Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 23

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 23

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Ben F. Caldwell received his education in the country schools and the public school of Chat- ham, and was but fifteen years of age when de- prlved of a father's care and counsel. Thus belng early forced to think for himself in busi- ness matters, he began his career with remark- able judgment and foresight, and soon became active in the business life of his community. He cared for his mother's interest in an able manner and managed the farm himself untll

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1871, then reuted it in order to give the needed attention to various other euterprises in which he was interested, principaily iu loauing money and deaiing in western lands. He operated largely in Kansas and Missouri, but helped or- ganize and promote many enterprises iu Sanga- mon County and the surrounding country. He embarked in mercautile business in Chatham in 1878 and iu 1879 organized a bank there, being chosen its President. He served thirteen years as President of the Farmers' Nationai Bank of Springfield, and in 1898 resigned this position, on being elected to Congress. He subsequently accepted the Presidency of the Caidweii State Bank, of Chatham. He has very materialiy advanced the interests of every institution of which he has been the head, aud has conducted every private enterprise with energy and zeai such as insured success.

Mr. Caldweil's politicai career began in early life. He served two terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors, being Chairman his second term; was first elected to the State House of Representatives in 1882; was eiected to the State Senate in 1890; and was elected to Congress in 1898, 1900, 1902 and 1906. He has for several years paid close attention to the politicai situation and given less time to his personai interests, thus serving faithfully in the interests of his constituents.

Mr. Caldwell was married, May 27, 1873, to Miss Julia F. Cloyd, born in Curran Township, March 7, 1856, daughter of Matthew Cloyd, and they left for a wedding journey of ahout 14,000 miles, sailing from New York to Belfast, visit- ing Scotland, England, Holland, Beigium, many parts of Germany, and spending a short time in Beriin, after which they attended the Vienna Exposition and then crossed the Aips and visited Geneva and Paris, thence back to London, and to Liverpool, where they took a steamer for Boston. During this trip they were accorded the pleasure of an audience with Pius the IX. Two children blessed this union, namely : Mary Jane and John Harvey. Mary Jane, born March. 20, 1874, was married, May 6, 1901, to ex- Congressman Oscar Turner, of Louisviiie, Ky., who died July 17, 1902, leaving one child, Oscar Jr., born May 3, 1902. She remained a widow until August 17, 1909, when she was married (second) to Judge . Wiiliam Cottrell, of Chicago. To her latter marriage, one daughter, Julia, was born February 9, 1911. John Harvey Cald- weli, born September 9, 1877, was married, November 21, 1900, to Miss Laura Blossom Hickox, of Springfield, and they have six chii- dren : John Frankiin. Katherine Josephine, Julia Frances, Charles Hickox, Eunice and Thomas Harvey. Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Ma- sonic Order, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Benevoient Protective Order of Eiks. At the present time (1911) Mr. Caldwell's name is being freeiy discussed in connection with the nomination as the Democratic candidate for Governor. His record and wide acquaintance

as a Member of Congress, and his prominence as a local business man of Central Illinois, have wou him a cordiai support from different fac- tions of the party, and there is reason to be- iieve, when the finai vote is taken, he will occupy a favorable position for securing the nomination.

CALDWELL, David (deceased) .- The work of the carpenter and builder is of such a nature that in the natural order of things it lives after him, standing as a monument to his fideiity to contract, skilifuiness as a workmau, and energy as a man. The men of this class in Springfield have had a wide scope for the exercise of their ability, owing to the iocation iu that city not only of the State buildings, but others of substance and architectural beauty. One of the well-known men in this line, was the iate David Caidweil, who in life resided at No. 412 South Eleventh Street, this city. He was born near Indianapolis, Ind., October 18, 1840, a son of John and Sarah (Mangee) Caid- weil, natives of New York and Germany, re- spectively. The father was a sailor early in life but later became a farmer, dying, however, in 1842. He was buried in a private burying ground in Indiana. His widow brought her son to 'Ciinton, Iil., where she joined a brother, and there she iived untii her death in 1858, when she was buried in a private burying ground near Believille, Iii.

