USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 60
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
Army Corps, under General J. E. Smith. With his final discharge there closed a military record of which anyone might have been proud, for throughout the entire period of the war his conduct had been characterized by the utmost loyalty to the cause for which he contended and a courage that never faltered in the face of duty.
After his return to the north Mr. Smith took up his abode at El Paso, Illi- nois, where he remained for a short time, after which he went to Kendall county. There he followed farming for a time and was likewise engaged at various other places throughout the state, being thus identified until March 16, 1880, when he took up his permanent abode in Decatur. After his arrival in this city he entered business circles as a painting contractor and for twelve years carried on a suc- cessful enterprise which increased so steadily in volume and importance that in 1902, when compelled to withdraw from active work, he retired with a goodly competency which now supplies him, in the evening of life, with all necessary comforts.
It was in Kendall county, Illinois, on the 6th of June, 1867, that Mr. Smith wedded Miss Emma A. Evans, who was born in that county on the 3d of De- cember, 1846, her birth occurring in the same house in which she was married. Her father, Francis Evans, a farmer by occupation, was of Scotch descent and came to Illinois from the east in pioneer days. He lived to the remarkable old age of ninety-three years, passing away in Grundy county. His wife was seventy-nine years of age at the time of her death, which occurred in Livingston county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born two daughters, the eldest, Mary Ellen, having been born in Kendall county on the 8th of June, 1869. She wedded John M. Schultz of Greenup, Illinois, where they now reside, and they have be- come the parents of three children, Olive Hazel, John Wesley and Burthle Roenetta. The younger daughter, Sarah Annetta, was born in Livingston county, Illinois, August 27, 1871, and is now the wife of John Northland, of Decatur. Their children are Annell and Lucille.
The religious faith of Mr. Smith is indicated by the fact that he holds mem- bership relations with the First Methodist church of Decatur. He is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Knights and Ladies of Security ; to Sanga- mon Tribe, 146, Improved Order of Red Men; to the American Star of Equity lodge; and the Mutual Protective League. He also maintains pleasant rela- tions with his old army comrades as a member of Dunham Post, 141, G. A. R., at Decatur. In politics Mr. Smith has given his allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, loyally supporting the organization which upheld the Union during the dark days of the Civil war, and while a resident of Kendall county was elected on that ticket to the office of road commissioner. He has ever been deeply interested in the affairs of the nation, advocating measures which have had for their object the general growth and development and has remained as faithful to the interests of his country in the days of peace as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields. With a liking for all manly outdoor sports, he has ever been particularly fond of hunt- ing and today relates many interesting stories of nights spent in coon hunting in the early days in Indiana. Fortunate in possessing those characteristics which
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speak for honorable manhood and desirable citizenship, Mr. Smith has won for himself a place among the most highly respected residents of Decatur, his en- gaging personality making him the friend of all who know him, and few men more richly deserve the good-will and high esteem of their fellowmen.
P. E. GERBER.
Occupying a prominent and honored position in financial circles in Macon county is P. E. Gerber, who for ten years has been vice president of the Argenta Bank and is classed with the representative and prosperous business men of the town. His birth occurred in Whitmore township, Macon county, July 20, 1863. His father, Samuel Gerber, was a native of Shelby county, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and pursued his education. There he married Miss Susanna Hilbrant, also a native of Ohio. They began their domestic life upon a farm in Shelby county, Ohio, where they lived for a number of years, and about 1861 removed westward to Illinois, establishing their home in Macon county. The father purchased land in Whitmore township, at first becoming the owner of a forty acre tract of wild prairie. He broke the sod and fenced the fields, built a small house there and with characteristic energy began the cultivation of crops that the place might bring to him a substantial and immediate income. His labors gained him prosperity and he purchased more land from time to time. He also added attractive and substantial farm buildings and altogether developed a place which in its equipment was equal to the best farms of the community. His different investments in property at length aggregated six hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land in different farms in Macon county, and year by year he carefully tilled the fields and developed his place according to modern methods. At length, however, he put aside the active work of the farm and removed to Argenta, building there a good home.
