Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 135

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 135

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Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have had three chil- dren : Mabel, born November 5, 1870, in Pleas- ant Plains, is the wife of G. H. Lange. of Springfield, Ill .; Elinor, born November 9, 1871, in Pleasant Plains, is the wife of William J. Graham, a farmer of Barton County, Mo .; and Charles B. Jr.

SANDERS, Elisha .- Pawnee, Ill., has many resi- dents now living retired from active life after years spent iu agricultural operations, who can remember the tique when Sangamon County was little hetter than a wilderness, and who have watched its growth and development year by year until it is now one of the most productive counties In the State. One of these retired citizens who has a large acquaintance is Elisha Sanders, who was horu in Pawnee Township, April 26, 1848, a son of Robert E. and Eliza (Funderburk) Sanders.

Mr. Sanders' paternal grandfather was a na- tive of Kentucky and came to Illinois the win- ter before the deep snow, settling on Spring Creek, near Springfield, but later located near Pawnee, where he spent the balance of his life and there died, as did also his wife, who hore the maiden name of Elizabeth Fausett, Grandfather Funderburk was a native of Sanga- mon County, where his life was spent. Robert E. Sanders was horn in Kentucky, May 26, 1825, but Ilved In Sangamou County practically all of his life, engaging in agricultural pursuits there until his death, January 3, 1906, in Paw- nee. The children of Robert E. and Eliza Sanders were as follows: Mary E., Margaret A., Eliza J., John E., Thomas E., James W., Sarah, Robert W., Emerson, Dennls and Ezra, all living, and Jannie, Susan, Clarence and an infant, deceased. During the war Mr. Sanders was one of the leading Democrats in his section of the State, and his duties as Collector led him Into considerable trouble, several attempts heing made to search his house by the enemies of the Democratic party. On March 5, 1865, his brother, J. F. Sanders, was killed hy a shot fired by Barney Vanarsdale, who in company with Jim Lemon and another were robbing Mr. James Bodge's store In Pawnee. Vanarsdale and Lemon were captured and hung in the jail yard at Springfield by Sheriff Crafton.

Elisha Sanders was educated in the country schools of Pawnee Township, and remained at home, worklug on the farm with his father until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he started to work on various farms in the vicinity and so continued until

1SS3, in which year he went to Kansas. He farmed there until 1SS6, then returned to Paw- nee and purchased property, and has made his home there to the present time. Mr. Sanders is a Democrat in politics, has served as Con- stable of Pawnee for four years and was also on the police force for three years. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows, the Court of Honor and the Modern Woodmen, while his religious affiliation is with the Primitive Bap- tist Church, his wife and children belonging to the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

Mr. Sanders was married iu Pawnee Town- ship, September 30, 1869, by the Rev. Samuel Proctor, to Mary E. Frey, horn in Smith County, Ten., October 4, 1852, daughter of James E. and Sarah J. ( Harris) Frey, natives of Ten- nessee, who were married in that State and came to Sangamon County, Ill., In 1861. The father died in Sangamon County in 1907, but his widow survives him and resides. in Diver- non. They had the following children: Ida M., James J. and Benjamin S., who are de- ceased ; and William B., Mary E., Robert S., Dawson B., Sarah E. and Rebecca A. The Frey family had many exciting experiences in making their way through the Confederate lines to Illinois In 1861, as they were known to be in sympathy with the North.

To Mr. and Mrs. Sanders have been born the following children: Jullus O., born in Chris- tian County, Ill., December 28, 1872, now a resident of Ohloug, Crawford County, Ill., mar- ried Hattle Gore, of Taylorville, and has two children, Heleu and Louls; Lillian P., born in Saugamon County, August 2, 1875, married H. O. Barnes, of Macoupin County, and now resides in Springfield, where he is a teacher in the high school ; Earl V., horu In Elk County, Kan., is now' a mall carrler and makes his home with his parents; an infant, born July 7, 1871, who died the same day; James E., boru Septemher 16, 1880, died January 11, 1SS2. in Pawnee; and an Infant horn and buried December 2, 1SS2.

