Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 112

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 112

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seven acres of fine land, and here he breeds Hambletonian horses, Poiand-China hogs and Jersey cattie, and ships his butter to Spring- field.

Mr. Nevius has beeu promineut in Demo- cratle politics in this section for some time, having served as Couuty Central Committee- man for four years and as Constable of Loami Township for two years. He is also well known socially, being a charter member and having gone through all the chairs of Loaml Lodge No. 901, I. O. O. F., also having been a representative to the Grand Lodge of the State. Enterprising and progressive, he is looked up- on as one of his township's representative men, and his friends and acqualntances throughont this section are legion.

NEWELL, Claude P .- The career of a seif- made man is interesting to follow, as it shows what may be accomplished by those who have the industry, perseverance and determination to succeed. It also serves as a good example to the youths of the community who are just en- tering the field of business. Ciaude P. Newell, who deals in groceries, hardware and feed, at No. 619-621 East North Grand Avenue, has built himself up a flourishing business in Springfield. He was born at Moberly, Randolph County, Mo., Aprii 5, 1873.

Mr. Newell's great-great-grandfather emigrated from England at an early day and settled in New York State, whence he iater removed to Snsquehanna, Pa. Stephen Newell, the grand- father of Claude P., was a native of the latter state, where he spent his life engaged in the grocery business. He married a Miss Wilcox, and among their children was Charles C., the father of Claude P., now a fruit grower of Sa- lem, Mo.

Claude P. Neweil was five years old when taken by his parents to Lonisiana, Mo., and he attended McCune Coliege and the public schools, spending his vacations in clerking in a grocery store. When twenty-two years of age he went to Saiem, Mo., to assist his father in conducting his fruit farm, and there continned until 1899, when he came to Sangamon County, to engage in farming. After four years spent in agricult- ural pursuits, he went to the town of Auburn, where, with J. W. Wineman, he established the grocery firm of Wineman & Newell, which they conducted there one year, and then came to Springfield, iocating in business at Mr. Newell's present location. On November 1st of the same year Mr. Neweli sold his interest in the store at Auburn to his partner, bought hls partner's interest in the store in Springfield, which he has continned to operate to the present time. "Neweli, the Grocer," as he is familiarly known, has a large and iucrative patronage, due to the excellence of his goods, his promptness in deiiv- ering all orders, and his personal popularity.

On February 5, 1902, Mr. Newell was married in Auburn, Ill., to Miss Virginia Hill, of that city, daughter of the late William R. Hill, an

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carly settler of Sangamon County. Three chil- dren have been boru to this nnion: Virginia Ruth, born June 8, 1903; Mildred Isolde, born September 30, 1904; and Helen Jane, børn Au- gust 14, 1908. Mr. Newell was reared in the falth of the Baptist Church. He is. a stanch Republican in political views, and fraternally is connected with the Odd Fellows.

NEWTON, John B., an honored veteran of the Civil War, now. living retired at his pleasant home, at No. 123 South Glenwood Avenue, Springfield, Ill., is a uative of Eric County, Pa., born February 3, 1834, a son of Elijah and Melinda Newton, both natives of Pennsyl- vania. The father, who was a farmer, served in the War of 1812. The family moved to Michigan in 1854, and there the father died in 1866, and the mother in 1855. One son, Henry C., was killed in Kentucky in 1863, while a soldier in the Civil War.

The education of John B. Newton was ac- quired in a log school honse in the country, and upon leaving schooi he followed farming four years and then went to Kansas and took up a claim there. He joined John Brown's Com- pany and fought against the Missouri raiders. President Buchanan sent troops to the terri- tory to protect the settlers. Mr. Newton re- turned to Michigan iu 1856 and soon after moved to Logan County, Ill., where he resided until 1907, then located in his present home in Elkhart. In 1903 Mr. Newton made a trip to Los Angeles, Cal., and from that city traveled along the coast to Portland, Ore., returning to Illinois the same year.

Mr. Newton enlisted in Company E, Seventh Illinois Regiment, and after spending a short time in camp at Springfield, went to Alton, Ill., thence to Fort Hope and from there was ordered to the front. They went up the Ohio River, took Fort Henry, and went on to Pittsburg Landing. Mr. Newton was wounded in the Battle of Shiloh and was sent home, but returned at the end of thirty days to his com- pany. He served as First and Second Lien- tenant under Captain Roberts, of Company K. The latter was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh and during the six months he was held, Mr. Newton was acting Captain. Mr. Newton was wounded the second time, October 5, 1862, at the battle of Hatchie River, where he lost one of his lower limbs. His record speaks for itself and he proved himself to have been a zealons soldier. He is a member of Leo Myer Post No. 182, G. A. R., aud his wife is a mem- ber of John R. Tanner Circle No. 54, Ladies of the G. A. R.

