USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 58
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believed to be for the best interests of the individual and the community at large. Mrs. Johnson still makes her home at No. 757 North Main street and in addition to this property she owns an extensive farm in Christian county be- sides other city realty.
CHARLES LAUX.
As proprietor of the St. Nicholas Hotel, one of the principal hostelries in northern Illinois, Charles Laux is widely known, and in this connection has formed the acquaintance of many eminent men. His business ability is mani- fest, moreover, in the success which has attended his efforts. His progressive spirit has at all times actuated him in the conduct of the hotel, and in all its equipments and appointments the St. Nicholas equals the best hostelries in many of the larger cities.
A native of Germany, Mr. Laux was born in the grand duchy of Luxem- burg, November 17, 1842, and there spent the first eleven years of his life, after which he sailed with his parents for the new world. The family home was established at Decatur on the 22d of May, 1854. The mother passed away, the following July, and the father survived only until 1859, so that Charles Laux was left an orphan at the age of sixteen. At the age of eighteen he made his way to California and during the period of his residence on the Pacific coast worked in various hotels serving as steward for a time at Sacramento. He re- mained in the west for four years, during which time his hotel experience brought to him knowledge and ability that enabled him to enter successfully upon the conduct of a hotel following his return to Decatur. In connection with his brothers, Nicholas and Peter, he purchased what was then known as the Cloudas House, formerly known as the Harrell House. Under the new man- agement, however, the hostelry was given the name of the St. Nicholas Hotel, and from the outset it has been maintained as a first class establishment. It was conducted under a partnership arrangement until 1880, when Charles Laux purchased the interest of his two brothers and has since been sole proprietor. In 1892 the old hotel was replaced by the present modern structure, which is five stories in height, containing one hundred and fifty guest rooms, office, spacious dining room and parlor, the building being erected at a cost of one hundred and five thousand dollars. It is supplied with all modern conveniences, and Mr. Laux, ever studying the needs and comforts of his guests has made it a popular resort for the traveling public. The hotel is located in the heart of the business district, at the southwest corner of Lincoln Square. From its earli- est history it has been the political headquarters of both the democratic and re- publican parties, the names of many men of national reputation appearing on the register of the St. Nicholas-among them Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, Judge David Davis, Richard J. Oglesby, and many others of equal note. The framers of the Grand Army of the Republic drew up the original code of the army in the parlors of the St. Nicholas, and this act alone will make Decatur famous after the last veteran of the Civil war has been called to his reward.
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Aside from his business interests Mr. Laux has not been unknown in the life and activity of the city. While he has never sought public office he was chosen to the position of city treasurer, in which he served for two years. He has cooperated in many movements that have had for their object the welfare and development of Decatur, and no one questions his loyalty to the city which has so long been the place of his residence. His study of the political ques- tions and issues of the day has led him to give stanch support to the principles of democracy, and yet his friends are as numerous among the advocates of the republican party as among those whose political views are similar to his own.
FRANK LE FORGEE.
Frank A. Le Forgee, who for twenty-one years was engaged in the real- estate business in Decatur and was known as one of the prominent representa- tives of that field of activity, was born near Flemingsburg, in Fleming county, Kentucky, April 21, 1838, his parents being Ayers and Lorinda Le Forgee. The father, who devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits, remained in Ken- tucky until the latter part of his life, when he came to Macon county, Illinois, his children having previously located in this section.
Frank A. Le Forgee spent his youthful days in the county of his nativity, being reared under the parental roof, while his education was acquired in the old-time subscription schools there. On attaining his majority he sought his fortune elsewhere and made his way to Illinois, becoming a resident of Decatur. where he maintained his residence much of the time until his death. He was, however, for a few years engaged in farming with his brothers in this county and later he became proprietor of a grocery store in Decatur, which he conducted for a few years on Merchant street. At one time he was the owner of a factory and was connected with a book store in Decatur. He was perhaps best known, however, because of his real-estate operations, which covered a period of twenty- one years, so that at the time of his death he was one of the oldest real-estate dealers in this city. He thoroughly informed himself concerning property values, knew the location of every available piece of property in the city and negotiated many important realty transfers which constituted features in the prosperity and development of Decatur as well as in his own success. From time to time as opportunity offered he made judicious investments in real estate and at his demise left to his widow a nice home and other property.