The boyhood of David Caidweil was spent in Clinton County, where he assisted his mother aud uncie, and at the same time diligently pur- sued his studies at the country school. After leaving schooi he farmed for some time, then, · learning the carpenter trade, foliowed it the re- mainder of his life, gradualiy branching out into coutracting. His work was reliable and he took a pride in carrying out his contracts exactiy as they were made. In 1865 he moved to Spriugfieid, which continued to be his home untii his death, April 15, 1897. Mr. Caidweli never cared to belong to any secret societies, but gave his time and attention to his church, belonging to the Baptist congregation and to the Republican party. He has known and ioved Abraham Lincoln, and was proud to fol- iow in the footsteps of that great and good man.

Mr. Caidwell was married in Springfield August 23, 1866, to Margaret Jane McCormick, born in Springfield, a daughter of Andrew and Annie (Short) McCormick, natives of Tennes- see. Her father was born January 27, 1837, and died in 1857, his widow surviving him until June 30. 1897, when she too passed away, and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Oak Ridge cemetery. Andrew McCormick represented Sangamon County three times in the State Legislature and was one of the "Long Nine" (Abraham Lincoln being another), and was Mayor of Springfield in 1843-44. Mr. and Mrs. Caidweli had children as follows: John A., born Octoher 28, 1867, connected with the theatrical profession; Ida May, born May 19.

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1869, died at the age of four months; Ransom, born October 17, 1873, died at the age of four months; George D., born March 21, 1875, is connected with News Publishing Company. Both sons live with their mother at No. 412 Soutb Eleventh Street.

Mr. Caldwell was not only a good workman and business mau, but a true patriot, for when his country had need of his services, although he had barely attained his majority, he enlisted July 25, 1861, in Company D, Twenty-sixth Indiana Infantry Volunteers, was taken prisoner at Point Capee, La., about the 29th of August, 1863, and was held prisoner at Fort Tyler, Texas, until exchanged July 26, 1864, at Mouth of Red River, La. He was a member of The Illinois Association of Prisoners of War. He was in a uumber of hard fought battles, and smaller engagements and was shot once, but not seriously wounded, though he suffered in prison and weighed only ninety-eight pounds when exchanged. He was a member of Stephen- son Post G. A. R., and was a member of the Carpenter's Union. He served bravely until the end, when he was honorably mustered out September 25, 1864. His life was a quiet, un- assuming one, yet it taught many an excellent lesson, and left an honorable name to live after him.

CALDWELL, James E., of the law firm of Cald- well & Caldwell, of Springfield, Ill., has won a reputation in his profession for ability and in- tegrity, and is well known in Sangamon County, where his entire life has been spent. Mr. Cald- well is a self-made man, having acquired his legal education through his own efforts, and has acquired professional success through natural ability aud fitness for his chosen field of work. He was born on a farm near Williamsville, Sangamon County, August 14, 1871, and is a son of George M. and Kitty (Robards) Cald- well, the former born near Lexington, Ky., in 1833, and the latter born iu Lexington in 1837, daughter of Otho L. and Catherine Robards. George M. Caldwell was married in Kentucky and soon after came to Illinois, where he pur- chased a small farm near Williamsville, and be- came one of the successful and prominent men of that viciuity. He carried on general farming there and added to his possessions from time to time until he owned 320 acres of land, which he de- veloped to a high state of cultivation. He be- came well known for his fine shorthorn cattle and Berkshire hogs and found their breeding very profitable. He is a strong Democrat and has held several township offices.

Children as follows were born to George M. Caldwell and his wife: George R., of Sangamon County; Otho L., a successful attorney, who has held the office of Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Sangamon County"; John Young, a farmer of Logan County; James E .; Eliza- beth, died young; C. Mae.

In boyhood James E. Caldwell attended the . district schools of Sangamon County, where he

applied himself with good results, being fond of study. He afterwards followed teaching in the district schools for four years, then en- tered the law office of Patton, Hamilton & Pat- ton, where he continued several years, being ad- mitted to the Bar before the Supreme Court at Springfield, June 7, 1899. The following September Mr. Caldwell opened an office in Springfield, where be soon established himself in the confidence and good-will of the people and built up a good practice. He has bright prospects for his future career and is recognized as a man of sterling qualities and high char- acter.

Mr. Caldwell married Bessie, daughter of Wesley and Martha (Wigginton) Council, of Williamsville, and this union has been blessed by children as follows: George Ernest and James E. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have many friends in Springfield, where they have estab- lished themselves in the respect and esteem of all with whom they are associated.

