Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 163

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 163

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Mr. White atteuds service at the Episcopal Church. He Is a Republican, but has never cared to come forward for office, his business affairs occupying his time and interest. He is a fine-appearing man, hale and hearty, who possesses a genial manner and kindliness of disposition that makes itself felt. While he had practicaliy no educational advantages, he is weil informed and thoroughly abreast of the times. Not having had many advantages him- self, he was determined that his chlidren should he more fortunate, and gave them good educations.

WHITE, James C .- Tile history of tile Civil War will not be completed until the last veteran of that great struggle answers to the last roll call, for the sacrifices of those who served in it did not cease when peace was declared, hut have continued throughout lives that have in many cases heen overshadowed by the after- effects of wounds, privations and exposure. One of these men of whom Sangamon is justly proud, is James C. White, residing at No. 703 North Fourth Street. He was born in Macon County, Tenn., June 29, 1847, a son of Archibald and Lucy J. White. The grandfather, Archibald White, was born in England and married Jennle White, who bore the same name, but was no relative, horn on the North Fork of Barren Run, Macon County, Tenn. The grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and a good. brave man. Hls son, father of James C. White, was a farmer all his life, dying June 10, 1865, in the place he was born, in Macou County, Tenn. Ilis widow survived him many years, passing away in 1894, at Latham, Logan County, Iil. Both were consistent members of the Chris- tian Church, in which faith they brought up their children, who were as follows: Timothy ; Samuei, deceased; Harriet ; James C .; Mary Mary J .; Mrs. H. M. Bond, of Kansas City, Mo .; George, deceased; Archibald, of Auburu. Ill .; John M., of Springfield; Lovell R. and Martha, both deceased.

James C. White remained on the homestead

until he was sixteen years old, and received a meager education, attending school only six months aitogether. When only a lad of six- teen years, he enlisted, at Frankfort, Ky., as a private in Company F, Fifty-second Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, under Captain W. C. King and Colonel John M. Grelder. When his first term of service expired he re-enilsted in Con- pany D, Eighth Kentucky . Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, and continued until he was honorably discharged. His war experience heing ended, he returned to his old home, hut after a short stay therc, came to Illinois. He spent twelve years at Duquoin, principally engaged In farming. Foliowing this he worked in severai places on farms and at railroad labor, until his mar- riage, when he returned to Duquoin. He has resided in several communities, finally coming to Springfield in 1901, and has heen connected with several lines of business, aiways hampered by the effects of the terrible strain he was under at a formative period. Forced Into man- hood when hut a boy, he shouldered heavy responsibilities that undermined his health and unfitted him for strenuous labor.

Mr. White was married at Mcleansboro, Iil., January 18, 1875, to Miss Mary A. Lanty, a native of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. White be- came the parents of children as follows: James C. died at the age of six years; Timothy at home; aud Harriet, now Mrs. Thomas Rourke, of Springfield. Mr. White was formerly a inemher of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican, hut has never held officc. A brave man, who gave his hest services to his country, Mr. White is deserving of muore than passing mention in a work of this kind, which has for its object the preservation of the records of those who have contributed to- wards the greatness of the county or community. What more can a man do than to offer up his life to a cause he loves? That is what James C. White did nearly fifty years ago.

WHITE, Robert E .- The agricultural interests of Sangamon County are among the most Im- portant here, and many of its most substantial citizens are engaged in tilling the soil. One of the prosperous farmers and stockmen of Cart- wright Township Is Robert E. White, of Section 29, born on this farm, in the house he now oc- cupies, September 6, 1867. He is a son of Thomas E. and Elizabeth M. (Purvines) White, who were married February 18, 1862. Mrs. White was born on Section 29, a portion of the farm now owned by her son, July 23, 1834. The farm was entered from the government hy her grandfather, John Purvines, who came here from South Carolina about 1819. His son, Sam- uel Purvines, father of Mrs. White, married Mary Irwin, who was brought here by her fa- ther, Llum Irwin, also a native of South Caro- lina, who became a pioneer of this locality In 1819. Thomas E. White was born In Montgom- ery County, Ill., near Coffeen, June 13, 1832. Ilis parents dying when he was about five years

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

old, he made his home for a time with a sister, Mrs. Alderman, who survives, aged eighty-five years.

