USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Historic sketch and biographical album of Shelby County, Illinois > Part 28
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September 11, 1872, Mr. Martin was mar- ried to Miss Matie P. Sylvester, of Saratoga county, New York. Mrs. Martin was the only
daughter of Bartlett and Sarah FF. Sylvester, and was born November 17th, 1851, in Greenfickl, Saratoga county. She was educated m James- ville Academy, Jamesville. N. Y., and came west in 1868 to visit relatives and here met him with whom later she was joined in marriage. Her family removed to Shelbyville in 1872, but re- turned to York state a year later.
Six children have been born to them-five sons and one daughter. Five are still living- one is not-larry S. The eklest was killed by the cars, April 9, 1891, aged 17 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have long been mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and have always been active in Sunday school and church work. At present and for a number of years he has held license as a local preacher. Po- litically he has always been a republican, though never a bitter partizan, and hence numbers among his friends many men of all parties.
ERVIN HOMRIGHOUS.
In Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 28th day of March, 1836, the home of John and Magda- lene (Wagner) Homrighous was gladdened by the birth of the son, whose name heads this bio- graphical survey. The home into which Ervin was born was a well-to-do and thrifty one. The father followed the calling of an undertaker or as it was more frequently termed in an early day, a coffin-maker. So prosperous and contented with his business was Mr. Homrighous, that he seemed wholly unaffected by the spirit of emigra- tion which poured its constant stream of civiliza- tion into the prairie region of the middle west. The marked degree to which this statement is true, can best be appreciated when it is further stated, he lived and died within one and one-half
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miles of the place of his birth : and, at the time of his death, was the oldest undertaker in the United States. The boy Ervin received a com- mon school education in his native village of Royalton, together with an industrial education in his father's shop.
At the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Hom- righous was united in marriage with Miss Mary Allen, a young woman of his native town ; and. judging by the step almost immediately taken by this young couple, she was a girl of pluck. as well as grace. Their decision was made to seek for themselves a home farther west. According- . ly, equipped with a two-horse team, and the usual outfit of a home-seeker, this young bride and groom journeyed, for their bridal tour, in a westerly direction for twelve and one-half days. until they reached the rich and fecund prairies of Shelby, where they determined to make their home. It was during this long and tedious drive that Mr. Homrighous had an experience which he will never forget. There was no other way than to stop wherever night overtook the "mover." Hence it often happened that accom- modations were meagre and unsatisfactory enough. Besides this. "movers" were regarded as a nuisance and common prey for all. Many thefts and baser crimes were daily perpetrated upon the pioneer home-seekers; and, for the most part. wholly escaped punishment. It was only by rare insight into human character, or a direct presentiment, that Mr. Homrighous on a certain night. while quartered with an Indiana settler, took unusual precautionary measures which resulted in his protection against burglary or perhaps some worse experience. By such scenes we are reminded of Carleton's words : -
"It aint the funniest thing a man can do. Existing in a country when it's new, My girl wife was brave as she was good. And helped me in every blessed way she could."
There were born to this couple four chil- dren, all of whom are still living. John H. is the first-born, and is a successful dentist in Mattoon. 111. Milo F. took for a wife Miss Dora Lever- ing. of Shelbyville, and is now a resident of Tus- cola. Ill., where he is engaged as a money broker. Meta M .. the only daughter, is the wife of Geo. , Penwell. a native of Shelbyville, but who now resides in Eureka, Kan. Frank, the youngest son, married Miss Clarie Day. of Moweaqua. and is engaged in the jewelry business in .As- sumption. Ill.
For seven years Mr. and Mrs. Homrighous lived on a farm, during much of which time he was engaged in mechanical pursuits. In the year 1865. they moved to Shelbyville, where he engaged in mercantile. and afterwards in manu- facturing business, which was continued until . 1. 1). 1880. In the year 1870. Mr. Homrighous was bereft of the wife who had been the sharer of his early struggles and successes. In April, 1871. he took another helpmeet in the person of Miss Esther, daughter of David H. and Samantha (Carver) Penwell. of Shelbyville, who is his much respected present wife.
