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

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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listed for three months, he remained at home until July 25, 1862, when again he offered hls services, in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from which he was mnstered ont May 30, 1865. During his service, he participated in many engagements including the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Gun- town, Miss., where he had the misfortune to be taken prisoner. From there he was sent to the infamous Andersonville, and for eleven terrible months underwent hardships which no mere words can describe.

Broken in health and spirits after his dreadful snfferings, he returned to Sangamon Connty, and from 1865 to 1871 was engaged in farming. Following this he went to Jasper County, Mo., where he continued farming for three years, then returned to Clear Lake Township. After trad- Ing stock for a time, and travellng about in the prosecution of his business, he opened a meat market in Riverton, and for twenty years was one of the leading retailers in his line in the county. In 1898 he went to the sonthern part of Missouri, engaging in sheep raising, bnt five years later came back to Sangamon County and, locating in Spaulding, once more engaged in a meat business. Drawn to New Mexico, he took up a claim there in 1908, but is now farming in Clear Lake Township, where he owns ten acres of land, valued at $200 per acre.

The marriage of Mr. Allen occurred in Clear Lake Township, to Alice Mann, on April 2, 1867. She was born in Sangamon County and died there in 1904. Her parents came to the county from Kentucky, locating on a farm in Clear Lake Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Children as follows were born to Mr. and Mrs. Allen; William, of Riverton; Ed- win, of Springfield; Ernest, deceased ; Robert, of Clear Lake, residing with his father, as does Chester; John, of New Mexico; Frank, of San Francisco, is in the regular army ; Carrie, wife of Frank Clippenger, of Riverton, where he is a carpenter ; Josephine, wife of Richard Rogers, of Riverton; Jessie, wife of Bert Taylor, of New Mexico; Mae, wife of Joseph Thompson, of Springfield ; and Emma, also of Springfield.

Mr. Allen is a stanch supporter of Republicau principles, having learned them from his warm personai friend, Abraham Lincoln, with whom he was very intimate. The two often went swimming together and Mr. Allen felt the loss of the great man as though he had been a blood relative.

ALLISON, Isaac F. (deceased), a farmer ail his life, was born in Virginia in 1803, but was reared in Kentucky, where he married De- horah Caliarman, in 1827. They moved to Sangamon County, where he farmned for thirty years, and then went to Crawford County, where Mr. Allison took up land, but after two years, on December 23, 1869. he died in Kansas, where he had removed. The family remained in Kansas six years, but were driven out by the grasshoppers and returned to Sangamon

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County. Mrs. Allison died May 15, 1860, firm in the falth of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Allison was a Republican. Their children were: John W. died in the Mexican War, being in Coionei Baker's regiment; Joseph marrled Hannah Kneudsou and died in Sangamon County; John W. (II) dled in Kansas; Susan died at the age of nine years; Elizabeth E .; James died in Sangamon Couuty, having mar- rled Julia Dunham; Ruth M. died In Sangamon County ; Ellzabeth, of Springfield.

Miss Eilzabeth Ellen Ailison, born on the Athenswood Road on her father's farm, four miles north of Springfield, February 14, 1837, attended Liberty School and received an excel- lent education. She taught school for five years in Kansas. She is a member of Laurel Metlio- dist Church, and when abie is among its efficient workers.

AMBROSE, George J., a well-known citizen of Springfield, Ili., who has filled various public offices in Sangamon County, is a native of the city, born February 22, 1874, and is a son of John Ambrose and Bridget (Hickey) Ambrose, the parents both natives of Limerick, Ireland, the father born June 7, 1848, and the mother February 2, 1847. John Ambrose came to America in 1865 and located in Springfield. In his native country he had followed the trade of coal miner, but after coming to Springfield he engaged in grocery business, in 1881 locating at the corner of Nineteenth and Washington Streets, and continuing in that business until 1899, when he retired fromu active iife. His death occurred February 14, 1908. He was prominent in many circles, was a member of the Court of Honor, the Western Cathoilc Union and the Catholic Church, and in polltics was a Democrat. When a young man he had been drafted for service in the English Navy. His widow now lives in Springfield. They were parents of five sons and one daughter : George J., the oldest; Thomas F., also of Springfield; James died in 1895; Catherine E. married Henry E. Hanselman; John was killed March 8, 1893, on the tracks of the Wabash rallroad, while on his way to school, being then elght years of age; Stephen died July 5, 1899.

