Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 102

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 102

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Mrs. McGrue is a woman of intelligence and culture, much interested In church work and ac- tive in many worthy causes in the community.

McGUIRE, Judge Robert L., a valued citizen of Springfield, Ill., and at one time Mayor of the city, has been one of the prominent lawyers of Sangamon County since 1865, when he first cs- tablished an office in Springfield for the prac- tice of his profession. Judge McGuire was born in Boone County, Mo., a son of Levi and Susan McGuire, and in boyhood worked on his father's small farm until he was seventeen years of age. Levi McGuire was a minister as well as a farmer, and a man of good education, so that the son early learned habits of right think- ing and correct expression. He received a good education near his home and at the age of seven- teen years left home to engage in teaching school, thus earning the money with which he attended Missouri University, at Columbia, Mo., from which he graduated in the Class of 1857. Ile afterwards taught at Mexico and Greenfield, Mo., and. at Rushville and Springfield, Ill., meantime having prepared himself for admission to the bar. He soon established a good legal practice and he- came interested in various financial enterprises In Springfield and vicinity, in all of which he has met with gratifying success. He has heen retained in many important cases and has al- ways taken an active interest in the progress and growth of the city. His fellow-citizens evinced their confidence In his ability and good faith by electing him to the office of Mayor, which he held in 1879-80, and administered affairs in a manner highly creditable to himself and to the public. He is a stanch Republican in political helief and active in the interests of his party. He served several years as a mem- ber of the city School Board and in 1890 was elected to the office of County Judge. Judge McGuire represents the highest type of citizen, ready to put the interest of his clty, county or State above his own, and has never been an office-seeker.

December 22. 1875, Judge McGuire was mar- ried, at Chatham, Ill., to Sadle Leaverton, daughter of Wilson and Jeanette Leaverton, hoth now deceased. One child was born of this union. Susan Jeanette, who was married, in October, 1903, to John Sydney Burnett, of Chicago. Judge McGuire is prominent in Masonic circles, having belonged to the order

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

nearly half a century and for most of that time has served as Treasurer of his lodge. He is a Knight Templar and has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He has been an Odd Fellow nearly forty years, is also a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Elks Lodge. He belongs also to the Sangamo, the Illini, Country and Mercantile Club of Springfield. He is a man of pleasant, genial manner and kind heart and is popular with his many friends. He and his wife are interested in church and benevolent work, both belonging to the First Presbyterian Church. Judge McGuire has at times invested in real estate and has been for- tuuate in his dealings iu this line.

McINTIRE, James W .- Farming in Sangamon County has always been profitable, but never more so than now, when there are so many ap- pllances to assist the agriculturist in his work. James W. McIntire, on Section 5, Cooper Town- ship, was born in Mechanicsburg, April 6, 1856, a son of Sanford and Theodora D. (Maddox) McIntire, the former born in Scott County, Ky., in 1832, and the latter in Owen Connty, Ky., May 4, 1834. The parents came to Illinois in 1847, settling in Mechanicsburg, where they lived until 1865, when they moved to the farm where James W. McIntire now lives. There the father died Jnly 25, 18SS, but his widow sur- VIves, making her home in Kansas. The father bonght a soldier's claim on the present site of the city of Bloomington.

Mr. McIntire early commenced working in a brick yard for his father, thns continning until he was twenty-two years old. He then started farming, and has continued in that line ever since. He owns a portion of the old homestead, comprising nineteen acres of land, and has lived on it nearly a quarter of a century.

On November 20, 1883, Mr. McIntire was mar- ried in Springfield to Mary Haumann, born De- cember 15, 1864, danghter of Chris. and Lonise (Stuhlman) Hanmann. The parents came to America from Germany, in 1859, and spent two years in Springfield, after which they went to Clear Lake Township, settling on a farin, which continned the family home until the death of the father, April 21, 1908. The mother passed away thirty-four years ago. Mrs. McIntire has a sister living six miles east of Springfield, bnt her brother, F. W., is deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McIntire : Chris- tian H., of Buffalo: Anna F., wife of Forest Gabbert, Ilving in Mechanicsburg; Clara Inez.

