Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 28

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 28

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Mr. Childers was married in Girard, Ill., in July, 1865, after his return from the war to Hattie Sparks, born at Jacksonville, Ill. Her father served with distinction during the Civil War. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Childers : William, Susle, Frank, Jessle, Oliver, Pearl and Grace, all of whom survive. Mr. Childers has devoted himself to farming with considerable success, but is now retired, Ilving in Springfield. His ilfe has been a full one and he has never forgotten the stli- ring days when so much depended upon him and his fellow privates. Without the privates, none of the battles could have been won, no mat- ter how skillful the generals, consequently, to them belongs the major part of the honor of the successful termination of the struggle.

CHILDERS, William, Owing to its location, Springfield Is a great distributing market for points all over the State, as well as to those lying outside. The immense rich farming re gions lying contiguous to the city pour Into it vast quantities of products of all kinds, the

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handling aud shipping of which engage the ability and energy of many of our leading men. Through them and their progressive spirit in meeting demands of outside markets, the stock business has reached immense proportions, and one who controls a large volume of it here is William Childers, who has had a long and va- ried experience in this line of endeavor. He was born near Springfield, in Sangamon County, August 7, 1869, being a son of John and Hattie (Sparks) Childers, the former born on a farm in Tennessee in 1837, and the latter on her fa- ther's farm, in Macoupin County, Ill., in 1845. The parents were farming people and attained a fair measure of prosperity. John Childers proved his loyaity to the Union by serving in Company H, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illi- nois Volunteers, for a period of three years.

William Childers was educated in the coun- try schools of Sangamon County, and when he . left school first worked for his father. Later he left the farm to engage with Cudahy Pack- ing Company, as manager, holding this re- sponsible position for five years and gaining a remarkable insight into the stock business dur- ing this period. His interests were thus en- listed in stock dealing and he left the company to go into business for himself, now being one of the largest operators in his line in this part of Illinois. In 1905 Mr. Childers was appointed Deputy Sheriff and for three and one-half years efficiently acted in that capacity, gaining an in- timate appreciation of the duties pertaining to the office. In the fall of 1910 he was a candi- date for the office of Sheriff. Having always been a resident of Sangamon County, Mr. Childers' whole interest is centered there, and he has its welfare deeply at heart. His political views have never changed from the time he cast his first vote for a Republican candidate.

When he was nineteen years old Mr. Childers was married in Springfield to Mary Anderson, born in Morgan County, Ill., in 1871. Her fa- ther was Roadmaster of West Division of the Wabash Railroad for eighteen years, and one of the most reliable men of that service. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chil- ders: May, aged seventeen, and Cecelia, aged eleven years. Mr. Childers comes of German descent and appears to have inherited many of the sturdy virtues of that people, whose indus- try, intelligence and thrift are known the world over. In all of his business relations he has shown shrewdness and keen insight into exist- ing conditions, and his success has been the result of his own unaided efforts. He and his wife are deservedly popular in Springfield, where they have a host of friends, all of whom they welcome at their delightful home.

CHRISTMAN, Peter (deceased), who was for many years successfully engaged in gardening in Springfield, Ill., was born in Betrea, Ger- many, in 1824. His parents were natives of Germany, who spent their entire lives there.

Peter Christman was educated in the public schools and became employed in the vineyards near his home, where he learned the business which he followed all his life. He was married, at Betrea, Germany, March 19, 1863, to Lena Gor- lans, also a native of Betrea, born June 22, 1837, one of three children. A brother of Mrs. Christman came to America and died here in 1891.

Mr. and Mrs. Christman sailed for America in April, 1864, landing iu New York iu May, and cause direct to Springfield, where he engaged iu business and became very successful. He was thorough master of his line and was fortunate in his investments, becoming the owner of sev- eral pieces of property in Springfield, including the family home on South Eleventh Street, where his widow now resides. He was a Democrat in politics and interested in the welfare and prog- ress of his community. Both he and his wife became members of SS. Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic Church and were much interested in its good work.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Christman, one son and two daughters, namely : Lena married Joseph Lorscheider, who is a con- tractor and builder of Springfield, and they have three children, two daughters and one son; Ma- rie married. William Esslinger, a brick mason of Springfield; and Nicholas, wbo lives with his mother. Mrs. Christman has five grandchildren and one great grandchild-Helen Lorscheider, Mr. Christman died at his home in Springfield, February 8, 1884. He was a kind husband and father and a true, siucere friend, who tried to do his duty iu all things. His widow has showu good management iu the conduct of her affairs and has won the esteem of ali who know her.

