USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 29
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WILLIAM HENRY MATHIAS.
The man who starts on his business career with nothing to depend upon but a good constitution and his own native courage and ability is almost invariably the one who wins. He develops his inherent powers and without any effort on his part is justly respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. It is evident that William H. Mathias, of South Macon township, belongs to this class of men. He has worked his way from the foot of the financial ladder to a position of inde- pendence. It was a long, hard climb, but he had the grit and perseverance and when these elements are associated with patience and good management the end is assured.
. Mr. Mathias is a native of Illinois, born in Moultrie county, August 30, 1857. He is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Evans) Mathias, who came from Ohio to this state in early days and settled in Moultrie county. At the age of seven- teen the son was left to care for himself, the father having been called away and the mother, yielding to her sorrow, departed this life six days later. It was, indeed, a severe blow for a boy just approaching manhood, but the world with
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all its attractions lay before him and he bravely undertook the responsibility of forging his way through the difficulties with which he was surrounded. He began by working as a farm hand, continuing until he arrived at the age of twenty-eight years, when he was married and began farming on his own account. Aften fifteen years of close application and good management he bought the farm on which he now lives in 1900 and has since engaged in general farming and stock-raising with a success which is well deserved, as he has brought to his work an energy and ability meriting generous returns. His farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres is one of the neatest and best appointed places in his part of the county, and he has reason to be proud of the reputation he has attained in the neighborhood as an up-to-date farmer and public-spirited citizen.
In 1885 Mr. Mathias was united in marriage to Miss Delilah Cotner, a daughter of Judd and Jane (Adam) Cotner. She is the eldest child of a family of seven children. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mathias has been blessed by the ar- rival of four children : Elmer, born in 1886, who married Miss Essie Manly, of Macon county, and is living in this county; Thomas, born in February, 1889, liv- ing at home; Clyde, born in July, 1896; and William, born in July, 1901.
Politically Mr. Mathias is a sound democrat and is a strong believer in the ability of the democratic party to conduct the ship of state through any breakers that may appear. Although his attention is largely given to his own affairs, his ear is always open to any call appealing to his patriotism or his sympathies and no man is more willing to assist the beginner in life's battle than the subject of this review, who himself knows the obstacles that lie in the way.
SAMUEL TROUTMAN.
For almost a half century Samuel Troutman was a resident of Macon county and practically all of his life was spent in carrying on agricultural pursuits, so that his labors in this direction contributed much to the substantial development and improvement of the section in which he so long made his home. He was born on the Ist of March, 1843, in Fulton county, about twenty miles from Logans- port, Indiana, a son of Peter and Mary (Bruce) Troutman.
The schools of the Hoosier state afforded Samuel Troutman his educational privileges and by improving these he qualified for the duties of life. He re- mained in his native county until nineteen years of age, when, his patriotic spirit aroused at the outbreak of the Civil war, he offered his services to the govern- ment, becoming a member of Company B, Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. While at the front he made a most creditable military record, discharged his duties in most loyal manner. When hostilities had ceased he joined his parents in Decatur, to which city they had in the meantime removed. He remained under the parental roof for a short time but on the 10th of January, 1867, established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Elizabeth F. Bear, of Decatur.
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL TROUTMAN
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Following their marriage the young couple took up their abode upon a farm near Bearsdale, Macon county, Mr. Troutman having purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. For forty-five years he was actively engaged in the further development and improvement of that place and his labors brought to him a most gratifying annual return. He lived to witness many changes in this section of the county as the old fashioned farm utensils were replaced by the more modern machinery and the work of progress and improvement was carried on in other lines, and Mr. Troutman was quick to adopt any new method or idea that tended to better farm work and also add to the material advancement of the community. After spending forty-five years on the farm, he bought grain at Bearsdale for sixteen years. He then traded for a nice home in Decatur, at No. 906 West Macon street, and there took up his abode to spend his remaining days in honorable retirement. He, however, retained possession of his farm prop- erty, from which he derived a good annual income.