Mr. Ambrose received his academic training in St. Mary's School at Springfield and later took a course at Springfield Business College. Upon leaving school he worked two years in his father's grocery store, then worked four years in the mines, and December 5, 1898, was ap- pointed Deputy Clerk of the county, continuing In office until . August 30, 1907, when he took the position of Clerk, serving in the office until January 10. 1911. In his public service he has shown himself practical and efficient, and in the primaries held February 28, 1911, was a can- didate for the office of Commissioner.

Mr. Ambrose was married November 1, 1898. to Catherine Moore, a native of Springfield. born August 6, 1876, daughter of James B. and Frances (Walker) Moore, the father born at

Westchester County, N. Y., May 14, 1852, and the mother In Springfield, April 2, 1858, and died there May 4, 1908. Mrs Ambrose was one of ten children, seven of whom are now living : Catherine (Mrs. Ambrose) ; William A., of Springfield; Mary L., deceased; James E., of Chicago; Daniel, of Springfield; Nellie died In infancy; Laura died in infancy ; Stephen T .; Michael Joseph, of Springfield; Alexander, of Chicago. To Mr. Ambrose and wife eight chIl- dren have been born: George, born May 26, 1899, dled October 14, 1906; Stepheu F., born Juiy 26, 1900; Mary C., June 8, 1902; John, Aprii 27, 1904; Francis, September 23, 1906; Eilzabeth, October 1, 1908; Helen, February 2, 1909; Rose, March 15, 1911. Mr. Ambrose is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Court of Honor, and belongs to the Im- maculate Conception Catholic Church, of Spring- field. In politics he is a Democrat and has always takeu an active interest in public affairs. He has spent most of his life in the city, where his character is well known, and he has many firm friends.

AMRHEIN, Christoph .- When one line of busluess has been conducted by the same family generation after generation, the father passing his interests down to his sons, along with his knowiedge, gained through many years of prac- tical experience, and they in turn passing it along to their sons, the excellence of the product of that business is assured. Christian Amrhein, who conducts oue of Springfield's leading bak- ing establishments, comes of a long line of bakers of Germany, which country has the ac- knowledged reputation of furnishing the lead- ing bakers of any country in the world. Mr. Amrhein was born in Germany, December 29, 1864, and is a son of Lorenz and Mary (Kizet- ener) Amrhein, both of whom died In the Father- land.

Mr. Amrhein's grandfather was a weil-known baker In Germany, where the family had con- ducted the same business for more than 400 years, and the branch of the family in that line in the old country is now represented by Mr. Amrhein's brother Carl, to whom he pald a visit in 1908. Christoph Amrhein learned the baking trade of his father and came to Spring- field direct from the place of his birth, arriv- Ing in this city October 13, 1881. Being enter- prising and energetic, he soon established a place of his own and for twenty-nine years has been rated among the leading men in his line in the city. He is a Catholic in his religious views, the family being prominent in German Catholic circles in the city, and is connected with the Western Catholic Union, St. Vincent's Society and the State Federation of Catholic Germans, of which latter he Is the President. He is a Democrat in politics but is ilberal and votes rather for the man than the party.

On May 7, 1885, Mr. Amrhein was married to Josepha Gefaell. The family came to Spring- field from Germany in 1846, but after six

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years went back to Germany, returning to Springfield in 1862, and again going back to the Fatherland in 1SGS. The father's death oc- curred in 1904, but the mother stili survives. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Amrhein, namely : Mary, born December 4, 1886, residing at home; Nicholas, telier in the First National Bank of Springfield; Kate, at home; Carl, who is working with his father; and Louisa. All of the children received good educations in the parochiai school of SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church.

ANDERSON, George W., a retired engineer living at Springfield, Ili., is a veteran of the Civil War and a well-known and highly re- spected citizen of the city. He was born near Salem, Marion County, Ill., November 7, 1835, son of Crittenden and Elizabeth (Breeze) An- derson, the father born in Scotland and the mother in Hanover, Germany. Crittenden Anderson was a cabinet-maker and foliowed this trade most of his life. He came to America as a young man and settled at Bowling Green, Ky., where he lived many years, then moved to Saiem, Ili., where his remaining years were spent. His wife aiso died at Salem.

The paternai grandfather of Crittenden An- derson came to America from Scotland before the Revolution, served as a soldier in the Con- tinental Army, and at the close of the struggle returned to Scotiand for his family. He lived to be one hundred ten years of age and the father of Crittenden Anderson lived to the age of eighty-five years.