The Argenta Bank, a private institution, was established and owned by James Brown and Samuel Gerber, Mr. Brown acting as president, Mr. Gerber as vice president and James Hemphill as cashier. After the death of Mr. Brown, Mr. Gerber became president, while P. E. Gerber was elected first vice president and S. O. Hilbrant became cashier. While living in Argenta the father lost his wife, who passed away in June, 1907.
The youthful experiences of P. E. Gerber were such as usually come to the farm boy whose vacation periods are spent at work in the fields. The chores of the farm, the plowing, planting and harvesting, all became familiar to him. At the same time he pursued his education in the common schools and later supplemented it by a course in Lincoln College. Following the father's re- moval to Argenta the son remained upon the farm and continued its cultiva- tion and the raising and feeding of stock. He and his father were partners in the ownership of the farm and the conduct of the business, and he made a specialty of raising heavy draft horses and of raising, buying and fattening cat- tle for the market. He was thus actively identified with general agricultural pursuits until 1893, when he removed to Argenta and erected the modern resi- dence that is now his home.
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On the 21st of March, 1886, in Shelby county, Ohio, Mr. Gerber was mar- ried to Miss Lydia Hilbrant, who was born and reared in the Buckeye state and is a daughter of Irvin Hilbrant, also a native of Ohio, where his youthful days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Gerber have one daughter, Blanche, now the wife of Charles Bricker, of Spokane, Washington.
Since removing to 'Argenta Mr. Gerber has divided his attention between his farm and live-stock interests and other business affairs. He is a man of pro- gressive spirit, watchful of opportunities, and his improvement of the advan- tages which have come to him have made him one of the leading and representa- tive business men of the community. Moreover, he is public-spirited and any project for the good of the community is sure to receive his indorsement. Po- litically he is a republican and his devotion to the general welfare was demon- strated in his two terms' service as mayor of Argenta. He has also served on the town board, yet has never sought nor desired office, his political preferment coming to him through the vote of his fellow townsmen, who have recognized and appreciated his ability. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Argenta, and he belongs to the Masonic lodge of the town. He has also taken the degrees of Decatur Chapter, R. A. M .; Decatur Commandery, K. T .; and the Mystic Shrine of Peoria. In Argenta Lodge, I. O. O. F., he has served through all the chairs, is a past grand and has represented the local lodge in the Grand Lodge of the state. The extent and importance of his business interests have made him widely known in Macon and adjoining counties, and the course which he has ever followed has commended him to the confidence, good-will and regard of his fellowmen, who appreciate his worth and recognize the fact that his success is well merited.
HENRY BARNHART.
The fact that Henry Barnhart was a faithful and loyal soldier of the Civil war would alone entitle him to mention among those citizens whose records are a credit and honor to Decatur. However, as a business man in this city he has made for himself a creditable name, having for a considerable period been num- bered among the contractors and builders of Decatur, although at the present time he is living retired.
