Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 167

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 167

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Wilson's maternal uncles served the same length of time.

Harry W. Wilson attended the public schools of Orbisonia and Clearfield, Pa., and took a great deal of interest in athletic sports, especially base : ball. He became a printer's apprentice, but ill health compelied him to abandon this calling for another, and he learned the cigar-making trade, which he has since followed, finaliy becoming foreman of Bail Brothers, cigar manufacturers. Mr. Wilson had the misfortune to lose his father when oniy nine years old, and he and his mother spent some years moving about, she be- ing auxious to give her son the best advantages that lay within her power. In May, 1881, they came to Springfield, but returned to Peunsyl- vania in September of that year. They then made Clearfield, Pa., their home until February, 1890, when they returned to Springfield, oniy to leave it in February, 1893. After three years more at Clearfield, however, Mr. Wlison returned to Springfield in March, 1896, and has since re- sided in that city.

Mr. Wiison's work in behalf of his union de- served more than passing mention. Joining the Cigarmakers' Unlon May 6, 1891, he at once began taking an active part in the labor move- ment, serving almost continuously since January 1, 1897, in the Springfield Federatiou of Labor. He was a Deiegate a number of times to the Illinois State Federation of Labor, and aiso to the American Federation of Labor. He has been President, Vice President and Recording Secre- tary of the Cigarmakers' Union, and was three times chosen President of the Springfield Fed- eration by an unanimous vote, serving two terms as member of the Executive Board of the Iiiinois State Federation of Labor as well. Meanwhile, he also became prominent as a Republican and was elected to the State Assembly In 1908 from the Forty-fifth Senatorial District, on that ticket. While in the Legislature, Mr. Wilson has been able to advance the cause of labor very ma- terially and his work as its champion proves his earnestuess and sincerity. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, has held aii the offices in the subordinate lodge and is now a member of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. He also belongs to the Red Men, Sons of Veterans and Modern ·Woodmen. He is serving his second term as Deputy Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias and Is also a member of the British Americans.

The marriage of Mr. Wilson occurred in Springfield, May 23, 1909, when he was united with Mrs. Agnes (Holloway) Buehler, born Au- gust 21, 1874, at Emporia, Kan. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a young man of earnest purpose and de- cided wiii. Conscientious, broad-guaged, he un- derstands men and conditions, and is constantly studying how to better the lot of his companions and yet not insist upon measures which will be difficult to carry out.

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WILSON, Henry Ciay .- The practice of iaw cails forth uot ouiy full icgal knowledge and experience, but aiso those qualitles which are requisite for the development of true mauhood. The demauds of the profession are very ex- acting In Ililuois, aud no one has met them- more fully than Heury Clay Wlison, attoruey- at-law, of Springfield. Ile was born in Daviess County, Ky., July 2, 1859, a sou of John J. aud Sarah A. (Meeks) Wilson. The family is an old one In both Virginia aud Keutucky, and its representatives are also fouud in southern Pennsylvania. Its establishi eut iu America took place in colonial days.

Heury Clay Wiison was educated at Centrai Normai Coliege, in Indiana. He was brought up on a farm and alteruated work on it with teaching untii he opened his law office iu Spring- field in 1890, having then been a resideut of the city for two years. Stroug in his adherence to the Republican party, Mr. Wiison has been called upon to support its principles, aud served as a member of the General Assembly of Iiii- nols during 1893 and 1894, and was the Re- publican nominee for Congress from the Twenty-first Congresslonai District in 1908 and again in 1910, but was defeated, owing to a Democratic majority. He is the founder of the Henry Clay Wilson Political School, which he established and incorporated in 1904, and is one of the best-known men, politicaily, in his part of the State. He is a Mason, an Odd Feilow, a Knight of Pythias, and a Red Man; is a member of the Hamilton Club, of Chi- cago, aud belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, of Springfield. He is ex-President of the Board of Education and Is on the Board of Associated Charities. Hls sympathies are with the Pres- byterian Church, of which he is an attendant.

In August, 1888, Mr. Wiison was married to Theressa McCoyne, and they have five children : Roscoe Blaine, Reed Mckinley, Jennie June, Charles Francis Eugene and Robert Proctor.

Mr. Wilson has a large practice, and also is deeply interested in real politles, having ai- ways preached and practiced integrity in polit- ical activitles. His property holdings are con- fined to his excellent home in Springfield, where he and Mrs. Wiison entertain their wide circle of friends with true Southern hospitality.

