USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 67
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As time passed on John Buckles began raising and dealing in cattle and in time became one of the most prominent stockmen of this section of the state, shipping thousands of cattle and hogs to different markets througout the en- tire country. At the age of nineteen he became a member of the Christian church, remaining one of its loyal advocates and liberal supporters from that time for- ward. He has been interested in every department of church work and in 1890 he donated two thousand five hundred dollars to Eureka College for the education of ministers. Until 1875 he was a firm advocate of republican prin- ciples but in that year became a stanch prohibitionist, supporting the party which upheld his opinions concerning the temperance question. A biography written of him in 1897 said: "He is of a robust constitution, invigorated by long out- door occupation, rigid temperance and orderly habits. In all business trans- actions he is and has been just and impartial. His friends are innumerable, made as fast as acquaintances, and whenever a name is added to his list it is taken therefrom only by death. Though nearly seventy-five years of age he
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still assists in driving stock and makes one daily trip to the city of Mount Pulaski, a distance of three miles." His wife was born in Logan county, February 29, 1828. Her duty in girlhood was the spinning of seventy cuts of wool per day or in weaving cloth from early morning until late at night. Always a lover of the beautiful in nature, she has ever cultivated fine flowers, has done much fancy work and has secured an excellent collection of beautiful shells and rocks on her travels in this country along the seashore.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Buckles were born four children. Elias, born in 1848, was married in 1868, to Betty Dyer, and they became parents of ten chil- dren. Elias Buckles is now in the grain business, his residence being near the old home farm. Derias is the second of the family. Phebe C., the only daugh- ter, born in 1851, was married in 1869 to a Mr. Phipps, who took his own life probably in a fit of temporary insanity. His widow in 1876 became the wife of Ode Turley, and to them were born two children, the surviving child being Elmer, who owns and occupies a good farm in this county. The death of Mrs. Turley occurred in 1889. John M., the youngest child of Mr. Buckles, was born in 1858 and at the age of twenty-one married Alice Rankin. The three sons have become extensive farmers and successful business men.
When success had crowned his efforts John Buckles allowed himself the privilege and pleasure of travel and accompanied by his wife made various trips to different parts of the country, visiting the expositions at Philadelphia, New Orleans and Chicago in 1876, 1885 and 1893 respectively. In 1894 he visited the Pacific coast and previously had visited various noted winter resorts of the south. The commodious two story brick residence, which Mr. Buckles erected in 1864, is still one of the finest and most substantial farm residences of the county. The place which John Buckles has ever occupied in public re- gard is a most enviable one. His name is associated with all that is honorable in individual relations and in citizenship and his business integrity has never been questioned. He has thus provided for his family not only a handsome compe- tence but also that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
Derias Buckles, reared to manhood in Logan county, acquired his education in the public schools and through the days of his youth assisted his father in raising and feeding stock. He remained upon the old home farm until twenty- five years of age, when he was married near Mount Pulaski, on the 18th of February, 1875, to Miss Alice Turley, who is a native of the same locality and a daughter of Robert and Sarah J. (Rankin) Turley.
Soon after their marriage Mr. Buckles and his wife removed to a farm of eight hundred acres in Niantic township, owned by his father. At that time it was practically unimproved but there was a small cabin and stable upon it, which Mr. Buckles had built the previous fall. Later his father gave him the farm and he lived upon it for about nine years. He then purchased two hun- dred acres adjoining, paying fifty-five dollars per acre for eighty acres and fifty dollars for the remaining one hundred and twenty acres. Upon that place he remained for about six years and in 1890 he purchased his present farm for sixty-six dollars per acre. He has since built a fine residence and good barn and has added all the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century, his place being one of the best improved in the township.
