Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 32

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 32

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The childhood of James W. Coleman was spent on his father's farm in Ball Township, and he attended the subscription schools of the day. However, he also had the opportunity to attend public school, and there completed his educa- tion. He remained on the home farm until about twenty-three years of age, and February 18, 1862, married Miss Margaret Bowman, a native of Wayne County, Ill., and they located on a farm in Ball Township. In 1864 he moved to Springfield, learned the trade of carpenter, and lived in that city until 1867. In the latter year they returned to the country to live, locat- Ing on a farm in Divernon Township, and In June, 1867, Mrs. Coleman died, having borne two children, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Coleman soon afterwards moved to Peters- hurg. Ill., and engaged in the livery husiness, having twenty-seven horses.

June 27, 1869, Mr. Coleman married (second) Miss Elizabeth Meugle, who was born in Loami Township, Sangamon County, in 1843, daugh- ter of Levi Mengle, a pioneer of Sangamon County. Mrs. Mengle came to the county with her parents in 1819. In 1869 Mr. Coleman re- turned to the farm and two years later moved to the vicinity of Grove City, Christian County. In 1873 he hegan working at the carpenter's trade in Auburn, in 1878 moved to Virden, re-

turned to Auburn one year later, and in 1880 returned to the old home farm, of which he took charge. In 1881 he moved to Loami, in 1884 to Virden, and in 1890 returned to the home farm, caring for his parents until their deaths. He purchased a saw-mill, which he conducted until 1905, in September of which year he located in Chatham, where he purchased a comfortable residence and retired from active life.

Mr. Coleman and his wife have children as follows : Lina J., wife of Cyrus Scott, of Colo- rado Springs, Colo .; Leslie E., of Lawrenceville, Ill., and they also had a daughter, Nina May, who married Charles C. Corry, and died, leaving one child, Howard.

Mr. Coleman has heen a Republican since he was old enough to vote and cast hls first presi- dental vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was well acquainted with hoth Lincoln and Donglas. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. He has 'heen a resident of the county most of the time for about seventy-three years and has witnessed the development of the region from a wilderness to its present prosperous con- dition. He has always been identified with the best interests of the community where he has lived and has won the respect and esteeiu of all with whom he has heen associated.

COLGAN, Eugene .- Prominent in a group of rep- resentative business men of Sangamon County, Eugene Colgan, coal magnate and operator, man of affairs and capitalist, is an Interesting per- sonality for many reasons. He is a man whose native ability has led him uufalteringly into the avenues of commercial success and enabled him to climb from a humble position in the great coal industry to the attainment of a goal where he has more than realized his early au- bitions. He was horn at Springfield, Ill., April 5, 1857, and his parents were Edward and Mary (Mathews) Colgan. The father followed rail- roading and his death occurred at Springfield February 14. 1900, and his burial was in Calvary Cemetery. The mother still survives.

Eugene Colgan Is a product of the public schools of his native city, being a graduate of the High School in the class of 1874. He has been identified with the coal Industry through- out his entire business career, beginning as an office boy and gradually advancing through merit until he became book-keeper, office man- ager, and finally Secretary of the company with which he was so long connected. Subsequently he became individually interested in mining properties, and mainly through his mining In- terests has been developed the flourishing village of Cantrall. His two large mines are situated

in Sangamon County and his financial Interests are more or less confined to this section, In- cluding a directorship in the New Automobile Company, of Springfield. and the possession of valuable city realty. His handsome residence is one of the elegant mansions of Springfield, its location being on West Grand Avenue, and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

its refined hospitality is a feature of the city's social life.

Mr. Colgan was married June 25, 1890, to Miss Katherine V. Foley, a daughter of Michael and Katherine Foley, oid and substantial people of Springfield for many years. They married early and immediately went to housekeeping on the northwest corner of Monroe Street and Glen- wood Avenue, Springfield, and continued to re- side there until the close of their lives. The old home still belongs to the Foley estate. Michael Foley was a coal contractor during his entire business life. His death occurred April 5, 1889, and that of his widow on January 11, 1908. Mrs. Colgan was born, reared and edu- cated in Springfield. She is a lady of many accomplishments, a musician of rare skill and an artist of much talent. The walls of the beautiful home are adorned with many choice productions of her brush, and their presence adds to the refining influences of this cultured, modern home. Two children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. Colgan, Mary Regina and Howard Eugene. The children in marked degree inherit the admirable qualities and remarkable talents of their parents. Their talents have heen fostered and encouraged and they have been given advantages far beyond the ordinary.

