USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Historic sketch and biographical album of Shelby County, Illinois > Part 31
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school, which calling he followed at broken in- tervals for several years. The doctor used the medium of pedagogy as the financier of his ad- vanced educational plans. Like many another. he found in a few months in the school room. the means to pursue his studies in one of the higher institutions.
For three years Mr. Kerr studied medicine under Dr. J. H. Miller. This study was per- formed in addition to his regular work in the school room ; which characterizes the doctor as a man of pluck and endurance. In the year 1889. he entered the Northern Normal, at Dixon. Illinois, where he received his literary and scien- tific training. The year 1891. found him a student in the medical department of the Uni- versity of Illinois, otherwise known as The Chi- cago College of Physicians and Surgeons. In this school Mr. Kerr received credit for one year's work already done, hence he was graduat- ed as an M. D. in the class of '94. Immediately after graduation, the doctor formed a partner- ship with Dr. G. A. Smith, now deceased, and began the practice of medicine at Henton, Shel- by county, Illinois.
On November 29th, 1896, the wedding bells rang for Dr. Edgar D. Kerr and Miss Alphretta Garvin : the marriage ceremony being per- formed in the city of Shelbyville. The parents of Mrs. Kerr are Mr. and Mrs. George and Mary (Pogue) Garvin. Almost immediately after marriage. Dr. Kerr began his practice in Bruns- wick, where he is still engaged in the noble pro- fession of his choice. To Mr. Kerr and wife have been born two children. Joseph E., and Mary S. With the birth of these little ones. thus enlarging and brightening the home circle. the doctor could have joined with the hero of J. G. Holland's "Kathrina." saying :
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"Another fount
Of human love gurgled to meet my lips. Another store of good, as rich as pure, In its own kind, as that from which 1 drank, Was thus discovered to my taste, and I Feasted upon its fulness.'
Dr. Kerr is a member of the following fra- ternal orders: F. and A. M., Woodmen of America, Royal Circle and the Modern Amer- cians. He is also connected with the subjoined medical associations : American, State of Illi- nois, Central District, and Shelby County. The doctor is one of the three county health officers appointed by the state board. As a physician, Dr. Kerr has an excellent reputation. His prac- tice is extensive and his services satisfactory. The community in which he resides prizes him not alone in his professional capacity, but he is respected as a citizen and gentleman. Mrs. Kerr, also, has a large place in the hearts of the country-folk among whom she lives. The place of esteem now occupied by this young family is the natural result of patient. persistent, and honest endeavor; it is the ripened fruit of previous tilling and sowing.
JUDGE TRUMAN E. AMES.
On the second day of the middle year of the present century, there was born, in DeKalb, St. Lawrence county, New York, a boy who was destined to become one of the most prom- inent amongst the "legal lights" of Shelby county. This was Truman E. Ames, of whom we write this biographical sketch, and of whom honorable mention is made in the chapter on "The Bar." in this volume. He was the oklest of four boys born to Luman W. and Jane(Armin) Ames, who are now retired and spending their
declining years pleasantly in their home in Pots- dam, N. Y., to which they removed some years since. Milton E. Ames, the second of the boys, has been for years, and still is, a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and an engineer on the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R. The third son, Ceylon W., who, by the way, was named for the island of Ceylon, is a resident of Centralia, Illi- nois, and was, until the loss of his sight, a loco- motive inspector. Judson T. resides in Water- town, N. Y., and is a trusted engineer on the New York Central.
'Truman received instruction in the district schools until his thirteenth year, when he was sent to the Graded Schools of Harmon, New York. After several years there, he, at the age of seventeen, began teaching school, continuing therein for several terms. Afterwards, he at- tended the Potsdam State Normal and Training school, and took a thorough course. When but twenty-one years of age, he came to Shelby county, locating at Windsor, where he was en- gaged as principal of the public schools. One of the teachers associated with him in that school was 11. J. Hamlin, present Attorney General of this state, who was Mr. Ames' predecessor as principal of the school, and continued as such for one year, while Mr. Ames taught in one of the other departments.
After retiring from the Windsor schools, Mr. Ames again took up the study of law, which he had begun in New York. Recognizing the merits of the Michigan University, he entered its law department at Ann Arbor, and within two years, or in 1877, he graduated therefrom. and returned to Illinois, practicing law for one year in Rockford. Mr. Ames says he sometimes regrets not having remained there. but on the whole deems himself as well off. professionally, as though he had. An intimate friend and as-
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sociate of his younger days now occupies a po- sition there. like unto the one which Mr. Ames now holds.
