who has an opportunity to converse with him. Not in the least senti- mental, for he has been too long a period asso- ciated with those who have lost or never pos- sessed the blessing of sight to look upon the deprivation in exactly the same way as do those with less knowledge, he yet shows a loving interest and a proud enthusiasm when any of his students overcome this natural obstacle and are qualified, as many are, to pursue ca- reers and callings in life with equal promise of success with those in possession of every faculty. Here and there he proudly calls at- tention to gifted ones whose natural talents have made them brilliant students, without sight, and among these may be found those possessing as bright minds as. on the average, may be disclosed in any educational institution.

IRA MERRILL MOORE.

By the death of an honorable judge. Ira Mer- rill Moore, Quincy lost one of its most successful and honored members of the bar, and the state a distinguished legislator, while his family suf- fered as people ouly can when a loved one is taken from their midst. Judge Moore was a man of varied talents which he exercised for the good of his community and not only was a prominent figure in many of the legal contro- versies, in which he displayed unerring judy- ment and remarkable ability in the solution of many legal complexities, but won singular dis- tinction as a member of the legislature of his state. Judge Moore was born March 25, 1834, in Fabius, Onondaga County, N. Y .. son of Charles and Hannah (Snow) Moore, the former a native of New York State. The mother died in New York State when he was twelve years old, and his father passed away in the same state later on.

Growing up in his native state, Judge Moore .

received a practical education at Johnston, but studied outside his regular course, and soon was qualified to be a teacher. The lad was very ambitious, and taught school in the winter months, using the money thus earned to send himself to school during the summer ones. As was so often the case with the ambitious young men of his period. his inclinations turned in the direction of law, and during 1853 and 1854, he studied that learned profession in the office of James W. Nye, at Hamilton, N. Y. In 1835, he was admitted to the bar, and came to Iowa, where he applied for admission in an office at Cedar Rapids, but not succeeding in this, he went back to Ohio, where he remained a year and one-half in business with his brother-in- law. Judge Moore then went to Hamilton, N. Y., where he began his practice as a lawyer with Samnel Abbott, an experienced attorney of that place. This association continued until 1861, when Mr. Abbott went to New York City, Mr.

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Moore continuing alone until 1868. In that year, he came to Quincy, Ill., and after continu- ing alone for some time, be formed a partnership with Senator Arntsen, under the caption of Arntsen & Moore, which association lasted for many years. In the meanwhile, Judge Moore began his career as an author of legal books, being the author of "Moore's Civil Justice" and "Moore's Criminal Law," both of which have passed through several editions, and "Moore's Illinois Digest." These tomes are still pub- lished and widely bought by the profession, by whom they are recognized as books of great value, showing as they do a clear and compre- hensive view of the law. Mrs. Moore is in re- ceipt of royalties from her husband's publica- tions. Although at first a Republican, Judge Moore became a Democrat during the Greeley campaign, and was elected to the State Assem- bly in 1872, and again in 1876. His services while a member of the Legislature were of such a nature that when he died, April 6, 1905, the following resolutions were introduced and adopted by the Forty-fourth General Assembly :

"State of Illinois Forty-fourth General Assem- bly House of Representatives. In Memory of Ilon. Ira M. Moore. Introduced by Hon C. S. Hearn. Whereas, the Hon. Ira M. Moore, late of Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, died on the Cth day of April, 1905, and prior thereto had been a conspicuous and honored member of the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth General Assem- bly of this State, therefore

Resolved, that this Forty-fourth General As- sembly of Illinois hereby declares for record. its memorial of honor and credit to his memory. and further

Resolved, that we express our respect and esteem for the benefits and distinction con- ferred by our deceased brother, upon the law and ministration of justice in this state, by law books and legal publications written by him, so well known throughout the state, particularly his works known as 'Moore's Civil Justice,' 'Moore's Criminal Law,' and Moore's Digest of Illinois Supreme and Appellate Court Reports. Resolved, that this House extend its sympathy and condolence to his widow, and that these res- olutions be spread at large upon the Journal, and that an engrossed copy be prepared and for- warded to his widow, and in respect to his mem- ory, that this House stand adjourned. Adopted

by the House. April 24, 1905. Edward D. Shurt- Hiff, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Jno. A. Reeve, Clerk of the House of Representa- tives."