He was born in Miami county, Ohio, January 2, 1843, and was a son of Samuel Barnhart, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in the Buckeye state at the age of seventy-seven years. The mother passed away in Pennsylvania at the age of eighty-four years. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom are still living in Ohio. The father was a farmer, carpenter and con- tractor and led a busy and active life so that he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
Henry Barnhart pursued his education in the public schools of Covington, Ohio, and at the age of seventeen began learning the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father. He had previously had some business experience in assistance which he had given his father in the work of the farm in early
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life. He had not worked long at the carpenter's trade when the Civil war was inaugurated and he watched with interest the progress of events in the south. He could not content himself to remain at home when the outcome of the war seemed ominous, and in August, 1862, when nineteen years of age, he joined the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Second Brigade of the Third Division of the Sixth Army Corps under Captain J. C. Ulery. He served for the full term of three years and participated in the following battles: Union Mills, Virginia, June 12, 1863; Winchester, Virginia, June 14, 1863; Stephenson Depot, June 15, 1863; Happing Heights, June 29, 1863; Brandy Station, November 8, 1863; Mine Run, Virginia, No- vember 27, 1863; The Wilderness, May 5, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 9-12, 1864; Nye River, Virginia, May 14, 1864; Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 1-12, 1864; Petersburg, Virginia, June 22-23, 1864; Ream Station, June 20, 1864; Monocacy, Maryland, July 9, 1864; Sneekers Gap, August, 1864; Opequan, Maryland, August 9, 1864; Fisher Hill, Maryland, September 22, 1864; Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864; Cedar Springs, November 12, 1864; the two engagements at Petersburg on the 23d of March and the 2d of April, 1865; Jettersville, April 5, 1865; Sailors Creek, April 6, 1865; and Appomattox, 'April 9, 1865. It will thus be seen that his service was a very arduous one and that he was constantly on active duty. He made a most creditable military record, never faltering in the face of danger, and therefore returned home with the honors of war.
Mr. Barnhart received his discharge at Columbus, Ohio, and at once re- turned to Covington, that state, where he engaged in farming for a number of years and also followed carpentry. He has been a resident of Macon county since 1887 and here took up carpentering and contracting, with which business he was actively and successfully identified until 1905, when he retired from the trade to look after private business interests. He had made investments in real- estate and is now the owner of considerable valuable city property, including his fine residence. From much of his property he derives a substantial annual income.
Mr. Barnhart was united in marriage to Miss Celentha Battson, who died August 20, 1889, leaving a son, John D. Barnhart, who is at the head of the John D. Barnhart Company that has recently opened a mercantile establishment in the Gebhart block on North Water street. He entered the mercantile field five years ago and in that time has made remarkable progress. Previous to go- ing into business for himself he was traveling salesman for the Morehouse & Wells Company. Later he established a small hardware store and, branching out, he added to his stock, securing additional room and incorporated his com- pany. His hardware store is in the same block with his new enterprise and he will manage both business interests. The new undertaking is a general mer- chandise enterprise that will meet the demands of trade in that part of the city.
While Henry Barnhart is now living retired from business, he is widely and favorably known in other connections. He has always taken an active and helpful interest in the work of the Grand Army of the Republic and is the pres- ent commander of Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., of Decatur, having been elected in 1910. He always attends the annual reunions of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and he was a delegate to the state encamp-
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ment of the Grand Army at Freeport, Illinois. In all matters of citizenship he is as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag upon south- ern battlefields and protected the interests of the Union when facing the enemy's bullets.
WAIT BROUGHTON.
Wait Broughton, who has won a gratifying measure of success as a farmer and stock-raiser, is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Mount Zion township, making his home on section 18. His birth occurred in Rensselaer county, New York, on the 15th of April, 1837, he being the youngest son of Wait and Sallie (Cross) Broughton. The father who was born in August, 1787, participated in the war of 1812 and in 1848 took up his abode in Fairfax county, Virginia, where he followed farming. His demise occurred on the 12th of March, 1863. His wife, who was born in Rensselaer county, New York, on the 25th of October, 1796, passed away on the 21st of December, 1876. She was a daughter of the well known Captain Cross of New York, who was a native of the Green Mountain state.
