USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 46
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Dr. Barnes was married in 1891 to Miss Charlotte Gillette, a daughter of John D. Gillette, whose extensive operations as a dealer in cattle have occasioned him to be termed the "cattle king of Illinois." Dr. and Mrs. Barnes have two children, William, Jr., born in December, 1895; and Joan Dean Gillette Barnes, born in June, 1892. Theirs is a hospitable home, ever open for the reception of their many friends. The Doctor is and has been president of the Decatur Coun- try Club since its organization, and is also president of the new City of Decatur and Macon County Hospital Association.
GEORGE W. KRAFT.
George W. Kraft, one of the most prominent, prosperous and public-spirited citizens of Decatur and Macon county, has for more than two decades been suc- cessfully identified with manufacturing interests as the proprietor of a mineral water and bottling enterprise; but his activities have not been confined to this line alone, for in many other fields he has found scope for his splendid executive ability and sound business judgment. His birth occurred in Baltimore, Mary- land, on the 21st of August, 1852, his parents being Michael and Margaret (Strickfus) Kraft. The father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1812, while the mother's birth occurred in Baltimore, in the year 1839. Michael Kraft came to the United States as a youth, locating in Baltimore. In 1864 he jour- neyed westward to Decatur, Illinois, intending to become identified with agricul-
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tural interests here, but his demise occurred just two weeks later. His wife was called to her final rest in 1878.
George W. Kraft obtained his education in the schools of his native city, and after coming to this county learned the trade of brick moulding, becoming an expert in that line of work at a time when hand moulds were used. He also worked as a brick burner, and his arduous toil in this connection impaired his health to such an extent that he was compelled to abandon that field of activety. Learning cigar making, he then went to Quincy and secured employment at that trade. He was poisoned by ivy, however, and returning to Decatur, entered the service of Joseph Michal, while subsequently he acted as foreman for Andy Keppler, who employed forty or more men. Three years later he became half owner of a cafe, which he conducted in partnership with James Keefe for four years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and took up his abode on a farm, being successfully engaged in its operation for four years. At the pres- ent time he owns two hundred and fifty acres of land in Macon county, and an- other tract of three hundred and sixty acres in Alexander county, all of which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He still manages the farms, but employs a foreman on each place to supervise the active work of the fields. In 1889 he purchased a half interest in a mineral water and bottling business and at the end of three weeks purchased his partner's interest, since which time he has remained the sole proprietor of the establishment, having built up an extensive and profitable trade. He was also engaged in the lumber business for a time, but eventually disposed of his interests in that connection. He is likewise interested in gold mining as a speculator, and is one of the pro- moters of mining interests in Gilpin county, Colorado. After developing six thousand acres of coal property in Nokomis he sold it to the Peabody Coal Com- pany of Chicago. He owns a third interest in the AKR Gold Mining & Milling Company, which recently installed an electric light plant and improved machin- ery. This property is located on the Moffat Road, two miles from Rollinsville, Colorado. Mr. Kraft erected the hotel bearing his name in Decatur, and has ever been a most prominent and influential factor in all projects tending to pro- mote the growth and development of the city. His connection with any under- taking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, and in his deal- ings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.
On the 2d of May, 1880, Mr. Kraft was united in marriage to Miss Emma A. Delbridge, of Blue Mound township, Macon county, her parents being Henry and Louise Delbridge, natives of Germany. They took up their abode in this county at an early day, the father being successfully engaged in general agricul- tural pursuits. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kraft were born three children, as follows: George J., whose natal day was January 18, 1883; Elmer H., born November 3, 1885, who is now interested in his father's bottling business; and Edna Louise, the wife of James Whitley, an attorney of Decatur. The wife and mother passed away on the 8th of December, 1904.
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In politics Mr. Kraft is a republican, and at one time he was elected as tax col- lector of Blue Mound township. He was instrumental in the organization of the Volunteer Firemen's Association, and is captain of the famous Rescue Hose Company No. I. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Eagles. He also belongs to the Turn Verein and the Elks, and he and his family are devoted members of the Lutheran church. He stands foremost in his community as one of its leading and influential citizens, and is a man honored and esteemed wherever known.
