USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 55
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ANTON SPAETH.
Anton Spaeth, vice president and sales manager of the Decatur Brewing Company, was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, February 9, 1855, his parents being Mathias and Crescentia (Rist) Spaeth, both of whom spent their entire lives in Wurtemberg. The father was a farmer and shoemaker, numbered among the successful men of his district. The son spent his youth in his parents' home and acquired his early education in the public schools there, while after coming to the new world he attended the Teachers Seminary at Mil- waukee, Wisconsin.
In Germany, when fifteen years of age, he was apprenticed to the miller's trade, completing his term of indenture when eighteen years of age, or in 1873. He then came to the United States after he learned that better wages were paid in this country and that business opportunities were greater. He first took up his abode in Fremont, Ohio, where he secured a position in a grocery store as general utility boy. He could not then speak a word of English but his employer was German and gave the boy opportunity to work in his store. In this way he gained a considerable knowledge of the language and further promoted his ef- ficiency in this regard by attending night school. He remained with his first American employer for four years, after which he came to Decatur in 1877 and accepted a position in the German school. He was a brother of the Rev. Joseph Spaeth, of St. James German Catholic church, who had built and founded the first German parochial school in this city. Father Spaeth was also the founder of the church and Anton Spaeth became the first teacher in the new school. The following year he determined to suplement his own education by further study and entered the German Teachers Seminary at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. He afterward engaged in teach- ing school for one year in Mt. Sterling, Illinois, and for two years in Spring- field, after which he returned to Decatur and as there was no position open along the line of his chosen profession he accepted a temporary position in the grocery store of Peter Ullrich.
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Not long afterward he was apointed to a position in the brewery of Henry Shlaudeman, now the Decatur Brewing Company. His duties were first as book- keeper and collector and on the reorganization and incorporation of the business in 1888 he became a member of the firm and was made a director. On the Ist of January, 1903, he was chosen vice president of the company and is now the sec- ond executive officer, in which connection he is bending his energies to adminis- trative direction, his sound judgment and business ability proving a strong ele- ment in the successful conduct of the enterprise.
ยท In 1884 Mr. Spaeth was married to Miss Clara Melchoirs, of Decatur, and unto them have been born seven children: Bernard, who is employed by the Gug- ler Lithographing Company, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Joseph, who is in the em- ploy of the Pacific Express Company at Chicago; and Augusta, Marie, Anna, Otto and Antoinette, all still under the parental roof.
Mr. Spaeth and his family are communicants of the Catholic church and for fifteen years he served as organist and leader of the choir. He is president of the St. James German Aid Society and is a man of benevolent spirit, always will- ing to extend a helping hand to the needy. He is numbered among Decatur's self-made men, his success being attributable to his own efforts and his utiliza- tion of opportunities. Discouragement and failure have found no place in his vocabulary and with persistent energy that has overcome all obstacles he has worked his way upward to success.
C. N. McKIRAHAN.
C. N. McKirahan, whose time is devoted to the cultivation and improvement of one hundred and sixty acres of the school land about eight miles west of Maroa, was born in Monroe county, Ohio, on the 31st of January, 1860, his parents being Joseph J. and Mary Jane (Davis) McKirahan. The father, who was a native of Belmont county, Ohio, and of Scotch and Irish lineage, was a farmer by occupation. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for military aid and enlisted in the Thirty-eighth Regiment of Ohio Infantry, with which he participated in a number of important and hotly contested battles. He married Mary Jane Davis, who is of Welsh descent. She is still living in Macon county and is now in her eightieth year. She has per- sonally attended to her business affairs since the death of her husband about five years ago.
C. N. McKirahan spent the first five years of his life in the Buckeye state and in 1865 accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Decatur, Illi- nois. The father was a mechanic and was thus engaged until about 1880, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty acres in this county and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His son had been a pupil in the public schools of Decatur and was about twenty years of age when his father bought the farm. He assisted in the development and cultivation of the fields until thirty years of age but at length left home and rented land, which he be- gan to cultivate on his own account, spending about four years on his first place.
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He next began the cultivation of the Dr. Carr farm, upon which he lived for a few years, at the end of which time he came to his present place of residence, where he has made his home for nine years. He is now busily engaged in the further development and improvement of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and the soil, which is naturally rich and productive, responds to his labors in gen- erous and abundant harvests. He cultivates the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here and he also raises some stock, making a specilty of hogs and horses and also keeping a herd of Jersey cows. He is likewise well known as a breeder of Leghorn chickens, having about five hundred upon his place. Recently he has purchased a farm of sixty-five acres in Whitmore township and expects to remove to that place in 1911.
