Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 110

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 110

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The Murray family is of Irish desceut, An- drew Murray, grandfather of the Judge, having come over from Ireland and settled iu Frank- lin County, Pa., and later removing to the vicin- ity of Dayton, Ohio, where he settled as a pioneer. David Murray was born in Franklin County, Pa., coming with his father to Ohio when a were boy, spending most of his life in Ohio, his father's vocatiou being that of a farmer and he was a minister of the German Baptist faith. He died at Phillipsburg, Ohio, in 1884. The mother of the Judge, passed away in 1854. Her parents had also come to Ohio from Penusylvania, both dyiug near Pleasant Hill, Miami County, Ohlo.

George W. Murray began his education in the public schools, later continuing his educa- tion iu the Daytou high school. He was reared on the home farm, and in 1859, when twenty years of age he began teaching school in Bond County, Ill., but iu 1860, returued to Dayton, where he taught school four years. There he became a law student in the office of General Moses B. Walker, a lawyer of great ability, un- der whose personal direction he was, and in March, 1871, he was admitted to the bar in Dayton, and at once began the practice of the law. In April. 1886. he was chosen to represent his ward in the City Council in the City of Dayton, where he served for three years, and was active in the procurement and building of

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the present water warks of Dayton. In 1887, he came to Sangamon Connty, and for two years practiced his professiou at Auburn. At the end of this time, he came to Springfield, and in 1882, he was elected to represeut Sangamon County in the State Legislature, his election as Connty Judge coming in 1890. At the end of his term he became a caudidate for re-election, Judge Charles P. Kane being his opponent, hut Judge Kane was elected, the entire Republican ticket being elected. However in 1898, fonr years later he again took his place on the bench, and in 1902, he was re-elected by a majority of 2,494 votes. Judge Murray has gained a wide reputation, as Judge Ben B. Lindsey, of Denver, Colo., has repeatedly referred to him as one of the most effective juvenile judges in the United States. He gaiued his reputation by absolute work in the Juvenile Court. The large oil painting, modeled hy him- self during his official career and painted by an eniinent artist, for the henefit of the chil- dren, showing "The Two Ways Of Life," a copy of which may be found in another part of this work, has attracted great attention all over the country. Judge Lindsey, of Denver pro- cnred from Judge Murray, a large size photo- graph of this chart, and has given Judge MInr- ray great credit on various occasions for his work in the Juvenile Courts.

Judge Murray, was a few years ago called to the State of Texas, aud there delivered a lecture before the Legislature of that State, on Juvenile Conrt work, aud aided much on that occasion in procuring the passage of the Juvenile Court Law then before the Legislature of that State, for which he afterwards received the thanks of the House of Representatives for his address on that occasion.

On October 2, 1860, Judge Murray was mar- ried at Dayton, Ohio, to Emma Niebert, daugh- ter of Jacob and Catherine (Coffman) Niebert, of Dayton, Ohio, horn in . Hagerstown, Md., and Rockingham Connty, Virginia, respectively. Six children have heen born to Judge and Mrs. Mur- ray, namely : William W., a member of the Springfield bar; Ida May, wife of Samnel J. Hanes, of Springfield ; Katie Lee, wife of Fred- erick Latimer, of San Francisco, Cal .; George Walter, recently married and residing in Chi- cago; Jacob Frederick, of Chicago; and Jennie, who died at the age of two years in Dayton, Ohio. Since December, 1910, Judge Murray has resumed the practice of the law, in Springfield, Iilinois.

MURRAY, John William, was born at Wood- send, Morgan Connty, Iil., August 31, 1866, and is a son of Patrick and Bridget (Dolton) Mur- ray. Both parents of Mr. Murray were born in County Tipperary, Ireland. The father came to America a boy of fourteen and after a short period in the city of Philadelphia, came to Jack- sonville, III., where he found employment with Jesse Henry, in feeding cattle. After his mar- riage he engaged in farming and in 1867 came

to Saugamon County. For two years he lived near Sanger, III., and then broke a section of land near Curran, Ill., and lived there some years, paying' a large amount of money out iu rent. He then purchased 204 acres situated one and one-half miles north of Curran, which he later increased to 284 acres, and resided there until 1890, when he was elected Sheriff of San- gamou County. This office Mr. Murray held for four years aud then returned to his farm which he had mainly turned over to his son's management. In 1909 he retired, and with his wife went to Springfield where they occupy a comfortable home at No. 304 Sonth State Street. Patrick Murray has always beeu a stauch Demo- crat. He is a member of the Owls and the heneficiary order of Royal Arcanumu. He was married at Jacksonville, Ill., and both he aud wife are members of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Springfield.

