Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 166

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 166

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Wben Claude Joseph Willis was but teu years old, the family migration took place, and be at- teuded school iu Jacksonville uutil he was four- teen years old. He was then forced to go to work, obtaining employment on a farm, desir- iug to assist his beloved mother iu every way. From farming he went into the stock business, but after his marriage in 1880, be began oper- ating the home place of his wife's, consisting of 640 acres, and still owus it, although in 1892, he rented and he and his wife moved to thelr new home in Springfield, which has continued to be their place of residence ever since.

On December 23, 1880, Mr. Willis was mar- ried in Greene County, Ill., to Jane Eliza Eldred, born in Carrollton, Greene County, October 24, 1839, daughter of Elon and Jaue (Stuart) El- dred, the former of whom was born in Connec- ticut and the latter in West Winfield, Herkimer County, N. Y. They were married in the wife's birtbplace April 6, 1824, aud engaged in farming. Jane Stuart was a daughter of William and Jane (Hall) Stuart, the former a native of Scotland, and the latter of England. They lived and died in Herkimer County, N. Y., after coming to America. The mother of Mrs. Willis died aged sixty-seven years. There were the following children in tbe Eldred family : William, de- ceased ; Mary Louise, deceased, married Lyman Wheeler; Lucius Stuart, deceased; Charles Homer, of Oklahoma, is Postmaster at Alva;

Mrs. Willis; and Julia C., widow of Robert Pierson. Jebosophat Eldred, grandfather of Mrs. Willis, was reared in Connecticut, but came to Illinois after his sons and died at Ga- lena, Ill. Lucy Eldred, daughter of Elisha El- dred, was a niece of the father of Mrs. Willis, and was adopted by him when six months old. She was born June 12, 1826, and died July 15, 1844. Elon Eldred was a son of Jehosophat El- dred, a native of Connecticut. The Eldred fam- ily originally came to America from Wales. Jehosophat Eldred married Polly Langdon and emigrated to Greene County, Ill., to engage in farming. After the death of his wife he went to Galena, where be died.

Just after their marriage, Elou Eldred and wife left in an old-fashioned prairie schooner for Illinois. The trip took six weeks, but they fin- ally landed in Greene County, near Carrollton. Jehosopbat Eldred here owning a large tract of land, he gave bis grandson 160 acres, and upon it the young couple began their pioneer life. Mrs. Eldred taugbt school and among her pupils were several grown men and women. After a period, however, they were attracted by the rich- ness of the lead mines at Galena, and moved there, occupying a floorless log cabin. After eighteen months there, they responded to the call of agricultural life and returned to Greene County, buying the Eldred bomestead, where they resided until deatb, he passing away May 14, 1869, and she September 18, 1875. In 1849, Mr. Eldred made a trip to California with two ox wagons, four yoke of oxen drawing each. The start was made on the day of the inaugu- ration of Zachary Taylor as President. At St. Joe, Mo., the little the little party joined a train of some 100 wagons and Mr. Eldred was made Captain of the expeditlon. The trip was full of adventure. They had numerous fights with the Indians, and as this was the first train to cross the plains without baving to unload to cross the rivers and other obstructions, it shows the skill of Captain Eldred. Not a wagon wheel was lost on the trip and the train arrived at its destination in good shape. A splendid horseman and athlete, Captain Eldred enjoyed various athletic games and tests of strength. During the Black Hawk War, he had responded to his country's call and served as a soldier. A cousin of bis was also in the war. He was a Whig. later a Republican, although never caring for office. While not belonging to any church, he supported the Presbyterian denomination, to which his wife belonged. Always a strict tem- perance man, he became much interested in the Prohibition movement.

Mr. and Mrs. Willls belong to the Second Presbyterlan Church and are active in its good work. Mr. Willis cherishes various family rel- ics, among them being a locket, the one worn by Mrs. Willis in her portrait. It contains a por- trait of Admiral Rowe, of the English Navy, and on the reverse side is a picture of the shlp "Griffin" at Rio de Janeiro. This was painted by one of the noted English painters for Mr. Willls'

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mother, Ann Catherine (Rowe) Willis. Mr. Wiliis also possesses a medal wou by his mother, while in the Catholic convent, of the Madonna and Child, and also of Cbrist stilling the waves, both of which are old and valued.

