USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 69
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
and rights of others. On all matters of doubt he gave others the benefit of it. There was an example of industry and untiring devotion to every detail in his work. He did nothing slip-shod. The master hand of his skill impressed everything with painstaking perfection and finish. As a citizen he was a model. Always on the side of every good movement and work for the upbuilding of the city, he studied public utilities and the advancement of everything that made them better. His life was unblemished and his character pure and true. His soul looked for and saw the best in others. His intentions were honorable and his motives good. He was a friend indeed. Mr. Mueller was a loving and devoted man to his family. Everything in his power was afforded them for their comfort and happiness. He was the unalterable friend and well wisher of the men who worked in the factory. He never forgot the rights of those who labor. In all matters for the betterment of their condition he was their cham- pion. In the death of Henry Mueller the city of Decatur has sustained a great loss. Few men have greater love for mankind than he had. In this hour of sorrow may He who alone can give true consolation comfort the widow, the mother, the brothers and sister is the prayer of an old friend."
ROBERT MUELLER.
Robert Mueller, secretary and assistant treasurer of the H. Mueller Manu- facturing Company, was born in Decatur, March 27, 1864, and in the acquire- ment of his education attended the ward and high schools. After his school days were over he entered his father's office and has since been identified with the business of the Mueller Manufacturing Company. Like his brothers, he received thorough practical training in that line so that his broad experience has well qualified him to become a factor in the management and control of a con- tinuously growing and important enterprise. He is also interested in the Decatur Fountain Company and other business concerns.
On the 21st of October, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Robert Mueller and Miss Addie Ebert and unto them has been born a son, Ebert Mueller. As a young man Robert Mueller was identified with Company H of the Fifth Regiment of the Illinois National Guard and was very enthusiastic in military matters. He is now active in the promotion of the interests of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and has served as one of its directors since its inception. His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. The Masonic fraternity finds in him an exemplary representative, the Presbyter- ian church a faithful and loyal member, and he is a popular representative of the Decatur, the Country and the Decatur Fishing Clubs, associations which indicate much of the nature of his recreation. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
FRED B. MUELLER.
Fred B. Mueller, assistant secretary of the H. Mueller Manufacturing Com- pany and son of Hieronymus and Anna Fredericka Mueller, was born in Decatur, June 4, 1862. At the usual age he entered the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he became a high school student.
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Later he joined his father in business and assumed the management of the Mueller gun store and sporting goods house when it was established on Merchant street in 1885. He remained there as manager until the business was sold in 1897, when he returned to the company and has since acted as field manager of salesman. His official connection is that of assistant secretary. The depart- ment under his control is well organized and in its management he is constantly extending the scope of his activities.
In his political views Mr. Mueller is a republican but like his brothers has preferred to concentrate his energies upon business affairs rather than devote his time to political work and attempt to gain office. In matters of citizenship, however, he is loyal and his aid and influence are supporting elements in many progressive fields.
OSCAR B. MUELLER.
Oscar B. Mueller, assistant treasurer and general manager of the eastern division of the H. Mueller Manufacturing Company, was born on the 25th of March, 1871, in Decatur, and after becoming a high-school student in this city continued his education in the University of Illinois. He was identified with the producing end of the Mueller Manufacturing Company and brought forth a number of inventions that have proven valuable to the company. Later he was admitted to the business and was in charge of the plumbing and water- works goods display at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. He then went to New York to take charge of the eastern office and is now assistant treasurer of the company and manager of the eastern branch, his home being in New Rochelle, New York. He also has other important business interests, being president of the Rochelle Heights Association, which consists of two hundred and forty property owners, the property being located in a private park. He is likewise a director of the Leader Iron Works of Decatur.
On the 18th of June, 1895, in his native city, Oscar B. Mueller was married to Miss Beatrice A. Wetzel and they now have two children, Bernhardt Frede- rick and Beatrice Florence. Mr. Mueller is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Although not a resident of Decatur at the present time, he is well known in this city and has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
PHILIP MUELLER.
