Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 11

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 11

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Mrs. Best came alone to America in 1871 and two years later was married to Mr. Best. Three sons and five daughters have heen born to them and the family record is as follows: Otto H.,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

born June 1, 1880, is employed by the Spring- field Gas Company as an inspector ; Bernard H., born Jauuary 6, 1890, lives at home and is a clerk employed by the John W. Cobb's Drug Company ; William "was boru March 12, 1896, aud lives at home; Helena was born October 6, 1875 and is the wife of Peter A. Baker, pro- prietor of a grocery store iu Springfield; Chris- tine was born July 26, 1877, and is the wife of George Colberry, of Springfield; Anna K. was born September 5, 1884, and is cashier tor the firin of Graser & Reisch; Margaret J. was born December 29, 1SSS, lives at home and is em- ployed iu a large milliuery house; Miunie R. was born September 13, 1898, lives at home and is employed in the mercantile house of R. F. Herndon & Company. In politics Mr. Best is a Republican. With his family he belongs to the Lutheran Church, and is very active iu all its charitable and benevolent work.

BEST, Robert, an enterprising farmer and biack- smith living in Capital Township, Sangamon County, Iil., has been successful in various en- terprises. He is a typical English-American citizen of the better class, and is a man of un- usual intelligence and industry. Mr. Best was born In Yorkshire, May 30, 1859, son of Robert and Anna (Cooper) Best, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of England. Robert Best, Sr., was a veterinary surgeon and both he and his wife died In England. They were par- ents of nine children, of whom two sons and two daughters now live in England.

The education of Robert Best, Jr., was ac- quired in England, and after leaving school he worked on a farm. His father was an excellent judge of horses and the son has always taken an interest in these animals. He learned the blacksmith's trade and worked at it in England until 1888, when he sailed from Liverpool for New York, bringing with him eighteen head of fine horses. After remaining three months in the United States he returned to England with eighteen head of fine coach horses, representing the firm of Sterlicker Brothers, dealers in high- grade horses. Mr. Best carried on this business with gratifying success and profit for seventeen years, and (in 1901) returned to England and lived there eight years, then came again to Sangamon County, which has since been his home. He carries on hls farm and also con- ducts a blacksmith shop. He is a good work- man and has established a good trade. He has an excellent business reputation and has won many friends in the community.

Mr. Best was married in Springfield, in 1891, to Ida Williams, born at Masbro, near Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, in July, 1875. She was one of eleven children and both her parents spent their entire lives in England. Eight sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Best, all of whom survive : John, George, Walter, Joseph, Samuel, Rolla, Arthur, and an infant. Mr. Best is a member of the Episcopal Church and In politics is a Republican. He is a man of pleasant,

genial manuer, has an excellent education, Is a good conversationalist, and has a striking per- sonality. He is well known as a public-spirited citizen aud a man of reliability and integrity.

BETTINGHAUS, Henry .- As long as Spring- field's resideuces and schoolhouses staud as a mouument to his industry and skill, Henry Bet- tinghaus will be gratefully remembered by its people. He was for many years engaged in a general contracting and building business here, and his work is the best testimonial he can ever have. He was born in the Kingdom of Han- over, Germany, May 3, 1835, and there received a fair education. Leaving his native land when only seventeen, he came to America, and locat- ing in Toledo, Ohio, there learned the carpenter trade. After working at it in Toledo for seven years, in 1859 he came to Springfield, and this has been his home ever since. Until 1863 he merely worked at his trade, but in that year he began contracting, and eventually became one of the most extensive builders here. Many of the most substantial schoolhouses and hand- somest residences were put up by him. In 1906, feeling that he had done his full duty, Mr. Bettinghaus retired, and since then has been resting from his many years of arduous labors.

On September 7, 1859, Mr. Bettinghaus was united in marriage, in Springfield, with Loulsa Schnitker, born in Prussia, Germany, April 28, 1838, aud they have had the following children : George W., a general contractor; Anna, wife of Rev. George Moehring of Millington, Mich .; Elizabeth, at home; Catherine, wife of Rev. W. T. Vogel, of Dewey, Ill., pastor of the Ger- man Lutheran Church of that place; and six who are deceased. Mr. Bettinghaus is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church of Spring- field, with which he has been connected for half a century. He is an excellent example of the German-American. Industrious, thrifty and sociable, he has been a good business man and at the same time gathered about him a wide circle of warm, personal friends, whom he de- lights to entertain at his pleasant home. He and his wife are deservedly popular with their friends and neighbors, and are justly regarded as among the best people of the Capital City.

