USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 7
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Few men active in business have so closely followed the golden rule or kept themselves unspotted from the world. His family was always first with him but public interests were near his heart. He displayed keen discernment and a faculty for separating the important features of any subject from the inci- dental or accidental circumstances. Moreover, he preserved the precious prize of keen mentality to the closing hours of his life. It was of such a type of man that Victor Hugo wrote when he said "though the frost of winter was on his head, the flowers of spring were in his heart."
JOSEPH N. LOVING.
Joseph N. Loving is a retired attorney living in Decatur. He is also an honored veteran of the Civil war, and his loyalty to his country has even been one of his strongly marked characteristics. His birth occurred in east Tennes- see on Christmas day of 1842. His father, Garland Stephen Loving, a native of Virginia, was a farmer by occupation, and removed to Tennessee, where he was married to Euphemia Bowling, a native of that state. They remained
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residents of Tennessee for a number of years and then removed with their family in 1866 to Moultrie county, Illinois, where the death of the mother oc- curred on the 28th of February, 1895. She had long survived her husband who had died in Kentucky, January 14, 1875, while on a visit to a daughter in Pulaski county, that state. The Loving family is of Scotch lineage, and was founded in America by the grandfather of our subject, who was born in the land of hills and heather, and at an early period in the colonization of the new world crossed the Atlantic to become a resident of Virginia, where his remain- ing days were passed. The maternal grandfather was a native of Tennessee and there spent his entire life. In the family of Garland S. and Euphemia Loving there were eight children: James W., Margaret P., Benjamin F., Joseph N., Lurania Prudence, Rieta Catherine, George W. and John R. By a former marriage the father had three children, Ransom, William R. and Elizabeth J.
The educational advantages afforded Joseph N. Loving were extremely limited, but nature endowed him with strong intellect and a retentive memory and by study at home he prepared for admission to the bar. He then entered upon the practice of law, to which he devoted twenty years, and was accorded a liberal patronage, while his work in the courts showed clear reasoning and logical deductions. His professional services, however, were interrupted by his enlistment as a soldier of the Civil war, and on the 29th of September, 1861, he became a member of Company E, Twelfth Regiment of Kentucky Volun- teers, joining the army in Clinton county, Kentucky. He remained with that command until honorably discharged, January 21, 1865, at Knoxville, Tennes- see, receiving final payment in Nashville, that state. He was wounded in the left ankle at the siege of Knoxville in 1863 and was sent to the hospital, where he remained for about a month. Following his recovery from his injuries, he acted as clerk in the general headquarters at Knoxville and was one of those chosen to guard the body of General Zollecoffer, who was killed at the battle of Fishing Creek, being the first Confederate general that fell in service. Mr. Loving also participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Perryville, was in various skirmishes and had many trying experiences. After the war he re- turned to his home in Columbia, Adair county, Kentucky.
Mr. Loving remained at home until he was forty-eight years of age. He was married in Springfield, Illinois, August 27, 1892, to Miss Mayme E. Snapp, a native of Coles county, Illinois. Her father, James M. Snapp, was born in Tennessee. Her grandfather came to Illinois during pioneer times and re- mained a resident of this state until his death. James M. Snapp followed farm- ing as a life work and on his removel to Coles county secured a tract of land, which he cultivated until his removal to Shelby county, Illinois, where his last days were passed. In early manhood he wedded Mary E. Keller, who was born in Coles county, where she spent the greater part of her life, although her death occurred when she was a resident of Shelby county, Illinois. Her father had settled in this state in pioneer times. He became a soldier and lost his life during the war. There were ten children in the family of James M. and Mary E. Snapp: America; George N .; Hepsibah; William and Jacob, both of whom are now deceased; Charles; James; Frank; Mayme E .; and Thomas J.
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The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Loving has been blessed with two children: Beulah M., who was born May 12, 1896, in Dalton City, Illinois; and Vivian S., who was born in Dalton City, December 11, 1898. They also lost one child, Mildred P., who was born June 20, 1903, and died five years later.