Representative people, Mr. aud Mrs. Willis take an interest in their surroundings, and desire to sec advancement in every direction. Mr. Willis feels that he owes much to the gentle in- fluence of his mother, who always tried to sur- round him and her other children with an intel- lectual life, and their superior intelligence was her reward.

WILLS, Ross Martin .- This is the age of young men, for into the hands of the present genera- tion are beiug delivered the business interests of the land. The enthusiasm, strength and youth of young men are needed in this age of strenuous endeavor. Ability and knowledge are being placed in advance of experience, and young men are not slow to take advantage of this, rapidly forging to the foremost ranks and proving their worth in countless ways. One of these enterprising young men who are barely past their quarter-of-a-century milestone and yet are already in business for themselves in Springfield, is Ross Martin Wills, a prosperous young business man of the city. He was born at Ava, Ili., December 6, 1SS4, a son of Rolla and Josephine (Betts) Wills, natives of Illi- nois aud Ohio, respectively. The father was a farmer, who spent twenty-five years in the agricultural regions of Murphysboro, Ill., then moving to a farm near Ava. This continued the scene of his activities until his retirement in 1905, to the village of Ava, which has con- tinued his home ever since. He and his most excellent wife had seven children: Olile of Los Angeles, Cal .; Fred of Ava, Ill .; Frank of Los Angeles, Cai .; Albert, of Herrin, Ill .. Ernest, of Murphysboro, Ill .; Howard, of Spring- field, and Ross Martin. The father was a Re- publican, but never sought for or desired office.

The boyhood of Ross Martin Wills was spent near Ava, where he attended school and helped his father on the farm. When he was eight- een years old he left school, going west to Los Angeles. During the years that followed, Mr. Wills found employment at various things in several of the large cities of the country, and gained a valuable knowledge of men and con- ditions. He was a railroad man, and worked

on street car lines, always being ready to turn his hand to whatever work lay nearest, and faithfully discharging the duties laid upon him. After seven years of traveling about, he came to Springfield, where his abilities and energies found expression in his present euterprise, the conducting of which is proving successful.

On April 3, 1907, Mr. Wills was united in marriage with Miss Lou Willis, who was born in Los Angeles, Cal. No issue. Mr. Wills is a Republican and is active in the work of his party.

WILSON, Bluford .- The family of which Bluford Wilson is a member has been prominently identified with Illinois since territorial days. The father and great-grandfather of Mr. Wilson bore an honorable part in military history, the latter, Isaac Wiison, of Virginia, having served three years as Sergeant of the Second Virginia State Line, under Captain Augustine Tabb, during the Revolution. At the close of the war he moved from Virginia to Fayette County, Ky. His son Alexander, grandfather of Blu- ford Wilson, was one of the earliest settlers of the Territory of Illinois, coming there from Union County, Ky., in 1SOS, and locating at Shawneetown in Gallatin County. Alexander Wilson became a man of prominence and in- fluence and took an important part in the de- velopment of his locality and was greatly hon- ored and esteemed by his fellows. He was a personal friend of Governor Edwards and Gov- ernor Ford. He was sent to the First Terri- torial Legislature held at Kaskaskia, for a short time the capital, serving as Chairman of im- portant committees and as Speaker of the House, thus serving with ability and distinction in determining public policy in that day. He died in January, 1814, and as a memorial to his life and services to the Territory, the Legisla- ture soon afterward passed an act granting the privilege of ferry franchise at Shawneetown to his heirs, and they have since held this privilege.

Harrison Wilson, the father of Bluford, was born in Culpeper County, Va., and was an Ensign in the War of 1812 and a Captain in the Black Hawk War. Later he was Colonel in the Fourth Illinois Militia. His wife, Catherine Schneider, was born at Gambskeim near Stras- burg, Alsace, daughter of Augustus Schneider, and came to America with her father. One son of Harrison Wilson, James Harrison Wilson, was a graduate of West Point and greatly dis- tinguished his name by his valuable service during the Civil War, being identified with the engineering department, and was Lieut .- Colonel and Inspector General, Army of the Tennessee. on Grants' Staff. Later, in the Department of the Mississippi, he performed such valuable services that he was made Brigadier General in 1863 and Major-General of Volunteers, April 20, 1865. July 28 of the following year at the close of the war and on the reorganization of the army, he became Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty-fifth United States Infantry, and was also brevetted Major-General in the regular army. After his return to civil life he became well-known as an author. also engaging in railroad and engineering operations in Southern Illinois. Another son, Henry S. Wilson, served as Adjutant. Captain and Major the Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Blu- ford Wilson also served in the Civil War. Thus this family furnished three sons (all there were) who acquitted themselves most honorably in that struggle.