In 1891 Mr. McKirahan was married to Miss Jennie Fowler, who came from Ohio and is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of that state. Seven children have blessed this union, of whom four are yet living, while Teddy is now deceased and two died in infancy. Those who still sur- vive are: Lillian Fay, who is a high-school graduate and is now attending the Eureka (Ill.) College; Bonnie Gail and Marjorie Lee, both in school; and Eddie Joy.
Mr. McKirahan belongs to the Christian church, which his family also at- tend. Most of his life has been spent in Macon county and his many sterling traits of heart and mind have gained for him the kindly regard and firm friend- ship of many with whom he has come in contact. He believes in progressive methods in citizenship as well as in farming, and at all times his labors are per- meated by the spirit of advancement which reaches out to larger things and ac- complishes substantial results.
GEORGE A. STAHL.
A spirit of determination and perseverance has characterized George A. Stahl in the conduct of his farming interests. He is pleasantly located on section II, Niantic township, and it was in this township that his birth oc- curred on the 18th of March, 1864, his parents being John and Sarah (Woods) Stahl. The father, a native of Ohio, came to Illinois when eighteen years of age and was for a long period a representative of the farming interests of Niantic township.
It was upon the old homestead farm that George A. Stahl spent the days of his boyhood and youth, during which period he acquired a fair common- school education. On the 17th of December, 1885, when about twenty-two years of age, he married Miss Levina Gepford, of Niantic, who was born on the place where she now resides, October 23, 1868. Her parents were George W. and Henrietta (Kitch) Gepford. Her father was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and at an early day came to Illinois with his people, who settled near the timber in Macon county. Her mother was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and removed westward with her father's family. It was in this county that Mr. and Mrs. Gepford were married, taking up their abode
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upon the farm which is now the Stahl home. The father entered eighty acres of land from the government and although it was a wild and unimproved tract when it came into his possession, he converted it into productive fields and spent the remainder of his days upon that farm. He was twice married and by the first union there was one daughter, Amanda, who is now the wife of Bennett Durflinger. By his second marriage there were two children who reached adult age: Abraham Lincoln, who now lives on a farm at Jetters- ville, Virginia; and Mrs. Stahl. The former has been married twice. He first wedded Mary Combs and they had four children. For his second wife A. L. Gepford married Madie Bailey, and they became the parents of three chil- dren. The father of Mrs. Stahl died January 23, 1904, and the mother passed away August 19, 1887, the graves of both being made in Long Point ceme- tery. He was a republican in politics and well informed concerning the lead- ing questions and issues of the day but was not an office seeker. He served for one term as justice of the peace. He took an active part in religious work, holding membership in the Christian church, in which he served as deacon and elder.
After his marriage George A. Stahl came into his father-in-law's family and has since resided upon the old home farm, which in 1902 he purchased from Mr. Gepford. He has since devoted his time and attention to the further development and improvement of the property, which is a highly cultivated tract of land, equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm of the twentieth century. Here the following children have been born unto him and his wife: Olive Myrtle, born April 21, 1887; George Lester, May 9, 1890; Sarah Hallie, January 1, 1892; Alva Cecil, February 5, 1894; and Bernice Ruth, born June 26, 1897. Mr. Stahl belongs to the Christian church as does every member of his family. They take an active and helpful interest in the various departments of church work, and he is serving as one of the deacons. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of many remarkable characteristics, holding firmly to a course which he believes to be right, and his many commendable qualities have gained for him the confidence and friendly regard of all with whom he has come in contact ..
GEORGE MORGAN COX.
Although George Morgan Cox has passed from this life, his memory will be cherished for years to come, for he was loved and respected by all who knew him, owing to the many sterling traits of character which he possessed. In early life he followed farming in Macon county but for eighteen years prior to his demise he had lived retired in a nice home in Decatur, his success in former years enabling him to spend his last days in comfort and ease. He was born on the home farm in South Wheatland township, April 5, 1830, a son of Ephraim Cox, who was born in Maryland. He remained in the south until 1829, when he made his way northward, settling in Macon county, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1851.
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George Morgan Cox was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, working in the fields during the spring and summer months, while during the winter seasons he trudged his way to the district school, there to learn the lessons that might prepare him for a business career in his later life. He was engaged in farming throughout a long period and was industrious, persever- ing and thrifty. When he retired from active connection with business af- fairs, eighteen years prior to his death, he purchased a nice residence located at No. 1227 West Wood street, and there he passed away September 8, 1909.
On the 19th of November, 1851, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Ellen A. Downs, who was born March 15, 1832, in Circleville, Ohio, and this union has been blessed with two sons and two daughters: William Henry, who is mar- ried and lives in Decatur, owning a nice residence on West Macon street; Mary Ann; Margaret, the wife of Louis Perdue, who follows farming in Macon county ; and Samuel Chester, who also makes his home in Decatur.
