USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 51
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JOHN NEWTON ORR.
John Newton Orr, who has lived retired in Decatur for the past two years, owning a fine modern residence at No. 1631 North Water street, was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Macon county throughout his active business career and still supervises his extensive farming interests in Friends Creek township. His birth occurred in Coshocton county, Ohio, on the IIth of January, 1858, his parents being Joseph and Lorinda (Darling) Orr. He is of Scotch-Irish descent on the paternal side, while his ancestors in the maternal line came from Virginia.
Joseph Orr, the father of John Newton Orr, was born in Wilmington, Dela- ware, in 1829. In 1876 he came from Ohio to Macon county, Illinois, purchas- ing and locating upon a partially improved farm in Friends Creek township. There he successfully carried on his agricultural interests until the time of his retirement, erecting good buildings and otherwise improving the property. On putting aside the active work of the fields he took up his abode in the town of
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Argenta, where he lived in honorable retirement until called to his final rest in February, 1905. The period of his residence in Macon county covered three decades and he gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its bor- ders. His wife, who survived him for two years, passed away on the 24th of November, 1907. They were the parents of two children, namely: Mrs. John Bricker, of Argenta; and John Newton, of this review.
The last named, who was a lad of about eighteen years when brought to this county by his parents, obtained his early education in the district schools of Ohio and the high school at Warsaw. He taught for six years in the country schools in Friends Creek township, Macon county. Throughout his active busi- ness career he was busily engaged in the work of the fields, owning and culti- vating lands in sections 22, 26 and 25, township 18, range 3. In 1908, having acquired a handsome competence by reason of his well directed labor and capable management, he removed to Decatur, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He still supervises his extensive farming interests, however, and derives therefrom a gratifying annual income.
Mr. Orr has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Mary E. Crawford, of Coshocton, Ohio, who died in 1894, and after her demise married Miss Emma Love, who died in 1910. He has two children, Mattie L. and Edna B. by his first marriage.
While residing on his farm Mr. Orr served as supervisor for two terms, being elected to that position on the republican ticket. He has also acted as school director for a number of years, the cause of education ever finding in him a warm friend. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons at Argenta. His life has been well spent and all who know him entertain for him warm regard by reason of the fact that he has made good use of his opportunities and has always been fair and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen.
WALTER ROY MAJOR.
Walter Roy Major is one of the younger representatives of farming in- terests in Macon county, whose ability, however, is proven in his success. He is now renting two hundred and forty acres of fine farm land about two and a half miles from Harristown. He was born in Woodford county, Illinois, near Peoria, on the 5th of April, 1881, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Major. His grandfather, Benjamin Major, came from Kentucky to Illinois, being the first of the family to establish a home in this state. He became one of the early settlers of Woodford county and for a long period was closely associated with its agricultural interests. He was also widely and favorably known there as a leading and influential citizen. His son, Joseph Major, was born in Woodford county upon the farm which he still owns. Throughout his entire business life he devoted his attention and energies to tilling the soil and raising stock and as the years passed by gained a creditable measure of success, which enabled him about three years ago to retire from active business with
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a competence sufficient to meet all his needs and requirements throughout his remaining days. He is now making his home in Eureka, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
W. Roy Major, spending his youthful days in his parents' home, pursued his education in the schools of Eureka, where he passed through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. He afterward attended Eureka College for one year and later went to Qunicy, Illinois, where he was enrolled as a student in the Gem City Business College. His course there well qualified him for the active duties of life and with a liberal education he returned home. During all of this period when not engrossed with the duties of the school- room, he worked for his father upon the home farm. He was only nineteen years of age when he began to rent land from his father. The tract of course was small but in tilling it he developed the energy and ambition which have ever been among his salient and admirable characteristics. From the start he has won success and about three years ago he took up his abode upon the farm of two hundred and forty acres which his father had purchased about eight years ago. He is carefully and systematically improving and cultivating this place and the wisdom of his judgment and the value of his practical methods are shown in the excellent appearance of the place.