On the 3d of April, 1873, in this city, Frank A. Le Forgee was married to Miss Mary Ellen Barton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Barton, of Decatur. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Henry Soule, of Decatur, and the young couple began their domestic life here. Unto them was born one son, Barton B., whose birth occurred in Decatur, March II, 1874, and who passed away in Macon county, April 2, 1890, his remains being interred in one of the city cemeteries.
The father passed away April 1, 1894, on his way from Sacramento, California, to Ogden, Utah. His remains were then brought back to Decatur and were
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interred in Greenwood cemetery. He held membership in the Christian church, in which he served as an elder and he was at one time a member of the Good Templars lodge of Decatur, showing that his aid and influence were ever given on the side of temperance, morality, truth and justice. He never seemed to care for public office but always voted with the republican party and in his later years took an active part in promoting its principles and securing its success. He was deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and upbuilding of the city and to this end held membership in and cooperated with the Busi- ness Men's Asociation. His life was actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress and he carried forward to successful completion whatever he under- took. He possessed laudable ambition and firm purpose but, while he won suc- cess, his path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes. His business ability enabled him to leave his widow in comfortable financial circum- stances, her property holdings including a nice home and other Decatur real- estate. She, too, is a devoted member of the Christian church and she resides at No. 150 West North street.
BYRD L. DAVIS.
Byrd L. Davis, one of the highly successful business men of Decatur, owes his prosperity to a laudable ambition which has always been directed along legitimate channels. His career presents a striking example of what may be ac- complished by one making his own way in the world who in earlier years is will- ing to practice self-denial in order that later he and those dependent upon him may possess an abundance.
Mr. Davis is a native of Macon county, born June 28, 1869, and is a son of Henry W. and Martha (Stickle) Davis. The father was also a native of this county, where he became a farmer, stock-raiser and nursery man. In 1879 he removed to Decatur and entered the livery business, in which he continued until his death in 1896, when he was sixty-two years of age. He belonged to a family of nine children, one of whom, John Davis, removed to Kansas in 1875 and was elected to congress, becoming known as one of the leading citizens of the state. He departed this life in 1900. The father of our subject, was identified with the republican party and while he was not an office seeker he served as super- visor of his township. Joseph Davis, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Kentucky, the family originally coming from Virginia. He was a pioneer of Macon county and was well known as a trader. He drove mules to Chicago, where he traded them for wagons, which he afterward sold to farmers in cen- tral Illinois. The grandfather of our subject on the maternal side was John Stickle, who was a native of Pennsylvania and emigrated to Illinois at an early day.
After receiving his early education in the district schools Byrd L. Davis came with his parents to Decatur, where he completed his studies in the high school. After laying aside his books he engaged in farming for a time in Champaign county, Illinois, but in 1893 returned to Decatur, where he entered the livery
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business, in which he has ever since continued. He began at No. 564 North Water street but later sold this stable and opened another at No. 140 East Cerro Gordo street. In 1896 he took charge of his father's barn at 564 North Water street and in April, 1899, removed to 140 South Main street, but is now located at No. 128 North Franklin street, where he conducts the leading livery and trans- fer business of Decatur. He has a number of automobiles and keeps every- thing up-to-date, all his carriages being rubber-tired. He employs thirty-five or forty men and on account of the excellence of his service has gained a reputa- tion which has made his name favorably known throughout central Illinois. In 1903 he purchased the undertaking establishment of Peter Perl & Son, which is now conducted under the title of Hawkins Davis & Company. He has been interested in rice lands in Texas and mines in Gilpin county, Colorado, and in 1905 purchased one hundred and forty acres of land on section 5, Decatur township, this county, which he still owns.
