USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, volume II > Part 9
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On the 30th of June, 1898, Mr. Connard was joined in wedlock to Miss May Hopkins, who was born on the 20th of February, 1876, her parents being Samuel S. and Emmaretta (Williams) Hopkins, natives of Ohio. Our subject and his wife now have two children, namely: Lucile, whose birth occurred in March, 1899, and Harold, whose natal day was July 20, 1900.
In politics Mr. Connard is a republican and for the past three years has capably served in the office of town clerk. He acts as recording steward in the
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Methodist church at Elwin and his wife is also a devoted member thereof. That many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his has been an hon- orable, upright life and one worthy of the esteem in which he is uniformly held.
EDMOND S. BAKER.
Edmond S. Baker, manager of Dreamland Park and one of the well-to-do and popular citizens of Decatur, was born on a farm near Warsaw, Indiana, July 5, 1850. He is the son of Jacob S. and Elizabeth A. (Leathers) Baker, and is the third in a family of five children who grew to maturity. His father died at Salem, Illinois, in 1872, but his mother is still living in Decatur at the advanced age of ninety-four years. Jacob L. Baker, a brother of our subject, was a valiant soldier of the Civil war, first enlisting for three months but at the expiration of that term reenlisting for three years. The war being still in progress when he received his second discharge, he enlisted once more and served until after the rebellion had been entirely suppressed. He was a real fighter and was slightly wounded once, and at another time was captured by the enemy, but made his escape. He came to Decatur and here he died. Henry A. Baker, another brother, was also a soldier. He served in the artillery and was injured while in the discharge of duty. He served as clerk in the barracks for a time after his partial recovery but was later honorably discharged from the army. After returning home he recovered his strength and organized a military company, of which he was elected first lieutenant. He served in a creditable manner until the close of the war, and after the return of peace studied medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, and is now in practice at Decatur.
At six years of age Edmond S. Baker moved with his parents to Summit county, Ohio, where the father became the owner of a mill four miles from the city of Akron. There our subject grew to manhood and received a com- mon school education, preparatory to his introduction to the stern realities of life. As a boy he learned the milling business at his father's mill, but in 1865 the family settled in Marion county, this state, where he became acquainted with the father of William Jennings Bryan. At eighteen years of age he began work for himself, receiving thirteen dollars a month, and later took charge of a mill owned by his father, which was operated by water and which he con- ducted for about two years. After the death of his father, he removed to Christian county and at twenty-six years of age was married, his father-in-law presenting him and his wife with a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. How- ever, not feeling entirely in sympathy with agricultural pursuits, he sold the farm and entered the livery business at Decatur in 1885, which he conducted with marked success for about ten years. Since 1908 Mr. Baker has been manager of Dreamland Park, one of the beautiful resorts of the city, covering ten acres, of which he was formerly the owner and where he made his summer home. The park had been in operation several years before he assumed its management, and from the time of its inception, he has been one of its heavy
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stockholders. Previous to the time of his assuming the management, the park had been a losing proposition for the stockholders, being in debt almost fifteen thousand dollars at the beginning of the season of 1908. Under Mr. Baker's management all of this indebtedness has been paid except four thousand dol- lars at the close of the season of 1910, this after paying all running expenses, upkeep of buildings, etc., and also building and fully equipping one of the largest roller skating rink in central Illinois.
In February, 1876, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Osborne, a daughter of Robert and Phoebe Osborne, of Christian county. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife was organist, while he sang in the choir previous to their coming to De- catur. He affiliates with the republican party, but has strong independent ten- dencies, often voting for the man, irrespective of his political associations. So- cially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and is in hearty accord with the fraternal teachings of those orders. Mr. Baker has made many friends by his genial manners and public spirit, and is greatly respected wherever he is known.
EDGAR HOOTS.
Edgar Hoots, recognized as a public-spirited citizen of Macon county, has for the past two years been a member of the county board and received en- dorsement of his first term's service in a reelection in the spring of 1910. Macon county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred near Oakley on the 9th of December, 1872. His father, Alexander Hoots, was born in Tennessee and was a son of John Hoots, likewise a native of that state. He and his family removed to Illinois about 1855, settling in this county, where Alexander Hoots was reared to manhood. Later he married Louisa Haney, a native of Illinois. To provide for his family he followed the black- smith's trade, conducting a shop in Oakley for a number of years. His last days were here passed, his death occurring April 13, 1909, when he was sixty- three years of age.
Edgar Hoots, one of a family of five sons and one daughter, was reared in Macon county and educated in the common schools. Early in life he began clerking and was thus employed for a few years, receiving a good practical business training. He later learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for seven years at Milmine, Illinois. In 1901 he opened a shop at Oakley and began work at his trade here on his own account. He is a natural mechanic, very handy with tools, and does with expert ability any work in his line. He' has in his smithy an engine and machinery and is therefore prepared for various kinds of work. In this connection he has built up a good business, having now a liberal and well merited patronage.