BEVERIDGE, James H. (Voi. I, p. 46.) BEVERIDGE, John L. (Vol. I, pp. 46-47.)

BEYER, Conrad, an enterprising German-Ameri- can citizen of Springfield, who has built up a good business on his own account, was born in Bavaria, November 26, 1868. He is a son of Michael and Katherine (Strackfuss) Beyer, the former of whom died when the son was a baby and the latter when he was ten years of age. Both were natives of Baden, where they died. Conrad Beyer was the youngest of seven chil- dren, three sons and four daughters. He has a brother and sister now living in Germany and one sister In America. He attended school in

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his uative country and came to America alone when seventeen years of age. He has since made his own way and has been successful through natural energy and good management. He was reared on a farm hut after coming to the United States took up various occupations. He lauded in New York and came direct to Springfield, where he had a sister and an annt. IIe worked five years in the watch factory and then en- gaged in business on his own account, conduct- ing a restaurant and small hotel.

Mr. Beyer has made many friends in Spring- field, which has been his home nearly thirty years, and has established a reputation for business honor and probity. He is liberal iu religious views and in politics votes for men and measures rather than for party. He is un- married. Mr. Beyer has never taken a very active part in public affairs and has never songht office.

BIESENTHAL, Charies A .- In the second gen- eration the German characteristics blend well with those of American origin, so that the off- spring of the Fatherland are among the most prosperous in the land. Proud indeed may a man be who can trace his ancestry back to a sturdy son of Germany who, coming here, de- veloped into one of the thrifty German-Amer- ican citizens of which the country has had such need in times gone by. If it had not been for them during the Civil War, the outcome might have heen entirely different. Charles A. Bie- senthal, of Capital Township, is of German parentage. Ile was born in New Berlin Town- ship, January 5, 1872, being a son of Freder- ick and Sophia (Kuhn) Biesenthal, the for- mer born April 14, 1846, and the latter born October 14, 1842, both being natives of Ger- many. In 1863 Frederick Biesenthal came to America, landing in New York, whence he came west to Wisconsin, but remaining there only a short time, he moved to Springfield. From there he enlisted in the service of the North and fought during the remainder of the war, participating in many hardly-contested batties. The parents of Charles A. Biesenthal were married in Springfield and had eight children, six of whom survive. While the father died October 14. 1896, the mother survives, making her home in Springfield.

Charles A. Biesenthal attended school in Curran Township and worked on his father's farm. Later he worked on a farm owned by his father, in New Berlin Township, and con- ducted it until the latter died. At this time he began farming for himself in Curran Town- ship, but in 1901 moved to Capital Township, where he now owns eighty-five acres of rich farm land. This he devotes to general farm- ing. and has succeeded in amassing a comfort- able property.

The marriage of Mr. Biesenthal occurred in Gardner Township, February 2. 1894, to Julia Kohl, born in Springfield, April 9, 1873. Ifer father was horn iu Germany but her mother

was a native of Springfield. Mr. Kohl came to America in 1863, settled on a farm in Sanga- mon county, and worked at the city water works for six years, after which he devoted himself exclusively to his farming, and is now thus engaged. He and his wife had two danghters and three sons, all of whom survive. The grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. John Kohl, also live at North Seventh Street, Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Biesenthal have had six children : Frieda, Carl, Sophia, Godfrey, William and Eari, all at home.

Mr. Biesenthal is a Democrat and has served very acceptably as School Director of the Sand Hill School. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, being highly regarded in that organization, as he is thronghont the county where he is so weli and favorably known.

BIESENTHAL, Fred (deceased) .- The profes- sion of farming, as now practiced by the intelli- gent and industrious agriculturist, is as differ- ent from the farming of several decades ago, as could be imagined. The day of the work- hardened, horny-handed farmer has past. In these days we see the agriculturist who uses scientific methods retire in time to spend the remaining years of his life in enjoyment of a well-earned competence. The late Fred Biesen- thal, for many years a resident of Sangamon County, belonged to the new order of farmers, and in addition had the distinction of being a self-made man. Born in 1844, in Germany, he was a son of Frederick and Sophia Biesenthal, uatives of the Fatherland.