In 1895 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Smart, a daugh- ter of James Smart, of Shelbyville, Illinois, and six children have come to brighten their home: Ethyl Ann, who was born September 10, 1896; Fleta May; Josephine ; Aileen ; Byrd L., Jr .; and Bertha D.
Although not connected with any religious organization, his interest in relig- ious institutions is manifest by the strong support he has given the Young Men's Christian Association in Decatur, contributing liberally toward the erection of its building. His wife is a valued member of the Baptist church. Fraternally he is identified with the blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic order at Decatur and also with Easterly Camp, No. 1626, Modern Woodmen of 'America. He has many friends in Decatur and Macon county, who have always found him to be active, energetic and capable in his various enterprises and worthy of every confidence. For two terms he served as director of the Chamber of Com- merce of Decatur. By a useful and honorable career he has established a reputa- tion for integrity which is worth vastly more than great wealth gained through questionable means.
JOSHUA HUBBARD.
As the years are passing the ranks of the Civil war veterans are fast becom- ing thinned as one by one answers to the last roll call. The country owes to its boys in blue a debt of gratitude that can never be paid and it is found, other things being equal, that the country has no more loyal citizens than those who shouldered a musket and marched to the defense of the Union in the darkest hour of our national history. Among this number was Joshua Hubbard and it is meet, therefore, that mention be made of him in this volume.
He was born at Columbus, Indiana, August 23, 1845. His father, John C. Hubbard, was a native of Middletown, Connecticut, born February 26, 1794. He followed merchandising throughout his active business life and removed from Connecticut to Indiana, where he died on the 29th of June, 1853. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Brice, was born in Connecticut and died October 21, 1846.
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Joshua Hubbard was educated in the schools of Columbus, Indiana but when young left home owing to his father's death, which brought upon him the ne- cessity of providing for his own support. He worked as a farm hand in vari- ous places when but a boy in years and was a youth of but sixteen when he of- fered his services to the government in defense of the Union during the Civil war, enlisting on the 17th of September, 1861, as a member of Company G, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was enrolled with that regiment at Columbus under Captain J. C. Dilla and was honorably discharged February 27, 1864, at Christiana, Tennessee, for on the 23d of that month he had reen- listed as a veteran. He received his final discharge July 21, 1865, at Louis- ville, Kentucky. Following his second enlistment he was under command of Captain Samuel D. Helman and served throughout the entire war. While on active duty at the front he was captured and was sent to Libby prison, where he remained until paroled. He afterward rejoined his regiment and during the period of his service participated in many hotly contested battles and skir- mishes, including the engagements of Cumberland Gap, Rogers Gap, Taze- well, Richmond, Kentucky; Thompson Station, Tennessee; Resaca New Hope Church Gilgal, Culps Farm, Kenesaw Mountain, Pumpkin Vine, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Turner's Ferry, Savannah, Blackville, Bentonville, Goldsborough and Raleigh. From the ranks he was promoted to corporal.
Following the war Mr. Hubbard returned to Indiana, where he began farm- ing on his own account, and was thus engaged until he came to Illinois in 1867. For thirty-two years thereafter he carried on farming in this state, at the ex- piration of which period he took up his abode in the city of Decatur and now makes his home at No. 1130 North Monroe street. In his business he was diligent and persevering, and his success was attributable entirely to his own labors and honorable effort.