Judge Moore is survived by his widow, whom he married November 12, 1862, her maiden name having been Mary Helen Root. She was born in Hartford, Conn., July 19, 1535, daughter of John and Mary E. (Brown) Root. Mr. Root was born in Connecticut, in 1800, and was in the sixth generation from the American founder of the family. The mother of Mrs. Moore was born in Readsboro, Vt., in 1814. Judge and Mrs. Moore had no issue, but had two nieces, one living in Detroit, and a nephew at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Mrs. Moore resides at No. 1520 Broadway, where Judge Moore passed away after a short illness, although his heart had been affected for several years. His funeral was held at his late residence, Rev. James Robert Smith, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiating. The services were very affecting, and the floral tributes were many and appropriate, among them being a beautiful one from the Adams County Bar, in the form of an open book, designed to express the appreciation of that body for Judge Moore's contributions to the legal lore of the State. Ilis remains were ten- derly laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery.

The Adams County Bar expressed its appre- ciation of his services as justice of the peace, which office he held for four years, lawyer and private citizen, in a memorial, signed by Lyman MeCarl and J. N. Carter, a copy of which was sent to the widow, the original being spread on the records of the Circuit Court of Adams County. Judge Moore was very learned in the law, had an intellect of great exactness and clearness, a sound and instructed judgment, and wonderful tenacity of purpose. He excelled in the preparation of a case. In a consultation, his judgment was exceedingly valuable. His read- ing was wide and deep, and he gave to the pub- lie the results of his profound thought in his volumes which live after him. As a man, Judge Moore had many friends who appreciated him, and valued association with him. He concealed his charities, but gave liberally and generously. glad to relieve want, or mitigate suffering. Quincy has had many men of whom it has every cause to be proud, but none who brought greater distinction upon it than the late Judge Ira M. Moore, for his reputation was not only a local

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one, but extended all over the Commonwealth, and was never stained by even an imputation of anything that was not of the highest. No

man was truer or deeper in his attachments, and he numbered among his life-long friends men of national importance.

FRANK M. BURROUGHS.

Perhaps there is no better indication of a man's real worth than the opinion entertained for him on the part of his professional associ- ates, those who have been identified with him in facing the problems of life and along similar channels have worked by his side understand- ingly. No city in the world has had higher types of educated manhood than has Chicago found on her bench and bar and for many years the late Frank M. Burroughs stood high as a legist and his reputation, which extended all over the state, was acknowledged by his colleagues as one worthily won. Frank M. Burroughs was born at Wayland, N. Y., June 14. 1$51, and was a son of Benjamin and Miranda (Rose) Bur- roughs. The father, a hotel proprietor, moved to Port Huron, Mich, a few years after his marriage, and from there to Chicago, still later to St. Louis, Mo., and finally, in 1870, located at Clinton, Ill., where he conducted the Magill House until his death in 1590. His wife, who was a daughter of Judge Rose, of Castile, N. Y., died in 1887. Their family consisted of four daughters and one son.

Frank M. Burroughs was young when the family left his native state, and he later at- tended the public schools of St. Louis and Clinton and afterward the Illinois University of Cham- paign, from which he was graduated with high honors. In 1880 he entered the law office of R. A. Lemon, at Clinton, two years later being admitted to practice, becoming a partner of Mr. Lemon and remained such for two years. In 1SS4 he was appointed Master-in-Chancery, in which office he continued to serve for four years. During that period, in which he won recognition as one of the foremost attorneys of DeWitt County, he was collector for the Phoenix Insur- ance Company, and his ability so favorably im- pressed the head officials that he was by them offered the important position of manager of the farm department. Accepting, he was trans- ferred to Chicago and served as general attorney for that company until his death, on March 9, 1910. Although Mr. Burroughs appeared to be a man of exceeding robustness, excessive applica- tion to business served to so undermine his health that in 1908 he suffered a stroke of paralysis. Hle recovered apparently, but thirteen months

later was prostrated by a second stroke brought on by over exertion during the San Francisco disaster. Once more he recuperated but his return to health was an illusion and when a family bereavement, the death of his only child, came upon him, a third stroke of paralysis terminated his own life.