Mr. Biesenthal's mother passed away in Germany when he was still a small lad, and he was but eighteen years old when he came to America to try to win his fortune. He had secured a public school education in his native country and on coming to Springfield, he secured a position with the Bunn Bank, with which he was associated until 1870. At this time, deciding that there was a hetter future for him in farming, he took up a tract of land in Sanga- mon County, and subsequently he purchased a farm near Curran, which he continued to oper- ate successfully. He died September 13, 1893. In 1895, the family came to Springfield, and Mrs. Biesenthal is now residing in a comfortable home at No. 100 West Edwards street. Mr. Biesenthal was a stanch Democrat all of his life, and he took a great interest in public mat- ters, especially those pertaining to education, serving as Director of the Sangamon County School Board for many years. He showed his public spirit in many ways and was always a leader in movements for the public welfare. His religious faith was that of the German Lutheran Church.

On February 15, 1867. Mr. Biesenthal was united in marriage with Sophie Kuhn, and to this union there were born eleven children, five of whom are now living, namely : William, born September 22, 1870. who is married and con- ducting a farm adjoining his mother's farm

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

near Curran; Charles, born November 11, 1868, who is married and eugaged in farming north of Springfield; Sophia, born January 11, 1880, married to Gus Siebert and residing in Spring- field; Louise, born February 2, 1875, died Janu- ary 8, 1912; Katherine, born December 29, 1882; and Wilhelmena, born February 25, 1885, the last two named living with their mother.

BIGLER, Cyrus Wineman .- Sangamon County has its full quota of manufacturers, financiers, professional and business men and statesmen, but particularly is it noted for the high stand- ard set by its agriculturists, who have done so much in the past few years towards making this county one of the garden spots of Illin- ois. The manufacturing, financial and indus- trial interests of any community are a source of great pride to its citizens, but it is to the farms that the country must eventually turn, and in the hands of the agriculturists lies the possibility of the country's prosperity or de- pression. Cyrus Wineman Bigler, who is en- gaged in farming and stockralsing on Section 21, Auburn Township, is one of Sangamon County's progressive and intelligent agricultur- ists. He was born in that township Jannary 25, 1868, a son of George and Virginia E. (Wine- man) Bigler.

George Bigler was born in Botetourt County, Va., in November, 1833, and came to Illinois in 1857, in poor circumstances. For a short time he rented and finally bouglit land east of Auburn, where Cyrus W. Bigler was born. For some time he continued to improve this property, but subsequently bought 280 acres on sections 21 and 22, on which a fairly good dwelling had been erected. Cyrus W. Bigler can still remember coming to this new farm, and can aiso remember his first day in school in the Fletcher school district. On February 9, 1909, Mr. George Bigler's wife was called to her reward, and shortly thereafter he retired from active affairs and moved to Springfield, where he Is now residing, enjoying the fruits of his years of labor. Mr. Bigler has always been a public-spirited citizen, giving freely of his time and means in any public cause, being a friend of education and for a number of years serving on the School Board. His politics have always been those of the Democratic party. Mr. Bigler was married in 1858 to Virginia E. Wineman and to them the following children were born: Edward A., a real estate agent of Amarillo, Tex .; Cyrus W .; two who died in infancy ; George R., who conducts the Bigler Poultry and Stock Food Company, of Spring- field. Mrs. Virginia E. Bigler was a daugliter of Philip Wineman, a large landholder in Sangamon County in an early day, who became owner of about 2,000 acres.

Cyrus Wineman Bigler was given a good edu- cational training in the district schools and at the age of seventeen years went to Illinois Wesleyan College, where he took a two years' conrse in the preparatory department and a

full four years' course in the regular depart- ments, graduating with the class of 1892. Re- turning home, he taught school for one year, then took up the duties of the farm, to which he has devoted himself ever since. In 1897 he re- moved to one of his father-in-law's farms in Talk- ington Township, but In 1902 took possession of his father's home farm on Section 21, and lie is now operating 275 acres, owned by him, his father and his brother Edward. Ile has been very successful in his farming operations, hav- ing one of the finest properties in the county, and In stockraising he has been no less suc- cessful, breeding Poland-China hogs, Shropshire sheep, Percheron horses, and mules, and devot- ing 120 acres of his land for feeding purposes.