CALDWELL, Otho Louis, a successful and prom- inent attoruey of Springfield, was born at Wil- liamsville, Ill., January 14, 1867, son of George McDowell and Kittie (Robards) Caldwell, both natives of Nicholasville, Ky., the father boru July 16, 1835, and the mother October 15, 1835. The parents were married in Kentucky, Janu- ary 6, 1864, and soon afterward moved to Il- linois. The father was engaged extensively in stock raising. The ancestors of Mr. Caldwell on his paternal side, lived in America before the Revolution and some of them participated iu that struggle.

The early education of Otho L. Caldwell, was acquired in the schools of Sangamon County, and he afterward attended the Northern Indi- ana- State Normal School, beginning to teach at the age of seventeen years. He read law with the well-known legal firm of Patton, Ham- ilton & Patton, of Springfield, and was admitted to the Bar in October, 1898, since which time he has been engaged in active practice. He made his home at Williamsville until November 18. 1896, the date of his removal to Spring- field. He has been active in the interests of the Democratic party, and in 1898, was ap- pointed Assistant County Superintendent of Schools in Sangamon County, in which office be served eight years. He is a prominent Mason, being a Knights Templar, a Thirty-second De- gree Mason and a Shriner. He joined the order at Williamsville, when he became affiliated witli Lavely Lodge No. 203, in January, 1890, and served as Worshipful Master of his lodge; first Worthy Patron of Hawthorne Chapter. O. E. S., at Williamsville; Royal Vizier of Medinah Temple No. 99, D. O. K. K., and at the present time is Conductor of work in Springfield Coun- cil No. 1; is Senior Warden of Elwood Com- mandery No. 6, Knights Templar, and Grand Architect of Springfield Consistory, S. P. R. S., Thirty-second Degree. Mr. Caldwell joined Hyperion Lodge No. 471. Knights of Pythias, at

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Williamsville, in June, 1895, and has served as Chancellor Commander of the lodge. He Is fond of society and has formed many warm per- sonal friendships; is cheerful and amiable iu disposition and stands well with ail who have had business or social dealings with him. In re- ligions belief, he is a Presbyterian.

Mr. Caldwell was married at Belleville, Ill., November 18, 1897, to Nellie Council, a native of Williamsville, Ill., born March 20, 1871, daughter of Wesley and Martha Council, natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have no children.

CALHOUN, John. (Voi. I, p. 73.) CALHOUN, William J. (Voi. I, p. 73.)

CALKINS, Hiram C., now retired from active life and living in Springfield, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, March 12, 1845, a son of Ephraim and Armenia A. (Clark) Calkins, natives of New York State. Ephralm Calkins was brought by his mother from New York to Ohio when he was three years of age, and after reaching man- hood engaged in farming in the latter State. He brought his family to Illinois and located in Champaign County. He carried on farming there many years and then moved to Adams County, where he continued farming until his death, in 1881. His parents were from Vermont and those of his wife from Connecticut. Seven sons and three daughters were born to Ephraim Calkins and wife, of whom Hlram is the oldest, the others who survive being: Urias R., of Han- cock County, Ill .; Miles C., of Furnas County, Neb. ; Mary E. Hannans, of Kansas.

Mr. Calkins was educated in the country schools of his native State, and in boyhood worked for his father on the farm. He came with the family to Illinois and also worked for his father on the latter's farms In Champaign and Adams Counties, respectively. After his marriage he carried on farming many years in Morgan County and in 1895 came to Springfield. He now lives with his daughter at 155 North Lincoln Avenue. He is a man of stability and reliability and has many friends. He comes of a family whose members have been identified with the ploneer history of various States and have represented the best interests of any com- munity where they have lived. Mr. Calkins is a member of the Baptist Church and in politics is a Republican.

Mr. Calkins was married in Morgan County, Iil., October 29, 1884, to Ethelder J. Rickey, who was born in Greene County, Ill., July 2, 1850, daughter of Jacob Rickey. Her father was a native of Ohio and her mother of Greene County. There were two sons and five daughters, and the only one member of the family who now sur- vives lives in Texas. To Mr. Calkins and wife six children were born, all of whom survive: Mary, wife of Greenbury Cloud, of Oklahoma City, Okia .; Armenia, wife of George Roberts, a carpenter of Springfield ; Ira A., and William

C., of Springfield ; Minnie P., wife of Garrett A. Gill, of Springfield, who is engaged in mining; Hiram E. There are three grandchildren in the family.