Philip Mueller, whose connection with the Mueller, whose connection with the Mueller Manufacturing Company aside from being a stockholder is that of superintendent, was born in Decatur, October 16, 1860, and at the usual age entered the public schools, pursuing his studies through consecutive grades of the ward schools. He made his initial step in the business world as an apprentice in gas fitting and installing engines and afterward learned plumbing and water and steam fitting. He was admitted to a partnership by his father in 1886 and has since been an active factor in the conduct of the business of the Mueller
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Manufacturing Company, in which connection he has invented a number of articles now manufactured by the company. His thorough mechanical training well qualifies him for the position of superintendent, in which office he has entire charge of the manufacturing interests of the house.
On the 22d of May, 1883, Mr. Muller was married to Miss Mary E. Shorb, and their children are: Clara, the wife of Fred Kaiser; Robert; Leda; Phyllis, the wife of Delos Cozad; Lucien; Clarence; and Frank. Mr. Mueller was a member of Company H, Fifth Regiment Illinois National Guard, when the company was first organized. He has been identified with several fraternal, social and scientific societies, holding membership with the Odd Fellows, the Decatur Turnverein, the Elks, Decatur Club, Decatur Country Club, American Society of Inspectors of Plumbing and Sanitary Engineers and American Brass Founders Association.
JOHN P. HOLMES.
John P. Holmes, the fortunate owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farm land in Harristown township, Macon county, was born near Con- cord in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, August 6, 1853. He is a son of Archibald and Margaret (Cann) Holmes, the former born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1829, and the latter in Virginia, May 30, 1829. Both removed to Indiana in child- hood with the respective parents and were there married, coming to Macon county, Illinois, in the spring of 1864. Mr. Holmes had visited Macon county in 1863 and purchased a tract of eighty acres of land on section 9, Harristown township, where he established the family homestead, the farm containing a three room house, in which the family lived for a number of years. He was an industrious farmer and added forty acres to the farm, developing the land until it became highly productive. The father was called from earthly scenes in 1874, leaving a widow and six children, the latter being : Elizabeth, now Mrs. Wilson Bowers, of Mount Hope, Kansas, the mother now making her home with this daughter; John P., our subject; Joseph and Charles, both of Peoria; Serena, now Mrs. Baker, of Mount Hope, Kansas; and Edward, of Peoria.
John P. Holmes grew to manhood upon the farm and received his early education in the district schools, entering Eureka College at eighteen years of age and there continuing his studies for two years. Returning home, he purchased an interest in a store at Harristown and was in business for several years under the title of Peck & Holmes. Although he succeeded well as a merchant, he felt strongly attracted to agricultural pursuits and, selling out his interest in the store, he turned his attention to farming, having already purchased the interests of the other heirs in the home place. In 1882 Mr. Holmes bought eighty acres of land in the same township at fifty dollars per acre, the highest price that had up to that time been paid in the township. Neighbors laughed at his sup- posed extravagance but time has demonstrated the wisdom of Mr. Holmes' judg- ment. In 1885 he offered fifty dollars for another tract of eighty acres in the same neighborhood and the following spring purchased it at forty-five dollars
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per acre. This land is now worth two hundred and fifty dollars per acre. In 1879 Mr. Holmes built a new residence, which he remodeled in 1907, putting in modern hot water heating appliances and making other improvements, so that his residence is now one of the handsomest and best appointed buildings in the neighborhood. His farm is provided with large barns and with a com- plete equipment of smaller buildings, being in many respects one of the model establishments of the county and a good index of the character of its owner. In connection with general farming, he has devoted considerable attention to the handling and breeding of live stock. In 1881 he purchased and brought to Macon county the first Hereford cattle and continued in the breeding of the same for a number of years with good results in a financial way. For the last twenty-five years he has bought and shipped over six hundred carloads of live stock to Chicago and eastern markets.