From Windsor, where Mr. Ames practiced until 1880, he came to Shelbyville, and has made his residence here during the twenty years in- tervening between then and the present. He secured a good and lucrative practice, and won the esteem and confidence of his legal associates and of the people ; so that in 1886, he was elected as County Judge. So universally well-liked was he, and become so popular as an incumbent of this office, that he was re-elected for two suc- ceeding terms, holding the position for ten years in all, being called to another position when his third term was but half completed.
"There is a destiny which shapes our ends, Rough-hew them as we may."
so still greater honors were to be given Mr. Ames, for at the last Judicial election, in June of 1897, he was elevated to the Bench of the Cir- cuit, composed of the following named counties : Shelby, Montgomery. Fayette, Christian, Ef- fingham. Jasper, Clay, Marion and Clinton ; be- ing the 4th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. His duties as Circuit Judge he has ever performed "with- out fear or favor." and is one of the most popu- lar Judges ever occupying the Bench of this Circuit.
We must not proceed further without mak- ing mention of the beautiful and happy home- life of Judge Ames. In May of 1874. he was united in marriage to one of Windsor's most popular and charming young ladies, Miss Dora Hilsabeck, daughter of James A. and Sarah J. Hilsabeck, of that town. Mr. Hilsabeck was a native of Shelbyville. Mrs. Hilsabeck now re- sides in Stewardson, the widow of him who died there in May of 1898.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ames has been born one child, now a young man of sterling qualities. who is taking his last year in the Dental College in Indianapolis. The entire family are members of the First M. E. church here. the Judge being a member of the official board of the same.
Amongst the ways in which Judge Ames has served the public, was in the capacity of member of the Board of Education, which posi- tion he held for six years : also as City Attorney. to which position he was appointed by a Repub- lican mayor and council. notwithstanding the fact of his being a staunch Democrat. This ac- tion clearly attests his popularity. He was serving his second term as such attorney, when called to the office of County Judge. As has been intimated, he is a Democrat, and has ever been very active and zealous in supporting the men and measures of his party.
Fraternally. Mr. Ames is a member of God- frey de Boullion Commandery. No. 44. of Mat- toon : Jaskson Lodge. No. 53. A. F. & A. M .: Black Hawk Lodge. No. 83. K. of P., and Uni- form Rank No. 40. Personally, it is a pleasure to meet Judge Ames, as he is a very approachable and courteous gentleman, having none of that austerity about him, which is so often noted in men who have been exalted to positions such as he occupies : and a caller at his comfortable and pleasant home on Broadway, is ever sure of a pleasurable reception by both Mr. and Mrs. .Ames.
HENRY MILLER.
It becomes our pleasurable task to record a brief epitome of the life of another old and well- known and respected resident of Shelby county.
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a veteran of the Civil war, having fought in the Union ranks upon Southern battlefields-Henry Miller, of the township of Okaw.
The 18th of February, 1817, was the day of his birth, and the county of Somerset, Pennsyl- vania, the place. He was the only boy among four children born to Joseph and Sarah ( Robin- son) Miller. Mrs. Miller was English-born, but came to America when a babe of six months. Mr. Åliller was of German descent, but born in America. He was a farmer and drover, buying cattle in summer and horses in winter, for the Baltimore market. Upon many of these over- land trips did young Henry go, assisting his father principally in the management of the horses. A night school was the only one ever attended by him, but the lack of "schooling" has been largely supplied by a keen perception and sound sense.
Mr. Miller's first sojourn away from the parental home, was a year, spent in Louisville. Kentucky, where he worked in a sawmill. and from whence he returned home with one hun- dred dollars in his pocket. In 1856 he came to Jefferson county, Indiana, remaining there until 1859, when he removed to Rushville, Illinois. Two years later he went to Beardstown, Illinois, at which place, on the roth of August of the succeeding year, he enlisted in 115 Illinois, Con- pany 1), and remained until fall, in Camp But- ler. From there, he went with his regiment to Covington, Ky., where they received arms and ammunition. He was in the battles of Nash-' ville and Franklin, and at the latter place as- sisted in the building of Fort Granger. He fought valiantly in the battles of Chickamauga. and aided in the capture of Hood's department. at Decatur, Alabama. He also took active part in the famous battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, and was with Sherman on
his memorable march "from Atlanta to the Sea." Granger and Rosecrans were the two generals under whose command he fought. thoughout the war.