On the 14th of September, 1896, in Oakley, Mr. Hoots was married to Miss Minnie Williams, who was here born and reared. They have four sons: Her- man, Melvin, Harold and Virgil. In politics Mr. Hoots has been a lifelong republican and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability,
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nominated and elected him to the position of supervisor from Oakley town- ship in 1908, and in 1910 reelected him. He has been a member of the county board for over two years and is proving capable and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and has served as its secretary for seven years. He also has membership relations with the Odd Fellows, joining the lodge at Cerro Gordo, where he filled all of the chairs. He started in life a poor boy without capital and his success has been won through his own efforts. He is not only a good workman, but is also a man of business integrity and reliability and enjoys the confidence and good will of the entire community.
WILLIAM E. REDMON.
William E. Redmon, state's attorney of Macon county, is a native son of Illinois, who won his way by faithful service to the responsible position he occupies and has discharged its duties in such a way as to meet the ap- proval of all political parties and the high regard of the best citizens in every walk of life. He was born in Jasper county, Illinois, on the 25th of May, 1859. His parents, John W. and Martha (Wheeler) Redmon, were both born in Richland county, this state, of pioneer parents who were among the very early settlers of Macon county. The grandparents on the Redmon side were natives of Hardin county, Kentucky. The history of the family goes to show that they were married in that county and on the next day started on a wed- ding trip with an ox team through the almost untrodden forest and across stream and prairie to Richland county, Illinois, where they entered government land, upon which they lived until their death. This brave couple endured all the pioneer hardships. Grandmother Redmon was one of the remarkable women of the times and lived to be four score years of age. She was born in 1810 and died in 1891. Grandfather Wheeler was a native of Vermont and his wife was from Kentucky. Upon coming to Illinois, then upon the frontier, he first located at Alton and became connected with the river traffic, making several trips to New Orleans, where his father died of yellow fever. He also preempted government land in Richland county and lived there until his death.
John W. Redmon, the father of William E. Redmon, was a farmer and stock-raiser of Jasper county, Illinois. He died December 26, 1891, at Normal, Illinois, where he was living temporarily for the purpose of educating his children. The mother is still living and resides with a son and daughter at Oakland, California. She has reached the age of seventy-four years, and is greatly loved by her children and respected by friends who know of her sterling qualities. Five sons and four daughters were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Redmon : Mary A., the wife of George W. Beavers, of Marshall county, Kan- sas; William E., the subject of this record; Elizabeth, the wife of John W. Stitt, living near Toledo, Illinois; Daniel B .; James T., of Oakland, California; Catharine, the wife of Columbus Wolfe, living near Oakland, California ; Eva, the wife of I. N. Warner, of Wisconsin; John A., residing at Berkeley, Cali- fornia; and Jesse, who died in infancy.
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Born and reared on a farm, William E. Redmon is essentially a product of conditions that have produced much of the brain and sinew of our country. He attended the country schools in winter and worked on the farm in sum- mer. His early life was spent largely out of doors in close contact with nature, whose moods he learned to interpret and whose charms he freely acknowledges. He attended the State Normal School at Carbondale and also taught school in Cumberland, Jasper and Richland counties, reading law on holidays, Saturdays, and at night. After the requisite period of study in the office of Hon. John Packard, of Olney, Illinois, he was admitted to the bar in 1888 and at once began practice at Latham, Illinois. Here he continued for four years, then removing to Decatur, where he has since continued. In 1900 he was elected state's attorney and was twice reelected-in 1904 and 1908, his present term ex- piring in 1912. This is the only public office Mr. Redmon has ever filled. His honest and impartial discharge of responsibilities of the position has met with cordial cooperation and acceptance and his record is one which he can regard with pride.
On January 31, 1882, Mr. Redmon was united in marriage to Miss Della Wilkerson, of Richland county, and two sons and five daughters have been born to them: Minnie B., Roscoe W., James, Ralph, Blanche, Blossom, Martha and Mary. Mrs. Redmon and daughters are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church, and the home of the Redmon family is the abode of peace and contentment. Mr. Redmon is a man of broad sympathies who quickly responds to all calls, from whatsoever direction, that deserve recognition. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. He has al- ways been unassuming in manner and his aim has been to acquit himself as one who recognizes justice and right and whose highest desire is to perform his duty from day to day as he sees it. His life has been conducted entirely upon constructive principles, and he long since learned that the superior man is the one who has the superior mind. These are the lessons he strives to im- press upon his children and it is the idea here conveyed that has gained for him an honored place in the esteem of the people of the wide region through- out which he is known.
WILLIAM B. ROBINSON.
