USA > Illinois > Clay County > Biographical and reminiscent history of Richland, Clay and Marion counties, Illinois > Part 29
USA > Illinois > Richland County > Biographical and reminiscent history of Richland, Clay and Marion counties, Illinois > Part 29
USA > Illinois > Marion County > Biographical and reminiscent history of Richland, Clay and Marion counties, Illinois > Part 29
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THE SCHWARTZ BROTHERS.
Eminent business talent is composed of a combination of high mental and moral at- tributes ; although these are essential, there must be sound judgment, breadth of capa- city and rapidity of thought, justice and firmness, the foresight to perceive the course of the drifting tides of business and the will and ability to control them. The sub- jects of this review afford a striking exem- plification of this talent, in a very high order of development and of such character as to gain them worthy prestige in business cir- cles and positions of commanding influence.
The Schwartz brothers, Joseph and Frank, are not only twins but their lives and interests have been so closely inter- woven, their purposes and ideals so nearly identical and their achievements of such
similar character that the history of one is practically the history of both.
As the name indicates the Schwartz fam- ily is of German origin, the subject's father, Bernard Schwartz, having been a native of Luxemburg, where his ancestors had lived for many generations. When a young man Bernard Schwartz came to the United States and located at Worcester, Massa- chusetts, where he worked for some years at the tailor's trade and where in due time he married Christina Lacroix, who was also of German birth. Disposing of his inter- ests in Massachusetts in 1855 he moved to Salem, Illinois, where he opened a shop and conducted a very successful tailoring busi- ness for a number of years, the meanwhile by judicious investments and careful man- agement becoming the possessor of a large amount of valuable property in various parts of Marion county, and earning the reputation of an enterprising and praise- worthy citizen. From 1868 until his death in the year 1906 Bernard Schwartz lived a life of honorable retirement, but kept in close touch with business matters, amassed considerable wealth and for a number of years was classed with the financially solid and reliable men of Salem. He was a fine type, of the successful German-American, possessed to a marked degree of the ster- ling qualities for which his nationality is distinguished, did much to promote the ma- terial interests of his adopted city and his death was deeply lamented by all who knew him. Bernard and Christina Schwartz were earnest and devout Catholics in their
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religious belief and trained their children in the faith of the Holy Mother church, to the teaching of which they have been ever true and loyal. Their oldest child, a daughter, by the name of Flora, is the wife of Mi- chael Berens, and lives in Salem; the twins, Frank and Joseph being the next in order of birth; Christine died when four years of age and Bernard, the youngest of the fam- ily, a young man of fine business ability and high social standing, departed this life on the 15th day of January, 1907. Like his older brothers, Bernard Schwartz pos- sessed much more than ordinary powers of mind and had reached an important and in- fluential position in the business world, when his brilliant and promising career was untimely terminated by the stern hand of death. He was a graduate of the Salem high school with the honors of his class, after which he took a pharmaceutical course in which he became especially proficient and for a number of years served on the State Board of Pharmacy, to which position he was first appointed by Governor Tanner, and later by Governor Yates and had not death intervened he doubtless could have held the place indefinitely as Governor De- neen signified his intention of reappointing him a short time prior to his demise.
Joseph and Frank Schwartz, to a brief re- view of whose career the reader's attention is here respectfully invited, were born on August 29th, of the year 1859, in Salem, and spent their childhood and youth in their native town. As indicated in a preceding paragraph their lives having been passed
under similar circumstances were in most respects strikingly similar, nevertheless to a better understanding of the purposes and ambitions of each it is deemed proper to give their early lives separately.
Joseph Schwartz was reared under ex- cellent home influences and during his youth received from his parents a thorough instruction in the basic principles of moral- ity and correct conduct so that while a mere lad he became so imbued with these princi- ples as to make them a rule by which his sub- sequent life should be governed. At the prop- er age he entered the public schools of Sa- lem and in due time completed the pre- scribed course of study graduating from the high school with the class of 1877. Ac- tuated by a laudable desire for a more thor- ough scholastic training he subsequently became a student of the State University at Champaign, where he prosecuted his studies and researches until 1881 when he was graduated with an honorable record, im- mediately after which he engaged in the drug business with his brother Frank, their place of business being the store room on the site originally occupied by the house in which he was born.