John William Murray was the secoud born in a family of thirteen childreu, four of whom are deceased. He attended the public schools of Curran. III., and those at Keily's Point, leaving' when eighteen years of age in order to assist his father iu his large agriculturai opera- tions. After a number of years of hard work he became manager for his father aud then went iuto the business of buying and selling stock and grain, dealing heavily for some years. When his father hecame Sheriff, he served as his deputy through the four years and in his official character became known and respected all over Sangamon County. Prior to entering into the mercantile business, Mr. Murray was concerned for some five years in the insurance business, since which he has been connected largely and successfully with the city's com- merciai life. He was reared in the Democratic party and exerts no little influence in its ranks in Sangamon Connty. Under the late ex-Presi- dent Cleveland. Mr. Murray served as a United States Deputy Marshal.

Mr. Murray was married in St. Agnes' Cath- olie Church at Springfield, III., on June 20, 1894, to Miss Mary O'Brieu. a daughter of Wil- liam and Anna O'Brien. The parents of Mrs. Murray were natives of Ireiand. The father is now deceased hut the mother survives and resides with a daughter, Mrs. George Reisch, at Springfield. They had six children, Mrs. Murray being the youngest of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have two children : Helen, who is a student in the Dominican Convent ; and Jolm W., who attends St. Agnes Parochial School. Mr. Murray and family are members of St. Agnes Catholic Church. He is identified, like his father, with the Owls and the Royal Arcanum.

MURRAY, Thomas James, a successful business man of Springfield, III., was horn at Atlanta, Logan County, Ill., December 1. 1858, son of James and Bridget (Brennan) Murray. James Murray was born in County Carlow, Ireland, August 15, 1818, and his wife was horn in

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY .

County Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1835. He was a blaster by occupation and came to the United States about 1854. He and his wife had six children. Thomas J. Murray received his edu- cation in the public schools of Springfield and afterward went to work in the rolling mills there. He worked seven years in the employ of the Illinois Watch Company, and then em- barked in business on his own account. He has been In this business for twenty years and has met with gratifying success, having a good trade.

Mr. Murray was married, in Decatur, Ill., October 4, 1894, to Miss Nora Cullen, daughter of John and Kate Cullen, who was born in De- catur, in March, 1871. Her parents were na- tives of County Waterford, Ireland. Mr. Mur- ray and his wife have no children. He is well known as an enterprising business man, of strict honesty and integrity, and has many warm friends. He is a devout member of the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics and was a member of the Board of Supervisors wheu the State Fair was located in Springfield. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He has spent all of his life in Springfield and has been a witness of many changes and improvements.

MYERS, Alvah O., Jr. (deceased) .- The capital city of auy State affords abuudant opportu- nities for those interested in the building trades, and many of that calling flock to these centers. One of the men who was connected with some of the best work in his line in Springfield for many years prior to his death, was the late Alvah O. Myers, Jr., a carpenter, builder and contractor. He was born in New York State, on February 20, 1809, a son of Alvab O. Myers, Sr., and his wife Martha (Fleming) Myers, natives of New York State, who spent their lives in their home State, where the father carried on a carpentering business.

During a boyhood spent in attending school and learning his father's trade, Alvah O. My- ers, Jr., developed an ambition to see some- thing of the world which lay outside his own State, and so after he had taught school for some time in Broom County, N. Y., he moved to Petersburg, Ill., where he opened and op- erated a butcher shop. At the expiration of seven years, he sold out this business, and re- sumed his trade as a carpenter in Spring- field in 1880. Here he built a comfortable residence at No. 729 South Fourteenth Street, where his widow now resides. During the years that followed his locatiou in Spring- field, Mr. Myers was associated with some illi- portant contracts and was noted for the qual- ity of his work as well as the conscientiousness with which he carried out his contracts.

During the Civil War he served for four years in Company F, Third Missouri Cavalry, receiving an honorable discharge at close of the war. During his later years, his services received recognition by the bestowal of a pen-

sion, which he enjoyed to his death, and which is now received by his widow.