WILSON, James .- Sangamon County has its fuii quota of men who fought, in the Federal Army during the Civil War-men who ieft home and loved ones and gave of their best in order to defend the flag of their country. Mem- bers of the Grand Army of the Republic have aiways been revered and honored as types of the best citizenshlp, and this is as it should be, for patriotism is one of our principal char- acteristics. James Wiisou, a veteran of the Clvii War who is descended from fighting stock on both sides of his family, was born January 11, 1837, at Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, Pa., a son of Vlucent J. and Catherine (Stager) Wilson. Vincent J. Wilson was always a resi-

dent of Elizabethtowu, where he was born IL. 1808 and died in 1856, hls business occupation beiug contractor and builder. His wife was born in Lebanon Couuty, Pa., and died at Eliza- bethtown. Her father was a drummer boy in the Revolutionary War, while Mr. Wilson's father, the grandfather of James Wilson, served as Captaln of a Peuusyivauia company during the same struggie.

James Wiison received his preliminary edu- catiou in the schools of Elizabethtown, and later spent one term in Brookville Methodlst College. After leaving school, for a time he was engaged in farming near Crawfordsville, Ind., and then worked on the Miami Canal for several years, serving as Captain. Returning to Crawfordsville, he became proprietor of a cracker factory, bakery and grocery, but after a few years spent in this mauuer, declded agaln to take up an agriculturai life and subsequently purchased a farm, which he operated untii 1892, then he moved to Springfield, which city has since been his home. He at first con- ducted a commissiou business, but eveutuaily became custodian of the G. A. R. hall, a posi- tion which he heid for several years. He has been successful in a business way and has a comfortable competency, including his home and other valuable real estate.

Mr. Wilson enlisted in the Federal Army for service in the Civil War, becoming a member of Compauy A, One Hundred Forty- sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and fought bravely until his discharge on the last day of August, 1865, at Baitimore, Md. His battles included Shenandoah, where he fought under Geuerai Hancock. He is a member of Stepheuson Post, No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, having been transferred from the post at Crawfordsville, Ind. He is a member of the West Side Christian Church.

Mr. Wiison was married in Crawfordsville, Ind., to Anna French, daughter of Major French, of that city, aud she died in 1903, having been the mother of three children: F. H., ilving in Indianapolis, Ind .; Martha, the wife of A. Bannon, ilving at No. 202 North State Street, Springfield; and James F., a bridgebuilder and contractor, residing on Logan Avenue. In September, 1905, Mr. Wilson was married (second) to Mrs. Ellzabeth (Tayior ) Ward, a native of Vermout, where her parents spent their entire life.

WILSON, John T., one of the prosperous and representative farmers of Sangamon County, is residing on Section 14, Isiand Grove Township, but was born in Buffalo Hart Township, May 2, 1859, a son of Thomas Wilson. The latter was a native of Scotland. having been born in Soch- maben, November 4, 1817, a son of James Wilson, aiso a native of Scotland, who married Jane Frood. In 1842, Thomas Wilson left Scotiand for America, and after two years spent in eastern cities, in 1844 landed in Sangamon County. James Wilson continned to make his home with

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

his children uutii his death. Thomas Wiisou, upon coming to Sangamou Couuty, bought laud iu Clear Lake Township, wiere on January 15, 1850, he married Miss Jane Riddle, who was born in Logau County, Ohio, April 14, 1828. When but a child of nine she was brought In 1837, by her pareuts, to Saugamon County. The Riddle family than moved to Oregon in 1851. Mr. Riddle was a very promiueut man, and when a railroad was built through inis see- tion, a towu was called after him. Mrs. Wilsou was one of ten children. After marriage Thoui- as Wilson and wife began their life together iu Clear Lake Towuship, but later sold, buying land iu Mechanicsburg Township, and in 1859 moved to Buffalo Hart Township. There John T. Wii- sou was born soon after their arrival. Mr. Wii- son became the owner of 375 acres of rich farm iand, and for ten years served as a member of the Board of Supervisors from Buffalo Hart Township, being elected on the Democratic tick- et. Ile and his wife were of the old Scotch Presbyterian faltil, iu which he died March 18, 1901, his wife having passed away May 27, 1892. He was a wise, conservative mau, whose love of justice made him give everyone a just meed of pralse for deeds accompilshed. Their children were as follows : au unnamed infant; Jane F. and Maximilla, twins, born April 4, 1852, the latter dying in infancy, but the former liviug to marry John R. Euos, of Denver, Col .; Will- ian R., born August 7, 1855. died in 1901; James, born October 28, 1857, died in iufancy ; Johu T .; Lliliau H., born September 24, 1861, mar- ried Robert Constant, of Denver, Col.

