USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Historic sketch and biographical album of Shelby County, Illinois > Part 36
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with his aged mother, owns about four hundred acres of land in Tower Hill township.
WARNER HI. MAUZEY, M. D.
In Dr. W. H. Mauzey, a popular physician of Mode. Shelby county, we find but another striking illustration of what may be accomplished by inherent strength of purpose and indomitable will-power.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Shelby county, having been born in Okaw town- ship on the 16th day of March, 1866. His parents were John and Edna (Dollins) Mauzey, both born in Boyles county, Kentucky. By close ap- plication to study in the district schools, by the time he was seventeen years old Mr. Mauzey was fitted for entrance to the Bushnell Business col- lege, where he took a good business course of training.
Ile took for his girl-wife Miss Ella Banks, daughter of Thomas and Cassandra Banks, of Findlay. Three children, Eva, Addie and Millie, have been born to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mauzey. Millie is a beautiful young girl of fourteen, and is attending the graded school at Findlay. In 1889 Mr. Mauzey suffered the loss of his wife, who was a woman well known and much admired for her many charm- ing qualities. In 1893, the doctor was again married, this time to another estimable young lady of Findlay, Miss Cora Cooken. To this second union has been born one child. John, in 1899, who shares with the three girls above men- tioned, the tender love and care of both parents.
After his first marriage Mr. Mauzey moved to Chicago, where he remained until after the death of his wife and his subsequent marriage. In 1895 he entered Louisville Medical college.
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and was graduated therefrom three years later. After his graduation he located in Mode, and during his first months of practice was obliged to walk when called to see a patient, not being financially able to keep a horse. But he early established a reputation as a careful, skillful prac- titioner, and has secured an enviable practice. which has materially changed his financial con- dition. Mr. Mauzey is a pleasant gentleman to meet. easily makes acquaintances, and is highly appreciated by his many warm friends. We pro- phesy for him added success in his profession, and a high standing in the medical fraternity of the county.
WILLIAM F. FAGEN.
William F. Fagen was born in Shelbyville. Illinois, April 24th, 1861. His parents, Michael and Margarette (Sherlock) Fagen, were natives of the Emerald Isle, afterward emigrating to this country.
The subject of our review attended school in Shelbyville until he was seventeen years of age, when he entered the printing office of the late Dr. E. Waggoner, then editor of the Shelby County Democrat. He began work for $1.50 per week, but by close application to the tech- nicalities of the "art preservative," he soon ad- vanced to the foremanship of the office, remain- ing as such for the succeeding eight years. In 1887 he went to Stewardson, where he founded the Stewardson Clipper, a first-class weekly newspaper. For a year he was in partnership with a Mr. Wilson, but purchased his interests at the end of that time, and is now sole proprietor and publisher of the paper, which has an ever- increasing circulation. His newspaper plant is not his only property by any means, as he has
other real estate in Stewardson, and a farm in l'rairie township.
In 1888 Mr. Fagen was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Newman, daughter of Charles and Margarette Diddea, of Stewardson. To them has been born one child, a bright little girl now a few years of age, and the home life of the family is pleasant and happy.
Mr. Fagen was director of the Building & 1.oan association of Stewardson for a number of years : is a member of Home Forumi lodge : and Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pyth- ias lodge, of which he is a member. Mr. Fagen is another illustration of what can be ac- complished by men who have no financial pres- tige with which to start in life, but who. by persistent effort and strict integrity win for them- selves a fair measure of success and stand well in the respect and confidence of the people with whom they associate.
CHARLES M. FLEMING.
We have now to record the biography of one of Shelby's foremost educators, a man born and bred within her borders-Charles M. Fleming. He first saw the light of day in Holland town- ship December 9. 1859. on the farm which is now designated as the "Ben North farm." His par- ents were Samuel W. and Mary Jane (Fraker) Fleming. His first school days were spent in the East Salem district schools, where he laid the foundation for the splendid education which he now has, and which qualifies him for the respon- sible position which he occupies. When eight- een years of age, Mr. Fleming entered the Shel- byville High school, where he pursued his stud- ies for two years. At the end of that time. he secured a school at Sandy Hill. Rose township.
