USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 71
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A contemporary biographer has written of him: "No man did more than he in planning and constructing the network of railways to which the thriving city of Decatur largely owes her prosperity. Without the advantages of a higher. education in his youth he was a man of rare intelligence, well informed, a reader of good books, thoughtful, with a wide and deep interest in all that concerned the welfare of humanity. He was broad and liberal in all his views, a man who did his own thinking and quietly shaped his own creed, counting truth as of equal authority, come from where it would. He was not only successful in this world's affairs but had an abiding confidence in our continued identity in another world which is closely bound to this, and that bonds of love and friendship formed here are not sundered by death. In his domestic relations Mr. Smith was exceedingly fortunate and happy. Toward his wife and children he was a model of thoughtful affection and generosity. He gave to them with a liberal hand of the wealth that he had accumulated by his toil and enterprise. The strong points of his character were what might be termed 'the heroic type.' He was fearlessly loyal to his convictions of truth and to his sense of duty. In the presence of danger he was unconscious of fear and bore the severest trials with unyielding fortitude. In journeys across thousands of miles of unbroken wilderness, infested by bands of hostile Indians and beset by dangers undreamed of and by privations under which the stoutest hearts were often overcome, his bravery and fortitude saved his own life and that of many others. He threw his strong arm of protection around whomsoever he chanced to meet in need of succor and shared with them his last morsel of food. He made no profession. His life was his creed. His political career was clean and he was known as a man who could
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not be corrupted. His influence could not be purchased. However much he might be mistaken he was honest. In the fall of 1889, with his wife and youngest daughter, he carried out the dream of his life. He crossed the Atlantic and made an extended tour of Europe, visiting many of the chief points of interest. His trip included a visit to the Paris Exposition and the world-renowned Passion Play. On his many journeys he was charry of goodbye scenes, preferring to start on a trip across the continent as though he was going to his neighbor's, and it was in pathetic keeping that his departure on the mystic journey was instant and without a parting word. He passed away suddenly of heart disease March 8, 1892, at his home in San Jose, and three days later his remains were interred in Oak Hill cemetery."
JACOB HANES.
Jacob Hanes, at the age of seventy-two years, is living retired in Decatur, although for a long period he was closely and actively associated with farming interests. He was born July 2, 1838, in Clark county, Ohio, a son of Jacob and Margaret (Dix) Hanes, who were also farming people. The father was of English descent, while the mother came of an old Pennsylvania Dutch family. From his old home in 'Adams county, Pennsylvania, Jacob Hanes, Sr., removed to Clark county, Ohio, where he resided to the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years of age. His wife passed away at the age of eighty years, having long survived him. They were the parents of ten children who reached adult age and reared families of their own. Only four of the number are now living: Jacob; Job, now a resident of Clark county, Ohio, his home being in the vicinity of Springfield; Nancy Eliza; and Malvina, the wife of Walter Rue, who also lives near Springfield, Ohio.
Jacob Hanes pursued his education in the district schools of his native county and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he determined to make his life work. In 1864, therefore, he started out on his own account by becoming the owner of a tract of land in the Buckeye state. In 1866 he removed west- ward to Macon county, Illinois, settling in Hickory Point township. He made the entire journey by wagon, having four horses, and they were eight days upon the road, traveling by way of Paris, Edgar county, Illinois, to their destination. Mr. Hanes secured a quarter of section 8, township 17, range 2, east, in Hick- ory Point township, paying four thousand dollars for the property, or twenty- five dollars per acre. The farm was unimproved, but his previous experience and progressive ideas enabled him to rapidly bring about a change in the ap- pearance of his place and to convert it into a valuable property. He was the first in the township to tile his land, using tile that was made by hand. His farm was located between Forsyth and Warrensburg, and after living upon the farm for some time he erected a fine two story brick residence-one of the most attractive country homes of Macon county. He also built a large barn sixty by forty feet and erected other good buildings. When he purchased the place there was upon it a one story frame house unplastered and there was no
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flue. There was also a rude barn covered with straw. As soon as possible he made changes in the appearance of his place by erecting modern buildings as well as by cultivating his fields. The barn which he built will hold forty loads of hay. The corn fields according to the last reports yield sixty bushels to the acre; oats, sixty-one bushels; and wheat, thirty-one and one-half bushels. While on the farm in the early days he often swung a cradle, but he lived to see the crude machinery replaced by most modern farm implements, greatly les- sening the labor of the agriculturist.
