USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 40
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In July of the same year Mr. Hartman removed westward to Illinois and has since been identified with the interests of Macon county. He purchased a lot in Maroa, on which he erected a business house and put in a stock of stoves and tinware, having learned the tinner's trade prior to the war. Sub- sequently he added a full line of shelf and heavy hardware and continued ac- tively in business at Maroa until 1888, when he sold out there. He then erected
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a business block in Argenta and became a hardware merchant of this city, re- maining a factor in trade interests here until he sold out to his son, W. E. Hart- man. The father is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits.
Mr. Hartman was married in Maroa to Miss Sarah Barger, who was a native of Wisconsin but was reared in Maroa. They became the parents of three chil- dren : W. E., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Robert C., who works in his brother's store; and Estella, who died at the age of eleven months. The wife and mother passed away in Argenta and the father afterward married Mrs. Brenan, a widow, who was born in Pennsylvania. The marriage was celebrated in 1895. While living in Maroa Mr. Hartman built a residence there which he afterward sold and purchased a home in Argenta, in which he is now pleasantly located, his former success supplying him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In his political views Mr. Hartman has ever been a stalwart republican, standing as a stanch supporter of the party which was the defender of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has always been the party of reform and progress. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called him to a number of local offices of honor and trust. He has served as justice of the peace, as police magistrate and notary public and at Maroa was also a member of the town council. He has likewise been a delegate to nu- merous conventions of his party and his opinions have carried weight in its local councils. He has been a resident of Macon county for forty-six years and has witnessed much of its growth and development. In the work of progress he has also borne his share and has lived an active and useful life which has gained for him the warm regard of his fellowmen, while his social qualities have won for him the friendship of many with whom he has come in contact.
JOHN L. HELPHINSTINE.
John L. Helphinstine is one of the fortunate agriculturists of Macon county, being the owner of a well improved farm of over eighty acres, and occupies an enviable position in the community. He was born on a farm near Hillsboro, Kentucky, February 1I, 1876, and is a son of John P. and Lucinda (Smoot) Helphinstine. The father was also born in that state and spent his life there upon a farm. The subject of this review was educated in the public schools, pursuing his studies mostly during the winter time and assisting upon the farm through the summer season. Under the direction of his father he became thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits and remained a member of the household until he was eighteen years of age. At that time he became self-sup- porting and for four years he was in the employ of neighboring farmers. How- ever, he came to the conclusion that conditions were more favorable in this state and he acordingly migrated to Macon county, where he secured a position in Harristown township, working by the month. After four years in his new loca- tion he went to Decatur and for some time worked at the carpenter's trade.
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On October 8, 1902, Mr. Helphinstine was united in marriage to Miss Cotna A. Leonard, of Harristown township, which was also the place of her birth, June 23, 1880. She is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Foster) Leonard, mentioned elsewhere in this work. In settlement of the Leonard estate Mrs. Helphinstine inherited about sixty-seven acres, since which time the interest of one of the other heirs has been purchased and the farm, which is located on section 13, Harristown township, is now a well improved tract of eighty-two acres with convenient buildings and other accessories that are to be found on any well conducted farm.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Helphinstine: Samuel Pay- ton, born May 6, 1903, in the village of Harristown; Lucille Elizabeth, born on the home farm, March 26, 1905; and Gladys Irene, born in Decatur, November 2, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Helphinstine are both active members of the Christian church, her membership being in the church at Decatur and his home at Ringos Mills, Kentucky. He was reared a democrat but for a number of years has been independent in politics and votes for the man rather than the party. He has never been an office seeker but is public-spirited and energetic in support of all enterprises calculated to benefit the community and possessess those qualities of character that command the respect of all who know him.
DAVID L. SCHROLL.