In all his experience in battle, Mr. Miller was never wounded, but on more than one oc- casion, had his clothing riddled with bullets ; which shows that danger is indeed present with the boys who stand at their post in the ranks on the battlefields.
On the 23rd of February, 1868, Mr. Miller and Miss Tobisa Helens were united in mar- riage. Miss Helens was the daughter of Ohio parents, but who were at the time of her mar- riage, residing in Shelbyville. There were two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller ; Annie. who became the wife of William A. Camp, of the southern part of the state, and afterward, in 1898, died : and John, who remains at home, the stay of his parents in their declining years.
.At the close of the war, and after receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Miller spent a couple of years on the Illinois river, and then coming here, worked on a farm for Alex. Boys one year. After his marriage, however, he leased a farm until 1870, when he bought the farm in Section 28, of Okaw township, upon which he still lives. A year ago he sold forty acres of land, but still has one hundred twenty acres.
At the good old age of eighty-three Mr. Miller is hale and hearty, takes a part in the farm labor, and drives to the city once or twice each week. He is respected in his neighborhood and amongst all who know him, is a member of the G. A. R., and has been school director of his dis- trict several times.
Mr. Miller had a part in the development of the country in the early part of the century, hav- ing peeled ties for the first railroad in the United
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PHILIP PARKER.
REV. J. H. EPLER.
BIOGRAPHIES.
States, and was with John Quincy Adams when he launched the first steam-boat on the Alle- ghany river.
JAMES BONNELL ISENBERG.
The subject of this review, one of Shelby ville's prominent business men, was born near Petersburg, Pennsylvania. January 24, 1845. The family of which he is a member. descends from Gerlach Von Isenberg, of Germany, in the year 966. This family, which is a royal one. continues to hold its place in the affairs of the German Empire. Karl Isenberg is today a mem- ber of the Prussian House of Lords.
James B. Isenberg's boyhood days were spent on the farm of his father in Pennsylvania. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted, and spent two years in active military service, as a member of Company K. 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was in the battle of Winchester. and saw Phil Sheridan when he arrived within the lines, after his memorable ride, from which originated the famous poem. "Sheridan's Ride."
After receiving an honorable discharge from the service of Uncle Sam, and in 1867. Xlr. Isen- berg came to Illinois, and obtained employ- ment in the wholesale Book and Stationery House of S. A. Maxwell & Co., of Bloomington. as porter. By diligence and close application to his employers' interests, he worked his way through cach branch of the business and when he left their employ he had been traveling sales- man for several years.
In December of 1880, Mr. Isenberg was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Parker, the accomplished daughter of Philo and Demma Parker, of Shelbyville. To this union have been born, whose names are as follows: James Bon-
nell. Zoe Parker. Philo James, David Bruce and Lula Fay. Two. James B. and Philo J., died in infancy.
In 1882 Mr. Isenberg engaged in the grocery business, from which time he has been a leading representative of that business in the city. He is a great lover of music, and has been for years identified with the musical people of Shelbyville. He is a member of the famous Me Kinley Quartet. which is well known throughout the state. He is an ardent republican in politics, and a member of the First Methodist church.
Mrs. Isenberg is the only daughter of her parents, is a cultured and refined lady, and was graduated from the Shelbyville High school and the Woman's College, of Evanston. The family occupies a prominent place in the society circles of the city.
PHILIP PARKER.
A little more than seventy years ago. the subject of this review was born on his father's farm. in Saratoga county. New York, he and his brother Philo, whose biography also ap- pears in this volume, being twins. May 8. 1830. was the day of his birth. The father. Samuel Parker, was a prominent farmer of his county. whose death occurred in 1863. Mrs. Parker. who died in 1848, was a daughter of a Mr. and Mrs. Du Bois, also residents of Saratoga county.
