USA > Illinois > Champaign County > Early history and pioneers of Champaign County : illustrated by one hundred and fifteen superb engravings by Melville : containing biographical sketches of the early settlers, the early history of the county obtained from the most reliable sources and many graphic scenes and incidents from the bright and shady sides of pioneer life > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
It remained there until a few years ago when it gave way to the irresistible march of progress and western civilization. Soon after his arrival here, he became prominent and influential in local affairs, He was com- missioned as Colonel in the Indiana state militia, while a resident of that state, and in a few years after his arrival here was ap- pointed to a similar position in the state militia of Illinois. On "General Muster" day he was a conspicuous figure and shone resplendent in glittering uniform, that we have no doubt made him envied by not a few. In 1840 he was elected to represent the district in the state legislature, and in 1842, was his own successor. He served two terms. In the latter term occurred the Mormon war. Col. Busey was heartily in sympathy and radical accord with Gov. Ford in his efforts to drive that latter day religious infamy from the state, and voted for all measures having that object in view. His extensive acquaintance throughout the state, acquired while a member of the legislature, made his services invaluable in seenring the charter for the Illinois Central railroad. Ile foresaw what few others did at that time, that the construction and operation of this great railroad through the center of the state, from north to south would be of incal- eulable benefit to it in the near future. While the state proposed to give it millions, yet it would bring millions to the coffers of the state. No grant of land was ever made to any railroad in the United States that was more magnificent in proportions, an i none was ever made that guarded more care- fully the interests of the people, and pro- vided more shrewdly for its covering back into the treasury of the state. During the excitement attending the location of the county seat, Col. Busey was active and mainly instrumental in securing it for Ur- bana. Ile was for many years assessor for the county and township. In fact, he was the leading and representative man of this section for many years. In the meantime he gave a great deal of his time and atten- tion to his farm and his lands, and raising and breeding stock. His life was a busy one, and was not without its rewards. Ile died in 1852, esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. While yet a resident of Washington county. Indi- ana, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliz- abeth Bush, who survived him twenty-eight years, and died in 1550, at the home of her son, Col. S. T. Busey. By that union there were eight children who arrived at maturity and all of whom are yet living. Their names are Simeon IL., John S., Mary C., wife of John C. Kirkpatrick, Louisa J., widow of
36
PIONEERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
W. H. Romine, Col. Samuel T., Sarah, wife of Judge J. W. Sim, Elizabeth, wife of Al- len McClain, and Matthew D. All are resi- dents of Urbana and vicinity, except John S., who resides in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Col. Matthew W. Busey was liberal in his religious belief. lle subscribed to none of the formulated creeds and believed that gen- uine and true religion was mainly in the practice of doing unto others as he would have others do unto him. Politically, he was an ardent democrat. His first vote was cast for James Monroe in 1820. In 1824, 182% and 1932, he voted for Andrew Jackson, and during the remainder of his life quoted him as his highest political authority.
VILLIC LOU
JAMES W. SOMERS
Was born early in the thirties, at Mt. Airy, Surrey county, North Carolina, and is a son of Dr. Winston Somers and Mrs. Mary Som- ers. Before he was ten years old he removed with his family to Ilinois and located at Urbana, and here his boyhood. youth and early manhood were spent. The advantages he had in that eariy day for the foundation of what was afterward a thorough education can be appreciated better by reference to the biography of his father, Dr. Winston Som- ers, which appears elsewhere. His occupa- tion for the first few years after his arrival, were those of the boy of this locality and of that day-opening a new prairie farin and hunting prairie chiekens in sununer, unfet- tered by game laws, and attending a short term of school in winter. Mr. Somers re- members with lively interest this portion of
his life, and particularly his training under the cecentrie Samuel C. Crane, who taught the pioneer school of Urbana for some time. As he advanced in his years and yearned for knowledge beyond his reach at home, his father consented to allow him to attend the Danville Seminary for some time, which he did. The school at that time, in the absence of our efficient common school system in the state, flourished under the superintendency of the M. E. church, and attracted to itsclasses many of the youth of both sexes, of the sur- rounding country. Here his time was well spent for he advanced rapidly in his studies and evinced decided literary tastes. These advantages were supplemented by addition- al opportunities enjoyed by him at the Indi- ana Asbury (now De Pauw) University, at Greencastle, Ind. About 1854 he began the study of the law in the office of his uncle, Judge W. D. Somers, continuing, however, his classical and literary studies under the direction of Rev. Dr. Janes, a local educator of excellent standing. Ile subsequently took a course of training at the Union Col- lege of law, Chicago, and was admitted to the bar in 1856. A partnership was formed by him with his tutor, under the firm name of W. D. & J. W. Somers, and the court records of that day attest the success of the firm. At that time the lamented Judge Da- vid Davis was on the bench and at the bar were such men as Lincoln, Swett, O. L Da- vis, Ficklin and others who have long since been recognized as legal and political lights. With these the young attorney was often engaged, winning their high regard.