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In addition to this he has one hundred and fourteen acres south of Niantic, which he purchased for eighty dollars per acre and which is now worth two hundred dollars. He has altogether about twenty-one hundred acres located in Macon, Logan and Sangamon counties, thirteen hundred and sixty-five acres being in Macon and five hundred ad seventy-five in Sangamon county. In 1871 he went with others to Texas to buy cattle, which they drove into Kansas, and after herding them in that state for a time shipped them to Logan county, where they were fed for the market. He has extensive live-stock as well as farming interests and is recognized as one of the most progressive agriculturists in this part of the state.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buckles has been born a daughter, Cora Jane, whose birth occurred March 25, 1876. She was educated in the Hamilton Female College in Louisville, Kentucky, and later spent two years in another college. She married Harry Cowdin and died March 28, 1904, leaving a daughter, Cora B. Cowdin, who is now living with her grandparents.
In his political views Mr. Buckles has always been a republican since cast- ing his first presidential vote in 1872, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. He belongs to the Christian church, in the faith of which he was reared, and is serving as a trustee of the church at Niantic. The name of Buckles is inseparably interwoven with the history of Logan county, for through eighty-eight years representatives of the name have there resided. The work instituted by his grandparents and carried on by his father has been further continued by him in making Logan county one of the richest and most prosperous agricultural districts of this great state. In business matters his judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his integrity unassailable, and in all matters of citizenship he stands on the side of progress, reform and improvement.
LOUIS D. BOSSLER.
Louis D. Bossler, deceased, was numbered among the highly respected citizens of Decatur and Macon county, and his death, which occurred September 14, 1908, caused deep sorrow not only in his own household but also among his numerous friends and acquaintances. He was born on a farm about five miles north of Decatur, his natal day being December 8, 1865. His father, John G. Bossler, was a well known farmer of Macon county and was also an honored veteran of the Civil war, in which he served for three years. He did valiant service at the front and took part in some of the most important battles, including Gettysburg, Shiloh, Island No. 10 and many others.
Spending the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, Louis D. Bossler acquired his education in the district schools nearby and when not engaged with his text-books assisted in the work on the home place. There amid the activities of rural life he learned lessons concerning the value of in- tegrity, industry and perseverance, and soon became familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. When starting out to face the responsibilities of life on his own account, he chose the occupation to which he
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had been reared and accordingly engaged in farming in Macon county. Here he remained until 1903, when he removed to a farm which he purchased in Shelby county, near Assumption, his place embracing one hundred and forty acres. After devoting his attention for four years to agricultural pursuits in Shelby county, his health became impaired and he then returned to Macon county. He purchased a nice residence in Decatur, located at No. 1059 West Wood street, and there for a year prior to his demise he liver in honorable retire- ment. His death, however, occurred in Shelby county while on a visit to his brother, the immediate cause being pneumonia. His remains were brought back to De- catur and interred in beautiful Greenwood cemetery. He was very successful in his business affairs and when he died he left to his family a valuable farm prop- erty of one hundred and forty acres in Shelby county, in addition to a good resi- dence in Decatur, where his family still reside, and all his holdings were en- tirely free of indebtedness. His farm property was purchased for one hundred dollars per acre and today it is worth at least two hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre.
It was on Christmas day of 1890, in Decatur, that the marriage of Mr. Boss- ler and Miss Minnie Ivens was celebrated, the Rev. Allen, pastor of the Church of God, performing the ceremony. Mrs. Bossler was born in Pennsylvania, January 2, 1865, and by her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Otis Linn and Almira Ruth Bossler, both at home with their mother.
Mr. Bossler was a firm believer in temperance and always cast his ballot in support of the prohibition party. He was a charter member of Modern Wood- men Camp, No. 1676, at Forsyth, and a leading member of the Christian church in Decatur, and his life was in harmony with his professions. He had a reputa- tion for fair and honorable dealing unsurpassed by any man in the community. He practiced what he preached to others and leaves a name that will be an honor to his family.
PETER LOEB.