Mr. Cox was a charter member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in South Wheatland township, having been identified with the organization for sixty years. Although a stanch supporter of the republican party he was not a man who sought to figure in public life, preferring to leave office holding to others. He was, however, interested in anything that tended to advance the best interests of his home city or community, and his influence was ever a potent element in the work of progress and improvement. He thoroughly enjoyed home life and took the keenest pleasure in the society of his family and friends. His life was exemplary in every respect and he ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth may well serve as an example to those who come after him.
GEORGE WILLIAM RICHARDSON.
Energy and enterprise have ever characterized the business life of George William Richardson, and these qualities are particularly dominant in the management of a successful agricultural enterprise. One of Illinois' native sons, his birth occurred in Jackson county on the 24th of November, 1850, a son of William and Salvena (Ulrich) Richardson. The father, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1824, came to 'America in 1844 at the age of twenty years, locating first in Jackson county, Illinois, where he remained until 1862, when he removed to Canada. His residence in that country, however, covered but two years, and in 1864 he returned to Illinois, taking up his abode in Macon county, where he was residing at the time of his death on the 22d of February, 1900. His entire life had been devoted to agricultural pursuits. In 1849, he had married Miss Salvena Ulrich, who, born in Germany in 1831, came with her parents to America in 1847. The family home was established in Illinois, and here she gave her hand in marriage to William Richardson. Her death occurred on the 21st of May, 1902, two years after that of her husband. Their
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family consisted of thirteen children, and of this number eight still survive and have families of their own.
The eldest of this family, George William Richardson, was reared under the parental roof and in the public schools of this state acquired his education. He remained with his father, assisting in the cultivation of the fields until twenty-one years of age, when, actuated by a desire to gain a larger knowledge of the world than the narrow confines of farm life afforded, he left home to enter business independently. For about seven years he was engaged at various occupations throughout the country.
His time was thus occupied until 1878, when he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Cotner, who was born November 28, 1856, and was the eighth in a family of twelve children born unto David and Elizabeth (McKinn) Cotner. Her parents were both natives of Indiana and came to Illinois, locating in Macon county in 1875. Here her father passed away on the 5th of July, 1897, at the age of seventy- eight years, having long survived his wife, who departed this life August 15, 1888, when sixty-three years of age.
After his marriage Mr. Richardson returned to the occupation to which he had been reared and for which he was well equipped by thorough and compre- hensive training received on the old homestead during the period of his boy- hood and youth. The young couple began their domestic life on a farm of two hundred and forty acres located on section 3, Milam township, the prop- erty of F. M. Shaffer, and in its operation Mr. Richardson has since continued in the capacity of renter. His efforts have proved successful, for he has introduced many modern and progressive methods in the conduct of his enter- prise and his labors have been characterized by a spirit of industry and perse- verance-essential factors in any degree of prosperity.
With the passing years the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson was blessed with a family of twelve children, three of whom are now deceased. Orlethia S., the eldest, was born November 10, 1878, and resides at home. Carrie, who was born on the 29th of January, 1880, was united in marriage on the 27th of January, 1904, to Pearl Huddelston and now makes her home in Rose Hill, Jasper county, Illinois. Arthur F. Richardson, born September 12, 1881, is also at home. Eva, whose birth occurred on the 12th of April, 1883, was mar- ried February 25, 1903, and has now passed away, her death occurring Septem- ber 17, 1904. Dora, born April 2, 1885, was married in June, 1901, to Clarence Dennison, of Macon county, and they have four children. Albert R. was born October 16, 1886, and on the 5th of October, 1908, was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Jackson, of Macon county. They have two children, and now make theif home in Buena Vista county, Iowa. George R. was born January I, 1889, and is yet at home. Annie B., born June 17, 1891, passed away March 14, 1892. Esther Delene, born October 2, 1893, is likewise with her parents. Wilmer L., born September 27, 1896, is now deceased, passing away November 5, 1897. The other members of the family, Walter L. and Bessie M., born March 14, 1899, and October 28, 1904, respectively, are also under the parental roof.
Mr. Richardson and his family attend the United Brethren church, and his wife and two children hold membership therein. They are well known socially
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in the community in which they reside and their home is the popular resort of a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Richardson belongs to Dalton City Lodge No. 1965, M. W. A., and he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party, be- lieving that its principles are best adapted to conserve public interests. He has been called to public office on several occasions, having served at various times as clerk, commissioner and assessor, and in all matters of citizenship has ever been found public-spirited and loyal.
FRANK L. EVANS.
Frank L. Evans, whose record is written in tangible terms of success, is the president and treasurer of the Evans Elevator Company. From the outset of his career he has watched every opportunity pointing toward progress and each forward step in his business career has brought him a broader outlook and larger advantages. Gradually he has worked his way upward and his prosperity rep- resents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his.