He was prominent, active and alert as a lo- cal temperance worker. In those days Urbana managed to live and flourish without parti- cipating in the profits of the rum trafic and the advocates of the system, now upheld by law, for the demoralization of society, writh- ed under the scorching eloquence of the young advocate. The establishment of the Urbana Umon, the pioneer newspaper, was heartily welcomed by all, but by none more than by Mr. Somers. It was to him an event of great opportunities and its columns show that he was a welcome and frequent contributor to it. During the war he was the Washington correspondent of the North Western Christian Advocate, furnishing al- ways readable, and many times, very im- portant articles. One of which was deemed of such historical value as to be copied in whole in that important historical work "Patriotism of Illinois." The family of Mr. Somers, before 1856 were earnest whigs, and such were his leanings. The observations and associations of the young politician, in his youth, surrounded by slaves and slavery,
37
PIONEERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
had begotten in him an intense hatred of the system. Consequently he entered with en- thusiasm and deep convictions into the move- ment set ou foot for its limitation and re- striction. In 1856 he assisted in the forma- tion of the republican party, signing the first call looking to the local erystalization of all the elements opposed to "popular sov- ereignty." During the Fremont campaign of 1856, as well as in the Lincoln and Doug- las campaigns of 1858 and 1860 he was a very active and influential worker on the side of republieanism, the spirit of which was such as to arouse to the highest enthusiasm, young men of conscience and ability. He filled the position of corresponding secretary of the county central committee of the young par- ty, for several years, and his serviees were often ealled for upon the stump of this and other eounties. Acting as he did from the profoundest convictions of right, and being possessed of a lively imagination enriched by much reading and study of his subjeet, he gave promise of great success as a polit- ieal and legal debater. An unfortunate and growing infirmity in his hearing put a stop to the full realization of the anticipations of his friends, making it necessary for him to seek other employment. The election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency opened to him another field of preferment which proved his life work. The president, who had known him from his boyhood and admired his tal- ents and courage, appointed him to a posi- tion in the Department of the Interior, which with his successive promotions there- from he has held through all the changes of administration sinee then. Having been ap- pointed in 1861, he recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of his official life-a thing quite extraordinary in American politics. le has risen from grade to grade until now he occupies the position of a member of the Board of Review in the pension office-a quasi-judicial position for which his legal edneation well fits him. No elaim filed in the office can be finally adjudicated until it shall have been approved by this board.
Mr. Somers was married at Indianapolis, January 1, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth JJ. Eddy, daughter of Rev. Augustns Eddy. a promi- ment and pioneer preacher of the M. E. church, and a sister of Rev. T. M. Eddy, D. D., late of Chicago. Mrs. Somers is a lady of rare culture and ability and holds a high social position in the society of the Ameri- can capitol. For many years she has been principal of Mt. Vernon Seminary, in Wash- ington City, and as such has contributed largely to the adornment and formation of the characters of the first young ladies of the land. To her plastie hands are submitted
the daughters of cabinet and foreign minis- ters, senators and representatives, and all go away blessing the gentle and cultured woman who inparts her spirit and graces so successfully to her pupils. In 1882 Mr. Som- ers made a European tour for the improve- ment of his health and for observation, and returned having grown strong physically, and profited largely by his habit of keen ob- servation. By prudence and economy in life Mr. Somers has accumulated a handsome competence for coming old age and owns and enjoys a handsome home in Washing- ton, the most beautiful city on the continent. This home is the centre of a refined cirele of society, and to it he and Mrs. Somers de- light in making welcome their friends, and especially those from his boyhood home.