While living in Moultrie county, Mr. Loving filled the office of justice of the peace for fourteen years, proving a capable official, whose decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He also served as collector. He belongs to I. C. Pugh Post, G. A. R., No. 481, at Dalton City, and he and his family are mem- bers of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Decatur. They have resided in this city continuously since 1905, and are widely and favorably known here. Mr. Loving gives his political allegiance to the democracy, but was formerly a republican. However, he has largely voted independently, casting his ballot for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office. He is widely and favorably known in Decatur and Macon county and is held in high esteem by all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
GUY CLARK HECKEL.
Guy Clark Heckel, one of the enterprising and representative young agri- culturists of Long Creek township, makes his home on section 14, where he is successfully engaged in the tilling of the soil and the raising of stock. His birth occurred in that township on the 24th of July, 1880, his parents being Charles A. and Ella (Clark) Heckel. The paternal grandfather, John Joseph Heckel, was born in Erfurt, Germany, on the 4th of May, 1810. He was educated at the celebrated Wittenberg University, became master of several languages, and all his life was a student and thinker. After serving for three years in the Prussian army he emigrated to the United States, settling in Long Creek township, Macon county, Illinois, about 1834. He located upon a small tract of rough land, which he gradually brought under a high state of culti- vation, becoming one of the prosperous agriculturists of the community. The period of his residence in this county covered almost six decades, for he passed away here on the 6th of February, 1892, when eighty-two years of age. On the 3d of May, 1840, he had wedded Miss Elizabeth Hanks, whose birth oc- curred in Hardin county, Kentucky, April 23, 1822. She was a second cousin to Abraham Lincoln and a playmate of the future president in his early boy- hood. Her demise occurred just four days prior to that of her husband.
Charles A. Heckel, the father of Guy Clark Heckel, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Macon county, having been born in Long Creek town- ship in May, 1849. He has carried on general agricultural pursuits through- out his entire business career and is widely recognized as a prominent farmer and leading resident of that township. He is a well educated man, and for ten years preached the gospel as a minister of the Christian church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ella Clark, is a native of Ohio and a daughter of Milton and Sarah A. (Lee) Clark. Her mother was distantly related to the prominent and famous Lee family of Virginia.
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Guy Clark Heckel, whose name introduces this review, obtained his early education in the public schools and afterward attended successively the college at Eureka, Lincoln University and the University of Lexington, Kentucky, being graduated from the last named institution with the class of 1900. The degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon him when he attained his ma- jority. He followed the insurance business for two years, but on the expira- tion of that period returned to this county and became identified with agricul- tural interests. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising have since claimed his attention and have returned to him a gratifying annual income. He has devoted his energies principally to the raising of horses, and is gradually ex- tending his operations in this direction. He recognizes the need of larger and stronger horses for farm work, keeps Percheron stock and intends to purchase a large Belgian sire. He lives on his grandmother's farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 14, Long Creek township, and as an agriculturist has already won a measure of success that entitles him to recognition among the substantial citizens of the community.
On the 16th of February, 1905, Mr. Heckel was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Baker, of Long Creek township, her parents being C. H. and Elizabeth (Williamson) Baker, natives of Ohio. Her father is a well known farmer here.
In politics Mr. Heckel is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. For one term he ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of township collector. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 426 at Casner, and is likewise identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Kappa Sigma, a college fraternity. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church and he now acts as superintendent of its Sunday school. Mr. and Mrs. Heckel are people of the highest respectability and have a host of warm friends throughout the county.
EVERETT J. BROWN, M. D.
For more than twenty years Dr. Everett J. Brown has engaged in active practice at Decatur. By diligent attention to his profession he has built up a practice which extends all over central Illinois and has acquired a reputation in his profession which is not confined to the limits of the state. The respect in which he is held by his brethren is shown by the fact that at the present time he occupies the position of treasurer of the Illinois State Medical Society and is ex-president of the Decatur Medical Society. These honors came with- out solicitation on his part and as a just recognition of one who has devoted his life to the alleviation of the ills of humanity. Dr. Brown comes well by the talents which have gained him his present honorable position. His father, Josiah Brown, was for thirty years a leading physician of Decatur and the mantle which he gracefully wore rests easily on the shoulders of his son.
