USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
359
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
stanch democrat and took an active part in political affairs, becoming county assessor of Morgan county at the time when that official supervised the prop- erty assessments of the entire county. In his family were nine children, all of whom grew to maturity, but of this number only two are now living: Jeffer- son G., the subject of this review; and Jasper, who lives at Mount Zion, this state.
Jefferson G. Willard was reared upon the home farm in Morgan county and began his education in the old log school house which, as he remembers, had the usual slab bench for a seat, the greased paper for windows and the great fireplace which occupied almost the entire end of the building. The schools of those days possessed few of the advantages which are presented so freely at the present time but they have the credit of graduating many of the noblest men and women that America has known. These men and women gained their education in the great school of life, whose teachings are more impressive and more lasting than any ever given at the college or university. At thirteen years of age the farm boy was called on to mourn the loss of his father and it is probable that the responsibility which then devolved upon him has been one of the most important elements in shaping and controlling his char- acter. From the time of his father's death he assisted his mother in provid- ing for the family, continuing until the younger members were able to care for themselves. In 1855 Mr. Willard took up his residence upon a half section of land which he had purchased in this county and which became a portion of the homestead. This land was entirely in its wild state and he has made many improvements, building a house eighteen by thirty feet and one and one-half stories in height, where the family lived until 1864, when the main building was erected to which improvements have been added, making the residence one of the handsomest in that part of the county. In 1864 he built a large barn, one of the most commodious in the township, and soon after arriving on the land, in 1857, he set out a grove of walnut trees planting them from the seed, and today they form a highly pleasing feature in the landscape. The farm, which embraces seven hundred and twenty acres in one body, has been increased in area from time to time, the price paid for the land ranging from twelve to sixty dollars an acre. This land is now worth two hundred and fifty dollars an acre. In addition to carrying on operations extensively as an agriculturalist Mr. Willard has been a noted stock raiser, feeder and shipper and to him belongs the credit of shipping the best one hundred head of cattle ever sent out of Macon county to the present time. These cattle were sold in Chicago, where one carload were, placed on exhibition and attracted the attention of many of the greatest cattle men of the country and were afterward all shipped to England.
On March 28, 1849, Mr. Willard was united in marriage to Miss Aliff C. Averitt, who was born in Marshall county, Kentucky, December 25, 1828, a daughter of Nathan G. and Mary (Cooper) Averitt. The parents were both natives of Tennessee and went with their respective families to Kentucky, where they were later married. Mrs. Willard was brought to Morgan county, this state, when she was two years of age, and there she grew up and received a common-school education. Mr. Averitt settled in Macon county in 1850, where he became an extensive landowner, buying a portion of his land at a price as low as seventy cents an acre, by making use of Mexican land war-
360
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
rants. He passed away at seventy years of age, his beloved wife having de- parted many years before. One son, James Monroe, now a resident of Decatur, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard. He was married about 1887 to a Miss Dyke and is the father of three children. His home is at No. 752 West Macon street.
Mr. Willard for many years was allied with the democratic party but later became a prohibitionist and has since adhered to that organization. For nine years he filled the office of road commissioner and although it required three years for him to persuade the other members of the board to endorse his recom- mendation, he succeeded in securing stone abutments for the bridges built dur- ing the remainder of his term of office. He was among the first citizens of the county to advocate a county agricultural association and after it was es- tablished he served for three years with marked ability as its president. Reared . as a Methodist, he continued in that belief for some years but finally became con- vinced that the Christian church more closely represented the teachings of the Great Master and he has since that time been one of its members. He has acted as deacon and later as elder, acomplishing a great deal in making the church a power in the neighborhood. While living in Morgan county he be- came a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but since taking up his residence in Macon county he has not retained his membership.
In 1909 the sixtieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Willard was celebrated at the residence of their son in Decatur. Friends gathered from far and wide to extend their greetings and the event will be remembered as one of the most interesting assemblages of the kind known in the community for many years. Mr. Willard owes much of his success to the constant encourage- ment and support of his wife who has been indeed to him a loving companion and helpmate. Together they have witnessed the great transformation by which the wild land was reduced to the uses of man and today they behold happy homes and thriving communities where in earlier days their eyes rested upon naught but the forest or the naked prairie. Of all this they have been a part and faithfully did they contribute of their strength and resources in accomplish- ing the marvelous change. It is a pleasure to record in this work the honored names of a family that has contributed so greatly toward the upbuilding of Macon county, erecting a monument vastly more enduring than any built with the hands.
NATHAN L. KRONE.
While Nathan L. Krone has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey he yet remains an active factor in business circles, continuing in the drug trade in which he has been so long and honorably engaged. No history of Decatur would be complete without his record, for he has lived in the city for sixty-one years, and not to know Mr. Krone here is to argue one's self unknown. His name stands as a synonym for business enterprise and integrity, for public spirit in citizenship and for fidelity in the relations of private life.