Mary Regina Colgan was born at Springfield May 25, 1892. and hecame a pupil at the Sacred Heart Convent when aged but five years. The good Sisters cherished and encouraged the re- markable talent for music that the child even then displayed, and she remained a student of the Convent until she graduated. She then entered a French convent which is under the direction of the Ladies of Loretto. of Chicago, and there took a post-graduate course, making a specialty of languages. She was also a student of music at the Chicago Musical College and studied the violin under the famous master, Hugo Hermann, of Berlin, Germany; piano under the great Italian artist, Ernesto Concolo; and harmony under Adolph Brunne. During her period of advanced instruction she won many flattering tributes to her ability, when her proud instructors hrought her forward at studio recitals. Miss Colgan at present is pur- suing her studies in the city of New York, where she is under direct instruction of notahie virtuosos, including the great Hungarian master of the violin, Arnold Volpe, the conductor of Volpe's Symphony Orchestra, and the equally great piano teacher, Carl V. Lochman, of the Lochman Conservatory of Music. She is a young lady of sweet and engaging personality, and is a social favorite in her native city.

Howard Eugene Colgan, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Colgan, was born at Springfield, Jan- uary 21, 1895. He received his early education at St. Agnes Parochial School, from which he graduated as valedictorian of his class, after which he entered the Springfield High School. He has served two terms in the capacity of Page in the House of Representatives at Spring- field, and through his efficiency, intelligence and

courtesy, has made friendships with statesmen from all over Illinois, who will watch with in- terest his future career.

Iu political views Mr. Colgan is a Democrat and is an able supporter of the cause of his party. When he was elected a member of the City Council (this event taking place when he was just twenty-one years of age), he had the distinction not only of being the youngest Alderman on record, but also of being elected from a Republican ward. He has numerous fraternal connections and belongs to various or- ganizations of a business, charitable and social nature. Among these may be included the Business Men's Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus, the Wood- men, the order of Ben Hur, the Foresters and the Loyal Americans. With his family, he be- longs to the Roman Catholic Church.

COLLINS, Harry .- The beautiful town of River- ton offers many advantages to those seeking a home where they can secure urban advantages, combined with country conditions. Its present prosperity is the result of the efforts of the men who were instrumental in its founding and up- building, and one who is deserving of more than passing meution in this connection is Harry Col- lins, one of its oldest residents, who lives in his comfortable home, retired from former activities. Mr. Collins is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County Monahan, May 12, 1833. He is a son of Harry and Mary (Laughlin) Collins. natives of Ireland, where the father was a blacksmith, and where both parents lived and died. The grandfather of Mr. Collins was also a black- smith, and the family was an old one in the locality in which he was horn. His birth took place in the house which witnessed the marriage of his parents. 1

Harry Collins the younger grew up in Ire- land, there receiving what education the parish school afforded and learning the blacksmith's trade from his father. However, lie was not content with the opportunities there offered, and in 1864 sailed from Queenstown for New York City, whence he made his way to Morgan County, Ill., locating fourteen miles from Jacksonville. Hle conducted a shop there for a year. mnoving then to Murrayville. After a year in that place he went to Petersburg, where he assisted in sinking a coal shaft. Following a short stay in that place lie came to Springfield, hut lived there only a few months, until he located per- manently at Riverton. For many years he con- ducted a blacksmith shop in Riverton, and is one of the best known men of this trade in the county.

Mr. Collins was married in County Durham, England, August 15, 1844, to Alice Curran, born in Ireland, who passed away March 10, 1905. She was taken to England from Dublin, Ireland, hy her parents. Her father was a farmer, who eventually followed his daughter to the United States, and, locating in Riverton, spent his de- clining years there. Eight children were born

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

to Mr. and Mrs. Coliins, but only one survives, Rose, wife of Joseph Parsons, a grocer of River- ton. Mrs. Collins was a good-hearted woman, wbose kindiy sympathy made her many friends. She could always be counted upon in trouble, and was the first to be sought in cases of emer- gency. A steadfast member of the Roman Cath- olic Church, she lived as a true Christian and her memory is tenderly cherished in the hearts of her husband and daughter, who deeply mourn her loss.