Not only did Mr. Hanes put forth earnest and effective effort to improve and develop his own place but also sought the good and welfare of the com- munity and cooperated in many movements for general benefit. In order to improve the roads he volunteered to build culverts without asking remunera- tion for his services. Moreover, Mr. Hanes was the first man to do the milk- ing in his township, this task having been previously left to the women of the household, but he felt that they had enough to do in attending to the housework, and the news that he was doing the milking spread soon throughout the com- munity. Other men realized the justice of the attitude which he took on the question and his example was followed not only in Hickory Point township but in many other localities as well. That his step in this direction received the in- dorsement and commendation of the women upon the farms is a matter not to be doubted. Moreover, it was an indication of the helpful spirit which has always been one of the chief characteristics in the life of Jacob Hanes. As the years passed and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his farm from time to time until he owned over four hundred acres of valuable property but in later years has disposed of much of this to his son, his present holdings em- bracing one hundred and sixty acres, which is the land that he first purchased, worth then twenty-five dollars per acre, while today it is valued at two hun- dred dollars per acre.
On the 23d of December, 1863, Mr. Hanes was married to Miss Martha Arthur, a daughter of Joseph G. Arthur and a native of Clark county, Ohio, where the wedding was celebrated. Mrs. Hanes passed away in Decatur, Febru- ary 9, 1898, amid the deep regret of many friends. Six children were born unto them: Effie, who was born in Ohio and is now the wife of Arthur Flood of Chicago; Arthur, who died in 1906, leaving a widow and four children; Nancy Lillian ; Harold, living on a farm in Hickory Point township; Antoinette; and Chester A., on the old home farm. On the 2d of April, 1900, Mr. Hanes was again married, his second union being with Mrs. William Price, a widow, who is a native of Ohio and was formerly a school teacher.
For many years Mr. Hanes was one of the well known, progressive, suc- cessful and honored agriculturists of Macon county but in 1891 left his farm to reside in Decatur, Illinois. He is enjoying the fruits of his labors and the congenial companionship of the cultured lady who presides over his home. His work has ever been an element in public progress and in many ways he has con- tributed to the upbuilding of the county. He aided in the establishment of the Methodist church at Forsyth, filled the office of supervisor for nine years, and while so doing served on the committee on roads and bridges. The cause of education has always found in him a stalwart champion, proven by his effective
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service as a member of the school board. Moreover, he is entitled to wear the Grand Army button, for he joined the One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry during the Civil war. His life has ever been a useful one, char- acterized by a spirit of helpfulness and unfaltering fidelity to duty and by relia- bility in business affairs. His capable management of his farm interests at length brought to him substantial success, enabling him now in the evening of life to live retired and yet have an abundance of this world's goods.
CHARLES W. FREELAND.
Charles W. Freeland, owner of a beautiful farm in Macon county, which he acquired through his own efforts, was born in Coles county, this state, Novem- ber 17, 1850, a son of David J. and Martha (Sawyer) Freeland. The father was a native of North Carolina, born April 19, 1819, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1836. The family settled in what is now Moultrie county but in 1858 located in Macon county and here David J. Freeland departed this life September 16, 1892. He was an industrious and successful farmer and a man who took a great deal of interest in the welfare of those with whom he was as- sociated. He was a supporter of the republican party and served as justice of the peace, school trustee and collector, performing his duties in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of the community. Mrs. Freeland was a native of Coles county, Illinois, born June 15, 1831, and died August 25, 1900, and a de- scendant of a Kentucky family. The father of our subject was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Strain, a native of North Carolina, who died in early womanhood, leaving one child. By the second marriage there were ten children, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth.
Charles W. Freeland received his early education in the common schools and later attended Blackburn University of Carlinville, Illinois, where he con- tinued for one year. He taught school for several terms and then became a student in the Illinois Conservatory of Music at Jacksonville and also of the Boston Normal Musical Institute during its session in Buffalo, New York, in 1881. He is the possessor of fine musical talent and for many years has de- voted a great deal of attention to musical affairs. Since 1887 he has engaged in farming upon his own account and now owns six hundred acres of land, al- though originally he started with eighty acres, which was a portion of his father's estate. He is known as one of the large grain raisers of the county.
In 1887 Mr. Freeland was united in marriage to Miss Susan Inman, of De- catur, a daughter of King and Susan Inman. She was born May 28, 1863, and is sixth of a family of seven children. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Freeland: Anton D., born April 1, 1888; Adin J., August 4, 1889; Lubin A., April 30, 1894; and Merlin A., September 15, 1897, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Freeland is an active supporter of the republican party and has filled a number of official positions, discharging his duties in such a way as to meet the warm approval of the taxpayers. He served as supervisor for five years,
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collector two years and as school trustee for about nine years. He has all his life been intimately connected with farming interests and by practical applica- tion of his knowledge has attained unusual success in one of the noblest of call- ings. The fortunate possessor of a fine address and a liberal education, he is known as a man who willingly gives of his means and talents to advance the best interests of his fellowmen. No citizen of Macon county is more highly re- spected, and he and his estimable wife have many friends, whose regard they have won not only by acts of kindness and hospitality but by the example they have set as public-spirited members of the community.