McKEE, Charles C .- A number of the responsible residents of Springfield have found an outlet for their energies in working for the varions railroads which center there. They have proven worthy of the trust reposed in them, and have borne their part in the growth of these systems. One of the men now holding a very responsible position with the Illinois Central Railroad Com- pany, is Charles C. McKee, foreman of the

roundhouse, now residing at No. 700 North Four- teenth Street. He was born on a farm at Salis- bury, Sangamon County, December 29, 1869, a son of John and Mary McKee. The latter was born in Kentucky, in 1820. and was brought to Sangamon County when very young by his par- ents. They located on forty acres of land, on which the house is still standing in which they made their first home. There John McKee grew to manhood, becoming a sturdy farmer's son. Later the family moved to the vicinity of Salis- bury, where John McKee became the driver of a stage-coach, running between Springfield and St. Louis, and carried many passengers who la. ter became celebrated in the country's history. After several years in this work, he acted as engineer in a saw-inill, still later resuming hls farming and locating in DeWitt County. In 1891 he went to Waverly, Morgan Connty, dy- ing there in 1893. While not a member of any religions denomination, he inclined towards the teachings of the Methodist Church. In politics he was a firm Democrat. His widow is still living, aged seventy-four years. She and her husband had children as follows: Samuel, at home; George, of Waverly ; Albert, of Clinton, Ill .; Charles C .; James, of Waverly ; John, at home.

Charles C. McKee attended school in Sanga- mou and DeWitt Counties, nntil he was fifteen years old, at the same time learning to be a farmer. When he was twenty-one years old he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail- road Company as wiper, working his way up through various positions in their employ for fifteen years, when he left to engage with the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Company, return- ing to the Illinois Central Railroad later. The best proof of his efficiency is the fact that he rose from the position of wiper, at $1.10 per day to the important one he now holds.

The marriage of Mir. McKee took place at Clinton, Ill., July 20, 1897, to Miss Florence Gil- lard, of Clinton, danghter of Charles and Rose Gillard. Mr. and Mrs. McKee became the par- ents of two children : Verna, born August 2, 1900, and Merna, born Angust 26, 1905.

Fraternally Mr. McKee is a member of the Masonic Order, of the Brotherhood of Locomo- tive Engineers and the Conrt of Honor. In poli- tics he is a Republican, but his time has been so occupied with his business cares that he has never come before the public for office. Faith- ful and conscientious, thoroughly versed in all the details of his work and recognizing the re- sponsibilities of his position, Mr. McKee is one of the most efficient men in the employ of the Illinois Central Company. Hls services are ap- preciated at their true value, and not only is he trusted by those in authority, but he is liked by his men, who know he is their friend, trying to help them in every way that will not conflict with his dnty to the road.

The home life of the McKee family is very pleasant, both Mr. and Mrs. McKee having many friends in Springfield. Their hospitable

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

home is presided over by Mrs. McKee with true housewifely skill, and she makes welcome all who come within its doors.

McKEE, George W .- Farming as a business is something that pays in these days of scientific agriculture. The days when the farmer worked early and late for merely enough to eat and a roof over his head are past, for the agricult- urallst of the present time is too well informed to allow opportunities to escape him. He takes advantage of governmental experiments, makes experiments of his own, and deducts infer- ences from the operations of others. He is not content to go on raising, year after year, the same crops, but trles new ones until he is sat- isfied that his land is bringing forth the best results. Ilis buildings are of the best, and his stock of high-grade-this farmer of today. No one is a better representative of this modern farmer than George McKee of Section 14, Cot- ton Hill Township, where he was born May 7, 1881, a son of the old pioneer, the late James L. McKee, and his wife, Mrs. Levina (Snod- grass) McKee, whose lives are taken up sep- arately in this work.

Attending the New City public school, Mr. McKee acquired a practical education, but his real training came from the farm. With the ex- ception of some traveling for recreation, Mr. McKee has spent his life in Sangamon County engaged in farming, and the results he has ac- complished show that he chose his occupation wisely. A strong Democrat, he has served since 1900 as Town Clerk. Liberal in his religious views, he contributes to the support of the Christian Church of Rochester, to which his wife belongs.

Mr. McKee was married in Springfield, Ill., by Judge Murray, on November 27, 1904, to Lillie May Burt, who was born in Rochester, Sangamon County, March 24, 1888, a daughter of Alfred H. and Margaret Burt. Mr. Burt was born in Branch County, Mich., December 9, 1847, and his wife in Fairfax County, Va., in 1854. Both are now living retired In Roches- ter. Besides one child who died In infancy, three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKee, who survive, namely : Ruth V., born October 24, 1906, Ethel May, born April 20, 1909, and George Lemuel, born February 8, 1911.