Qualified to wear the Grand Army button, Mr. Troutman never ceased to feel a deep interest in his army comrades and was a valued member of Dunham Post, No. 141, at Decatur. He was a republican in his political views, while his relig- ious faith was indicated by his membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church and his life was ever guided by its principles. He passed away June 17, 1910, after reaching the sixty-seventh milestone on life's journey, leaving to his family not only the substantial rewards of his labor and keen sagacity but also the priceless heritage of an example that is indeed worthy of emulation. He is survived by his widow, one son and one daughter. The son, Frank S. Troutman, is married and has one daughter and two sons. He resides on the old home farm in Macon county. The daughter, Mary Etta, is the wife of A. J. Conover, who is a farmer of this county.
WILLIAM H. KILE.
The enterprising town of Argenta finds a worthy representative of its business interests in William H. Kile, who for the past five years has been proprietor of a general mercantile store, in which he carries a large and well selected line of goods that finds favor with the public as shown in the liberal patronage which is accorded him. What he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and his business plans are well formulated and promptly executed.
He was born in Macon county, January 22, 1869, and is a son of Isaac W. Kile, whose birth occurred in this state in 1840. The grandfather, Josiah Kile, was a native of Ohio and became one of the pioneer residents of Macon county, settling here when central Illinois was largely an undeveloped and unimproved region. There were great stretches of land that were still unclaimed and uncultivated, while the timber was uncut and the streams unbridged. Josiah Kile purchased one hundred and sixty acres upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began its
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development and soon the wild prairie grasses were supplanted by crops of grain.
Isaac W. Kile was reared upon the old homestead in this county amid the scenes and environments of pioneer life and after attaining his majority he married Miss Emma Thomas, who was born in Ohio but was brought to Illinois when a maiden of ten summers. He purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead property and thus succeeded to the ownership of the farm. However, as his financial resources increased he added to his property until his holdings embraced three hundred and forty-five acres. The work of improve- ment was carried steadily forward, as seen in well tilled fields, good fences and substantial buildings. Upon the farm he reared his family and made his home for many years but later removed to Argenta, where he filled the position of postmaster for a few years. No public trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree and he proved most capable in office. His death occurred in October, 1907, and he is still survived by his wife, who yet resides in Argenta. Their family numbered two sons, the younger being C. O. Kile, who is engaged in the lumber business in Ivesdale, Illinois.
Wiliam H. Kile, whose name introduces this record, spent his youthful days upon the farm and his early education was acquired in the home school. Later he attended the State Normal for two terms and also pursued a course in Brown's Business College, his thorough mental discipline well qualifying him for the responsibilities that came to him when his school life was over. He com- pleted arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage in Blooming- ton, Indiana, on the 22d of February, 1892, to Miss Rose M. Miller, who was, born in Friends Creek township, Macon county, a daughter of Mrs. C. E. Miller. They took up their abode on the farm and he continued its cultivation for twelve years, at the same time successfully raising, feeding and fattening stock. While he raised some cattle, he made a specialty of Poland China hogs and shipped a carload or two of fat hogs each year. He likewise bred Poland Chinas and Here- ford cattle and he held several public sales which brought him substantial returns for his stock. He became well known both as a breeder and dealer and won recognition as one of the leading stockmen of the community. In 1905 he removed to Argenta and purchased an interest in the general store of Kunz & Reidich. The firm is now Kunz & Kile and they carry an extensive stock of general merchandise, having a large double store. Here they have built up an extensive business, their sales amounting to about fifty thousand dollars per annum. They demand courteous treatment of their patrons on the part of all employes and thorough reliability is one of the potent features in their success.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kile have been born six children : Sybil, Gladys, Wilma, Maxine and Ira W., all of whom are, at home; and a daughter, Leah, who died when about seven months old. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Argenta and Mr. Kile belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter at Monticello, to the Knights Templar commandery at Decatur and to Peoria Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a past master of the blue lodge and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. While he usually votes the democratic ticket, he is largely independent in politics and never allows partisan prejudice to affect him at local elections where no
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issue is involved. He has served as a member of the town board and also as a member of the school board of Argenta and is classed with the active and progressive citizens here. His cooperation is a tangible factor in any movement for the public good, his business integrity is unassailable and his enterprising spirit is manifest not only in commercial and business affairs but also in the relations of social life.