C. W. FRENCH.
The farming interests of Illini township find a worthy representative in C. W. French, who is devoting his energies to the cultivation and development of a farm about two miles south of Warrensburg. Within the boundaries of his place are comprised two hundred and forty acres of fine land that readily responds to the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields, bringing forth rich fruits annually. His methods are practical, his labors are of a progressive character and as the years have passed by he has come to be recognized as one of the leading farmers of this part of the county.
New Hampshire has furnished to Macon county not a few of her worthy citizens, including Mr. French, who was born in Loudon, November 4, 1843,. and is a grandson of Samuel and Susan (Tilton) French. The grandfather was one of the leading and influential citizens of his locality and was promi- nent in politics as a representative of the whig party. At one time he served as sheriff of Merrimack county, New Hampshire. His son, Hiram French, also a native of that state, was for some years a merchant in the town of Pittsfield but later retired from commercial life and took up his abode upon a farm, devoting his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits. He married Lydia Batchelder and in their home C. W. French spent his youthful days, being trained to habits of industry, economy and integrity-habits which in later years have borne rich fruit. His education was acquired in the east and after attending the grammer schools he became a pupil of the Pittsfield Academy. He remained a resident of New England until he attained his majority, when, thinking that he might have better opportunities in the new and growing west he left New Hampshire and came to Macon county, Illinois, making his way to Harristown, where he worked at the carpenter's trade, while subsequently he took up the occupation of farming. In 1865, however, he returned to the east, spending about a year in that section of the country.
In the spring of 1866 Mr. French came again to Illinois and began farming in connection with his brother, renting two hundred and forty acres of land, which they cultivated and improved for ten years. On the expiration of that period Mr. French purchased his present farm and by good management has converted it into one of the valuable properties of this section of the county. It comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich land and his careful cultiva- tion of the fields results in the raising of splendid crops. His farm work is
C. W. FRENCH
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carried on along progressive lines and his labors are bringing him substantial and well merited success.
On the 16th of March, 1868, Mr. French was married to Miss Addie Ches- ley, formerly of Epsom, New Hampshire, and a daughter of John Chesley. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Herbert, who married Blanch Harbarger and has four children, Frank, Russell, Myrtle and Ruth; Clara, who is the wife of C. A. Dresbach and has a son, Harold; Laura A., at home; and Olive E., who completes the family.
Mr. French gives his political support to the republican party which he has always endorsed since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has held some local offices, serving as trustee of the cemetery, and as supervisor, filling the later position for four years. He has also been a member of the school board for thirty-two years and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion who advocates practical and progressive measures for the improvement of the schools that they may be made an instrument for the thorough training of the youth as a preparation for life's practical and respon- sible duties. He also belongs to the Congregational church and his life in all of its varied relations indicates close conformity to the teachings of the church and to the high principles which were instilled in his mind in his youthful days. Moreover, he is a self-made man and one who deserves great credit for what he has accomplished. Coming to the west empty-handed, he displayed energy and determination and has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming the difficulties and obstacles in his path and gaining success by dint of perseverance and close application.
O. P. URMSTON.
Few residents of Harristown more richly deserve the title of a self-made man than does O. P. Urmston, who, starting out in life for himself at the early age of sixteen in the capacity of farm hand, has, during the intervening years, worked his way upward until today he is successfully engaged in business, as the proprietor of a large and well appointed general mercantile store. He is also serving his fellow citizens as postmaster, to which office he was appointed in 1908. One of Indiana's native sons, his birth occurred in Franklin county on the 28th of May, 1868, his parents being Joseph and Martha (Hancock) Urmston. The father was a merchant in the small village of Scipio, located on the border line between Ohio and Indiana, and there O. P. Urmston was reared, devoting the period of his boyhood and youth to the attainment of an education in the common schools and to assisting his father in the work of the store. He remained at home until sixteen years of age, when he started out on his own account, working by the month as a farm hand. After a time he came to Macort county, when twenty-three years of age, and for about two years was here similarly employed.
