USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 64
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He was born in Pennsylvania on the 19th of August, 1826, and his life record covered the intervening period to the 19th of April, 1883, when he passed away at the age of fifty-six years and eight months. He was only two years of age when his parents removed with their family to Ohio, settling near Spring- field, in which locality his boyhood and youth were passed. He was a lad of only ten years when in 1836 he first came to Macon county with his elder brother Henry. Soon, however, he returned to his old home in Ohio, and in the year in which he attained his majority-1847-he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Albin. They began their domestic life in Ohio, where they resided until 1865, when they removed westward to Macon county, settling in Hickory Point town- ship. There Mr. Lehman secured a tract of land and began farming, trans- forming the place into richly cultivated fields, wherein he produced large crops of grain. The products of his fields found ready sale on the market and as the years passed he prospered in his undertaking, becoming in time the owner of valuable city as well as farm property. He continued a resident of Hickory Point township until 1880, when with his family he took up his abode in De- catur. He was a man of enduring strength and industry and his energ. " antise termination enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacle ยท ms.
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Gradually therefore he worked his way upward and in addition to his farm of about four hundred acres near Bearsdale he was a stockholder in the Macon County Cooperative Association and the owner of valuable city realty.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lehman were born eight children: William, John H., Frank -P., Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Miller, Mrs. Ida Good, Mrs. Emma Coussins, Katie and Minnie. All were living at the time of the father's death but since his demise two of the number have passed away. Mrs. Miller died in Macon county in January, 1887, leaving a husband and five children to mourn her loss. Her remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery of Decatur. A son, Frank Pierce, died April 9, 1906, and he, too, was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery. In business he had prospered as the years passed by and at his death was the owner of considerable valuable land in Iowa, Louisiana and Texas, being con- sidered a very wealthy man. His success was attributable entirely to his own labors, judicious management and wise investments.
Peter F. Lehman was a believer in the doctrines and teachings of the Meth- odist church and his political allegiance was given to the democratic party. In his active life he took a great interest in politics and public affairs and was sev- eral times called to office, serving as supervisor and overseer of the Macon county poor farm, as school director and in various, other local positions, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He was one of the best known citizens of Decatur, a man of stainless character, honored and esteemed by all who knew him. Although twenty-eight years have passed away since he was called to his final rest he is yet remembered by those who were his associates when he was an active factor in the world's work. He left the im- v'ess of his individuality for good upon the community and his life record proved also that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously.
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EDWARD EKISS.
Edward Ekiss, an enterprising agriculturist of Milam township, is busily en- gaged in the operation of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15. His birth occurred in Coles county, Illinois, on the Ist of Septem- ber, 1873, his parents being Michael and Susan (Holsinger) Ekiss, who are natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in the latter state. On coming to Illinois they took up their abode in Coles county, whence they removed to Macon county in 1878. Here they have made their home continuously to the present time, being widely recognized as worthy and respected residents of the community.
Edward Ekiss, the youngest of six children, attended the public schools in pursuit of an education that would equip him for the practical and responsible duties of life. After putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the farm, being thus busily engaged until he had attained his majority. At that time he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, taking up his abode on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Milam town- yea. " the further cultivation and improvement of which he has devoted his his rc 2.
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attention continuously since. The property belongs to his father. It is neat and thrifty in appearance and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor which are bestowed upon them.
In May, 1905, Mr. Ekiss was united in marriage to Miss Bessye Michael, who was born in the year 1883, she being the second in order of birth in a family of six children born unto James and Elizabeth Michael, of Illinois. Miss Bessye was one of Macon county's most successful school teachers, having taught in this county for several years.
Since age conferred upon his the right of franchise Mr. Ekiss has supported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He served as collector for one term, ably discharging his duties in that connection. Mr. and Mrs. Ekiss have a host of friends that is constantly increasing as the circle of their acquaintance broadens and all who know them speak of them in terms of warm regard.