MELVILLE NHI
MOSES D. HARVEY
Was born November 27, 1820, in Union conn- ty, Pennsylvania. He removed to Stark county, Ohio, in infaney and came to Urbana, Illinois, in October, 1839. He married Olive Towner. October, 5, 1842. He resided in the eity of Urbana until 1856, when he removed to a farm near Mahomet, where he follow- ed farming until 1865, when he returned to Urbana. In 1882 he removed to Tolono, his present home, where he is carrying on the leading meat market of that enterprising town. Mr. Harvey, in company with his brother, Williams, built the first frame court house of Champaign county, in Urbana, and helped to build the old log jail that kept, se- eurely the old law-breakers of our pioneer days. He assisted in building nearly all of the early dwellings and business buildings
38
PIONEERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
of Urbana. He sold the first meat out of a wagon in the city of Champaign. Rufus A. Harvey, his eldest son, is one of the most successful of the mercantile men of this county, and is doing business in Tolono. Silas M., his second son, is also a successful business man in Kansas. Celinda, eldest daughter, married James S. McCullough, county elerk. The other children are Clif- ton W., William, Libbie and Celia. Mr. Harvey has never sought publie office nor taken any active part in politics, but has been and is now a democrat. He has been engaged in 'business in this county for 47 years, and his business integrity has been such as to win the confidence of his neigh- bors. Ilis word has always been regarded as good as his bond, and when Moses D. Harvey agreed to perform any work or pay any money, it was counted as done when the time for performance arrived. He now re- sides in a pleasant home, in this city, where he will f doubtless end his days, which we trust may be extended for yet a long period of time.
BLVD
ICH
WALLACE SILVER
Was born May 20, 1829, at Springfield, War- ren county, Ohio. He is the son of David Silver, (whose portrait and biography ap- pears elsewhere) and Eliza Munger, a native of New York. David Silver and family moved to this county from Warren county, Ohio, in 1554, Wallace coming with them. They settled on section twenty-six, Urbana township. The father moved back to Ohio and died there in 1875, the mother having died here in 1863. Wallace was mar-
ried to Rebecca B. Mullen in April 1850. His oldest son, Howard, is a teacher at Springfield, Missouri, while his second son, Charles W., is engaged in the mercantile business. at Lyons, Kansas. Mr. Silver gave both these boys a good education and they are very successful in their chosen callings. Wallace was married the second time in No- vember, 1866, to Mary D. Karr, his present wite, who was a native of New Jersey. She is a member of the Baptist church, and has borne hun one child, David A., born in 1867, who yet resides at home. Wallace cast his tirst vote in 1852, for Winfield Scott, his sec- ond for Fremont, in 1856, and has voted the republican ticket ever since. He has been engaged in farming and stoek raising near the old home farm, ever since he bought land in 1857. He still resides there and is recogniz ed as one of the best farmers in the county. His health has not been good for some years, but we trust there are many more years to be added to his life by a kind Providence.
MELVILLE CHI
GEORGE WILSON
Was born in the north of Ireland in 1806. Ihis father was George Wilson and his mother's maiden name Jane Mosgrove. George, the subject of this sketch, came to Illinois in 1834 and settled near Fairmount, Vermilion county, and in 1854 removed to a farm north of Sidney. In 1848 he married Rebecca Nox (sister of Solomon Nox, who resides cast of this city). She died in 1854. Ile afterwards married Elizabeth Kuder (sister of 1. M. Kuder, of St. Joseph) who is also deceased. Fourteen years ago he mar-
39
PIONEERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
ried Mary Burnett, who is still living. His eldest son Martin V. B., resides near Sidney. His other children are George, W. C., Free- man. Sarah J. (who married Richard Tracy, of Sidney), Rose, Ann, Emeline and Caro- line, who reside at home. Formerly Mr. Wilson was a Presbyterian, but for many years has been of the Quaker or Friends' faith. Politically he has always been and is now an earnest democrat. He has followed farming all his life. When he came to this county and for many years the Indians were still here and he has made many trips by wagon to Chicago with grain and brought back the entire proceeds in groceries which he would purchase there. He made it in fourteen days and sometimes made two trips in one year. Mr. Wilson, though now eighty years old, is well preserved, and bids fair to lengthen out his days to far beyond the allotted time of man.