On the 12th of October, 1893, Mr. Urmston was united in marriage in Harristown to Miss Adella Elder, a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, and
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a daughter of M. R. and Blanche (Douglas) Elder. After his marriage Mr. Urmston was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a number of years, and then, in 1908, came to Harristown and established his present business. He carries a well selected line of general merchandise, and although one of the more recent enterprises of the city, the store has already been accorded a large patronage, the constant increase of which insures continued success in the future. Mr. Urm- ston has adopted most progressive methods in the conduct of his store, has instituted a policy which has awakened the confidence and trust of the general public and he is applying himself so closely to the further development of the trade that a most substantial growth of the business seems assured. Upon the opening of his establishment he was appointed postmaster and is now utilizing a portion of the store as a postoffice, to the duties of which he gives a large portion of his attention. He has proved himself a most efficient official, carrying on the business of that office in a manner which is at once satisfactory to his constituents and to the entire community.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Urmston has been born one child, a daughter, Ruth, who is still at home with her parents. They hold membership in the Christian church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested. They have al- ready become well acquainted in the social circles of Harristown, where they have acquired a large circle of friends and where the hospitality of many of the best homes is freely extended them. In politics Mr. Urmston has given stal- wart support to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and that he has been called to fill important public offices is an in- dication of the fact that he has won the confidence and trust of his fellow citi- zens. For several years he has served as township clerk, and the duties of his public offices have ever been executed with the same promptness and care with which he has conducted his personal interests. He has ever been a strong advo- cate of progress and reform in connection with all community affairs, and is recognized as one of Harristown's most substantial and valued citizens.
JOSHUA JANVRIN.
Joshua Janvrin, whose only surviving son, Emery Janvrin, is a resident of Decatur, was born in Seabrook, New Hampshire, November II, 1802, a son of Joshua N. and Mary (French) Janvrin. Tradition has it that Jean Janvrin and his wife, Elizabeth (Le Couster) Janvrin, lived on the Isle of Jersey, which at that time belonged to France. Their son, Jean Janvrin, a seafaring man, sailed between the ports of Europe and America, carrying merchandise. On the 6th of August, 1696, he sailed on the Lisbon for Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in command of his own ship, the Four Friends. He built a wharf in Portsmouth, not finding one large enough to handle his cargoes and at that port, on the 12th erty. He died suddenly in Lisbon on one of his voyages.
of September, 1706, he married Elizabeth Knight. They had a family of two sons and two daughters, John, George, Molly and Betsy. The father was a man of liberal education and marked ability and became the possessor of a fine prop-
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His eldest son, John Janvrin, was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 8, 1707, and on the 9th of November, 1751, married Elizabeth, a daughter of Captain Moses Stickney, of Newbury, Massachusetts. From them are descended the representatives of the Janvrin family in this country. John Janvrin was a graduate of Harvard, of the class of 1728, and was a schoolmaster at Hampton' Falls from 1756 until 1762. He was a very successful teacher, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired and contributing much to the early educational progress of the district. In 1770 he purchased farms at Seabrook, New Hampshire, where he resided until death, which occurred on the 7th of October, 1780. He left a large estate to his children, his family num- bering four sons and a daughter, John, James, William, George and Elizabeth. An uncle of Joshua Janvrin, whose name introduces this record, sailed from Newburyport for Spain in command of the schooner Siren, during the Napoleonic wars. He was captured by one of the vessels of Napoleon's fleet. His vessel was confiscated and the cargo of dried fish was appropriated for the use of Napoleon's army. There were about forty men aboard the schooner and they were given the ship Margaret in which to return to America. During the home- ward voyage the vessel was wrecked. The majority of the crew escaped in the long boat and reached the shore safely. A few others embarked in a skiff and after innumerable dangers and untold suffering three of the number eventually reached land but John Janvrin, the commander of the vessel, generously allowed the boat, offering the only chance of escape from death, to be filled by others, and he and a few more heroic souls perished with the wreck of the ship Margaret. This is a part of the cause of the French spoliation claims.