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and entered upon the profession of a teacher. In this township he taught for five years, giving eminent satisfaction to the pupils and patrons of the school. In 1884 he entered the State Normal school, at Normal, 111., applied himself closely to his work, and was graduated in the class of '89. Returning to this county he became principal of the public schools at Cowden ; and later, was principal of schools at Moweaqua and Robin- son, successively. Four years ago he was se- cured as principal of the schools at Stewardson, and his efficient service there confirms the be- lief that in employing Mr. Fleming for that posi- tion. the Board of Education made no mistake. lle is still the incumbent, and is likely to so re- main for some time to come, unless by his own action he severs his connection with the school. It way also be recorded that in his effort to place himself in the front ranks of his profession he has left no honorable means untried : and amongst the training schools he attended was the Summer School at Independence, Kansas, where he assiduously applied himself to the ac- quirement of the latest and best principles and methods of teaching. His merit was easily recog- nizable, and while at the State Normal he taught the preparatory class there for three successive years.
It must be admitted that while at the Nor- mal Mr. Fleming's whole attention was not cen- tered and fixed upon his books, nor yet upon the class which he taught. for in 1885, he turned aside from these for a time, and led to the altar Miss Anna M. Ruch, of Rose township. Miss Ruch was an accomplished young lady-the daughter of John and Magdalene (Vulmer) Ruch. Four bright and promising children have been born to bless this union, and have been named as follows: Roy C., Homer R., Mary J., and Joseph A., the latter being called back to
ยท heaven while still a babe of eighteen months. The remaining children are in school, and-bid fair to apply themselves to their work in such a manner as to reflect credit on their teachers and parents.
Personally Mr. Fleming has an individuality all his own, and is of an honest, frank disposi- tion, meriting and easily winning the complete confidence of those who know him. He is one of those men whom we sometimes term "self- made," having started in life with very little of this world's goods, but working his way toward the top with great strength of purpose and per- sisteney, and overcoming the obstacles which would have been to many men, insurmountable.
Mr. Fleming and his family are preemin- ently happy in their beautiful home life, and move in a circle of friends and acquaintances who prize them for their true worth.
It is with pleasure we produce the portrait of Mr. Fleming on another page of this volume.
DR. GEORGE W. MUZEY.
The parentage of Dr. George W. Mauzey. who was born in Moultrie county, this state. on the 19th of February, 1862, is identical with that of his brother, Dr. W. H. Mauzey, whose bio- graphical sketch appears on another page. The grand-parents came to this state from Virginia, and their ancestors were natives of France.
The first education Mr. Mauzey received was in the district schools, but he afterward at- tended the Shelbyville High school. In 1879 he entered the employ of Hunter & Marshutz, as clerk in their shoe store. Five years later he opened a mercantile establishment for himself at Findlay, and was appointed the first postmas- ter of that town. He continued his business in
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Findlay until 1889, when he tendered his resigna- tion as postmaster, sold his mercanitle stock, and entered the Louisville Medical college, where he spent three years of earnest study, and was graduated therefrom in 1892. The following year he was graduated from the medical department of Central University, Kentucky, where he had gone for a year of study along the line of his chosen profession. This university is known as the Hospital College of Medicine.
On July Ist. 1893. Dr. Mauzey began the practice of medicine, locating at Findlay, where . nine years before he had begun his mercantile business. The doctor is a pleasant, genial man. and by his careful attention to his professional duties is winning for himself an enviable repu- tation as a physician.
GEORGE WASHINGTON VORIS.
One of the most prominent men of the southern part of Shelby county is George W. Voris, of whom we give this pen-sketch. He was born on the eleventh of November, 1850, in Bath, Summit county, Ohio, the son of Peter and Julia (Coe) Voris, both of whom have been dead for a number of years.
