USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 12
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On January I, 1858, Mr. Scroggin was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Birks, of Logan county, who was a schoolmate of his and a native of the county. Five children were born of the union, the first two dying in infancy. The others are: James Russell, deceased at the age of twenty; Charles C., deceased at twenty-three years of age; and Carter R., a review of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The beloved wife and mother was called away Novem- ber II, 1898, and in 1900 Mr. Scroggin was married to Mrs. Hattie (Landis) Cass, a cousin of Judge Kenesaw Landis, of Chicago, and a lady of culture and refinement, who has proven to her husband a loving and sympathetic help- mate. Mr. Scroggin since arriving at manhood's estate has been a supporter of the principles of the democratic party, but has at no time sought official position, as his attention has been mainly directed to the management of his agriculture and stock-raising interests. He is a stanch believer in the Bible as the revealed word and holds membership in the Christian church, having served for some years as a deacon in that denomination. He has for many years been known as a liberal supporter of educational and religious enterprises and is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the county. The property which he amassed through many years of industry and good management is a justly earned reward of large effort, but it is not on account of his wealth that he is esteemed-rather is it on account of a recognized character for honesty and efficiency and a generous-hearted sympathy for his fellowmen, which have ever been distinguishing features of his character.
JUST S. FOMBELLE.
Whitmore township finds a worthy representative of its farming interests in Just S. Fombelle, living on section 18, where a farm of three hundred and twenty acres pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He is living a very busy, active and useful life and his labors are rewarded in large and abundant crops for which he finds a ready sale on the market. He has made his home in Macon county since 1886 but dates his residence in Illinois from 1864.
He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1841, and spent his youthful days upon a farm there. His early education acquired in the common schools was supplemented by study in the Beaver Academy and for one term he engaged in teaching but the outbreak of the Civil war caused him to put aside personal interests and ambitions. He enlisted for active duty at the front in the fall of 1862 as an emergency recruit, joining the company at New Bright- on, Pennsylvania. He was with that command for four months, during which time he participated in some skirmishes and in scouting. At the end of that
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time he was honorably discharged and turned his attention to clerking, which he followed for three years in Pittsburg. He thus received a thorough business training and also pursued a course of study in the Iron City Commercial College. In 1864 he came west to Illinois, at length locating in this state after traveling about to a considerable extent through the west and south. He had spent a win- ter at New Orleans and from the Crescent city proceeded northward to Pulaski county, Illinois, establishing and conducting a general store at Villa Ridge, where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and removed to Randolph county, where he began dealing in grain and implements, conducting his business at Tilden, Illinois. He operated successfully there for a number of years and in 1886 came to Macon county. Here, turning his atten- tion to farming, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now resides. To his original holdings he has since added, by a purchase that has made him owner of another one hundred and seventy acre tract, so that he now has the south half of section 18, Whitmore township. He has also made substantial improvements upon his place, including the erection of a large and commodious residence together with two barns, corn cribs and other outbuild- ings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He has likewise planted fruit and shade trees, has fenced and tiled his land and has now a splendidly developed home property. He has likewise made substantial improvements upon his other place and it is now occupied by a tenant. In connection with the cultivation of the fields he has raised and fed stock, fattening a large amount of stock each year for the market. His attention at the present time, however, is mostly given to the production of grain.
Mr. Fombelle was married in Pulaski county, Illinois, about 1867, to Miss Ella Russell, a native of Pennsylvania, who was reared in that state. She died in Randolph county, leaving two children: Ida, the wife of G. W. Pensinger, of Milmine, Illinois; and Ella, the wife of Clarence Turpin, a farmer of Whit- more township. In Randolph county, in 1882, Mr. Fombelle was again mar- ried, his second union being with Miss Mattie Alexander, who was born in that county. There are four children of this marriage: Mattie, the wife of George Austin, a farmer of Macon county; Just S., Jr., at home; Reid, also on the home farm; and Ruth C., who is in school.
Politically Mr. Fombelle has been a republican since casting his first presi- dential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He believes firmly in the principles of the party and does not hesitate to support his honest convictions. He is greatly interested in the cause of education and has served as a member of the school board for a number of years. He also filled the office of school trustee in his township and for some years was a member of the board of highway commissioners. He was likewise connected with the Township Mutual Insur- ance Company, serving on its board of directors, and was its president for some time.
He joined the Masonic lodge in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and became a char- ter member of the lodge at Villa Ridge, serving there as secretary until his removal from the town. At the present writing he is not actively affiliated with any Masonic organizations. For twenty-four years he has lived in Macon
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county and his record throughout the entire period is such as has commended him to the confidence and good will of all who know him. He has a wide acquaintance and was a personal friend of James Millikin during his lifetime. He is classed with the public-spirited and progressive citizens and moreover is a man of tried integrity and worth.