SANER, Benedict .- Contracting and building operations assume important proportions in a city like Springfield, and those conducting them reap a large benefit provided their work is honest and they live up to their contracts. One of the men for many years associated with these lines of endeavor is Benedict Saner, born In Switzerland. January 23. 1826, a son of John and Sallie (Horner) Saner, both born in the same country. The father was owner of a saw- mill, but came to America in 1852, locating near Utica. in New York State, to he with his son, Benedict, who had come a year before. After a short stay he returned to Switzerland, where he died, but hls widow survived him some years, finally passing away in Sangamon County. There were four sons and three daughters in the family. but Benedict Saner is the only sur- vivor. A hrother, Edward, died in Springfield February 8, 1911, at the age of eighty-one years. Benedict Saner lived in New York State ten

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

years, and then iu 1862 came to Springfield. IIc had received a good education in his own land and learned the saw-inill business from his father. When only eighteen years oid he entered the regular army and was stationed at Naples for four years, and witnessed many marvelous events, including the eruption of Vesuvius. After coming to Springfield he learned the trade of plastering with a brother- in-law, and evolved Into a contract plasterer, continuing in this line of business until his re- tirement a few years since. He has held and carried out contracts ou some of the most im- portant buildings In Springfield, including the first Leland Hotel.

Before leaving Switzerland, in 1849, Mr. Saner was married to Johanna Saner, a school mate but no relation, and a native of Switzer- land, whose parents remained In their native land, where they died. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Saner, slx sons and three daughters. Two were born before the family . emigration. Those Ilving are: Barbara, who keeps house for her father; Carrie, wife of Matthias Kramer ; Mrs. Mary Reece of LeRoy, Ill .; Albert aud Charles J., plasterers, who Ilve In Springfield. There are thirteen grandchil- dren in the family, as well as three great grand- childreu.

Mr. Saner Is a Roman Catholic, belonging to the Church of the Sacred Heart, and is a mem- ber of St. Vincent's Soclety. In politics he Is a Democrat. He is one of the oldest residents of Springfield. He was personally acquainted with Mr. Lincolu and remembers that great man reverently and tenderly. The pleasant famlly home at No. 516 South Eleventh Street has been the residence of Mr. Saner for half a century, and is his own property. He also has other holdings in the city. A man who stands high in the estimation of those who know and love him, he is one of the representa- tive men of this locality, and his recollections of early days are exceedingly entertaining.

SANNER, John W., a farmer and stock-raiser living near the city water works at Spring- field, has occupied his present farm for about sixteen years, and has been successful In hls operations. Though he owns but a small tract of land he makes the most of It and makes it yleld a falr profit. He Is a native of Sanga- mon County and was born March 1, 1870, son of John A. and Anna .A. (Walkins) Sanner, the former born in September, 1823, and the latter April 25, 1837. both natives of St. Mary County, Md. The father was a carpenter and he and his wife came to Illinois in 1865, locating in Springfield, and for a number of years worked as finisher In carpenter work in the employ of James Sutton. He continued this occupation until his death, in 1895. His widow survived him about two years.

John W. Sanner was educated In Sangamon County country schools and was reared to farm work. When he reached the age of sixteen

years he found employment as fireman and later engineer with the Springfield City Water Works, remaining with this company for twenty-three years. In September, 1909, he took up his present occupation, which he finds congenial and profitable. He moved to the city of Springfield in 1893, and two years later came to his pres- ent location, where he has a comfortable home. Ile stands weli in the community and is re- garded as a man of industry and integrity, carrying on his work to advantage and Inter- ested In the progress and weifare of hls town- ship and county.

Mr. Sanuer was married in Springfield, June 10, 1890, to Katie Smith, born February 6, 1871, daughter of Johu W. and Nanna A. Smith, the former born December 12, 1839, and the latter June 15, 1849. The father came to Wiscousin from New York In an early day, and later came to Springfield, where he was for a short time engaged in butcher business. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sanner, namely : Lee L., of Springfield ; Deios E., Chester M., Ruth E., Mary M., Bessie V., and Esther V., all at home. Mr. Sanner is a member of the Methodist Church and in polltles Is a Republican. He has a fine family of children and Is a man who is very fond of his home.

SARGEANT, George, retired farmer of Dawson, Sangamon County, is of English nativity and his life Is an illustration of the value of British biood in the building up of sturdy and patriotic American citizenship. He was born in Lanca- shire. December 23, 1837, a son of George Sr. and Jane (Todd) Sargeant, members of old English families. His father, a farmer, brought hls famlly to America in 1845, salling from Huli and landing six weeks later at Quebec, Canada. From there he came to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where he settled on a farm and lived about ten years, In 1844 George Sar- geant Jr. came west to Illinois, and In the fol- lowing year the family came on, locating in Clear Lake Townshlp, Sangamon County, where the elder Sargeant died in 1857. Mrs. Sargeant had passed away in 1856.

