USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 56
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It was prior to his removal to the west that Mr. Taylor was married in Flemington, New Jersey, to Miss Sarah Jane Hickson, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 13th of March, 1859. Mrs. Taylor was born in Jer- seyville, Illinois, 'April 13, 1839, and by her marriage she has become the mother of a daughter and two sons. Mary Eleanor, the eldest, was born October 27, 1862, and is with her mother in Decatur. Clarence G., born September 6, 1864, is a practicing physician of San Francisco, California. James Frederick, who was born April 3, 1870, is a tax collector and makes his home in Decatur.
Mr. Taylor gave his political allegiance to the republican party, but neither sought nor desired office. He was a consistent member of the First Baptist church of this city. He was devoted to the welfare of his family, and at his death left them in very comfortable financial circumstances. He passed away June 8, 1897, at the age of sixty-five years, and in his demise Decatur mourned a citizen whose worth was widely acknowledged and whose example is well worthy of emulation.
HON. ORPHEUS W. SMITH.
Eight years' service on the county bench has given proof of the ability of Judge Orpheus W. Smith, whose decisions at all times fair and impartial, have won the approval of the bar at large and have received the indorsement of his superior officers. Judge Smith is a splendid representative of the profession to which life, liberty and property look for protection. He was born upon a farm in Jasper county, Illinois, January 3, 1866, a son of Daniel P. and Mary I. (Eagleton) Smith. The father, who was born near Zanesville, Ohio, de- voted his life to farming. In manner he was plain and unostentatious, was careful and painstaking in business and thoroughly reliable in all transactions with the public. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office. Three times he was elected county treasurer of Jasper county, being chosen to that position in 1873, again in 1879, and once more in
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1882, so that his incumbency in the office covered nine years. He died April 10, 1897, having for ten years survived his wife, who passed away August 28, 1887.
Judge Smith, spending his youthful days upon his father's farm, worked in the fields through the summer months and in the winter seasons attended the country schools. He supplemented his early educational training, however, by five terms' study in McKendree's College at Lebanon, Illinois, and taught school in the interval. He determined, however, upon the practice of law as a life work, and completed his law course in that college in June, 1891, after which he was admitted to practice at the Illinois bar. He taught school for another term, however, before entering upon the active work of the profession, which he did at Newton, Illinois, in partnership with Judge James P. Jack, with whom he continued for two years. In January, 1893, he began practicing alone and so continued until 1897, when he was installed as one of the justices of the peace of Decatur. In 1901 he was reelected to that office and served until 1902, when he was elected county judge, and in 1906, and again in 1910 was re- elected, so that he is now serving for the third term, his incumbency in that office will be for a period of about twelve years. Few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the bar of Macon county both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character that impresses itself upon a community. Devotedly attached to his profession, systematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, calm in temper, diligent in research, conscientious in the discharge of every duty, courteous and kind in demeanor and inflexibly just on all occasions, these qualities have enabled Judge Smith to take high rank among the representatives of the bench in this part of the state.
On the 24th of November, 1892, Judge Smith was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Scott, and to them were born twin daughters, Mary I. and Carrie L., on the 23d of April, 1898. Judge Smith and his wife are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mutual Benefit Association. In more strictly professional lines he is connected with the Macon County Bar Asso- ciation, and no higher testimonial of his qualifications as a man and judge could be given than the fact that the bar of Macon county holds him in highest re- gard.
LOUIS B. DICKSON.
A well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 2, Milam township, was not only the birthplace of Louis B. Dickson but is the scene of business operation for him at the present time. He was born January 15, 1878, the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children, whose parents are Adam and Harriet J. (Gleason) Dickson. The former, born in Scotland, came as a young man of eighteen years to the new world, the first ten years after his arrival here being spent in Michigan and Wisconsin. He was about
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thirty years of age when he continued his journey to the middle west, locating on the farm which is now the home of our subject, and for many years he devoted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of this place. In the fall of 1909, however, he took up his abode near Janesville, Wisconsin, where he died December 18, 1910. Mrs. Dickson, who was born in Ohio, accompanied her parents on their removal to Macon county in the early days, and it was here that she met the man whom she afterward married. She survives, having reached the age of sixty-three years.
Louis B. Dickson was reared on the home farm, while his education was ac- quired in the public schools of Macon county. After completing his education, he took up work in earnest in connection with his father, thus being engaged until 1897, when he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Grace Wilson, the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight children born unto W. T. and Emma (Bottrell) Wilson. She was born December 27, 1881, and by her marriage has become the mother of two sons, Earl L. and Walter B.
