USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 2
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In 1870 Governor John M. Palmer appointed Harvey B. Hurd, M. Shaffer and William E. Nelson, commissioners, to revise the laws of Illinois under the constitution of 1870. He was elected to the Twenty-seventh general as- sembly of the Illinois legislature. During this session many of the laws, the most important and far-reaching in the interest of the people, were enacted. The work of this commission was the forerunner and became the foundation for the general revision of all the laws in Illinois, contained in the Revised Statues of 1874. So well did this faithful public servant discharge his duty, that the people elected him judge of the circuit court for the fourth judicial circuit of Illinois in June, 1877. After the expiration of his term as circuit judge, he was, in the fall of 1886, elected judge of the county court of Macon county.
Judge Nelson has been a lifelong democrat. At this time Macon county was overwhelmingly republican, and he had for his opponent one of the most popular young republican lawyers in Macon county. This gave the people of
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Macon county the opportunity to express their appreciation and approval of the public services rendered by Judge Nelson. That the people can always be trusted was proven by the election of William E. Nelson.
Up to this time the county court was simply looked upon as' a tribunal for the appeal of justice cases and for the probating of wills and the allowance of claims against estates. In this court Judge Nelson found a great field of work for his ripe judicial mind and for the care and conservation of the interests of those who are under disability. He inaugurated a new era in the practice in this court. A new system with clearly defined rules was established. Process was issued, juries impaneled, pleading rules published, days of trial fixed, and order of procedure observed, which gave dignity and orderly procedure, and commanded the attention and respect of the Macon county bar.
In this court, all estates are administered and settled. Widows, orphans, and all persons under legal disability have their rights determined there. All special assessments are submitted for hearing and confirmation in this court. It is a common law court of limited jurisdiction, to which misdemeanors are certified down and common law cases are appealed up to this court. In short, it is the "people's court." It was here where Judge Nelson became the judicial father of widows and orphans and the unwavering friend of the unfortunate and friendless.
After presiding in this court four years, the people of Macon county regard- less of politics again demanded the reelection of Judge Nelson to the office of county judge in 1890. This was probably the greatest political triumph in the life of Judge Nelson. The democratic ticket was defeated by over one thousand votes, but the people demonstrated their gratitude by reelecting this public ser- vant again by a handsome majority. Everybody said that no other man could have been elected on the democratic ticket at that time.
For real and genuine politeness, Judge Nelson has always stood high in Macon county. He is in a class of his own and no man has dared to question or to dispute his right to this claim. No one can truthfully question the hon- orable intentions and the absolute honesty of William E. Nelson. During more than half a century his life has been an open record to this community. As a lawyer, he was always loyal and true to his clients. In the capacity of a legislator and as a judge his official life has always been pure and above suspicion. If there is such a thing as a man being too good and too liberal to others, the life-work of Judge Nelson is the proof.
When he came here everybody was struggling for an existence; and he always thought of the welfare of others and maintained an abiding faith that somehow or other He who knows all things would take care of him. It has been well known by other members of the bar that Judge Nelson never charged a fee large enough for his services because he felt that it might be too large for his client. In this way he transacted a large amount of business for a small remuneration. He was liberal to a fault. This is one reason why Judge Nelson did not amass a great fortune from the practice of law. He earned several of them. The people of Macon county owe to Judge Nelson a great debt of gratitude for his exemplary life of unselfishness as a lawyer.
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
This great commoner of the people, like a majestic oak has been a moral strength in this community. God has set His seal of approval upon this life by making it one of the richest and happiest lives in Macon county. The world has been made purer, nobler and better by it. He has indeed been a true bene- diction by his uniform friendship and loyalty to the young lawyer and by his advice and counsel to those under disability or in misfortune. The publishers of this "History of Decatur and Macon County" are to be congratulated for their wisdom and good fortune in securing the services of so eminent and competent a man to supervise the excellent history here presented.
JOHN L. WADDELL.
John L. Waddell, justice of the peace of Decatur, whose decisions, strictly fair and impartial, have "won golden opinions from all sorts of people" was born at Chestnut, in Logan county, Illinois, a son of Clarence L. and Harriet E. (Simpson) Waddell. He comes of English lineage on the paternal side and of Irish ancestry on the maternal. His father devoted many years to farming and then retired to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of Logan county, Illinois, while his wife was born in St. Clair county, this state.