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Dr. Josiah Brown was born at Witby, Canada, July 24, 1827, and was a son of Abraham and Bethsheba Brown, descendants of Quaker parentage of New England. Early in life he decided to become a physician and all his studies were pursued with that object in view. The death of his father when the boy was twelve years of age threw him largely upon his own resources. But after acquiring the necessary funds by teaching school, he matriculated at the Augusta Medical College, Georgia, then one of the leading medical colleges of the coun- try, and, after graduation, began practice at Gaylesville, Alabama. There he was married to Miss Sarah E. Brown. Removing to Illinois, the Doctor lived for two years at Maroa and then settled permanently at Decatur in 1859. He departed this life May 6, 1889, sincerely mourned by the entire community. He was a Mason, a republican, a member for more than twenty-five years of the Presbyterian church and an able and successful physician. His widow is still living. Six children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Brown: two children of whom died in infancy; Minnie S., who died in 1881 at the age of eighteen years; Warren, a practicing physician of Tacoma, Washington; Everett J., whose name appears at the head of this biography, and Frederick A., a practicing lawyer of Chicago.
Everett J. Brown is a native of Decatur, born January 20, 1865. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Decatur high school at the age of eighteen, in 1883. He studied medicine under his father and also in the medical department of the Northwestern University of Chicago, grad- uating in 1888. He was interne at the Cook County Hospital in 1888-9, and took a post-graduate course of six months in the general hospital at Vienna, Austria, in 1898. He again took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic and Post Graduate Hospital and in 1908 visited Europe a second time to become acquainted with the most advanced ideas of the leading minds on medicine and surgery. Few men, as indicated above, have ever shown a greater interest in their chosen calling and no pains or time have been spared in the effort to solve the difficult problems that face the physician in his daily practice.
Since 1889 Dr. Brown has been actively engaged in practice in the town where he was born, except when pursuing advanced studies in New York city or Europe. He makes a specialty of internal medicine and is associated with Dr. Cecil M. Jack, under the firm name of Brown & Jack, his biography ap- pearing elsewhere in this volume. The practice of the firm increased so rapidly during the last few years that larger accommodations became necessary and a handsome building was erected on West Prairie avenue opposite the Young Men's Christian Association, into which the firm moved in July, 1910. Here fourteen rooms are occupied, consisting of office and reception rooms, consul- tation rooms, laboratories, operating rooms, X-Ray room, dressing rooms and every possible requirement that modern minds have devised for the reception and treatment of patients. These offices and accessories are conceded to be among the finest and most complete that are to be desired and visitors are sur- prised at the facilities there available. The reputation of Dr. Brown has made his services in demand all over central Illinois as consultant in many cases re- quiring the best skill possible to secure.
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D. Brown has been twice married. His first marriage was with Rebecca C. Brown of Jacksonville, Illinois, in October, 1891. Mrs. Brown departed this life February 22, 1906. Three children were born of the union: Rebecca Alice, Lloyd and Everett Anson. On the Ist of October, 1908, Dr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Jane Jack of Peoria, Illinois. One son, Francis Jack Brown, is the result of this union.
Dr. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was his father be- fore him, and also belongs to the American Medical Association, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Mississippi Valley Medical Society, the Tri-State Med- ical Society and the Decatur Medical Society. Although his extensive practice makes heavy demands on his time and strength, he holds membership in the University Club of Chicago and in the Decatur and Country Clubs of Decatur. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, whose principles of fidelity to promise and friendship in time of need he has many times exemplified.
The Doctor is a living example of the beneficient effect of right education and high ideals in the development of a useful and helpful career. In a strik- ing degree we see here exemplified the refining influence of the home and the inviting field which is open in a free commonwealth to those who are rightly prepared and capable of bearing its honors. The position which has been at- tained by Dr. Brown has not come by chance but has called for years of patient study and faithful performance of duty as it appeared from day to day. No one knows this better than the practicing physician who gives a large part of his time to patients from whom he can expect small financial recompense or none at all. Yet he gives as freely and as conscientiously in such cases as if the patient were in the most affluent circumstances. Dr. Brown has endeared himself to people in all walks of life by his courteous manners, his liberality in support of all worthy causes and his skill in his profession. Hence he is usually recognized in central Illinois as among its most desirable citizens.