Bluford Wilson was born near Shawneetown,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Ili., November 30, 1841, and began his education there. In conducting the ferry which was in the possession of the family, and in various other ways, he earned and saved money with which to gain higher education, and in 1859 entered McKeudree College. Later he entered the University of Michigan, in the desire to fit himself for the professiou of law, but his studies there were broken into by his patriotic desire to fight for the cause of the Union, and he enlisted, in 1862, in the One Hundred Twen- tieth Illinois, under Captain P. B. Pillow. Soon afterward he was given the rank of Adjutant, and in May, 1863, was promoted to rank of Cap- tain. He became Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of Brigadier General Michael K. Lawler, taking part in the battles of Champion Hiils, Black River and the siege of Vicksburg. He served on the staff of Generals Dana and Eugene A. Carr, in Texas, Louisiana and Ala- bama, and during the Red River Campaign was Adjutant General of the Thirteenth Corps, under the Command of General Lawler. He was brevetted Major for his services in connection with the siege of Spanish Fort. He served on the staff of General Carr to the close of the War, then having won a military record of which he might well be proud.

After the close of the war Mr. Wilson resumed his studles in the University of Michigan, and in 1867 was admitted to the Bar in Shawnee- town. In 1869, at the age of twenty-seven years, he received the appointment, by President Grant, to the post of United States District Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, which he held until, during Grant's second term, he was made solicitor of the United States Treasury. Whlle serving in this responsible office, Mr. Wilson performed his dutles with ability and distinction, and became known throughout the country for his valuable work in connection with the "Whisky Ring" prose- cutions, as a result of which the ringleaders of this infamous combine were convicted and sent to the penitentiary. Having become interested with his brother, James H. Wilson, in deveiop- ment of railroads In southern Illinois and other States, Bluford Wilson resigned his official posi- tion in 1876 and since then has been a resident of the city of Springfield, gaining signal honor and distinction as a member of the Bar there. The two brothers played a most vital part in the upbuilding of centrai and southern Iliinois in their construction of three important railroads, which at first necessitated the outlay of a large amount of capital with very small returns. These roads have since developed Into large and paying enterprises, which have made possible the rapid progress of the localities through which they passed. Among the lines in which the Wilsons were interested were : the St. Louis & Southeastern, from East St. Louis to Shaw- neetown, and to Evansville. Ind., now part of the Louisville and Nashville, the line afterward extending to Nashville, Tenn .; the Cairo and Vincennes, part of the Big Four System; and

the Louisville, Evansville & St. Louis Raiiroad, now the St. Louis branch of the Southern Rail- way System.

Mr. Wilson is best known as a corporation lawyer and a practitioner in the United States Courts, and Is now the general solicitor for the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louls Railway Company ; he was for some time general counsel for the Iilinols Southern Railway Company ; Vice President and counsei for the Springfield Con- solidated Street Railway Company, in which he is a stockholder. He is a member of the firm of Wilson, Warren and Child, Mr. Philip Barton Warren, of the firm, being his son-in- law. In his private practice Mr. Wilson has been very successful, combining a thorough knowledge of the law with special study of the details of each case in hand, and showing re- markably clear insight into the Intricacies of any question. He is an eloquent speaker, and while his arguments are delivered with vigor and earnestness, he never loses his dignified bearing, and always maintains his professional courtesy and fairness towards his opponents.

At the time of the Spanish-American War, Mr. Wilson offered his services to the Governor of the State, and although for various reasons the milltia organizations were given preference in being sent to the front, he had ready to his cali from 1,500 to 3,000 men for service, and was duly commissioned by Governor Tanner as Colonel. He Is a member of Mendell Post No. 450, G. A. R., and has served as its Commander .. He is also identified with the Illinois Com- mandery Loyal Legion. In political affiliations Mr. Wilson has been closeiy identified with the interests of the Republican party since Its in- ceptlon, with the exceptlou of his difference in opinion in the year 1892, when he cast his ballot for Grover Cleveland.