CLANCY, Michael, who has for the past thirty- seven years resided at his present home at No. 206 West Mason Street, Springfield, Ill., was for many years in the employ of the city, but now lives retired from active life. Mr. Clancy was born in County Waterford, Ireland, September 29, 1844, son of James and Ellen (Murray) Clancy, both natives of Ireland, where they spent their lives on a farm in County Water- ford.

The education of Michael Clancy was received in his native county and upon leaving school he helped his father on the farm untii attain- ing his majority, then emigrated to America, landing at New York City. He lived in New York for a time, then proceeded to Springfield, his home since. He has been successful in his private enterprises and besides his home owns two other properties in Springfield. He has the ability and steriing qualities requisite for business success and has also been able to win and retain many warm friends. He was em- pioyed by the City of Springfield in various capacities and gave most satisfactory service. In politics he is a Democrat and is a mem- ber of the Roman Catholic Church, being con- nected with St. Agnes Parish and giving his

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support to the work of the church. He is not connected with any fraternal organizations, be- ing of quiet habits and fond of home life.

Mr. Clancy was married in Springfield, April 19, 1872, to Miss Ellen Sullivan, also a native of County Waterford, Ireland, whose parents were farmers and spent their entire lives in Ireland. Five children, three sons and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clancy, two of whom are now living. The son, James, lives at Lin- coln, Ill., where he has charge of a Department of the State School for Feeble-minded Children, and the daughter, Ellen, married Edward To- bin, a horse-shoer of Springfield, and they live with her father.

CLAPP, Charles Franklin, City Comptroller of the City of Springfield, Illinois, was born on a / Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Ill., at farm near Bement, Piatt County, Illinols, July 29, 1867, a son of James M. and Emily J. (Crain), Clapp. His father was born at Grand- view, Edgar County, Illinois, March 7, 1841, and his mother was born near Bement Feb- ruary 17, 1847. The Clapps are of German descent and were early settlers of Illinois. James M. Clapp was educated at Mattoon, Illl- nois, and for a number of years was employed at the grain elevators and in the baggage de- partment of the Illinols Central Railroad Com- pany at that place. He subsequently carrled on farming near Bement, until he enlisted in July, 1862, in Company H. 107th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in on September 2, 1862, at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Ill. After serving eighteen months, he was dis- charged on account of sickness and disability and returned to Bement in December, 1863, where he again engaged in farming, and on March 29, 1864, was married to Emily J. Crain. He has had a very successful life as a farmer and in a general mercantile business at Be- ment, and later at Atwood, Ill., where he now resides, having retired from active pursuits. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post at that place, belongs to the Antl-Horse Thief Association, is a member of the Church of Christ, in politics is a Democrat, and has served one or two terms as Mayor of Atwood. He and his wife are the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters : Charles F .; James Albert, a farmer living a half mile north of Atwood; Martha Elizabeth, wife of John H. Richey, a farmer liv- ing five miles northwest of Atwood; Catherine, wife of William R. Harshbarger, connected with the Illinois Traction Company and living at Decatur, Illinois; Edward S., a mechanic liv- ing at Atwood; and William Lester, a farmer living five miles northwest of Atwood.

Charles F. Clapp received his first schooling at Bement, Ill., and later attended the district school in the country until sixteen years of age when he entered the High School at Atwood. After graduating from High School, he spent two more years on the farm and then entered the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Illi- nois, from which he was graduated with high

honors, and for six years taught in its various departments, the last two years as Principal of the Advance Bookkeeping Department, and has always had recognized ability in the line of bookkeeping, becoming an expert accountant, whose services were most valuable to any busi- ness firm. Upon giving up the profession of teacher, he accepted a position with the Inter- national Rock Plaster Company, of New York, as bookkeeper for thelr branch factory at Deca- till', Illinois, resigning this position one year later to engage in a general merchandising busi- ness with his father in Atwood, Illinois. One year later he accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Western Manufacturing Company at Kansas City, Mo., resigning this position two years later to accept a position with the Sattly their Kansas City Branch. Eighteen months later he was called to their home office at Springfield, where he organized and took charge of thelr billing department until the Company was consolidated with the Racine Wagon & Car- riage Company of Racine, Wisconsin, when he was given the position of head bookkeeper .or chief accountant at the Springfield office. He was in the employ of this company for about fourteen years, resigning his position to accept the office he now holds as Comptroller of the City of Springfield.