Two sons have blessed this union. Charles 1) .. and Robert. The elder of these. Charles, is wedded to Miss May Cones, of Shelbyville, and is a prosperous jeweler in Tuscola, 111 .. while Robert, a bright young man of good and gentle- manly manners, is the able assistant in his father's store.
In the year 1880. Mr. Homrighous bought out the jewelry business conducted by Patrick Mitchel, where Bolinger's grocery now stands. Four years later. he built the handsome store where he now conducts his lucrative and suc- cessful business.
Perhaps no other single distinguishing fea- ture of Mr. Homrighous is so marked as his musical ability. He has a voice of singular
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power and penetration. For more than a dozen of years he has been a member of the Big Four quartet. The efficient work of this quartet has been felt in three presidential campaigns, as is attested by the fact that their services have been in demand in. all parts of the state.
Mr. Homrighous, with the exception of two years, has been the leader of the choir of the First M. E. church since 1866. Not only has he been present on the Lord's Day, and prominent occasions to direct the singing, but, we note with pleasure, a chorister whose voice is heard in the prayer-meeting and Sunday school.
Of one who was truly great, it is said : "John did no miracle." So, of the life whose record we have penned, we claim no miracle, but point out the truth-a life lived in Christ is great in possi- bility, influence and destiny. Such is the life of Ervin Homrighous.
WILLIAM C. KELLEY.
In attempting to write the biography of such a man as Attorney Wm. C. Kelley, we realize. more than ever. the futility of mere words in de- lineating truthfully the life of the man. It is the character which makes man. There is a place of mere achievement, but it cannot be substituted for the higher place of intellectual, moral and spiritual growth. The subject of this sketch has reached the higher plane. But then-Mr. Kelley is of such a modest and retiring disposition we refrain from any more eulogy in this connection, though it be well-merited.
On a farm in Rural township, of this county. Mr. Kelley was born. July 31, 1849. He was the son of Chattin Kelley, who died in Sweet Springs, Missouri, in 1898, and Elizabeth (Smith) Kelley, who died in this city in 1865. When William was but seventeen years of age, the
family removed to Shelbyville, of which, after- ward, the father was mayor for three successive terms, and was prominent among the citizens of the place.
Mr. Kelley received the beginning of his education in the common schools, later taking a course of study in the Okaw Seminary. In 1868, he went to Lexington, Kentucky, and en- tered upon a four years' classical course, and was graduated with honors at the expiration of the same. In 1874 he began reading law with Judge Anthony Thornton and George R. Wendling, who were then partners. Two years later he was admitted to practice at the bar.
A few months subsequent to this, or on De- cember 2, 1876, he took a partner for life in the person of Miss Antha D. Harper, of Tower Hill. She was the daughter of A. V. and Ann E. T. Harper, the latter of whom now lives in Chica- go. Three children have blessed the union, viz : Bessie, who died in 1892, when but fourteen years of age, just when her life was blossoming into that which promised to be a beautiful, noble character. Hler death was the kind that uplifts mankind, and turns one's thoughts to holy things : William Lloyd was born July 27, 1887. and is a happy-hearted, sunny-tempered lad. with an inquiring disposition, who bids fair to emulate his father's example : and Leo Harper. a beautiful child, born December 29. 1897. The home life of Mr. Kelley is pleasant in the ex- treme. He possesses a large library of miscellan- cous character, though of the better class of literature, and being of a naturally studious dis- position, Mr. Kelley thoroughly enjoys his books and his home life, never so happy as when seated by a glowing fire, with his wife and chil- dren about him.
In May, 1877, Mr. Kelley formed a law partnership with H. S. Mouser, who afterward went to Dakota. In 1880, he was elected State's
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DR. O. O. WHITTINGTON.
DR. THEODORE THOMPSON.
BIOGRAPHIES.
Attorney, and so acceptably did he perform the duties of the office, that his constituents re- elected him in 1884. He enjoys the distinction of receiving, in this election, the largest major- ity of votes over his opponent ever received in this county, running several hundred ahead of his ticket. Since the expiration of his second term as said attorney, Mr. Kelley has occupied no other public office.
In November, 1892, a partnership was formed with Howland J. Hamlin, now Attorney General of Illinois, which alliance still exists. There is extensive mention of Mr. Kelley in the chapter on "The Bar." in this volume, so we for- bear making further comment on him in this connection.