John L. Waddell acquired his early education in the schools of Mount Pu- laski and in the Decatur high school, in which he took the work of the senior year. He was graduated in 1900 and was chosen class orator, as he was also upon his graduation from the grammar school. Determining upon the prac- tice of law as his life work, he began reading in the office and under the direc- tion of the firm of Mills Brothers, well known attorneys of Decatur. His studies, however, were largely planned by I. R. Mills, who at that time was state's attorney. In further preparation for the profession Mr. Waddell matriculated in the law department of the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, being admitted to the junior class. Illness, however, compelled him to abandon his studies during the last half of the semester. This was in the fall of 1902. When he recovered his health he entered the Wesleyan University at Bloom- ington, Illinois, where he resumed his interrupted law course and was there graduated with the class of 1903. He was also elected class orator in that institution. In January prior to his graduation he secured a position in the billing department of the Mueller Manufacturing Company and subsequently held several clerical positions. After his second year with that firm he was made head of the law and patent department and continued with the Mueller Manufacturing Company until the Ist of May, 1909, when he resigned to enter actively in the field of politics. He is the youngest man ever elected to the posi- tion of justice of the peace in Macon county. He opened his court in the fire district over Shade's shoe store, which was totally destroyed by fire on the 22d of August, 1909. He then opened a temporary office in the St. Nicholas Hotel but within ten days secured an office on the south side of East Main street, almost opposite his present location. On the Ist of August, 1910, he removed
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
into the Busher building over Shade's shoe store, where he has a well equipped office and court room. His decisions show thorough consideration of the ques- tions which come up for settlement and correct application of legal principles to the points at issue.
On the 17th of November, 1906, Mr. Waddell was married to Miss Helen G. Shuff, of Morgan county, Illinois, a daughter of Oliver S. and Mary (John- son) Shuff. They have a bright little son, John L. Jr.,, who was born May 26, 1910. Mr. Waddell holds membership with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M .; the Elks Lodge, No. 401; the Tribe of Ben Hur, and the Improved Order of Red Men. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the First Bap- tist church.
His interests are wide and varied and his support can always be counted upon to further progressive movements tending to promote the material, in- tellectual and moral progress of the community. His work in office is giving entire satisfaction by reason of the fairness and impartiality of his decisions, and although the youngest justice Macon county has ever had, his record for efficiency and ability is equal to that of any who has held the position.
HERBERT C. JONES, M. D.
Dr. Herbert C. Jones, who in the practice of his profession is giving especial attention to diseases of women and children, was born in Athens, Ohio, Jan- uary 7, 1855, a son of J. Lindley and Ellen (Cameron) Jones, the former a na- tive of Athens, Ohio, while the latter was born in the Shenandoah valley in Vir- ginia. The father followed the pursuit of school-teaching in his native state in early manhood and later engaged in merchandising in Athens and in Green- field, Ohio, but at the time of the Civil war put aside business considerations to become a member of the Union army and went with Sherman as far as Atlanta.
Reared in the state of his nativity, Herbert C. Jones continued his education in the public schools until graduated from high school at Greenfield, Ohio, with the class of 1871. He afterward attended the Ohio University at Athens, and later entered the Medical College of Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876. After completing the course he engaged in the drug business at Jacksonville and at Sanford, Florida.
While in the former city he was married, on the 3d of September, 1879, to Miss Florence Correa. They began their domestic life in the south but in 1881 returned northward, establishing their home in Cerro Gordo, Illinois, where Dr. Jones entered into partnership with Dr. Harsha for the practice of medicine. This relation was maintained until the latter's removal to Decatur, after which Dr. Jones continued alone in practice in Cerro Gordo until the fall of 1887, when, on account of the failing health of his wife, he returned to Florida and there spent two years. On the expiration of that period he opened an office in Decatur, forming a partnership with Dr. Catto, which continued for five
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
years. Actuated by a desire to attain the highest degree of proficiency possible, he has from time to time resumed his studies, having taken post-graduate work in the Rush Medical College in 1883, while at all times he has kept in touch with the onward march of the profession through his perusal of medical litera- ture. He was for two years a partner in practice with Dr. W. J. Chenoweth under the firm style of Chenoweth & Jones. He has been local surgeon for the Vandalia Railroad Company for fifteen years and was associated with his for- mer partner, Dr. Chenoweth, as surgeon for the Illinois Central Railroad and for the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad. While in Florida he was ap- pointed assistant surgeon of the South Florida Railroad in 1887. He has been particularly successful in his treatment of diseases of children, and his obstet- rical work has drawn to him the favorable attention of the public. He belongs to the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Central District Medical Society and is an ex-president of the Decatur Medi- cal Society.
In his fraternal relations Dr. Jones is a Mason and served as master of the blue lodge at Cerro Gordo, Illinois, and once as master of the lodge with which he affiliated while in Florida. He has attained high rank in Masonry and is now a noble of Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine in America. He also belongs to the Decatur Club and Country Club and enjoys the warm friendship of many of the members.
JOHN F. MATTES.
