USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 31
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The subject of this review received his preliminary education in the public schools and later pursued a course in a business college at Bay City. He began his active career in the employ of the street railway company in Bay City, where he advanced through various positions, going from Bay City to Kokomo, Indiana, where he acted as superintendent of the Kokomo Railway & Light Company, continuing in that position for six years. In 1901 he came to Dan- ville, Illinois, in a similiar capacity and in 1903 was appointed general superin- tendent of the Decatur Railway & Light Company, continuing in that position ever since and performing his duties with a high degree of acceptance on the part of the directors of the company as well as to the satisfaction of the citizens generally. By years of practical experience he has become thoroughly familiar
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with his work and his genial manner and pleasing address greatly assist in for- warding all matters of business placed in his charge.
On February 17, 1909, Mr. Harry was happily united in marriage to Mrs. Mildred O'Hara, a daughter of Howard M. and Mary Robinson, of Buffalo, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of three children: Mildred, herein mentioned; William, who died in childhood; and Harry now living in Buffalo, this state. One child, Mary Frances, born February 15, 1910, has blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry.
Mr. Harry is connected with a number of interests in the community, among which may be mentioned Ionic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Decatur Lodge, B. P. O. E. From the time of casting his first ballot he has been a supporter of the republican party, being a stanch believer in the principles of protection of American industries and centralization of power in the national government. Mr. Harry is a member of the Presbyterian church, while his wife's name is found upon the rolls of the Methodist church. He is identified with the Decatur Club and the Country Club of Decatur, the Missouri Athletic Club of St. Louis and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Harry has many friends in the various organizations with which he is connected and is equally popular among his business associates, who have great respect for his ability and good judg- ment.
SOLOMON KITCH.
Living quietly in the evening of life, Solomon Kitch enjoys the respect and good-will of all who know him. He is a veteran of the Civil war, and there- fore entitled to his country's gratitude. In days of peace he has been equally loyal to the best interests of city, state and nation, and his entire life has been characterized by qualities that have won him kindly regard. He was born in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania, October 1, 1830, and represents one of the old families of that state. His paternal grandfather, who was also born in Penn- sylvania, devoted his active business life to farming and died in Lancaster. His son, George Kitch, father of Solomon Kitch, was also a native of the Key- stone state, where he died when his son Solomon was but eighteen months old. He had there conducted business as a hotelkeeper. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Goodman, was born in Pennsylvania and was mar- ried in Lancaster. Her father was a native of Germany, but when nine years of age came to the new world and spent his remaining days in Lancaster county. He drove a six-horse team from Lancaster to Philadelphia before the railroads were built. His daughter Sarah gave her hand in marriage to George Kitch and after his death went with her five children to her father's home in Lan- caster county, living with him for several years. She again married, becoming the wife of Henry White. They resided upon a farm until the death of Mr. White in 1855, when she again became a resident of Lancaster. In 1859 she removed westward to Niantic, Illinois, where she purchased a home, which she occupied until her demise in 1869.
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MR. AND MRS. SOLOMON KITCH
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Solomon Kitch acquired his education in the public schools of Lancaster county. He remained with his mother until twenty-five years of age, when he was married and removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, but after a brief period returned to the place of his nativity, where he engaged in laying water pipe. In 1857, however, he again left Pennsylvania, and on the 4th of March took up his abode in Niantic, Illinois, where he was living at the time of the out- break of the Civil war. Bidding adieu to his wife and children, he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and Six- teenth Illinois Infantry, at Decatur on the 6th of August, 1862. He served until the close of the war and was mustered out at Washington, D. C., re- ceiving his pay at Camp Butler, Illinois, on the IIth of June, 1865. He had, served for nearly three years and participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Kenesaw Mountain, Murfreesboro, Atlanta and Vicksburg. In the last named battle he was shot, but a box of cartridges which he had in his pocket saved his life. He also participated in the engagement at Missionary Ridge, together with many skirmishes, the regiment taking part altogether in sixteen hotly con- tested engagements. It was his brigade that captured Fort McAllister.