A native of the neighboring state of Indiana, Mr. Evans was born in La Fay- ette on the Ist of March, 1869, his parents being Thomas L. and Anna (Childs) Evans, both of whom were natives of central Ohio. The father was a graduate of Otterbein College, of Ohio, and devoted his life to educational work, with which he was prominently identified for more than forty years. Intellectual activity in various communities has been largely stimulated by his efforts and his own enthu- siastic zeal. Recently he has retired from that field and is now engaged in the real-estate commission business in Decatur. He came to this city in 1879 and has been principal of three different ward schools here. He was elected and served in the office of county superintendent of schools and his educational activities brought him a wide acquaintance, while his personal qualities have gained for him the high regard of those with whom he has come in contact. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and on the 7th of August, 1862, he was made second lieutenant of Company K. Later he was promoted to first lieutenant of the same company and subsequently was made captain of Company C, serving with that rank until the close of hostilities. He was captured by the rebels in the battle of Sabine Crossroads during the Red River expedition, April 8, 1864, and exchanged on the 23d of the following Oc- tober. At the close of the war he was mustered out July 29, 1865.
Frank L. Evans was reared at home and acquired his education in the public and high schools of Decatur, being graduated with the class of 1887. He was afterward a student in the University of Michigan for one year. In the fall of 1887 he accepted a clerical position with the Standard Oil Company, with which he was thus connected for two years. It was subsequent to this time that he at- tended the Michigan University, after which he returned to Decatur and resumed his connection with the Standard Oil Company. In 1891 he went to Indianapolis as special clerk for the Standard Oil Company and was promoted to the position of chief clerk. In 1893 he returned to Decatur and continued in the employ of the same company until 1895. His active connection with the grain trade began
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when he accepted the position as bookkeeper for the firm of Dumont & Company in December, 1895. He acted in that capacity until January, 1897, when he re- signed to engage in the grain business on his own account, becoming one of the organizers of the corporation of B. S. Tyler & Company. He was made secre- tary of the company and the business was established upon a paying foundation. Mr. Tyler died in 1902 and in 1904 Mr. Evans bought the interest of the other stockholders and organized the Evans Elevator Company, of which he became president and treasurer. He has had the entire management of the business since that time and the fact that it is now one of the successful enterprises of the city is an indication of his excellent business ability, keen sagacity and unfalter- ing enterprise. He has ever been watchful of opportunities pointing to pros- perity and in the field in which he has labored has so directed his energies that substantial results have been achieved. Aside from his connection with the grain trade he is the present manager of the Ennis farms in Macon, Piatt and Moul- trie counties.
In September, 1899, Mr. Evans was married to Miss Alice Bering, who was born in Sloatsburg, New York, January 6, 1872, a daughter of J. Edward Bering, of Decatur, and they have one child, Edward Bering, born August 3, 1900. Mr. Evans' political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party. He be- longs to the Chi Psi, a Greek letter fraternity, and holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the Decatur Club and the Country Club. Social qual- ities render him popular and business enterprise and integrity have gained for him an unassailable and enviable reputation in the commercial circles of the city.
WILLIAM TAYLOR.
Inflexible as the laws of nature, is the rule which governs honorable suc- cess. It comes as the direct and logical result of earnest effort, intelligently directed, and the life history of William Taylor is another proof of this fact. He was born August 7, 1832, near Flemington, in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jabez Taylor, whose family numbered three sons and two daughters, the other members being Lemuel, Vandervere, Catherine and Mary.
William Taylor was reared on a farm in his native county and acquired his early education in the district schools near his home. After reaching ma- ture years, however, he came to a realization of the fact that his educational facilities were inadequate to meet the responsibilities of life, and ambitious to become better equipped in this direction, he went to New York city and at- tended a night school, while during the day he was employed by a commission firm of that city. His time was thus spent for two years, when he sought the broader opportunities of the west and came to Illinois, first locating in Jersey county. He spent but a brief period in that section and then settled in Mont- gomery county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres, cultivating the same for seven years.
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Mr. Taylor then leased a tract of three hundred and twenty acres, in Illini township, Macon county, operating the same for a decade. Later Mr. Taylor purchased a farm of two hundred and ten acres in Friends Creek township. To the development and improvement of this farm he then devoted his best energies and became a very successful agriculturist. He made a close study of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and his fields an- nually returned him golden harvests. In 1881 Mr. Taylor decided to abandon farming and removed to Decatur, purchasing a nice residence at No. 301 West North street. After spending about two years in this city, in the spring of 1883, he removed to Waverly, Illinois, but only remained in that place about four years, when he returned once more to his home in Decatur to spend his remaining days. He still retained possession of his farm of two hundred and ten acres in Friends Creek township, and later invested in a second tract of eighty acres in Milan township, and from this he derived an annual income that supplied himself and family with all the comforts of life.
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