Wait Broughton, who was a lad of eleven years at the time of his father's removal to Virginia, attended the schools of that state until sixteen years of age and remained on the home farm there until the spring of 1859, when he came to Springfield, Illinois. Subsequently he worked on farms in Sangamon and Macon counties until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted for service in the One Hundred and Sixth Illinois Infantry, remaining with that command for three years. He participated in the engagements at Vicksburg and Jackson and other noted battles west of the Mississippi river. He was severly wounded at one time but returned to the front as soon as able. He still maintains pleasant relations with old army comrades through his membership in Dunham Post, No. 4I, of Decatur-the first post organized after the close of the war. When hostilities had ceased Mr. Broughton engaged in farming and the raising of sheep, but the venture proved disastrous and he not only lost all his capital but found himself in debt as well. Nothing daunted, however, he started out anew with increased zeal and in 1872 purchased eighty acres of land on section 18, Mount Zion township. By dint of untiring industry and good management he prospered as the years passed by and at the present time his property holdings embrace three hundred and sixty acres of valuable and productive land. He paid from twenty-five dollars to as high as two hundred dollars an acre for the property. The place of lacking is none of the improvement and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century and its neat and thrifty appearance speaks volumes for the energy and enterprise of the owner. Throughout his business career Mr. Broughton has devoted his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising and his activities in this connection have brought him a gratifying annual income. At the time of his arrival in Springfield in 1859 his worldly possessions consisted of a gold piece of the value of two and a half dollars. Setting resolutely to work, he has since made steady progress toward the goal of success, undeterred by obstacles and difficulties.
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On the 2d of June, 1868, Mr. Broughton was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Welsh, of Sangamon county, her parents being Levi and Mary (Reed) Welsh, natives of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In 1854 they took up their abode in Sangamon county, Illinois, where Mr. Welsh successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Broughton have been born the following children : Albert T., whose natal day was December 1, 1869; Ida M., whose birth occurred June 7, 1871; Edmond W., who was born on the 15th of April, 1873, and passed away on the 27th of April 1874; Henry C., born October 15, 1874; George H., February 20, 1878; Walter F., whose birth occurred September 23, 1879; Samuel L., who was born November 20, 1882, and died June 7, 1883; and Stanley L., who first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 6th of September, 1886. The son Henry C., has two children : Russell Clay, whose birth occurred October 9, 1898; and Goldie Fern, born October 6, 1900; and Frederick W., has three : Marie, born in August, 1900; Bernice, born October II, 1906; and Irene, born April 22, 1909.
Politically Mr. Broughton is a stalwart advocate of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He and his family attend the Presbyterian church. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers more than a half century and he has therefore witnessed much of its growth and development. Honorable and upright in all life's relations, the many sterling traits of his character have endeared him to the great majority of those with whom he has come in contact.
ZACHARIAH TAYLOR BLAINE.
Zachariah Taylor Blaine is one of Decatur's oldest settlers and has the respect of all who know him. He is now living a retired life but for a num- ber of years was closely identified with agricultural pursuits in this part of the state. He was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1845, and is a representative one of the old families of that state. His grandfather was born in Pennsylvania and was a prominent agriculturist of the community in which he lived. His son, William Blaine, the father of Zachariah Taylor Blaine, was born in New Jersey and in early life learned the shoemaker's trade. He went from New Jersey to Pennsylvania and there enlisted for service in the war against the Indians of Florida. He was afterward a soldier of the Mexican war, and again his military spirit was dominant when the country became in- volved in the Civil war, for he espoused the cause of the Union and marched to the front under the stars and stripes. There are few men who can boast of active service in three wars of the country, but William Blaine was a veteran of three of the different contests in which the country has been engaged. He married Jane Leightner, who was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. Her father was also a native of Pennsylvania and represented a family of German lineage founded in America in early days. He continued a resident of the Key- stone state throughout his entire life and passed away at the age of eighty- eight years, after having devoted the greater part of his life to farming. His
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daughter, Mrs. William Blaine, was also a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, her death occurring in Cumberland county in 1901, when she had reached the age of eighty-four years. The death of William Blaine occurred in Indiana. In both the paternal and maternal lines Z. T. Blaine of this review is a representa- tive of families noted for longevity.
His youthful days were spent in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and when he was six years of age he went to live with an uncle in that county, who was a farmer. He remained with him for four years, after which he lived with his grandfather Leightner until sixteen years of age. His public-school educa- tion was supplemented by two years' study in the Mount Dempsey Academy at Landisburg, Pennsylvania, and he also spent one term in the Seward Normal School of Pennsylvania. At the age of sixteen years he went to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he was employed at farm labor until after the out- break of the Civil war.