CAMPBELL, Alexander (deceased) .- The many excellent qualitles of the people of Scotland are historical, and because of this they make good citizens whenever they are induced to settle in a community. Hardworking, simple in habits, and thrifty in their saving, they soon acquire property and are never without work. Such a man was the late Alexander Campbell, who was born in Perth, Scotland, January 29, 1842, being a son of Robert and Janet (Mc- Intosh) Campbell, natives of Scotland. Like many of their countrymen, the Campbells came to Canada, where Robert Campbell located in 1855, buying land and engaging in farming.

Alexander Campbell was educated in Scot- land and remained with his parents until he came to Springfield, in 1864. After coming here he secured employment as shipping clerk at the woolen mills, and was faithfully discharg- ing the dnties of that position when he passed away, June 13, 1898, his remains being interred in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was a quiet, un- assuming man, devoted to his family, and never cared for public office. He was a Republican in political sentiments. He beionged to the Masons and Odd Fellows, and enjoyed his associations with those orders. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian.

On October 14, 1870, Mr. Campbeli was united in marriage in Springfield, with Mary Hallo- well, born in Blackstone, Mass., danghter of Joseph and Mary (Sloan) Hallowell, natives of England, who came to Massachusetts and later to Springfield. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell : Mary Janet, Eliza- beth, Robert, William, and Helen. Elizabeth and Helen are now living with their mother, and three are deceased. Mrs. Campbell resides at No. 829 South Third Street, where a pleasant hospitality is shown the many family friends.

CAMPBELL, Antrim. (Vol. I, p. 76.)

CAMPBELL, Ernest Lee, a sterling young farmer of Sangamon County, residing on Sec- tion 26, Loami Township, is one of the best representatives of the agricultural class in this section of the State. He was born in Talking- ton Township, December 25, 1867, on the farm purchased by his grandfather, William Camp- bell. The latter was born in Chatham Town- ship in 1823, and died in this county at the age of forty-eight years. He was a son of John and Lavina (Parkinson) Campbell, both natives of Tennessee. John Campbell came to Iliinois about 1818 and soon afterward settled in what is now Chatham Township. William Camp- bell served in the Mexican War for a year. He was the father of fourteen children, eight of whom grew to maturity: Jerry, William and James are deceased; Simon Peter of Eureka .

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Springs, Ark .; Isaac, of Idaho; Jackson is de- ceased; Lonely married James Workman, a farmer of Christian County, Ill .; Beatrice, wife of George Dodd, a farmer of Loami Township.

Of the above named children, Jerry was the father of Ernest Lee Campbell. He married Mary Wheeler, on January 1, 1866, she being a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Thorp) Wheeler, both natives of Ohio, the latter of whom died in 1901. After their marriage, in Fulton County, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Camp- bell settled on a 100-acre farm in Talkington Township, where they became well-to-do, bring- iug up their two children in plenty. In addi- tion to Ernest Lee they had another son Earland Ray, a farmer of Brown County, Ill. The iatter married Miss Hattie B. Belamy, a daugh- ter of John Belamy. Later Mr. and Mrs. Camp- bell Sr. moved to Loami Township, where Jerry Campbeli bought a farm, and there his widow survives. Sile spent five years in Oregon, caring for her father, but after his death, in 1907, she returned to her homestead. Both she and her husband early joined the Methodist Church, and he died in its faith.

Earnest Lee Campbell was born on a farm and brought up to work on it, attending the district school. As his father was well edu- cated, he took a strong interest in his son's training and taught him many things. The young man remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age, when, in February, 1SSS, he took a trip through Missouri and Kansas on to Oregon, where he worked on a farm and in a saw-mill. In that State, on December 25. 1889, he married Tirzah Large, born near Fort Scott, Kan., August 3, 1867, a daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Workman) Large, natives of Tennessee and Illinois. In 1891, Mr. Campbell returned to Illinois, renting land in Loami Township until 1893, when he bought fifty and one half acres in Loami Town- ship, paying $60 per acre. In 1905 he sold thirty and one-half acres of that farm for $110. per acre, and twenty acres at $90 per acre. In the same year he bought sixty-nine and one- half acres, paying $80 per acre for a part and $50 per acre for the remainder. In 1907 he bought seven acres, for which he paid $90 per acre. In 1909 he bought forty acres, paying $125 per acre. At present he owns 118 acres, which he holds at $150 per acre. Mr. Campbell was left $2,000 by his father, which gave him a start, and from that small beginning he has in- creased his holdings until he is now one of the wealthy men of his township. On his land he has been breeding Poland-China hogs and short- horn cattie, and has been successful in all of his operations.