In October, 1905, Mr. Major was married to Miss Pauline Pruessie, whose people were from Wisconsin. They now have one son, Joseph. The parents are rapidly winning a large circle of warm friends in this locality, where they are regarded as citizens of sterling worth. Mr. Major's influence is always cast on the side of justice and truth. He is leading a busy life in the cultivation of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres and he is now giving some attention to stock-raising. Although he has been a resident of the county for but a brief period he has become firmly established as a representative agriculturist of this district.
ABSALOM H. DRYSDALE.
Absalom H. Drysdale, well known in connection with the automobile busi- ness in Decatur, was born July 21, 1869, in Gibson county, Indiana, a son of Cal- vin and Rebecca (Lasher) Drysdale, both of whom are now deceased. Follow- ing the removal of the family to Moultrie county, Illinois, the son pursued his education in the public schools of that county and about twenty years ago be- came a student in Brown's Business College of Decatur, at which time he re- mained in the city for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Princeton, Indiana, where he became agent for the United States and the Adams Express Companies, which he thus represented for seven years, He returned to Decatur six years ago and soon afterward engaged in the automobile business. . He now owns the largest garage in the city and is agent for the following well known cars : the Buick, Matheson, Corbin, Welch and Franklin, all of which are machines of good make and for which he finds a ready sale. In connection with the garage a well appointed repair department is conducted and his business is liberally patronized.
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On the 6th of February, 1908, in Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Drysdale was mar- ried to Miss Jennie Phipps, and they have a pleasant home in Decatur, where they have gained many friends. Mr. Drysdale belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles and his political support is given to the republican party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire pub- lic office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which connection he is making steady progress.
JOHN E. NICHOLS.
John E. Nichols, methodical and systematic in all of his business affairs, rec- ognizing in his life and work the fact that perseverance, energy and thorough understanding are the elements of success, is one of the leading insurance men of Decatur, now acting as general manager for the Manhattan Life Insurance Company for Illinois, outside of Chicago. The city of his residence is also the place of his birth. He was born August 23, 1863, and is a representative of one of the old families of New York.
His father, Charles Nichols, was born in Rochester, that state, and the year 1858 witnessed his arrival in Decatur, after which he devoted his attention to general farming in Decatur township and also to the purchase of horses for the government. He remained a resident here for about twenty-seven years and in 1885 established his home in Boxbutte county, Nebraska, where he soon be- came a prominent and influential citizen. He filled the position of postmaster there during President Cleveland's first administration and was also chosen judge of Boxbutte county. While in Decatur he became a charter member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M., and his entire life was in harmony with the teachings of the craft concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He died January 30, 1898, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1863. Mrs. Nichols bore the maiden name of Alzina Braden and was a daugh- ter of J. Y. and Laura (Hunting) Braden, the former a native of Tennessee, while the latter was born in Vermont and was of New England ancestry. Dur- ing the pioneer epoch in the development of Macon county J. Y. Braden estab- lished his home here and was closely associated with the work of progress and upbuilding for a number of years.
As indicated, John E. Nichols is a representative of two of the old families of this city. He was an only child and spent his youthful days under the pa- rental roof, supplementing his early education, acquired in the public schools of Decatur, by a course in a business college at St. Joseph, Missouri, and also by study in the Rockport Seminary, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883. For a few years thereafter he devoted his time to the profession of teaching, which he followed in Macon and Piatt counties in the decade between 1880 and 1890. In 1889, however, he had become identified with the Man- hattan Life Insurance Company as agent and acted in that capacity until the 8th of May, 1899, when he was made manager for the state of Illinois, outside of Chicago, with headquarters at Decatur. This position he has since filled,
J. E. NICHOLS
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building up an extensive business for the company. The year 1910 has been the most successful one since he entered the insurance field, the total for the first nine months of the year being one-half million dollars. He has several agents under his supervision and carefully supervises their work, at the same time diligently devoting himself to the major duties that devolve upon him as manager. Several years ago Mr. Nichols was sued by a former agent for twelve hundred dollars, which he claimed was due. He retained the Hon. Will- iam E. Nelson as attorney for the plaintiff. Mr. Nichols made the proposition that both parties lay their evidence before Judge Nelson and let him be attor- ney, judge and jury. The plaintiff declined to leave the matter to his own lawyer with the result that he suffered disastrous defeat in the circuit court of Macon county. This illustrates clearly the confidence and esteem in which Judge Nelson is held by one who has known him throughout his entire life. It also indicates clearly Mr. Nichols' own desire for absolute justice in business affairs. His integrity in business circles stands above question.