Responding to the country's call for troops, Mr. Blaine enlisted as a mem- ber of Company A, One Hundred and Thirtieth Pennsylvania Infantry, on the Ioth of August, 1862. He went to the front under Captain William M. Porter and served for ten months, after which he was mustered out at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania. Later he returned to the army and was in the quarter- master's department in Washington, D. C., for two years. He had previously participated in the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was also in the engagement at Chancellorsville and went with Grant through the Wilder- ness up to Petersburg. Subsequently, he returned home but afterward pro- ceeded to Washington, D. C., and with Sheridan's army marched up the Shenan- doah valley, being at Winchester when Sheridan made his famous ride. When the war ended he returned to Perry county, Pennsylvania, and it was subsequent to this time that he spent two years in school. In 1868 he arrived in Decatur, where he has since made his home, covering a period of forty-three years.
About two years after his arrival in this city, Mr. Blaine was married in Decatur on the 6th of December, 1870, to Miss Mary Stare, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and came to Illinois in 1868. Her father died in Pennsylvania, where he had followed farming, and the mother came with her daughter to Decatur, where her last days were passed. Mrs. Mary Blaine de- parted this life in Decatur, December 25, 1905. The only child born of that marriage was a son, Benjamin B. Blaine, who lived for only ten days. On the 9th of December, 1909, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Blaine was again mar- ried, his second union being with Alice J. Linebaugh, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, March 6, 1873. Her father, William Linebaugh, and her mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Williams, were both natives of the Keystone state, and the latter died in Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Alice Blaine remained up to the time of her marriage.
After coming to Macon county, Mr. Blaine was for many years identified with farming interests, owning and cultivating an excellent tract of twelve acres, from which he derived a substantial annual income. The careful management of his business affairs brought him a measure of success that now enables him to live retired and yet enjoy the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He has traveled quite extensively, having in 1906 gone to Mexico for the winter,
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while at other times he has visited the Pacific coast, remaining in the far west for a year, and on still other occasions he has traveled in Canada and the east- ern states. He believes that money is meant for enjoyment and not for hoard- ing, and in his travels he has had that broadening influence which is obtained in no other way.
Mr. Blaine belongs to Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R., of Decatur, and both he and his wife are members of the Church of God. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party since its organization and age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. He has not sought or desired public office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon other interests, es- pecially upon his business affairs, wherein he has gained creditable and gratify- ing success. He is today one of Decatur's oldest residents and enjoys the un- qualified regard and esteem of those who know him. His military record is one which entitles him to the respect and gratitude of his fellowmen. He did much active and important service at the front, and his loyalty was never called into question, for he was equally faithful to the cause he espoused when on the firing line, picket line or engaged in clerical duty in the quartermaster's depart- ment. In matters of citizenship the same fidelity has characterized him through- out the days of peace, and Macon county has reason to class him with her rep- resentative men.
GEORGE W. DISNEY.
The ranks of the old soldiers of Macon county are rapidly becoming thinner as the years pass and it is with pleasure that we here present a record of Ser- geant George W. Disney, who for many years has been an honored citizen of this county and is now living at No. 1525 North Clayton street, Decatur. He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1845, and is a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Houser) Disney, the former of whom was born in Balti- more, Maryland, in March, 1821, and the latter in Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania. The father went to live in the latter state after his marriage and was in charge of a canal-boat, upon which the celebrated novelist, Charles Dickens, rode when he visited this country. Joshua Disney and his wife came to Illinois in 1856 and settled in Macon county. The father died in Decatur in 1889, and the mother was called away in 1864. Twelve children were born to them and the following are now living in Macon county: Snowden H., Caroline, Isabelle, Grant and Lee B. Mary J. Morrison lives at Rockwell City, Iowa, and John 'A. in Oklahoma, while William, John, David T. and Valley are deceased.
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