George was a bright lad, and made excellent use of his opportunities for receiving a common school education. When sixteen years of age. he, by his own efforts, was enabled to enter the Valley Seminary, at Fulton, where he remained three years in close application to study. When he was but seven years of age, his parents moved from Ohio to Mattoon, Illinois, and in March, 1859. George left the home, spending the sum- mer with -an elder brother. In the fall of that year, he with his brother went to Taylor county.
lowa, driving across the country with a wagon and a pair of mules, and camping, hunting and cooking their food by the way. It was during their trip that the trading proclivities of the boy first became manifest, in that he performed his part in the trading of a team of poor mules for a pair of good horses. In lowa he remained four years, making his home with a married sister. and employing his time in working on the farm and herding cattle. When thirteen years okl, he removed to Knodaway county, Missouri, where he continued farm work and herding until 1866. when he returned to Knox county, Illinois, and worked on the farm of a Mr. Crane until the fall term of Valley Seminary opened, whereupon he took up studies there, as before mentioned. Three years later. Mr. Voris went to Neoga. where he entered a grain office and warehouse. remaining there only until the following spring. when he secured employment as clerk in one of the general stores in Windsor. In 1874 he went to Stewardson, where he still resides. His first business engagement there was the buying and selling of hay, grain and live stock. as well as afterward supplying the Clover Leaf R. R. with ties. At the same time he was engaged as sta- tion agent for the Chicago & Paducah R. R .. now called the Wabash.
Mr. Voris enjoys the distinction of being the first settler in Stewardson, his office being the first building erected in the town ; and he is now one of the foremost of the enterprising and pub- lie-spirited citizens. He still conducts an exten- sive business in the feeding and shipping of live stock, and is the owner of large tracts of land : and the fact that beginning life with nothing, and by sheer energy and persistency securing for himself the comfortable competency he now enjoys, proves that though he was the thirteenth child, he was not unlucky.
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In 1875 Mr. Voris was married to Miss Sophia, daughter of William and Margaret Pfluger. of Stewardson. To them have been born seven children, one of whom-Charles Poe -died in infancy. The others are : Mabel M., Ralph E., Frank R., Letha Maud, Helen and Virginia; and Mr. and Mrs. Voris are justly proud of these bright, intelligent boys and girls.
Mr. Voris enjoys the confidence and re- spect of his townsmen, as is shown by the fact of his being the present mayor of Stewardson. He has also been a justice of the peace for several years, and is a member of the Merchants' Ex- change of St. Louis. He is of a speculative dis- position and delights in trading. He is a popu- lar man, and one of his marked characteristics is that of his manifest kindness and tenderness to- ward his own family. A member of the Masonic order, he has reached a high degree in that or- ganization ; and, all in all, Stewardson may well congratulate itself upon having such a citizen as George Washington Voris.
TOM TROWER.
The name Trower is familiar throughout Shelby county. The father of the subject of this sketch, Mr. Wm. Addison Trower, was born in Albemarle Co., Va., in the year 1833. His father, Dr. J. W., was a native of Kentucky, and his mother, Jane W. (Breedlove) was in- digenous to Virginia. The family root on the paternal side is probably of Welsh extraction. Addison came with his parents to Charleston. Illinois, in 1837. and to Shelbyville in 1847. He received his only educational training in the dis- trict school. His early labors were confined to farming and clerking. Mr. Trower has been
before the people in a public manner during much of his long residence here. Three differ- ent times he has been postmaster of the city; served one term as sheriff, one as deputy sheriff, and one as coroner : he was master-in-chancery for two terms, and for one term mayor of the city.
In 1862 he began to publish The Shelby County Leader, and a little later became the owner of the same. The ownership of said paper did not pass from his hands until 1894. Miss Cordelia Smith became his wife on the 30th day of October, 1856. They are the par- ents of six children, the following four now living: Mary (Ballet), now a resident of St. Louis : Virginia (Ricketts), now of Charleston ; Maude (Walker) wife of the cashier of the Shelby County State bank: and Tom, of whom we write.
This, the only living son, a popular jeweler of Shelbyville, was born in this city in A. D. 1877. In addition to the training afforded by the city schools here. he attended school for one year in Peoria. For one year he worked in Charleston, Ill., and two years since, opened a .jewelry business for himself in Shelbyville. Mr. Trower has a large stock of excellent goods. and the window displays which he has made on special and holiday occasions we have never seen excelled outside the great cities. He meets the public in a courteous, affable manner and seems anxious to give customers the worth of their money. We predict for him an increasing- ly prosperous future. On the 27th day of No- vember last, he was united in marriage with Miss Hilda, daughter of Dr. Enos Penwell. They live in a comfortable cottage on North Morgan street, and stand well in the social circles of the city of their nativity.
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MAUTZ.