Mr. Hubbard was married in Decatur on the 14th of January, 1869, to Miss Hannah E. Kaylor, the wedding ceremony being performed by Rev. James C. Daily. Mrs. Hubbard was born in Columbus, Ohio, March 13, 1850, a daugh- ter of Jacob and Rachel (Street) Kaylor. Her father, a farmer by occupation, was born in Maryland, April 14, 1818, and died in Decatur, March 4, 1900, when in the eighty-second year of his age. His wife, who was born in Mary- land, February 22, 1817, died in Decatur, April 14, 1900, and her remains were laid to rest in Boiling Springs cemetery. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hubbard removed from Maryland to Ohio at an early day and there spent the remainder of his life. The maternal grandfather also went from Maryland to Ohio and continued a resident of that state until his life's labors were ended in death.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard were born six children: Charles A., who was born November 21, 1869, and was married December 25, 1893, in Warrensburg, Illinois, to Myrtle Purdon, who is now living in Oklahoma and has a family of four children-Dixie E., Freda I., Joshua G. and Beulah E. John J., was born in Macon county, January 22, 1871, and died on the IIth of January, 1872. Elva L., born in Wichita, Kansas, March 24, 1873, was married December 24, 1891, to John E. Albert at Warrensburg, Illinois, where they now live. Their children are six in number-Louisa E., Vonna I., Ruby. S., Ruth E., Lawrence
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E. and John E., all yet living. Clarence W. Hubbard, born July 26, 1880, in Macon county, died August 6, 1881. Iva M., born in this county, November 15, 1882, was married in St. Louis, January 28, 1909, to J. F. Richter, Jr., who is now an alderman of Decatur. They have one child, Mildred E. Leslie J., born in Macon county, August 8, 1888, is employed in a flour mill at Lamar, Colorado.
Mr. Hubbard has always been a republican in politics since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as commissioner of highways and in various other local offices. He is now interested in farming in Oklahoma, where he owns good property, but makes his home in Decatur. He belongs to Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., of Decatur and is a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church. He is recognized as one of Macon county's best citizens and is today as true and loyal to the country and it best interests as he was when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. His record has at all times been that of an honorable man and progressive, public-spirited citizen, and he well merits representation in this volume.
WILLIAM P. SANNER.
An attractive residence standing in the midst of a well cultivated and productive tract of two hundred and ninety-six acres, located on section 18, Milam town- ship, is the property of William P. Sanner, who owes his success to his own well directed labors and progressive business methods. Mr. Sanner is a native of Illinois, born in Shelby county, October 6, 1866, and is the eldest in a fam- ily of nine children whose parents are Edward B. and Naomi ( Pierson) Sanner, who were likewise born in the Prairie state. Extended mention of the parents is made in connection with the sketch of Albert E. Sanner on another page of this work.
William P. Sanner was afforded such educational advantages as are to be had through the medium of the common schools, while his training at farm labor was received under the direction of his father. After putting aside his text-books he continued on the home farm, giving his father the benefit of his services until the time of his marriage on the 17th of January, 1893, when he established a home of his own by his union with Miss Annie M. Otto, a daugh- ter of August and Augusta (Derfur) Otto. Her father was born in Germany, while her mother claims Missouri as the place of her nativity. Mr. Otto came to the new world with his mother during his early boyhood days, his father having died in Germany. The family home was established in Illinois and it was in Bunker Hill, this state, that he wedded Miss Augusta Derfur. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, of whom Mrs. Sanner is the third in order of birth, her natal day being January 8, 1871.
Following their marriage the young couple took up their abode in Shelby county, Illinois, Mr. Sanner operating land belonging to his father. When he had passed five successful years in this way, during which period he accumulated some money, he returned to Macon county and purchased the farm on which
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he today makes his home, this place comprising two hundred and ninety-six acres of arable and productive land situated on section 18, Milam township. It was in 1897 that Mr. Sanner bought this land and ere his removal to the place he erected a modern residence, which is supplied with all the accessories that add so much to the comfort of the members of the household. While he gives much of his time and attention to the cultivation of various grains adapted to the soil in central Illinois, he likewise raises stock for the market, and both branches of his business are so well managed that he is meeting with creditable success.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sanner has been blessed with seven children, three sons and four daughters, as follows: Arthur O., who was born May 16, 1894; William R., whose birth occurred February 7, 1896; Nora A., born July 9, 1897; Daisy L., September 19, 1899; Edward B., January 12, 1902; Lena D., May 15, 1904; and Augusta N., April 30, 1909.