July 3, 1865, Mr. Wiison was married to Miss Alice Warren Mather, a daughter of Captain James Mather, of Louisville, Ky., and five chii- dren blessed this unlon: Harry died in Infancy ; Jessie married Phillip Barton Warren; Lucy, wife of Ralph Vance Dickerman; Bluford, who dled during his senior year at Yale, was a great athlete, the champlon wrestler and wing shot, a fine student and a young man of great promise. Arthur Harrison, who graduated at West Point, is now First Lieutenant Sixth United States Cavalry and won great honor in battle in the Philippines where he was desper- ately wounded. Mr. Wilson and his family attend Christ Church (Protestant Episcopal), which he helped organize in 1888, and of which he has since served as Senior Warden. He Is a member of the standing committee of the diocese and of the Board of Trustees, and has served as delegate to the general conventions held In Washington in 1898. in San Francisco. in 1901, at Richmond, 1904, and Cincinnati, 1910. Mr. Wilson has always manifested a strong interest in the welfare and progress of Springfield, by whose citizens he is regarded with pride and esteem.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

WILSON, Edwin Augustus .- Some men are gifted beyond their fellows, possessing not only keen busiuess sense, but aiso talent in other di- rections, which enables them to produce some- thing that wili live after them. Edwin Augus- tus Wilson, a real estate dealer residing at No. 520 South Second Street, Springfield, Ill., is an author of no mean ability and one of the leading citizeus of the Capital City. He was born at New Windsor, Carroll County, Md., June 16, 1840, a son of George Washington and Sidney Ann (Stier) Wilson. The father was born September 24, 1814, in Queen Anne County, Md., a son of Sweatman Wilson, born March 12, 1784, in the same county. Mrs. Wilson was born in 1820, In New Market, Md. Mr. Stier was a lineal descendant of Rudolph Stier, the great Bible commentator. This name is also asso- ciated with the Calverts of Maryland, imme- diate descendants of Lord Baltimore. The home of the Calverts was at Riverside, seven miles from the capitol at Washington City, and was purchased by Henry J. Stier, of Antwerp, a lineal descendant of Rubens, the artist, and presented to his daughter, who was about to marry George Calvert. In the grave yard at Riverside an old tombstone bears this iuscrip- tion : "Here lies the body of Rosalie Eugenia · Calvert, wife of George Calvert, and daughter of Henry J. Stier, of Antwerp, who died March 31, 1831, aged forty-three years." The father of Mr. Wilson of this record was a shoe manu- facturer.

The education of Edwin A. Wilson was se- cured in the public schools of New Windsor, New Market, Mount Hope In Frederick and Car- roll counties, Md., Baltimore County and the city of Baltimore. . When only sixteen years old he taught In an academy, being assistant to the Principal, aud took an examination at West- minster, the county seat of Carroll County, when about that age. He also taught in the public school at Union Bridge, Md. He left New Windsor when four years old, and lived with his grandparents at New Market, Md. Losing his father at the age of eight years, he went to Hookstown in 1848, and in 1849 went to live with an aunt in Baltimore, who was very dear to him. He went with her to New Market, Md., in 1851 or 1852. In the latter year he weut on a farm in the "Linganore Hills," of Maryland, where he learned lessons of thrifty economy which have never been forgotten. Be- tween 1855 and 1856 he was in Union Bridge, and in 1859 or 1860 returned to Baltimore. In 1856 he read "The Conflict of Ages," "Plutarch's Lives," "Rollins Ancient History," and similar works which did much to form his character. He feels that his education was gained more from his books and association than from the limited opportunities afforded him to attend school.

Mr. Wilson was In Baltimore during the riot of April 19, 1861. He was a stanch Unlon man, wearing the flag under the lapel of his coat. When Gen. Butler came to Fort McHenry and

threatened to turn the guns on Baitimore, he gladly brought out the sign of his patriotism. Mr. Wilson's recollections of those stirring days when the nation was in danger are so interest- ing that it is regretted any of them are omitted from this biography, but space forbids their be- ing given in full. He had unusual opportunities, going to Washington on May 1, 1861, and re- maining there until the close of the war, during which time he was manager of a large military and trunk establishmeut, and in 1863 joined the United States Sanitary Commission. He at- tended President Lincoln's first reception at the White House and saw Gen. Scott there. He frequently met the President and was witness to some of the homely incldents in that great man's life that so endeared him to the na- tion. He was In the trenches at Washington for four days, having volunteered for the emergency when it was thought the capital was in danger, and dld efficient work as a clerk in the Sanitary Commission. On January 19, 1866, while still In the service of the Sanitary Commission, he visited Springfield, to secure data from the office of Adj. Gen. Haynie, but not getting it at that time, visited other capi- tals, returning to Springfield in May and being successful. So pleased was.he with that clty that he decided to make it his home, and has lived there for over forty-five years.