By diligent attention and successful man- agement the Schwartz brothers soon built up a large and lucrative patronage and it was not long until they led the drug busi- ness in Salem, their establishment being the largest and most popular of the kind not only in the city but in the county. From the beginning the enterprise prospered be- yond their highest expectations and proved
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the source of an ample income which being judiciously invested in due time placed them on the high road to fortune.
and proved to be the source from which no small part of their subsequent fortune grew.
Meanwhile the Schwartz Brothers turned their attention to various other lines of business becoming largely interested in real estate, agriculture and horticulture, which with other enterprises of an industrial and financial nature paved the way to the high position they now hold in business circles, and gave them much more than local re- pute as capable, judicious and eminently honorable business men. Without follow-
Frank Schwartz, like his brother, spent his early life pretty much after the manner of the majority of town lads but unlike many was not permitted to eat of the bread of idleness, during the formative period of his character when fancy paints with glow- ing colors the future and holds out to the unwary those pleasures which have no sub- stantial foundation and which if identified invariably terminate in regret and remorse. · ing in detail the different lines of enterprise Under the guidance of his parents he grew to which the Schwartz brothers have given attention, suffice it to state that all of their undertakings have been prosperous and they are today not only the leading business men of their own city and county, but occupy a ·conspicuous place among the leaders of in- dustry in the southern part of the state. In 1907 they disposed of their drug house, since which time they have not been active- ly identified with any particular enterprise, devoting their attention to their large prop- erty interests and other investments, being heavy stockholders in the Salem State Bank and owning extensive tracts of real estate in Marion and other counties, including one fruit farm of one hundred and sixty acres, two and a fourth miles southeast of Salem, another consisting of eight hundred acres within a reasonable distance of the county seat, besides being associated with Mr. Rogers in the fruit evaporating business, under the firm name of Rogers & Schwartz Brothers, they do an immense and far- reaching business. They are also mem- bers of the real estate firm of Telford & up to the full stature of well rounded man- hood with a proper conception of life and its duties and responsibilities and with the idea ever paramount that all true success and advancement must depend upon con- secutive toil and endeavor. After obtaining a good practical education in the public schools of Salem, he entered at the age of sixteen the drug store of D. K. Green & Son, where he clerked for a period of four years, during which time he devoted his at- tention very carefully to the business with the object in view of ultimately engaging in the trade upon his own responsibility. At the expiration of the time indicated he pur- chased an interest in the establishment, which during the following year was con- ducted under the name of Green & Schwartz; his brother, Joseph, then bought Mr. Green's interest and under the firm name of Schwartz Brothers, the business grew rapidly in magnitude and importance and, as already stated, soon became the leading establishment of the kind in Salem,
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Schwartz, which with loans and insurance, constitutes the most successful business of the kind in the city. They own the Schwartz Block, one of the largest and most valuable properties in Salem, and as mem- bers of the firm of Rainey & Schwartz, own Rainey Lake, also a large pear orchard which adds much to their liberal and con- stantly growing income. In addition to the interests enumerated the Schwartz broth- ers have many other valuable holdings in both city and country, including the busi- ness block occupied by the Sweeney & Company's drug stock, a large lot at the rear of the State Bank, also quite a num- ber of private dwellings in various parts of the town to say nothing of a vast amount of valuable personal property and bank ac- counts, comparing favorably in bulk with those of any other depositor in the county.
Under the name of Schwartz Brothers, by which the firm has always been known, Joseph and Frank Schwartz have filled a prominent place in the business affairs of Salem and Marion county, and from the be- ginning their careers present a series of continued successes which have placed them among the most progressive men of their day and generation in southern Illinois and earned them state wide reputation in busi- ness and financial circles.