McKEE, James Lemuel (deceased), an early settler of Saugamon County, where for more than half a century he was engaged in farming, was a useful, enterprising citizen, always ready to promote the public welfare and prosperity of his community. Mr. McKee was born in West Virginia. November 13. 1831, a son of James W. and Anna McKee, both natives of the same State. The father died in West Virginia, and his widow died while on a visit to her son James Lemuel McKee, and was buried in Zlon Cem- etery in Cotton Hill Township. The father of James L. McKee was a well-known farmer of Virginla, spending his entire life there.

James L. McKee received a somewhat meagre education, in his native State, and as a young man was very fond of hunting and fishing. He worked on his father's farm until coming to Illinois in 1855, when he located in Cotton Hili Township, where at the time of his death, he owned a farm of 104 acres, on Section 11, which is uow the home of hls widow. Mr. McKee was a member of the Methodist Church, and superin- tendent of the Sunday school. In politics, he was a Democrat. He belonged to the Antl-Horse Thief Association for several years, and served four years as Justice of the Peace in Cotton Hill Township, taking an active interest in pub- lic affairs. A representative of the best inter- ests of his community, Mr. McKee exercised a beneficent influence, and his family stili sustain the reputation for probity and uprightness of purpose established by him.

Mr. McKee was married in Springfield, Ill., October 18, 1856, Rev. Cooper officiating, to Miss Levina Snodgrass, a native of Sangamon Coun- ty, born October 16, 1838, a daughter of James and Nancy (Moon) Snodgrass. Her father, a native of Tennessee, was a captain In the War of 1812, and died in Sangamon County ; her mother, a native of Kentucky, also died in this county, both being buried in Zion Cem- etery. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McKee, five of whom are deceased, they being : Nancy, born September 28, 1857, mnar- ried Joseph DeLay of Sangamon County, and died June 9. 1879; James W., born August 8, 1859, dled May 10, 1887; Reuben, born October 18, 1861. died in 1868; Josiah, born May 10, 1863, dled in 1864; Moulton, born March 4, 1871, was killed by the kick of a horse in 1875. James W. was killed by lightning while on horseback on his way to a fishing expedition. The seven children who survive are: Charles, born March 21, 1865, married Winnifred Sabine. lives in Sangamon County, four children,-Mar- cia, Maggie, Lena and Grace; Jennie, born September 12, 1867, , married Thomas Hunt, three daughters,-Allie, Lottle and Edna; Noah, born November 19, 1862, is unmarried and re- sides with his mother, a further sketch of hls life being given elsewhere in this volume; Sallie, born September 14, 1875, married Samuel Shoup, two children .- Henry and Ruth; Daisy, born March 13, 1877, married Charles W. Jones of Christian County, five children,-Elta, James, Charles, Harry and Leroy (twins) ; and Leta Lorena, boru March 7, 1879, whose biography also appears elsewhere in this work-one daugh- ter, Bernice Helen ; George W., born May 7, 1881, married Lillian Burt, lives on the home farm, three children,-Ruth, Ethel and George Lemuel, and is written up at length elsewhere in this record. All of the surviving children are resi- dents of Sangamon County except Mrs. Jones. Mr. McKee died at his home January 13, 1908, and his remains were tenderly laid to rest in Zion Cemetery in Cotton Hill Township where repose the ashes of so many of Sangamon County's beloved dead.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

McKEE, Leta Lorena, is a daughter of the late James Lemuel McKee and his wife, Mrs. Levina ( Snodgrass) McKee, whose biographies appear elsewhere in this work.

Miss McKee was born ou the home farm, March 7, 1879, and grew up under a careful mother's supervision, being early taught house- keeping and sewing. She attended school at New City, Ill., and was also given good oppor- tunities for training the undoubted musical talent she possesses. Since her father's death, Miss McKee has been her mother's companiou, and the two are inseparably united. She has always taken a pride in her beautiful needle- work, while her fame as a cook extends be- yond the confines of her township. While culti- vating her mind, she has not forgotten to perfect herself in other ways, and is well trained iu practical affairs.