JOHN F. KEISTER.
John F. Keister, who since 1897 has lived in honorable retirement at his residence at No. 1651 North Main street in Decatur, was successfully iden- tified with agricultural interests in Macon county throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of May, 1843, his parents being Peter and Susan Keister, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. They came to Macon county, Illinois, in 1850 and here spent the remainder of their lives, the father following farming as a means of livelihood. He was a republican in politics and became widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen of the community. His demise oc- curred when he had attained the age of seventy-eight years, while his wife was eighty-three years old when called to her final rest. They had three children, as follows: a daughter who died in infancy; John F., of this review; and Julius, who married and reared a family and made his home in Chicago, where he passed away about 1898.
John F. Keister, who was but a little lad of six when he came to this state with his parents, attended the subscription and public schools in his youthful years but his educational advantages were quite limited. However, he has greatly augmented his knowledge by reading, experience and observation and is now a well informed man. After putting aside his text-books he remained on the home farm with his father until he was married at the age of twenty- three. Following that important event in his life he started out as an agricul- turist on his own account and was successfully engaged in the work of the fields until the time of his retirement in 1897. For the past thirteen years he has made his home in Decatur, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service with the Union army in 1864, becoming a member of Company E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. When hostilities had ceased he was mustered out at Springfield. His regiment never participated in a regular battle but had several encounters with the guerrillas.
In 1866 Mr. Keister was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Weaver, who was born in 1848, her parents being Samuel and Sarah (Saylor) Weaver. of Macon county. Mrs. Keister was the third in order of birth in a family of five children. By her marriage she became the mother of six children, the record of whom is as follows: Charles, who wedded a Miss Taggart, of Ma- con county, followed farming until he passed away at the comparatively early age of twenty-four years. Two sons, Clifford and Howard, still survive him. Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to Arthur Haines, of this county, be-
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came the mother of two sons, Howard and Elwood, and is now deceased. Samuel died when but four years of age. Franklin passed away when twenty- one years old. Harriet, who wedded Fred Moore, of this county, died at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving one daughter, Lucille, who lives with our subject. Mabel, who makes her home in Decatur, is the wife of Charles Simms, a mechanic of that place.
In politics Mr. Keister has always been a republican, being a stanch sup- porter of the party which was the defense of the Union during the Civil war. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army post at Maroa and is likewise identified with the Masonic fraternity there. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Christian church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. Mr. Keister has resided in this county for six decades and is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present. His life has ever been upright and honorable, his actions manly and sincere, and as the years have gone by he has proven his right to be classed with the leading trust- worthy and respected citizens of his community.
H. L. OLDHAM.
Public spirit, laudable ambition, ready ability and capacity for hard work and the power to see and grasp an opportunity are essential elements of success and in none of these requirements has H. L. Oldham ever been found lacking. It is not a matter of marvel therefore that he has established himself as one of the most progressive of Decatur's citizens, his efforts being of a character that has contributed largely to the welfare and upbuilding of the city as well as to his own success. He is now manager of the Orlando Powers block, was the or- ganizer and promoter of the Oldham Insurance Agency and has instituted va- rious other projects which are elements in the business life of Decatur. Of English nativity, H. L. Oldham was born on the Island of Jersey in 1870 and was educated in the Bedford grammar school and in Victoria College of his native land, completing the course in the latter institution by graduation. He had become a chartered accountant when he left England. He came to this country in 1890, unacquainted with social or business conditions in the new world. True he had a good education, was imbued with progressive ideas and had traveled to some extent through Europe, having met many noted personages of that country. His military experience in the English army and his love for outdoor sports gave him a splendid physical training which enabled him to enter athletic circles in America and win prominence therein.
Soon after arriving in the new world Mr. Oldham began auditing United States branches of English insurance companies and for two years gave his at- tention to that business. Since 1892 he has resided in Decatur, where he has won recognition as a leading business man. Here he established the H. L. Old- ham Insurance Agency in 1893 and now represents fifteen of the most promi- nent and reliable old line companies, in which connection he has built up an ex-
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tensive business, writing a large amount of insurance annually. He wrote the first liability policy and the first rent policy in the city of Decatur. He also ne- gotiated the largest loan made in this city-a loan of one hundred thousand dol- lars, to Orlando Powers, at a very low rate of interest. This was made during the first free silver agitation when banks refused to make loans and if they did contracts bore the stipulation they should be paid in gold. His contract made with eastern capitalists, however, bore no such stipulation. Mr. Oldham like- wise has to his credit one of the largest real-estate deals ever made in Decatur- a sale of the property on the corner of North Water and Prairie streets, in- volving seventy thousand dollars. He has also promoted three other deals above twenty-five thousand dollars each, beside others of almost equal importance. He is also president of the local board of fire underwriters of Decatur and has been manager of the Orlando Powers block since the erection of the new build- ing fourteen years ago.