On April 23, 1884, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage in Chicago to Miss Clara Reynolds, who was born on a farm in Moultrie county, Illinois, about 1862, a daughter of C. F. and Eveline (Archer) Reynolds. Mrs. Holmes de- parted this life February 28, 1903, leaving two children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Richard Daly, of Harristown township; and Floyd, at home. On July 2, 1907, Mr. Holmes was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Edith Eyman, a daughter of J. M. and Malissa (Fuller) Eyman, of Harristown township.
Mr. Holmes was reared a democrat and cast his first presidential ballot for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876, but he has since become a stanch republican. He has never aspired to political honors, as his interest has been largely taken up with his own private affairs. He is a valued member of the Christian church and a firm believer in the authority of the Bible and has many friends in Macon county, who admire him not only for his success as a farmer but on account of his excellent personal qualities.
ANDREW H. MILLS.
Andrew H. Mills, who has been a successful attorney of Decatur for three decades, is the senior member of the firm of Mills Brothers, one of the leading law concerns of the city. His birth occurred on a farm in Putnam county, Illinois, on the 6th of October, 1851, his parents being Eli R. and Elizabeth (Kimber) Mills, who were natives of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and were married in Brownsville, that state. The father's natal year was 1809. During his active business career he acted as captain on a river steamboat which plied between Pittsburg and New Orleans and occasionally made the trip up the Il- linois river to Peru. In his early manhood he arrived in Illinois and in Putnam county, this state, he acquired over one thousand acres of valuable land, his farm being situated near Magnolia. In connection with his duties as a steam- boat captain he also supervised the operation of this property. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Susan, the wife of R. N. West, of Rocky Ford, Colorado; Joseph and Thomas, who are deceased; Herman, who
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
died in infancy ; Sarah, the wife of Fred M. Cox, of Decatur; Henry C., county judge of Putnam county, Illinois; Andrew H., of this review; Isaac R., who has passed away; and Eli R., who died in infancy.
Andrew H. Mills attended the district schools until 1870, when he entered Lincoln University at Lincoln, Illinois, completing the classical course in June, 1875. Subsequently he acted as a tutor in the university for two years, at the same time pursuing a post-graduate course. During the next three years he taught in the Waverly graded schools at Waverly, Illinois, reading law in the meantime. In July, 1880, he came to Decatur and read law in the office of Clokey & Mills. The following June the firm of Mills Brothers was organized, the partners being Isaac R. Mills and his brother, Andrew H. This relationship was maintained until the 3d of July, 1904, when the senior partner was killed in a wreck on the Wabash Railway.
His son, Walter H. Mills, took his father's place in the firm of Mills Broth- ers, which has been continuously and successfully engaged in the general prac- tice of law to the present time, having offices in the Millikin Bank building. The partners enjoy an enviable reputation as leading attorneys of Decatur and are accorded an extensive and important clientage. Much of the success which has attended 'Andrew H. Mills in his professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that in no instance will he permit himself to go into court with a case unless he has absolute confidence in the justice of his client's cause. Basing his efforts on this principle, from which there are far too many lapses in profes- sional ranks, it naturally follows that he seldom loses a case in whose support he is enlisted. He owns some land in Putnam county, Illinois, and also some in Shelby county. His home is at No. 356 West Decatur street, where he owns a comfortable residence.
On the 2d of January, 1877, Mr. Mills was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth E. Bell, of Lincoln, Illinois, a daughter of Rev. William C. and Sarah A. (Doss) Bell, who were natives of Illinois and Kentucky respectively. The father is deceased but the mother still survives, making her home with our sub- ject. Mrs. Mills was a classmate of her future husband in the university at Lincoln, the two young people pursuing the classical and master's courses to- gether. Later she assisted him as teacher in the schools at Waverly. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mills have been born five children. Ralph G., a medical missionary in Kangkai City, Korea, is to be transferred to the Severance Hospital at Seoul, where he will have charge of the department of pathology. Judith B. is the wife of Keach Bone, of Petersburg, Illinois. Helen E. and Harold E., twins, are at home. Andrew Hubert is the youngest member of the family.