After the war Mr. Kitch rejoined his family in Niantic, but while he was absent at the front one of his sons had died. For several years following the war he engaged in farming and remained in that vicinity altogether for thirty years. He then went to Kansas, where he resided for a short time, and finally removed to Decatur, retiring from active business in 1895.
Mr. Kitch was married in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of March, 1855, to Miss Sarah J. Hammond, who was born in the city of Lan- caster, March 27, 1835. Her father, George Hammond, was born in Massa- chusetts June 27, 1807, and removed to Maryland when his daughter Sarah was but six years of age. He afterward lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and subsequently in Grafton, Virginia, where he died November 18, 1869. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia T. Devault, was born in France, Au- gust 19, 1807. Her parents, after living for a time in Massachusetts, removed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the death of Mrs. Hammond occurred Feb- ruary 18, 1877. She became the wife of Mr. Hammond on the 14th of Feb- ruary, 1828, at Savage Factor, Maryland, the wedding ceremony being per- formed by the Rev. Hoskins. In the Hammond family were twelve children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kitch there were also born twelve children: Walter F., born January 10, 1856, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died on the 11th of July of the same year; Laura A., born July 26, 1857, in Niantic, Illinois, was mar- ried June 10, 1892, to William S. Griswall, and is living in Decatur; Julia, born in Niantic, October 31, 1858, died on the first anniversary of her birth; Harriet D., born July 5, 1860, in Niantic, died on the 5th of September of the same year; Sarah E., a twin sister of Harriet, died only two days later; George H., born February 7, 1862, in Niantic, died on the 8th of October of the same year ; Mary T. born April 25, 1866, in Niantic, is now the wife of John P. Martin, and has five children, Florence, Goldie, Elva, Herbert and Clarence, all of whom are living. Benjamin S., born in Niantic, November 1, 1867, and now a resi- dent of Decatur, married Sarah E. Price and has three children, Mark, Marie and Paul. Ulysses was born February 7, 1870, and died on the 7th of August 16
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of the same year. Samuel, born January 19, 1871, died on the 19th of July, following. Arthur C., born May 27, 1872, at Niantic, died August II, 1909, leaving a widow who in her maidenhood was Adeline Eassmah. Clarence A., born October 30, 1878, died April 25, 1906.
In politics Mr. Kitch has ever been an earnest republican since the organi- zation of the party. He belongs to Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., and his wife is a member of the Christian church. He has always endeavored to fol- low the golden rule, and he and his wife are undoubtedly among the most highly esteemed of the old couples of Decatur, being loved and respected by all who know them. They have long resided in Macon county, their residence here covering a period of more than a half century, so that they have witnessed much of the growth and progress of this locality.
OTTO FREDERICK BAUER.
Otto Frederick Bauer, one of the successful farmers of Macon county, now living on a farm of two hundred acres in sections 26 and 35, South Macon town- ship, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, October II, 1871. He is the son of John Henry and Anna (Ahlers) Bauer. The father was a native of Germany and was born November 28, 1825. Seeking more favorable conditions than he perceived in the old country, he came to America in 1848 and settled in Macoupin county, where he was married four years later. For nearly fifty years he was identified with farming interests, departing this life in 1899. The mother was also a native of Germany. She was born November II, 1832, and came to this country with her parents when she was about eighteen years of age, the family settling near Bunker Hill, Macoupin county, where she is now living. She was the mother of eight children, of whom the subject of this review was seventh in order of birth.
Educated in the public schools, Otto F. Bauer grew up as a farm boy and then went to St. Louis where he continued his studies in the public schools and entered the manual training school, which is one of the finest institutions of the kind in the United States, graduating with third honors in 1890 in a class of fifty-four members. He had been an earnest student and the position which he occupied in his class is an index of his ambition and of the zeal which he has displayed in everything he has undertaken. Returning to the home farm, he continued there until after his marriage, when he went to Macoupin county and in 1899 purchased ninety acres of land near Elwin, where he farmed for two years, at the end of which time he sold the farm and purchased the land where he now lives. Five years ago he built a handsome residence which is provided with all modern conveniences and he has made many improvements, adding greatly to the value of the farm. He engages in general farming and live-stock raising and does his work so well that he is always assured of hand- some yearly returns.