They are politicians of the Democratic school and alive to all that concerns the best interest of their party. Religiously they are loyal to the tenets of the Roman Catho- lic church in which they were reared and for which they have the most profound love
and regard contributing liberally to its ma- terial support and by their daily lives ex- emplifying the beauty and value of the principles and doctrines upon which it is based.
Joseph Schwartz was married in the year 1886 to Clara Rose, of Salem, daughter of Gordon Rose, an engineer on the Baltimore & Ohio road, and a most excellent and praiseworthy citizen. The pledges of this union are two bright and interesting daugh- ters, namely : Helen, born in 1893, and Chris- tine, whose birth occurred in the year 1905. The domestic life of Frank Schwartz dates from the 8th day of July, 1896, at which time he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock at Indianapolis, Indiana, with An- nie Trimpe, of that city, a union terminated by the death of the wife on Thanksgiving day, 1903, after bearing her husband two children, Mattie Christine and Emma Ger- trude, born in 1897 and 1901, respectively. On September 19, 1907, Mr. Schwartz chose a second wife and companion in the person of Mrs. Fannie Simpson, of Salem, a lady of many estimable qualities, who presides over his household with grace and dignity and who is deeply concerned in all of his undertakings making his interests her own and contributing not a little to his suc- cess. Fraternally Joseph Schwartz is iden- tified with the ancient and honorable Ma- sonic brotherhood and also holds member- ship with the Orders of Woodmen and Ben Hur, in all of which he is an active and in- fluential worker, which may also be record- ed of his brother, Frank.
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HON. HARVEY W. SHRINER.
Mr. Shriner stands admittedly among the leaders of the legal profession in Southern Illinois, where he has long been practicing in all the courts, often handling some of the most important cases on the various dockets. Being courteous, genial, well in- formed, alert and enterprising, he is rec- ognized as one of the representative men of Clay county-a man who is a power in his community.
Harvey W. Shriner was born in Vinton county, Ohio, October 25, 1861, the son of Silas Shriner, also a native of Ohio. He was a farmer and came to Clay county, Il- linois, in October, 1864, remaining here un- til his death in June, 1906. His grand- father was Francis Shriner, a native of Pennsylvania, who afterward removed to Ohio. He also devoted his life to agricul- tural pursuits. The subject's mother was Susan Luse, whose people were from Ohio. She is living in Flora, and is a woman of gracious personality. Six children were born to the subject's parents, five of whom are living. They are: Ibbie, deceased; Mrs. Louisa Frame, of Chicago; Harvey W., the subject ; Albert G., of Springfield, Illinois: Mrs. Ida McGregor, of Flora; Pearl V., who is living on the old home farm, five miles northeast of Flora.
Mr. Shriner received his primary educa- tion in the Flora public schools, and then attended business college at Carmi, Illinois. Then he attended the National University
at Lebanon, Ohio, making a splendid rec- ord for scholarship. He taught school for six winters in Clay county. He made his way through school. Believing that the legal profession was best suited to his tastes, he began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in February, 1887. In June fol- lowing he formed a partnership with D. C. Hagle, a prominent lawyer. This partner- ship proved to be a very strong one and lasted up to the death of Mr. Hagle in 1897, since which time the subject has been practicing alone. He was successful from the first and his practice has steadily in- creased until he is now a very busy man. He has a well equipped law library, which is kept stocked with the latest legal books and decisions. He was elected State's Attorney of Clay county, in 1888, on the Republican ticket. And he was re-elected in 1872 and in 1892, having faithfully performed the duties of this office. He was again elected in 1896. He has been a member of the Board of Education for several terms and also Supervisor of his township. In 1904 Mr. Shriner made the race and was tri- umphantly elected to the Legislature, serv- ing one term in a manner that proved the wisdom of his constituents in selecting him for their representative. He voted for and was one of the original advocates of local option. A conclusive proof of his popular- ity is the fact that he ran ahead of his ticket when elected to the Legislature.
In November, 1905, Mr. Shriner was ap- pointed Deputy Revenue Collector for Di-
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vision No. 4, of the Thirteenth District of Illinois, which he has very creditably held to the present time.