Mr. Coliins is a Democrat but has never been willing to come before the public for political recognition, although he is personally so popu- lar that he would doubtless run ahead of his ticket. For many years he has been a consist- ent member and liberal supporter of the St. James Roman Catholic Church, of Riverton. Mr. Coliins has always been deeply interested in his bome town and its weifare. Genial, warm- hearted, generous, Mr. Collins has inade friends wherever he has lived and kuows men all over the county.

COLLINS, James Joseph .- The standing of any city with the traveling public is largely based upon the character of its hoteis, and the qual- ity of service rendered by them. Especially is this true in any capital city, for to it come men from all over the State, whose entertain- ment is in the hands of the hotel man. Spring- field for years counted among its representa- tive men of this class the elder and younger Collins, who, from 1870 until 1906, rendered yeoman service to the city in this respect. When the father retired the son took up the work until he, too, left the active arena of endcavor for a less strenuous career. James Joseph Collins, the son, was born in Spring- field, February 2, 1866, being a son of Thomas and Eilen (Nugent) Collins. The former was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1837, while his wife was born between Navan and Kells, County Meath.

When Thomas Collins was seven years old he was brought to America by his mother and two brothers, both of whom survive him. Tbe family lived at Utica, N. Y., for some time, but later imoved to Wilmington, Iii. Here young Thomas herded cattie, driving them to Chicago markets. Desiring to advance him- self, he left the farm, coming to Springfield in 1863, and for some time worked for Dr. Fowler on South Second Street, following which be was in the employ of the savings bank. Stili later he secured the contract for lighting the city iamps, and from 1865 to 1870 was in the saloon business. It was in the latter year that he opened tbe Wasbington Hotel, which he made so weil known for fourteen years that it was one of the favorite hostelries of the city during that period. In 1881 Mr. Collins founded the hotel which bore his name, and for sixteen years was its genial host, his son James succeeding bim upon his retirement. Mrs. Col- lins came to this country about 1848, making

the trip on a sailing vessel which consumed three months on the voyage. She and her hus- band met in Springfield, where they were mar- ried, February 28, 1865, and in addition to their son, James Joseph, this couple had one daugh- ter, Mrs. Alice O'Riley, now deceased. The death of Mr. Coliins occurred September 18, 1906, his wife having passed away in 1892. In politics Mr. Coliins was a Democrat, but never sought public office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. His re- ligious beiief made bim a Catbolic and he be- longed to the Immaculate Conception Church of Springfield.

James Joseph Collins attended St. Mary's parocbial school and Prof. Bock's school, dis- continuing bis studies when eighteen years oid, to give his attention to helping his fatber in tbe botel. Growing up in the business, he learned its every detail, and when be assumed fuli controi, was an ideal host in every respect. Not only did he do everything within his power to make his guests comfortable, but he won their friendship, and his retirement in 1906 was regarded as a calamity by those who had enjoyed his good cheer in years past, although he leased his business to a very reliable and trustworthy successor, W. H. Hawks. Like his father, Mr. Coliins has never taken any part in public events, but has faithfully cast his vote for the candidates of the Democratic party. He, too, is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

The marriage of Mr. Coliins was celebrated at Springfield, Ili., April 29, 1895, with Eliza- beth V. Coigan, daughter of Edward Colgan. During his career as a hotel keeper and since, Mr. Coliins has demonstrated the fact that he is one of the solid, reliable men of the com- munity, and one who can always be depended upon to support any measure which in his judg- ment will work out to the betterment of tbe majority.

COLLINS, Joseph Henry, was born in Missouri, and is a son of John C. and Eliza (Van Bus- kirk) Collins, natives of Kentucky, of English and Dutch ancestry. John C. Coilins, soon after his marriage, which occurred in Kentucky, moved to Missouri. He was one of the first half-dozen settlers in the locality where he en- tered land and made his home the remainder of his life. It is said that the first deed recorded in the county was made to John C. Collins. For eighteen years he was Judge of the County Court, and for a number of years practiced iaw as an attorney.