It is with pleasure we attempt the writing of a biographical sketch of the lives of the two brothers whose name is found at the head of this biography, and who are so well known and universally respected in social and commercial circles of the southern portion of our county. The parents were George and Rosina (Shantz) Mautz. born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1802 and 1808, respectively.
Mr. and Mrs. Mautz, with their family. emigrated to America in 1852. and settled at Zanesville, Ohio, and later in Fairfield county. of the same state, and which has furnished to Shelby many of her citizens. Not long did they remain there, but came to this county in 1854. first settling on rented land in Rose township. which they operated for some years. They after- ward purchased Section 32, and later. half of Section 31. They were very successful in their agricultural pursuits, and as the children reached maturity they were aided in launching out into life each for himself. The children born to this couple were Gottleib. Rosina. Chris- tian. George, Barbara, Lewis, John F .. William, Jacob H., David and Thomas, the latter two of whom are the subjects of this review. The father died February 3. 1872. and the mother followed January 15. 1891. They were mem- bers of the Swedenborgian church, and were of a kindly, generous disposition, with a sturdy Christian faith and character, which secured for them the confidence and friendship of those with whom they came in contact.
DAVID.
David Mautz was born in the Wutemberg home. January 8. 1845. landing, with his par- ents, in New York on April 1. 1852. Trained and nurtured by his faithful parents, he early
developed a sturdy character and an adaptability for business pursuits. His school days were spent in the district schools, and later in the Okaw Seminary in Shelbyville. After finishing his training at the University of Chicago. he began a pubile career by teaching school for two years, in his home district. For the five suc- ceeding years, he served as a clerk in the Chi- cago Savings bank, where he received the in- sight into matters finacial which later led him into his present vocation. He afterward re- turned to the farm of his father, where he re- mained for a number of years.
November 16. 1876. Mr. Mautz was mar- ried to Miss Louise F. Weber, who also was a native of Wurtemberg, having been born there on the 31st of March, 1852. Until December 12. 1885. Mrs. Mautz was spared to her hus- band-the brightest star in his existence-but on that day was called from earth, to "that bourn from whence no traveler returns." The one comfort of the bereaved husband was the babe. Edward J., who has now grown to a noble young manhood, and is the pride and joy of his parent. His education in the general branches was received in the pubile schools of the county and from the State University at Champaign. In 1897 he entered the law department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and was graduated therefrom in June. 1900. During the late unpleasantness with Spain Edward enlisted in Co. G. 39th Reg. Il1. Vol .. and got as far as Tampa. Fla .. with the company, but was pre- vented from active service by the speedy ter- mination of the war. He is now in Texas.
In 1893 Mr. Mautz established the mone- tary institution known as "The Stewardson Bank," which is a great financial accommoda- tion to the part of the county in which it is located. Mr. Mautz is a conservative, success- ful business man-one whom it is a pleasure to
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know, and whose status in the community adds to the same.
THOMAS P.
Thomas P. Mautz, also, first saw the light of day in Wurtemberg. December 21, 1849, and came to this country with the family. His basic education was received in the schools of his boyhood homes. He remained in his father's home until twenty years of age, when he learned the milling trade, working at Pana and Rosemond. After spending some time in Bain- bridge, Indiana, and Oconee, Ill., he came to Stewardson in 1874, and for three years operated a flouring mill in that place, afterward forming a partnership with HI. H. York. In 1878 Mr. Mautz established a general merchandise store in Shumway, Ill., but the following year removed it to Stewardson, where he still conducts it.
Mr. Mautz has been a very prominent figure in political circles, early identifying him- self with the Democratic party, and exerting his influence in the furthering of its principles. For thirteen years he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, and was chairman of the same for six years. He has served his own town as mayor for a number of years, and the federal government as postmaster of Stewardson for a term. He has also been one of the influential members of the County Democratic Central committee for ten years.
On May 20, 1879, Mr. Mautz was married te Miss Bertha Karls, a daughter of John Karls, of Rural township. Her birthplace was Locks- ville, O., where she was born December 13. 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Mautz are the parents of six charmingly dispositioned children, whose names we give in the order of their births : Nora, Lillie, Lottie, Frank, Karl and Manda,
who are all living, and are the jewels which brighten the home circle.