Mr. Newton is a strong Republican and has always been active in the interests of his par- ty. He served as Police Magistrate of Elk- hart, Ill., in 1868, and two terms as member of the City Council. He is a member of the Baptist Church of Springfield, a man of pleas- ing personality and has many friends. He owns a two-story brick house in Elkhart, Ill.,

and has been successful in his business enter- prises.

Mr. Newton was married, in Lincoln, Ill., November 1, 1861, to Miss Mary V. Bishop, daughter of Harrison and Agnes Bishop, the father born January 15, 1812, and the mother December 20, 1814. Mr. Bishop and his wife were both natives of Virginia and came to San- gamon County among the early settlers, spend- ing the remainder of their lives there. He died in November, 1862, and the mother, Jan- uary 4, 1858, and both are buried in Fancy Creek Cemetery. Five children were born to Mr. Newton and his wife, namely: Nelile E., born April 12, 1867, married John R. Foilis, a clerk in a dry-goods store at Elkhart, Ill., and they have two children-J. Denner, born May 26, 1898, and Mary G., born April 1, 1907; Harry E., born Angnst 7, 1872, employed as Assistant Dispatcher in the post-office at Springfield; Francis, born April 26, 1878, liv- ing in Lincoln, Ill., and Deputy County Cierk.

NICOLAY, John George. (Vol. I, p. 399.)

NICOLL, Byron William, one of the highly es- teemed veterans of the Civil War, living re- tired from active life, in the pleasant home in Springfield, Ill., which he owns at 921 South Fourteenth Street, was born in Granville, Ohio, Jannary 19, 1840, a son of Robert L. and Clara (Brown) Nicoll, both natives of Underhill, Chittenden County, Vt., the former born in 1808 and the latter in 1818. Robert L. Nicoll was a stone cutter and carver, and came with his parents to Ohio in early days. His father was kllied in the war of 1812. Robert L. came to Illinois in June, 1854, locating first in Cumber- land County. Later he moved to Mattoon, Coles County, where he died in 18SS. He and his wife had three children, one daughter and two sons.

The education of Byron W. Nicoll was ac- quired in the country schools of Licking County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm, and npon leaving school helped in the work of carrying on the farm. He came with itis par- ents to Cumberland County, Til., in 1854, and since 1892 has beeu a resident of Sangamon Connty. He had a very long record as a sol- dier of the Civil War and underwent many hardships and dangers, having many narrow escapes from capture and taking part in many hard-fought campaigns. He enlisted, August 2, 1861, In Company E, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Infantry, under Captain J. M. True, and served four years and seven months with this com- pany, enlisting at Mattoon, Coles County, and being mustered out in Victoria, Tex., in March, 1866. Among the battles in which he partici- pated were those of Knob Gap, Perryville (Ky.), Fredericktown (Mo.), Stone River, Lib- erty Gap. Chattanooga, Chickamauga, the At- lanta Campaign from Rossville to Jonesboro, Franklin (Tenn.), and Nashville. He proved his bravery and reliability and is reasonably

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proud of his record. He Is a prominent mem- ber of Mendal Post G. A. R. Though Mr. Nic- oll is a member of no religious denomination he endeavors to shape his actions in conform- ity with the Golden Rule, and has malice in his heart toward none, treating all mankind as brothers. He is a general favorite with his acquaintances, who enjoy his soclety and whose friendship and good-will he fully appreciates. In political affairs he is a Democrat.

Mr. Nicoll was married, December 4, 1873, at Vandalia, Ill., to Harriet A. Maxwell, born in Ohio, August 28, 1857, and one of the thir- teen children born to James and Elizabeth Maxwell, the former born in Philadelphia, Pa., and the latter in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Mrs. Maxwell's youngest brother participated in the Civil War. Mr. Nicoll aud his wife have no children.