With his wife and son, Lloyd, Mr. Kelley is a member of the Christian church, and is faithful in his attendance and support of divine worship. For some time he has been elder in that church.
THEODORE THOMPSON.
"The truest test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of the cities, nor the crops ; no, but the kind of man the country turns out."- Emerson.
The successful young man whose name ap- pears at the head of this sketch is the eldest son of Alton and Matilda (Marshall) Thompson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are natives of the "Keystone" state, coming to this county in the year 1859, and 1866, respectively. To them have been born three other children, Lida, who is the wife of James Marshall, an electrician at Niagara Falls. New York : Gardner M .. who at the present time is a student in the law depart- ment of the University of Michigan, and whose course is complete with the present school year : and Ray C., who is still at home.
Theodore was born at Prairie Home. Illi- nois, on the first day of November. 1872. His boyhood life was spent upon his father's farm, and to hard labor he is certainly not a stranger : but, amid the exacting duties of farm life, oppor- tunity was found for study. The boy had a thirst for knowledge; and be it stated to the credit of the parents, they too cherished fond educational ambitions for their son. There seems to have been an understanding of Theodore with himself and with his parents that he should de- vote his life to the study and practice of medicine. While yet in his 17th year, this boy, who was destined to rise beyond the confining environs of farm life, entered the school at Normal, Illinois. and completed in eleven terms the work required in twelve. This he was able to accomplish by reading his Caesar during vacation time. while driving a team upon the farm at home. and re- citing that which he read to a local Presbyterian minister. He also read Homer out of school. successfully passed the examinations on the same and was graduated in the class of '94.
In the fall of 1894. Mr. Thompson entered the Rush Medical college. of Chicago. as a fresh- man. But again, his studious habits, when out of school, were to stamp their approval upon his work. He read bacteriology, biology and re- lated subjects, between the semesters; passed the required examinations and received credit for this work, thus completing in three years the full four years' course. The year previous to his graduation, he was one of four in a class of twenty competing students who were licensed to practice medicine. Backed by a determined pur- pose and a good character. and assisted by the appliances of the modern world, what sublime conquests are open to the youth of this age!
On September 18th, 1895. Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Miss Harriett L.
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Carnahan, of Chicago. To them was born one child, Melva Marie, who died in infancy.
"Oh, not in cruelty, not in wrath, The reaper came that day ; "Iwas an angel visited the green carth, And took the flower away."
Immediately after graduation from the med- ical college. Mr. Thompson began the practice of medicine in the city of Shelbyville, and today has a very satisfactory and increasing practice. During the year 1898. Dr. Thompson was coun- ty physician, which duties he satisfactorily dis- charged. That he is a progressive and up-to-date man is evidenced by the fact that he is a mem- ber of the state, district and national medical so- cieties. Dr. Thompson is regarded by his fel- low practitioners and the general public, as a capable physician and a courteous christian gen- tleman. Politically, the doctor states with some degree of pride, he is of genuine republican stock and has ever voted with that party.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are active mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, and are held in loving esteem by the entire community.
ABRAM MIDDLESWORTH.
Honored and respected by all, there is not a man in the commercial or financial circles of Shelby county who occupies a more enviable position than Mr. Middlesworth, not alone be- cause of the success he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward busi- ness policy he has ever followed. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, . forms his plans readily, and is determined in their exe- cution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of success which today is his.
Mr. Middlesworth is the worthy and effi- cient president of the First National bank of Shel- byville, a position of trust to which he was elected in 1877, and the duties of which he has performed with signal success and ability.
A native of Fairfield county, Ohio, he was born ten miles southwest of Lancaster, on the 10th of November. 1821. Hle was the son of Abraham Middlesworth, and the grandson of John and Martha Middlesworth, who came from England sometime during the last century and first located in New Jersey, but afterward re- moved to Snyder county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Middlesworth died.