'TEI. AU LE CI
JAMES JOHNSON
Was born in Warren county, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1825. His father, Charles Johnson, and Anna, his mother, whose maiden name was Scott, gave him a good common school ed- ucation. January 22, 1552, he married Miss Nancy Lilly, a native of Warren county, who came with him in 1855 to this county. They settled on section five, in Philo town- ship, and they both have resided there until the present. George M., their son, now re- sides in De Witt county, Illinois, Olive, the oldest daughter, a lovely and accomplished young lady, died in 1550 at the age of twen- ty. Their other daughter, Anna, is now the wife of Mr. Otis Pereival, who also resides
in Philo township. Mr. Johnson takes no active part in polities, but has generally voted the democratic ticket when the candi- date suited him. He held the office of high- way commissioner of Philo township for fifteen years and helped lay out abont all the roads in Philo township.
In 1556 a prairie fire started at the Wa- bash railroad and came sweeping towards his home, and at one time threatened the destruction of his house and his primitive hay-thatched barn, together with what little stock he then had in it. Mrs. Johnson took her children to a piece of plowed ground near by and bravely assisted Mr. Elkins and others who came to her relief, in fighting the destructive element from their then modest possessions. He has engaged solely in farming and stock raising. He has a splendidły improved farm of 240 acres with a good, substantial house and barn. He has laid on this farm in the past six years over six miles of tile. He has most of his farm in grass, and believes there is more money in grass, hay and stock than in corn. He keeps the best breeds of stock, and by his long life of industry and toil has earned the right to take things easy in his old age, as he intends to do for the remainder of his life, which we trust may compass many years of solid comfort.
MELYI
LE CHI
ELI HALBERSTADT.
This staunch business man was born Sep- tember 15, 1520, His father, Peter Halber- stadt, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His mother, Susana Catherine Maus, was a mem- ber of the German Reformed church. Her father and grandfather were both soldiers in the war of 1512. Both of his parents were
40
PIONEERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
born in Pennsylvania. Eli Halberstadt came to this county, November 8, 1855, and settled at Urbana. He was married October 29th, 1842, in Hanover, Pa., to Rebecca Legore, who is still living. They were married by the Rev. J. Henry Albert. Following are their children: Frances, wife of A. Schilling, Urbana; David B., now in Washington, D.C .; George H., now residing in Urbana; Susan Catherine, wife of Hon. W. A. Day, second auditor of the treasury, and Douglas Eli, now a ganger in the United States service. Mr. Halberstadt, in his youth, joined the German Reformed church, of which he re- mained a member until 1853, when he joined the M. E. church in Pickaway county, Ohio. He is still a consistent and faithful member of that church. In politics, he was in his early maturity, an old line whig. In 1860, he voted for Stephen A. Douglas and has been a democrat ever since. He never sought office, but the citizens of Urbana called him to serve them for four terms in the office of mayor, in which position he exercised the same conscientious eare and ability which he has always shown in the transaction of his own extensive business. Ile was a member, and afterwards successor of the firm of Bradshaw, Williams & Co., groeers. He sold out to Mr. Jenks and bought back the same business, February 1, 1863, and sold again to Mr. Jenks in 1865. lle then built a grain warehouse and in 1866 -7 put in milling machinery, and from that time until the present, has done the leading milling business in the county. In 1884, at large expense, he put in entirely new and modern machinery for the patent process in the manufacture of flour. His establish- ment, known far and wide as the Union Mills, is valued at $25,000, and is not excelled in Central Illinois. His flour is shipped to all parts of the state, and his brands of flour are recognized as among the best that are made. Mr. Halberstadt is a man of strong convictions and will power and is not easily moved from a position once taken. In bus- iness he is the soul of honor and he has little patience with men who are eareless about complying with their contraets.