J. C. SUDY.
J. C. Sudy, retired, who resides in a beautiful home in Blue Mound town- ship, is a native of Germany, born December 17, 1830. His parents, J. Conrad and Mary (Becker) Sudy, lived and died in Germany, the former departing this life in 1859 at the age of seventy years, and the latter in 1886 at the ad- vanced age of eighty-six years. There were four children in the family, the subject of this review being the only one now living.
J. C. Sudy was educated in the public schools of his native land and there continued until he was thirty-eight years of age. Believing that more favorable conditions existed in the American republic than under the settled conditions of the old countries of Europe, he crossed the ocean in 1868 and came west to Boody, Illinois. Here he began working by the month but in 1870 was married to Mrs. Lena Sutman, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1828.
After his marriage Mr. Sudy settled on a farm of eighty acres in Blue Mound township. He erected the handsome residence in which he now lives in 1883 and has made many improvements which have greatly enhanced the value of the place. On September 3, 1888, Mr. Sudy was called upon to mourn the loss of his faithful wife, who by her first husband was the mother of five children: Julia, the wife of Henry Jostus, of Macon; Matilda, the wife of Jacob Schneider, of Whiteside county, Illinois; Rose the wife of Peter Moss, of Macon county ; William L., of Decatur; and Henry Franklin.
Henry Franklin Sutman, with whom the subject of this review is making his home, was born in Blue Mound township, December 29, 1863. He was edu- cated in the common schools and grew up upon the farm, inheriting eighty acres of land when he arrived at manhood. In 1888 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Siedler who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, February 11, 1867, and is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Bechel) Siedler, the former of whom was born in Switzerland in 1830 and the latter in Germany in 1840. The father departed this life in 1884. Mr. Sutman is an adherent of the republican party
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and although he has never been a seeker for political honors he is at present a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church, of which he is one of the stewards. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sutman: Clarence, who was born December 28, 1890, and died at the age of six weeks; Roy, born August 28, 1892; Leona, born 3, 1895; and one born July 3, 1907, who died in infancy.
J. C. Sudy has for many years been a stanch supporter of the republican party. He is a member of the German Methodist church, his wife having been connected with the English Methodist church. Although he has reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, he has fairly good health and retains clearly in his memory many interesting incidents and observations of the early days. For more than forty years he has made his home in Macon county and here he acquired a reputation as a sincere and upright citizen who has ably assisted in the development of agricultural interests. No man is more highly respected by the people of Blue Mound township, as they recognize that by his thrift and good management he has fairly earned the comforts which he now enjoys.
EDWIN S. KOLP. . .
Edwin S. Kolp, a general building contractor and real-estate dealer of De- catur whose success has come as the logical and legitimate result of earnest labor and close application, was born near the town of Elwin in Macon county, Sep- tember 19, 1869. His parents, William and Nancy J. (Law) Kolp, were early settlers of this county and were natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois respectively. The father, who was born in 1838, died in 1906. The mother was born in 1843 and was a daughter of James P. Law, a native of Ohio, who became one of the well known and prominent pioneer settlers of Macon county, Illinois. William Kolp was a blacksmith by trade but followed farming after coming to Macon county in 1848. He also graded the roadbed of the Illinois Central Railroad from Elwin to Illinois Central Junction in 1857. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the outbreak of the Civil war and he enlisted as a member of the One Hun- dred and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years as chief musician. He afterward became a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Elwin S. Kolp attended the public schools at Shady Grove and Elwin until twenty years age, when he put aside his text-books and began learning the carriage maker's trade, which he followed for five years. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade and in 1904 established himself in business as a general building contractor. In this field he has since labored and many important con- tracts have been awarded him, his labors contributing to the substantial and at- tractive appearance of Decatur. He also deals in real estate and both branches of his business have proved successful from the start. In addition to the build- ing of residences he does all kinds of contracting. He has recently erected a
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new, strictly modern home for himself and family at No. 1136 West Macon street, supplied with all the conveniences and accessories which add so much to the comfort of life.