When still a lad, Thomas E. White came to Sangamon County, living here until the gold ex- citement in California, when he made a trip west, hut returned and inarried. He was one of the progressive men of his period, hls efforts meeting with well-merited success. Settling down on the farm his wife inherited, he de- veloped it into a good property, and there they reared their children, who were: twins, who died in infancy ; Lola A., born January 18. 1864, married Charles B. Hawkins on February 11, 1886, a farmer of Cartwright Township, issue, -- Thomas S., Erma E., and Robert B. ; Robert E., born September 6, 1867; Thomas S., born De- cember 21. 1876, married Grace Newman, lives on a portion of the homestead, issue .- Thomas Emory and Della Fay. Mr. White was a Repuh- lican, and filled a number of the township offices, discharging his duties as a publlę official as faithfully as those pertaining to his private life. He was a Mason, fraternally, while in religlous faith, he was a member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. White resides with her son, Robert E. White, this arrangement having been entered into upon the death of Mr. White, October 2, 1891, when he was but fifty-nine years old. He was a man of more than ordinary ahillty and his many excellent traits of character comhlned with a pleasant personality, won for him lasting friends.

Robert E. White spent his boyhood upon the farın, attending the schools of his neighbor- hood. From the time he was tall enough to reach the plow handles, he hore a man's part in the farm work, and learned farming from the beginning. On November S, 1893, Mr. White was united in marriage with Ollie Irwin, daugh- ter of Samuel G. Irwin, now deceased. the mother surviving. Mrs. White was born November 8, 1SGS, and brought up on a farmn. Mr. Irwin was one of the brave soldiers of the .Civil War, helonging to Company G, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was captured but made his escape from the infa- mous Andersonville prison. Following the war, he spent some peaceful years. He and his wife . had ten children, six of whom survive, four sons and two daughters.

After their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. White lo- cated on the farm which is now their home, and there their only child. Vance Lee, was horn on December 21. 1894. This hright young fellow Is now attending school in the White district, as did his father. Mr. White and his brother Silas, are conducting the homestead of 300 acres, and 200 acres additional. They carry a good grade of stock, now specializing on the Duroc-Jersey hogs, although for years, they raised Poland-China hogs. In pollties, both brothers are Republicans. Fraternally, they be- long to the Modern 'Woodmen of America of Pleasant Plains. They are enterprising young men, devoted to their work, whose success is

but the legitimate outcome of intelligent effort directed along lines they thoroughly understand.

WHITECRAFT, Walter S. (deceased), spent muost of his life farming in Christian County, Ill., hut seven years before his death retired from active life and located in Springfield. He was born on a farm near Edinburg, Christian County, August 26. 1863, son of Silas M. and Lottie (Price) Whitecraft, the former born In Kentucky and the latter in New York. The parents were farmers and Walter S. Whitecraft received his early education in the country schools. He afterward took a course In a busl- ness college in Springfield, after which he be- gan farming with an uncle in Christian County. He was an enterprising aud successful farmer and was esteemed by all with whom he had business or social dealings, for his honesty and integrity. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church and in politics was a Repub- lican. He belonged to the Knights of Pythlas at Edinhurg.

Mr. Whitecraft was married, at Taylorville, Ill., February 22, 1893, to Miss Almira Byers, who was born in W. Va., November 18, 1872, daughter of J. C. and Mary (Blockin) Byers, the former a native of West Virginia and the later of Maryland. Children as follows were born to Mr. Whitcroft and his wife: Willlam S .. January 21. 1895; Helen C., August 3, 1902; Ruth E., December 12, 1904; Jane, November 15, 1907. Mr. Whitecraft died in Springfield, November 11, 1907. and his remains were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a man of so- cial; kindly disposition and his loss was gen- uinely mourned by a large number of friends. His widow owns the home occupied by the family, at 1220 West Monroe Street, and de- votes herself to the training and educating of her children.