Mr. Clapp owns a half interest in the Grocery Business of Harris & Clapp, 1015 West Lawrence Avenue. His partner, Mr. E. B. Harris, is now serving his second term as pres- ident of the Springfield Retail Grocers Asso- ciation. Mr. Clapp was instrumental in or- ganizing the Springfield Accountant's Associa- tion in 190S, and was its first president. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Knights of Pythias and Sons of Vet- erans. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and at the primaries, February 28, 1911, was a candidate for the nomination for the office of City Commissioner, there being one hundred and nine in the race with only eight to be nominated. He did not succeed in getting the nomination but left ninety behind him. While living in Atwood, he served one term as Village Treasurer. He is a member of the Christian Church and an active supporter of its cause.

At Monticello, Illinois, December 7, 1902, Mr. Clapp married Miss Irene Twyman of Springfield, Ill., who was born there September 18, 1880, daughter of Samuel H. and Susan A. (Place) Twyman, the father born in Henderson County, Kentucky, and the mother at Adrian, Michigan. Mr. Twyman and wife have had four children : Luella, deceased; Henry P., manager and proprietor of The Daily News, Paris, Illinois; Leo P., city salesman for the Cable Piano Company, Chicago; and Irene, (Mrs. Clapp.) Mr. Twyman's father was also a native of Kentucky, and the Places were an old family among the early settlers of New York State. Mr. Twyman was a Republican

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and took an active interest in city politics, holding varions positions ; was Mayor Pro Temn for a period of five or six months, and was an Alderman at the time of his death,

Three children have blessed the nnion of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp, the first two being twins, son and daughter, and died in infancy; and Charles Franklin, Jr., born January 27, 1910, Mrs. Clapp is a member of, and an enthusiastic worker in the interests of the Christian Church, and for several years tanght in. the Sunday School, during mnost of which time she was also Chorister iu the Sunday School aud sang for a while in the church choir. Mr. Clapp's home, at 1229 North Eighth Street, which was erected by him, shows his good taste in its location, architecture and finish.

CLARK, Edward O., one of the oldest native- born residents of Sangamon County, was born near Williamsville, December 3, 1831, a sou of Oramel and Jane (Stewart) Clark, both of whom were natives of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. The parents came to Illinois in 1818 and soon afterwards the father erected a blacksmith shop at Athens, where he lived several years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. The Clark family later moved to a farm near Williamsville and there the mother died in 1832. They lived on the farm until 1855, the father also conduct- ing a blacksmith shop, then they located in Springfield, where he purchased property at the corner of Ninth and Edwards Streets, and there he spent hls remaining days. There were sev- eral children in the family, and there are two sons now surviving, Edward O. and William A., the latter a resident of San Diego, Calif., where he went at an early day. The father was mar- ried a second time and four daughters were born to this unlon.

During his boyhood Edward O. Clark attended the country schoois near his father's home, and he worked on the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age, then moved to Ma- conpin Connty and there carried on farming on his own account for twenty-five years. He con- ducted a hotel at Carlinville eleven years and in 1885 came to Springfield, where he conducted a hotel two years and then retired from active business life. He has many friends in the city and is a representative, useful citizen. He has voted the Republican ticket since the inception of that party and has never been too ill to attend the polls on election day. He and his wife were firm friends of Abraham Lincoln, who visited thelr home many times. He has a pleas- ant home at 931 East Cass Street, Springfield, where he has lived several years. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. He has a clear memory of early times and conditions in Sanga- mon Connty and has been a witness of many changes and Improvements there.

February 14, 1851, Mr. Clark was married at Waverly, Ill., to Miss Virginia F. Harris, a native of Jacksonville, Ill., born March 8, 1835.

