USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 44
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Alvah R. Smith was educated in the common schools but being ambitious to advance he began at sixteen years of age to work by the month, hiring out to neighboring farmers. Thus he continued for a number of years; finally after his marriage, settling at his present home, where he has conducted farming on up-to-date principles, making it a good and profitable business.
On February 12, 1901, at Warrensburg, Illinois, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Taggart, who was born on a farm near Warrensburg, August 30, 1878, and is a daughter of Harrison Madison and Margaret J. (Hanks) Taggart, now residents of Illini township, this county. It is interesting to note that her maternal grandfather, Joseph Hanks, was a cousin of the mother of Abraham Lincoln. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Margaret, who died in infancy; Dorothy, born January 15, 1904; Virgil, born December 23, 1905; Ralph, born January 9, 1908; and another who died in infancy.
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Mr. Smith has been, since arriving at his majority, a supporter of the re- publican party, but he has never aspired to political honors, as his interest is centered in agriculture and stock-raising, to which he has devoted his life. By experience and observation he has gained a great deal of practical information which he now applies under most favorable conditions. Although only thirty- three years of age, he has an enviable reputation in the vocation to which he seems thoroughly adapted, and which offers great inducements to those who are properly qualified.
ANDREW J. THRIFT.
Andrew J. Thrift was for a number of years one of the thrifty, enterpris- ing and representative farmers of Macon county, where he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 12th of April, 1888. He had passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, for he was born on the 19th of October, 1815. His birthplace was near Hopkinsville, Christian county, Kentucky, in which locality his parents, Samuel and Sarah Fleming (Cowan) Thrift, owned a farm. The father was born in Fairfax county, Vir- ginia, and was a representative of a very prominent family of the Old Dominion. His father, Charles Thrift, and three brothers came from England in colonial days and established their home in Virginia, where they were living at the time of the outbreak of the war for independence. Charles Thrift enlisted in defense of the American cause, and two of his brothers were killed while serving with the Continental army. Charles Thrift was closely connected with the Washing- ton, Lee and other distinguished families of Virginia. Samuel Thrift was a young boy when his father removed to Kentucky, settling in the locality in which Andrew J. Thrift was born. It was then a frontier district, in which the atroci- ties of the savages were such as to give to the state the name of the Dark and Bloody Ground. Only a comparatively few settlers had penetrated into this western wilderness and the Thrift family were among those who aided in re- claiming the district for the purposes of civilization. Samuel Thrift was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Fleming Cowan, a descendant of the Stuart family of England, her ancestry being traceable directly to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Andrew J. Thrift began his education in Kentucky. When sixteen years of age he became a resident of Illinois, making his way to St. Clair county, where he aided his father in the development and improvement of their new farm. He completed his education during his spare hours and became a well informed man, adding largely to his knowledge through reading and observation. He was about twenty years of age when he began farming on his own account, rent- ing land until he had saved from his earnings a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase property. He then invested in a farm in the same locality and after- ward became the owner of another farm. He improved both and then sold and eventually removed to Macon county, where he again bought land, becoming the owner of four hundred acres of valuable property in Maroa township. His work was always of a most practical and progressive character and his labors
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wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his place, making it one of the best improved farms of the district. He was a man of resolute spirit and unfaltering determination, and carried forward to successful completion what- ever he undertook, so that at his death he was able to leave to his family a valuable property.
Mr. Thrift was united in marriage to Miss Anna Christina Peter, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Christina (Hoffmann) Peter. The father was a native of Germany and came to this country with his wife and their one child. They settled in Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he turned his at- tention to farming, but though he carried on the work of the fields, he lived most of the time in town. In 1839 he removed westward to St. Clair county, Illinois, and Mrs. Thrift acquired her education largely in this state. Her grandmother was of a titled German family, which is still represented in the fatherland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thrift were born nine children: Alonzo M., a retired farmer ; Charles A., a farmer of this county; Mary L., the wife of God- din Welden and the mother of two children, Goddina and Margaret; Grace, the wife of Samuel David McKenny and the mother of two children, Torrey and Marjorie ; four children who died in infancy; and Douglas A., who died at the age of thirty-two years.