There was no dissenting opinion when it was said of Peter Loeb that "he was always honorable in his dealing, kindly and generous, and that his word was as good as his bond. He made his way in the world step by step, with a kindly feeling for all, without pulling any one down that he might step in his place." Such a eulogy any might covet. He did not seek fame and honor such as brings one into wide prominence but he sought at all times to do his duty and did it with a singleness of purpose that none questioned.
The early home of Peter Loeb was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born near Bingen on the Rhine, in Prussia, Germany, June 28, 1840, and was about twelve years of age when he crossed the Atlantic in 1852 and became a resident of New Jersey. His father was a Prussian, who had been compromised in the revolution of 1848 and was at last betrayed by a man he believed his friend. He was obliged to flee hurriedly to this land of the free and settled in New Jersey, but he remained there for only a year, when he re-
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moved to Dayton, Ohio. His son evidently inherited his love of liberty and when the Civil war broke out espoused the cause of the Union, enlisting in the First Ohio Regiment and participating in the first battle of Bull Run, in which he was wounded. Later he returned to Dayton, where he continued to make his home until 1876. At that time he came to Decatur and was actively identified with the industrial activity of this city until his death, which occurred on the 28th of March, 1904.
In early life Mr. Loeb became a foundryman and thoroughly mastered the business to which he ever afterward devoted the greater part of his time and attention. He was the founder of the malleable iron works of Dayton, Ohio, and on selling out there came to Decatur, where he established a gray iron foundry, which he conducted with marked success until 1886. Having prospered in his undertakings, he was then able to live retired, and he and his wife went to California with the intention of making their home in that state but after remaining there a short time returned to Decatur and here erected the beautiful residence at No. 300 West Prairie avenue which is now occupied by Mrs. Loeb.
On the 18th of March, 1863, Mr. Loeb was married in Troy, Ohio, to Miss Caroline S. Woodmen, who was born near Dayton, in Montgomery county, July 3, 1844. Her father, Samuel Woodmen, was a native of Frederick county, Maryland, and was one of a family of three sons, his brothers being Thomas and William. In early manhood he wedded Mary E. Miller, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and they made their home on a farm near Dayton, where he con- tinued to engage in agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. His children were William, John, Thomas, Samuel, Nancy, Margaret, Lucy, Mary and Mahala.
During the dark days of the Civil war Mr. Loeb manifested his loyalty to his adopted country by enlisting in Company B, First Ohio Regiment, with which he served for about two years. The republican party found in him a stanch supporter of its principles but he never took an active part in politics. In 1877 he united with the Presbyterian church of Decatur and became one of its most active and prominent members. He was chairman of the building com- mittee at the time of the erection of the Millikin University and at one time served as park commissioner. Of a cheerful and sociable disposition, he was a prominent member of the Masonic order, in which he attained the thirty- second degree, and also held membership in the Decatur and Country Clubs. At one time he affiliated with the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias but was not connected with those orders at the time of his death. Upright and honorable in all his dealings, he was ever found true to every trust reposed in him, and he commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact either in business or social life. On the death of Mr. Loeb services were held in Decatur which were most largely attended, after which the remains were taken to his old home in Dayton, Ohio, for interment, the Knights Templar Commandery, of which he was a member, participating in the service. In Dayton funeral services were held in the First Reformed church, of which Mr. Loeb had formerly been a member, and funeral rites were in charge of the Knights Templar.
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On the death of Mr. Loeb, who was one of the original members of the local board of managers of the Decatur College and Industrial School of the James Millikin University, the following resolutions were passed :
"Faculty rooms of the Decatur College and Industrial School of The James Millikin University.
"Whereas, death has removed from our midst Mr. Peter Loeb, a member of the local board of managers of The James Millikin University and one of the most efficient and tireless workers in its behalf-
"We desire to record our deep sense of loss and to testify to our high re- gard of his worth as a citizen and a friend of the institution.