George W. Anderson received a meager edu- cation in a little log school-house near his birthplace, which he attended about three months altogether, and as both his parents died when he was small he had his own way to make early in life. He went to Vermont as a boy and found employment in a large miil there, where he learned to be a stationary engineer, and was working at that occupation when but fifteen years old. After remaining in Vermont about four years Mr. Anderson moved to Chi- cago, Ill., where he became employed as en- gineer on a construction train for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He remained with this company until the war, wheu he enlisted for one hundred days in Company C, Eleventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service he re-enlisted in the same company, which was later consolidated with Company C, Eleventh Missouri regiment. He served three years and three months and was mnstered out at Jefferson City, Mo. He partici- pated in many important battles. among them : Chickamauga, Corinth, Fort Donelson, Jackson (Miss.), Atlanta. and many others. He served under General Lew Wallace and Colonel Ran- som. He won a good record and is an influen- tial member of Wallace Post G. A. R., of Cen- tralia, Iil.

Mr. Anderson moved to Centralia at the close of the war and re-entered the employ of the

Illinois Central Railroad Company as engineer. working in this capacity until 1879, when he io- cated in Springfield. He did no work for abont a year after coming to the city, but later took a po- sition with the Barker Mine Car & Foundry Com- pany, as engineer, and worked for them fifteen years, after which he run a dummy engine for the old Springfield Street Car Company. For the past few years Mr. Anderson has retired from more active life, but is now employed as janitor for the Kumler Methodist Church. He is an active and useful member of this church and one of its most valued workers. Frater- naiiy he beiongs to Egyptian Lodge No. 102, A. F. & A. M., of Centralia, and Metropolitan Lodge No. 108, I. O. O. F., of Centralia. He has made many friends in Springfield and has been able to accumulate some property. He resides at 435 North Fourth Street.

Mr. Anderson was married (first) in Marion County, Ill., in May, 1857, to Miss Mary Hughey, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who accompanied her parents to America and with them located at Boston, Mass., where she became a teacher in the higher grades of the public schools. She was a woman of high education and rare culture and very successful as an educator. Three sons and three daughters were born of this union, of whom but two survive: Otto, an electrician of Springfield, and Margaret, wife of James Lowe, a brick mason and contractor of St. Lonis. The mother of these children died in Centra- lia, in 1875, and Mr. Anderson married (sec- ond), in Centralia, Miss Emma J. Keane, a native of Indiana, who died in 1895. Mr. Ander- son married (third), in Springfield, Margaret Fowkes, a connection of the Ridley family, early settiers in Sangamon County, Iii., where she was born, August 11, 1845, near the village of Sherman. Her grandfather served in the War of 1812 and her father was a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting at Wintersct, Iowa, in Company F., Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. The latter was wounded and discharged before the end of the war. Mrs. Anderson also had an uncie who served in the war. Her father was one of the old settiers of Sangamon County and a prominent citizen. Five grandchildren and fonr great-grandchildren have been born to Mr. Anderson.

ANDERSON, L. S .- It would be difficult to state just how much has been accomplished by photography in the last four or five decades, to say how much nearer it has brought the peoples of the world together, to give its reai educational value or to say what an important position those who are engaged in this profes- sion hold. In the family circle, however, the photographer is an important personage, and he is generaliy held in real affection by those who have first been carried to him in arms to be photographed in their baby clothes. later proudly stand before him in their bridal gar- ments, and still later take to him, as they themselves had been taken, their offspring, to

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put down in print the record of the today that will never come again. L. S. Anderson, one of the best-known photographers of Springfield, who still occupies the same stand that he first took wheu locating in the city, was born April 30, 1847, in New York State, a son of Rev. Lewis aud Susan (Pratt) Anderson.

Rev. Lewis Anderson was a minister of the Methodist Church, who came to Illinois in 1852, and for the last years of his life resided iu Rock- ford, where he was pastor of the Methodist Church, and where his death occurred at the advanced age of eighty years.

L. S. Anderson secured his education in the schools of Rockford, where he resided until twenty years of age and then went to Chicago where he learned the trade of photographer, working In that city for two years. In 1871 he came to Springfield and began work for Charles Payne, but soon engaged in business on his own account, and with the exception of two years he has occupied his present location on the north side of the Square. He has been very successful since coming to Springfield, now has one of the largest photographic studios In Central Ililnois, and commands patronage for miles around. He is a member of Navarre Lodge No. 142, Knights of Phythias, of which he is Past Chancellor, and he has also served In the Grand Lodge. His politles are those of the Republican party and his religious faith that of the Methodist Church.