Mr. Krone is a representative of one of the oldest families of Pennsylvania. That state was the birthplace of his grandfather, Michael Krone, who after attain-
NATHAN L. KRONE
363
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
ing his majority was united in marriage to Miss Franklynberger. Their son David Krone was born in Pennsylvania, acquired his education in the public schools and afterward served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, which he made his life work. He married Miss Ruth Worley, also a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Nathan Worley, who was of German lineage, but was born in the Keystone state, where he also met and married Miss Popp, a lady of Welsh descent.
David Krone and bride began their domestic life in New York county, Penn- sylvania, where they resided until 1839 and then came to Decatur, where they found a small town containing only a few hundred population in the midst of a prairie that was but sparsely settled. The Black Hawk war had occurred only seven years before, and the settlers of the community told tales of Indian occupancy and of other experiences of pioneer life. Mr. Krone began work at the cabinet- maker's trade and also turned his attention to the hotel business, becoming pro- prietor of the Macon House. He was connected with cabinet-making until his death in 1867. His wife survived him for about eighteen years, passing away in the spring of 1885. Their children were as follows: Margaret, the wife of George W. Bright, of Decatur; Annie, the wife of David S. Shellebarger, long a prominent business man of this city; Mrs. Sophia McClurg, of St. Joseph, Mis- souri ; and Nathan L.
The last named was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 14th, 1833, and was therefore but six years of age when he accompanied his parents to Illinois. Here he entered the public schools and gave his attention to the mastery of the branches of learning which constituted the curriculum until he reached the age of sixteen years. He then made his initial step in the business world, secur- ing a clerkship in a dry-goods store, in which he remained for four years. He was afterward with the firm of King & Reed, druggists of Decatur for three years, at the end of which time he became connected with Dr. J. E. Roberts, a druggist with whom he was associated for seventeen years. Mr. Krone then went to Iowa and for a brief period resided in Council Bluffs, but his strong attachment for Decatur caused him to return, and he entered the store with which he had so long been connected, although in the meantime W. C. Armstrong had become the successor of Dr. Roberts as proprietor of that establishment. He was a repre- sentative of Mr. Armstrong's interests for sixteen years and then embarked in business on his own acount, opening a store at the corner of Calhoun and Herk- imer streets in 1893. He has maintained one of the well equipped drug stores of the city during the past seventeen years, his stock being tastefully arranged, while his honorable business methods and earnest desire to please his patrons have brought to him a gratifying trade.
Mr. Krone has proven his worth as a citizen of Decatur in other ways besides his business connections. For nine years he filled the office of city treasurer and gave most careful and accurate accounting for the public funds. He stands at all times as a loyal advocate of the measures which are deemed essential as factors in the growth and upbuilding of the community.
In 1854 Mr. Krone was married to Miss Jane Frederick, a daughter of Samuel and Rachael (Robinson) Frederick. Mrs. Krone was born in Ohio and by her marriage has become the mother of one son Charles O., who is his father's asso-
364
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
ciate in business. He married Mrs. Ella Dew, of Zanesville, Ohio, in October, 1894. Mrs. Krone belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a faithful and active assistant in its work. Mr. Krone is a prominent Mason, hold- ing membership in Macon Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Macon Chapter, R. A. M .; and Beaumanoir Commandery, K. T. His political endorsement is given to the re- publican party and he has never swerved in his allegiance to its principles. A contemporary biographer has written of him: "His manner is genial and entirely free from ostentation, without pretense or display. He commands the respect of his fellowmen and they regard him as a valued friend. He has added much to the brightness of life and has been true and fathful in every relation in which he has been placed. Now at the age of seventy-seven years he commands uniform confidence and is an honored representative of the trade interests of the city, whose development he has witnessed through almost his entire history. His residence in Decatur covers more than the Psalmist's allotted span of life of three score years and ten.
JAMES CONNAGHAN.
James Connaghan, a prosperous farmer whose home is on section 12, Ni- antic township, the family residence being just inside the corporate limits of the village of Niantic, is a native. of the Emerald isle. He was born on a farm in the town of Ballinamore, County Donegal, August 8, 1848, and is a son of Charles and Sarah (Gatens) Connaghan. When he was about five years of age his parents removed to the village of Maryhill, about three miles from Glasgow, Scotland, where the son grew up, receiving only a limited education, as he was early put to work in order to assist in the support of the family. There were eleven children, of whom he was seventh in order of birth. At sixteen he began to learn the molder's trade and about a year later the father died. Charles Connaghan had been twice married and by his first union there were three children, the oldest of whom came to America and served in the Civil war. The family never heard of him again nor has any trace been found of the other two children. Of the eleven children by the second marriage seven grew to maturity and it is believed that six are now living.