John T. Wilson grew up on his father's farm, attending the district school aud later Spring- field Business College. He remained at home until he attained hls majority, then reuted land aud begau farmiug for himseif, later taking full charge of the homestead. Ile was married De- cember 17, 1890, to Jenuie L. Taylor, boru in Williams Township, January 21, 1871, daughter of Martiu V. Taylor, now iiving retired, but formerly a prosperous farmer of the couuty. The Tayior children were as follows: J. Orvile, born October 16, 1866, and now principai of the McClernand School of Springfield, married Jeuuie Oleson, and have three children: Wililam A .. born April 13, 1869, married Mary Prittle and they live on the homestead ; Mrs. Wilson; Aiice M .. widow of Charies N. Tilbury, who now re- sides with her father in Springfield; Savilla, also at home.

When Mr. and Mrs. Wilsou were married they remained In Buffalo Hart Township until the death of the elder Mr. Wilson, but later bought 160 acres on Section 14, Island Grove Township, and from this tique on have doue everything they could to improve their property, erecting a handsome nine-room house, with all modern improvements. There, with their one son, they reside in plenty and happiness. This promising young man, Thomas Taylor, was boru September 23, 1892, and is being finely educated for any position he may be called upon to fill. Mr. and

Mrs. Wilson aud sou are members of the Pres- byteriau Churen. They also belong to the Court of Honor, of New Beriin, while Mr. Wilson be- longs to the A. H. Y. & A. of New Beriin. He is a strong Democrat aud has filied a uumber of township offices, his ueighbors appreciating his excellent qualities aud voting for him with- out reference to party ties. Both Mr. aud Mrs. Wilson have urany warm, personai frieuds lere aud in other townships, and are justiy uum- bered amoug the representative people of the couuty.

WILSON, Thomas W. (deceased) .- Many of the more pretentious business biocks, public build- lugs aud residences owe something to the skili of the late Thomas W. Wilsou, for iuany years a resident of Springfield. He was born iu Ohio, in 1833, aud died iu Springfield in 1904. He was a sou of Robert Wilson, a native of Ohio, who died wheu Thomas W. was youug. His life was speut iu farming. .

The first marrlage of Mr. Wilsou occurred in Ohio, when he married Mary Hoimes aud after their first child was born, he came to Iilinois, locating iu Loami Towuship, where he followed his trade as a carpeuter. His wife died in 1873, having borue him children as follows: Mary Alice, who was the widow of Henry Dill, died iu August, 1911; Robert of Kansas City ; Emily, widow of Frank Mingie; Samuel of Auburu; Thomas of Morgan County ; Charles, deceased ; William, and Oscar, now deceased. Ou July 13, 1880, Mr. Wlison married Miss Katie Cruli, uo issue. She was born March 15, 1840. five miles east of Pawnee, ou a farm, daughter of Henry and Fanny Elizabeth (Snodgrass) Cruil, na- tives of Tennessee. The parents dying when Mrs. Wiisou was young, she was taken by her aunt, Elizabeth Snodgrass, of Cotton Hiil Towu- ship, and lived with her until her death, when Mrs. Wilson was twelve years of age, after which she worked in families until she married.

Until four years prior to his death, Mr. Wil- son worked at hls trade, and was recognized as an uuusuaily good workman. In politics, he was a Republican. While not a member of any religious denomination, he was a good Christiau man, and was never happier thau when making others happy, and leading them Into the path of right liviug. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the West Side Christian Church.

WILSON, Thomas Witcher, National President of the Royal Benefit Society, whose main office is located at 704 Ferguson Building, Springfield, Ill., is a prominent citizen of that city and has taken an active part in locai affairs for several years. Mr. Wilson is a native of Sangamon County, born January 7, 1856. a son of John and Mary (Cooper) Wilson. The great-great- grandfather of Thomas W. Wilson served in the Colonial Wars aud was killed during his service, the great-grandfather served in the Revolution, and the grandfather served under General Jack- sou iu the War of 1812.

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Thomas W. Wiison received his education in the common and high schools of Springfield, and after leaving school engaged in various clerical work. For some time he has been connected witin the Royal Benefit Society, and was chosen for his responsible office on account of his ex- celient business training and unquestioned re- llability and uprightness. He has given tbe affairs of the organization able and efficient ad- ministration and the society is in a prosperous condition. Ile served some time as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and four years as Rec- order of Sangamon County. In his public ser- vice he has sbown marked ability and has given satisfaction in every office he has held.