WHITMORE, Oliver .- Every hranch of indus- trial activity has its exponent in Springfield, and many of the business men here have reached a condition of excellence not excelled hy any in the State. One of the prosperous representatives of the husiness life of this city is Oliver Whitmore, dyer and cleaner, conveniently located at No. 1004 North Twelfth Street. He was horn in Mc- Keesport. Pa .. September 10. 1885. a son of Daniel and Catherine (Cripliver) Whitmore. The father was horn in Pennsylvania and grew up in his native State, learning the carpenter trade. In young manhood he moved to Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, where he lived until 1SSS, in that year coming to Illinois, and establishing himself in a contracting business in Chicago. During his residence in that city, he erected more than 300 houses, many of them being in Elsdon, a suburh of the city. In 1897. he moved to Spring- field. where he continued his contracting opera- tions until 1905. when he entered the employ of the Ahbott's Box Factory. IIe and his wife make their home at No. 1305 Peoria road. They at- tend the Third Presbyterian Church. The chil-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Whitmore are: George, died in Springfield, Aprll, 1910; Maggie, deceased wife of William Alby, of Chicago; Lydia, wife of William Casey of Springfield ; Oliver ; Eva, deceased, and Eva.

Oliver Whitmore was but an Infant when the family moved to Ohio, and there he lived long enough to commence his education, which he com- pleted in Chicago and Springfield. Almost im- mediately after leaving school he entered Shu- bert's Dye Works, serving an apprenticeship of four years, when he engaged with Howley Dye Works. Having then iearned every detail of the business, he established himself iu It, at No. 216 North Sixth Street, where he carried on a high class cleaning and dying plant. In November, 1909, he built his preseut plant at No. 1004 North Twelfth Street, moving into it in June, 1910. His business has so Increased that he has been forced to erect an addition, 22x50 feet. Hls piant is complete In every respect, being equipped with modern machinery, and all of his work is executed in a highly satisfactory manner.

In August, 1904, Mr. Whitmore was married in Springfield, to Etta DeFraties of this city, daughter of the late Henry DeFraties, for many years one of the efficient members of the police force. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore have three chil- dren : May, Wilbur and Harriet. For seven years he has belonged to the Federation of La- bor. Both he and Mrs. Whitmore have a circle of warm, personai friends who appreciate their many good attributes, and in the business world, Mr. Whitmore stands high for his executive abil- ity and strict integrity.

WHITTEMORE, Floyd K. (Vol. I, p. 587.) WICKERSHAM, (Col.) Dudley. (Vol. I, p. 587.)

WICKHAM, Seth W. (deceased) .- Sangamon County has some of the best farins within its confines that can be found in the State, and their excellent condition is due to the efforts of the progressive farmers wino have exerted them- selves in cultivating the soil. Some of the older farmers. after years of honest industry. have ceased their labors, and now, retired and living in Springfield. are free to devote time and at- tention to civle matters. One of the representa- tive men of the agricultural class who lived re- tired for some years prior to his denise was Seth W. Wickham of No. 334 Douglas avenue, He was born in Licking County, Ohio. October 30. 1824. a son of Hull and Phebe (Evans) Wickham, the former born August 3. 1788. in Licking County, Ohio. and the latter in Ohlo, February 5, 1790. The father was a farmer, living and dying in Ohio, as did his wife. They had eleveu children, four sons aud seven daugh- ters. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Seth W. Wickliam attended the primitive log schools of Licking County, Ohio, and at the same time worked on ils father's farm. learn- ing how to do all kinds of farm labor. so that

when he came to Sangamon Couuty, in 1850, settling ou a farm near Springfield, he was able to make a success of his attempt. This fariu of 100 acres continued to be bis home uutil his retirement in 1896, when he muoved Into Springfield. While living in the country, he served as School Director for several years. His religious connections were with the Meth- odist Church, which he joined early in life, and he was a Republican.

O11 December 31, 1868, Mr. Wickham was united iu marriage to Cornelia (Frazee) Large, born in Sangamon County, October 24, 1839. Her parents came to the county from New Jersey at an early day, the father working at the car- penter trade for a number of years, but event- ually engaged in farming. He lived to be ninety years of age. He and his wife had four daugh- ters. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wlekham : Thomas W. of No. 509 South Douglas avenue, and Mlnnie L., wife of Louis Ferreira, a farmer of Clark County, Wis. There are slx grandchildren in the famlly, and one great grandson, and ail are living. Mr. Wickham owned his residence and other realty, having invested quite extensiveiy in city property, as he had a firm bellef in the city's future. Mr. Wickham dled June 3, 1911.