On December 6, 1900, at the Planters Hotel, St. Louis, Mo., Mr. Burroughs was married to Miss Daisy Higginson. She was born in Canada, and is a daughter of Hon. T. S. Higginson and Martha ( Burland), who died February 20, 1913. Mr. Higginson, who died September 17, 1911, was a member of the English Parliament. Mrs. Burroughs is a niece of Thomas Wentworth Hig- ginson, the author, of Boston, Mass. The only son of this marriage, Frank M., Jr., died in infancy, October 14, 1009. Mr. Burroughs' home life was ideal. He was tender and affectionate and his every thought was one of solicitude for his wife's comfort and happiness, and never was the memory of a loved one more sacredly cher- ished or his loss more inconsolably mourned. Mrs. Burroughs resides at No. 4001 Grand Boulevard, in an attractive home secured to her through the foresight of her husband.

In politics Mr. Burroughs was a stanch Demo- crat. He was an Episcopalian and he was a regular attendant at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. While he held membership with many clubs he was not a club man in the sense of spending his time in these organizations, for his tastes were domestic and his happy and con- genial home surroundings made an atmosphere that was enjoyed and appreciated. He was, however, deeply interested and exceedingly prominent in one of the leading fraternal orders, the Knights of Pythias, and held the highest offices in the state. On June 14, 1872, he became a member of Plantagenet Lodge No. 25, at Clin- ton, Ill., and in 1875 was chosen chancellor com- mander. A zealous worker in the order, he was instrumental in organizing the Metzger Division. In 1577 he entered the grand lodge and served as district deputy grand chancellor for three years. In 1850 he was elected grand inner guard and in 1554 was chosen grand chancellor and proved the most able and careful officer the order ever had in that position, and from 1594

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until 189S served as supreme representative. An article in the Pythian Record at the time of his death said in part: "No member of the order was more beloved or held in higher esteem than Frank M. Burroughs. He left a record for purity of life, honesty, and integrity of purpose that is rarely equalled and which will always prove an inspiration to his fellow members. As showing the love and esteem in which he was held by members of the Pythian order, his brethren attended his funeral in such large numbers that the spacious home could not con- tain them." The funeral was conducted under the auspices of the order, the late Rev. William White Wilson, pastor of St. Mark's Episcopal Church officiating, and the remains were taken to Clinton, Ill., for interment. In 1910 a new

Knights of Pythias lodge was formed in Chicago and was called Frank M. Burroughs Lodge, No. 708, Mrs. Burroughs presenting to the organiza- tion a fine oil painting of her husband.

In his law practice, Mr. Burroughs was clean and conscientious, always refusing to defend mitt and showing abhorrence when any kind of corrupt practices came to his knowledge. He was not only an eloquent speaker, ever ready with appropriate remarks for the occasion, but was also a writer of both prose and verse. He was public-spirited and charitable and despite his many business cares always found time to study and forward movements for the general welfare. When he passed away Chicago lost an honorable, high-minded, valuable citizen.

DAVID CRAWFORD.

The life of the late Rev. David Crawford, of Champaign County, Ill., was one filled with years and crowded with good deeds. An early minister of the Iowa and Indiana conferences of the Methodist Episcopal church, his labors in his Master's service were crowned with the saving of many souls. His subsequent ventures in the fields of agriculture and finance were no less successful and his long and honorable record as a Champaign county farmer and business man bears no stain or blemish. Rev. David Crawford was born December 24, 1811, at Salem, Washington County, N. Y., and he was a son of James and Mary ( Graham) Craw- ford. His parents, natives of the Empire State, and of honest Scotch ancestry. passed their lives on a farm in Washington County, where they were known as hospitable, Christian. God- fearing people and zealous members of the Methodist church.

The early educational training of Rev. David Crawford was secured in the public schools of Washington County, N. Y., and this was subse- quently supplemented by attendance at Cazo- novia, N. Y., and Kent's Hill, Me., academics. He was converted and united with the Metho- dist church in youth, and remained a devoted and conscientious member thereof as long as he lived. On July 4. 1840, he was licensed to preach by the Williamstown conference, in New York, and during the same year was admitted on trial during the annual conference at Terre Haute. Ind .. into the traveling connection. He was appointed to Knightstown circuit by Bishop R. R. Roberts aud was ordained deacon by

Bishop Morris, November 21, 1842. At his own request he was transferred to the Arkansas con- ference, where he traveled for three years, and was ordained elder at Little Rock, Ark., after which he was again transferred, this time to the Iowa conference, by Bishop Thomas A. Mor- ris. Here he labored for six years, during which time he lost the wife of his youth, whose maiden name had been Elizabeth Toner, the daughter of a stanch Methodist layman. He buried her at Montrose, Iowa, and again trans- ferred to the Indiana conference, in the year 1850. His first charge in this new field was Indianapolis, where he met and became ac- painted with the afterward famous Henry Ward Beecher. When the conference was di- vided into four parts, Reverend Crawford's lot was in the Northwest Indiana conference.