John F. Mattes occupies a central place on the stage of business activity in Decatur, where his intelligently directed efforts have found constantly broad- ening scope in the establishment and management of industrial and commercial enterprises which have been an element in the city's upbuilding as well as a source of individual success. A native son of Decatur, Mr. Mattes was born August 24, 1861, of the marriage of Frederick and Agnes (Luapold) Mattes, both of whom were natives of Germany and came to this country in early man- hood and womanhood. The father spent some time in the east ere taking up his abode in Decatur. It was in this city that he formed the acquaintance of Miss Luapold and their friendship, ripening into love, was consummated in marriage. They have since resided continuously in this city save for a brief period of five years spent upon a farm not far distant. Mr. Mattes is still hale and hearty at the age of eighty-one years but in 1908 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in April. He was one of the pioneer brick manufacturers of Decatur and early in the '6os was associated with Conrad Ammen in brickmaking. He continued in that field of business until eight years ago, when he retired, since which time he has spent his days in the enjoyment of well earned rest, the fruits of his former toil supplying him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for John F. Mattes in his youthful days. At the usual age he entered the public
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
schools and with zest entered into the pleasures of the playground as well as the duties of the schoolroom. His business training was received under the direction of his father, who instructed him in the methods of manufacturing brick and for many years the father and his two sons, John F., and Edward, were associated in business under the firm name of the Mattes Brick Com- pany. At length the father retired, as previously stated, and the two sons now carry on the business. In 1900 the enterprise was incorporated and merged into the Decatur Brick Company, at which time John F. Mattes was elected president of the new organization, while Edward Mattes became its general manager. The company manufacture a mottled facing brick, which is a vitrified brick of very superior quality and the output is such as to make this one of the most important productive industries of the city. Brickmaking, however, has by no means constituted the scope of the business efforts and activity of John F. Mattes, a man of resourceful ability whose labors have constituted a benefi- cent force in the material progress of Decatur as well as a source of indiv- idual success. He was one of the promoters of the Manufacturers & Consum- ers Coal Company, which sank three shafts. The work through that time, how- ever, was unsuccessful, as water stopped further proceedings. Much money was invested, therefore, before returns were received. In 1903 a shaft was put in south of the city and operations were begun, since which time a large amount of coal has been taken out and the business has since proved a profitable and growing undertaking. Mr. Mattes has served as one of the directors and as vice president of the company since its organization. He was for fifteen years a member of the firm of S. A. Tuttle & Company, engaging in street paving and sewer construction work, and in that connection executed important con- tracts. Into the field of real estate he has extended his operations on a large scale, handling all his own property. He has now three additions, known as the F. Mattes addition, the J. F. Mattes addition and the Lincoln Park addi- tion, and in the development of these properties for the real-estate market he is contributing in substantial measure to the growth and improvement of De- catur. He is one of the city's most prominent and best known business men, his efforts at all times being actuated by a spirit of enterprise that knows no such word as fail and that regards an obstacle only as an impetus for renewed effort.
In 1884 Mr. Mattes was married to Miss Louise Johns, of Decatur, who died in 1886, leaving an only son, Carleton, who is now engaged in the printing business in this city. In 1890 Mr. Mattes wedded Miss Anna Roeder, of St. Louis, Missouri, and their children are Arthur, Violet, Adaline and Bernice.
The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Mattes is serving as a trustee. He is a republican in his political views but not to the extent of being bound by party ties. His support of any measure or candidate must have the sanction of his judgment and his judgment rests upon a public-spirited devotion to the general good. He is a member of several beneficial orders and is one of the prominent Masons of Decatur, having taken the various degrees of the York and Scottish Rites, while in the various bodies he has held office. He has likewise crossed the sands of the desert with the nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Engaging social qualities have rendered him a
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
popular citizen, while his extensive business interests have made him a promi- nent and representative one of Decatur. His record is written in the tangible terms of success and his prosperity has been the legitimate and logical result of his own labors, never including the sacrifice of another's interests.
ORVILLE B. GORIN.
It has been said that fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in har- mony therewith. In person, in appearance and in character Orville B. Gorin is a worthy scion of his race. The family name has long been closely associated with financial interests in Macon county, and none have labored more faithfully to promote the stability of banking interests, and thus safeguard the welfare of depositors, than has Orville B. Borin, now president of the Millikin Bank. From the age of four years he has lived in Decatur, and throughout the inter- vening period his labors have constituted a force in the development of the city, while his name has been an influencing factor in securing support for any cause which he has espoused.