. Abraham was born in the Pennsylvania home, and remained in faithful service on his father's farm until he reached his twenty-first year. In that year he shouldered his rifle, and with his entire belongings in a bundle which he carried on his back, he walked the whole distance to Fairfield county, Ohio. Here he entered upon the trade of a cooper, and by steady labor and close economy he was enabled to lay aside a sum of money sufficient to purchase a tract of timber land southwest of Lancaster. Here he married and lived for years in a little log cabin on this property. He carried on quite ex- tensive speculations in land, buying it in its wild state, and after improving it would sell it for a satisfactory advance over the purchase price. It was in the log cabin spoken of above, that Abram, the subject of this review, was born.
In April, 1840, the family left the home in Ohio and came to Shelby county, Mr. Middles- worth riding with his wife in a carriage, while Abram drove a five-horse team, riding one and driving the others with a single line. Here a large tract of land, including the farm then owned by Benjamin Waldron, Sr., was pur- chased. Two log houses and twenty acres of cleared land were the only improvements, and
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this was known by the name of "Waldron's Big Field." From the time of his entrance into the county, Mr. Middlesworth was closely identified with agricultural improvements of this section. until his death in 1847, leaving a name long to be cherished and remembered by those who knew him. The maiden name of his wife was Barbara Leathers, an estimable lady of German (lescent.
In the days in which Abram Middlesworth was a boy, the opportunities of receiving an edu- cation were very meager indeed, and for only a few months during the winters was he in school. But it is a well known fact that those early days. with a scarcity of schools, and when instruction was given in only the "Three R's" in the schools which did exist, were ever productive of the keenest intellects and brightest minds : and when one knows Mr. Middlesworth, he can readily be- lieve it was not so great an intellectual misfor- tune after all, to have been a boy in those carly days, and also that education cometh not alone from the pages of books and from the school room.
After coming from Ohio to Shelby county in 1840. Abram, with his brother, managed his father's large farm for a number of years. He then received from his father a tract of land in Tower Hill township. upon which he settled after his marriage, which important event occurred on January 28, 1847. He was married to Miss Elizabeth J. T. Goodwin, a maiden of this coun- ty, and daughter of James and Sarah (Donnel) Goodwin, who were prominent amongst the early pioneers of Shelby.
Subsequent to the close of the Mexican war. Mr. Midlesworth purchased a great many land grants from returned soldiers, who had received them from the government in payment of their military services. In this way, he acquired about 2.500 acres of land, and still possesses a
goodly portion of it. continuing the management of his fine farms from his city home. During the years ne spent upon his farm. he did not confine his attention to purely agricultural pursuits or the accumulation of real estate, but engaged ex- tensively in buying hogs and cattle for the markets of St. Louis and New York City, re- spectively. In 1870, he took up his residence in Shelbyville. Seven years later, as has been inti- mated already. he was made president of the First National bank, one of the oldest as well as one of the safest monetary institutions in this section of the country.
Mr. and Mrs. Middlesworth were the par- ents of thirteen children. seven sons and six daughters, only five of whom are now living. Of those who have passed on before. George. the second son, died in 1867 : Frank died in 1884. leaving two beautiful daughters, who now make their home with their aunt. Mrs. H. M. Scar- borough, and are attending school : Dexter died in 1888, and the others before their infant lives had blossomed into youth. Of the living, James G. owns a valuable farm two and one-half miles from Shelbyville, and resides upon the same. He was recently bereft of his loved and cherished wife. John W. is also a farmer, though he lives in the city. William S. is the popular assistant cashier of the bank of which his father is presi- dent. is married and maintains a comfortable home in Shelbyville. Sarah B. Ward is one of the daughters of Mr. Middlesworth, and the other. Isabelle, is the wife of Col. H. M. Scar- borough. After thirty-seven years of conjugal felicity. Mr. Middlesworth was, in February of 1884. bereft of the one who had been the partner of his early hopes and the success of his later years, and who was, with him, held in exceeding high esteem by their wide circle of friends. The sad record made in 1884, was six deaths in the Middlesworth family in eleven months of that
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year. Since the death of his wife, who was a lady of rare sweetness of disposition and beauty of character. Mr. Middlesworth has made his home with his daughter. Mrs. Scarborough.