Following his marriage, Louis B. Dickson engaged in farming on the old home place on his own account, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. He has here one hundred and sixty acres of valuable and pro- ductive land, which responds readily to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. In addition to carrying on general farming, he raises considerable stock, making a specialty of draft horses, which he disposes of at popular prices. He carries on his work in accord with the most modern and progressive ideas and this combined with his honorable dealing constitutes the foundation for the splendid success which he today enjoys.
Mr. Dickson is a stanch republican in his political belief and support, and for the past three years has filled the office of assessor. He and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church at Dalton City, of which Mr. Dickson is serving as an elder. Mr. Dickson has spent his entire life in Macon county, and is therefore widely and favorably known, having a host of warm friends in this section of the state, while his estimable wife also shares with him in the high regard in which he is held.
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MILTON JOHNSON.
Correctly judging his own capacities and powers and also life's contacts and experiences, and utilizing the former as strenuously and effectively as the lat- ter, Milton Johnson is today recognized as one of the prominent and influential business men of Decatur, where for a long period he has figured in financial circles. He was formerly president of the Citizens National Bank, and was also president of the Citizens Title & Trust Company.
A native of Wisconsin, Mr. Johnson was born in Milwaukee county, Sep- tember 30, 1845, and is a son of Edwin and Paulina (Howes) Johnson. The father, a native of Massachusetts, took up his abode in Wisconsin in 1842 and the mother arrived there the following year. They were married in Milwaukee county and in support of his family Edwin Johnson followed the trade of a
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stonemason and plasterer, while still carrying on farming. He built many foundations and took large and important contracts. He also purchased a little farm and in his life there were few leisure hours, for his entire time was given over to his farming or his trade. He died at the age of eighty-two years in the home of his son Milton in Decatur. He had served as town clerk and town- ship superintendent of schools, and while in Wisconsin was elected to represent his district in the state legislature. He was justice of the peace for many years and was known far and near as Squire Johnson. A man of unfaltering honor, he was just and upright on all occasions, and over his record as a citizen and official there fell no shadow of wrong. While his township was largely made up of German citizens, he ever enjoyed their highest regard, and they gave to him unfaltering support. His integrity was ever above question and his straight- forward business dealings won the respect of all. His wife passed away in 1864, her death being the result of a runaway accident. In the family were two sons and three daughters, who reached adult age: Milton; Franklin, a leading horticulturist of Sauk county, Wisconsin, making his home in Baraboo; Mrs. Mary Brown, whose husband was the first state secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association of Illinois; Mrs. Martha Smith, the wife of a Methodist Episcopal minister of West Allis, Wisconsin; and Mrs. Anna Davis, the widow of Isaac J. Davis of Oak Park, Illinois. There is also a half-brother, Edwin, a druggist, who is living at Sugar City, Colorado.
Milton Johnson was educated in the country schools and in Bryant & Strat- ton Business College of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He made his initial step in the business world in 1866 as an employe of the United States Express Com- pany, and was sent to Decatur, where he represented the company until 1869. In that year he became bookkeeper and clerk for Powers, Ferris & Company, wholesale and retail boot and shoe merchants, with whom he continued until 1872, when he entered the banking house of J. Millikin & Company, the part- ners being James Millikin and J. R. Gorin. Mr. Johnson acted as bookkeeper in that bank and in other positions until 1892. In the meantime he had become a member of the firm and in the year designated he sold out and became in- terested in the Citizens National Bank, of which he was vice president for a year. He was then elected to the presidency and continued in office with brief interruptions until January, 1909, when he became the first president of the Citizens Title & Trust Company, of which he was one of the organizers. Mr. Johnson has thus long been identified with the banking business of Decatur and ranks among the leading financiers of Macon county. Honored and re- spected by all, no man occupies a more enviable position in banking circles, and this is not alone by reason of the success he has achieved, but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. His carefully formulated plans have been promptly executed, and his keen sagacity and un- faltering enterprise have been manifest in the success which has attended his efforts.
Mr. Johnson laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage on the 5th of January, 1870, to Miss Philena A. Evans, a native of New York and for many years a resident of Waukesha, Wisconsin. They now have five sons and one daughter: Elbert E., a resident of Los Angeles, California; Franklin
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L., assistant cashier of the Merchants National Bank of St. Louis, Missouri, who was previously for sixteen years with the National Bank of Commerce of that city; Milton, Jr., assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of De- catur; Alva M., who for four years was with the Merchants National Bank of Indianapolis, and is now business manager of Flint, Eaton & Company, manufacturing chemists of this city; Pauline, the wife of R. C. Augustine, an optician of Decatur; and Roy G., of Decatur.