William B. Robinson, residing at 875 West Wood street, Decatur, is one of the valiant men who responded to the call of duty nearly half a century ago and went to the front to assist in the battle for the Union. Little did he dream at the time of his enlistment of the sufferings on the march or in prison which he later endured; but his courage never failed even under the most distressing cir- cumstances and he lived to receive an honorable discharge at the close of the war.
He was born in Buffalohart, Sangamon county, Illinois, May 29, 1838, and is a son of James T. and Minerva (Starr) Robinson, the former of whom was born in Yorkshire, England, January 21, 1808. At twenty-one years of age the father settled in Sangamon county and there he lived until 1872, when he
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was called away. The mother was born in Clark county, Kentucky, January 9, 1815, and died at the old home in Sangamon county. Grandfather Robinson was a native of England and grandfather Starr of Virginia. The latter was born in 1777 and emigrated to Kentucky, where he married Mary Carson, a native of Baltimore, Maryland. They came to Illinois in the great movement which continued for many years from the south and gave to this state many of its best citizens. Grandfather Starr died August 15, 1839, and his widow thirteen years later, in 1852.
The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of Sangamon county and continued upon the home farm assisting in its operations until he was twenty-four years of age. On August 25, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered in at Camp Butler, Illinois, under Captain King, who was later promoted to a colonelcy. The regiment participated in many of the great battles and expeditions of the Army of the West and our subject was present at the battle of Jackson, Missis- sippi, for eight days at the siege of Vicksburg and at the battle of Guntown, also taking part in many skirmishes. On June 10, 1864, during the battle of Guntown, he was captured and with a number of his companions was sent to Andersonville Prison. Here he remained for three months when he was con- ducted to Savannah, then to Millen, back to Savannah and later to Florence, South Carolina, where he spent a second period of three months behind the stockade. On the approach of Sherman's army the prisoners were removed to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and on February 25, 1865, our subject was paroled and the next day released at Wilmington, North Carolina. He experienced many great sufferings, but being blessed with a strong constitution he was able to withstand the hardships of prison life although many of his comrades succumbed. He was in the hands of the enemy from June 10, 1864, until February of the fol- lowing year, a period of more than eight months. After spending a short time on furlough at home he was ordered to St. Louis, where he was honorably dis- charged, the war having come to an end. Returning once more to Illinois Mr. Robinson resumed touch with the affairs of private life and after acquiring a competence located in Decatur, where for some years he has lived retired.
On the 21st of February, 1867, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Arminda Burns, who was born in Sangamon county, December 30, 1844. She is a daughter of John R. and Lucy A. (Cass) Burns, the former of whom was born in Jessamine county, Kentucky, October 9, 1803, and came to Sangamon county in 1828, where he spent the remainder of his days. The mother was born in Pike county, Kentucky, January 15, 1813, and also died in Sangamon county. Grand- father Thomas Burns was a native of Alexandria, Virginia, where he was born August 1, 1773. He came to Sangamon county in the early days with his wife, Elizabeth. Grandfather Robert Cass was born in 1768, in Iredell county, North Carolina, and was also one of the early settlers of Sangamon county. His wife, who was Lucy Riley before her marriage, died in Pike county, February 13, 1809. Two children have been born to William B. and Arminda Robinson. John B. was born January 12, 1868, and is now engaged in the lumber busi- ness in Decature. He was married to Stella Cowgill, who was born in Macon county. Two children resulted from this union: Helen Alice, born August 14,
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1902; and Isabelle, June 3, 1906. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson is Alice Cary, who was born October 4, 1872. She married Frank Pitner, of Decatur, who departed this life in January, 1902.
Mr. Robinson was a good soldier and as a private citizen he has always at- tempted to perform his duty not only to the state but to those with whom he has associated. He is now numbered among the elderly residents of the city and is regarded with the honor that is accorded those who by their upright lives have earned the respect of the community. The old soldiers are rapidly pass- ing to their final reward and it is with pleasure that this permanent record is here presented of one who proved himself inded brave and true.
JAMES A. HENSON.
The world generally accepts a man at the estimate he places on himself, provided it is backed up by plenty of grit and directed by good, strong com- mon sense. Early in life James A. Henson became possessed with a laudable ambition to win for himself an honorable name-an ambition which has carried him through many difficulties that would have appalled a less resolute man, and today he holds a high place in one of the most eminent of the professions, represents in the state senate one of the most intelligent communities in the state and has gained the respect and confidence of a circle which not only in- cludes the county of Macon but many people throughout the state who are ac- quainted with his abilities and recognize in him a reliable and stanch supporter of any cause that aims to advance the permanent welfare of his fellowmen. Senator Henson has fairly won this enviable position by earnest endeavor, which will always redound to his credit.