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In 1895 Mr. Bauer was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Otta, a daughter of August and Augusta (Durfer) Otta, who came from Germany to America in the '50s and settled in Missouri, but have since become residents of Decatur. Mrs. Bauer was born February 2, 1874, and has been to her husband a faithful and helpful companion. Two children have brightened their household : Myra M., born July 25, 1898; and Paul H., born April 11, 1903. Mr. Bauer is identified with the republican party, but in local issues votes independent of any party ties. He is a valued member of the Congregational church of Bunker Hill and has many friends, not only in the church but among citizens generally, because of his recognized character for integrity and his friendly attitude toward all worthy movements aiming to make the neighborhood the best possible place of resi- dence. Mr. Bauer is a man of good education and wide reading and has ap- plied to his work thoroughly tested principles, so that the success he has gained has been well earned and gives promise of still greater returns in the years to come.
T. C. BUXTON, M. D.
Dr. T. C. Buxton is both the architect and builder of his own fortunes and the years have brought him success, not because chance or fortune favored him but because he had courage and energy. Denied the opportunities which most boys enjoy, unable to read or write before he reached early manhood, he has overcome this lack of early education and has won for himself a creditable name as a representative of the profession of medicine, of law and of literature.
Dr. Buxton was born in 1875 in Benton county, Arkansas, in that little locality of Bear Hollow which the Civil war made famous. He is a son of Mills Buxton, a native of Morgan county, Tennessee, and a grandson of William Buxton, who was born in North Carolina. His mother bore the maiden name of Martha Mason and was a native of Macon, Mississippi. Both parents were of English descent. Mills Buxton was a Methodist circuit rider, traveling in that way through Arkansas and Missouri in his effort to influence the people through the teachings of the gospel. In 1878 he accepted a regular pastorate in the Methodist church of Winfield, Kansas, where he remained until his death, which occurred early in 1879. His wife passed away in Arkansas, March 5, 1875. She was a representative of an old southern family who owned slaves.
Following his mother's death Dr. Buxton was reared by an uncle, T. M. Mason, upon a farm in the midst of the Ozark mountains. There were no schools so that he was deprived of educational advantages, and feeling that his opportunities were very narrow and restricted there he ran away from home when fifteen years of age, going to Oklahoma and Texas, where he spent two years on a cattle ranch. On the expiration of that period he made his way to- ward Chicago, hoping to get work at the World's Fair grounds. As he had not the money for carfare he was making his way northward on a freight train but was thrown off at Decatur, June 3, 1893. He was absolutely penniless and found it very difficult to secure work, so that he had to depend upon charity
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for the means of subsistence for about three months. In September he secured a position with the Decatur Cracker Company at two dollars and a half per week. He worked with that company during the winter and in the following summer was employed at farm labor. He was unskilled in any trade and was uneducated, and realizing how great was his handicap on that account; in the fall he started to school at Casner, Illinois, being instructed by J. E. Under- wood, who taught him to read and write. During that period he worked for his board for James Wycoff. After learning to read he advanced very rapidly. By the first of January he had completed the first seven grades, taking a final examination in a class of four hundred and eighty-two and making a rank of seventy-six. He worked through the summer and in the fall again attended school at Casner, completing the work of the eighth, ninth and tenth grades. Because of his age he fully realized the importance of improving every moment in school and made such progress that in the following spring he secured the position of teacher in what was known as the Whistleville school at Fort Daniels at a salary of thirty-five dollars per month. This was the most that he had earned up to that time. In the following summer he entered the Western Nor- mal College at Bushnell, Illinois, after which he returned and taught the Prairie Hall school at fifty dollars per month. He attended the Western Normal again during the next summer and then under contract arranged to teach the Whistle- ville school for three years at a salary of fifty-five dollars per month. On clos- ing the school he took charge of a threshing outfit for the summer and then re- sumed his teaching with the approach of winter.