On the 24th of November, 1893, Mr. Kolp was married to Miss Nettie Berry, of Champaign county, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Foot) Berry, who are also natives of this state and are well-to-do farming people. They are now living retired, their home being in Sadorus.
Mr. Kolp is a member of the Knights of Maccabees lodge and also belongs to the Methodist church. In politics he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His life has been well spent and his energy and enterprise have carried him into important business relations, making him one of the lead- ing and successful contractors of the city. As opportunity has offered he has negotiated real-estate transfers and this has constituted a profitable branch of his business.
PETER R. GROUND.
Peter R. Ground was a self-made man who started out in business life practically penniless and worked his way upward until he became recognized as one of the leading and prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Macon county. His life history, a record of persistent effort, may well serve as a source of in- spiration and as an example for those who would attain honorable success. He was born in North Carolina on the Ist of October, 1828, and his life record covered the intervening years until the 8th of October, 1906, when he was called to his final rest. His parent were Henry and Mary (Ishenheimer) Ground, both of whom were natives of North Carolina, where they continued their residence to the year 1840, when they sought a home in the middle west, removing to Spencer county, Indiana, where they resided upon a farm until called from this life. They were the parents of twelve children.
Peter R. Ground spent the first twelve years of his life in the place of his nativity and then accompanied his parents to Indiana, where he continued his education as a public school student. Through the period of his boyhood and youth he worked with his father upon the home farm and on attaining his major- ity started out in life on his own account. On leaving Indiana he went to Greene county, Illinois where he remained for six months, and then removed to Cass county, Illinois, where he resided for four years. In 1861 he came to Macon county, where he purchased about two hundred and fifty acres of land that was capable of high cultivation. He bent his energies to the development and improvement of the place which is still owned by his widow. The evidences of his labor were soon seen in highly cultivated fields and large crops. He raised the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and followed progresive methods in the development of his place, practicing crop rotation and introducing other scientific methods of farming. When he left home he had but about eight dollars. It was therefore necessary that he work for others for some time or until he could save from his earnings a sum sufficient to enable him to purchase land.
MR. AND MRS. PETER R. GROUND
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He worked diligently and persistently and his careful expenditure at length per- mitted him to invest in property. He then became one of the leading farmers, his practical and progressive methods producing large crops, while he also made stock-raising an important branch of his business. He handled high grades of stock and, therefore, found no difficulty in making a sale when he placed his stock upon the market.
In the year 1855 Mr. Ground was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Frasill and they became the parents of two children of whom one is living, Lurenna, the wife of L. Baker, of Arkansas and the mother of two children, Lena and Grace. Mrs. Ground departed this life in February, 1859, and in 1860 Mr. Ground was again married, his second union being with Miss Angeline Jones. Four chil- dren were born unto them; Minnie, who is the wife of George McCool and has three children, Lester, Ethel and Bert; Harry, who married Grace Scott and has three children, Challace, Paul and Katherine; Robert, who wedded Martha Bradley and resides upon the old home farm with his wife and four children- Asa, Ralph, Beulah and Juanita; and Ella, deceased. The mother of these children passed away on the 5th of December, 1874, and it was in January. 1882, that Mr. Ground married Mrs. Mira Bradley, who was a widow. She has three children living by her former marriage: Quincy, a resident of Peoria; Martha, living at Dalton City, Illinois; and Maggie, of Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Ground became the parents of three children: Anna, the eldest, who was born on the farm twenty-seven years ago and first became the wife of Dr. Leroy George and had one child Leroy. After losing her first husband Mrs. George married George L. Williams, an optician of Decatur, and he has one child, Arthur. Dr. Williams is a Mason and is well known as a business man and citizen of Macon county. Kamp, the second child, wedded May Bland and has a daughter, Blanda. Homer is connected with the National Biscuit Company.