WIEBORG, George (deceased) .- To provide gen- erously for a famlly he has brought into the world and the wife he has takeu unto himself, is the hope of every right-minded man. Some succeed better than others. When one of the prosperous ones combines with business ability, a generous, kiudly disposition, sterling honesty of purpose and devotion to family ties, he is tenderly cherished, and when death takes him away his memory is kept green in the hearts of those who loved him in life and miss him now that his place Is empty. A representative farmer who for years was an important factor in the agricultural life of Sangamon County, was the late George Wieborg, who in Ilfe re- sided in Woodslde Township. He was born In Hamburg, near Berlin, Germany, April 25, 1858, a son of Willlam Wieborg, also a native of Germany, and a farmer by calling. The parents never left Germany, the mother liv- iug to the age of eighty-six years, but the father dying many years before her. George Wieborg had a half-sister.

George Wieborg, while receiving a common school education, worked on his father's farm until he was sixteen years old. At that time he came to America, arriving in 1866, just after the close of the Civil War. Landing In New York, he came direct to Petersburg, Ill., where he began farming, continuing in that locality for five years. He then moved to Hills- boro, spent a year there, then came to Sangamon County and bought the farm which Is now the family residence, in Woodside Township. There he passed away, November 18, 1909, dy- ing firm in the faith of the German Lutheran Church, of which he had long been a member,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

and of which his famliy are aiso members. Mr. Wleborg was married in Hliisboro, Ill., to Margaret Jacobs, born In Hamburg, Germany, April 16, 1854. Her parents came to Peters- burg, Iil., in 1866, locating on a farm, where they resided until moving to Hillsboro. There they aiso farmed, iater returning to Petersburg, where both dled. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wieborg, of whom seven sur- vive: Christopher conducts the farm for hls mother, and was born December S, 1883; Henry, born January 16, 1889, and Jacob, born April 7, 1891, with Christopher, own 400 acres of valuable farm land iu Woodside Townshlp; Laura; George lives at home; Mary, married and residing in Curran Township, has one child, Margaret; Lena married Willlam Grath, Ilves in Woodside Township, and has one child, Davis.

Mr. Wieborg was a stroug Democrat but could never be Induced to accept office, ai- though his nelghbors frequently urged him to accept nomination, for they realized that men of his character were needed in positions of trust. He feit that he was better fitted to exert hls influence as a private citizen, so never put himself before the public. He was qulet and unassuming, devoted to his family, and eager to make life pleasant for them. Hard- working and a good Christlan, he was a model man, and left behind him a worthy record for his children to foliow.

WIEDLOCHER, Frank .- It is a long step from the day when our forefathers ground their meal by pounding grain between two stones, In the primitive mill, to the mill piant of the pres- eut day, with Its muodern equipment, carefully adjusted machinery and electric motive power, hut the evolution has been hrought ahout by studlous, practicai men, and the industry now requires specialists, no less than other lines of modern business. The Elevator Miiling Com- pany, of which Frank Wiedlocher, a representa- tive citizen of Springfield, Ill., is President, is au example of the perfection which has been reached in this, almost the oldest industry.

Frank Wiedlocher was born at Virden. Ill., March 9, 1861, a son of Frank A. and Margaret (Kelsling) Wiedlocher. natives of Germany. Both parents came to America in sailing ves- seis which required about sixty-five days to make the voyage. the father landing in the United States in 1852 and the mother one year later. They were married after meeting at Spring- field, Ill. He landed near New Orleans and later came up the Mississippi River as far as St. Louis, where he remained for several years working as a miller, came from there to Spring- field, and afterwards moved to Virden. During the Civil War he made flour at Virden. for the Government, going from there to a mill at But- ler, after which he conducted the Old Berlin Run Mill for one and one-half years. Then he returned to Springfield and continued in the miliing business untii 1870, when he moved to ,Elkhart, Ili .. and there engaged in milling for

two years, followed the same business at Lin- coln for five years, and then returned to Spring- field once more, where he operated the old Spring Creek mill for two years. Impaired health caused his retirement and lie resided at Springfield until his death, in 1901, when he was aged seventy-six years. His widow sur- vives and resides at No. 118 West Mason Street, Springfield. They had eleveu children and sev- en of these are living. Ile was a Democrat in politicai opiuious, hut was never willing to ac- cept office. He was a faithful and consistent member of SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholle Church, aud was identified with St. Vincent's Catholic Society.