David L. Schroll now makes his home in the town of Warrensburg, where he is living retired, but for many years he was closely and actively asscociated with agricultural interests and is still owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres just north of the town and an eighty acre tract about three miles north of his other place. His farms return to him an excellent annual income, supplying him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Energy and determination have been salient features in his career and by reason of his intelligently directed industry and his integrity in business matters he has gained the prosperity which is now his.
Mr. Schroll was born in Ashland, Ohio, December 24, 1840, and is a son of David and Maria (Lehman) Schroll. The father's birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and as the family name indicates he is descended from German ancestry. When about twenty years of age he left the Keystone state and removed to Ohio, where he hewed out a farm in the midst of a forest, his first home being one of the primitive log cabins of pioneer days. He first owned but thirty-three acres of land but he afterward added more as his financial resources increased. He died in 1877 and his wife survived him three years, passing away in 1880.
David L. Schroll pursued his education in the schools of Ashland, Ohio, where he was living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted as a member of the Forty-second Ohio Infantry, with which he served for three years, proving an efficient, capable soldier whose loyalty to the Union cause was
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DAVID L. SCHROLL
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never questioned. He participated in a number of important engagements and returned home with a most creditable military record.
When the war was over Mr. Schroll again took up his abode in Ohio, where he stayed for a time, but later went to Indiana, where he hired out as a farm hand and worked for one summer. He then came to Illinois and settled in Macon county, where he was employed by a relative for two years. He next began farm- ing on his own account by renting land and subsequently purchased fifty acres, for which he paid sixteen hundred dollars. From that time on he has been very succesful. He bent every energy to the further development and improvement of, his property and as the years passed on his fields became more and more produc- tive and he was thus able to add to his annual income. In course of time his business became sufficiently remunerative and valuable to enable him to live retired and he took up his abode in Warrensburg, where he now makes his home.
In 1867 Mr. Schroll was united in marriage to Miss Emma Watkins, a rep- resentative of a prominent family of this county. They became the parents of two children : Alice, who married George Faith and has two children, David and Joy; and David, who was the only son of that marriage. He lived to be only about seven months old, The mother passed away in 1870. Mr. Schroll later wedded Mary Beall.
At one time Mr. Schroll was president of the Illini Mutual Fire Insurance Company but resigned some years ago. He belongs to the Congregational church and is a very public-spirited man, taking an active and helpful interest in many movements and meaures for the general good. As the years have gone by he has firmly intrenched himself in the regard, respect and confidence of his fellowmen and well deserves mention in this volume as one of the representative citizens of Macon county.
JONES & MCLAUGHLIN.
One of the recently formed law partnerships of Decatur is that of Jones & Mclaughlin, organized in August, 1910, with offices in the Citizens Title & Trust building. The members of the firm, Alba Allen Jones and Joseph Lyons Mclaughlin, graduated in law in 1910 and 1909 respectively and have now fairly entered upon the practice of a profession to which they are devoting their best energies.
Alba Allen Jones, the senior member of the firm, was born in Macon county, January 13, 1876, and is a son of John Wesley Jones, who was born in Sangamon county, this state, February 17, 1845, and came to Macon county with his parents about 1849. The mother who bore the maiden name of Catherine Johnson, was born in Ohio, January 18, 1853. Both sides of the house have produced stanch fighters, who risked their lives for what they considered to be right. The grand- father of Mrs. Jones served as captain in the Black Hawk war and Hugh Jones, a brother of John Wesley Jones, enlisted in an Illinois regiment under the stars and stripes in the Civil war and gave up his life for his country at the battle of Shiloh. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jones was brightened by the arrival
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of eight children, five of whom are now living : Corwin E., of Long Creek, Macon county ; Alba Allen, of this review; Bertha, at home; Bernice A., now Mrs. Truman Quintus Sanner, of Shelby county; and Hugh W., of Casner, Macon county.