Joshua Janvrin, who acquired his early education in the rural schools of his native county of Rockingham, New Hampshire, was reared on a farm. He was but two years of age when his parents removed to Newburyport, New Hampshire, where they remained for ten years. In 1822, when in his twentieth year, he went to live with John Locke, and there learned the trades of tanning and shoemaking. After two years spent as an apprentice he began business on his own account on a small scale, engaging in tanning leather and in manufactur- ing boots and shoes, making a specialty of manufacturing boots for fishermen. For his output he found a ready sale in the market at Portsmouth and that he was accorded a liberal patronage is indicated in the fact that he often worked on late into the night, sometimes until one o'clock. By his strict attention to business he acquired a handsome competence.
Not only did Mr. Janvrin prosper in his business undertakings but also became recognized as a prominent and influential resident of his community. He became prominent in political circles and served as selectman of his town, Seabrook, for three sessions. He was also justice of the peace for over twenty years, discharging his duties with marked fairness and impartiality. In 1850 and 1851 he was a member of the state legislature of New Hampshire and served on various committees. He was also appointed guardian for several children and was chosen to settle many estates, these facts indicating the unqualified confidence reposed in him by those who knew him. As he prospered in his undertakings he became a stockholder in several railroads and also in bank-
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ing institutions, and was altogether one of the most prominent and influential residents of his community.
Joshua Janvrin married Miss Mary Fifield, who was born and reared in the adjoining town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. They became parents of five children, two sons and three daughters, but only two are now living: Mrs. Josephine Beckman, who is living at the old home in New Hampshire; and Emery Janvrin, whose sketch follows this. The wife and mother died in 1841. The husband and father, long surviving, passed away after a well spent life of nearly eighty years, his death occurring in 1882. His second wife, who died about 1850, was a half sister to his first wife, and by that union he had two children, Mary and John, both now deceased. For his third wife he married Mrs. Lydia Jane Blake, a widow, who is still living in the east, and to them was born a son, Joshua Neal, named for his grandfather.
EMERY JANVRIN.
Emery Janvrin, who for many years was actively and successfully engaged in farming on section 8, Illini township, Macon county, but since 1893 has lived retired in Decatur, has been a resident of the county altogether for forty-two years. He was born in Rockingham county, New Hampshire, July 7, 1833, and is a representative of a prominent and honored New England family of that district, being a son of Joshua and Mary (Fifield) Janvrin, of whom ex- tended mention is made above. The family is of French origin and the first American ancestor came from the Isle of Jersey to New Hampshire in pioneer times. The grandfather, Captain Joshua Janvrin, was lost at sea on the 13th of December, 1817, while sailing with a load of fish to Baltimore. He was a re- tired vessel owner and sea captain. His brother John, with his ship and cargo of dried fish, was captured by the French during the Napoleonic wars and his ship was sold, after which he was sent home in a small vessel, but died en route. The family's French spoliation claims include this claim of the Janvrin family, and Emery Janvrin is one of the heirs should settlement be effected. He pos- sesses some old and interesting heirlooms, including one of the first coffee mills ever made. This was owned by his grandfather and he also owns his old sea chest and an old rolling pin.
