Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 22

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 22

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kept green in the hearts of the members of the Burtou family.

Mr. Burton after returning to his home, set- tled down on his farm, but subsequently soid it and purchased a tract of eighty acres on Sec- tion 2, Loami Township. To this, he added from time to time, untii at one time he had 200 acres under good cultivation. When the Civil War broke out, he entered Company I, Seventy- third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, becoming Regimental wagon master, serving three years and nine months. He was known throughout the regiment as "Lucky," but this was evi- dently a misnomer, as his horse fell with him and he was a cripple during the remainder of his life, in addition to having his hearing con- siderabiy impaired by the heavy cannonading during his service.

In 1870, he sold his farm on Section 2 and purchased 320 acres on Section 4, Loami Town- ship, in 1873, selling 120 acres, buying 260 acres on Section 16. In 1882, he traded this 380 acres of fine land to L. W. Massie for 640 acres in Cass County, Mo., taking the difference in cash. That year, the family moved to Cass Co., Mo., and Mr. Burton gave to each of his sons a tract of eighty acres. His daughter, Jincy Ann, is the wife of Frank McCarthy and has a fine home in Kansas City, Mo. In 1898, Mr. Burton sold and traded land in Missouri, for land and city property at Eureka Springs. Ark., and 200 acres of land near the city. There his wife passed to her final rest, Decem- ber 16, 1899, aged seventy-eight years, he fol -. iowing her to the grave May 3, 1909, aged eighty-seven years. Both were devout members of the Metbodist Episcopal Church. To them there were born: Jincy A .; James W., a resi- dent of Kansas City, Mo., who married Lou McCleod ; John David; Louis B., who went West and has not been heard from in some time; and Reuben E., a resident of Kansas City, Mo.

Like the other members of his family, John David Burton was given excellent educational advantages, his schooling starting at the old Dutcher school district, two miles from bis home. While stiii attending school, at the age of six years, he engaged in herding sheep, and as soon as he was abie and strong enough, he took his place and did his share of work on the farm. He next attended the Maple Grove school, later the High Water Mark school, the Huffaker school, and two terms at Loami, and part of a course at the Masonic Institute at Grapevine. Tex., whence he had gone on ac- count of iil health. In the fall of 1872, he re- turned to his home in Illinois, again attending the High Water Mark school, but in 1875, he weut to Kansas where he was for a time en- gaged in checking tobacco and cigars

In the fall of the same year, he again came back and on February 7. 1878, he was married to Sarah Carson, of Maxweii Township, daugh- ter of William P. Carson. During 1881 and 1882, Mr. Burton taught the Hong Kong school

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

located on Section 14. During 1881, he had moved to his present home in Loami Township, but in the spring of 1883, he moved to Cass County, Mo., settling on the eighty acres his father had given him there. In 18SS, he came back to his farm in Loami, where he remained until 1893, at which time he went to Macoupin County, but two years later, he again returned to Loami Township. On June 5, 1897, Mr. Bur- ton met with an injury in a runaway accident, and on August 5, his leg was amputated ten inches below the knee. This misfortune, Mr. Burton has not allowed to interfere with his operations in any way, as he exchanges work with his neighbors, is looked upon as one of the best hands for any farm work, and is much sought for when threshing is to be done.

Mr. Burton resides in a Republican township, but has been elected to public positions ou a Democratic ticket four times out of six. In the spring election of 1897, he was elected Collec- tor by a majority of twelve votes, and collected the taxes that winter in spite of his accident. He was elected Assessor, in the spring election of 1910, defeating his opponent by about seventy votes, and he has also served as Judge of Elec- tion and as delegate to County conventions, iu addition to being School Director. Fraternally, he is connected with Camp No. 848, Modern Woodsmuen of America, and Loami Lodge No. 901, I. O. O. F., which he joined as a charter member May 30. 1903. He has passed through the chairs of the latter lodge, and is now a Past Grand, in addition to having been representa- tive to the Grand Lodge and Deputy Grand Master. With Mrs. Burton, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and both are much interested in church and charitable work.

Mr. and Mrs. Burton have had the following children : Norval E., born January 24, 1879, a teacher in the Lami High school, married Myrtle Gustine, one child, John D .; Will- iam D., born July 29, 1881, at home; Lee R., born September 24. 1884. married Elizabeth Simms and resides in Loami: Mabel A., born August 30, 1887, married Leslie Butler ; Rollin. born August 24, 1889, married Lena Lynn ; and Laurice born June 21. 1893, at home; Minerva, who died in infancy ; and Nancy, born June 13, 1897, died September 16, 1906.