On September 13, 1875, Mr. Anderson was married In Springfield. Ill., to Miss Sadle E. Bartram, who was born in Springfield February 6, 1858. Mrs. Anderson's father was a soldier during the Civil War, being First Lieutenant of his company, and his death occurred shortly after the close of hostilities. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, namely : George C. aged thirty-five years, In the empioy of the Springfield Utility Company, married Hattie Arkles, of Chicago, and they have one son Norbert; Mrs. Hermione McCon- neli, aged twenty-three years; Harold L. An- derson, aged twenty-one years, second operator at the Anderson Studio, married Mabel M. Clouser, of Spalding, Ill .; Susie Mae Anderson aged eighteen years. The famliy is well and favorably known in Springfield social circles.

ANDERSON, Tavner .- The Anderson family is one of the best known in Sangamon County. its representatives ranking among the leading mien of the central part of the State. One of the pro- gressive farmers of Cartwright Township, who belongs to this family. is Tavner Anderson, re- siding on Section 1. He was born on Section 11 of this township, January 7. 1862, a son of Thomas F. and Martha L. (Childs) Anderson. fine old ploneers, whose names are associated with all that is best in the county's development. The father has passed away. but the mother survives, to be an object of veneration to her offspring. A more complete sketch of the An- derson famlly is given elsewhere iu this work.

Tavner Andersou grew up on the homestead, and after completing his district school course, attended schooi in Springfield. Returnlug home, he resumed farming living with his parents un- til his marriage, November 28, 1888, to Anna I. Watts, daughter of Albert B. Watts, of Farm- ingdale, a sketch of whom appears in this vol- ume. After marriage, the young couple bought land, living upon it one year, when in 1889, Mr. Andersou bought a portion of his preseut farm. In 1900, he erected his preseut residence, and on January 1, 1901, he entertained the ueighbors with a housewarming. This beautiful home is thoroughly modern, with hot water and acety- lene lights. In his farm work, Mr. Anderson shows the same progressive spirit he displayed in planning his house, and the results justify his methods. He specializes on short horn cat- tle.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became parents of the following children: Charles, born August 20, 1889, at home; Albert Franklin, boru Decemher 8, 1891. attended the agricultural department of the University of Illinois at Champaign, and is now at home; Earl Tavner, born April 29, 1895, was accidentally killed August 29, 1909, by fall- ing from a horse, and was burled at Farmington Cemetery ; Lester Watts, born November 15, 1897; Martha Amella, born April 17, 1900; Wal- ter Dustin, born July 15, 1904; Lucretia. born September 7, 1906; Elizabeth Jaue, born Noveni- ber 28, 1908; Ethel, born July 29, 1910. Mrs. Anderson agrees with her husband regarding the importance of a good education, and plans to give the chilldren every possible advantage.

Mr. Anderson now owns 820 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultiva- tion. During the years he has lived in the community, Mr. Anderson has been privileged to witness many changes, ail of which justify his grandfather's confidence In the future of Sanga- mon County. Not only has Mr. Anderson made his mark In the agricultural world, but he has found time to bear inis part as a member of the Christian Church, of which his wife is also a member, and to be a good citizen. No measure of any importance which has as its aim the im- provement of the township or county, ever comes up without Mr. Anderson investigating it thor. ouglily. A good judge of stock, his advice is often asked. and he gives It gladly, for he be- lieves in scientific farming and is trying to bring his children to his way of thinking. As he, him- self, grew to manhood, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, so does Mr. An- derson hope to have his sons follow him, and that they may carry on the good work, he has so ably inaugurated, is his dearest wish.