A native of Illinois, he was born in Monroe township, Shelby county, on the 25th of April, 1874. His grandparents came from Sweden to America and settled in Virginia, where his father, James Henson, was born and reared. Like many young men of the Atlantic states, he was attracted toward the west and removed to Kentucky, where he met Julia Keen, to whom he was married. Mrs. Henson, who is still living and resides at Decatur with her son, James A., was born in Kentucky. The mother of twelve children, she has always been de- voted to the interests of her family and in her declining years receives the many attentions prompted by the tenderest sentiments of love. The father was a farmer and later followed teaming. He lived for a time in Shelby county, Illi- nois, but finally settled in Decatur, where he died July 22, 1899. He was an honest, hard-working man and during his active career occupied only one public office, that of constable in Shelby county.
From his earliest years James A. Henson was inured to labor and respon- sibility. He was the youngest member of the family and had limited oppor- tunity for education, his labors being required in the support of a large family, toward which each member was expected to contribute his share. He attended the public schools and had the advantage of one term at Millikin University, working between times at anything he could find to do. As a boy he assisted
James. Atlas. Stenson.
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by selling newspapers on the streets and at the railway depot, and he gathered not a few nickels in shining shoes. He was not ashamed to work at any hon- orable occupation and the practical training he then received has been one of the greatest forces in his life. As he grew older he worked on the farm, learned the barber's trade and in the brickyard gained a thorough acquaintance with the brick-making trade. While developing the physical he did not lose sight of the mental side of his nature and the law presented allurements which a young man of strong individuality and robust ambition could not resist. He began the study of law, entered the Wesleyan College at Bloomington, Illinois, and was grad- uated from the law department of that institution with the title of LL. B. in 1906. He was admitted to practice the same year and from the beginning has maintained his office in Decatur, where he had previously built up an enviable reputation and where his life was known by all men. From the start he has been successful at the bar in more than the ordinary degree and although he has been in practice only four years, he is recognized as one of the well established practitioners of Decatur county.
Senator Henson has been connected with public office for a number of years and has acquitted himself in a way that evidently met the approval of his con- stituents. He was elected supervisor before he was twenty-one years of age and held the office seven years. In 1904 he was chosen as state senator and his record was such that he was reelected to the same office in 1908 with a hand- some majority. He has acted as presiding officer pro tem of the senate; chair- man of the committee on mines, mining and manufactures; chairman of the visitation committee of penal institutions ; chairman of the committee on mines, mining and labor for the session of 1909; member of the judiciary committee; also other important committees, among them the committee on judicial depart- ment and practice.
Few men in public life are more earnest in their efforts to advance reason- able regulations to protect life, health or welfare of the working class than Senator Henson. He introduced the Shotfire bill, pertaining to coal mines, which was passed and is now a law. He introduced the act now in force in Illinois to provide for the health, safety and comfort of employes in factories, mercantile establishments, mills and work shops; also the bill limiting the hours for the employment of women-a vexed question which attracted state-wide discussion for years previous to its final acceptance as an abiding principle in the laws of the state. It may here be explained that a similar act was passed by the state legislature in 1894 but the act was declared unconstitutional by the supreme court of the state. Subsequently the principle was upheld by the courts of Oregon and the case was appealed to the supreme court of the United States where it was held that the state has a right to enact such a law, overrid- ing the supreme court of Illinois upon the decision from the court of final juris- diction being known. The committee on mines, mining and labor of the Illi- nois senate reported favorably upon a bill as designated above and both branches of the legislature acting favorably upon the measure, it was duly signed by the governor and became a law. Again the question was carried to the supreme court of Illinois ; the court reversed itself and the bill stands today as one of the most advanced legislative measures of recent years. It is a monument to the
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men who fought in season and out of season in favor of what they deemed to be a solemn responsibility in behalf of thousands who had no direct voice in making the laws. The work which Senator Henson accomplished in securing the passage of this and other important measures in the legislature has en- deared him to workers not only of his native state but of many states where similar legislation is anxiously awaited. While nearly all the leading manu- facturers of the state were arrayed against the bill it is confidently believed that the time will come when they will acknowledge the justice of the measure.
On the 25th of December, 1895, Senator Henson was united in marriage to Miss Clara May Northland, who was born and reared in Decatur. This union has been blessed by one child, James E. Senator Henson is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Bricklayers' Union. It has been said by profound students that no man has ever yet discovered the extent of his powers. Some of these students go so far as to declare that we have never actually used more than one-tenth of our capabilities. Judging by the work which is being accomplished by many young men of the present time as compared with thousands similarly endowed who preceded them, there appears to be a great deal of truth in the statements. "Every man has in him an undis- covered continent, and happy is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul." This is a beautiful sentiment, and it applies in its true meaning to men like the subject of this memoir who have literally carved their way to recognition, and all the record that is required is a simple recital of their acts. Such men are the backbone of the republic and a complete refutation of the charge that circumstances control the man. To such every laudable avenue is open, every door swings upon its hinges, every worthy ambition bids-"Come, Forward."
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