Politically, Mr. Middlesworth comes from genuine old Whig stock, and has been an ardent Republican since the inception of that party. Since he has attained his majority, he has ever taken a deep interest in all issues placed before the people by the parties, has carefully considered them and always cast his vote and influence upon the side which he deemed right. His republican affiliation is a matter of pride with him.
Since 1877. Mr. Middlesworth has been an active and valued member of the Presbyterian church, and has not been a mere "hearer of the word," but also a "doer of the word." and by his life, has given to the community an example of practical christianity. Prominent among his generous and philanthropic deeds is the dona- tion of his beautiful homestead to the Children's Home and Vid Society, in the early part of the current year. As this gift is spoken of at length under the head of "Institutions." we refrain from adding more about it here.
Mir. Middlesworth is a very sociable, cour- teous gentleman, one whom it is a pleasure to know. lle is nearing the "borderland," and when called upon to pass over will leave a vacant place in the hearts of his friends and in the com- mercial world which will be difficult to fill.
WALLACE E. WALKER.
In the annals of Shelby county history, there is, doubtlessly, no man who stands higher in the esteem, or enjoys, to a greater degree, the con- fidence of his fellows, nor whose genuine worth is more universally appreciated, than Wallace E. Walker. He is one whose pure business princi-
ples, integrity of purpose, and genial, though gentlemanly, bearing have secured for him a status, than which there is a no more enviable one.
On a fertile farm in Rush county, Indiana, Mr. Walker was born, on July 14, 1845. Hc was the youngest chikl of Alexander and Melinda Walker, who, some years since, laid them down in their last sleep. The maiden name of Mrs. Walker, whose death occurred in 1869, was Melinda Cann. Mr. Walker was, for many years, recognized as one of the substantial farm- ers of Rush county, afterward enjoying the same distinction in Shelby county, to which he removed in April of 1851, and where his demise occurred thirty-two years later. Two other chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker; the first being a daughter, born in 1828, who, in 1844, was married to William B. Laughlin, and now resides in Sullivan, Illinois, where Mr. Laughlin died about twelve years ago. The other was a son, born in 1829. and who died when twenty-three years of age in Shelbyville, where he was at the time engaged in the study of law.
Wallace E. received his schooling in the home district, in Windsor township, a mile and a half north of the village of that name. As he became of sufficient age and stature, he followed agricultural pursuits, and continued in the same until the fall of 1886, when he received very posi- tive evidence of the confidence reposed in him by the ctiizens of Shelby, in being elected as treasurer of the county, a confidence further sub- stantiated by the honor again being conferred in the election of 1894, after an interim of four years : during which intervening time, he engag- ed in the business of buying and selling stock, and also assisted his successor in the treasurer's office. Prior to his election to the treasury, Mr. Walker had served the township of Windsor as
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DR. WILLIAM J. EDDY.
WALLACE E. WALKER.
BIOGRAPHIES.
supervisor for four years, and had also been clerk of the township for a number of years. Early in life. he had inculcated in him the principles of Democracy, and with that party he has always affiliated.
Perhaps the most important and pleasing experience of Mr. Walker's life came to him in 1870. in his marriage to Miss Nancy J. Wallace. on the 28th of April of that year. Miss Wallace was also a resident of Windsor township. being the daughter of Samuel and Eliza J. Wallace. near neighbors of the Walker family. She was a lady of culture and refinement, and of charming disposition, and it was with considerable self- congratulation that Mr. Walker led her to the altar.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walker have been born four children, who are still with their parents, the family circle never having been interrupted by marriage or death.
Ora W. was born in 1871. on the 2nd day of June, and has been cashier of the Shelby County State bank since its inception : Lella was born in October of 1873, and is held in tender regard by those who know her well. being a young lady of rare accomplishments and gentle graces, add- ing lustre, as well as pleasure, to the home or any social function : Charles Earl was born July 2nd. 1878, and is now associated in business with his father : Harry is a bright boy of sixteen years, and is still in High school. Altogether. the family is one of high moral character and ster- ling qualities, and all are devoted to one another with an intensity not seen in every household.
Upon the expiration of Mr. Walker's second term as County Treasurer, he established himself in an office on Main street, from which he at- tends to his real estate and stock trading, and is considered one of the most public-spirited and enterprising citizens of Shelbyville today.
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