The subject of this sketch was educated in England and Initlated Into the mysterles of good farming under his father's able tutelage. He came to the United States with his parents and lived with them until the beginning of our Civil War. In August, 1862, he enlisted In Company A. One Hundred and Fourteenth Reghiuent, Illlnols Volunteer Infantry, with which he served till the close of the war. He was mustered out at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., after having taken part in many battles. notably in the Siege of Vicksburg. After the war he resumed farming near Springfield, Ill., but soon located in Mechanicsburg Townshlp, Sangamon County, where he continued in that occupation successfully till 1909, when he re- tired from active life and moved to Dawson. Ilere he bought several pieces of property, and will pass hls deciinlng years. He is a

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

member of the Grand Army of the Republic and Mrs. Sargeant is identified with the Wo- man's Relief Corps.

Mr. Sargeant married Miss Elizabeth Dillon in 1858. She was born in Sangamon County, a daughter of John Dillon, an early settler in this part of Illinois and a farmer in Sangamon County till his death. Mrs. Sargeant bore her husband a daughter, Ada, wife of Peter Pope, . of Dawson, and died in 1866. In November, 1870, Mr. Sargeant married Miss Mary Water- man. She was born in Sangamon Couuty, a daughter of Charles Waterman, a native of Kentucky. Mr. Waterman came early to Mechanicsburg, and there worked at his trade of harnessmaker several years, until he aban- doned it to become a farmer, following that oc- cupation as long as he lived. Mrs. Sargeant bore her husband nine children: John, the eld- est, is a farmer in Missouri; Chester is farming in Sangamon County : Flora is the wife of James Pettit, of Buckhart, Sangamon County ; Ethel and Harry are members of their mother's household ; the others have passed away. Mrs. Sargeant was born November 15, 1847. There are nine grandchildren and five great-grandchil- dreu in the family.

SARVER, James P., a highly respected citizen of Springfield, and a veteran of the Civil War, has been a resident of the city since 1869, and is an artist of some reputation in Illinois. He was born at Warren, Pa., January 10, 1840, a son of Andrew Sarver, a native of Ohio. The fath- er was first a cabinet-maker and later a paint- ing contractor, and iu 1850 came to Illinois, lo- cated in. Joliet and engaged in painting con- tracting. Later he moved to South Dakota, took np a claim there, where his death occurred, at the age of eighty years. By his first wife he had eleven children, four of whom now sur- vive, namely : Mrs. Holdebrand, of Oregon ; Mrs. Fisher, of Illinois; Mary, of Ohio, and James P. The mother died when James P. Sarver was very young. Andrew Sarver married Sarah McCracken as his second wife, and of their six children the following four now survive: Will- iam, George, Edward and Martha.

Mr. Sarver was ten years of age when he ac- companied his father to Illinois. They located near Joliet and there the boy received his edu- cation. In 1858, when thirteen years old, he began learning the trade of a painter, which he followed two years, then worked three years at the printing business, after which he took up carriage painting and followed it three years, being then placed in charge of a carriage shop In Aurora. Two years later he went to Chicago and there studied sign painting and spent eight months studying under a scenic artist who worked at McVicker's Theatre. Returning to Joliet at the end of two years spent in Chicago, Mr. Sarver engaged in carriage painting until his enlistment in 1861, in Company B, Twen- tieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until September 1, 1862. At the battle

of Shiloh he received four gun-shot wounds, and after his recovery was detailed for running on the railroad for the Government, until the fall of 1863. He had participated in the battle of Fredericktown, Mo., Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and several minor engagements. After his dis- charge he returned to Joliet and remained there nutil 1866, then went to Attica, Ft. Wayne and Logansport, Ind., coming to Springfield In 1869. He has since spent much of his time in sign painting, although he has taken up extensively the painting of portraits in oil from living ob- jects, and has a large collection in oil, some of them ranging in valne to the amount of several hundred dollars. He has a natural talent for the higher branch of art and his skill in por- traiture is a source of much pleasure to himself and has won the admiration and appreciation of those able to judge of its merits. Mr. Sar- ver is well known as a man of high principle and strict integrity, and is well regarded by all who know him.