As a boy Alba Allen Jones was reared upon the home farm and received his preliminary education in the district schools. He was a diligent student and unusually quick to learn, so that when he arrived at the age of sixteen he pre- sented himself for examination as a teacher and successfully passed the test, but the examiners announced that he was too young to receive his certificate. He became a student at the Western Illinois Normal School at Bushnell, Illinois, and in the spring of 1894, having then arrived at the age of eighteen, he began teaching in Macon county, his first school being Harmony school in Milan township. He next taught in the intermediate department of the schools at Warrensburg and for the following three years he was identified with the Union and Bois D'Arc schools. For three years he was principal of the Boody schools and attained a marked degree of success as a teacher. In 1902 he was elected county superintendent of schools, of Macon county, being known as the "kid" candidate and receiving the largest plurality of any candidate for that position up to the time of his election. He served in this capacity with general accept- ance to the people for four years. While teaching school Mr. Jones devoted a great deal of time to the study of law, having decided that he would ultimately enter the legal profession. He became a student of the College of Law of the University of Illinois and in 1910 was graduated from that institution with the degree of LL. B. On April 6 of the same year he was admitted to the bar and has since engaged in practice.
On December 8, 1904, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Martha Frances Cox, who was born at Arcola, Douglas county, this state, March 7, 1884, a daughter of James M. and Frances Taylor (Hall) Cox. Her father, who was a well known farmer and live-stock dealer, is now deceased.
Mr. Jones as a result of his observation and study has allied himself with the republican party and is an earnest advocate of its principles. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist church and is identified with the Masonic order, having taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, council, commandery and shrine. He also holds membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and as he is a man of pronounced social characteristics he has many warm friends in those organizations. Mr. Jones, although a young man, has had a practical experience as a teacher and public officer and has shown a good judgment that augurs well for his future. Ambitious, diligent in whatever he undertakes and capable in execution, he has now found a work well suited to his capacity and one which promises for him abundant returns.
Joseph Lyons Mclaughlin was born at Salem, Illinois, August 28, 1883, a son of Joseph Knox and Tirzah (Morton) Mclaughlin. The father was born in Marion county, Illinois, in September, 1850, and the mother in the same county in 1851. Mr. Mclaughlin, Sr., is a farmer and live-stock dealer and for two terms served as member of the board of supervisors for his township. In his family are nine children: Charles T., of Marion county; Calvin J., of
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Salem, Illinois; Harry H., of Old Trail, South Dakota; Stella M., now Mrs. W. R. Burgess, of Marion county ; Joseph Lyons, of this review; Hugh Archie, of Marion county ; Robert J., also of Marion county; and Walter W. and Elma A., both living at home.
Joseph L. Mclaughlin attended the common schools of the county and then for three years was a student of the Southern Illinois Normal University. After teaching school for two years he entered the University of Illinois in 1906 and was graduated with the honors of his class and the degree of LL. B. in 1909. Entering the law office of Hon. F. B. Hamill, of Champaign, Illinois, he con- tinued there until he became associated with Mr. Jones in practice in Decatur. Mr. Mclaughlin gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He holds mem- bership in the Masonic order, the Theta Kappa Nu, Delta Sigma Rho and the Egyptian Club, the last three organizations named being college societies. He was a member of two college debating teams and early gave evidence of a talent for public speaking that is highly valuable in the practice of law, provided it is under the safe control of a well regulated judgment. Mr. Mclaughlin has from the outset of his career been guided by high ideals and the young man who thus launches his ship has made a favorable start on the voyage that should, indeed, be prosperous. That the subject of this review will be able to give a good account of himself in years to come is confidently prophesied by his friends.
MELVIN A. KRASCHEL.
Melvin A. Kraschel, who operates a fine farm of two hundred and fifty acres on section 27, South Macon township, is recognized as one of the promi- nent breeders of hogs in Illinois and his herd of pure bred Duroc Jerseys has a reputation extending over many states. He has devoted a great deal of time and expense to his specialty and the results indicate that his labor has not been in vain. Hogs from his farm have carried off the blue ribbon in competition with long established herds and today no man in the business in Illinois has a better record as a breeder of pure bred swine than the subject of this review.