JOHN W. BOWERS.
John W. Bowers, a representative and successful agriculturist of Long Creek township, is the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land on section 28, known as the Springwood Stock Farm. His birth occurred in Washington county, Illinois, on the 30th of April, 1867, his parents being James J. and Jane E. (Carpenter) Bowers, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father was born in 1822, while the mother's birth occurred in the year 1830. They took up their abode among the early settlers of Washington county, Illinois, in 1845, James J. Bowers carrying on general agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. He passed away in 1874, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1909.
John W. Bowers attended the public schools in the acquirement of an edu- cation and after putting aside his text-books began working as a farm hand. He had no financial assistance at the beginning of his career but possessed plenty of energy and determination and these qualities have enabled him to gradually
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advance toward the goal of prosperity. In 1888 he removed to Piatt county and there resided continuously until 1894. On coming to Long Creek township, Macon county, he purchased and located upon an improved farm of two hundred acres on section 28. Here he has carried on his agricultural interests continuously since and in connection with the tilling of the soil he also devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, making a specialty of full blooded Hereford cattle and Poland China hogs. The property is known as the Springwood Stock Farm and is well improved in every particular, its neat and thrifty appearance indicating the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Bowers has thorough knowledge of both farming and stock-raising and is justly en- titled to a place among the leading and substantial agriculturists of the community.
On the 19th of August, 1897, Mr. Bowers was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Kinser, a daughter of Lewis and Amanda (Turpin) Kinser, who were born in Ohio and Illinois respectively. The father was an early settler and promi- nent farmer of Mount Zion township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers now have five children, namely: Lucetta May, Florence, Ira John, Oliver, and Edith Jewel.
Politically Mr. Bowers is a prohibitionist, being a firm advocate of the temperance cause. At local elections, however, he casts an independent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he believes best qualified for the office in ques- tion. In religious faith he is a Methodist. His aid and cooperation can be counted upon to further every movement calculated to benefit the community, and he and his estimable wife are held in high regard by their many friends.
JAMES B. AUSTIN.
James B. Austin, who has lived in honorable retirement at Maroa since 1892, came to Macon county in 1856 and was for many years successfully identified with agricultural interests here. His birth occurred in Greene county, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1829. His father, Jonathan Austin, was born in New Jersey on the 15th of December, 1799. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Abel and Prudence Austin, who left New Jersey with their family and jour- neyed to Ohio, residing in that state throughout the remainder of their lives. The grandfather first took up land in Warren county, Ohio, but later removed to Greene county. Jonathan Austin, the father of James B. Austin, purchased land in Illinois in association with our subject but never came to this state, pass- ing away in Ohio on the 20th of April, 1874. His children were four in num- ber, as follows: Justin, a resident of Ohio; Harry, whose demise occurred in that state; John, living in Dayton, Ohio; and James B., of this review.
The last named remained under the parental roof until twenty-one years of age, assisting his father in the operation of the old home farm. He was mar- ried on attaining his majority and for about six years following that important event in his life he resided in Bellbrook, Ohio, following the profession of teaching. In 1856 he came direct to Macon county, Illinois, locating on a farm
James . B. Justin
Als James B. Shostin
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HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY
of three hundred and twenty acres which he had purchased in association with his father. He at once began the further cultivation and improvement of the tract of one hundred and sixty acres which was his share and there carried on his agricultural interests continuously until 1892, when he put aside the active work of the fields in order that he might the more thoroughly enjoy the com- petence which his well directed labor had brought him. Purchasing a lot in Maroa, he erected a commodious and attractive residence thereon and has made his home therein for the past eighteen years. He still retains his farm of one hundred and sixty acres and likewise owns two lots in the town of Maroa.
On the 4th of July, 1850, in Bellbrook, Ohio, Mr. Austin was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Ann Dunham, a daughter of Jonas and Rachel Dun- ham, who were born in New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. Austin were the parents of four children, namely: Charles, who is a resident of Allen county, Kansas; Mrs. Alice Rogers, who passed away in 1908; Frank, who lives with his father ; and Mrs. Anna Wendling, whose demise occurred in 1907. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 6th of April, 1902.