BUTLER, Isaac E .- A number of men appreciate the changes which have been effected in Sanga- mon County since the days when Lincoln and Douglas were the shining light of Springfield and slavery was the burning issue of the day. Those who lived through those exciting times scarcely recognize the Sangamon County of to- day, as contrasted with what it was in the lat- ter 'fifties and early 'sixties. Some of them feel that, while much has been gained, something has been lost-appreciation of benefits enjoyed. One who for years has been numbered among the successful farmers of Sangamon County is Isaac E. Butler, born in Old

Berlin, January 27, 1846, a son of Stephen H. and Nancy (Coates) Butler, natives of Ken- tucky and Menard County, Ill. The father, who was a farmer, came to Saugamon County iu 1824, being among the very early settlers there, and located on a farm at Old Berlin, where he remained for a good many years. He then moved near Fairfield, Jefferson County, still being engaged in farming operations. After eleven years in that locality, however, he re- turned to Sangamon County, locating on the farm now owned by Isaac E., and there his death occurred in 1880. His wife passed away in 1874, having borne her husband twelve chil- dreu, evenly divided as to sex, but of whom only four survive: William; Julia, wife of James Simpson, a blacksmith of Pleasant Plaines; Mary, wife of Joseph Donner, and Isaac.

Isaac E. Butler was educated at Old Berliu, and later in Jefferson County, but returued with his father to Sangamon County, which has since continued his home. In 1865 he located on his farm of fifty-five acres of fine farming land in Clear Lake Township, which he has developed into a very valuable property, devoting it to general farming and tbe raising of high-grade stock.

His marriage occurred in Clear Lake Town- ship, in February, 1875, to Emma J. Clerk, born near Rochester, III., May 5, 1848. Her father was a native of England, who came to the United States in 1831, settling on a farm in Sangamon County, where he lived for some years. During the war he served as a soldier, and at its close moved to Missouri, where he farmed for several years, eventually returning to Rochester, which is still his home, he being now ninety-one years of age. His wife was a native of Sangamon County, who died in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Butler became the parents of seven children, five of whom now survive: Jennie, wife of John King, a transfer and expressman. of Springfield; Fannie, wife of Henry Jabusch, bookkeeper for the Racine-Sattlery Company, of Springfield; Stephen, of Springfield; and Wil- liam and Emma, at home. There are seven grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Butler is a consistent member of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republi- can and has served as Highway Commissioner of Clear Lake Township several terms. It is a source of great satisfaction to him that he can recall the great Abraham Lincoln and re- member many interesting incidents of his life m Sangamon County. Being a good conversa- tionalist, Mr. Butler is very entertaining as he talks of former days and draws a vivid contrast between conditions then and now. He has borne his own part in effecting some of the changes he is proud of, and can take credit to himself that he has never failed when duty called him. San- gamon County owes much to those sturdy men who built it up to its present proportious, and who, while carving their own fortunes, did not

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

forget their obligations as citizens or their duty to the children who were coming after thein.

BUTLER, William. (Vol. I, p. 70.)

BUTLER, Colonel William Joseph, of Spring- field, Ill., whose able article on the "Military History of Sangamon County" in this work, will be read with deep iuterest, was born in Spring- field, May 13, 1868, a son of IIenry Wirt and Helen (McClernand) Butler, a sketch of whomn appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Butler is a grandson on his father's side, of William But- ler, State Treasurer during the Civil War, and a grandson, on the maternal side, of the dis- tinguished General John A. McClernand. The education of Mr. Butler, was secured in the city schools, after which he attended High School two years, and then took a course at a business college, finishing which, he studied law under Connolly & Mather, and was admitted to the Bar. He then attended Harvard Law School, at Cambridge, Mass., following which, he en- tered the office, and became a partner of his grandfather, Gen. Jno. A. McClernand, there remaining until 1894, when he was elected a mewher of the Thirty-ninth General Assembly, on the Republican ticket, and represented the Thirty-ninth District, which at that time was made up of Sangamon County alone. During his term in this responsible office, Mr. Butler was instrumental in securing appropriation for $225,000.00 for the State Fair, the expenditure of which at Springfield, permanently fixed the Fair at that place. Although a member of the Thirty-ninth General Assembly, which came in for much adverse criticismn, Mr. Butler was without stain or criticism of auy kind, and his record is one of which his constituents, as well as himself, can he proud.