Mr. Thrift continued to devote his attention to his farm and its further de- velopment up to the time of his death. He was known as a thorough, reliable. and enterprising business man and in citizenship displayed many sterling traits of character. He was public-spirited, was interested in politics, and gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was also a member of the Bap- tist church and his honorable, upright life 'gained him the confidence and good- will of all who knew him.
JAMES T. GABRIEL.
The owner of six hundred acres of good farming land in Macon county, James T. Gabriel may be regarded as one of the fortunate citizens of central Illinois. He was born in this county, January 27, 1860, and is a son of Thomas and Jane (Warner) Gabriel. The father was born in Ireland, in 1819. He came to America in 1844 and to Illinois in 1858, settling on the place where the subject of this review now lives. Here he built a home in May, 1858. He was one of the first settlers of the region and rode a horse bareback to Decatur to get a candle for light. He was one of the stanch pioneer men and assisted to the extent of his ability in preparing this region as a desirable place of habita- tation. After arriving in this country he spent a number of years in New York city and for fourteen years was a clerk in the dry-goods store of A. T. Stewart. He had profound regard for the American republic and was one of the best friends of the old soldiers that Macon county has known.
He departed this life in 1891, after a long and honorable career. The mother was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1826, and was called from earthly scenes in January, 1910. They are both buried in Bethel cemetery. Five children blessed their union, four of whom are living: Anna, the wife of James M. Lee,
JAMES T. GABRIEL
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of Decatur; Eliza J., the wife of John Scaggs, of Blue Mound; James T., our subject ; and Dora, the wife of Henry Botoner, of Macon county.
James T. Gabriel received his education in the public schools of Macon county and continued to live upon the home farm, renting land from his father and successfully conducting general farming operations. Here he has made many improvements and his farm is known as one of the most valuable properties in Pleasant View township.
On October 3, 1883, Mr. Gabriel was united in marriage to Miss Ida Putsch, who was born in Montgomery county, Illinois, February 9, 1861, and was a daughter of Frederick and Augusta (Forberg) Putsch. The father was a native of Saxe-Altenburg, Germany, where he was born January 10, 1824. He came to Illinois in 1838 and settled in St. Clair county. 1853 he was married to Augusta Forberg, who departed this life February 15, 1886. Mr. Putsch was a resident of Macon county for twenty-nine years and became one of its prosperous farmers. He was called to his reward November 26, 1903. Mrs. Putsch was born in Germany, in 1827, and died in Macon county in 1887. She and her husband are both buried in Bethel cemetery. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel: Etta, born August 30, 1885, and now Mrs. John Buchter, of Pleasant View township; and Maude, who was born July 16, 1887, and is the wife of Ezra Crow, of Macon county. They have one child, Merle. Mrs. Gabriel having been called away, our object was again married, January 3, 1888, to Miss Clara Putsch, a sister of his first wife. She was born in Blue Mound, township, April 3, 1870. Three children were born to the second marriage of Mr. Gabriel : Stella, April 16, 1891 ; Oscar, June 30, 1894; and Guy, September 14, 1897.
Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel are members of the Bethel Methodist church, of which he has served as trustee and steward for many years. He is an adherent of the republican party and, being a stanch friend of education, has filled the position of school director in his district with great acceptance to the people. All his life he has been closely identified with the region where he now lives. He is one of its best known residents and no man stands higher in the estimation of the people of the community. He has attained success through the application of perseverance and a good judgment that have seldom failed to accomplish the object which he sought and today he enjoys the results of his well directed endeavors.
CHARLES ROY JOHNSTON, M. D.