On the 28th of November, 1889, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Bertie E. Sutton, a daughter of T. L. and Elizabeth Sutton, of Pike county, Illi- nois. They became parents of four daughters: Ollie Fay, Mae, Hazel E. and Vivian. On the 6th of June, 1904, Mr. Nichols wedded Miss Mabel Buchen, of Moweaqua, Illinois, and unto them has been born a son, Charles E.
Mr. Nichols maintains membership in Cisco Lodge, No. 599, I. O. O. F. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party but as his views were not in harmony with the free silver platform of 1896 he joined the ranks of the republican party, which he has since supported to a considerable extent, although he is largely independent, casting his ballot as his judgment dictates. He is a popular citizen, whose social, genial nature has won him many friends, while the sterling traits of his character enable him to retain the friendship that is once accorded him.
THOMAS DELANEY.
In all the broadness of the Mississippi valley there is to be found no land richer or more productive than in Macon county and one of the excellent farm properties which are a source of pride to the county is in the possession of Thomas Delaney-a highly cultivated place of one hundred and sixty acres about a mile and a half southeast of Warrensburg. His entire life has been spent in Illinois. He was born near Peoria, on the IIth of August, 1851, and is a son of John and Johanna (Corcoran) Delaney. The father was a native of Ireland and on crossing the Atlantic settled in New York. He was also in Canada for a time and subsequently lived in Vermont. After coming to Illinois he took up his abode in Knox county and the year 1862 witnessed his arrival in Macon county, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1879. His life was devoted to farming and with the usual experiences that come to the farm lad Thomas Delaney spent his boyhood and youth. His edu- cation was acquired in the district schools of Knox county and when not busy 26
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with his text-books his time was devoted to tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. He is both a farmer and mechanic, possessing much natural ability along the latter line. This enables him to keep everything about his place in excellent condition and his farm presents a most attractive appearance.
It was on the 22d of October, 1885, that Mr. Delaney was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Powers, and unto them have been born six children, as follows: May J., who completed her education by attending Millikin University of De- catur; John W., who has recently finished school and intends to rent a farm and start in life on his own account; Joe, who aids in carrying on the home farm; Charles Leonard and Francis V., both of whom are in school; and Catharine H., who completes the family.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and they attend services in Decatur. Mr. Delaney has led a busy and useful life, in which there have been few leisure or idle hours. He has ever worked diligently and persistently to gain a start and provide a comfortable living for his family. As the years have passed by he has prospered and the proof of his life of intelligently directed activity is found in his ownership of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of arable and productive land. He works untiringly in the fields in order to make his farm productive and as the years have gone by his crops have re- turned him a substantial annual income. He may truly be called a self-made man, for he has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes.
ARCHER T. DAVIS.
Archer Tiffan Davis, who has been successfully engaged in the drug business at Decatur for the past sixteen years, is a representative in the paternal and maternal lines of two of the most prominent pioneer families of Macon county. He was born on a farm in this county on the 20th of September, 1874, being the youngest son of Amos T. and Mary A. (Myers) Davis. His paternal grand- parents, Isaac and Mary (Brown) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ross county, Ohio, removed to Pike county, Illinois, in 1834. There Isaac Davis followed farming until his removal to Perry, Pike county, where he was engaged in merchandising for several years. Subsequently he spent a short time in Logan county and then came to Macon county, living retired in the village of Mount Zion until called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom Amos T. Davis was the fourth in order of birth and the youngest of the sons.