CHARLES STEWART HANKINS.
Charles Stewart Hankins, a real-estate and investment broker and a busi- ness man of enterprising spirit, whose record has been characterized by an orderly progression that has brought him to a prominent position in the busi- ness and financial circles of Decatur, was born on the night of December 24, 1856, in Clinton county, Ohio, upon the home farm near the town of Welling- ton and about three miles from Sabina and a half mile from Reesville. His parents were Enoch and Susan (McFadden) Hankins. The mother, who was descended from the McFadden and Stewart families, both of which were of Scotch-Irish origin, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and died at the home of her son Charles at No. 1523 North Water street, Decatur, in December, 1904. Enoch Hankins, the father, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1817, and died on his farm in Macon county, Illinois, in 1866, at the age of forty-nine years. He and his brother, Harvey Hankins, were the original importers of shorthorn cattle, then better known as Durham cattle, from England, which was the na- tive land of their father. In 1862 Enoch Hankins started across the prairies from Ohio to Illinois, driving his graded cattle ahead as he journeyed onward in one of the old prairie schooners. His family, however, traveled in carriages. In the fall of 1862 he arrived in Macon county and the following year took up his abode on what afterward became known as the Adams place in Friends Creek township. Arriving in this county, he bought a half section of partially improved land for twenty-five dollars per acre and also invested in other tracts, paying as low as three dollars per acre for a part of it. In 1864 he settled on the home place but did not live to enjoy this for any extended period, as he passed away in 1866. He was known as the original shorthorn cattle man of Macon county, having brought the breeding stock here.
Charles S. Hankins was the seventh in order of birth in a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, and was only eight years of age when the family came to Illinois. He pursued his education in the country schools until he reached the age of fifteen, when he put aside his text-books and was after- ward identified with farming interests until he reached the age of twenty-five years. His next venture made him a traveling salesman, representing a boot and shoe establishment. He afterward became traveling representative for drugs and stationery sundries, representing the house in central Illinois for four and a half
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years. He then returned to Decatur and turned his attention to the real-estate business, at first handling farm lands in southern Illinois but now concentrating his energies entirely upon city property as a real-estate and investment broker. In the meantime, however, he became one of the early owners of the Independ- ent Telephone Company, of which he served as president for six years. In 1907 the business was reorganized and was sold to the Decatur Home Tele- phone Company. He developed an extensive business when operating in the telephone field and his enterprising spirit gave to the county a system of tele- phone service unsurpassed in the state. In his business activity Mr. Hankins has always contributed in large and substantial measure to public progress and improvement. He perhaps built more houses in Decatur than any other indi- vidual until 1902. He was the owner of the property through which Stewart street was opened in the northern part of the city. His labors have been most discerningly directed and have been not only an element of substantial success for himself but also a factor in the general progress and improvement.
In 1888, in Decatur, Mr. Hankins was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Gerber, a daughter of Samuel Gerber, a pioneer of Argenta, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hankins have been born two sons. Orville Gerber, now eighteen years of age, was graduated from the Decatur high school with the class of 1909, and in the fall of that year entered the Illinois State University at Champaign, where he is studying agriculture. Charles Stew- art, twelve years his brother's junior, is a bright, promising boy of six, who in September, 1910, began his education in the public schools.
Mr. Hankins is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, in which he is a past chancellor, and has also been representative to the Grand Lodge of the state. He is recognized as one of the prominent local leaders of the republican party and his opinions have carried weight in its councils. He never wavers in his allegiance to the party, stanchly advocating all its principles and doing all in his power to promote its success. He has been central commit- teeman at different times and has represented his party as secretary at the con- gressional conventions. He has also been a delegate to state and national con- ventions and is now a member of the republican executive committee of Illinois. In 1897 he was a candidate for mayor of Decatur against B. Z. Coughlin, and in 1905 and 1906 he served as a member of the city council. In the spring fol- lowing the attainment of his majority, while living upon the farm, he was elected a school director.
A contemporary biographer said of him: "His prominence in business circles comes as a result of capability and his worth is uniformly acknowledged. His social, genial manner has gained for him many friends and he has the regard of young and old, rich and poor. In his business activity in connection with the telephone company and in his real-estate operations he has displayed an initiative spirit and sound judgment that has brought him good returns." He correctly judges his own capacities and powers and therefore makes no false moves. Starting out in life without any vaulting ambition to accomplish some- thing especially great or famous, he has followed the lead of his opportunities, doing as best he could anything that came to hand and seizing legitimate ad-
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vantages as they arose. He has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him into important relations with large and profitable business interests.