ANDERSON, Thomas F. (deceased), was num- bered among the honored pioneers of Sanga- mon Couuty and contributed his full share to- wards its development and material advance- ment. He was horn in Cartwright Townshlp September 11, 1829, a son of Moses K. Ander- son, born In Butier County, Ky., November 11,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

1803. Moses K. Anderson lost his parents when he was twelve years old and was taken by relatives to that part of Davidson County which is now Cheatham County, Tenn. Here be mar- ried Cassarilla Stroud, born November 12, 1812, iu Dickson Couuty, Tenn., the ceremony taking place September 13, 1827. Two years later they landed iu Sangamon County, locating in what is now Cartwright Township, where they entered a large amount of land, becoming heavy land owners. Mr. Anderson was a man who foresaw a great future for Sangamon County, and did all he could to bring it about. In politics he was an aggressive Democrat, holding mauy local offices, and was prominent in the militia organizations, having been drill master in early days. Soon after coming here he was elected Captain of a company and in a short time was promoted to rank of Colonel, and then Brigadier-General. Finally he was ap- pointed Adjutant-General by Gov. Carlin, con- tinuing to hold that office by successive re- appointments until 1856. During this period he was called upon to exercise his prerogatives during the Mormon troubles at Nauvoo and during the Mexican War. Later in life he imoved to Springfield and for six years was a Member of the City Council, and for twenty years was Justice of the Peace. A record of his hardships and sufferings, especially during the winter of the great snow, in 1830, would fill a book. In all of them he bore himself as a brave man should and came out of them all strengthened for his life work. The children born to himself and wife were: Thomas F., Millie Ann, Sarah J., Mary E., Malinda E., Cyuthia A., George W., Merlin A., Willard Wick- liffe, William . Wilks. Mrs. Anderson died December 31, 1850. After her death General Anderson married Mrs. Marian F. Hall, whose maiden name was Stroude. He was a lifelong member of the Christian Church and gave freely of his means to its support.

Thomas F. Anderson was reared among typically ·pioneer surroundings, early learning how to work. Like many young meu of his period, he married upon reaching his majority, the ceremony taking place December 25, 1851, when he was united with Martha Le Childs, born in Sangamon County, December S, 1833, daugliter of Stephen and Hannah (Lyman) Childs, natives of Vermont, who came to Illi- nois, settling in what was then old Sangamon County, sixteen farmers coming together. All of them prospered and lived to see their children grow up around them. There they died. Mr. and Mrs. Childs took a prominent part in the religious and educational development of the county, as is elsewhere related.

Immediately following his marriage, Thomas F. Anderson began farming on the property now the home of Mrs. Anderson, and there he died September 24, 1898. Six children were born to them : Laura, who died in infancy; Charles, born April 26, 1855, married Katie Fogarty, of Farmingdale, issue, one daughter, Laura, born

February 2, 1879, lives with her grandmother, her father having died August 22, 1879, and her mother October 29, 1900; Edward, proprietor of the Merchants Transfer Coupany, of Spring- field, formuerly Principal of the Trapp School, of that city, born June 14, 1857, married Lillian Mccullough, issue-Mary, Edith and Harold; Henry B., born December 29, 1859, now has charge of the homestead, married Lena Arm- bruster, July 1, 1903, issue, James A. H., born November 27, 1906, and in the following month the young mother died ; Tavner, born January 7, 1862; and Hattie, born November 10, 1875.

The secoud sou, Edward Anderson, sent his two daughters to high school and gave them the musical training their talents entitled them to receive. Mary has been for several years pianist for Evangelist Torey. Edith married Charles E. Butler, one of the Rev. Billy Sun- day's singers. Mrs. Butler has also often charmed the vast congregations with her beau- tiful voice. They have one child, Lillian, the great-grandchild of dear Grandmother Ander- SOII. Mr. Anderson was a stroug Democrat and was active in his party, holding many of the townsbip offices. He was an excellent judge of stock and bred somue that ranked with the best the county ever produced. A consistent member of the Christian Church, he was active in its work and that of the Sunday School.

Looking back over sixty years, Mrs. Anderson can scarcely realize all of the changes that have taken place iu her community. Not only has she seen marvelous changes effected, but she has been called upon to mourn not only members of her own family and her devoted husband, but the neighbors with whom she was always on such friendly terms. But one of them survives, the rest having gone on as pioneers into the Heavenly Kingdom. Mrs. Anderson, lovingly called "Grandma" by half the townsbip, is one of those noble women who bore upon their shoulders so many of the hard- ships of settling the new country. No com- plaints ever left her lips, as she labored by her husband's side, ever smoothing his way and that of her children. Prosperity came to them, but if it had not she would not have repined, but would have bound up the wounds gained in the battle of life, and sent her dear ones forth to labor anew. Church and home have ever known her tender ministrations and effective work, and no fair estimate can be made of the good she has accomplished, for so little of the aggregate has ever been allowed to become public. Her children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild all tenderly cherish this grand old pioneer wife and mother.

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

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