He is very active in politics, and has been called upon more than once, to represent his party in positions of trust. serving as a mem- ber and chairman of the City and County Com- mittees, and also as a member of the State Central Committee. Mr. Butler has had a very great experience in business affairs, and has developed a high degree of executive and organ- ization ahility. He served as a Receiver of na- tional hanks in Macon, Ga., Jacksonville, Fla., Butler. Mo., and Dresden, O .. from 1904 to 1908, during which time, he also handled as re- ceiver. a large insurance society in Illinois, and an extensive saw mill plant in southern Georgia. In 1908 and 1909, he was appointed by the Comptroller of the Currency, an Exam- iner of national banks, but resigned on ac- count of his health.

In 1896. Mr. Butler was married to Bessie Gross, daughter of Eugene L. Gross. They have four children : Henry Wirt, Susan Louise, Salome Elizabeth and McClernand Butler. Mr. Butler belongs to the Odd Fellows, Elks and is a memher and was commander of Camp No. 4, Sons of Veterans. He is a young man of more than average ability, and has demonstrated his

fitness to occupy high positions. IIis politi- cal influence, and his knowledge of public mat- ters, are of such a character that without doubt, he will be called upou to give more of his time and attention to them in the future, for it is just such men as he, that are needed to intelli- gentiy conduct the affairs of the government.

BUTTERLEY, Stephen, now living retired from active life, at 1928 South Sixth Street, Spring- field, was born in County Louth, Ireland, in 1849, son of Stephen and Katherine (Murphy) Butterley, both of whom were natives of Ire- land and spent their entire lives in that country, dying in comparatively early life. Stephen But- terley, subject of this sketch, has a brother and sister living in Springfield, who came to the United States about ten years after he did. He was educated in the public schools in County Louth and remained on his father's farm until he was seventeen years old, then began working at farming for others. In 1870 he came to America, locating in Sangamon County, where he became interested in coal mining, and spent thirty-eight years in this occupation. He has worked in several different shafts and has heen employed in various capacities, as he has learned many hranches of the work and has always been a reliable and conscientious worker.

In 1872 Mr. Butterley moved to Iles Junction and lived there thirteen years, then .located in his present home. where he has resided twenty- six years. He has a fine house and owns 100 feet front, with a depth of 160 feet. He has been a meinher of the Mine Workers of America for the past seven years and is connected with Local No. 999, of Springfield. He is an enter- prising. puhlic-spirited citizen and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Mr. Butterley was married, in Springfield, in November, 1872, to Miss Julia, daughter of James and Mary Matthews, born in Ireland, in 1843. Both Mr. Matthews and his wife died in Ireland, iu 1875. Two brothers of Mrs. Butter- ley came to America in 1869 and one of them is now living in California. Mr. Butterley and his wife have children as follows: Peter J., em- ployed by the Marquette Cement Company, at Oglesby. Ill. ; Katherine, a clerk with the Capital Coal Company ; James, a coal miner ; Mary, liv- ing at home. Mr. Butterley has two grand- children: Stephen Butterley, born in 1907, and Robert Butterley, born in 1908. Mr. Butterley is a man of honest and upright character and generally respected. His wife died October 9, 1908, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Spring- field. She had been a faithful and devoted wife and mother and was mourned by many friends.

BUTZMAN, Charles F., an intelligent and en- terprising citizen of the city of Springfield, Ill., is a good example of the high position and suc- cess which reward the work of a young man of ambition and ability, when his efforts are wisely

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

directed. Mr. Butzman has served his fellows in various offices and it is expected he will render further valuable service to the munici- pality. He was born in Germany, July 5, 1SS1, but was brought to America at the age of one year. His father, Charles Butzman, was born in Germany and there married Miss Gertrude Alwell. They came to the United States in 1SS2, landing at New York, whence they came direct to Illinois and spent two years at Troy, that State. Then coming to Springfield, they established the family home at 700 North Four- teenth Street, but the father now lives at 1411 East Washington Street. Upon coming to Springfield Mr. Butzman followed the occupa- tion of mining, which had been his occupation for some time before leaving his native country, but a few years ago became employed as a janitor at the City Hall. Mrs. Butzman died November 25, 1910. She and her husband had children as follows: Mrs. Gertrude W. Singer of Springfield; Charles F. and John, Mary, Annie and Margaret, at home. The family are members of S.S. Peter and Paul's Roman Cath- olic Church.