Mr. Wiison was married, in Springfield, in September, 1880, to Miss Mary W. Biliington, and they became parents of four children, name- iy : William L., John L .; Mrs. Bess M., Smith, and Dorothy M. Ali except Mrs. Smith are unmarried and live at home. Mr. Wlison is a member of the Episcopal Church and fraternaliy is a member of the Odd Feilows, the Knights of Pythias, the Eiks and the Masonic Order, hav- ing taken thirty-two degrees in the last-named order, including that of Knight Templar. He aiso belongs to the Sangamon and Country Ciubs and to the Chamber of Commerce. Ile is of a social, friendiy disposition and is weii known in business and fraternal circies of Springfieid, where he is popular and has won many warm friends.

WINDSOR, William, retired farmer and gro- cer, Section 31, Mechanicsburg Township, Daw- son Rural Delivery No. 21, Sangamon County, was born in Butler County, Ohio, June 6, 1830, and is descended from several old American families, members of which have achieved celeb- rity. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Doty) Windsor, natives respectively of Dela- ware and of Butler County, Ohio. Hls father emigrated from Delaware to Ohio and passed the remainder of his years there as a farmer, dying in 1847, when his son William was be- tween sixteen and seventeen years old. He had, early in life, served his country as a soldier in the War of 1812. He left two sons and two daughters, and one son and one daughter sur- vive.

William Windsor attended the public school near his boyhood home In Butler County, and helped his father with the farm labor till 1848, when he was about eighteen years old. Then he came to Sangamon County. Ill. and engaged in farming on his own account, eventually enter- ing eighty acres of government land in Chris- tian County, which he later soid. In 1884 he moved to Saline County, Mo., where he farmed tiil March, 1893, then returned to Sangamon County. He bought a farm near Rochester, where he lived seven years, until he rented the land and moved to Rochester, where he managed a grocery store about a year. He has lived on hls present home place since Jan-

uary 15, 1890, and conducts a grocery busi- ness there, having a good trade from all tbe surrounding country. In politics he Is a Repub- lican. He was Tax Collector for Rochester Township in 1895 and has filled the office of School Director with great credit during the past fourteen years. In religious faith he af- filiates with the Christian Church.

In Clark County, Ind., on October 12, 1848, Mr. Windsor married Miss Sarah A. Long, who was born in that county, the daughter of a prominent farmer. She died December 21, 1861, having borne him two children, both of whom are dead. November 13, 1862, he married Miss Harriet E. Muli, born at Rochester, Iii., of parents who came there among the pioneers, from Virginia, and lived out their days in Sangamon County. Mrs. Windsor died April 21, 1903, deepiy mourned by all who had known her.

WINES, Frederick Howard. (Voi. I, pp. 595- 596.)

WININGS, Samuel L .- The growing desire on the part of the people to have their homes tastefully decorated has created an increased demand for artistic work, and those who can meet this demand find profitable employment for their time and energy. One of the most successful of Springfield's decorators is Samuel L. Winings, who was born in Grove City, lii .. Aprii 24, 1867, a son of Joseph and Lecty (Porter) Winings. The father was born in Akron, Ohio, while the mother was born In Grove City, Iii. Joseph Winings came to Grove City at an early date, settling on a farm which remained his home until his demise, fifteen years ago. During the Civil War he responded to the cali of his country, and served in a cavalry regiment that was enlisted from Ohlo.

Samuel L. Winings received a common school education in his native town, and learned to work on his father's farm. When he was seven- teen years oid he began learning the painter's trade, and worked at it for several years. Mov- ing from Grove City to Mattoon, he continued as a painter, gradually adding interior decorat- ing to his work. He continued to reside at Mattoon until 1906, when he came to Spring- field. He has built up a large business, the quality of his work insuring continued patron- age from those who have once employed his services. His artistic skili and keen perception make him one of the best men In his line in his part of the State.

In 1893 Mr. Winings was married, In Edin- burg, Iii., to Ada IInggins, of Grove City. The Huggins family reside on a farm in the vicinity of Grove City, and conduct a livery stable, in addition to operating the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Winings have two daughters and two sons : Marie, Lottie, Ray and Eugene. Mr. Winings is a Methodist in religious faith and a Dem- ocrat in politics. Ali his life he has worked

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

hard, and the success which has attended his efforts Is well merited.