Joseph Henry Collins received his early edu- cation in the public schools, attending a coun- try school near his home where he grew up to manbood. Before he was of age he entered La Grange College, Missouri, and after his graduation, engaged in newspaper work for nearly two years. He soon decided that teacb- ing offered a field for usefulness more to his liking, and became an instructor in a collège.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Later he was elected Superintendent of Schools at Canton, Mo., which position he heid for three years.

Mr. Collins came to Springfield in 1880, and, with the exception of two years, has been con- nected with the city public schools ever since, first as Principal of a grammar school for three years, theu Principal of the High School five years, and for twenty-one years Superintendent of City Schools. He is well-known through- out the State, his courtesy and agreeable per- sonality having made him many friends. He has been President of the Illinois State Teach- ers' Association, a Vice-President of the Na- tional Education Association, a State Director of this organization four years, aud Illinois State Manager at the meetings of the National Education Association held at Washington, D. C .; Los Angeles, Cal .; Charleston, S. C., and Detroit, Mich. For over twenty years he has been a Director of The Springfield Homestead Associatiou, a building and loan organization of which he was Secretary during the two years he was out of school work.

In 1875 Mr. Collins was married, in Missouri, to Julia C. Hay, a native of that State. His second marriage occurred in 1909, when Mrs. Mabel Patterson, of Michigan, became his wife.

Mr. Collins has never been active in politics, being independent in the matter of voting. He has been a member of the Baptist Church from boyhood, and his fraternal connections are with the Masons, in which order he is a Past Com- mander of Elwood Commandery, Knights Teill- piar, and is also a Scottish Rite Mason.

CONKLING, Clinton Levering, a prominent and successful lawyer of Springfield, Ill., is a mem- ber of the well known firm of Conkling & Irwin, who have an extensive practice, being em- ployed largely in the interests of corporatlous, municipalities, trustees and estates. Mr. Coukling holds directorships in several finan- cial institutions and has held various local pub- lic offices. He is a native of Springfield, born October 16, 1843, son of James Cook and Mercie Ann Riggs (Levering) Conkling, the former born in New York City, October 13, 1816, and the latter born in Georgetown, D. C., November 21, 1817. James C. Conkling graduated from Princeton College in 1835, studied law in Mor- ristown, N. J., about three years and was there admitted to the Bar. In 1838 he came to Springfield, III., and there his death occurred, March 1, 1899. He served as Mayor of Spring- field in 1845, and as Member of the House of Representatives of the Seventeenth and Twell- ty-fifth General Assemblies of the State of Illi- nois (in 1851 and 1867), was a Presidential Elector on the Republican ticket in 1860 and 1864, and a member of the Bloomington Re- publican Convention in 1856, with Mr. Lincoln. He was a life-long friend of Mr. Lincoln and the latter addressed to him the famous "Lin- coln-Conkling Letter" in 1863. He was one of the original members of the Lincoln Monument

Association. He served as State Agent for the State of Illinois at Washington during the Civil War, and was special aid to Governor Yates in 1861, in organizing State troops. Mr. Conk- ling served four years as Postmaster at Spring- field, being appointed in 1890. He was a Trus- tee of Blackburn University, at Carlinville, also a Trustee of the Illinois State University, 'at Urbana. He was for many years an Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church in Spring-

field. He was one of the most prominent lawyers of his time in the State and was well known for his public spirit and patriotism.

The emigraut aucestor of the Conkling fam- ily came from Nottinghamshire, England, to Salem, Mass., about 1638 and removed thence to Southold, L. I., in 1650. From the latter place his descendants emigrated to every part of the United States, and the branch from which the fautily here described was descended removed to Baskingridge, N. J., about . 1690. Many of the name participated in the Revo- lutionary and Civil Wars.

Clinton L. Conkling spent his youth in Springfield, where he attended private schools until 1860. He was never a very robust child, so did not take part in the most strenus sports of boyhood, but was fond of hunting and fishing and was a rather close student. He entered Yale College in 1860 aud graduated four years later, then studied law in his father's office and was licensed to practice in Illinols Courts in 1866. He was afterward admitted to practice in the United States Courts, includ- ing the Supreme Court. After leaving college he spent a short time in a clerical position with Bowen Brothers, then large wholesale dry- goods merchants in Chicago, then returned to Springfield and began his study of law. He began practice in partnership with his father, under the firm name of J. C. and C. L. Conk- ling. About 1874 the younger Mr. Conkling became interested in a manufacturing enter- prise, but three years later resumed his prac- tice. In 18SS Mr. Conkling formed a partner- ship with Joseph M. Grout, which continued until the death of the latter, in 1902. In October of the latter year Mr. Conkling be- came partner with Edward F. Irwin, and the firm assumed its present name.