Mr. Shriner was happily married in Sep- tember,. 1885, to Emma Critchlow, of Louisville, Clay county, the representative of an influential family of that place. To this union three sons were born : Austin D., Carlton C. and Silas. Mrs. Shriner was called to her rest in January, 1896. After- wards the subject was married again, his last wife being Frances Higginson, of Flora, and to this union one winsome daughter, Mabel, has been born.
Mr. Shriner owns a valuable and well improved farm in Standford township, this county, five miles northeast of Flora, in which he takes much interest. He is a good judge of stock, and some good breeds may be found on his place. Fraternally he be- longs to the Masons and the Woodmen.
Mr. Shriner takes an abiding interest in local affairs and labors for the welfare of the county, looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the fu- ture, working not alone for what will bene- fit his fellow citizens today, but also for what will be of advantage at a later time. He is a man of distinct and forceful in- dividuality, as is evidenced by the fact that he started out in life on his own account, without money or influential friends to aid him. He looked at life, however, from a practical standpoint and placed his de- pendence upon elements that are sure win- ners in the race for success-persistent pur- pose, indefatigable industry and unabating energy.
WILLIAM H. FARTHING.
The subject has long been recognized as one of Marion county's foremost business men, holding high rank among the finan- ciers of the community in which he lives and whose interests he has ever had at heart and which he has ever striven to promote in whatever laudable manner that presented it- self. The life of Mr. Farthing has been led along high planes and has been true to every trust that has been reposed in him.
William H. Farthing, the well known banker of Odin, Marion county, Illinois, was born in Odin, February 2, 1869, and not being lured away by the wanderlust that caused so many of his contemporaries to leave the old hearth stone he has pre- ferred to live here. He is the son of George and Susan (Michaels) Farthing, natives of the state of Mississippi, Grandfather Farthing was from Kentucky, having come to Marion county, Illinois, in the fifties and settled in this vicinity where he worked a farm, and where he spent the remainder of his days having died in the seventies. Both he and his wife were Bap- tists. They were the parents of five chil- dren.
The father of our subject was born in Logan county, Kentucky, and received his education in the Blue Grass state. He de- voted his life to farming and railroading, and was about sixty years old at the time of his death. He left a widow and six children. The subject's mother is living at the age of fifty-three. Our subject was the second child in order of birth. He received
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his education in the public schools of Odin, 1898. The subject's first wife was called to but was obliged to leave school at the age her rest April 12, 1901, and Mr. Farthing of twelve years, when he commenced clerk- was again married on September 12, 1906, to Ida A. Kell, of this county, the daugh- ter of James and Martha (McWham) Kell, natives of this county. Joseph McWham is paymaster at the present time in the United States Army. The grandfather, Robert McWham, was a soldier in the Civil war in the One Hundred and Fifty-Third Illinois. Volunteer Infantry, in which he served about two years and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. Our subject has one child by his last wife, Mar- tha, who was born September 7, 1907. ing in a store in which he continued for ten years, in the meantime developing into an excellent salesman. Being economical, he was enabled at the end of that time to pur- chase one-half interest in the store from his savings. He continued in this store for an- other period of ten years, during which time the trade of the firm rapidly increasd, cus- tomers coming from all parts of the county, because of the reputation of the firm for fairness and courteous treatment had ex- tended to all localities roundabout. Mr. Farthing finally sold his interest in the store. He then handled real estate and other lines for two years with gratifying success. Then he purchased the bank at Odin, which had been started some time previous. Under Mr. Farthing's management it was soon placed on an excellent basis and it was pat- ronized by the local people and by the farm- ers in that locality, for Mr. Farthing's name gave the bank a sound prestige, for every- one knew that their funds would be entirely safe entrusted to him, owing to his natural ability as a financier and his reputation for honesty in all his business dealings. The bank is still under his management, he be- ing the sole owner. This bank was first opened for business in May, 1905.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Farthing is a member of the Masonic Blue lodge, the Chapter, the Knights Templar, also the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Woodmen and Eastern Star. He has passed all the chairs in the Blue lodge and the Odd Fellows. He has been a delegate to the grand lodge of the state of Illinois. Mrs. Farthing is a member of the Presby- terian church. Mr. Farthing is a Demo- crat in his political relations and has al- ways been interested in his party's welfare, giving his time and influence to the work of his party in the county. He was elected and served in a most creditable manner as City Clerk, Alderman and was also presi- dent of the Town Board and is at this writ- ing Treasurer of the city of Odin. He has long been noted throughout the county for his honesty, integrity and fair dealing, and
Our subject was first married on Novem- ber 15, 1893, to Effie Sugg, a native of · Odin. Four children were born to this union, one of whom is living, Ira J. F., his interest in all movements tending to pro- whose date of birth occurred August 17, mote the county's welfare in any manner
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possible, and as a result of his sterling worth his integrity and his pleasing manner, he is held in high regard by all classes and has hosts of friends.