She is a daughter of Thomas R. and Eliza (Fry) Harris, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. Mr. Harris came to Wav- erly in 1834 and there for many years conducted a tannery and became a large landowner, having first entered land from the Government. Both he and his wife dled at Waverly. They were parents of fonr daughters and three sons, of whom two daughters uow survive: Mrs. Mary E. Rynders of Waverly, and Mrs. Clark. The oldest son, John L., served in the Civil War and was killed at the Battle of Shiloh; Sidney T. was the second son; William J. also served In the war, and ali three are now deceased. One child was born to Mr. Clark and wife, Etta C., marrled Samnel Lewis, and both are now de- ceased, leaving one son, Edward Clark Lewis, who served in the Spanish-American War.

CLARK, Henry R. (deceased) .- The pioneers of Illinois laid the people of this mighty Common- weaith under heavy obligation to them, for without their brave efforts present conditions would have never been developed. Sangamon County is proud to honor the names of those who came here at an early day and, enduring the hardships Incident to the time and locality, gradually subdued the wilderness and produced weil-cultivated farms and flourishing towns. One of the men who was thus representative was Henry R. Clark, for some years before his death a retired farmer of Riverton, born In Rye, Eugland, April 14, 1819, a son of Philip and Mary (Gavitt) Clark. Philip Clark was born in England, March 25, 1789, while his wife was a uative of Paris, France.

Philip Clark was a seaman and during one of hls voyages landed in Boston, in 1817. So pleased was he that he remained in that city for several weeks, then traveled by land to New Orleans. He returned to England, but with the Intention of returning, which he did In 1818, ianding in Baltimore. From there he went to Pittsburg, and thence once more to New Or- leans. After a short stay in the Delta City, he went to New Harmony, Ind., and from there, after a short stay, to Illinois. His next change was made when he moved on to St. Louis, but he remained there only a short time, traveling back across country to Sangamon County, where, conditions suiting him, he located near Roch- ester, In November, 1819, and sent for his fam- ily to join him in the new home. This family had been augmented during his absence by the birth of Henry R., one of five children born to his parents, namely : Mary E., Philip, Margaret, Selina and Henry R. The father of this fam- ily was one of the very early settlers of this county, and reared his family to work hard and appreciate the advantages offered by thelr new home.

Henry R. Ciark was educated in the prim- itlve log schools of his neighborhood, and be- came a sturdy son of the soil, gaining his liv- ing by tilling the land. Hls early life was spent in Ciear Lake Township, and at one time

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he was very active in its agricultural life. Up . to what is now Beardstown, he later becoming to the time of his death, at the advanced age one of the early settlers of Morgan Connty. of ninty-one years, he was still Interested in farm matters. He enlisted at Springfield, Sep- tember 1, 1861, in Company B, Tenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, serving all through the war as a wagon master, being mustered ont at Camp Butler. At one time in his career Mr. Clark was a millwright and he owned the first mill built In Sangamon County.

The present marriage of Mr. Clark occurred September 9, 1868, to Rebecca A. Tucker, born Angust 19, 1843, in Bedford, Ky. Her parents came to Warren County, Ill., locating near Galesburg, in 1845, remaining there for nlne years, but later going to Missouri, which con- tinued their home. In 1862, the disturbances there resulted in their going to Scotland County, Mo., where they remained, the father passing away in that locality when sixty-six years of age, the mother living to be seventy-five years old. Mrs. Clark is a most charming .lady, who presides over her home with dignity and true housewifely skill. Mr. Clark was married be- fore, in Sangamon County, in 1842, to Jane Trot- ter, who bore him two children: Thomas B., a farmer of Clear Lake Township, and Emma J., wife of J. E. Butler, a farmer of the same town- ship.

For many years Mr. Clark had been a mem- ber of Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R. He was a Methodist in religious falth. The Re- publican party always held his fealty. He was well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and im- bibed his political opinions from that fountain- head, considering him the greatest man of his time. Mr. Clark was one of the most repre- sentative men belonging to the pioneer class of Sangamon County, and his recollections of early days were very interesting and valuable. He died February 3, 1911, being nearly ninety- two years of age.