McKEE, Noah .- The younger generation of ag- riculturists in Sangamon County are proving the value of scientific farming. Under the management of some of the efficient young farmers of this part of the State, because of the advancement made in the adoption of mod- ern methods aud the use of improved machin- ery, farm lands have advanced to prices that would have been deemed impossible even a decade ago. One of those who have devoted their lives to the perfecting of their agricul- tural knowledge and the development of choice farms, is Noah McKee who belongs to the old and representative McKee family, than which there is no better within the confines of Illinois.

Noah McKee was born November 19, 1862, on the McKee home farm in Cotton Hill Township, a son of the late lamented James Lemuel Mc- Kee and his wife, Mrs. Levina (Snodgrass) McKee, whose lives are treated of elsewhere in this volume. Growing up amid healthy couu- try conditions, Mr. McKee attended the New City school, and carefully learned farming from the beginning. With the exception of a short time spent in Kansas, he has lived on the home- stead which he is now operating for his mother. To her he is a great comfort, and she rejoices in his companionship and that of Miss Leta McKee, her unmarried daughter. While not a member of any religious denomination, Mr. McKee recognizes the good accomplished by churches, and is very liberal in his views, only asking to be allowed to retain his own ideas. As an advocate of Democratic principles, Mr. Mc- Kee is active aud never neglects the opportunity to maintain his views and support measures which he believes to be for public advantage. Like his sister, he is very popular and, with her and his mother, enjoys a delightful home life.

MCKENZIE, Joseph (deceased) .- In all the pioneering that won Illinois to the Union, per- sonal. physical heroism combined with the de- sire for opportunity to acquire landed posses- sions, played a very large part. Among those

who helped in the early days to redeem our Commonwealth from the wilderness, is the late Joseph Mckenzie, for many years a resident of Sangamon County. He was born in Lancaster, Pa., near Little York, August 14, 1816, and as his parents died when he was very young, he never knew much about them. He had a broth- er and sister, but they with him have passed away.

When he was only seventeen years old, Mr. Mckenzie was brought to Sangamou County by a man named Crowl, who entered land from the government. Mr. Mckenzie remained with him for a time, then came to Springfield where he learned engineering, first working for the Woolen Mills, but after five years went with a leading flour mill, and then to Schuck & Baker, pro- prietors of a planing mill. Here Mr. Mckenzie remained as engineer until his retirement, in 1881. From then, until his death, which oc- curred April 4, 1901, he resided iu Springfield, and was an active man in spite of his eighty- five years. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church, but his wife and family early united with Grace Lutheran Church. In politics, he was a Republican.

On July 22, 1855, Mr. McKenzie was married in Springfield to Mary Jane Boggs, born in Bea- ver County, Penn., July 14, 1837. Her parents were both natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Sangamon County, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Mckenzie had three children, two of whom survive: George W. and Anrella McKen- zie, who keeps house for her mother. Mrs. McKen- zie owns her home at No. 2233 East Spruce street, as well as other valuable property in Springfield.

George W. Mckenzie, son of the above, is a contractor and builder of Springfield, who mar- ried Rose Moore of this city, and they have eight children : Clara, at home; Louis a cigar maker of Decatur; Charles of Springfield, mar- ried Miss Maggie Colhurn of Springfield, three children .- Charles. George and Margaret; May wife of Ollie Jackson, one son,-Harry; Flor- ence. Harry and George, Jr., at home. Mrs. George W. Mckenzie died July 20, 1908.

During the many years he lived in this city, Mr. Mckenzie held the esteem of his neighbors, and always did his duty as a Christian man and loyal citizen. Never striving for public notice he went his way, working hard, saving so as to provide for his family, giving generously to his church. Such men as he are always missed when death claims them, and their places are difficult to fill.

MCKINNEY, Hugh, a well-known citizen of Springfield, Ill., now living in retirement from business life, is highly regarded as a man of upright character and probity. He is a native of Hamilton, Scotland, born January 3, 1845, a son of Bernard and Mary (Casey) Mckinney, natives of Ireland, and the father a miner by occupation. The father went to Scotland from Ireland and engaged in mining in the vicinity

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of Hamilton, where he spent the remainder of his life. The mother also died there. They were parents of two daughters and four sons, of whom all save one are now living : Mrs. Mary Fleming, of Jackson, Mich. ; James and Francls, of Scotland; Mrs. Sarah MInndy, of Scotland ; John (deceased) and Hngh.