NIESEN, William (deceased) .- Springfield owes much to the sturdy, reliable Germans who lo- cated here and gave forth of their best to make the city what it is today. One of those who did his duty as a man and good citizen, but no longer is here to enjoy the benefits of what he helped to accomplish, is the late William Nie- sen, a tallor by trade, who made Springfield his home from 1871. He was born on the historic Rhine in Germany, Angust 6, 1848, being a son of Jacob and Agnes Niesen. Like many Ger- mans, Jacob Niesen was a soldier, but when his term of service expired, he brought his fam- ily to America, this being abont 1864 or 1865. Settling in Cleveland, Ohio, the father worked at his trade of tailoring, and there he and his wife both died. Their children were: Henry, Arnold, William and Odell.

William Niesen received bnt few educational advantages but he was taught the tailoring trade, working at it in Germany, and with his father. after the family migration to this conntry. On July 6, 1871, he was married in Cleveland, to Marie Killian, and came to Springfield the same year. Here he fonnd plenty of work at his trade, and worked at it until his death, April 9, 1900. He was a well-known, capable man, whose word could always be de- pended upon. A Republican in politics, he supported the candidates of his party, while not seeking office for himself. He had been a member of the I. O. O. F. sixteen years. In March, 1890, he bought the family residence at No. 718 Sonth State Street, where his widow now lives. She was born In West Prussia. Jan- uary 6, 1851, but came to the United States when only eighteen months old. She is a daugh- ter of Karl and Angusta (Dann) Killlan, both of whom died in Germany.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Niesen were: Jacob of Springfield, where William also resides ; Agnes at home; Mary, Mrs. Louis Myerhoff of Springfield ; Catherine, Mrs. Charles Springer of Springfield ; Henry is also at home; Odell and Frank, at home. There are four grandchildren in the family. The family are

well known in the city, and retain the respect which attaches to the name kept untarnished by the husband and father who was called away from those he loved.

NISIUS, Peter .- Springfield is the home of many business firms and honses which put out a high class of work. The men controlling them are experienced and well trained, and are able to meet any demand made upon them along thelr special lines. A thrifty business man of the Capital City, who has worked up from a small beginning to his present comfortable circum- stances, is Peter Nisins. His birth took place in Germany, December 17, 1848. There he grew to manhood, receiving a meagre educa- tional tralning. In 1881, believing that in this country he could make better progress, he came to the United States, landing in Baltimore. From that city he came direct to Springfield, where he found immediate employment with the Illinois Watch Company, remaining with them for one year. He was industrious aud thrifty, and seeing an opportunity for engaging In busi- ness for himself, he left the factory and estab- lished himself at No. 410 East Adams Street. There he continned nntil 1902, when he re- moved to No. 404 East Adams Street, where he conducts a regular locksmith and grinding busi- ness. He does razor concaving, sharpens scis- sors, and lawn mowers, files saws, makes keys of all kinds, repairs and covers umbrellas, and does a general repairing business. From the beginning he turned out nothing but good work, and this was the best kind of advertisement. It bronght him new customers, and retained his old ones, and he now has a thriving trade. Thrifty and industrious, Mr. Nisius has been able to forge ahead, and demonstrates that a man can accomplish much if he is willing to devote himself closely to his task.

NOBLE, Theodore, a notable example of a self- made man, is a successful farmer of Cart- wright Township, Sangamon County. He was born on Rushville, Schuyler Connty, III., No- vember 29, 1854, a son of William L. and Louisa (Johnson) Noble, the former born near Lonisville, Ky., and the mother's parents being born in England. The parents of Willlam L. Noble brought him to Schuyler County in boy- hood and there he reached maturity. They were among the early settlers of the county and the young man learned the trade of cooper. He sold his early product to a packing house at Rushville and was one of the leading citi- zens of that village. He was a man of public spirit, was a Whlg in early life, later helping In the organization of the Republican party. He was elected to various offices of public trust, and served as a Justice of the Peace and Col- lector for some time. For fifteen years he was City Marshal and Street Supervisor and dur- ing the war was appointed by President Lincoln to the office of Deputy Marshal of his district. He was never known to shirk a duty or be-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

tray a trust, aud was called into many dauger- ous places in arrestiug deserters and traitors to the Goverumeut. In his capacity of Deputy Provost Marshal he became kuowu throughout his district a fearless upholder of justice.