In his political views Mr. Johnson is an earnest republican, and at all times takes a deep interest in the welfare and upbuilding of the city, his cooperation being a tangible asset in movements for the general good. He belongs to the First Methodist Episcopal church, was for many years president of the board of trustees, and all during that time served as treasurer of the board. He has been an earnest and untiring worker in religious affairs, and has sought with equal fervor the benefit and upbuilding of the community and individual in other directions. He is known as one of the prominent members of the Ma- sonic fraternity in Decatur, belonging to Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., since 1867. He is also a member of Macon Chapter No. 21, R. A. M., and to Beaumanoir Commandery No. 21, K. T., serving for two terms as eminent commander, and also becoming a member of the grand commandery of Illinois. He is in thorough sympathy with the purposes and principles of the craft, and is one of its exemplary representatives. His life work has at all times been characterized by progress, whether in the field of business, in politics or in fraternal relations. He seems to have readily recognized the opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by and where the chance has come for a forward step he has made it, thus gaining a broader outlook and still greater opportunities. Thoroughness has also been one of his characteristics, and he has therefore completely mastered every work that he has undertaken. He has never regarded business, however, as the sole end and aim of existence, but rather as but one phase of life, leaving him time and opportunity for coopera- tion in those activities whereby the general public is a direct beneficiary.
HOMER OTHO WHITAKER.
Farming has constituted the life work of Homer Otho Whitaker, who is now giving his attention to a valuable and well improved tract of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 3, Milam township. His birth occurred in Bloomfield, Indiana, July 9, 1878, his parents being A. J. and Clementine (Ed- wards ) Whitaker. The former was a native of Wisconsin, while the latter was born in the Hoosier state. In early manhood the father removed to Bloomfield and it was there that he became acquainted with the lady whom he afterward made his wife. Unto them were born three children, the son, Homer Otho, being a little lad of only three years at the time of the mother's death, which occurred when she was but twenty-nine years of age. The father, too, passed away at a comparatively early age, being but forty-five years old when called to his final rest on the 7th of July, 1898.
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Homer Otho Whitaker, as above stated, was but three years old at the time of his mother's demise, after which he was reared in his father's home to the age of eighteen. In the meantime he pursued his studies in the common schools of his native state, and at that age came to Illinois and secured employment on the farm of his uncle, E. B. Combs, whose sketch also appears in this work. Mr. Whitaker continued to work for his uncle for several years, during which time he gained practical knowledge of the best methods of farm work, so that when he started out in business on his own account he was well qualified to carry it on in a successful manner. It was in 1905 that he made arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Stella May, a daughter of Otto and Emma E. (Richardson) Tietze, of Macon county. She is the eldest of their two children, the date of her birth being July 11, 1887.
Following his marriage, Mr. Whitaker located on a farm in Macon county, cultivating the same until the spring of 1908, when he removed to his present place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Milam township. He has here a good tract of land, and the crops which he annually gathers are the re- sult of his untiring efforts and careful management. In addition to general farming, he raises stock to some extent, and both branches of his business are bringing him a substantial annual income.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker have been born an interesting little son and daughter: Edward Otto, who was born June 25, 1907; and Elizabeth Clemen- tine, whose birth occurred on the 12th of August, 1908. Mr. Whitaker is a republican in his political belief, although at local elections he does not confine his vote strictly to that party. His fraternal relations are with Dalton City Camp, M. W. A., while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a member. They are people of the highest respectability and worth, fully meriting the high esteem and re- gard in which they are uniformly held.
ADAM KELLY.
The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Adam Kelly in Decatur, and here he resided until his death, being identified through much of the period with car- pentering and building interests. He was born in County Down, in the north of Ireland, in 1824, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Kelly, who never came to the United States, but always remained residents of the Emerald isle. There the boyhood and youth of Adam Kelly were passed, and his educational privi- leges were those afforded by the public schools of his native country. The favor- able reports which he heard concerning America and its opportunities, led him to determine to cross the Atlantic, and perfecting his plans, he bade adieu to family, friends and native land and sailed for the new world in March, 1848. Making his way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he there remained for about nine years, or until he came to Decatur, Illinois, in 1856. Here he resided for seventeen years or until his death. He learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and followed it through the greater part of his life, also engaging in
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contracting to some extent. He was a thorough and reliable workman, and was therefore always busy at the trade to which he devoted his energies.