"We cherish on our behalf and commend to the student body and to all his acquaintances the sterling personal qualities of honesty, thoroughness and integrity which characterized Mr. Loeb in his private and public relations. We believe that his unselfish work in the organization of the material equipment of the university fitly exemplifies these qualities of mind and heart and trust that it may serve as a worthy memorial to be used of Providence to keep active similar ideals among us. We as a faculty do hereby cordially extend to Mrs. Loeb our sincere sympathy in her great loss and make this statement a part of the permanent faculty record and instruct the president to forward a copy of the resolutions to Mrs. Loeb.
T. W. GALLOWAY, J. H. GILL,
A. R TAYLOR, President.
Committee."
"Office of the board of managers of the Decatur College and Industrial School of The James Millikin University.
"Mr. Peter Loeb, one of the original members of the board of managers of the Decatur College and Industrial School of The James Millikin University, departed this life on Monday afternoon, March 28, 1904. We, his associates in the board, wish to express our sincere and generous appreciation of his dis- interested and indefatigable labors in the organization and inauguration of the work of that institution. As chairman of the building committee his large ex- perience as a builder, his alertness in grasping details, his wisdom in dealing with perplexing problems and his keen sense of the sacredness of the trust re- posed in him enabled him to be of invaluable service in the construction of the college buildings. He made them a daily study and much of their excellence and stability is the result of his wise planning.
"In the consideration of the various other problems connected with our work he displayed a knowledge of affairs that always gave his advice and coun- sel great weight with the board. He was seldom absent from any meeting dur- ing the past three years and seemed to count it a high privilege to contribute his time and strength to the inauguration of this great enterprise.
"We have ever found him the soul of honor, the courteous, considerate asso- ciate, a devoted, sympathetic friend, and enterprising public-spirited citizen. His work is the best monument and his memory will always serve to stimulate us to imitate his virtues.
"It is ordered that this expression of our appreciation and esteem of our departed friend and brother be spread upon the minutes of this board and that
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a copy of the same be furnished his bereaved wife with assurance of our heart- felt sympathy and of our abiding friendship and interest.
I. R. MILLS,
President of the board of managers.
T. E. WALKER,
Secretary."
Perhaps no better estimate of the life and character of Mr. Loeb can be given than in the words of those who knew him personally. One who knew him long and well said: "He came to Decatur more than a quarter of a century ago with no thought of remaining permanently, but he entered into our business and social life in a way that made it nearly impossible to leave this city and the in- terests of Decatur have been very near his heart ever since. From his early manhood he must have been a strong man in every sense of that word. He was imbued with the idea that whatever you engage to do should be done well; that you should put the best that there is in you in your work. As a result, he soon understood all the finer points about his trade of a founder. The bare knowledge to do his work acceptably was not enough for Peter Loeb. He had to learn all the art and science, by which the master founders performed nearly impossible feats. With very little fundamental education he added to his knowl- edge of science and of general affairs by reading and coming in contact with all sorts and conditions of men until he became a man who could sustain himself creditably in any gathering. More than once had he been advanced in his career because he knew just a little more than his fellows. Peter Loeb was essentially a man of action, and it seems to me we are giving him high praise when we say 'He was a man who did things.' I believe the masses of our great Anglo- Saxon conglomerate people have a hearty admiration for the man who begins as a toiler and by the use of brain and brawn conquers the difficult problems of his business and wins success at last; who all along the weary way never faints or falters and holds through it all the respect and confidence of his friends and neighbors."