In the spring of 1867 James Connaghan bade farewell to boyhood scenes and went aboard a vessel which was bound for America. After a voyage of twenty-one days he arrived in New York and soon joined his brother Charles, who was living at Kortright, New York. After a few months the brothers came to Macon county, Illinois, where they began work by the month. However, on account of the failing health of his brother and upon the advice of a physician they returned to Scotland, leaving the port of New York on the day of the national election in November, 1868, when General Grant was elected presi- dent of the United States. The voyage was made in the steamer City of Cork, which was a sister ship to the noted Confederate cruiser Alabama, which created such havoc at the time of the Civil war. The brothers spent six months in the old country, at the end of which time they again came to the new world,
365
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
landing at Quebec, and after a few weeks were once more in Macon county, where they had decided to make their permanent home. James Connaghan worked for some time for J. J. Batchelder, and later the two brothers rented land of him for about three years, when they sold their lease and removed to Piatt county, Illinois. After an experience of a year there they went to Moul- trie county, where our subject purchased ninety-six acres of land at thirty dollars an acre, upon which there was a small house and barn. This property he sold a short time afterward and then rented one hundred and seventy-six acres of land in Moultrie county, where he continued for twenty-one years and became quite successful as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. A turning point in his career was reached when he secured a lease on three hundred and twenty acres of prairie land in Moultrie county. Upon this there was a lake, which he agreed to tile at ten cents a rod for laying the tile and five cents a rod for fill- ing, the expense incurred by the purchase of the tile to be taken out of the rent. The lease he held for about five years, but in the meantime he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land where he now lives at sixty-five dollars per acre and later added forty acres more at one hundred dollars per acre, locating thereon about 1900. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land near Bement. He and his brother were for some time the owners of a corn sheller and also became owners of a horse power thresher, which he ope- rated for a number of years. On the organization of the Niantic Farmers Ele- vator Company Mr. Connaghan became a stockholder and was elected president of the company, in which position he still continues. He was also an organizer of the Niantic & Harristown Telephone Company and was its second president. He resides in.a beautiful and commodious home, heated and lighted according to the most improved modern methods, and has equipped his farm with every desirable convenience, making it one of the most complete establishments of the kind in this part of the county.
At Decatur, November 24, 1880, Mr. Connaghan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Ryan, with whom he had become acquainted in Niantic. She is a native of New York state and is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Cotter) Ryan. Seven children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Connaghan : Margaret Edith, at home; Sadie May, the wife of Samuel Gordon, of Macon county, and the mother of one child, Alice Louise; Charles Richard, who is a graduate of Brown's Business College of Decatur and is living at home; Mary Irene, at home ; Blanche; Leo C .; and Bernard.
Mr. Connaghan is not closely affiliated with any political party but usually votes the democratic ticket and has held several official positions, discharging his duties with the same interest and ability that he exercises in his private af- fairs. He is an uncompromising champion of good roads and as road com- missioner in Moultrie county for nine years he succeeded in making some of the best highways in the county. He has served for a number of years upon school boards and, being a strong advocate of education, he has always insisted on hiring the best teachers available. He was reared a Catholic and his name is found on the membership rolls of St. Ann's church at Niantic, of which benefi- cent organization he is a trustee. Mr. Connaghan has found in his estimable
365
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
wife a loving and faithful companion during all the years of their association and in their comfortable home, supplied with every convenience, they now en- joy the blessings which are the results of their own prudence and good man- agement. They also enjoy the friendship and confidence of the entire community.
HON. ROBERT A. GRAY.
The Scotch-Irish in America have gained an enviable reputation on account of stanch characteristics which have made them leading members in many com- munities. Of this nationality is Hon. Robert A. Gray, now living retired at Blue Mound, in the enjoyment of comfort and ease after many years of wisely directed effort. He was born in County Donegal in the north of Ireland, Octo- ber 16, 1835, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Patten) Gray. The an- cestors on the paternal side settled in Ireland perhaps as early as 1542 and the Grays of Castle Torras, though Protestants, were always celebrated for their independence and liberal political views and were held in high esteem by their Catholic fellow countrymen. The father of our subject came to the United States to visit friends in Maryland in 1836 and died very suddenly in Philadel- phia. The mother departed this life in Ireland in 1845. There were four chil- dren in the family, three of whom are now living: Sarah J., the widow of James J. Martin, of St. Louis ; Robert A .; and William A., now of Blue Mound, who was a member of the first company of cavalry that was recruited in New York at the time of the Civil war.