Mr. Sarver was married in Joliet, in 1864, to Lizzie Savage, a native of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., daughter of John Savage. Her parents spent their later years at Ottawa and Gardner, Ill. Four children were born to Mr. Sarver and wife, all of them now deceased. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and in politics is Independ- ent. He was a candidate for Commissioner of the city in the primaries of February, 1911. He belongs to Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R.

SAUNDERS, Milton (deceased) .- The number of farmers who have succeeded in winning wealth from the soil increases each year as farming methods improve, yet there were many in the earlier days who found no difficulty in earning plenty from the land they wrested from the wilderness. One of the reliable farmers and one who thoroughly understood his work was the late Milton Saunders, whose memory is tenderly cherished by his family and friends. Mr. Saunders was born in Springfield, October 3, 1836, being one of the first white children born there. His father was Jonathan R. Saun- ders, born near Franfort, Ky., who married Sarah Mckinney, born In Virginia. They came to Sangamon County in an early day, about 1826, and farmed for years In Sangamon County, where they eventually died.

Milton Saunders grew up in Sangamon County, receiving a common school education, supple- mented by a course at the Jacksonville Insti- tute. Having learned how to farm with his father, when he began for himself he knew just how to go about it and developed his fine farm of 160 acres, twelve miles north of Spring- field on the Peoria Road, into one of the best pieces of farming property in his part of the State. In pioneer days there was a public inn on this farm, and it is yet known as the "Twelve-mile Place." Mr. Saunders also owned some valuable real estate in Springfield. In 1892 he retired from his farm and came to Springfield. There he enjoyed a brief period

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of rest, passing away October 18, 1902, and hls remains were Interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church, dying firm in its faith. The Republican party ciaimed his vote and influence, but he was never willing to accept office.

On August 28, 1872, he was united in mar- riage with Martha Beeley, born in Illinois Au- gust 31, 1842, who survives him. They had three children : Liliian, Marcia ,and Milton, married Helen Sullivan, who died in 1904, ieav- ing a daughter, Helen Elizabeth. By a former marriage with Annie Edwards, which occurred in 1860, Mr. Saunders and two children, Nellie and Frances S.

Mrs. Sannders is a most estimable woman and is beloved by her family and neighbors. She is interested in others and is charitable, giving where she believes heip is needed. The children of Mr. Saunders are weli liked in the community, and his memory is cherished for what he accomplished as a sturdy, reliable, np- right man, who always tried to do his duty and governed his life acording to the religious faith he professed.

SAXER, George, an enterprising German-Amer- can citizen of Springfield, Ill., has for some years been successfully engaged in gardening. He was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 7, 1840, son of Martin and Mary (Capes) Saxer, both natives of Germany, who died in Perry, Pike County, Ili., the father in 1869 and the mother in 1884. Martin Saxer was a shoemaker by trade and in 1862 enlisted in the Seventy-seventh Iilinois Regiment, under Coi- onel Matthews, serving to the end of the war. He and his wife had one son, the subject of this sketch. They came to America about 1850 and settled at Perry, where they spent the rest of their lives.

George Saxer was educated in the public schools of his native country. and at the age of fourteen years became employed in a patent leather factory. He enlisted, In 1861, in the Prussian Army, and served five and one-half years, two and one-half years as Corporai, be- ing discharged in 1867. After his marriage, Which occurred in Germany, Angust 16, 1869, he emigrated to the United States and located in Springfield, which has since been his home. His wife, Mataline Denchlow, was born in Ger- many, daughter of Simon and Mary Denchiow, both of whom lived to be very old and died in Germany. Mr. Saxer and his wife now re- side at 941 Sonth College Street and he occu- pies his time in gardening. Upon locating in Springfield he worked five years In a brick yard, was employed from 1875 to 1SS9 as janitor in the Supreme Court Building, and since 1889 has followed his present line of work. He is an industrious and thrifty .worker and a man of excellent hablts. He is a member of the Methodist Church and in politics Is a Democrat. He has made many friends in Springfield and

owns the pleasant home which the family oc- cnpy.

Elght children, five sons and three daughters, were born to Mr. Saxer and his wife, of whom the following are living: Simon is married and has a son. Talbin; Henry is married and has a son, John; Edward, a decorator in the employ of Mr. Schauberger, of Springfield, married Emma Kessler, of Hillsboro, and they have one danghter; Mary iives at 628 South Walnut Street, Springfield; Elizabeth, married Fred Anderson. a brick contractor in Spring- field ; Nellie married Henry Offer. a clerk in the Marine Bank.