The school life of Philip Parker. was all spent in the common school of his own district. though his business activity and contact with the world has given him an excellent knowledge of men and affairs. When about seventeen years of age. Philip left home. going to Syracuse. where he remained until his marriage. It was
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while here, that on January 27. 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen Schuyler, a native of Onondago county, her parents, Philip and Lent (Becker) Schuyler, being pioneers of Syracuse. They established their home there very soon after the completion of the Erie canal. and before a railroad had found its way through that section of the Empire state, where there is now such a perfect railway system and complete passenger and mail service. The parents of Mrs. Parker were of German descent, and died some years ago, in the home where they had lived for so long. Mrs. Parker comes from a very old and respectable family, of which General Schuy- ler, of Revolutionary fame, was a prominent member.
After residing in Syracuse for six years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Parker removed to Shelby county, settling upon a farm, where they remained for several years. The third year after taking up their residence upon the farm, their home was burned to the ground, and was to them a total loss, as they had no insurance upon it. Mr. Parker gratefully remembers the kindness of a neighbor who signified his inten- tion of "taking up a collection" to assist in the rebuilding of the home destroyed by fire. This, however, Mr. Parker would not permit, prefer- ring that the kindness and generosity should be extended to others who might be in more actual need. Such generous acts, however, were no un- common thing in the early days of our country. and serve to illustrate the bond which united the pioneers in mutual helpfulness and friendliness.
After leaving the farm Mr. and Mrs. Parker removed to Shelbyville, and now occupy a very fine and commodious residence on Broadway. MIr. Parker purchased the Opera House block in 1874, and is the possessor of other business and residence property. Aside from looking after
his agricultural interests to which he devotes considerable time, he has, for years, dealt ex- tensively in real estate.
Mr. Parker is not a politician, and has never plucked or received any political "plum." However, he has been a staunch Republican from the inception of that party. He is not con- nected with any church organization, but has a profound respect for any creed or denomination which has an elevating moral tendency and in- fluence, and attends with his wife, the services of the First Methodist church, of which Mrs. Parker is a member.
In the commerical circles of Shelbyville, Mr. Parker bears the reputation of an honorable and upright business man, who has ever dealt justly with those with whom he has had any business transacitons.
JOHN A. TACKETT.
Sixty-eight years prior to the 28th of Sep- tember, 1900, the subject of this review was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Tackett, natives of Vir- ginia. Mr. Tackett was born in Prince William county, afterward removing to Stafford county, from whence he came to Shelby in 1829, and lived here until his death, thirty-one years later. - Ilis wife was Miss Enfield Mason, born in the county of Stafford and lived until 1837. John A. Tackett was one of three boys born to this couple, the others being Charles A., born in 1817, and who died in 1866 ; and William J., born in 1827, and who still resides in the city of Shel- byville. There is also a half-sister of the boys. who is the wife of Mr. Ed. Hopkins, the drug- gist ; and there was a half-brother, George Tackett, who died about 1869.
John A. Tackett received his education from
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the schools and college of Shelbyville, and Paris, Illinois, respectively, and later engaged as clerk in a dry goods' store. Noting the possibilities of making money in the buying and selling of stock, he afterward engaged in that business, laying the foundation for the comfortable for- tune he has since acquired. In about the year 1850, Mr. Tackett with Joseph Sutton and John M. Thornton as partners, established a grocery store, and for about 25 years continued the same, working up and retaining a right good trade in their line of goods. In 1875, Mr. Thornton be- came sole proprietor of the grocery, and Mr. Tackett engaged in the business of a broker, and also supervised several farms which he had ac- quired.
Early in the year 1880, Mr. Tackett took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Flora N. Cash. Her parents are Henry H. ~ and Rebecca Cash, then of Westfield, Illinois, but who are now spending their declining years in the city of Shelbyville. One daughter has been the issue of this marriage-Irma, who was born on the 3rd day of November, 1880, and who is finishing her education in a Young Ladies school in the city of Washington, D. C. Miss Tackett is a very estimable young lady, and has a host of friends and admirers in Shelbyville.
It has been the lot of Mr. Tackett to be suc- cessful in all his business enterprises. He is of an aggressively energetic nature, and that to which he gives his attention and support is very likely to be prosecuted to a satisfactory consum- mation. His business methods are above criti- cism, and he enjoys the confidence of his con- temporaries. Upon the institution of the Coun- ty State Bank, Mr. Tackett was chosen by the Directors as its vice-president, and is still an in- cumbent of that office of trust. For years he was one of the councilmen of the city in which he
lives, and assisted very materially in carrying on wisely, the affairs of the same.