The marriage of Mr. Myers occurred on May 30, 1872, in Broom County, N. Y., to Electa Lobdell, born in that county, November 25, 1845, a daughter of Jason and Mary Ann (Wat- terman) Lobdell. Both parents were also born in Broom County. Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents of two daughters and two sons: one daughter and one son are deceased; Lilly, married November 15, 1902, James H. Veachel, and they reside with her mother, having had three children-Catherine, Joseph and Edwin. Mrs. Myers has resided in her present home for thirty years, and it is associated in her memory with many pleasant events as well as sad ones, for in it died her beloved husband, on February 4, 1890. His funeral was largely attended by those who sought to honor the memory of a man they had known and loved in life. The services were conducted by the Methodist clergyman, for Mr. Myers had been a consistent member of that church for many years, and upon coming to Springfield had con- nected himself with that denomination. From the formation of the Republican party, Mr. Myers was an enthusiastic supporter of its candidates and principles.

Being a man of quiet habits, devoted to his home and family, Mr. Myers never figured in public life. He had no desire to come before the public for office, but could always be counted upon to lend his support to all meas- ures* which he deemed would work out to the betterment of mankind. Earnest in his church work, he carried his religion into everyday life, and while he endeared men to him, made few If any enemies. His was a lovable character, and even after the lapse of twenty years, he is deeply mourned by the faithful partner of his life, who knew and appreciated him as no one else. Mrs. Myers is one of the truly good women of Springfield, devoting much of her attention to church work, charitably inclined, although but few know of her kindly deeds, for she is too modest to talk of them. She has many friends in her circle and church, and her daughter and three grandchildren are deeply attached to her.

MYERS, Harry L. of Springfield, Ill., is a native of Penusylvania, born in Fraukliu County, No- vember 6, 1866, son of Peter and Susan (Teech) Myers, both born in Pennsylvania, be In 1822 and she in 1836. The parents spent their en- tire lives in Pennsylvania and for forty-five years lived near the Mason and Dixon line. The father spent eleven years working for a man named Fred Angle, for one hundred dol- lars per year, then purchased a farm of his owu, which he occupied until his deatb. Three of his sons served throughout the Civil War, namely : Matthias, a bugler; and Pbilip and William, privates.

Tbe childhood of Harry L. Myers was passed on his father's farm, where he lived until seven-

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teen years of age, being educated in tbe publlc schools of the locality. February 27, 1882, he reached Illinois, landing at Maryland Station at two o'clock A. M. He nearly froze before daylight, then started to walk to his brother's farm, one mile away from the station. The snow was deep and drifted and so hard on top that he was able to walk over the tops of the fences. Mr. Myers remained with his brother until the first of March, then began working on a farm for Mort Headrick, who lived near Polo, Ill., receiving twenty dollars a month for the season. He had previously worked a short time picking corn, at two dollars per day. In the fall of 1883 Mr. Myers became employed as clerk in a hotel at Forreston, Ill., remaining there one year, then worked five years for Peter Knoddle, who owned a bus and dray line at Mount Morris, Ill., also carrying mail and ex- press.

In 1887 Mr. Myers began learning the trade of blacksmith, which he followed fifteen years, then about 1905 retired from this vocation. He traveled one year through Wisconsin for a hard- ware firm, then for eighteen months worked for the Lund Land Company, of Chicago. Sep- tember 28, 1906, Mr. Myers became a resident of Springfield, where he has since made his home. After clerking one year for the clothing firm of Menter & Rosinbloom, he became agent for the Prudential Insurance Company, holding this position one year and then being promoted to the position of Assistant Superintendent, which he also filled one year. He then began work as solicitor for historical publications, and has since continued in this line of work.

Mr. Myers Is a man of pleasing personality and has many friends. He is a Republican in politics and fraternally is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, to which he has belonged eighteen years. In religious views he is a Dunkard. He is a good business man and has had experience in many lines of work. He resides in Springfield.

Mr. Myers was married, October 1, 1894, at Franklin Grove, Lee County, Ill., to Nellle May Cover, who was born April 12, 1873, daughter of Aaron E, and Elizabeth Cover, the former born in Connecticut, January 1, 1800, and the latter born in Vermont, in 1834. Mr. Cover taught school In a small log building in Baltimore, Md., when a young man. He was a drummer boy in the War of 1812, at the age of twelve years. Mrs. Myers had slx brothers who served through the Civil War, as well as three brothers-in-law. She also had two brothers who served throughout the Spanish-American War. Mr. Cover died In 1894 and his wife in 1875. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. Myers and his wife: Naoml, born June 21, 1895; Inez, November 21, 1898; Charles H., June 24. 1907.