Throughout his entire life Mr. Ground followed the ocupation of farm- ing and his history is an excellent illustration of what can be accomplished by determined purpose and honorable effort. He had no assistance either at the outset of his career or later in life, but depended entirely upon his own resources and his success came as the merited and legitimate reward of honorable effort. Mrs. Ground now makes her home in Decatur and is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
GEORGE F. COTTLE.
Among the respected citizens of Macon county now living retired may be named George F. Cottle, who comes of stanch English ancestry and was born in Somersetshire, England, November 11, 1834, a son of Charles and Martha (Weeks) Cottle. The parents were both natives of England and came to America about 1848, locating in New York, where they continued during the remainder of their lives. There were six children in the family, four of whom are now living: William, of New York; George F., J. W., of Nebraska; and Stephen, of New York. James W., a brother of our subject, was a stalwart defender of the stars and stripes at the time of the Civil war, serving in a New York regiment
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George F. Cottle arrived in this country when he was fourteen years of age and was educated in the public schools of Macon county. He grew up upon the farm and after his marriage settled in Blue Mound township, one and one-half miles west of where he now lives. In this township he continued for more than forty years, becoming one of the most successful farmers. In 1905 he decided to retire from active work and located in Decatur, but he soon found that city life was not according to his liking, as he had for so many years been accustomed to the pure air and beautiful surroundings of the country. There- fore, he returned to rural scenes and accordingly purchased the elegant residence on section 5, Blue Mound township, in which his son-in-law, W. D. Moffett, had been living, including five acres of land. Here he expects to pass his de- clining years in comfort and ease. He is the owner of three hundred and forty acres in Blue Mound township, a handsome residence in the village of Blue Mound, and other valuable property, so that he is financially independent and is now free from business cares.
O11 the 22d day of December, 1864, Mr. Cottle was united in marriage to Miss Susan E. Browning, who was born in Clark county, Kentucky, April 10, 1845. She is a daughter of William M. and Frances (Johnson) Browning, both of whom were natives of Clark county, the former having been born April 12, 1807, and the latter February 8, 1812. The family located in Champaign county, Illinois, about 1854 and later came to Macon county, where the parents con- tinued to reside until they passed away. Eight children blessed their union, three of whom are living: Frances M., of Wheatland township, Macon county; Susan E., now Mrs. Cottle; and Henry C., of Indiana. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cottle. James E., born August 25, 1866, married Miss Anna Hill. They are now living on a farm in Blue Mound township and are the parents of one child, Guy Hill. Anna M., born October 15, 1868, is a grad- uate of Oxford College, Ohio, and is the wife of W. D. Moffett, of Blue Mound township. They have four children, Wilma, George F., Susan Elizabeth and Helen Lucretia. Susie Frances, born April 25, 1876, is the wife of James T. Cannon. They live in Boody and are the parents of two children, James Ebert and Gertrude. Raymond A., born May 18, 1880, attended the Decatur high school for two years and later became a student in a business college of Decatur and at Valparaiso University, of Indiana. He married Miss Nellie Blair and now lives in Blue Mound. They have one child, Joyce. William J., who was born June 24, 1883, was educated at Valparaiso University and is now en- gaged as a farmer in Blue Mound township. He married Miss Naomi Gouge and is the father of three children, Ruth D., William and Jessie Naomi.
Mr. Cottle is an adherent of the republican party and, being a warm friend of education, has served with general acceptance as a member of the school board. He has never aspired to political honors, as his attention has been chiefly devoted to his business interests. He and his wife are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church, in which he served as deacon for thirty years and also as elder. Mr. and Mrs. Cottle practiced a great deal of self-denial in the early part of their career and are now enjoying the results of their industry. They have traveled extensively in the United States and their home is the center of
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generous hospitality which attracts many of the best people of Macon county. Loved by their friends and honored by the entire community, they may truly be designated among the especially fortunate ones whose names are recorded in this work.
THOMAS JEFFERSON AUSTIN.