While conducting important private business interests Mr. Oldham has never been neglectful of his obligations to the city and in fact has put forth practical and far-reaching effort for the benefit of Decatur along various lines. It was he who originated the movement resulting in the ornamental boulevard lights by putting in such lights around the Powers block, while at the same time he influenced the Illinois Traction Company to install similar lights around the interurban station. This system has been followed by many other property own- ers in business streets, making Decatur one of the best lighted cities of the Mississippi valley, the tasteful arrangement and design of the lights constituting also a source of beauty as well as utility. He has many other propositions which he is pushing forward for the advancement of Decatur. Possibly no young business man has done more for the advancement of the city than he. Because of his advanced ideas he has in the past met much opposition and made some enemies but all hostility has been overcome, for his plans have proven practical and he is now backed by the best that this part of the state affords in brains and capital.
GEORGE W. LYONS.
George W. Lyons, a defender of the Union at the time of the Civil war, now living at No. 759 North College street, Decatur, was born March 22, 1845, in St. Joseph county, Michigan. He is a son of Charles E. and Wealthy A. (Ames) Lyons, the former of whom was born in Scotland and the latter in New York state. The father came to this country at seven years of age with three brothers. The ship in which he made the voyage was wrecked on the coast of Virginia, but they escaped with their lives and Charles E. Lyons was reared by Marshall Livermore, of Wheeling, Virginia, now West Virginia. He became a farmer and lived in Macon county, Illinois, from 1858 to 1875, owning land on what is now the site of Dreamland Park, Decatur. During the Civil war he served for three years in the Federal army and was wounded at Mobile, Alabama, but entirely recovered and is now living at Springdale, Arkansas, having arrived at
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the advanced age of about ninety-four years. In 1882 the mother of our sub- ject departed this life at the age of sixty-two years. George W. is the eldest of their children, the others being: Charles E., who died in Leesburg, Missouri, in 1910; Jane, a resident of that state; Hugh N., who also lives in Missouri; Gus, who died in this county in 1869; and one son who died in infancy in Cass county, Texas.
Educated in the common schools of Michigan, the subject of this review came with his parents to Decatur in 1859 and soon began to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 1862, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in Company A, One Hun- dred and Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving with the highest credit to himself and the noble cause which he represented until he was mustered out at Washington in June, 1865. He participated with his regiment in many of the great engagements and campaigns of the war and was present at the battle of Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg, the latter of which continued for forty-seven days. He assisted about three months on the Ben Butler canal that was cut across Young's Point on the Mississippi river in order that boats might pass up on the stream without coming in range of the rebel batteries at Vicks- burg. Later he took part in the advance to Jackson and was in the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was one of the men who ran the blockade in pontoon boats across the Tennessee river and now has in his possession a flag that was carried on that memorable occasion. He has been custodian of this interesting relic for forty-four years and expects to hand it down as an heir- loom to future generations of the family. He was present under Sherman on the march from Atlanta to the sea and took part in the battles of Raymond, Dalton, Snake Creek Gap and Buzzard's Roost. He was also present at At- lanta the day General McPherson was captured and fourteen cannon were taken from the Union forces by the Confederates. He stood in the presence of death a number of times, especially in the great charge when General Hood under- took to destroy Sherman's army at Atlanta, July 28, 1864, and in the charge at Jonesboro, Georgia. After the close of the war he returned to Decatur and resumed his work at the anvil until 1875, when he became connected with the Farris & Oaks Novelty Company. He continued with that firm for six years, acting as foreman during two years of that period. Since 1885 he has engaged successfully in the feed and grain business and has built up a fine patronage among the best class of customers in Decatur.
In 1867 Mr. Lyons was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Strailey, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Strailey, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- vania. She was the second in a family of three children and was born May 18, 1846. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, of whom Ulysses S., of Rockford, Illinois, is the eldest. He was married to Miss Annie Coble and has seven children and two grandchildren. Arthur S., the second child, was married to Ella Simpson, of Illinois. He is now living in Decatur and is the father of two children. Nora M., the third in order of birth, married Harold J. Palmer, of Chicago, and is the mother of one child.
Mr. Lyons is a stanch supporter of the republican party and he and his wife are members of the Church of God of Decatur. He also holds membership in Dunham Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and in the various duties of life
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has attempted to perform his part faithfully. He was a valiant soldier in times of danger and in times of peace he has assisted to the extent of his ability in maintaining the Union for which he so freely offered his life. He is justly en- titled to the highest respect of the generation now enjoying the blessings for which he so nobly fought.