To William L. Noble and wife children were boru as follows: John W., a farmer aud mer- chant of Richland, Ill .; Theodore, of this sketch; Josina M., wife of J. W. Lawler, of Rushville; Simon died in infancy. The mother of these children died when Theodore Noble was about eight years old aud, in 1862, his father married Susan Goodwin, by which union he had two daughters and three sons: Mollie, wife of William Frazelle, of St. Louis; Roland, of Rushville; Thomas, a traveling salesman whose home Is In St. Louis; Nellie, wife of George Batemau, of Joppa, Ill .; James, the first-born, died in infancy, and William was killed while working ou a railroad, uear Peo- ria. The mother of these children died about 1902.

William L. Noble still calls Rushville his home, but spends much time visiting his chll- dren in Sangamou County, and other places. Although born In 1826 he holds his own well and has always taken an active interest in lo- cal affairs. He is a Republican and during the war was one of the true patriots of Schuyler County. He has long been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Rush- ville, and during the war belonged to the Uuion League and to the promoters of the Under- ground Rallroad.

Theodore Noble was educated in Rushville schools, and after leavlug school began work- ing at farming by the month. Being a young man of industry and perseverance, he was able to save money and make a start In life for himself. He remained near his home until he was about eighteen years of age, and in 1872 came to Sangamon County, though at that time his cash capital was but seventy-five cents. For eight years he worked for others and, as a result of close economy, had become able to marry. He was united with Miss Amelia R. Croney, about 1883. She was born in Cart- wright Township, where she has always lived, a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Rose) Croney, both natives of Germany, who settled on Lick Creek, Sangamon County, but both are now deceased. After marriage Mr. Noble rented land and began farming on his own ac- count, thus beginning the career in which he has been so successful. In 1886 he purchased eighty acres of land on Section 16, Cartwright Township, which was in a raw condition, soon after purchasing a small frame house which he moved on to his place. He improved hls farm, set out shade and ornamental trees and shrubs, tiled part of the land, and brought it into a high state of cultivation and it is now one of the most productive farms iu the county. About 1901 the old house was re- moved and a handsome two-story seven-room dwelling erected on its site. Mr .. Noble has

beeu successful as a farmer aud stockmau and raises a high grade of stock. His wife is an enthusiastic raiser of chickens, and has high grade White Orpingtous that are pure bred and fine fowls. For many years she has raised Partridge Cochin chickens, and has about 300 of this kind. She has reaped success in her en- deavors iu this directiou and takes great in- terest in the work.

Four daughters and one son have been born to Mr. Nobie aud wife, namely: Maude, at home; Mary, wife of Hiram Parkes, a farmer of Cartwright Township, Theodore Clyde, who assists his father with the farm work; Ger- trude Lane, at home; and Fannie Bell, at home. Each child has been given a good common school education, aud the son took a three-year course in a business college at Springfield.

For the past four years Mr. Noble has op- erated 360 acres of laud in addition to the eighty acres which he owns, and is regarded as a practical and capable farmer. By dint of good mauagemeut aud uutiring industry he has reached a point iu life where it would be pos- sible at any time for him to retire. Like his honored father, he has always supported the principles of the Republicau party. He has held various towuship offices of honor and trust in which he has given excellent service, and fraternally is a member if the Modern Woodmen of Americau, Camp No. 139. His wife is a member of the Court of Honor, and she and three other members of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pleasaut Plans. During the thirty-uine years of his residence iu Sangamon Couuty Mr. Noble has witnessed many changes there, aud has done his full share in promoting the gen- eral progress of events.

The parents of Mrs. Noble, Heury Croney and wife, were nelghbors in their native land aud both came to America in youth. They were married in New York City and not long afterward settled on Lick Creek, Sangamon County, but in 1865 he purchased a farm on Section 16 of Cartwright Towuship. He first purchased eighty acres of land and later added another eighty to it, and at the time of his death was considered one of the well-to-do citizens of his township. He lived there until after the death of his wife in 1883, and then removed to Springfield, where he died about 1892. Five of their children reached maturity. Four of these are: Lucy, wife of Edward Lynder, of Callfornia; Caroline, wife of Char- les Purcell, of Paola, Kan .; Frank, of Des Molnes, Iowa; Mrs. Noble.

NOEL, John (deceased), who for many years carried on his farm In Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County, was well kuown as an up- right citizen, a kind friend and neighbor and an industrious farmer. He was an active mem- ber of the Christian Church and ready to ad- vance the interests of every movement for the public benefit. In politics he was a Republican

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and in 1860 voted for Mr. Lincoln for the presidency. Mr. Noel was born in Cass Coun- ty, Ky., in 1826, a son of Moses and Jane (Hurst) Noel, both natives of Kentucky, and the former a farmer. The parents became early settlers of Clear Lake . Towuship, where they lived several years on a farm, then returned to Kentucky, where the father died, the mother dying in Saugamon County. They were par- ents of oue son and one daughter, both of whom are now deceased.