HENRY I. PARISH.
Among the prominent farmers and live-stock raisers of Harristown township, Macon county, is Henry I. Parish, the owner of a beautiful farm which has been developed largely through his own industry and good management and is one of the most productive farms in the region. He is a native son of Illinois and was born in Mount Auburn, Christian county, October 20, 1860, a son of George A. and Narcissa (Stockton) Parish. The father of our subject, who is now seventy-three years of age, was born in Bloomington, Indiana, and moved with his parents to Springfield where the head of the family worked at the brick mason's trade, later going to Mount Auburn, where George A. Parish began his active career as a blacksmith and has lived in the same place ever since and gained an honorable name in the community. After working for a few years at his trade he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining Mount Auburn, which he has since conducted. He is affiliated with the democratic party and has acceptably discharged the duties of several minor public offices. He is also an esteemed member of the Masonic fraternity and a citizen who has always had the best interests of the community at heart. The mother was a native of Mechanicsburg, Sangamon county, this state, a daughter of Ira and Ruth Stock- ton. Her father was a native of Kentucky and came to Sangamon county before the Civil war, removing, however, to Macon county, where he settled in Decatur township. Two of his maternal uncles, Edward, now deceased, and Richard, served with great credit in the Union army until the close of war.
Henry I. Parish grew up under the parental roof and was educated in the public schools. He served under his father until he reached manhood's estate and then began as a farmer on his own account. He rented land for four years in Christian county, at the end of which time he purchased eighty acres where he now lives, paying fifty-three dollars an acre. The land had been very slightly improved and after he had acquired full possession he erected a commodious barn and a handsome residence and in 1900 purchased an additional eighty acres, for which he paid eighty-five or eighty-six dollars an acre. This land is now worth two hundred dollars an acre and with a comfortable residence, large barn, good fences and an abundance of shade and ornamental trees and other improve- ments the farm is easily one of the most attractive properties in the township.
On March 13, 1883, in Hickory Point township, Mr. Parish was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Lewis, who was born in Coventry, Warwickshire, England, a daughter of Charles and Emma (Betts) Lewis. She came with her parents to America when she was two years of age and the family located in
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Macon county. Here she received a fair common school education and since her marriage has been an unfailing assistant to her husband. Her father is still a resident of Hickory Point township. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parish: Forny Oliver. born February 21, 1884, and educated for two years at Eureka College, now living at home; and Lewis Russell, born June 26, 1888, a student for one year at Millikin University and for one year at Eureka College, also at home.
Mr. Parish was for many years an ardent believer in the principles of the democratic party but is now independent in his political views and votes accord- ing to the conditions and necessities of the times. He served most acceptably as road commissioner for eight years, during which time he was instrumental in graveling the roads in the township. He is a member of the Christian church, as are also both of his sons, and has for many years occupied the office of deacon in the church, the elder son being now assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. By a life of industry, sobriety and rightly directed effort, Mr. Parish has attained deserved success in his chosen vocation, in addition to which he has gained the enduring gratitude of many persons, old and young, by his kind acts and well timed advice. He is recognized as a representative of the best type of American citizenship-a type which is the foundation and unfailing support of the republic.
CHARLES M. DURNING.
The soil of Illinois is naturally fertile and productive, and among those who are fortunate in possessing farms located in this rich district is numbered Charles M. Durning, one of Macon county's substantial and successful agricul- turists. He is a native of the Prairie state, his birth occurring on the 15th of February, 1860, the only son of James and Mary (Nicholson) Durning. The family is of German lineage, although representatives of the name have resided in this country for many years. The grandfather of our subject, John Durning, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, and when a lad of fourteen years left home because of unharmonious relations with his stepmother, his where- abouts remaining unknown to the family until about thirty-five years ago. He first made his way to Kentucky, where later he married Jane Maxwell, and was engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi river for a number of years, and later carried on farming for some time. Subsequently he took up his abode near Decatur. Of their family but two sons survive: Edward of Decatur, and D. P., of Chanute, Kansas, the former having reached his seventy-eighth year.