Mr. Kraschel was born on a farm in Macon county, October 7, 1874, his parents being. Fred and Nancy Jane (Poe) Kraschel, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and is the eldest of five children, the other members of the family being: Theodore F., who was born April 23, 1876, and died when sixteen years of age; Ella E., who was born March I, 1878, and is now the wife of Charles Carr, of Macon county; Hattie E., who was born December 6, 1884, and died August 6, 1887; and Nelson G., who was born October 27, 1889, and is now in Harlan, Iowa.
The subject of this review was educated in the common schools and after laying aside his books continued upon the farm until 1895, when he began farm- ing for himself on land owned by his father in South Wheatland township. Five years later he moved to the place he has since occupied and here he has engaged in general farming and stock-raising with an unusual degree of success. A
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number of years ago he became greatly interested in pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs and he makes a specialty of this branch, also keeping some pure bred Englishshire stallions. He has exhibited Duroc Jerseys at eleven state fairs in Illinois and received premiums at every exhibition except the first. He has also exhibited one year at the state fairs of Iowa and Ohio and two years at the Indiana state fair and in each case was awarded premiums. He has gained a high reputation as a judge of hogs and acted in that capacity at the Illinois and Kentucky state fairs in 1908 with such satisfaction to competitors that he was called upon to serve in a similar capacity at both fairs in 1910.
On December 31, 1895, Mr. Kraschel was united in marriage to Miss Jessie L. Bromley, a daughter of Fernando and Christie A. (Clifton) Bromley, both natives of New York. She is a lady of many excellent attainments and presides over one of the happiest homes in the county. She is a native of Macon county, born October 30, 1878. Four children have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kraschel: Leo Fay, born October 29, 1896; Thomas G., April 15, 1899; Robert, March 27, 1901 ; and Howard D., July 3, 1903.
Mr. Kraschel is a member of South Macon Lodge, No. 467, A. F. & A. M .. and also of Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P., and of the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has never aspired to public office, as his interest is centered in the work to which he has given a great deal of time. It is a long step from the razor-backed hog to the standard hog now being delivered to the packing houses, but Mr. Kraschel recognizes that greater improvement is yet possible. In one sense he is a mis- sionary and cannot fail to be a benefactor. He is a persistent advocate of im- provement in the hog and he has been instrumental in no small degree in arous- ing a sentiment in its favor. He is an enthusiastic and hard working man in anything he undertakes and has met with deserved success in a vocation to which he is devoting his best energies.
MONTFORD E. PENIWELL.
No record of Macon county would be complete without the sketch of Mont- ford E. Peniwell, county clerk and the worthy son of a worthy father who proved his courage and devotion to the Union by four years of faithful service in the field. There is no doubt that blood "tells" in the great game of life and in the struggle it is often the one who has a good foundation in a robust ancestry that wins the day. It is an observed fact that the sons of veterans of the Civil war, both north and south, are materially in evidence all over the country, in- heriting, as very many of them do, the characteristics of fortitude and spirit of self-denial that enabled their fathers to meet undaunted the dangers of the battle- field and the anxieties of separation from home, with possibilities of never be- holding the familiar faces again. Many sons of noble soldiers are filling posi- tions of trust and responsibility and among them is the subject of this review, who has attained his position mainly through his own efforts and without the assistance of wealth or influence of interests inimical to the best welfare of the state.