In the district schools of New Hampshire Emery Janvrin obtained a limited education, completing his course by one term's attendance at the old academy in Hampton Falls. He was engaged in farming during the summer months and that the winter seasons would not be a period of idleness he followed shoe- making during that portion of the year when work in the fields was impossible. In 1868 he came to Macon county and has since been identified with the inter- ests of this locality. His first purchase was an eighty acres tract of land, which he bought from Mr. Sackett. The greater part of the land was unim- proved but the previous owner was certainly a lover of flowers, for all around the little home were planted flowers, which in November were in bloom. With
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characteristic energy Mr. Janvrin began the development of his farm and his life has ever been a useful one, characterized by diligent effort and determined purpose until his place was converted into a well developed and highly improved farm. That the methods he followed in its operation were practical, resulting in success, is indicated in the fact that he kept adding to his place from time to time until he owned a half a section of as fine land as can be found in this state. The work of improvement was carried on continuously and the farm was well enclosed with a fine hedge fence, many rods of tiling were laid and modern buildings were erected for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machinery. A pleasant and commodious residence was also built, an orchard and small fruits were set out and ornamental trees were also planted, serving as shade in the summer and protection from the winter winds. The work which Mr. Janvrin did made the farm one of the well developed properties and one of the most attractive homes of Illini township.
On the 15th of November, 1857, Mr. Janvrin was married in Rockingham county, New Hampshire, to Miss Theresa Blake, a daughter of Moses Blake, and a representative of one of the old New England families. Mr. Janvrin at- tributes much of his success to the aid and inspiration of his wife, who care- fully managed the household affairs and always encouraged her husband in his work. They are now enjoying a well merited rest in a pleasant home at 1063 West Main street, having lived in Decatur since the spring of 1899. Their land has been equally divided among the ten children and yet Mr. Janvrin has sufficient capital to enable him and his wife to enjoy all of the comforts of life. They make occasional trips to New Hampshire and the eastern states to visit their relatives in that part of the country.
They have reared a family who are a credit to their name. George Parker the eldest son, married Rose Kepler and has three children, Raymond, Linn and Bonner. Harriet, the eldest daughter, is the wife of A. Bullard, of Crowley, Louisiana, and their children are Edna, Jessie May and Pearl. Lester N. is un- married. William Henry wedded Jennie Brockway and has one son, Ralph. Harrison, a resident of Austin township, this county, married Alice Culp, and his children are Ruth, Mildred, Agnes and Marshall. Mary was the wife of Frank Bunker, who was killed while at work on the new bank building of Decatur, in October, 1909. He left his home in happy mood in the morning and while busy in the day fell fifty-two feet, the fall bringing instant death. He left a widow and six children, Hazel, Caroline, Helen, Walter, John Randall and Frances Bunker. The death of Mr. Bunker was a great blow to his family and his many friends. Charles, the seventh member of the Janvrin family, married Carrie Markel, and their children are Dillo, Florence and Theresa, the youngest being named for her grandmother. Luella is the wife of Albert Ferry, and their children are Howard, Mabel and Lawrence. Grace is the wife of Joseph Hamil -. ton and they have three children, Gerald, Dorothy and Virginia. Frank Kelsey, who completes the family, wedded Maud Welt, and they have a daughter, Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Janvrin are not only proud of their family but also of their twenty- nine grandchildren. Mr. Janvrin has now passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. He possesses a most retentive memory and gave the history of
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his ancestors without reference to any written data. He has always been pro- gressive and public-spirited, and his worth in the community is widely ac- knowledged.
WILLIAM RIDGLEY.
Among Decatur's citizenship is a class who have well earned the rest that they are now enjoying-the retired farmers who long tilled the fields and per- sistently carried on the arduous work of developing and improving their places. That their methods were practical is indicated in the success which is now theirs. Mr. Ridgley belongs to this class, and is still the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of fine farm land in Piatt county. On his retirement, however, he took up his abode in Monticello, Illinois, later moving to Decatur, where he is now pleasantly located, having a comfortable home at No. 821 North Main street. He was born May 9, 1835, in Brooke county, West Virginia, so that seventy-five years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since he started upon life's journey. His parents were William and Jane (Edie) Ridgley. The father came from Baltimore, having followed the occupation of farming near the city. Subsequently he left Maryland and went to Virginia, where he took up farming. He made his home upon a farm, which he cleared and improved, con- tinuing to reside in the same locality until the time of his death.
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