Mr. Mills is a republican in politics and since attaining his majority has taken an active part in every campaign as a local speaker and otherwise. Both he and his wife are valued members of the First Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. Mr. Mills was su- perintendent of the Sunday school for eighteen years and is now teacher of the Sisterhood bible class of one hundred and ten members. He is now and for the past eight years has been chairman of the executive committee of the Illi- nois Sunday School Association and for a similar period has acted as the Illi-
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
nois member of the International Sunday School Association. As the result of his deep interest in Sunday school affairs he has become keenly alive to the fact that the liquor traffic is a menace to the future welfare of our youth and takes an aggressive stand on the side of temperance, doing everything in his power to promote those measures and movements which tend to uplift and benefit the race.
ISAAC R. MILLS.
Isaac R. Mills, whose demise occurred on the 3d of July, 1904, was engaged in the practice of law at Decatur for a quarter of a century. His birth occurred on a farm in Putnam county, Illinois, his natal day being September 5, 1853. He supplemented his preliminary education by a course of study in the university at Lincoln, being graduated from that institution in 1875. Subsequently he made his way to Chicago, Illinois, there reading law in the office of Dent & Black. In the fall of 1879 he came to Decatur and formed a partnership with J. M. Clokey for the practice of law, remaining with that gentleman until June, 1881, when he organized the firm of Mills Brothers in association with his brother, Andrew H. Mills. He was elected city attorney in 1882 and served in that capacity for three terms, being twice reelected. On the Ist of June, 1888, he was appointed states attorney and in the fall of that year was elected to the office. Twice he was honored by reelection, holding the office altogether for twelve years and five months. In May, 1901, he was appointed collector of internal revenue for the eighth district of Illinois. His worth as a lawyer was acknowledged by a large clientage and in each of the public offices to which he was called he proved a most faithful and efficient incumbent. He passed away on the 3d of July, 1904, being killed in a wreck which occurred on the Wabash Railway near Litchfield.
Mr. Mills was married twice. In September, 1878, he wedded Miss Mattie A. Mahannah, her father being Stephen Mahannah, an agriculturist of Macon county. By this union there were four children, namely: Walter H., who suc- ceeded his father in the firm of Mills Brothers; Mary E., who is now the wife of Edward A. Purcell, of Taylorville, Illinois; Ida M., the wife of Don R. Lehman, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Gertrude A., of Decatur. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in February, 1889, and in March, 1891, Mr. Mills was again married, his second union being with Mary Hackenberg, of Christian county, Illinois. The two children of this marriage, Jennie H. and Elinor R., reside with their mother at No. 1024 Lincoln avenue. Mr. Mills was a Knight Templar Mason, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his widow also belongs.
STOUFFER BROTHERS.
The firm of Stouffer Brothers, contractors of Decatur, needs no introduc- tion to the readers of this volume. It consists of George A., Charles W. and David E. Stouffer, sons of Elias Stouffer, who was born in Hagerstown, Mary- land, January 12, 1832, his parents being George and Elizabeth (Welty) Stouf-
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fer, who were married about 1824. Both the Stouffer and Welty families were among the early German settlers of this country. Elias Stouffer was fourteen years of age when brought by his parents to the middle west in 1846, the jour- ney being made mostly by team. In the family were thirteen children and they located on a farm in Ogle county, Illinois, where they became quite successful. Later four sons and four daughters removed to Marshall county, Iowa, where one son and two daughters still reside. Both the father and the grandfather of David E. Stouffer were self-educated men and, although of German descent, the language was not spoken in their home but Elias Stouffer learned to read, write and speak German through his own efforts. Leaving the home farm in Ogle county at the age of twenty-one years, he learned the carpenter's trade and in 1864 came to Macon, where he became a successful contractor, erecting many of the buildings in the southern part of the county.