Mr. Gorin was born in Taylorville, Christian county, Illinois, January 25, 1849. His parents were Jerome R. and Eleanor E. (Fawcett) Gorin, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. The son, Orville Gorin, was but four years of age when they removed to Decatur, and in this city he has since made his home. Like most boys of the period, he devoted much of his youth to the acquirement of an education, continuing his studies here until he had prepared for collegiate work. He then entered Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, devoting some time to the further mastery of a course in that institu- tion. He returned to Decatur and throughout his business career has been con- nected with the Millikin Bank. When he entered into active relations therewith it was conducted under the firm style of James Millikin & Company. Fifteen years served not only to secure him various promotions but also to bring him into the partnership, for he became financially interested in the business in 1880. The bank was established by James Millikin and the firm name of J. Millikin & Company was adopted in 1866, at which time Jerome R. Gorin became a part- ner. In 1880 he sold his interest to his son, Orville B. Gorin, and to Milton Johnson, the latter later disposing of his interest to Parke Hammer. In Octo- ber, 1897, the bank was incorporated as the Millikin National Bank, with James Millikin as president, Orville B. Gorin, cashier; and J. M. Brownback, assistant cashier, the latter having been admitted to a partnership in 1896. In 1898 Mr. Gorin became vice president of the institution and in 1909 was elected to the presidency. He is thus today at the head of one of the oldest and strongest financial institution of this part of the state, the success of which is attributable in no small measure to his efforts, for through forty-five years he has been connected with the bank and during the entire period has endeavored to bring the institution up to the highest standard and to introduce every progressive
Owille Bony
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
measure that promotes the interest of the bank and at the same time safeguards the interests of the depositors.
In the Decatur Daily Herald appeared the following: "During the entire career of the Millikin National Bank it has demonstrated beyond a doubt that it is ably managed and that its affairs are in the hands of time-tried men who weigh well every act and who depart not from the well trodden 'path of finan- cial safety. All investments are most carefully made and no unnecessary risks are taken, hence the marked favor it enjoys at the hands of many of the most conservative depositors. It does a general banking business, loans money on approved commercial paper, issues foreign and domestic exchanges and receives the deposits of the manufacturer, merchant, farmer and general depositor. Since its organization the bank has pursued the way of legitimate and conserva- tive business, its able management avoiding the dangerous shoals upon which many banks have foundered, and today the Millikin National bank stands as solid and firm in the financial world as the most timid and skeptical depositor could possibly desire. It has been held high in the people's estimation for these years because of the unquestionable character of the men at its head and the sufficiency of the capital behind it. There is not an officer or director in this bank in whom the people have not the utmost confidence, and as a natural re- sult it has always enjoyed a large patronage. This bank is a United States depository. Its present deposits are about three million dollars and loans and discounts are two millions, two hundred thousand. Its correspondent banks are the Hanover National Bank and the Winslow, Lanier & Company Bank of New York; Merchants Loan & Trust and First National Banks of Chicago; National Bank of Commerce, St. Louis; Merchants National Bank, Philadelphia; Mer- chants National Bank, Cincinnati; besides connections with leading banking houses throughout the United States."
While Mr. Gorin is preeminently a banker and business man, he has never allowed close attention to business to dwarf his finer sensibilities or warp his kindly nature. He is in full sympathy with the principles of the Masonic fra- ternity and holds membership in Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., and Beau- monoir Commandery, No. 9, K. T.
He laid the foundation for a happy home life by his marriage, in 1872, to Miss Ella McClellan, a daughter of Edminston McClellan, a prominent and in- fluential citizen of Decatur, who for twenty-eight years filled the office of county clerk of Macon county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gorin has been born a daugh- ter, Gussie J., who has made extensive trips abroad with her parents, visiting many points of interest in the old world as well as in the new. Theirs is one of the fine homes of Decatur and its hospitality makes it one of the favorite re- sorts of their many friends.
A contemporary biographer has said: "Not to know Orville B. Gorin in Decatur is to argue one's self unknown, for his connection with business and social interests has been so extended that he stands today as one of the most prominent men of the city. His interest in his fellow men is sincere and arises from a humanitarian spirit which has prompted his support and cooperation with many movements and enterprises for the general good. He might perhaps have won high political honor, but he has always preferred to devote his ener- 2
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
gies to his extensive business interests and has been instrumental in winning for the Millikin National Bank a reputation which extends beyond the limits of the state. His career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and con- fidence of the business world and his activity in financial circles forms no un- important chapter in the history of Decatur."
.
JAMES J. MORAN.
Some men are born with an aptitude for business and obstacles serve only to whet their ambition. They succeed in spite of difficulties and, starting at the bottom of the ladder, they climb to the top. As they advance their vision widens, their ability increases and they gain the title of captains of industry or leaders in the business world. They are the men who set the pace for their slower- going brethren and add vitality and spice to the ordinary affairs of life. To this class belongs James J. Moran, prominent as an undertaker, whose name is known among men in the same line of business all over the country.
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