Frauk Wiedlocher, Inheriting his father's name, together with ils business inclinations, ohtalned ils education in the public schools of Lincoin and the parochiai schools of the Cath- olle Church at Springfield. From the time he was fifteen years of age he has been Interested in milling, and worked continuously in a mill until he was nineteen years old, going then to the old Lewis coai milne for a short time, .but later returning to mnllling. He was In the em- ploy of Louis Wacheriy for one year and for one year more was engaged at Everyhodies' miil and continued with the new firm, Roe & Dana for four years, after which he was with the hominy mlil at Springfield and served there as second milier for thirteen months. That mill was destroyed by fire and he then rented the water mill on Spring Creek and went into . business with Fred Ihlenfeidt. Six months later he bought his partner's interest and continued alone for four months, then sold out. The two former partners then resumed their business relations and bought the Everyhodies' mill, which they operated for eighteen muonths aud then soid to Elmer Dana. Mr. Wiedlocher then embarked in a wholesale aud retall flour and feed business, locating on East Adams Street, but his business soon outgrew its quarters and he rented a larger huiiding on Fourth Street. where he remained until 1890, then purchased the tract on which he subsequently erected his preseut fine bullding, which is known as Arion Hali. In 1895 Mr. Wiedlocher's partner died and he hought the latter's interest from the widow, and has continued the business. IIe is president of the Elevator Milling Company and has addltlonai interests, being a stockhoider in the Cora Coai Company and in the Tiger Goid Mine Company.

At Winchester, Ill., on September 4, 1884, Mr. Wiediocher was married to Miss Amelia Metzgar. who was born at Nelderlessen. Baden, Ger- many, October 6, 1863, a daughter of N. Metz- gar. Her parents are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wiedlocher five chlidren have been born, namely : George, who is employed hy his father at Springfield, married Mary Duffieid : Marie, who is now Sister Mary Magdalene at St. Jolin's Hospital ; Carl, who is a student at Quincy Coliege; Frank, who attends SS. Peter and Paul School; and Clara, who is a student

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

at the Dominican Academy. The family be- longs to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, While he has always been an interested cit- lzen, Mr. Wiedlocher has never desired public office. Like his father, he Is a Democrat. Ile is a member of a number of fraterual and so- cial orgauizations, including the Western Cath- olic Uuion; the Catholle Order of Foresters; St. Vincent's Society ; the Modern Woodmeu of America and the Loyal Americans.

WIETIES, Jeff, a prosperous farmer of Sanga- mon County, Ill., was born in Hanover, Germany, April 29. 1851, a son of Uffie and Minnie (Utc- kins) Wicties, both natives of Germany, the former born in Hanover. The father was a farmer in Germany and had served in the Ger- man Army. He aud his wife came to America with their sou Jeff, In 1852, sailing from Bre- men and landing in New York, after spending seven weeks on the voyage. One sou, John, re- mained in Germany and came to America at a later date, and the parents brought one son with them. John Wieties worked twelve years In the State House and is now janitor of Odd Fellows Hali in Springfield. The father came direct to Springfield and assisted in building the State House which is now the Court House. He purchased a farm of eighty acres in Cass County, later moved to Adams County, farmed there ten years, then returned to Springfield and worked, in the rolling mills uutli his death in 1886. His widow died in 1892 ..

Jeff Wietles received his education in the country schools of Cass County, Ill., and pur- sued his studies in a log bullding. He spent his time on his father's farm up to the time he was married, after marriage worked sixteen years in the Rolling Mills, then worked eight months at Noblett's laundry as engineer. He was engineer for the street car company which first installed electric cars in Springfield, in 1890, and for the following fifteen years was with that company. He spent two years and eight months at Diver- non, Sangamon County, as engineer at the elec- · tric light plant. He came to his present farm in March, 190S. He owns twenty acres and rents ninety acres besides. He devotes his iand prin- clpaily to general crops and is successful in his operations.

He Is an active member of the Lutheran Church and is interested in the welfare of his community. In politics he is a Republican and is one of the Judges of Election of his district. Fraternaliy he belongs to the American Home Circle and to Sangamon Lodge No. 6, Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Wieties was married in Adams County, Ill., March 13. 1872, to Miss Louisa Bruntz, born in that county. New Ycars Day, 1855. Her par- ents emigrated to Adams County from Hanover, Germany, and located on a farm near Crown Point, Ili., where their last days were spent. Mr. Bruntz worked on the construction of the Wa- bash Railroad from Clayton to Camp Polnt. He and his wife had nine children. Nine children

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 163

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