Amos T. Davis, the father of our subject, is now one of the two surviving members of his father's family, his sister being Mary E., who makes her home in Mount Zion. His birth occurred in Ross county, Ohio, in 1831 and he was therefore but three years old when taken to Pike county, Illinois, by his parents in 1834. The year 1852 witnessed his arrival in Macon county. In 1855 he crossed the plains to California in search of gold, returning to this county in 1858 and settling in Long Creek township. In association with his brother, Edward R., he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land on sections 34 and 35
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and they were successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits until the latter's removal to Missouri. On the 14th of March, 1860, Amos T. Davis was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Myers, whose birth occurred in Macon county in July, 1839. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Rev. Hiram Buck (now deceased) and took place at the old Long Creek church, which has since been destroyed by fire and has been replaced by a new edifice.
Abraham Myers, the maternal great-grandfather of Archer T. Davis, emi- grated from Germany to South Carolina and thence went to Kentucky, where his demise occurred. He had a brother who was killed at Fort Moultrie during the Revolutionary war, while one of his sons lost his life in an Indian raid in Missouri. Jacob Myers, a son of Abraham Myers and the grandfather of the gentleman whose name introduces this review, was born in Daviess county, Kentucky, in 1802. Although his school privileges were quite limited, he acquired a good practical education through business experience and contact with the world. In 1829 he began journeying westward on horseback and at the end of six weeks arrived at his destination in Macon county, Illinois. He settled on section 35, Long Creek township, in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, and entered eighty acres of land from the government on section 36. There he erected a log cabin which is still standing-a mute reminder of pioneer days. In Novem- ber, 1836, he entered another eighty-acre tract on section 31 and as his financial resources increased, he made additional purchase until at the time of his death his property holdings embraced one thousand acres of rich and productive land on sections 34, 35 and 36, Long Creek and Mount Zion townships. It was in 1854 that he was called to the home beyond. In the year 1832, in the state of Kentucky, he had wedded Miss Elizabeth Wood, who was a native of that state and who accompanied her parents on their removal to Moultrie county, Illinois. She passed away in 1846. The record of her children is as follows: Joseph, who was killed in a railroad accident at Long Creek, Illinois; John A., who is likewise deceased; Mary A., the wife of Amos T. Davis, of Decatur, and the mother of our subject; James W., deceased, who served throughout the Civil war as a member of the Twentieth Illinois Infantry; and Sarah C., who died when a maiden of sixteen years. Following the death of his first wife Jacob Myers married Mrs. Melinda (Widick) White, a native of Christian county. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Nancy L., who died in Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Myers were both faithful and earnest members of the Methodist church. The former gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. Michael Myers, a brother of Jacob Myers, was the first grand juryman in Macon county. The first marriage in Long Creek township was that of Bailey Myers and Jane Black.
Amos T. and Mary A. (Myers) Davis, lived on a farm in the vicinity of Long Creek for twenty-six years. In 1886 the former put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Decatur, where he and his wife have since lived in honor- able retirement. They were the parents of six children, as follows: H. B., of Decatur; H. F., a resident of Colby, Kansas; Archer T., of this review; Mrs. Frank McBride, living in Decatur; Lulu, who passed away in 1883; and Edith, who died in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Davis celebrated their golden wedding on the 14th of March, 1910, at their home at No. 537 West Macon street in
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Decatur. Many gifts of gold were presented to them by their children, relatives and friends and the occasion was a most happy one. Among the guests present were the following: Charles Davis, of Columbia, Missouri; Isaac Davis, now deceased; Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Sprague, of Bement; Miss Mary E. Davis; Mrs. E. R. Davis, of Springfield; Dr. J. C. Willits, the pastor of the church of which Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Davis are members; and Mrs. M. A. Buck, the widow of the Rev. Hiram Buck, who performed the marriage ceremony.