In politics Mr. Sanner is a stanch republican but aside from filling the office of road commissioner for one term he has never been active in public affairs. Fraternally he is connected with Moweaqua Lodge, No. 274, I. O. O. F .; and Beacon Lodge, No. 434, K. P. Both he and his wife are Methodists in religious faith, holding membership with Sanner Chapel in Penn township, Shelby county. He is a man of high ideals and honorable business methods and if the prosperity which he has already achieved is any criterion of his future success, he will undoubtedly find a place among the leading citizens of Macon county, for he is yet a comparatively young man.
JOHN WESLEY HARTLEY.
In the death of John Wesley Hartley Decatur lost one of her worthy citizens who had been an active factor in business life and who had proved his loyalty in citizenship by active service as a soldier in the Mexican and Civil wars. He was born in Charlestown, Indiana, March 2, 1828, a son of Hugh and Nancy (Huckleberry) Hartley, who, after residing in Indiana for a number of years, came to Illinois and settled in Jefferson county, where they made their home until called to their final rest. The father had become the owner of a good farm property and at his death left an estate covering many acres of land. Their children were: James, Sidwell, William A., Andrew J., Martha J., Clara, John W. and Mary A. Hartley.
John W. Hartley spent his youthful days in his parents' home in what was then a pioneer district. His educational privileges were somewhat limited, owing to the primitive condition of the schools, yet he made good use of his opportunities and throughout his life learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience, becoming a practical business man who looked at life from a liberal standpoint. He arrived in Macon county in 1847, at which time he took up his abode in Decatur, becoming identified with the business affairs of this city in connection with a grocery and bakery enterprise.
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It was not long after his arrival here that Mr. Hartley established a home of his own through his marriage, on the 2d of March, 1852, to Miss Nancy Carter, of this city, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Carter. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Rev. John W. Tyler, and unto Mr. and Mrs. Hartley was born a son, Charles Wesley, whose birth occurred in Decatur, August 20, 1855, and who is now residing with his mother in this city, their home being at No. 877 North Main street.
An interesting chapter in the life history of John Wesley Hartley covers his military experience. He had not yet attained his majority when he en- listed for service in the Mexican war, doing active duty in defense of American interests in the contest with the Mexican forces. In 1861 he again responded to the country's call for troops, becoming a first lieutenant of Company H, Fourteenth Regiment of Illinois Infantry, and by reenlistment he served for three years, doing active duty as a defender of the stars and stripes. In both connections he made a creditable military record.
He held membership in the Christian church of Decatur and belonged also to the Odd Fellows and Masonic lodges, being most loyal to the teachings of these orders and exemplifying in his life the charitable and benevolent spirit upon which they are founded. He reached the venerable age of seventy-two years, passing away on the 13th of June, 1900, at which time he was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery. He had been a resident of the county for a half century and was well known among its citizens. His life record was one which would bear close investigation and scrutiny, for he had always been loyal to the best interests of the community, had been straightforward in business, faith- ful in friendship and devoted to family ties.
ALBERT REYNOLDS TAYLOR, PH. D., LL. D.
Albert Reynolds Taylor, president of The James Millikin University, was born in a log cabin on a farm in Putnam county, Illinois. His mother was of sturdy Quaker stock and his father a Cumberland Presbyterian. Both were industrious and God-fearing. Farming, the district schools of the later '50S and the war period were the earliest factors in the development of the future educational leader. At this period of his life, Albert Taylor dreamed of future success at the machinist's trade, for which he possessed a natural aptitude, and for some time he gratified his desire for the use of tools and became an excellent machinist. He still retains great interest in machinery of all kinds.
Leaving the bench and tools of the machine shop, the future administrator entered a store, were he learned the principles of trade and industry and gained a knowledge of men. In 1864 he enrolled as a student in the Model School of the Illinois State Normal University at Normal. Later he attended Knox Col- lege at Galesburg, Illinois, but entered Lincoln University at Lincoln, Illinois, in January, 1869, from which he graduated with the class of 1872. On the completion of his course at Lincoln University, he was offered a tutorship, which was accepted reluctantly as he had a desire to study law. The work at Lincoln proved so successful that before the end of the first year he was of-
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