On August 23, 1854, Reverend Crawford was married (second) to Mary A. Meharry, daughter of James and Margaret ( Francis) Meharry. Mrs. Crawford's parents came from Ohio to Fountain County, Ind., in 1828, and in 1831 removed to Montgomery County, Ind., where they spent the remainder of their lives on a farm. They were faithful members of the Methodist church and were widely known and highly esteemed in their community. Mrs. Crawford was educated in Montgomery and Allen counties, Ind., and completed her training at the Fort Wayne, Ind., Methodist Episcopal College. To Rev. and Mrs. Crawford there were born ten children, of whom the following are survivors: Clark M .. Jessie C. E., now Mrs.

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John I .. Butler, Ella M. F., Allen J., Anna L., . in Philo Township, is still owned by members of Emma G., and John W. W.

After his second marriage. Reverend Craw- ford settled at Crown Point, Ind., but later went to Pine Village and then to Pleasant Ilill. In 1868, four years prior to coming to Illinois, Rev- erend Crawford asked and was granted a super- annuated relation in his conference, from which time he preached but little, although he con- tinued in his Maker's work in another way. He was a good financier and organizer, and built a number of parsonages and churches, while more than 1.000 persons were persuaded by his preaching to give their souls to Christ. In March, 1872, he began to devote his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he was suc- cessfully engaged throughout the remainder of his life, succeeding in accumulating 1,000 acres of land, a part in Champaign County, Ill., and a part in Indiana, all now under a high state of cultivation. The family residence, on section 31,

the family, and is one of the handsome struc- tures of this locality. Reverend Crawford passed away at Tolono, III .. November 9, 1893, and in his death Champaign County lost a citi- zen whose influence, always for good, had been felt in every corner -- whose friends were legion and whose enemies were negligible-whose life is well worthy of emulation by the youth of today. His memory is still kept green in the hearts of those who knew and loved him for his kindly deeds and bis admirable qualities of heart and mind.

Mrs. John L. Butler, of Urbana, Ill., daughter of Reverend Crawford, is, like the other mem- bers of the family, active in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is at this time county president of the Women's Christian Tem- perance I'nion, and as such is promoting a free kindergarten for poor children.

GAVION D. A. PARKS.

As a guiding principle throughout his life the motto to which Mr. Parks always adhered was "It can be done." To timidly accept failure at the gruff command of disappointment failed ut- terly to accord with his strong character or superior ability ; and any project which initially received the endorsement of his better judgment met with his enthusiastic support to the very end.

Gavion D. A. Parks was born at Bristol, On- tario County, N. Y., September 17. 1817, a son of Joel M. and Bathsheba ( Walker) Parks. His mother was born March 23, 1799, at Bristol. Ontario County, N. Y., and died in Lockport. Illinois, on April 25, 1-50. Joel M. Parks, the father, was a native of West Stockbridge, Berk- shire County, Mass, born October 15, 1790. Gavion D. A. Parks was one of five children. 1 sister, Juliet Louise, was born in Bristol. Sep- tember 16, 1819, and passed away May 6, 1MM). She was the mother of Capt. James G. Elwood, mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Another sister, Clarinda M., was born in Lockport, N. Y., March 22. 1823, later became the wife of Capt. N. L. Hawley, of Lockport, Ill., and died March 27, 1890. A brother, Wil- liam G., was born in Lockport. N. Y., April 9. 1825, and, as a member of Company B. One Hundredth Illinois Infantry, lost his life during the Civil war, in the battle of Kenesaw Moun- tain, Ga. Maria Josephine, another sister, was

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Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Part 65

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 joint ed Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell publishing company Number of Pages: 1290

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. ed. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 joint ed
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell publishing company
Number of Pages: 1290