Dr. Taylor in his funeral oration said: "Though having limited opportun- ities in an educational way in his youth Mr. Loeb with rare industry and per- severance, extending through almost the whole of his actual business career, strove to attain a better knowledge of letters and science until he became a man of unusual general information and of surprising accuracy and skill in dealing with a variety of problems. He was well informed on current events, on modern scientific discoveries and on the latest developments in the various lines of engineering which were particularly to his taste. His acquaintance with affairs made him a ready converser and an enter- taining companion. No one could be with him for an hour without being impressed with his dignity and force of character. He was methodical and masterful in business matters and his associates often naturally deferred to his leadership in the various enterprises in which they were engaged. His artistic sense was of the highest sort, as shown in his work in the public parks while a member of the park board and in the private and public buildings erected by him or in whose construction he was interested. He was a devoted husband and loved in his home, in whose building and furnishing he took the greatest
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pride. He was a loyal friend, a kind neighbor, a model citizen. Immediately on coming to Decatur nearly three years ago I became intimately associated with Mr. Loeb as a member of the board of managers of the Decatur College and Indus- trial School and as chairman of its general building committee. I was greatly gratified to find not only that he was most happily fitted for his responsible duties but that he was throwing himself in the enterprise with unrestrained energy and enthusiasm. His large experience, his extensive travels and observa- tions made him invaluable at almost every step. He gave his time and his thought to the institution without stint and this community will always owe him a debt of gratitude for his unselfish devotion to its interests. Decatur has cause to remember him most kindly for his many services to her as a private citizen, as an energetic business man and as a trusted public servant, but for no one of them so much as for the part he took in the erection of the beautiful and well appointed buildings which adorn Oakland park and house the vigorous young university of which we are justly proud. He had his faults-who has not? but I have met few men who were so conscious of them and who so freely confessed them. That was the charm of his life to me. He was as rugged mentally and morally as he was physically and at times seemed imperious and perhaps unreasonable, but his frank self criticism afterwards never failed to increase my admiration for him. He was as quick as a woman to respond to the cries of the unfortunate and his heart was as tender as that of a child. His sense of justice was of the good old Saxon order and he was always ready to contend for what he believed was right. Though not seeing eye to eye with some of us, his impulses were true to the best of the race. He had no patience with disorder and lawlessness and believed in civic as well as private virtue as essential to good government and industrial prosperity."
E. W. BARKMAN.
E. W. Barkman, for many years a blacksmith and now in the employ of the Decatur Railway & Light Company, was born in Polo, Ogle county, Illinois, March 15, 1855, a son of W. H. and Catharine (Bomberger) Barkman. The father is a native of Frederick county, Maryland, and is now residing in Polo, at the age of eighty-two years. He spent fifty years to a day at the blacksmith's trade, but since retired. The mother was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and there she was married in 1849, when she removed with her husband to Ogle county, Illinois.
E. W. Barkman was educated in the public schools at Polo until he was fourteen years of age and then began to work in his father's shop. At the age of seventeen he become a journeyman at his trade and after three years started a shop on his own account at Belle Plaine, Iowa. Later he engaged in the black- smith business at different points in Iowa and in May, 1881, removed to Denver, Colorado, and spent eight years in the Rocky mountains, a large part of which time was devoted to mining for gold and silver. During this period he traveled extensively in the mining regions and made some money which he expended in
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prospecting and attempting to develop properties which failed to pay. Having come to the conclusion that his trade could more safely be relied upon than the tantalizing search for the yellow metal, he returned to Polo in 1892 and opened a blacksmith shop. Later he was employed by a gutta-percha manufacturing company and traveled on the road, retaining his home in Polo. In 1897 he located in Decatur, in charge of a blacksmith shop, and is now identified with the Decatur Railway & Light Company.
On January 6, 1881, Mr. Barkman was united in marriage to Miss Rena Hill, of Tama, Iowa, and three children were born to them: Nina, who mar- ried Carl Harrison, an undertaker of Tama, and is the mother of two children : Inda, who married Charles Evans, engaged in the automobile business in Chi- cago, and is the mother of one child, George Evans; and Robert, of Eagle Grove, Iowa. Mrs. Barkman having been called away, our subject was again married October 12, 1898, at Decatur, Illinois, his second union being with Mrs. Amanda (Morris) Childs, a native of Macon county, Illinois, and a daughter of Cornelius and Margaret (Cox) Morris. By her first marriage she had two children: Grace, who married Harry Kramer, of Colorado, and is the mother of one son, Morris; and George, an electrician, now living with Mr. and Mrs. Barkman.
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