Among the prosperous farmers of Macon county is Thomas Jefferson Austin, who occupies a highly improved farm on section 4, Blue Mound township, where he and his excellent wife dispense a generous hospitality. He is a native son of Illinois and his eyes first opened to the light of day in Macon county, No- vember 5, 1853. His parents were William A. and Eleanor (Warnick) Austin. The family was originally quite prominent in Virginia, where William Austin, the grandfather of our subject, was born. The father was also born in Virginia, April 28, 1806. He went to Tennessee at the age of fourteen and in 1828 came to Macon county, where he continued until his death, which occurred in March, 1893. He was one of the early settlers of the county and he and his brother Benjamin assisted in the survey of Decatur. He was a Jacksonian democrat and a stanch advocate of the principles of his party, serving for forty-two years as justice of the peace in Blue Mound township. This is a record which probably has never been equaled in Illinois. Abraham Lincoln was a friend of Squire Austin and frequently came to his office to consult books in his library. One of the favorite volumes which Mr. Lincoln often held in his hands was a history of Napoleon Bonaparte, a book that appeared to have a special fascination for the future president. This is now one of the prized possessions of our subject. William A. Austin was a member of the Methodist church and a firm believer in the Bible. He departed this life in March, 1893, and was laid to rest in Brown cemetery. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Austin : Joseph, a resident of Blue Mound; Henrietta, who became the wife of Thomas Ogden and died in Missouri in 1892; Benjamin F., of Christian county, this state; George W., who died in boyhood; William C., who died in March, 1908, and was buried in Salem cemetery ; John, who died in 1883, and was buried in Brown cemetery; Nancy J., who became the wife of Abraham C. Miller and died in 1901; Lewis, of Mis- souri; and Thomas Jefferson, our subject. Mrs. Eleanor Austin departed this life in 1853, ten days after the birth of her son, Thomas J., and the father was again married, selecting as his wife Miss Sarah Ealy. Five children were born of this union : Kate, the wife of T. J. Stevens, a resident of Idaho; Samuel, of Chicago; Wallace, of Seattle; Mary E., now Mrs. Ferris Rosencrantz, of Kansas; and James, also of Kansas. The second wife of Mr. Austin departed this life two years after her husband and was buried at his side in Brown cemetery.
Thomas J. Austin was educated in the common schools of Macon county and in the Decatur high school and became a teacher, continuing for five years in the schools of the county. However, he decided that the farm possessed attrac- tions superior to those of the schoolroom and he engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising for two years in Christian county and then for thirteen years
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on a farm near Oreana, after which he conducted operations for six years in the neighborhood of Harristown, and in 1904 located on a place of one hun- dred and forty-five acres on section 4, Blue Mound township, which belongs to his father-in-law. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and has made good progress in a business which calls for the best abilities of a well trained mind.
On February 28, 1879, Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Belle Mathews, who was born in Macon county, August 3, 1860, a daughter of John and Agnes (Johnson) Mathews, the former of whom was born in Indiana in April, 1840, and is now living in Decatur. Her mother was born in Ohio, June 2, 1841, and died in November, 1908. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mathews: Belle, herein mentioned; Nannie, now Mrs. C. R. Scroggin, living on a farm in Macon county where Abraham Lincoln passed part of his boyhood; George, deceased at twenty years of age; William, who died at thirty years of age; Elizabeth, the wife of R. A. Thornell, of Boody, Illinois; Della, the wife of L. E. F. Lawley, of Decatur; and Sammy, who died in in- fancy. Three children came to brighten the household of Mr. and Mrs. Austin, of whom George is the eldest. He was born February 5, 1880, and married Mattie Fombell. They are living near Maroa, Illinois, and have one child, Verna. Dwight, born August 8, 1882, died at the age of eleven years. Floyd Rolland, born April 6, 1897, is living at home. Stephen Johnson, an uncle of Mrs. Austin and a citizen of this state, served in an Illinois regiment in the Civil war and he acquitted himself as becomes a valiant soldier.
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