CLARK, James L., (deceased) .- The late James L. Clark, of Springfield, Ill., well known as an honored veteran of the Civil War, and a most upright, public-spirited citizen, was highly es- teemed by his many friends and acquaintances. Those who knew him best were impressed with his Innate goodness of heart and his generosity, and will long remember this kindly. charitable gentleman. He was a most loving husband and father, a man of quiet, industrious habits, and also very fond of the companionship of his friends. He was an ardent Republican all his life, and was very active in the interests of his party, having been several times honored by election to offices of honor or trust. Mr. Clark was successful in a financial way and his prin- cipal occupation was hotel-keeping. He was born in Arcadia. Morgan County, Ill .. Decem- ber 10, 1838, son of Daniel and Mary (Peas) Clark, both natives of the State of New York. The father was a steamboat captain and brought the first boat that sailed np the Illinois River

The early education of James L. Clark was acquired in his native county and he attended school some time, at Jacksonville. Upon leav- ing school, he became employed as clerk. He was a young man of sober, industrious habits, and was well liked by his employers. He lived in Springfield at the time of his marriage, but in 1882 moved from there to Ashland, Ill., where he conducted a hotel several years. While living in Ashland, he was elected Presi- dent of the Village Board on the Republican ticket, serving three terms in this office, and also received the appointment of Postmaster there, under President Harrison. In 1890, Mr. Clark returned to Springfield and engaged In conducting a hotel, in which business he re- mained nntil three years prior to his death. He was well informed on every detail of his busl- ness, and through his personal supervision of the varions departments of his establishment, won a reputation for a well-kept hotel that assured his financial success.

August 17, 1861, Mr. Clark enlisted in Com- pany D, Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infan- try, at Berlin, Ill., for service in the Civil War, and was mustered out at Springfield July 22, 1865, with rank of Corporal. He was a mem- ber of Stephenson Post G. A. R., in which he had served in every office from Guard to Post Commander, and was also a member of the Union Veterans' Unlon, of which he at one time served as Colonel. He was also a member of the . I. O. O. F., being a Past Noble Grand of Oak Lodge, of Ashland, Ill., where he had filled the various officers' chairs, and he had been affili- ated with the order within a few months of a quarter century.

Mr. Clark was married in Springfield, March 1, 1870, to Mary Elizabeth Brewer, born in Lex- ington, Ky., danghter of William E. and Mar- tha A. (Wells) Brewer, natives respectively of Beardstown Ky., and Marion, Ky. Mrs. Clark's grandfather Wells, was killed by the Indians during an Indian war and her great-grand- father Brewer was killed in the Revolution. Three children were born to Mr. Clark and wife. namely : Martha Ann, born April 10, 1873, died at the age of three months; Lucinda, born December 18, 1875, is the wife of J. A. Reynick, a native of Galena, Ill., and now in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company at Bloomington, where they reside; Isabel, born May 5, 1877, died at the age of five months. Mrs. Clark owns her home at 206 West Capitol Avenue and also owns a residence at 329 South Spring Street, Springfield. She is prominent In social circles and is at present serving as Past De- partment President of the Ladles of the G. A. R., and is also a member of the National Staff of the order. She is Chaplain of Triple Link Rebekah Lodge No. 577; ex-Treasurer of Royal Neighbors Camp No. 113; ex-President of the Patriotle Danghters of America, Camp No. 3;

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has held all the offices in Gov. Tamer Circle, Ladies of the G. A. R., of which she is now Con- ductor; is a member and was a delegate to the National Convention of the auxiliary of the Sons of Veterans. She is interested in the good work of all these orders, and contributes her full share towards their success. Mr. Clark died September 8, 1907, aged sixty-eight years, seven months and twenty-elght days, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was an earnest an devout member of the Methodist Church.

CLASPILL, Samuel H., a substantial and repre- sentative citizen of Springfield, Ill., has lived for the past forty-five years in his comfortable home at 409 West Capitol Avenue. He was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 30, 1826, son of Basil C. and Anna (Allemong) Clasplll. both natives of Virginia. The father was a blacksmith by trade and brought his family to Ohio In 1820, living ten years in Ham- ilton County. He then moved to Dearborn County, Ind., and lived there forty years, dying there in 1859. His widow survived him many years and died at the age of ninety-three in 1885, in Wisconsin, being buried In the ceme- tery at Riverside, Appleton, Wis. Of the seven children born to Basil Clasplll and his wife, Samuel H. is the only one who survives.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 28

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