The subject of this sketch received a meager education in his native State and early began working on the farm for his father. He was ten years of age at the time the family came to Iiiinois, and remained with his parents un- til his father returned to Kentucky, after which he continued farming in Clear Lake Township the remainder of his life. The fa- mily removed to Mechanicsburg after his death and there his widow still resides.

The marriage of Mr. Noel occurred in Clear Lake Township, January 1, 1869, when he was united with Pheby Gibson, a native of the township, born March 29, 1854, a daughter of Samuel Gibson, who died when she was a small child. Mr. Gibson, who was a native of In- diana, was an early settler of Sangamon Coun- ty and became owuer of the land where the Clear Lake sunumer resort is now located, and he and his wife both died on the home farm. There were five sons and five daughters in the family, of whom four daughters and two sons now survive. There were born to Mr. Noel and his wife three children: Edward, a resident of Mechanicsburg; Emma J. and Delica, both living at home. There are three grandchildren in the family. Mrs. Noel has many friends in the county, where her eutire life has been spent. Mr. Noel's death occurred December 4, 1895, aged sixty-nine years, seven months and nine- teen days.

NOLAN, Edward, general road foreman of engineers for the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad system, is a man whose promotion to his present position has come about through in- sistent labor and faithfulness of service. He was born at Minocka, Grundy County, Ill., February 29, 1864, son of Frank Nolan, born in Bagenals- town, County Carlow, Ireland, who came to the United States in the early 'fifties, landing in New York City, whence he came to Illinois. He was married at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to Mary J. Hand, born in County Meath, Ireland, but brought to the United States in childhood by relatives, her parents having died in Ireland. The father was a railroad man for many years, but later in life became a farmer. In 1871 he moved to Joliet, but died in Chicago, in 1897, aged seventy-eight years. His wife died in 1879, aged fifty-four years. Their children were: Lawrence, who is superintendent of terminals of the Grand Trunk System at Detroit, but prior to this appointment was with the Chicago & Alton Company for twenty-seven years, working

up from section hand to train master, married Lizzie Felsby ; Mary Eilen, deceased; Christo- pher, an engineer in the Chicago Stock Yards, married May B. O'Brien; John and Kate, both of Springfield.

In 1871 Edward Nolan was taken to Joliet by his parents. There he attended public school, and he kiudly remembers his excellent teachers. When he was fourteen years old, he began working to help support the family. Hls first employment was picking stone used iu making one of the boulevards of Chicago, and he was paid one dollar per day for this work. Two years later he began firing on what is now the Sante Fe road, aud later was with the Chicago & Alton, as fireman. From that position he was promoted to be engiueer, running between Bloomington and Chicago. In 18SS he went as eugineer on the Missourl Pacific road, running between Kansas City and Wood, Mo., thus con- tinuing untii 1895, when he left that road and, after being in the empioy of several in western States, came to Springfield, where until 1909 he was locomotive engineer between Peoria and St. Louis, but was then made Superintendent of Engineers. On August 5th of the same year he was again promoted, to Master Mechanic, and is now general road foremau of engineers, the company recognizing his peculiar fitness for such a position.

Mr. Nolan was married in Joliet, December 22, 1898, to Miss Julia Mack of Peoria, daugh- ter of John and Julia (Shea ) Mack. They have children as follows: Mary Marguerite; Verna and Vera, twins, the latter being deceased, and Francis Edward. Mr. Nolan belongs to St. Joseph Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat, while fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is an earnest, faith- ful citizeu, and his promotions have been well earned.

NOLAN, John M .- The grocery business is one that requires sagacity and foresight, as well as a knowledge of existing demands, for its suc- cessfui prosecution. To outstrip competitors a grocer must buy carefully and be able to sell at a ciose margin. Soque of the most enterpris- ing men of Springfield have engaged in this line of activity, and one who has made considerable progress is John M. Nolan, whose piace of busi- ness is at the corner of Thirteenth and Cass Streets. He was born in Fancy Creek Town- ship, Sangamon County, Ill., March 6, 1881, a son of Michael and Ellen (Madden) Nolan, both natives of Sangamon County.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 112

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