Until he was fourteen years of age Charles F. Butzman attended the parochial school con- nected with the parish to which the family be- longed, then for a short time worked in the mines as his father's helper. Not being satisfied with this position he soon afterward found em- ployment at a carriage factory, where he re- mained two years, and then began work for the Holcomb & Green Electric Company, re- maining there nine years, but since then has been in tile employ of the Springfield Light, Heat and Power Company. He worked first in the meter department, but since 1907 has been holding the position of electrician. He is progressive in his ideas, energetic and indus- trious, and has the entire confidence of his em- ployers and associates.

Mr. Butzman is a member of S.S. Peter and Paul's Church and a consistent Republican. He served two years as member of the City Council from the First Ward, one year under Mayor Reece and one year under Mayor Schnepp, and was a candidate for nomination for Commissioner under the new form of govern- ment. He is well known in the city and has many warm personal friends. Mr. Butzman was married in Springfield June 21, 1905, to Miss Lydia Reilly, daughter of W. F. and Lydia (Eddy) Reilly, and they reside at 1405 East Washington Street, where Mr. Butzman owns a very comfortable home

BYERS, Jacob C. (deceased) .- One of the repre- sentative citizens and practical agricuiturists of Sangamon County, Ill., was the late Jacob C. Byers, who for a number of years carried on operations on Section 30, in Cooper Township. Mr. Byers was born at Shepherdstown, W. Va .. November 7, 1839, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Snyder) Byers. Jacob Byers, who was a na- tive of Germany, came to America as a child,

and in West Virginia became a farmer, con- tinuing in that occupation throughout the re- mainder of his life. Both he and his wife died in West Virginia. Of their nine children two are still living, Mrs. Sarah Hensel and John M. Byers, both residents of Pawnee, Ill.

Jacob C. Byers attended the public schools of West Virginia and the College of Mt. Mor- ris, Ill., to which place he had come as a lad to live with a sister, and after completing his schooling he engaged in farming in Ogle County. On February 15, 1859, Mr. Byers was married to Mary Ann Blecker, a native of West Virginia, who was born November 20, 1833, and after their marriage they located in Ogle County, where Mr. Byers again engaged in farming. Seven children were born to this union: Anna E., the wife of Brayden Carswell of Spring- field ; Charles B., a farmer living in the South- west ; George E., a farmer of Macoupin County ; Elmira C., the wife of Walter Whitecraft of Springfield ; Lillie B., connected with the New- man Dry Goods Company, in Springfield; and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Byers died September 2, 1889, in Christian County, Ill., whence the family had moved in 1SSO to locate on a farm near Edinburg. On September 15, 1891. Mr. Byers was married (second) to Nancy M. Burcheli, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, March 26, 1847, a daughter of Robert C. and Jane (Morris) Burchell, the former of Alex- andria, W. Va., and the latter of New York, their marriage taking place at Jeffersonville, Ind. Mr. Burchell, who was one of the dis- tinguished men of his day, and with whom it is related President Abraham Lincoln visited, was a well known lawyer of Burlington, Iowa, where he practiced with Judge Springer, and later at Mt. Morris, Ill., but later went to Ore- gon, Ili., where he established and conducted the "Ogle County Reporter," which is still being published under same name. Here he continued to live and practice law until his death, having served as State's Attorney' and County Judge and as Mayor of Oregon. As a candidate for State's Attorney, his name was on the same ticket running for State's Attorney as Richard Yates. Mrs. Byers has a brother, Robert, living in Erie. Whiteside County, and a sister, Catherine Jones, the wife of Adolphus Jones, a prominent banker of Iowa. Another sister, Mrs. Virginia Wales, died at Los Angeles, Cal. Mrs. Byers is the owner of a home in Berry, Sangamon County, and has an interest in valu- able property in Oregon, Ill. She is a consistent inember of the Methodist Church, to which her late husband also belonged. The latter was a Republican in his political views.