Mr. Mautz is a member of the same church as that with which his father was affiliated-the Swedenborgian. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been for a number of years Master of Sigel Lodge, No. 541. He and his family are valued members of Steward- son society, always ready to aid in anything which is for the public welfare, and have a host of friends.
CHARLES F. FRIESE.
The subject of this sketch was born in the Province of Silkaroda, Saxony, Germany, Aug. 24, 1853. His parents were also natives of that province, the father being born in 1829, and the mother in 1830.
The family emigrated from Germany to Cook county, Illinois, and from there removed to Prairie township of Shelby county, locating on the present site of Stewardson. Charles re- mained with his parents upon the farm, apply- ing himself diligently to study in the district schools during the winters.
When twenty-three years of age, Mr. Friese was married to Miss Christena E. Bauer, born in Hocking county, Ohio, July 6, 1860, the daughter of Jacob and Catherina (Ulmer) Bauer. To this couple have been born the fol- lowing named children: Henry Frederick, Aug. 13. 1879: John August, Dec. 5. 1880 ; Julia Louise, Dec. 15, 1883 ; Wilhelmina Hen- riette. Feb. 23. 1886; Charles, July 4, 1888 ; Jacob F .. Dec. 10, 1890; Albert Wilhelm, Jan. 8, 1893: Caroline Elizabeth, March 3. 1895 : Sophia Maria, Nov. 26, 1896, and Andrew Mar- tin, March 24. 1899.
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GEORGE W. VORIS.
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Mr. Friese, with his family, is highly re- spected and well-liked where known. He has lived on a farm all his life-time, and is an in- (lustrious, hard-working man ; and has, by honesty in all business transactions, by his in- dustry and economy, accumulated a competency for himself and family. Besides superintending the farm, he owns and operates a cider mill and steam hay press.
In politics Mr. Friese is a democrat, and has held several political offices, amongst which has been that of Commissioner of Highways, and he is at present Township Collector, a position of trust well merited.
WILLIAM F. HOLMES.
Another name which is well fitted to oc- cupy a place in the list of prominent men of Shelby county, is that of Dr. Wm. F. Holmes. of Stewardson. Born to poverty and obscurity. he has ever had almost overwhelming obstacles with which to contend, and is deserving of much credit for the splendid success he has achieved in life. He was born in Eaton, Ill .. June 28. 1867, the son of Reuben S. and Mary E. (Price) Holmes, who both died when Wil- liam was but ten years of age, leaving him alone in the world, to make his own way. He was "bound out" to certain parties until his 21st year. but becoming dissatisfied he left, at the age of twelve. From that time he secured em- ployment at anything he could, during the sum- mers, and attended the district schools in the winter. By close application to his studies he was fitted to enter Union Christian college, of Merom, Indiana, when he was seventeen years old. The determination of the boy to receive an education can readily be seen from the fact
that for the three years he spent in this college. he paid his way with money earned by hard toil in digging coal by night, while he studied dur- ing the day. After he concluded his work there. he went to Eureka college. Eureka. Ill., graduat- ing therefrom in 1899. Going to Chicago, he engaged with McGregor & Company. manufac- turers of portable and stationary engines, as bookkeeper, and remained with them one year. In 1893. Mr. Holmes began the study of medi- cine, and one year later entered Rush Medical college. After his graduation in 1897. which he was enabled to accomplish by persistent and un- ceasing effort, together with a quick perception and ready mind, he practiced medicine for nearly two years in Chicago : also lecturing during that time. on Histology, at the Von Feltman Dental college. In April of 1899. Dr. Holmes removed to Stewardson, where he now lives, and enjoys a large practice.
In October. 1899. Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to one of Effingham's charming young maidens. She was Miss Delia Alice Hub- bard. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are genial, cour- teous people, and popular members of Steward- son society. The doctor has the complete con- fidence of the community in his profession, as well as a man: which fact is attested by his growing practice. He is still a young man, but has already achieved a fair measure of success. and we predict for him a bright and useful future in the noble work of his humane profession.
ALBERT L. CARRUTHERS.
The subject of this review. Albert L. Car- ruthers, was born on the 9th day of May. 1848. on a farm in the township of Washington, county of Tuscarawas, Ohio. He was one of ten chil-
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