Amos T. Davis is a democrat in politics and while living on his farm served as supervisor of Long Creek township during the years 1872, 1873, 1877 and 1879. He is a Master Mason and has been identified with the fraternity for fifty-seven years. Both he and his wife have been members of the First Method- ist Episcopal church for more than half a century and have always been num- bered among its active and faithful workers. The latter, who joined the church when a maiden of fifteen years, has been continuously connected therewith for fifty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Amos T. Davis are among the best known and highly esteemed residents of Macon county and deserve prominent mention in a work of this character.
Archer T. Davis, whose name introduces this review, obtained his education in the graded and high schools of Decatur, being graduated in 1894. The follow- ing year he pursued a course of study in the National Institute of Pharmacy at Chicago. In 1896 he embarked in business as a druggist, opening a store on the southeast corner of Oakland avenue and West Main street-opposite the Anna B. Millikin Home and one door east of his present location at No. 1099 West Main street. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and druggists' sundries and enjoys a most gratifying patronage. His store is equipped with an up-to-date soda fountain and is a popular resort with the students of James Millikin University. A genial, courteous and obliging gentleman, he has won many friends among the students, who help make his enterprise a profitable one.
In Sullivan, Illinois, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Whitfield, of Moultrie county, her father being Zachariah B. Whitfield, who is deceased. Their home has been blessed with two children, Charlotte and Doro- thy, who are ten and eight years of age, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and own a modern home in one of the "beauty spots" of the city, their address being No. 448 Powers Lane.
MARTIN V. LONERGAN, M. D.
For fifteen years Dr. Martin V. Lonergan was a representative of the medical profession in Decatur, during which period he gave ample proof of ability that carried him beyond the ranks of mediocrity, winning him recognition as one of the most able and successful general practitioners of the city. He was extremely careful in diagnosing a case and his judgment was seldom if ever at fault in fore- seeing the outcome. He wisely used his time and talents for the benefit of man- kind and at the same time gained from his labors the substantial success which is the legitimate and merited reward of all effort.
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A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Lonergan was born February 4, 1852, and came of Irish ancestry. His father, Michael Lonergan, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and learned the carpenter's trade before leaving his native land as a young man to seek a home in America. He located in Philadel- phia, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Margaret Donahue, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who had come to this country with her parents, with whom she remained until she gave her hand in marriage to Michael Lonergan. In 1856 they removed with their family to Illinois and Mr. Loner- gan carried on carpentering in Jacksonville until 1870, when he sold his busi- ness and property interests there and turned his attention to farming in Sanga- mon county, his remaining days being given to agricultural pursuits. For eighteen years he resided in that county and then at the age of seventy was called to the home beyond. He held membership in the Catholic church and in politics was an earnest democrat. His family numbered six children: Martin; John, who resides upon the home farm; Maurice; Maggie; and two who are deceased.
Dr. Lonergan was a little lad of but four years when he came with his par- ents to Illinois. At the usual age he began his education in the schools of Jack- sonville, which he attended until fourteen years of age, when he started in busi- ness life as an employe in a store in that city. Realizing, however, the need and value of an education, he afterward resumed his studies in the Whipple Academy and later pursued a course in Brown's Commercial College. The evening hours were devoted to study, the day to the duties of the store. In this way his edu- cation became such as to qualify him for teaching and for five years he followed that profession in Sangamon county. This, however, proved but an initial step to further labor, for he began reading medicine in the office of Dr. David Prince, of Jacksonville, while still engaged in teaching. In further preparation for the practice of medicine he entered the Long Island Hospital College at Brooklyn, New York, and afterward studied for a time in the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of New York city. Post-graduate courses in the Chicago Polyclinic in 1884 and in the New York Polyclinic in 1894, further qualified him for the oner- ous duties of the profession, upon which the preservation of health and life largely depend. In the latter year he also acted as house physician in the Mothers and Babies Hospital of New York. The strength of his character is indicated in the fact that his own labors provided the means necessary in the attainment of his education. When the funds which he had originally saved were exhausted he again resorted to school teaching to replenish his exchequer. He was gradu- ated in 1877 and through the influence of his roommate, J. A. Dawson, opened an office at Casner, Illinois, in March, 1878.
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