BYRON, W. D .- The number of self-made men in Springfield is great, and their presence con- tributes largely towards the thrifty management of municipal affairs, for through example and practice these self-reliant citizens endeavor to inculcate the principles of economy and hard- working industry which have proven of such

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

value to them individually. Among the men who have risen from poverty to affluence through their own efforts, W. D. Byron is a notable ex- ample. He was born iu Auburn, Sangamon County, May 19, 1880, a son of Jesse and Eliza (Adams) Byron, the former born in Little Rock, Ark., January 1, 1868. Jesse Byron is a railroad man, who came to Illinois in 1872, and has made the State his home ever siuce.

W. D. Byrou attended the schools of Auburn and Springfield and began working ou the Illinois Central Railroad as brakeman, continu- ing in that capacity for elghteen months. For the following three years he was engaged in street car work iu St. Louis, but returned to Springfield to accept a good positiou with the Iliiuols Traction System. During this perlod he has worked hard, saved his money and invested It In city realty that has steadily advanced in value, until now he is ranked among the pros- perous residents of the city, although barely thirty. He belongs to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and to the Brotherhood of Interurban Trainmen. His religious affiliations are with the Christian Church, of which he is a member. Politically he Is a Republicau and is interested In party work.

On July 14, 1901, Mr. Byron was married in Springfield, Ill., to Pearl Clements, no issue. He is one of the live, progressive young men of Springfield, and takes a deep interest in the city's welfare and advancement.

CALDWELL, Hon. Ben F., ex-Congressman, has been associated with business and banking circles in Springfield for many years, and has been prominently identified with political in- terests in his city, county and district, since attaining his majority, having long been recog- nized as one of the leaders of the Democratic party in hls part of Illinois. Mr. Caldwell has always enjoyed the highest confidence and ap- proval of the public and has a reputation for business and polltical honor and integrity. He is held In high honor and esteem by his fellow citizens, with whom most of his life has been spent, as he has been a resident of Curran Township since 1853-fifty-eight years. He is popular with a large circle of warm friends and is also prominent In fraternal circles, and is in all respects a representative of the highest type of American citizenship. Mr. Caldwell was born In Greene County, Ill., August 2, 1848, son of John and Mary J. (Davis) Caldwell, both natives of Kentucky and the latter born near Danville.

The Caldwell family is of Scotch-Irish descent and the emigrant ancestor, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Thomas Caldwell, was born In Ireland and there married Betsy Harris, a native of Wales, soon after which they emigrated to the New World and located in Virginla, which they reached before the Revo- lutionary War. They subsequently removed to Jessamine County, Ky., spending their last days

with their son William. William Caldwell was born in Virginia, December 15, 1779, and as a young man moved to Kentucky, becoming prominent in public affairs in that state, aud beiug several times elected to the State Legis- lature, where he made his presence felt and took an active part in that body. He also served as Sheriff of Jessamine County. He was married, in Kentucky, to Nancy Robards, a native of Virginia, and thelr children were: George L., Jane R., Elizabeth, Charles H., William and John, the last-named being the father of Hon. Ben. F. Caldwell. In 1831 William Caldwell left Kentucky and came to Greene County, Ill., where he remained five years, then located in Sangamon County. He lived first in Auburn Township, but later removed to Curran Towil- ship, where he became prominent in public affairs. He served one term as the representa- tive of his party in the Illinois General Assem- bly. While a resident of Kentucky he had served in the War of 1812, with rank of Cap- tain. He was prominent in organizing the church now known as "Bethel" in Woodside Township, which for several years met for divine worship In his house, which he had erected (with this end in view) with a large central room suitable for such meeting, aud with three other rooms opening into it. When plans were made for erecting a new building for the church he requested that it be called Bethel, and this request was granted, although he did not live to see the plans realized. William Caldwell died August 1, 1844, and his widow survived uutll 1858, also dying in Curran Township.

John Caldwell was a native of Kentucky, born January 21, 1807, the second son of his parents, and came to Illinois in 1832. He was married in Greene County, January 23, 1834, his wife being a native of Kentucky, who was born Jenuary 16, 1815. Their five children were: William C., born March 15, 1835, came with the family to Sangamon County in 1853, and died at Loami, June 3, 1901; Jane, Betsy and Henry .C., deceased ; Ben F. John Caldwell located with his family on Section 36, Curran Township, in April, 1853, this land having been purchased by his father several years prior. He devoted himself to the improvement and development of- his farm until his death, August 1, 1863, after which his widow resIded on the farm with her son Ben F. for some years. Her death occurred January 4, 1895. In 1876 she and her son had erected one of the finest country homes then to be found in central Illinois, supplied with all available conveniences and luxuries.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 22

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