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Montford E. Peniwell is a native of Moultrie county, Illinois, born Decem- ber 10, 1865, and is a son of Thomas and Mary E. (Dawson) Peniwell, natives of Indiana and Delaware respectfully. Thomas Peniwell, who was a farmer and merchant, located at Decatur about 1860. The great interests involved in the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy aroused his patriotism and he freely offered his life in defense of the principles which he believed to be the foundation of the republic. He enlisted in Battery I, Second Illinois Artillery, and served throughout the entire war on many a bloody field, as those who are familiar with the fighting characteristics of the Second Artillery will testify. He was wounded at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, in one of the fiercest con- flicts of the war, but recovered and later lost an arm by the premature discharge of a cannon at a soldiers' reunion. His comrades, recognizing his faithfulness, made him commander of Dunham Post, No. 41, G. A. R., which office he held at the time of his death, May 25, 1903. He was for sixteen years city ticket agent of the Illinois Central Railroad and also of the Vandalia line when summoned by the call which every soldier regardless of whether he belongs to the rank or file must at last heed. His widow still survives and makes her home at Decatur.
Montford E. Peniwell received his education in the public schools of Decatur, but a wide experience with men and affairs has contributed in no small degree in rounding out the education for which the public schools gave only the founda- tion. He assisted his father in the railroad ticket office, but later learned the trade of sign, fresco and house painting, which he followed for nine years. Having a natural desire to see the world, he attached himself to the theatrical business and as a musician traveled for five years with various companies, among them Forepaugh's circus, Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and various dramatic organizations. He gained valuable experience in extended trips through- out the east and west, which have been of practical benefit in his later career. Being a man of good habits, he did not yield to the temptations that overcome many young men when separated from home and its attachments.
Having seen the world in many phases, the home instinct drew him to settle permanently among old friends and amidst the familiar scenes of his boyhood. His affable manners gained friends, who advised a political career. To this he acceded and was elected city treasurer, serving a term of two years. He was then elected city clerk and occupied the office for two terms-a period of four years. He served as deputy county treasurer under E. R. Moffett for four years and in November, 1906, was elected county clerk of Macon county for a term of four years. In all his official career he has retained the confidence of the public and is recognized throughout the county as one of its most trustworthy citizens. His social qualities have endeared him to a wide circle, both in secret societies and outside of them. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, Eagles, Modern Woodmen of America, White Cross Society and the Musicians Union.
On the 27th of September, 1894, Mr. Peniwell was united in marriage to Miss Lucille Weisner, of Decatur. Three children have blessed the union : Robert O., Leota Irene and Zelma Lucille. As indicated above, Mr. Peniwell is a self-made man. He owes his present position of respect and influence to
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sound principles of life, early inculcated by parents who recognized the im- portance of a right start in life. The honors and emoluments that have accrued to him he has earned, and it may truthfully be said that in his earthly possessions there are no dishonest dollars. The future of any man who has lived forty-five years "on the square" is assured and one of the greatest needs of the country today is public officials of unblemished record and unspotted integrity.
JAMES H. RECORD.
James H. Record is identified with the farming interests of Macon county, cultivating a part of the Samuel Powers estate of five hundred acres, which he rents. He was born in Pendleton county, Kentucky, in June, 1841, and is a son of William S. and Susanna (Said) Record. His paternal grandfather, John Record, was one of the early settlers of Kentucky. The family is of English lineage and the name was originally spelled Records. The first Record who crossed the Atlantic to the new world settled in New Jersey. William S. Record, the father of James H. Record, was born in Kentucky and removed from there to Illinois in 1857. Various representatives of the name have become promi- nent in different localities in which they have lived, including Dr. Record, of Kansas City.
In his youthful days James H. Record attended school in Kentucky, where he resided to the age of sixteen years, when he came to Illinois, taking up his abode in Coles county in 1857. There he worked as a farm hand and his dili- gence and industry made it easy for him to obtain paying positions. He was thus employed until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit was aroused and he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of Company C of the Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under Captain Monroe. On the expiration of his first term he reenlisted under Captain M. W. Robbins and was honorably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, after a service of four years, during which period he participated in many of the important and hotly contested battles that led up to the final victory which crowned the Union forces. He never faltered in the face of danger nor hesitated to discharge any duty that devolved upon him and with a most creditable military record he returned to the north and again become identified with farming in- terests in Illinois.
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