MELVILLE
MORRIS LOWENSTERN
Was born July 28, 1836, in the province of Hanover, Germany. His father was Phillip Lowenstern and his mother was Malie Isen- berg, who died in 1841. Morris, with his family, including his father and sister, came to America in 1857, and to Urbana, August 15, 1864. His father died at Urbana in 1871, at an advanced age, and was buried in the Hebrew cemetery, just north of this city. He was married to Miss Caroline Jericho, who was born in Bavaria, in 1840, and is still living. His children are: Monroe, twenty-one years old, who is now a member of the firm of which his father is the head; Amanda, 19 years old, his eldest daughter, who gradu- ated from the Urbana high school in 1884, and is now pursuing the study of music in its higher departments, being already a splendid performer on the piano; Jennie, sixteen years old, clerks in the store of the firm and is thoroughly posted in the science of book-keeping; Belle, the youngest, daughter, 14 years old, is attending the Ur- bana school. Politically, Mr. Lowenstern is an Independent, voting for the men he preters on whatever ticket they may be. Ile has been in the dry goods business sinee 1864, in this city. In 1881, he added to his large dry goods stock a department of cloth- ing. Ile owns the large three story double building on southwest corner of Main and Race streets, and occupies the two large, commodious store rooms of first floor, with his stock of dry goods and clothing. With one exception he is the oldest merchant in business in the city. Mr. Lowenstern, from the first, took a lively interest in building
Y
41
PIONEERS OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
up the city, and bought the block he now occupies, in 1865. He has purchased 80 feet just west of his block and intends in the near future to erect thereon a good hotel building. He is always ready to take stock in anything that will help to build up the city as has been proven by his assistance in every enterprise started here since he has been a resident. He resides in a large block on West Elm street, where he has a neat and convenient dwelling, which he has im- proved from time to time until it is one of the most comfortable houses in the city. Mr. Lowenstern, by square dealing and strict attention to business, has built up a permanent trade, many of his customers having been dealing with him ever since he commeneed business here, in 1864. His trade is steadily increasing and his store is one of the most popular dry goods and cloth- ing emporiums in the county.
WILLIAM D. SOMERS.
This gentleman, who was the first lawyer in Champaign county, was born near Rock- ford, Surrey county, North Carolina, Janu- ary 21, 1812. His carlier life was spent on a farm, and as soon as old enough he was en- gaged every summer in assisting in its enl- tivation. During the winter months he at- tended school. The schools in which he re- ceived his education were of the most prim- itive character; spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic were the only branches taught therein. Mr. Somers made good progress in all these studies, but was espe- cially proficient in penmanship. His school
odneation terminated with a winter's school- ing under the tutelage of T. J. Ward, after- wards a congressman from Mississippi. Such were the opportunities which Mr. Somers had in his boyhood days for laying the foundation for an education which plac- ed him, in later years, in the front rank of the learned profession of law in the state of Illinois. When sixteen years old he had the misfortune to lose his good mother, leaving his father, himself, four younger sons and a daughter. Caroline W., three years old, who married Thomas J. Williams, a worthy young man of the county. Some months after his mother's death Major Joc. Williams, brother of Hon. Lewis Williams (member of congress so long as to be called the father of the house) induced his father to permit young William to make his home in his family and assist him in the elerk's office, a position held by his father, Joe. Wil- liams Sr., who years before, had purchased the franchise (office) from Jesse Benton. brother of Thomas Benton. Jesse Benton had before then purchased it from the orig- inal grantee who derived title by letters pat- ent from the king of Great Britian. Major Williams and family were regarded as equal in point of wealth. learning and aristocracy to any family in the state. He had an ex- tensive private library equal in every respect to any which Mr. Somers ever saw even in his later years. To this splendid library and to the kind assistance of Major Williams he owes that fondness for reading which has characterized Mr. Somers all his life. He remained with Major Williams for abont seven years, the last two of which he devot- ed all his leisure time to the study of medi- eine under the direction and instruction of Dr. Martin. The first election by the people for elerk of the county and circuit conrts re- sulted in the election of Col. Armstrong as clerk of the county court and Mr. Somers' brother Winston, as clerk of the eirenit court. Mr. Somers being familiar with the duties of these offices, continued to assist or rather to superintend both offices, devoting his leisure hours meanwhile to the study of medicine. During this period he was ap- pointed by the legislature justice of the peace of the county, a position which there was one of considerable responsibility. He then passed the examination which the law required and was admitted to the practice of medicine, as was also his brother Winston, and for two years they practiced in partner- ship at Rockford, N. C. October 15, 1840, with a letter of recommendation and intro- duction he started for Illinois, arriving in Urbana November 15th, and on the arrival of his brother they continued the practice of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.