Mr. Conkling is a Ilfelong resident of Spring- field and has been identified with many public movements. He is a Union Republicau and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, but in local affairs votes for the man he considers best fitted to fill office, regardless of political convictions. He served nine years as a mem- ber of the Board of Supervisors of Sangamon County and was Corporation Counsel for the City of Springfield from 1898 until 1902, in- clusive. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Illini Country Club, Springfield Golf Club, of Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois State Historical Society and of the Lincoln Guard of Honor. He was the Secre- tary at the organization and for some time

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

thereafter, of the National Lincolu Monument Associatiou and had under his management a large part of the popuiar contributions to the erection of a muouument to Lincoin at Springfield. He was one of the witnesses to certify to the identity of President Lincoin's remains when they were for the last time ex- posed to view in September, 1901, and were then iaid away for aii time beneath the re- constructed Lincoln Mouument.

Mr. Conkiing is a Director of Ridgeiy Na- tional Bank and aiso hoids a Directorship in the Sangamon Loan & Trust Company aud the Workingmen's Savings & Homestead Associa- tion. He hoids the office of Vice President and Director of the Lincoin Library. Fraternaily he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Feilows, having beionged to the order about forty years, and being affiliated with Lodge No. 465, of Springfieid. He has for thirty-five years been a member of the Biue Lodge of Masous and for thirty years a Knight Tempiar, and is affiliated with St. Paul's Lodge A. F. & A. M. and Eiwood Commaudery. Mr. Conk- iing is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, to which he has belonged since 1864, and has been a Ruiiug Elder since 1870. He was Chairman of the Building Committee for the erection of the present church edifice, which was recently compieted. He has served as Deiegate at various times to various judi- catories of the Presbyterian Church in various parts of the United States. The recruiting officers would not accept Mr. Conkiing as a volunteer in 1861, but he served during the summer of 1863 as a member of the Home Guard, in Baitimore, Md. He was the first person to inform Abraham Lincoln of his nomi- nation for the office of President in 1860, which fact is mentioned in the transactions of the Iiiinois State Historical Society, in the issue of May, 1909.

Mr. Conkling was married. at Springfield, March 12, 1867, to Miss Georgiana Barreli, who was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., November 29, 1846, and three children were born of this union : Georgiana, born October 28, 1872, now Mrs. Waido S. Reed. of Englewood, N. J .; Katherine Levering, born December 1, 1874, now Mrs. John S. McCormick, of Pittsburg, Pa .; Annie Dougias, born May 18, 1877, died at the age of eighteen months.

Mr. Conkiing is an eloquent, concise speaker, and has won a high place in his profession. He has always taken keen interest in aii move- ments for the public welfare. and, like his father before him, has favored the growth of industrial activities in the community. Не has been caiied upon to fili many positions of honor and trust and has given freeiy of his time and strength to further benevolent causes in which he has been interested. He owns vaiuabie business property in the city and has been very successful in his financial enter- prises.

CONKLING, James C. (Vol. I, p. 116.)

CONKLING, William H., Assistant Postmaster of Springfieid, is a sou of William J. Couk- ling, whose public and private life has made him a weii-kuown resident of Sangamon County.

William J. Coukliug was born iu New York City in 1826, a son of Stephen and Sarah (Beikuap) Conkiing, who moved to Mouut Veruou, Ohio, in 1831; moving to Leroy, Iil., in 1839, he worked his way through and obtained his college education at Oberlin College, Ober- lin, Ohio. He came to Springfield, Iil., in 1853, and eutered the office of his brother, James O. Conkling, with whom he studied law, being ad- mitted to the Bar October 14, 1854. William J. Coukling, the father of our subject, passed away in 1903, leaving three children: William H. Coukling, Eila G. Buckiey and Grace H. Leaver- ton, ali of Springfield.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 32

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