Mr. and Mrs. Campbell became the parents of three children: two who died in infancy ; John William, born November 10, 1889, in Linn Connty, Ore., married. January 13, 1910, Ađa Fitzhugh, born near Ashland, Ill .. daughter of Charles and Fiorence Fitzhugh. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell arc members of the Modern Woodmen

and Royal Neighbors, while he belongs to the Odd Fellows, No. 901, Loami. Politically he is a Democrat and served as Constable one term. He is proud of the fact that he has never had to sue anyone or been forced to pay his debts through legal proceedings. The Campbeil family is of Scotch origin and its members in- herit some of the shrewd traits of character which belong to people of that thrifty nation. It is a weli-recognized fact that none of this family have failed to prosper, and Ernest Lee Campbell is no exception to the rule. '

CAMPBELL, George Bunn .- To many who have never had the opportunity of visiting a modern Illinois farm the mention of farming brings to mind a team of hot, tired horses, a hand plow and a horny-handed, dusty son of the soil toil- ing ceaseiessly from sunup to sunset. Those who have such ideas would be considerably sur- prised should they visit the excellent farm of George Bunn Campbell, of Section 28, Cart- wright Township, Sangamon County, where they would find powerful machinery taking the place of the ordinary plow of former years, and comfort and recreation in plenty for the agricuiturist and his family. Mr. Campbell was born on his present farm aud in the resi- dence in which he now lives, April 20, 1856, a son of Robert and Cynthia S. (Penny) Camp- bell.

Robert Campbell was born August 13, 1823, in Cartwright Township, a son of Maxwell Campbell. He was reared to the life of a farmer, but educational advantages being limited at that time, he was forced in after life to study by reading after his day's activities on the farm were over. He was married in Cartwright Township to Cynthia S. Penny, who was born October 26, 1826, in the eastern part of Cartwright Township, whence her parents had settled after coming from Kentucky. Im- mediately after their marriage in 1847, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell settled on the farm now occupied by George Bunn Campbell, and here spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Campbell be- came one of the leading men, not only of his section, but of the entire county. He was elected Constable, and in order to supply him- self with the proper education, studied and read after his farm work was done and then attended to the duties of his office. First a Whig and later a Republican, he always devoted much of his time to forwarding movements which he felt would be of benefit to his com- munity, and at the time of the Morinon dis- turbances at Nauvoo was one of those to go to that point to oust the disturbers. He was a stanch Union man during the Civil War and fearless in standing up for what he thought was right. He and his wife were stanch mem- bers of the Methodist Church, and charitable and kindly to all, and it has been said of them. that no one was ever turned away from their door with a harsh or unkind word. During the early days Indians were often seen in the

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vicinity of Mr. Campbell's home and at one time for a week a party camped on his farm. He was a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, later to become President of the United States, when the latter was a clerk in the store of Mr. Moffet at New Salem. Mr. Campbell died March 12, 1910, his wife having passed away October 22, 1899, and both were buried in the Richland Baptist burial ground. Mr. Camp- bell's funeral was largely attended and his pall- bearers were his grandsons, Forrest, Guy, Ralph and Horace Campbell, Robert Sayer aud Henry Sorenson. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Camp- bell were as follows: Samuel H., born March 14, 1849, who died in St. Joseph In 1904, leaving a widow and two sons, Robert T. and Roy; Nancy C., born July 25, 1851, who married Jacob J. Harnsberger, a farmer of Cartwright Township; Matilda C., born November 8, 1853, residing in Tallula, is the widow of C. C. Sayer, and has had three children, Maude, Irene and Robert; Lloyd C., who . is deceased; George Bunn; Peter A., born September 13, 1858, a resi- dent of Tallnla, who married Laura Grider and has two children, Forest and Ralph; Elizabeth, born August 18, 1860, who died in infancy ; William J., born September 24, 1862, who also died in infancy; Ida J., born December 13, 1863, who married Charles H. Bell, residing in Springfield; John D., born October 24, 1866, who is living in Colorado, married Nancy Smith, two children, Margaret and Lucelle; and Charles A., born December 14, 1868, who is engaged in farming and stock breeding near Tallnla, Ill., married Cora Beck, one child, Horace.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 23

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