Among the physicians and surgeons of Decatur who are doing creditable work in the line of their profession, Charles Roy Johnston is numbered. He is yet a young man, but has built up a practice which many an older physician might well envy. He was born in Washburn, Illinois, July 25, 1881, a son of Charles B. and Ida M. (Eveland) Johnston, both of whom are living at Remington, In- diana, where the father is engaged in the lumber business.
At the usual age, Dr. Johnston entered the public schools and therein pursued his education until he had become a high school student at Washburn, where
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he was graduated with the class of 1898. He afterward entered the Southwest Kansas College at Winfield, Kansas, and St. Louis University, at St. Louis, Missouri. In the latter institution he pursued the medical course and received a practical training in the onerous duties of the profession through his services as interne in the St. Louis Female Hospital and in St. Mary's Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri, for two years. In January, 1907, he located for practice in Decatur, where he has since remained and in the three years which have elapsed he has made steady and gratifying progress. That he stands high with the mem- bers of the medical profession is indicated in the fact that he has been elected secretary and treasurer of the Decatur Medical Society.
Dr. Johnston was married June 24, 1908, at Saybrook, Illinois, to Miss June Riggs, a daughter of C. B. Riggs. He belongs to Grace Methodist Episcopal church, and in his fraternal relations is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is actuated in all that he does by a laudable ambition and by broad reading he keeps in touch with the advancement made by the medical fraternity, so that he employs the most modern methods in his practice.
WILLIAM K. COULTER.
In the years of an active busy life William K. Coulter firmly established himself in the high regard of those with whom he came in contact as a man of worth in business circles and of valuable characteristics in other relations. For a long period he was numbered among the well known and active farmers of Macon county, owning and cultivating one hundred and sixty acres in Friends Creek township. He, made his home in this county from the spring of 1854 until his death, arriving here when a young man of about twenty-four years. He was born in Pennsylvania March 30, 1830, and when a lad accompanied his parents to Ohio, his youth being largely passed in Crawford county. On the 23d of August, 1853, in Marion county, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Hill, who was born and reared in that county.
In 1854 the young couple came to Illinois, arriving in Macon county in the month of April. They settled on land which had previously been purchased by Mrs. Coulter's father, and with characteristic energy William K. Coulter at once began to develop and cultivate the tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Sub- sequently he erected a good house and made other substantial improvements upon the place in accordance with the progressive spirit of modern times. He carried on farming there for a number of years or until 1887, when he retired from farm work and removed to Argenta, where he purchased a house which he remodeled, making it a comfortable home. He continued his residence in Argenta up to the time of his death, which, however, occurred while he was visiting in Jewell county, Kansas, on the 5th of September, 1893. His demise was deeply regretted by many friends as well as his immediate family, for while he had not figured prominently in public work, the sterling traits of his character were such as gained for him many friends.
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Mrs. Coulter still survives her husband, and at his death took charge of the farm and business. The family numbered five daughters who are still living : Melissa, the wife of James Beckham, a resident farmer of Friends Creek town- ship, by whom she has one child; Aggie, who is the wife of J. C. Bear of Los Angeles, California, and has two daughters and one son; Mrs. Retta McGinnis, a widow who has five children; Mrs. Ora Wilson, a widow who is living in California and has one son; and Blanche, the wife of O. B. Shuey, of Argenta, by whom she has four children. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter also lost nine children, eight dying in early childhood, while Josephine became the wife of Albert Bear and died April 13, 1904, at the age of forty-eight years, leaving three sons.
Mrs. Coulter has displayed excellent business ability in managing the inter- ests left to her. She rents the farm and from it derives a good income. She and her daughter are members of the Christian church of Argenta, and she is well known in the town, her many good qualities winning her the friendship of those with whom she has come in contact. For fifty-seven long years she has lived in Macon county, and is therefore numbered among the pioneer residents. She has witnessed much of the growth, development and upbuilding of this part of the state, and can relate many interesting incidents of the early days when times and conditions were far different than at present.
CARTER ROLAND SCROGGIN.