MAXWELL W. SHULTZ.
Only noble traits of character leave their impress and cause the memory of man to be enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. The splendid life of Maxwell W. Shultz, his many excellencies and his devotion to high ideals, make his record worthy of perpetuation on the pages of the history of the city which he called his home. He was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, May 4, 1849, a son of Chauncey F. and Hadassah Chambers (Brown) Shultz, the former a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Chambers- burg, Pennsylvania. The Chambers family were the founders of Chambers- burg and were of English lineage, while the Shultz family comes of Swiss ancestry. The father acquired a liberal education in the public and high schools of the east and remained a resident of that part of the country until 1858, when he went down the Ohio and up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, estab- lishing his home in that city. He was the first commissioner of Forest Park, one of the largest parks in the United States. He was also appointed sub- treasurer by President Cleveland at St. Louis and likewise filled the office of county judge. His prominence in public affairs made him widely known and he left his impress for good upon the welfare, progress and development of the city. His was a long, useful and honorable life, which closed on the 23d of August, 1908, at the age of eighty-five years. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in 1887.
Maxwell W. Shultz was a little lad of nine years when his parents removed to St. Louis. He acquired his education in the public and high schools and also in a commercial college. He learned the drug business, being graduated from a school of pharmacy. Subsequently he established both a retail and wholesale drug store at Peoria, Illinois, and conducted it for five years, win- ning success because of hard work and close application but his health gave way and he sold out. He then sought an outdoor situation and became travel- ing salesman for Truax, Green & Company, a wholesale house of Chicago, with which he remained until his death, which occurred on the 21st of October, 1909. He was a very successful salesman, his territory covering central Illi- nois, where he built up for the house a large and profitable business. In 1887 he removed to Decatur, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest, twenty-two years later. He was a man of high moral standing and his life was characterized by many good deeds and kindly, considerate acts. He was especially friendly and helpful toward young men, encouraging them to make life a success and giving them timely and friendly advice. During most of his residence in Decatur he resided at No. 351 West William street, and in addition to that property he owned considerable real estate in the city.
wis leatherine E. Shelby
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On the 29th of May, 1882, Mr. Shultz was married to Miss Catherine E. Taylor, of Richmond, Iowa, a daughter of Rinaldo C. and Martha Jane (Moore) Taylor. Her birthplace was Churchville, Virginia, and her natal day March 6, 1858. Her father was a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Churchville, Virginia. The ancestry of the Moore family is traced back to the Mayflower and among the early ancestors of Mrs. Shultz were those who fought in the war for independence, entitling her to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Joining that organization, she has served as secretary of the local chapter for four years and was regent for two years. Her parents made the overland trip to the middle west in 1859 and became pioneer residents of Iowa. They preempted large tracts of land from the government, becoming owners of thousands of acres there. Peter Moore, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Shultz in the maternal line, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and also of the war of 1812. He lived for many years to enjoy the fruits of labor, passing away in 1820. He had reached a very ven- erable age and the family is noted for longevity, two aunts of Mrs. Shultz on the mother's side being now nearly ninety years of age and residents of Iowa. Another aunt living in Kentucky, is eighty-two years of age. One child was born unto Mr. and Mrs. Shultz but died in infancy.
Mr. Shultz was a prominent Mason of high degree and belonged to Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine in Chicago. He was a very charitable man, giv- ing freely of his means for the benefit and aid of others and no good work done in the name of charity or religion sought his assistance in vain. His polit- ical allegiance was given to the democracy. He belonged to the Sons of the Revolution and was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part. Mrs. Shultz is also a very promi- nent member of that church. For several years she served as president of the missionary and of the aid societies of the church and for twenty years was corresponding secretary of the Presbyterial society. For four years she acted as president of the Missionary Social Union and all branches of church work received her hearty cooperation and assistance. She also became president of the Municipal Art League, which she brought to the present high standard of organization. This is the only art league in Illinois outside of Chicago. She acted as chairman of the art and literature division for two years and for four years was chairman of the art committee of the Woman's Club. She is a lady of liberal culture and natural refinement and of broad education as well, for, having completed a high-school course, after the removal of the family to Iowa from her native town of Churchville, Virginia, she attended the Iowa State University at Iowa City. She has recently returned from a trip abroad, dur- ing which time as a delegate she attended the World's Missionary Conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland. She visited various points in Europe, Asia and Africa, going eight hundred and fifteen miles up the river Nile and she also witnessed the performance of the Passion Play at Oberammergau. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shultz were prominent in Decatur's leading social circles.
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