NAPIERSKI, August .- Emigration from Ger- many continues. fortunately for this country, for have we always had need of the sober, Indus-

trious, thrifty sons of the Fatherland, who make such desirable citizens wherever fate takes them. One of these prosperous and desirable German- Americans of Springfield, belonging to the younger generation, is August Napierskl, born in Germany, August 24, 1879, a son of Michael and Regina (Zeigmand) Napierski, both born in Germany, he in 1830 and she in 1837. The fa- ther was a blacksmith, who followed his trade in his native land, never leaving it, but dylng there In 1894. His widow survived him nntll 1905. They had the following children: Wil- helmina, Louisa, Adam, Gotlieb, Henrietta, Caroline, Charlotte, William, Michael and Au- gust.

Angust Napierski was brought up in Ger- many, where he was educated and tanght black- smithing. When he was twenty-five years old, on April 22, 1905, he came to Dawson, Ill., and on March 15, 1907, located in Springfield, buy- ing his present home at No. 1031 Wheeler Ave- nue and an additional lot adjoining, which he has developed Into a beautiful residence.

Prior to leaving Germany he was marrled, by the German Lutheran service, on August 26, 1904, to Louisa Dudda, born in Germany, Sep- tember 10, 1882, daughter of Gustave and Hen- rietta (Dill) Dudda, natives of Germany. They had children: Gustave, Mrs. Naplerski and August. Mr. and Mrs. Napierski have had the following children: Gustave, born August 26, 1905; August William, born June 19, 1907; Hendrick Frederick, born August 5, 1909. Mr. Naplerski is a consistent member of the Luth- eran Church, as is his wife. In politics he is a Republican, but he has not put himself before the public for office.

NEAL, Charles Newton, D. D. S .- The learned professions are represented by men of in- telligence, who have had long tralning In the direction of their chosen work. The profes- slonal man of today must of necessity be ex- perienced before he commences practice, and In this way the safety and comfort of the peo- ple at large Is assured. One of the leading exponents of the dental profession in Spring- field, Is Dr. Charles Newton Neal, born August 20, 1875, at Chatham, Ill. He is a son of John Ross Sr. and Anna Virginia (Squire) Neal. In 1870 the father came to Springfield, from Car- Ilsle. Ky., and twenty years ago became cloth- Ing salesman for the E. & W. Clothing Store of this city, which position he still holds, having proven his worth and rellabillty by years of falthful service. The grandparents were prom- inent in Kentucky, and New Jersey.

Dr. Neal attended the public schools of Springfield, and then, having declded upon den- tistry as his life-work, entered a university, where he took up its study, being graduated in the Class of 1904. He entered upon active prac- tice, May 14, of the same year. He Is a skill- ful dentist and his work Is his best recommen- dation. He understands every branch of his

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profession, and his increasing practice shows that his ability is appreciated by his patients.

In political views Dr. Neal generally espouses the Democratic platform. He is Dental Sur- geon for the Illinois National Guard, and be- longs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Maccabees and the Red Men. His religious home is in the Christian Church, where he has many warm friends, and is one of the most popular of its young men members.

NEALE, Thomas M. (Vol. I, p. 394.)

NEEF, Frank, a merchant of Springfield, Ill., is a typical German-American citizen and has made his own way in the world from early youth. He was born at Trels on the Moselle, Germany, September 5, 1856, a son of Hubert and Catherine (Traben) Neef, natives of that country. His father was a laborer and the youth was early taught lessons of self-rellance and industry. He was educated in Germany and reared In the Catholle falth. He came to America, arriving at Chicago, Ill., October 8, 1871, and located In Springfield on the 13th of the same month. After working In varlous Ilnes he established himself in business In Springfield and is now located on North Fifth Street, where he has bullt up a good busi- ness. He stands well In varlous circles and is well known in the city. He has been a Democrat for many years and is much interested in the welfare of hls party and In local im- provements and progress.