Nothing appears more fitting than for the son to succeed the father, especially in a business which the father built up by years of patient application and for which the son is adapted by talent and education. If the same branch of in- dustry has been carried along by several generations of the family the remark applies with still greater force. Each succeeding generation represents a new accumulation of energy, which if righly directed may lead to remarkable results along a line which, like a river, in many instances increases in strength and volume as it approaches the sea.
The Scroggin family of Macon county is an illustration of this truth. They have been farmers and stock-raisers and, beginning in Kentucky and continuing in Illinois almost from the time the state was admitted to the Union, the mem- bers of the family have notably contributed toward agricultural development. Carter R. Scroggin occupies a prominent place in Macon county as a member of the third generation of Scroggins in Illinois. He was born on a farm near Mount Pulaski, Logan county, May 6, 1860, and is a son of T. J. and Rebecca (Bicks) Scroggin. The father is now living at Decatur and a record of his career appears on another page of this work. The honored mother is deceased.
Carter R. Scroggin came with his parents to the farm where he now lives when he was four years of age. This was in 1864-forty-six years ago-and ever since that time he has made his home there. He was educated in the district schools and under the skilled direction of his father gained a thorough acquaint- ance with all farming operations and has always been closely identified with his father in business. At the present time he has charge of about thirteen hun-
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dred acres and is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is a breeder of pure bred Hereford cattle and has one of the noted herds of the state, to which he has devoted a great deal of attention and which has reached a high degree of perfection, animals from his herd being well known prize win- ners at the county fairs. Mr. Scroggin has from his boyhood taken great in- terest in his calling and the result of his interest is to be seen in the up-to-date condition of everything about the farm, including houses, barns, outbuildings, fruit and ornamental trees and other accessories which are essential in a thoroughly up-to-date farm. He is a practical farmer and aims to keep fully abreast of the times and to make use of all aids that will assist in giving value or efficiency in any department of his work. He owns a general store at Harris- town and is associated with his father in the cement, block and tile business, which has been growing rapidly in all parts of the country during recent years. He is the only living child of the family, his two brothers, James R. and Charles, having passed away in early manhood.
Mr. Scroggin was married in Blue Mound township, this county, January 30, 1880, to Miss Nancy F. Mathews, a native of Macon county and a daughter of John and Agnes (Johnson) Mathews. He has been greatly blessed in the possession of a wife of estimable character, who has proven to him a true help- meet and companion.
In politics Mr. Scroggin was originally a democrat, voting three times for Grover Cleveland for president of the United States, but since his last vote for Mr. Cleveland he has voted with the republican party, although he is still a democrat. His mind is largely ocupied with his business affairs, but he is a generous and willing contributor to every cause that aims to advance the interests of his part of the county and is recognized as a man of unimpeachable integrity, whose promise is as good as his bond and who recognizes that his interests are identical with those of the community where he has spent nearly all the years of his life and where he is known as one of its leading citizens.
FRED M. VAN KOUGHNET.
The Warrensburg Canning Company is one of the chief business enterprises of the thriving little city in which it is located, and the successful management of the business in largely attributed to Mr. Fred M. Van Koughnet, who for six years has resided in this locality. He was born in Turin, New York, Feb- ruary 25, 1868, and is a son of N. W. and Helen (Riggs) Van Koughnet. His father was a farmer by occupation and one of the leading citizens of the locality in which he made his home. The common schools afforded the son his educa- tional privileges and while still residing in the east he had some experience in the grocery business. He also made his home for a time in North East, Pennsyl- vania, where he managed two factories, spending five years in that place. About 1904 he came to Warrensburg and has since been identified with the Warrens- burg Canning Company. The business is growing under the able management of Mr. Van Koughnet, who brought to it the experience of five years' connec-
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tion with canning interests in the east. The trade has grown and developed under his direction and the enterprise is now a profitable one.