James Durning, the father of our subject, was born in Caldwell county, Kentucky, June 20, 1828, and the year 1852 witnessed his arrival in Macon county, Illinois, where he took up twenty acres of land in Wheatland township. Here he erected a little two-room log cabin, in which all except two of his children were born. Subsequently he sold that property and invested in forty acres, which was also disposed of later, after which, in 1866, he purchased a fine farm of one hundred acres. By nature extremely kindhearted, like others
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who are charitably inclined he often suffered financial loss in his efforts to be of assistance to some fellow-man in need. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church and on the last day of his life, June 12, 1910, was present at services. The occasion was Children's Day, and it was his desire to be pres- ent and see his grandchildren attend. With the falling of the evening shadows he passed away, and at his demise the community lost one of its most valued and honored citizens. Death came to him while yet in the enjoyment of good health. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Mary Nicholson, was born in Garrard county, Kentucky on the 28th of August, 1830, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Henry Nicholson. The father, also a native of Kentucky, came to Mason county in 1851, locating in Long Creek township, and the following year wit- nessed the arrival of the mother in company with her parents. They were here united in marriage in 1855, and unto this union were born eight children, of whom six passed away in infancy and early childhood. At the time of their arrival Macon county was but sparsely settled and Decatur, the flourishing business center of the present time, was but a city in embryo, giving little indica- tion at that early day of the industrial and commercial activities which were to mark its later development.
It was amid such scenes and environment that Charles M. Durning, whose name introduces this review, was reared, no event of special importance coming to vary the routine of life for him during the period of his boyhood and youth. The district schools near his home afforded him his educational privileges, and during the periods of vacation he assisted his father in the work of the farm. When seventeen years of age, however, he put aside his text-books to give his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, and he continued to give his father the benefit of his assistance until 1884, when he was married and took up business on his own acount. He managed his father's farm until 1900 and then pur- chased his present property, consisting of one hundred and forty-three acres located on section 3, Mount Zion township. At that time but one hundred acres were cleared but he at once applied himself to the further development of the place, clearing the remainder of the land, bringing the fields under cultivation and erecting a comfortable house and substantial barns and outbuildings. As the years passed he made other improvements, introducing all of the modern accessories for facilitating farm labor, and the place today is one of the valuable and desirable properties of the township, standing as a monument to his life of industry, perseverance and thrift. He engages in general farming and stock- raising, making a specialty of buying and fattening hogs and cattle for the market, and the substantial success which has crowned his efforts is but an indication of keen business sagacity, close application and wise management.
It was on the 22d of October, 1884, that Mr. Durning was united in marriage to Miss Lutitia Muir, a native of Lewis county, Missouri, and a daughter of George G. and Mary (Daugherty) Muir. The father, who was born in Kentucky, October II, 1837, was a railroad conductor by occupation and was also a soldier in the Civil war, seeing active service in Missouri as a soldier of the Confederate army. He died September 4, 1864. His wife, whom he married on the 2d of February, 1860, in Missouri, was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, January 21, 1840, and after his death was again married, in 1867, to Thomas Price, a
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resident of Illinois, whose birth, however, occurred in Ohio. She departed this life on the 8th of January, 1904, and Mr. Price died October 22, the same year. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Durning has been blessed with five children, as follows : Arthur C., who was born July 19, 1885, and is engaged in railroad construction ; Orville R., born July 7, 1887, who is a trusted employe of the National Bank of Decatur; Nina May, who was born February 12, 1892, and was a graduate in the academy class of the Millikin University in 1910; Helen, born January 3, 1896; and Juanita, born on the 5th of August, 1900.