Mr. Mckinney received his education in his native place, and entered the mines there at the age of nine years, continuing in this occupation nntil coming to America. He landed at New York City, March 14, 1881, proceeded thence to Pottsville, Pa., and soon afterward went to Pan- handle in the same State. He resided success- ively at Corunna and Jackson, Mich., and after remaining for some time at the latter place. spent five years at Lucas, Iowa, where he was en- gaged in mining. Ile later moved to Mendota, Mo., and soon afterward came to Belleville, Ill., where he lived nntil 1891. He then came to Springfield, which has since been his home. He has held various positions and was for some- time mine examiner in various mines in the vicinity of Springfield, being connected with the Woodside Mine, Klondike, and others. He owns a comfortable home and several lots in the vi- cinlty of 1926 South Sixth Street, and has many friends in the neighborhood.

On October 6, 1873, Mr. Mckinney married Rose A. McGrath, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, born April 15, 1859, whose parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. This union took place in Hamilton, Scotland, and part of their children were born there. Their children were as follows: Albert, of Butte, Mont .; Hugh and John, of Springfield; Joseph (deceased) ; Francis, at home ; and James (deceased). There are three grandchildren in the family. Mr. Mckinney is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and belongs to the Church of the Im- maculate Conception Parish. In politics he is a Democrat and takes a commendable interest in public affairs. Mr. Kinney worked at min- Ing from childhood until recently and was con- nected with many different mines. He worked under varying conditions and learned the full details of management in various parts of the United States, becoming an expert In various lines. He won a reputation as mine examiner that was well earned and he was considered one of the ablest men in his line in Sangamon County. He has lived retired since 1910. He has always been greatly interested in the kind of work In which his entire active life was spent, and mnade a careful study of methods and con- ditions nnder his observation from early youth.

McLACHLAN, John, who has lived retired from active pursuits for the past eight years, is a use- fnl and well-known citizen of Springfield, Ill., and one of the few natives of Scotland who have come to the United States after having passed middle life. Mr. Mclachlan was born in Glasgow, Scotland. August 14, 1837, son of Jere- mlah and Mary (O'Neill) Mclachlan, the father born in Tobermory, Isle of Mull, off the western

coast of Scotland, and the latter a native of Arbo, Connty Tyrone, Ireland. The father was born in December, 1811, and the mother July 27, 1813, and he served In the war between China and Great Britain, after which he engaged in whale fishing. During his military service he was cook on a war vessel, and was a man of ability In many lines. He and his wife were married in Glasgow and there spent the re- mainder of their lives, he serving many years as Sheriff's officer.

The ancestors of John McLachlan were hon- est hard-working people. His grandfather, Will- lam McLachian, was a fisherman and lived at Tobermory, and the great-grandfather, also a fisherman, was a native of Scotland. The mna- ternal grandfather, Paul O'Neill, was a farmer in Ireland, where he Ilved to be one hundred and three years of age, and as far back as the family can be traced, its members were natives of Ireland.

The boyhood of John McLachlan was spent in his native place and he lived with his parents until eleven years of age, then left home and made his own way in the world. He sold matches and papers for four years and -during this time associated with the lowest class of people in the city, eating and sleeping wherever necessity required. He then worked eighteen months as messenger boy In a store, after which time hls employer procured for him a position as a cook's assistant on board the Irish boat "Thistle." which plled between Glasgow and Ireland. He afterwards worked a year and a half for a bottling concern and, when seventeen years of age, began working with a surveying party, going with them to the Province of Con- naught in Ireland. Returning to Glasgow, he signed for a position on the ship "Black Eagle," which sailed between Scotland and Melbourne, Australia, but his father prevented his going, and the ship was afterwards lost at sea with all on board. Mr. Mclachlan then engaged in mining in Scotland and since that time has spent his active life in that occupation.

In 1884 Mr. Mclachlan emigrated to the United States but returned the same year and worked at his trade. In 1902 he returned to America bringing his two sons with him, and later sent for hls two daughters; he has since made his permanent home in Springfield. He enjoys excellent health and has won many friends. Ile Is a member of the British-Amerl- can Society of Springfield, and in politics is a Republican. He belongs to St. Patrick's Catlio- lic Church.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 102

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774