Mr. and Mrs. Tackett occupy a beautiful residence on North Broadway, and enjoy, to an enviable degree, the esteem of the society in which they move.
H. BRUCE TROUT.
The subject of this biography. H. B. Trout. was born on a farm near Paris, Illinois, in the year 1859. He was the son of D. S. Trout. who died in Arcola about eleven years since. The maiden name of his mother was Jannette Mc- Cormick, who is still a resident of Arcola. He received a common and high school education. and was ever of a mechanical turn of mind which later led him into his present career. He received no inheritance from his parents except that of a rugged constitution and an honest, up- right character, which he has preserved to the present. When but seven years of age. he re- moved with his parents to Arcola, where he re- mained until his eighteenth year, a student in the schools of that place. From that time on. for a period of fifteen years, he was engaged in a diversity of pursuits in various places, ranging from Indiana to Wyoming.
In September. 1883, Mr. Trout took unto himself a wife, in the person of Miss India Coon. of Mattoon, the daughter of David and Zelia Coon. Her father, who is now deceased, was at that time a prosperous shoe dealer of Mattoon. Mrs. Coon is now a resident of Indianapolis. To Mr. and Mrs. Trout has been born one daugh- ter. Miss Ruby, a bright, intelligent girl of fif- teen summers.
Upon their removal to Shelbyville. Mrs. Trout, who had had twenty-three years' exper-
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ience as a trimmer, purchased the millinery busi- ness of Mrs. M. M. Sutton, who had been in business here for a number of years. Though without any previous experience in the conduct of such an enterprise for herself, Mrs. Trout was eminently successful from the very first, and has enjoyed a large patronage to the present. AAbout the close of her first year here, she suffered the loss of her profits, through the Thornton bank failure, but was gratified in that it did not finan- cially embarrass her.
About nine years ago Mr. Trout came to Shelbyville and opened a jobbing machine shop. The firm of Trout Brothers was established. of which he was the senior member. In the same year they began the manufacture of highway bridges, between which time and 1897. they con- structed about one hundred fifty such bridges. In this latter year, the building of bridges hav- ing become unprofitable through competition and certain rulings of the Board of Supervisors, they discontinued this branch of the business. but still continue the machine shop under the same firm name. In 1895 they put in an electric light plant, and from that time to the present have furnished the electric light of the city.
Mr. Trout is not at all backward in pro- nouncing himself a Democrat, but has never held any elective office. He was, however, sup- etintendent of the Water Works for four years.
Mrs. Trout and Miss Ruby are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the family occupy a prominent place in social circles.
ANDREW ULMER AND FAMILY.
For thirty years and more, the family, of whom we pen this sketch, has been well known in, and closely identified with the development
of the southeastern portion of Shelby county. The late Albert U'hner was born in Baden, Ger- miany, AAugust 14, 1831. He was the son of Jacob Fr. Ulmer, who, with his family, emi- grated to America and settled in Hocking coun- ty, Ohio, in 1833. In this Ohio home the boy Andrew grew to manhood's estate, and on the 24th of May. 1854, was married to a Miss Brun- ner. As has been indicated, Mr. and Mrs. Ulmer removed from Ohio to Shelby county in 1866, settling upon a farm. In the same year. Mr. U'lmer united with the German Lutheran St. Paul's church, at Strasburg, and remained a faithful member of the same until his death thirty-two years later. Sixteen children were born to this couple, mention of whom we make. as follows : Jacob F. U'liner was born in llock- ing county, Ohio, in 1854, and came to this county with his parents. When he attained his majority he identified himself with the Demo- cratic party, and was so faithful in his support of the principles of the party that he was re- warded at the election of 1898, by receiving the treasurership of the county for the succeeding term. Mr. U'lmer was married to Miss Matilda Streng, of Richland township, and five children have been born to bless the union. He is a popu- lar incumbent of the office which he holds, dis- charging the duties thereof in a manner pleasing to those who do business with the county treasurer. Elizabeth, born September 29, 1855. is now the wife of Y. W. Strohl, of Prairie town- ship: Phebe, born January 8. 1857, is married to Phillip Kneller, and lives in Richland. Andrew, born March 3. 1858. died when but two years of age : John G., was born July 9. 1860. is married, and lives on a farm in Prairie : Christina Maggie was born October 4, 1861, and is still at home, keeping house for the aged mother : Mary Helen, born December 27, 1862, is now a
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