JOHN J. FYKE, M. D.
One of the representative members of the medical fraternity in Marion county is the subject of this sketch, who is engaged in practice in Odin, and who holds high rank in his profession, while his ability and cour- tesy have won him the confidence and es- teem of all who know him.
Dr. Fyke is a successful, self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual, who, beginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes un- favorable environment, gaining at last the goal of success by the force of his own in- dividuality. Such is the record, briefly stated, of this popular citizen of Odin, Il- linois, to a synopsis of whose life and char- acter the following paragraphs are devoted.
Dr. John J. Fyke was born in Marion county in 1842, the son of Joshua A. and Margaret (Wilson) Fyke, the latter being the first female white child born in the coun- ty, a distinction of which anyone might be justly proud. The date of her birth was in 1822, and in 1908 she is still living, being in possession of her full faculties. It is in- teresting to hear her tell of the great development she has seen here since the early pioneer days-wonderful, indeed, the
most wonderful progress in the history of the world, having been made during the lapse of her long life. Her people came to Illinois from North Carolina, in 1818, and settled among the earliest pioneers in this locality. They took up government land, and developed excellent farms. Her parents reared their children here and died here at advanced ages. There were three boys and three girls in this family. Grandfather Fyke was reared in North Carolina and moved to Tennessee, where he spent the balance of his days.
The father of the subject was born in 1812, an historic year in our national his- tory. His father was a farmer and lived to an advanced age, having reared a large fam- ily. His wife also lived to be very old. The father of our subject came to this county in 1839. His early educational advantages were limited, but he was a great reader and finally became well informed. He was a Methodist and an exhorter. He made polit- ical speeches, and was a loyal Democrat. He was Justice of the Peace for thirty years. His family consisted of twelve chil- dren, five boys and one girl having lived to maturity. Two brothers of the subject liv- ing in Kansas City, Missouri, are practicing attorneys.
The early education of the subject of this sketch was obtained in the common schools of this county and one year in McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois. He then com- menced reading medicine under the direc- tion of Doctor Davenport, of Salem, where he continued for three years, making a
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splendid record for scholarship. During this time he attended medical college, part of the time at Chicago and the balance at St. Louis, making splendid records at both places. He commenced practice in 1866, having located in Odin, where he has con- tinued practice ever since. He was success- ful from the start and his patients are now so numerous that he can hardly find time to do anything outside of his regular work.
Doctor Fyke was united in marriage in 1867 to Minerva Phillipps, a native of Ten- nessee, the daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Chadwell) Phillipps. They were natives of Tennessee, having moved to Marion county, Illinois, in 1855. They settled on a farm here where they spent the remainder of their lives and where they died, both having lived to an old age, having reared a family of eight children.
Three children, all boys, have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Edgar E., who was born in 1868, who is now a prac- ticing physician, and the father of three children, all girls. The second and third children of Dr. Fyke and wife were twins, Thomas Emmett and Josiah Harley, who were born in 1872. They are both living on a farm near Odin.
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