Laudable ambition and unfaltering industry and determination constituted the salient points in his life and character during this period. In 1899 he en- tered the medical college at Keokuk, Iowa, and each summer during his college course operated a threshing machine. In the fall of 1900 he entered the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons. Winning a scholarship in a com- petitive examination offered by the Missouri College of Law, he attended the law school at night in 1902 and the medical school in the day for two years. He was graduated in medicine in 1904 and has since engaged in practice. He is also a member of the Indiana bar and not only in professional fields has he won distinction but also in literary circles. In 1899 he published the Blind Minister, a romance, and in 1900 brought out a pamplet on How to Read Character. In 1901 he was the author of a series of twenty articles on Medico-Legal Juris- prudence and fifty-two articles on Botany. The first was published by a St. Louis house and the second by the Trainer Educational Journal. In 1905 he published a book of poems entitled "Secret Haunt of the Exile," and in 1909 he began the publication of a journal known as the Coroner.
In 1904 Dr. Buxton was elected coroner of Macon county as the candidate of the republican party. He walked over the entire county making his cam- paign on a capital of sixty-five dollars and winning the election by a majority of sixty-five votes over the head of the ticket. This was the most phenomenal election ever held in the county. In that year he received a majority of thirty- three hundred and seventy. In 1908 Dr. Buxton again became a candidate for the office and was reelected, so that he is the incumbent at the present time.
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In 1905 Dr. Buxton was married to Miss Anna Strope, a daughter of Phineas and Mary J. (Zinn) Strope, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- vania. They now have one child, Martha.
Dr. Buxton belongs to various fraternities and social organizations, hold- ing membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Eagles, the Woodmen, the Yeomen, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, the Royal Neighbors, the Modern Americans, the Modern Brotherhood of America, the Mutual Protective League, the National Protective League, the Order of Pocahontas, the Woodmen of the World, the Woodmen Circle, the encampment of the Rebekah Lodge of the Odd Fellows and the Decatur Club. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He resides on Cleveland avenue where he owns a good home and other city property, including eight houses valued at fifteen thousand dollars. His life is a notable example of what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, the courage to face hardships, the endurance to meet difficulties. Com- ing to realize what might be accomplished if one were fitted for the duties and responsibilities of life, and fired by a laudable ambition to advance, Dr. Buxton has directed his efforts into channels demanding strong mentality and liberal culture. He is today a forceful man who has won for himself a creditable posi- tion in the world of affairs; becoming recognized as an influential factor in the city which he has chosen as his home.
CHARLES A. DENISON.
Honored and respected by all, no man in Argenta occupies a more promi- nent position in public regard than C. A. Denison. His life record, too, proves that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is rather the out- come of clear judgment, experience and close application, for while Mr. Denison inherited much of his property, in its management and in further investment he has proven his ability, his keen sagacity and his unfaltering enterprise. Those qualities are always indispensable concomitants of success and have been features in giving to him the creditable place which he occupies in the ranks of Macon county's leading business men. A native of Illinois, Mr. Denison was born in Newberg, September 24, 1868, the only son of Dr. Charles N. Denison, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
He was reared in Macon county, largely acquiring his education in Decatur, where he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1888. He after- ward became a student in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, completing the four years' literary course, and after his graduation he took up the study of law, devoting five and a half years to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. He was then graduated in the class of 1894 and located in Chicago, where he engaged in practice and also became a teacher and professor in a Chicago law school. He continued a member of the bar of that city until 1904, when he retired to Argenta to care for his father and look after his in- terests here. In the management of the father's estate he displays marked busi-
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ness ability, carefully supervising investments and making new ones as his judg- ment dictates.