WINN, Robert Lee (deceased), whose death oc- curred at Kansas City, Mo., July 24, 1903, was a traveling salesman by occupation. Ile was a native of Kausas City, borul February 20, 1866, a son of Charles and Susan (Thomas) Winn. Mr. Winn was reared in Kansas City and was there married, December 4, 1892, to Miss Allce Pickrell, daughter of Abel George and Emma H. (Winn) Pickrell, who was born on her father's farm in Sangamon County. She was educated in the country schools and the Betty Stuart In- stitute of Springfield. Her father, Abel G. Pick- rell, was a prominent and successful farmer and a veteran of the Civil War, having served three years, part of the time as Quartermaster of the regular army. Abel G. Pickrell was a sou of Jesse A. Pickrell, and grandson of Abel Pick- rell. The family were among the early settlers of Sangamon County and helped very much in all measures for advancing the general welfare and prosperity. Jesse A. Pickrell was the first of his family to come to the county, acquired two or three thousand acres of land, most of which he purchased at a price of about $2.50 per acre.

Robert L. Winn and wife had one child, George, born July 22, 1894, now attending school in Springfield. After the death of her husband, Mrs. A. P. Winn returned to her native county, and now resides at 414 Pasfield Avenue, Spring- field. She has many warm friends in the coun- ty and is highly esteemed by all who know her for her many fine qualities and high character. She feels a justifiable pride in the record and position won by her ancestors, and has always felt a patriotic interest in the affairs of Sanga- mon County. She and her son have been resi- dents of Springfield since about 1904, and before that time lived at Zanesville.

WINTER, William E .- The many advantages afforded by Springfield as a place of residence have influenced a number of men to settle there when they decide to retire from the activities of life. A well known and popular retired busi- ness man of the city is William E. Wiuter. He was born in Swanley, Kent, England, De- cember 16, 1851, a son of Robert and Mary (Pucknaw) Winter, natives of Kent. The father who became manager of gas works in Kent. lived and died there as did his wife. They had six children, evenly divided as to sex, and five still survive. The grandfather on the pa- ternal side was a shepherd, while the maternal grandfather owned a large estate in Kent.

After a boyhood spent attending school in his native place. William F. Winter worked during seven years in a paper factory in Kent, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world, but on July 9, 1869, he landed in New York City, having decided that this country would offer him the best opportunitles for ad- vancement. From New York he came direct to

Auburn, Ill., where for about a month he worked on a farm, then went to Macon, Ili., where ile found employment on another farm, continuing there a year. His next employment was with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, re- maining in Its employ a short time, when he came to Springfield. There he became cook at the Chenery House, leaving soon thereafter, to become pastry cook for the Leland Hotel. After a year, he left to embark in a confection- ery business for himself, conducting It two years, when he sold out and engaged as engineer In the Springfield Rolling Mills, remaining in this capacity seven years, when, feeling the need of relaxation, he went back to England. For two years he remained there, but found that conditions had changed, and came back to Springfield to his old position as engineer. working in the Illinois Foundry. After several years there, he went Into the Wabash shops, but sometime afterwards left, to enter the Egyp- tian Cement Works. After ten years there he retired, and since then has been enjoying a well- earned rest. Mr. Winter belongs to The Court of Honor, No. 25. and is interested in its work.

On June 30, 1873, Mr. Winter was married, in Springfield to Mary Pefferle, born at Napa- noch, N. Y., July 6, 1853. The parents of Mrs. Winter came to Springfield in 1863. Her father was a machinist, and worked at his trade all his life. He was accidentally killed In a run- away, in 1887. By birth he was a German, but his wife was born In New York City. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Win- ter : Gilbert resides in Springfield, being press- man in the Illinois State Journal office; Fiora, wife of Jesse Harris, lives at Silvis, Ill .; Walter is a machinist in the employ of the Wabash Rallroad Company; Harry is also in the em- ploy of the same road as machinist; Etta, wife of George Burns, who is in the employ of the Gorey Spool Company; Iva is at home. There are six grandchildren In the family. Mr. Win- ter owns his home at No. 1729 Stuart Street, where he has lived for the past twenty-nine years. He owns other valuable property in Springfield, which yields him a comfortable income. While a true Englishman, Mr. Winter is interested in the land where he has lived so long, and in which he has made his money. Like many of the retired men of Springfield, he is interested In securing good government, and is always willing to do his full share to- wards securing it.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 167

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