JAMES ROSS HOCKADAY.
The enterprising little town of Oreana finds a worthy representative of its business interests in James Ross Hockaday, who is there carrying on general merchandising. He has always figured prominently in connection with business affairs and has made for himself a creditable position and enviable reputation as an enterprising and successful man. His identification with the commercial interests of Oreana covers a period of more than thirty years, and he has also figured prominently in public affairs, having occupied a position on the county board of supervisors for six years. He has made his home in Macon county since 1868.
His birth occurred in Martins Ferry, Ohio, October 19, 1851, and he was reared to manhood there, the public schools affording him his educational privi- leges. When a young man he came west and located in Forsyth, Macon county, Illinois, where he became connected with the firm of Day, Sprig & Company, who were engaged in the grain business, operating an elevator, and he continued with the firm for about eighteen years, coming to Oreana as a grain buyer about 1893. He bought out the business here, building an elevator and continuing actively in the grain trade until 1904. He is an excellent judge of grain and in all of his business affairs has met with substantial success, such as follows close applica- tion and unremitting energy. In 1904, however, he disposed of his grain busi- ness and located upon a farm adjoining Oreana, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for three years. In 1907 he bought a large business house in the town and put in a complete stock of general merchandise, since which time he has conducted the store. In the interim of three years he has built up a good trade and does a profitable business. He is one of the prosperous and well known merchants of Macon county, actuated in all that he does by a spirit of enterprise and determination that never recognizes the possibility of failure. He works on resolutely until he accomplishes what he undertakes, and his energy has made him a forceful factor in commercial circles in his part of the county.
Returning to Ohio, Mr. Hockaday was married at Martins Ferry on the 2d of November, 1882, to Miss Emma R. Sheer, who was born at Ironton, Ohio, and was reared and educated there and in Wheeling, West Virginia, where she attended a private school. Mr. and Mrs. Hockaday became parents of two sons, but both have passed away. Robert, the eldest, died in 1903 at the age of seven- teen years, and Frederick Sheer died in 1904 when six years of age.
Mr. Hockaday has erected a fine residence which is heated with furnace and supplied with hot and cold water. It is one of the most attractive and best arranged homes in the village, and, moreover, a spirit of warm-hearted hos- pitality there prevails.
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Politically Mr. Hockaday is a republican. He cast his first presidential vote for General Grant in 1872 and has since given stalwart support to the party, for he believes that its principles are most conducive to good government. His fellow- townsmen recognizing his worth and ability elected and reelected him to the office of supervisor until he had served for six consecutive years on the county board, acting as chairman for one year. He also served on various committees during his term of office and was made chairman of a number of them. He had pre- viously served as justice of the peace and a number of important cases were tried before him. That his decisions were strictly fair and impartial is indicated in the fact that he never had a decision repealed. He has served as delegate to various county and state conventions, and his opinions have long carried weight in the local councils of his party. Mr. Hockaday is well known as a prominent Mason, holding membership in the local lodge, in Decatur Chapter, R. A. M., Decatur Commandery, K. T., and the consistory and the Shrine at Peoria. He became a charter member of Oreana Lodge, K. P., in which he served through the chairs, becoming a chancellor. He has also represented the local organization in the Grand Lodge of the state. In fraternal relations, in political circles, in business life and in social connections James Ross Hockaday is known as a man of high and honorable purpose, true and loyal to every trust reposed in him.
DAVID S. SHELLABARGER.
David S. Shellabarger, president of the National Bank of Decatur, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. His life history is interwoven with the annals of the city and while he is widely known as an enterprising and suc- cessful business man, his interests have by no means been self-centered, but have reached out to those activities which have touched the general interests of society. In his life public spirit has ever constituted an even balance to business enter- prise. He has honorably won prosperity and at the same time has made generous division of his means with his fellowmen.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Shellabarger was born on a farm in Cumber- land county, July II, 1837. His parents, David and Catharine (Byerly) Shella- barger, were also natives of the Keystone state and the family was of Swiss descent, while the latter was of German lineage. The family was founded in America by the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who lived near the beau- tiful city of Lucerne in Switzerland. There is a mountain in that vicinity which was named for the Shellabarger family. The great-grandfather of David S. Shellabarger in the maternal line came from Germany and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Both families were sturdy farming people. Isaac Shella- barger, the grandfather, was a miller of Pennsylvania and David Shellabarger's father followed the same occupation. An uncle of the name of Isaac Shella- barger came to Macon county in the early '50s. He, too, was a miller by trade but here engaged in the lumber business and afterward in connection with his brother, David Shellabarger, purchased the mill on the Wabash Railway tracks now owned by the American Hominy Company. He had several farms in
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