On the 12th of December, 1905, Mr. Denison was married to Miss Mary O. Colby, who was reared and educated in Decatur. They established their home in Argenta, where they now reside but they have a wide acquaintance in Decatur and other parts of the county and are eagerly welcomed into the best homes of this part of the state. Mr. Denison is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery at Decatur, to the consistory at Peoria and also to the Mystic Shrine of that city. In politics he has been a life long republican but has never sought or desired office, pre- ferring to devote his time to his extensive business interests.
WILLIAM D. CREAMER.
William D. Creamer, whose demise occurred in July, 1908, was for a num- ber of years successfully identified with agricultural interests in Maroa town- ship. His birth occurred in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1861, his parents be- ing John and Elizabeth Creamer, who spent their entire lives in the Buckeye state. The father died while a soldier of the Union army. Unto him and his wife were born six children, namely: Joseph, Mrs. Anna Long, Mrs. Elizabeth Garland, Mrs. Belle Long, William D. and Mrs. Malinda Hill.
William D. Creamer spent the first twenty-two years of his life in Ohio and then came to Illinois, here working as a farm hand for a time. Subsequently he rented a tract of land in Dewitt county, in the cultivation of which he was actively engaged for four years. In March, 1894, he purchased a farm of one hundred and six acres in Maroa township, Macon county, which he operated successfully until his demise and which is now in possession of his widow. He erected a handsome residence and substantial barn and made many other im- provements on the property. His labors as an agriculturist were attended with excellent results, and in his passing the community lost one of its most sub- stantial and respected citizens.
In 1887 Mr. Creamer was united in marriage to Miss Minnie M. Grady, a daughter of John D. and Sarah J. (Wray) Grady, who were natives of Penn- sylvania. They came to Illinois more than a half a century ago, settling in Dewitt county. John D. Grady died in 1898 but is still survived by his wife, who now makes her home with her children. They had six children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: Thomas C., Vance R., Mrs. Creamer, and Mrs. Clara A. Mckinney, of Macon county. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, namely: Edna P., whose birth ocurred in 1888 and who is now the wife of Fred Morgenthalor, by whom she has one son, Emanuel; Wray R., who was born in 1890; Hazel B., whose natal year was 1892; Stanley J., whose birth occurred in 1896; and Vance G., born in 1899.
In politics Mr. Creamer was a stanch democrat, while fraternally he was identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias at Maroa. He passed away in the faith of the Methodist church in July, 1908,
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and was deeply and sincerely mourned by all who knew him, for his life had been upright and honorable in all its relations. His widow now manages the home farm with the assistance of her sons. She is well known and highly es- teemed throughout the community, being a lady of many excellent qualities of heart and mind.
HENRY J. SHAFER.
Henry J. Shafer, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Macon county, was born near Rochester, Sangamon county, Illinois, August 16, 1870. He is a son of Joseph and Caroline (Wilkin) Shafer, both of whom were born in West- phalia, Prussia. The father was born August 4, 1828, and the mother Septem- ber 19, 1824. They came to America in 1854 in the same ship, landing at New Orleans and traveling by water to Elkhart, Illinois. Mr. Shafer was provided only with money enough to carry him to the end of his journey and it was two years before he was married. That happy event occurred in March, 1856, at Springfield, Illinois, and for several years Mr. Shafer rented land near River- ton and also near Pleasant Plains, locating later at Rochester. He prospered in his work and in the fall of 1872 purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Niantic township, Macon county, which became the home place and cost forty- seven dollars and fifty cents per acre. He moved to his new home in March, 1873, and began making improvements, building a comfortable, two-story house of six rooms in 1882. As his means increased he purchased more land until he had acquired four hundred acres in sections 21 and 28 and gained a reputation as one of the substantial farmers of the region. He departed this life March 26, 1904, his wife have been called away August 6, 1890. Their remains were interred in Calvary cemetery, at Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Shafer was identified with the democratic party and was a stanch adherent of the Roman Catholic church of which his wife was also a member. He served as trustee of St. Mary's church at Illiopolis in the early days.
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