On July 13, 1864, Mr. Wilson was married in Washington, to Cynthie Corwin Hannon, named after Tom Corwin, of Ohlo, born Novein- ber 5, 1843, in Charles County, Md., daughter of Henry M. and Julia (Longden) Hannon. Thomas Longden, an Englishman, resided in Alexandria, Va., and fought under Gen. Wash- ington. His son, John Longden, grandfather of Mrs. Wilson, was also in the Revolutionary War. Edgar Snowden, first cousin of Julia Longdon, lived in Alexandria, Va., where he edited and published the leading paper. Alex- ander Robey Shepherd, Governor of the District of Columbia during President Grant's adminis- tration, was a cousin of Mrs. Wilson. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are: Julian St. John, Harry Smith, Percy Edwin, Arthur Morehouse, Paul Morton, George Stan- ley, Winnifred, Ruth, Grace Hannon and Gladys Dulaney.

Something of a Bible student, Mr. Wilson has thought carefully on some of the subjects which engross those who have investigated religious matters, and has been a writer on these themes. Ile is the author of some dogmatic booklets. Believing in verbal Plenary inspiration, he Is a pessimist as to the world's condition. He be- lieves in the absolute inerrancy of the Sacred Scriptures, in the Divinity of Christ, and In the personality of the Holy Ghost. He does not be- lieve that the attitude of science, which is alto- gether of man. adds to or detracts from the truths of the Bible, which are of God. He be- lieves in the premillenial. hence the imminent coming of Christ. Not consenting to the intro- duction of the sociological with what is called

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

religion, in efforts to sway communities, for he believes that God deals with units, he is very conservative. He was reared a Methodist, but united with the Fourth Presbyterian Church in over thirty years. Iu 1908 he united with the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, in May, 1866. In 1870 he united with the Third Presbyterian Church, and was an Elder in it for over thirty years. In 1809 he united with the Second Presbyterian Church. He was Superin- tendent of the Third Presbyterian Church Sun- day School for many years, has been President of the State Y. M. C. A. and of the local Asso- ciation of Springfield, and an officer in the State organization of Sunday Schools.

A very strong Union man during the war, Mr. Wilson changed his political views after the attempt to impeach Presideut Johnson, and be- came a Democrat, but for the past quarter of a century has been an independent, voting for the man he conscientiously believes best fitted for the office. During 1861 he joined Federal Lodge No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and Beacon Lodge No. 15, of Odd Feilows, both of Washington. He has also beionged to many religious organi- zations and has lent hls influence to promote the majority of the movements put on foot in Springfield during his residence there, that he thought would elevate society or advance the Interests of the people. Exceedingly conscien- tious and honorable in his dealings, he is a man who ever carries his principles into everyday life, and has been a powerful factor in Spring- field. His record for honesty of dealing and straightforwardness of purpose is such that his word is taken without further proof of the truth of his statement. Founded on so sure a foundation, his material success has been steady, and Is certainly well merited.

WILSON, Harry W .- The unions are exciting considerable Interest ali over the country, for through them the working man of today is abie to secure better conditions in every way. The men who act as officers of their several unions are deserving of more than ordinary praise; to them Is due the credit for many of the success- ful arrangements which have been made, as well as for the educating of both employers and em- ployes, so that they are able to meet existing con- ditions without unnecessary friction. One of the best known men in the trades union move- ment in that part of the State Is Harry W. Wil- son, of Springfield, a member of the cigar-maker's Union No. 38. He was born in Orbisonia, Hunt- ingdon County, Pa., August 21, 1871. a sou of George D. and Catherine (Markle) Wilson, the former born at Orbisonia, and the latter at Rich- field, Juniata County. Pa. The father was an ore miner. The great-great-grandfathers on both sides of the house were early settlers of Penn- sylvanla, the paternal ancestor coming from Ire- land and the maternal ancestor from Germany. George D. Wilson and three of his brothers served three years in the Civil War and three of

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 166

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