On the 27th of November, 1851, in Philadelphia, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Miss Mary McMurtry, a daughter of Archibald McMurtry, of County Antrim, Ireland, who with his wife came to this country in 1858, and remained on this side of the Atlantic until they were called to the home beyond. Mrs. Kelly was born in County Antrim, Ireland, May 6, 1830, and by her mar- riage became the mother of seven children, of whom two died in infancy. The others are: John, George A., William J., Margaret and Maria.
The death of the husband and father occurred January 24, 1874, when he was in the fiftieth year of his age. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Decatur, and was loyal and faithful to its teachings. His political allegiance was given to the republican party from its organization, but while he had firm belief in its principles, he never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and private interests. His life was upright and honorable and was the visible expression of manly prin- ciples and noble purposes. Mrs. Kelly still survives her husband and now re- sides at No. 1114 West Macon street, in a pleasant home amid many friends who entertain for her warm and kindly regard. She has now made her home in Decatur for more than a half century and has a very wide and favorable ac- quaintance here.
PAUL SMITH.
For a long period Paul Smith was identified with the business interests of Decatur as a builder and contractor, and many of the buildings of this city and surrounding country stand today as monuments to his skill and ability. He was a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred in Harrisburg, March 17, 1838. He was reared in Pennsylvania to the age of six years, when he was brought by his parents to the middle west, the family home being estab- lished near LaFayette, Indiana, the father there following agricultural pur- suits. The son acquired his education in the district schools near his home and during the summer months was trained in the duties of the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty- three years, when, the Civil war having been inaugurated, he joined an Indiana volunteer regiment, remaining at the front about two and a half years.
Returning home after receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Smith began working at the carpenter's trade in LaFayette, his time being there spent for about three years. He then came to Decatur, and for a similar period was em- ployed at his trade, doing considerable contract work. He then went to Mo- berly, Missouri, but after spending only about a year and a half in that locality, once more returned to Decatur and continued operations as a builder and con- tractor. He was awarded the contracts for building many of the substantial structures of this city, which still stand as monuments to his splendid work-
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manship. He was ever true to the terms of a contract, and his treatment of his employes was such as to win from all the utmost confidence and respect, while in the closer circle of his friends, he was esteemed for his many sterling qualities of manhood.
Mr. Smith was married in Decatur to Miss Sarah E. Baty, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, August 24, 1841. She accompanied her mother to this city when a little maiden of thirteen years, and from that time to the present has made Decatur her home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three chil- dren, Ellis, Nora and Minnie, but all are now deceased.
Mr. Smith was somewhat independent in politics, although he favored the principles and platform of the republican party. However, he voted for men whom he deemed best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. He maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his member- ship in the G. A. R. Post of Decatur. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Universalist church. He passed away at Brush College, about three miles east of Decatur, on the 22d of May, 1894, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at that place. Decatur mourned the loss of a representative and valued citizen, widely recognized as a man of honor and of strong force of character. Perhaps the highest tribute that can be paid Mr. Smith is that he was successful in all of his undertakings, and that he so dis- charged his duties as a citizen and as a business man as to merit the confidence of those who knew him best. His widow occupies a nice home which she owns at No. 560 West North street, and she also owns two good residences on Edward street. She is also well known in Decatur, her many good traits of heart and mind having endeared her to a large circle of friends.
WILLIAM HENRY WALTERS, M. D.
Dr. William Henry Walters is well remembered as a pioneer physician of Decatur and Macon county, where he practiced his profession for thirty-six years, prior to which time he had been located for a few years in Sangamon and Champaign counties, so that he became well known in various parts of central Illinois. His life record covered the intervening years between August 18, 1821, and January 20, 1897. He was born in New Jersey, and on the pa- ternal side came of English ancestry, his father having been born in England. He was married in this country and his death occurred when the son was but a small boy.
William Henry Walters was reared in the state of his nativity to the age of twenty years, during which period he pursued his literary education in the schools of that state. Deciding to enter the medical profession as a life work, to that end he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he became a student in Jefferson Medical College of that city. He was graduated with the class of 1849, after which he at once made his way to the then "far west," believing that Illinois offered better opportunities to the young physician than the older east. Accordingly he located in Champaign county, this state, where he re-
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mained for a brief period, but in 1851 opened an office in Springfield, where he spent the succeeding decade. In 1861 he came to Decatur, where he continued in the active practice of medicine until the time of his death.' For thirty-six years he ministered to the people of this city and surrounding country, during which time he became the loved family physician in many a household and firmly established himself in the public regard as an able, capable physician of wide personal knowledge and marked skill.
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