In politics Mr. Austin is a stanch republican and his fellow townsmen, rec- ognizing his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He has served as justice of the peace, has likewise acted in the capacity of assessor and was a school trustee. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Maroa Lodge, No. 454, A. F. & A. M. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and his career has ever been such that he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. Macon county has been his home for fifty-four years and the circle of his friends here is a wide one.
JAMES F. STEELE.
Among those whose deeds of valor have found place in the military his- tory of Illinois is James F. Steele, of Decatur. His record cannot fail to prove of interest to the readers of this volume, for he is widely known in the city where he makes his home and in which he has a circle of friends almost co- extensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
He was born in Springfield, Ohio, September 21, 1842, and in the paternal line comes of Irish ancestry. His grandfather was a native of Ireland, and on coming to America made his home in Bloomington, Illinois, with his daughter until called to his final rest at the very venerable age of ninety-seven years. His wife was seventy-two years of age at the time of her demise. Their son, Samuel Steele, was born in Virginia on the 19th of March, 1808, and in his boyhood days accompanied his parents on their removal from the Old Domin- ion to Pennsylvania, whence later the family went to Madison county, Ohio. It was in that county that he was married to Miss Prudence Fisher, who was born in 1801. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and removed from the Keystone state to Ohio at an early period in the development of the latter state. There Mr. Fisher died at the age of ninety-nine years, while his wife
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passed away at the age of seventy-two years. Following their marriage Sam- uel and Prudence (Fisher) Steele established their home in Springfield, Ohio, where they remained until 1857, when they came to Decatur, Illinois, here spending the residue of their days. The father died in June, 1877, and was laid to rest in the Decatur cemetery. For about eleven years he had survived his wife, who passed away in June, 1866. They had three sons who were sol- diers in the Civil war, George R., Joseph and James.
Spending his youthful days in his parents' home in Ohio, James F. Steele attended the common schools of that state until he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois. After living for a short time at Bloomington, they came to Decatur. The father was a carpenter by trade and James F. Steele served an apprenticeship under him. He was learning the trade under the direction of his father when the Civil war broke out and President Lincoln issued his first call for troops.
Mr. Steele had watched with interest the progress of events in the South, and his patriotic spirit was aroused at the attempt of the Confederacy to over- throw the Union. Although but eighteen years of age at the time, he at once offered his services to the government and enlisted on the 16th of April, 1861- when the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns had scarcely cleared away. He was mustered in at Springfield as a private of Company B, Eighth Illinois Infantry, for three months' service, for at that time it was the general belief that the war would soon be over. From Camp Yates the regiment was ordered to Cairo, where it remained doing camp duty until the expiration of the term of enlistment. Mr. Steele, however, at once reenlisted on the 14th of August and again became a member of the Eighth Illinois regiment for three years' serv- ice. A contemporary biographer concerning Mr. Steele's military experience has written: "The regiment remained at Cairo until late in the fall, when it was ordered to Bird's Point, from there to Norfolk, where it made camp and remained for some time, and then returned to Bird's Point and went into win- ter quarters. On the 2d of February, 1862, the regiment embarked at Cairo and moved up the Tennessee to Fort Henry with General Grant's forces, where they disembarked and the first night Mr. Steele was placed on picket duty. It rained all night and he had to stand on logs to keep out of the water. In the morning they broke camp and started for the fort, making a detour of some six miles. In this march mountain streams were waded from knee to waist deep with a swift current. When he reached the fort he exchanged his wet uniform clothes for a citizens' suit, which he wore all through the Fort Donel- son campaign, where he was actively engaged in an assault of that fort, being then in the First Brigade, McClernand's Division. On the arrival at the fort the Eighth had some skirmishing with the rebel pickets, and then formed in lines around the fort. The following night Mr. Steele was sent out as one of the pickets with instructions not to fire unless he saw the enemy advancing. The weather at first was pleasant, but before the siege was over it grew cold, rained, snowed and became very bad, and the soldiers suffered terribly, as they were not allowed any fire. What sleep the men had was secured in a standing position. Friday was spent mostly in skirmishing and maneuvering. On Sat- urday morning the enemy made an assault on the lines but were repulsed,
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