On February 5, 1895, Mr. Bigler was mar- ried to Miss Minnie A. Workman, daughter of B. F. Workman, a prominent banker of Au- burn, and to them have been born children as follows: Mary Elvira, born August 21, 1896; Paul Workman, born February 9, 1899; Mildred, born August 31, 1901; Alice and Virginia, twins, born June 23, 1906. Mr. Bigler and his brother Edward married sisters, Minnie and Evelyn Workman, had a double wedding and for a number of years resided near each other. Edward has two children, Hayward Landon and Adella.

Mr. Bigler is socially connected with the Court of Honor aud the Loyal Americans, and both he and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its. work. He is a Democrat in politics, but during the past few years he has been liberal. voting for the man rather than the party. Enterpris- ing and energetic, he is one of his township's most useful citizens, while he is public-spirited to a large degree and always ready to do his full share in promoting and assisting movements for the betterment of his community.

BILYEU, Edward .- The farmer of today occu- pies a high position In his community, for upon him and his industry depend the prosperity of the nation. The time has gone by when only incompetent men went into farming, when everything else had failed, or kept at it because they did not know how to do anything eise. The farmer of today has to know his business thoroughly; he must understand the cultiva- tion of the soil, be a good judge of cattle, and be able to buy and sell intelligently. Such a inan succeeds and becomes rich from the pro- ducts of the soil. One of the best examples of the farmer of 1910 in Sangamon County, Is Edward Bilyeu, who was a candidate for Sheriff on the Democratic ticket, a man of wide inter- ests and rich holdings. He was born in Prairie- ton Township, Christian Connty, Ill., and is es- sentially an Illinois man. His birth occurred December 29, 1859, he being a son of Peter and Elizabeth P. (Workman) Bilyeu, the former born in Sangamon County, near Loami, and the latter in Overton County, Tenn. She died February 8, 1909. The family lived on a farm

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

in Christian County, where the children were reared to manhood and womanhood. Edward Bilyeu is the second in order of birth of the fonrteen children born to his parents, five of whom survive, three sons and two daughters.

Edward Bilyen attended the country schools of Christian County, which were held in log houses. He sat on iog benches, and whenever there were any floors they were made of pun- cheons. However, these children learned fast and thoroughiy, and retained the knowledge imparted in those primitive schools. Mr. Bil- yen was brought np to hard work. Before he hurried off to school he fed the cattie, and on his return the same chores awaited him. How- ever, he iearned farm work, and continued with his parents nntil November 10, 1881, when he engaged with Calvin Cioyd near Curran. It did not take him iong to accumulate some prop- erty, to which he has added from time to time until he now owns 600 acres of the richest kind of farming land in Curran Township. This land has been devoted to generai farming and stock raising and he is recognized as one of the best jndges of stock in Sangamon Connty. All of his operations have turned ont well and . he is one of the wealthy farmers of this part of the State. Having always been strong in the ranks of the Democratic party, he was the iogicai candidate for Sheriff and his personal following was so large that there was every prospect of his election. For fifteen years he has been a con- sistent member of the Christian Church. Fra- ternaiiy he belongs to the Odd Fellows, Mod- ern Woodmen and Red Men. Ever since join- ing the Moderu Woodmen, eighteen years ago, he has been an officer in his lodge and now is serving as secretary.

On April 20, 1884, Mr. Bilyen was married near Chatham, Ill., to Polly Workman. born March 31, 1870, daughter of John and Caroline Workman. Their children are as follows: Al- fred Ross, Richard, Joseph, Jay, Leah, Ben- jamin, Wiliie and Rosa. The iast named was accidentaily shot when eight years old. Mr. Biiyeu is a whoie-sonied; generons inan whose liberality to those less fortunate than himself has won him many warm supporters.

BILYEU, Peter .- Springfield, as the Capital City, attracts many of the men who have ceased their active labors, for there they find many ad- vantages not offered eisewhere. Not only is this trne of those already residents of Sanga- mon County, but many come from other iocai- ities and, locating in the city, add to its pros- perity and well-being. Among the honored re- tired farmers of that city is Peter Biiyeu, who for many years was an important factor in the agricultural life of Christian County. He was born in Sangamon County, May 13, 1832, a son of John H. and Elizabeth (Workman) Biiyeu, both natives of Kentucky, he born November 10, 1803, and she in November, 1810. The father was a farmer and blacksmith, who set- tled in Loami Township, Sangamon County,

early in its history, but when Peter Bilyeu was only a month oid, in June, 1832, he inoved to Missouri. However, he came back to Illinois, in 1838, and, in 1841, to Sangamon County. This remained his home until May 15, 1867, when he went to Christian Connty. During one term, he served as County Commissioner.