Mr. Durning's religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and frater- nally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America. A republican in politics, he has been called to public office by his fellow citizens, having filled the office of township collector for two terms, township assessor for a similar term and at the present time serving as school director. Competent and faithful in public office, he has ever been actuated in all that he did by a spirit of loyalty and public-spirited devotion to the general cause, and in private life he is influenced by manly principles and honorable purpose. He is a successful man, and yet his success cannot be measured in terms of material gain alone, for his sterling characteristics have won for him the confidence, regard and good will of his fellowmen-a possession more to be desired than material wealth.
FREDERICK A. GRONINGER.
Among those citizens of Macon county who had their birth across the waters but who in the new world have found and improved the opportunities for busi- ness advancement which led them to seek their fortunes in this county, is num- bered Frederick A. Groninger. He was born in Oldenberg, Germany, on the Ist of December, 1830, and is therefore in the eightieth year of his life. His parents, Frederick and Helen Groninger, were also natives of the fatherland, where their entire lives were spent, the father there devoting his life to the ministry. Their family consisted of three sons, but the brothers of our subject are now deceased.
To the public schools of his native land Frederick A. Groninger is indebted for the educational advantages which he enjoyed during his boyhood and youth. After laying aside his text-books he was employed for some time as a farm hand, and was thus engaged until 1859, when he determined to seek the advan- tages which awaited the ambitious and industrious in the land of opportunity across the waters. Coming to America he made his way to Nebraska where he purchased land and for about ten years engaged in farming. The year 1871 witnessed his arrival in Macon county, Illinois, locating in Pleasant View town- ship, where he purchased eighty acres of land. This formed the nucleus of his present excellent farm, for as the years passed and he prospered in his under- taking he was able to add to his original purchase until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land on sections 8 and 9. His efforts have
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since been directed to its further cultivation and development and he has brought the place under a high state of improvement. About twenty-five years ago he erected the attractive modern residence which is now his home, and has equipped the farm with all the accessories and conveniences that go to make up a model farm. He has engaged in general farming, and his well directed efforts, his close application and his practical methods have been resultant factors in the acquirement of a sucecss which is at once substantial and gratifying. He still gives personal supervision to his business interests, although the actual work of the farm is left to others, and now, in the evening of life, is enjoying those comforts which come as a reward for long years of active labor and earnest endeavor.
Mr. Groninger was united in marriage, June 2, 1880, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Edwards, who was born in Athensville, Green county, Illinois, on the 17th of December, 1858, a daughter of Nathaniel and Louisa (Fergusson) Edwards. The father, who was born in Kentucky on the 20th of November, 1830, passed away in Shelbyville, Illinois, April 2, 1903, but the mother, whose birth occurred in Green county, Illinois, is still living and makes her home in Blue Mound at the age of seventy-six years. In their family were seven children, as follows: Mary E., who became the wife of Mr. Groninger, of this review; Lucinda, who married Nicholas Depue, of Grand Island, Nebraska; Matilda, the widow of John Crawford, who makes her home in Mount Park, Oklahoma; Annis, wife of John Hull, also residing in Oklahoma; Nancy, who .married Pink Huston and lives in Missouri; Nona, the wife of Harris Revis, of Blue Mound, and Birton E., at Blue Mound. Mr. and Mrs. Groninger became the parents of seven children, all of whom were born in Pleasant View township. The first child passed away in infancy. Helena, the second in order of birth, was born in 1882 and passed away December 31, 1907, her remains being interred in Hall cemetery. She had become the wife of Charles Powers, and at her death left five sons, Michael, Frederick, Willard, Raymond and Charles Teddy. Anna, the next child, was born in 1884 and became the wife of Anderson Austin. They have two children, Mary Ellen Pearl and Edwin, and the family reside in Pleasant View township. Frederick William, born June 22, 1889, is a graduate of the township schools and is now at home, assisting his father in the conduct of the homestead. Alvena Wilhelmina Caroline, born April 23, 1893, is yet at home and keeps house for her father. Edward Adolph was born in February, 1895, and passed away at the age of one year and one month, and the youngest of the family also passed away in infancy.
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