After the death of the father a guardian was appointed to take charge of the family estate in behalf of the children. He proved unfaithful to his trust and the entire property was dissipated so that the subject of this review was thrown early in life very largely upon his own resources. He attended school in Ireland and continued his education in St. Louis after coming to America in 1851. For a time he taught school and also served as clerk on the steam- boats plying the Mississippi and Cumberland rivers. This was early in the '50s when Mark Twain was gaining his first experience as pilot on the Father of Waters. Mr. Gray, however, was attracted to agricultural pursuits and for twenty-five years he was actively connected with the farming interests of Madi- son and Christian counties, Illinois. That he was successful is shown by the fact that he now owns two hundred acres of good Christian county land and other properties which make him financially independent. In 1908 he retired and removed to Blue Mound, where he enjoys the association of old friends and the leisure which is so essential in making complete the declining years of a busy life.
Mr. Gray has always taken an active interest in public affairs and for two years served as deputy assessor of Madison county during his residence there. Later while residing upon his farm in Mosquito township, Christian county, he became a recognized political leader in his county. In 1874 he was elected supervisor of his township, receiving all the votes that were cast except three, and was reelected continuously until he became a member of the state legisla-
367
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
ture in 1885. At that time he was a candidate against Job B. Ricks, who had previously been an invincible candidate. Mr. Gray carried eleven out of seven- teen townships and after the close of his first term in the legislature was again elected, serving in the thirty-fourth and thirty-fifth general assemblies. He was a member of the committees on claims, education and elections. He made a record for efficient service which probably has never been surpassed in that body. He refused to be a candidate for state senator on account of ill health but was again elected to the board of supervisors and served as chairman of the building committee which erected the new county courthouse of Christian county. He acquitted himself with such high credit in that responsible position that the building has often been pointed out as a monument to the honesty and fidelity of Robert A. Gray and his associates on the building committee.
Mr. Gray has been a lifelong observer and student and from his boyhood has been a writer of prose and verse. Many years ago he was a contributor to the St. Louis Post and the Evening News and also the old Knickerbocker magazine and other publications. He wrote "Lines on the death of General Logan," which were spoken of by Mrs. Logan in most complimentary terms. He also wrote "There's but three pairs of stocking to darn tonight," "Lines on the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns," and many other poems which he can now readily repeat from memory and which have been copied quite ex- tensively by the press. He is greatly interested in the history of his adopted state and for many years has served as a member of the board of trustees of the Illinois State Historical Library Association, with such men as Judge Lam- bert Tree and the Hon. J. N. Perrin. For this library he wrote a history of the Scotch-Irish in America, which was published in a volume issued by the or- ganization in 1904 and shows a great deal of research.
On January 24, 1861, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Martha Blackburn, who was born in Ireland, October 21, 1840. She is a daughter of Samuel and Martha (Knox) Blackburn, both of whom were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in October, 1810, and the mother in April, 1815, They were married in Ireland and came to America in 1851, settling in Madison county, Illinois, where Mr. Blackburn departed this life in 1869 and the mother in 1900. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray : Hyde, deceased ; William A., of Knox county, Missouri; Anna B., now Mrs. Walley, of Decatur; John K., of Blue Mound; Joseph, deceased; Mary, also deceased; Margaret, now Mrs. C. S. Burdick, of Christian county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Frank Long, of Mount Auburn, Christian county; Robert H., also of Christian county ; Sarah, at home; and James, Frank, Francis S. and Edna B., all of Blue Mound.
Until the Civil war Mr. Gray voted the republican ticket, voting first for John C. Fremont, but at the time of the reconstruction in the south he turned to the democratic party, to which he now gives his adherence. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. He has traveled extensively in the United States and few men are better acquainted with the resources and possibilities of this wonderful country. He is a gentleman of fine social characteristics,
368
HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
generous, frank, straightforward and modest, and in public and private life has always won the respect of all with whom he associated. Starting as a boy upon his own resources, he attained deserved success, and now he enjoys the result of many years of application. At the same time he is accorded the honor which belongs to a man who has sincerely attempted to perform his duty.
ELIJAH A. MORGAN, M. D.
While Dr. Elijah A. Morgan is now living retired, he was for many years a distinguished member of the medical profession of Macon county, his marked ability gaining for him a liberal practice that causes the memory of his pro- fessional service to be cherished, while to him is extended the warm friendship and kindly regard of many who have been his patients. He was born in Niantic township, Macon county, October 10, 1854. His parents were C. W., and Eliz- abeth E. Morgan, who were among the first settlers of Macon county, settling on a farm in Niantic township ere the work of progress and development had been carried forward in the county to any great extent. The father was a descendant of a Scotch family, representatives of which came from Kentucky at an early day, and purchased a large tract of land in Sangamon county, includ- ing the present site of the state capitol. The mother was of German lineage. On moving to Macon county C. W. Morgan could have purchased land which is today worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre for the nominal govern- ment price of one dollar and a quarter per acre. At that time Decatur was simply a trading post and there were no industrial or manufacturing enter- prises, and little evidence of future development and growth were to be seen.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.