Mr. Neef is a trustee of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, of which he is a devout mem- ber, and is affiliated with several socletles. He joined St. Vincent's Unterstuetzungs-verein in June, 1874; St. Peter's Court, Cathoiic Order of Foresters, In March, 1895; Springfield Schutzen- verein In 1895; Springfield Nest, No. 1191, Order of Owls, in January, 1910, and Lincoln Lodge No. 3, Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, In 1881. He has been success- ful to a gratifying degree and owns a pleasant home at No. 530 South Glenwood Avenue.

Mr. Neef was married at SS. Peter and Paul Church, Springfield, October 30, 1883, to Miss Katie Spies, who was born In the city Septem- ber 15, 1861, daughter of Gustav and Catherine (Bauman) Spies, and the following children have blessed this unlon: Emma K., born October 16, 1884; William C., December 19, 1887; Philip J., March 7, 1890; Julla M., July 1, 1893.

NEEF, Frank W .- It is easy to identify a man of energy and enterprise from one who Is con- tent to remain in obscurity, by simply watching the course of thelr business careers. The in- dustrlous man will grow and develop, his es- tablishment will enlarge and enter better quar- ters, and his business will branch out and em- brace other lines. Such has been the career of Frank W. Neef, of 207 North Eleventh Street, Springfield, the progressive son of a progressive father. He was born August 29, 1881, on Wash-

ington Street, Springfield, and Is a son of Mat- thew J. aud Sophia ( Heitle) Neef.

Matthew J. Neef was born in Germany in 1852, a son of John and Lizzie Neef, who came to the United States In 1871 with Matthew J. and Mary, the only surviving children of their family of six. They traveled from Bremen to New York, and went immediately to Chicago, where they remained but a short time, owing to the great fire of that year. Both died in Spring- field. Matthew J. Neef attended school in Ger- many until fourteen years of age, and after com- Ing to Springfield followed farming for two years, then started a business on Washington Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Five years later he removed to Fifth Street, between Washington and Jefferson streets, and after five years at that stand came to his present lo- cation, No. 1157 North First Street, at the cor- ner of Grand Avenue, where he bought a sub- stantial two-story brick building, and there has since continued in business. He is a member of SS. Peter and Paul Church, and is a stanch Democrat in politics. He was married in Springfield, in 1880, to Miss Sophia Heidler, daughter of Joseph Heidler, and to this union there were born four children : Frank W. ; John, at home; Joseph, who died at the age of twenty- one years ; and Frances.

Frank W. Neef first attended the SS. Peter and Paul German school and later went to the Trapp school and the high school for two years, finishing the latter at the age of seventeen years, . and then assisting his father in business for one and one-half years. For nine years he was engaged in the grocery and meat business, and later conducted a business at Eleventh and Ma- son Streets, but eventualiy sold out to re-enter the grocery business at Eleventh and Madison Streets. Finding that his business warranted removal to larger quarters, he erected his pres- ent place at No. 207 North Eleventh Street, where he has since carried on a flourishing business, carrying a full line of fancy and staple grocerles and fresh and salted meats. Mr. Neef's success has been due not only to his shrewd business nature and progressive ideas, but to his fair deallng with his customers, hls own personal popularity, and hls prompt de- livery of orders. His patrons include some of the best people in Springfield. Like his father, Mr. Neef is a Democrat in politics and a mem- ber of the SS. Peter and Paul's Church. Fra- ternally he holds membership with the Owls, St. Vincent's Society and the butchers' and grocers' organizatlons.

NEER, Catherine, widow of Samuel Neer, has been a resident of Springfield the past twenty- two years. She was born at Athens, Menard County, Ill., January 23, 1859, daughter of James and Catherine (Claypool) Hall, the lat- ter a native of Pittsburg, Pa. James Hall was a brick mason and contractor at Athens, and a very prominent citizen. He was successful In business and well known in the community

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where he lived. His danghter spent her child- hood in Athens and there received her educa- tion. Her parents both died at Athens, after which she moved to Oldenburg, Ill., where she remained nntil her removal to Springfield. Her brothers, Henry and Charles Hall, served in the Civil War, and her brother-in-law, William England, was killed while a soldler in that struggle.

Catherine Hall was marrled, at Carthage, Ill., the ceremony taking place In the Christian Church there, to Samuel Neer. One child was born of . this marriage, Kitty Marle, who lives with her mother, on East Washington Street, Springfield. Mr. Neer was a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and was a Republican in politics. Mrs. Neer and her daughter are members of the Christian Church at Fifth and Jackson Streets, Springfield.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 110

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