In January, 1899, Mr. Van Koughnet was married to Miss Helen Lewis and unto them have been born four children: William, Helen, Fred and Lewis, the eldest now in school. Mr. Van Koughnet became a member of the Masonic fraternity in Pennsylvania and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. In fact he is in other ways allied with the best interests of the community in which he makes his home and as a citizen as well as a business man is held in high esteem because of his genuine worth.
EDGAR E. BARBER.
Edgar E. Barber, proprietor of a well equipped jewelry store, displays in its conduct that quality which denotes a thorough and efficient management. Early recognizing the fact that industry intelligently directed will ever win advance- ment and success, he has put forth earnest and discriminating effort and has won for himself a substantial position in the ranks of the leading merchants of the city. He was born in Springfield, Illinois, April 21, 1866, a son of Elam and Lucia Ann (Clark) Barber, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the former born in 1829, and the latter in 1836. Mrs. Barber was a second cousin of Zach- ary Taylor, president of the United States. The paternal grandfather was a native of Vermont and his wife of Connecticut. On removing westward he walked all the way from Vermont to Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Elam Barber became residents of Springfield, Illinois, in 1856, and were personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln before his election to the presidency. The father was engaged in the transfer business, and during the war delivered goods and supplies to Camp Butler. He died February 14, 1902, in Springfield, where the mother still makes her home. In the family were two sons and a daughter: Edgar E .; M. J., now conducting a contracting business in Springfield; and Ella, the wife of Harry Eads, of Sacramento, California.
At the usual age Edgar E. Barber was sent to the public schools of the capital city and passing through consecutive grades became a high-school student. At the age of sixteen years, however, he put aside his text-books and began learn- ing the watchmaker's trade, which he followed continuously until 1892, when he removed to Sullivan, Illinois, where he established a jewelry business. He was successful from the start and extended the scope of his activities there by open- ing a book department in his store on July 1, 1896. This likewise proved a source of profit and he conducted a growing business that is now being carried on by his son. Seeking a still broader field of labor, he removed to Decatur on the Ist of June, 1908, and here opened a jewelry store at No. 121 North Water street, in which location he continued until the big fire of August 22, 1909. His stock suffered considerable damage and his fixtures were entirely consumed in the flames. Not discouraged, he at once resumed business, opening a new store at 105 North Water street, with new fixtures and stock. Here he is conducting a successful business, carrying a large and well selected line of jewelry, of both
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domestic and foreign manufacture, together with diamonds and precious stones. The attractive arrangement of his store, the excellent line which he carries, and his reliable business methods are all factors in the gratifying patronage which is accorded him.
On the 5th of September, 1888, Mr. Barber was married to Miss Sadie Nelch, of Springfield, a daughter of John and Jane (Roberts) Nelch, also na- tives of Illinois. Her father was for many years a successful contractor of Springfield. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barber have been born four children: Harry E., who was born May 23, 1889, is an enterprising young business man of Sulli- van; Edith Una, born June 24, 1891, is a high-school graduate; Violet Marie, born December 11, 1893, after a lingering illness of nearly three years, passed away September 2, 1910, at the age of sixteen years; and William was born Sep- tember 29, 1897.
The family are all members of the Methodist church, which has been the religious faith of the Barbers from time immemorial. In Sullivan the daughter Edith was president of the Queen Esther Society of the church, and Mr. Barber was chairman of the board of stewards and also treasurer of the church for twelve years, and under his careful and efficient management the church pros- pered financially. Mr. Barber is prominent in Masonry, holding membership in Sullivan Lodge No. 764, A. F. & A. M .; Sullivan Chapter No. 128, R. A. M .; Sullivan Council No. 1, R. & S. M .; Beaumanoir Commandery No 9, K. T .; Eastern Star Chapter No. 39; and Mecca Shrine of Decatur. He also belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees. His political allegiance is given to the repub- lican party, and while residing in Sullivan he served as a member of the city council. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship, and yet he does not care to hold public office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs. His capability and enterprise are manifest in the suc- cess which has crowned his efforts, making him not only one of the successful merchants of Sullivan, but also of the larger city of Decatur.
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