In October, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Elias Stouffer and Miss Mary L. Nugent in Decatur, of which city she is now a resident. She was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 20th of March, 1839, her parents, William and Sarah J. (Stone) Nugent, having removed to the Buckeye state from Pennsyl- vania at an early day. Her father was a Methodist minister and also engaged in farming to some extent. Her mother was the daughter of an Englishman, born in London. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stouffer built a resi- dence in Macon and there they reared their family, consisting of four sons and one daughter. William H., born December 31, 1867, is now superintendent of the Decatur Fountain Company. He married Miss Frances L. Kraiger, of De- catur, and they have five children, Ernest, Ralph, Helen, Grace and Lloyd. George A., born August 1, 1869, married Miss Harriet E. Ward, of Newburgh, New York, June 14, 1905, and they have two sons, George Esmond and Robert Lee. Charles W., born July 19, 1871, was married May 6, 1903, to Mabel G. Brant and their children are Mary Elizabeth and Dorothy Grace. David E. was born November 5, 1875. Minnie E., the only daughter, resides with her mother in Decatur. She began teaching school at the age of sixteen and suc- cessfully followed that profession for eight years.
In January, 1897, Elias Stouffer, accompanied by his wife, daughter and two youngest sons, removed to Nashville, Tennessee, where his death occurred on the 30th of April of that year. Shortly afterward the family returned to Decatur and the mother, daughter and youngest son, David E., now reside to- gether, while the married sons have homes of their own. There is a strong family attachment between them and their business affairs are carried on with the utmost harmony.
All of the children were born and reared in Macon and were educated in the public schools. The brothers are all practical business men and shortly after their return from Nashville, Tennessee, George A., Charles W. and David E. formed a partnership as general contractors, the youngest brother looking after the architectural end of the work. The sister has also become interested in the business, having charge of the clerical and office work. David E. is now vice president of what has become known as the Decatur Fountain Company, while his eldest brother, William, is superintendent. This company was es- tablished in 1906 and the business has proved a profitable undertaking, their
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trade increasing continually. The contracting business is still carried on with success and the firm has been accorded much important work in the field of building operations in Decatur.
The father was a prohibitionist in politics, stanchly advocating the temper- ance cause. His sons, however, favor the democratic ticket but usually vote more for principle than party. All of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their influence is ever found on the side of right, reform, progress and improvement.
LOWELL A. SMITH.
Lowell A. Smith, extensively engaged in farming in Milam township, own- ing and occupying a tract of three hundred and ninety acres of land on sections 27, 33 and 34, is a worthy representative of one of the old and prominent farm- ers of this part of the state, his father being E. O. Smith, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was born in Decatur, Illinois, November 27, 1861, and following the removal of the family to California he pursued his education in the public and high schools of San Jose, and also attended a busi- ness college in that place. Subsequently he was actively associated with his father in the development and cultivation of a fruit ranch in California until 1882, when he returned to Illinois, his father giving him one hundred and sixty acres of the farm upon which he now resides. On the division of his father's estate he also inherited eighty acres more and to this he has added by purchase a tract of one hundred and fifty acres. His wife inherited eighty acres from her father's estate, so that their holdings comprise a total of four hundred and seventy acres in Macon county, but this does not represent the aggregate of Mr. Smith's property, for he is also owner of thirteen hundred acres in Texas. He has resided upon his farm in Macon county continuously since 1884 and is engaged in the cultivation of grain and the raising of stock, making a specialty of Morgan horses. Both branches of his business. have proven profitable and he has a splendidly improved farm on which he erected his present modern and beautiful residence in 1898. In the rear stand good barns and outbuildings and everything about the place indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods.
In February, 1884, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Frances Wat- son, a daughter of the Rev. Dudley G. Watson, of Christian county, Illinois, and unto them were born two sons: Lloyd L., whose birth occurred February 17, 1885; and Forest E., who was born February 1, 1887. The brothers are now engaged in farming in Montana on about one thousand acres of land. The wife and mother passed away October 23, 1887, and on the 12th of March, 1890, Mr. Smith was married again, his second union being with Miss Martha C. Mayes, a daughter of Thomas E. and Isabella (Langton) Mayes, who came to Illinois about 1864, settling in Moultrie county. Mrs. Smith, the eldest of their seven children, was born February 16, 1862. Her father died February 24, 1910, at the age of seventy-two years, and her mother passed away on the 12th of February, 1905, at the age of seventy years. Three children have been
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