SCANLAN, Edmund J., a machinist of the Wa- bash Railroad shops, and one of the substantial residents of Springfield, living at No. 1901 South Sixth Street, has been connected with the Wa- bash shops since 1856, his long service begin- ning with an apprenticeship. He was born in Connty Tipperary, Ireiand. December 19, 1838. He came to the United States when only five years old, being brought by his oldest brother William. Three brothers and the parents had already come to the land of promise, locating at Hartford, Conn. The little party sailed from Liverpool and spent seven iong weeks on the voyage. The family was re-united at Hart- . ford. but a year later moved to New Haven. Little Edmund received a common school edu- cation in the several places they lived and in 1856 came to Springfield.

The father, Thomas Scanian, was also born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and was a farmer there. After coming to this country he worked as a switchman. After locating in Springfield he obtained the same kind of work, and died there in 1872. He married Bridget Stack, who died at the age of eighty-six years. The chil- dren of these good people were: William; John, deceased; Lawrence of Springfield died in 1911; Thomas and Edmund, of Springfield.

Edmund J. Scanlan was marrled in Spring- field, in November, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth Mc- Grain, danghter of Thomas and Mary McGrain. Mrs. Scanlan died October 31, 1909. a most worthy and good woman, and a devout Catholic. She was, as are ail the family, a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Scanlan were: Elizabeth. Mrs. Henry Morley, de- ceased ; Edmund William, of this clty, married Catherine Cullen ; Mary Monica, at home; Joim, Thomas and Catherine, deceased.

The political opinions of Mr. Scanlan make him a Democrat and he is faithful in his sup- port of his party. Honest, falthful, hardwork- ing. Mr. Scanlan sets many a younger man an exampie, and is well liked in the shops where he has passed over half a century in arduous work.

SCANLAN, John J .- Some of the very best men of our county, State and Nation, are self-

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made, and many of these have come to America from foreigu shores. Among these representa- tives of other countries, none rank higher than those from Ireland, which has contributed more than its quota to the intelligent citizenship here. In speaking of such men none are more worthy of mention in a work of this character than John J. Scanlan, who is engaged in a real estate business in Springfield. He has been a lifeiong resident of this city, and now lives in his beautiful home at No. 1401 South Eighth Street. He was born on East Capitai Avenue, Springfleid, February 28, 1861, a son of James and Honora (Griffith) Scanlan.

James Scanian was born in Ireiand and as a young man left County Tipperary for the United States. On locating in this country he secured employment as a railroad conductor and for several years was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad Company. He died in Springfield in 1867, his widow surviving him for some years. Johu J. Scanlan was their oniy son.

The latter received his education in the paro- chial school of the Immaculate Conception, and when he was but eleven years old went out to work on farms, receiving seven dollars per month for his services, and continuing thus for five years. He then drove a grocery wagon for several years and was engaged in various enterprises for several years more, including mule driving and mining. Meanwhile his fa- ther had died, aud the mother mortgaged her iittie home in order that the boy might have a chance to go into business, and he accordingly invested the money in a grocery at the corner of South Grand Avenue and Eieventh Street. He rented for a few years, then bought the property on the southeast corner, across the street, where he put up a brick building and continued in business for twelve years, but fi- nally sold it. For the past few years he has been engaged in real estate business and has hoidings in many concerns. Besides his home, he owns a number of other dwellings and a valuable farm of 240 acres in Woodside Town- ship.

Mr. Scanlan was married in Springfield, May 14, 1890, to Cecilia A. Merrick, daughter of Michaei and Bridget Merrick, and they have one child, Gertrude, born February 19, 1891, who is a teacher of music. The family attend the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

In his business dealings Mr. Scanlan has ai- ways been actuated by motives of honesty and integrity, and has reached his present enviable position through open-handed transactions. Having a reputation unsullied by doubt of his sincerity of purpose, and being a man of up- right character, he stands high in public es- teem. He is a great lover of his family and has always had their interests at heart. Genial and kindly of manner and nature, he has made hosts of friends, among whom he is very pop- ular. Always interested in the cause of edu- cation. and maintaining high ideals with regard to everything of a public nature which

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 135

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