Peter Bilyeu looks back on the days spent in the primitive iog cabin school-house in Chris- tian Connty, as being among the happiest of his iife. The furnishings were plain, there were puncheon floors, siab seats, and none of the books of today, but the pupils worked hard and learned much. His childhood was passed on his father's farin, and he grew to manhood there, eventnally branching out for himself and secur- ing a farm, which he developed. He still owns 400 acres of rich farming iand in Christian Connty. On February 8, 1909, Mr. Bilyeu re- tired, coming to Springfield, which is now his home. While residing in Christian County he served as School Director, being elected on the Democratic ticket. His religious connections are with the Christian Church, which he joined in 1860.

On October 2, 1856, Mr. Biiyen was married to Elizabeth Workman, whose parents had moved to Christiau County in 1840 and made that connty their home until their deaths in ad- vanced years. Mrs. Bilyeu died, having had fourteen children, nine of whom are now de- ceased. During his iong and nsefni life Mr. Bilyen has made inany warm personai friends. He has aiways endeavored to do what he be- lieved his duty and is now enjoying the results of the exercise of his many virtues.

BIRD, Lewis Elmer .- The Methodist preachers bore au important part in the development of Illinois, as they did in other States. These pioneer ciergymen rode on horseback to visit their varions charges, never complaining at the rough life or scanty pay, giad to iabor for the Master. The name of Bird is associated with work of this class in Sangamon Connty, many tenderly remembering the preacher of that name who worked among them for their good. A grandson of his, Lewis Elmer Bird, is now one of the progressive and successful young farmers of Mechanicsburg Township. He was born in this township, January 19, 1876, being a son of Jacob Fulienwider and Anna Elizabeth (Hughes) Bird. Richard Bird, was born No- vember 19, 1804, and began preaching as a clergyman of the Methodist Church in 1827. re- inaining in Kentucky untii 1835, when he came to Sangamon Connty. He joined the Iilinois Conference, and was assigned to various charges. Naer the village of Mechanicsburg, he entered government land, the greater part of which was covered with timber. Hls death occurred in 1882. In 1832, he married Lucinda N. Fnilen- wider. The grandfather on the other side of the honse, Daniel Hughes, lived in Ohio for some years, then .came to Tilinois about 1850, settling in Adams County, near Quincy, where

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

he farmed until his death in 1891. His widow survived him until 1893.

Jacob Fullenwider Bird was born in Mechan- icsburg, while his wife was born in Butler County, Ohio, aud they were married in Payson, Adams County, Iil. Returning to Sangamon County, the young couple settled on the land his father had entered from the government. This land Mr. Bird devoted to general farming and stock raising. Adding to his property, Mr. Bird finally owued about 800 acres, a portion of which lay in Cooper Township. A stanch Republican, he became active in politics, serv- ing his township as Assessor and Supervisor. His death occurred November 18, 1904, his widow surviving and making her home with her son, Lewis. There were two children, Mr. Bird and Mary Frances, now Mrs. Lawrence Kennedy of Chicago.

With the exception of a year, from 1893 to 1894, which was spent in Mechanicsburg, Mr. Bird has lived on the home place ail his life. Since the death of his father, he has had con- trol of the large property left to his estate, but rents all of it except 250 acres, which he is now operating. This farm he devotes to corn and small grain. Mr. Bird was married September 12, 1906, to Nemmie Shumway, born in Taylor- ville, Ili., daughter of John N. C. and Liilie (Rothchild) Shumway, natives of Illinois and Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Bird, Dwight and Emily R. A. ( Round- tree) Shumway, were of Hillsboro, Iil. Dwight Shumway was a son of Perez and Sarah Rogers (Dwight) Shumway, he born in Massachusetts, Juiy 20. 1723. died Septemher, 1805, being a son of Asa, married in 1764 Eunice Bardwell. born in 1744, died in 1811. On the maternal side Mrs. Bird is the granddaughter of Lewis and Emma (Antbony) Rothchild, natives of Germany and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Bird have one son,-Shumway Jacob, born No- veinber 30, 1907.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 11

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