Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 42

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 42

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Church.

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DILLON Thomas M. (deceased) .- When a good, earnest man is snatched from his activities, the community suffers a loss not easily snstained. The Methodist Church has many eloquent and steadfast workers among its ministry, but one whose memory will long be cherished Is that of the late Thomas M. Dillon, who held many charges throughout the Illinois conference, and during a useful life never spared himself or neglected the heavy duties upon his willing sbonlders. He was born in New York City, May 8, 1845, a son of Joseph and Catherine Dil- lon, natives of New York. The father was a miller and a dealer in cotton.

When he was fifteen years of age, Thomas M. Dillon left New York City and, coming to Springfield, fonnd employment nntil he began his studies for the ministry, nnder Dr. Harkey, President of a Springfield college. After his ordination Rev. Dillon was assigned to a num- ber of charges. At first many of them were sınall, the work was extremely hard, and tbe remuneration small and poorly paid, but no obstacles could dampen the enthusiasm of this inall. Early and late he worked, pleading elo- quently with sinners to enter the fold. His powers of persuasion were wonderful, and he shone forth at revivals in a most remarkable manner.

Rev. Dillon was married in Springfield, by Rev. James J. Davidson, June 7, 1868, to Caro- Ilne Conant, born in Springfield, September 1, 1844, a daughter of Snlllvan and Lydia (Hem- minway) Conant, natives of Massachusetts. Both parents were early settlers of Sangamon County, coming there from Massachusetts as early as 1831. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dillon, but out of the tenderness of their hearts, they adopted two daughters : Dora C., an efficient school-teacher of the Rochester schools, who resides with Mrs. Dillon, cheering her declining years and proving herself a daugh- ter in love if not in flesh ; and Virginia L., wife of Samuel Byers, of Sangamon Connty.

The sympathies of Mr. Dillon were too broad for him to tie himself to any political party, as he belleved in voting for the man rather than any set principles, aside from those set forth in the Golden Rule, but while living in Spring- field he usually voted for Republican candi- dates. He was a member of the Modern Wood- men, holding membership In the Springfield Lodge. Never sparing himself, Mr. Dillon broke down, and passed away October 24, 1903, in Rochester, Ill., his remains being laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, to awalt the last resurrection, in which he so devoutly believed. Many pages of this book would be re- qulred to do justice to the work of this good man, who quietly went about his Master's work, never seeking wordly preferment, but trying to make the world better for hls stay in it and to bring to his fellow-creatures some appreciation of the religion he not only preached, but also llved every day of his blameless life. Mrs. Dil- lon owns a beantiful home in Rochester.

DISNEY, Thomas .- Farming as an ocenpation is profitable if followed along scientific lines, but the work of the farmer of today entails much study and uot a little scientific training, being In sharp coutrast to the agricultural life of several decades ago, when power machinery, tiling, and crop rotation, where things nnheard of. One of Sangamon County's farmers who is cultivating his land along scientific lines is Thomas Disney, whose fine little property of thirty acres is located on Section 25 in Illi- opolis Township. He was born in Eastern Ten- nessee, July 28, 1842, a son of Solomon and Sarah (Bray) Disney, natives of that State. The parents came to Macon County, Ill., in 1867, and settled on a farm near Decatur, where the father followed agricultural pnr- suits for many years, eventually retiring and locating in the town of Decatur, where his death occurred in 1886. Thomas Disney is the only survivor of his father's eight children. He was educated in the district schools of Ten- nessee and at the ontbreak of the Civil War enlisted, with two brothers, as a member of the Thirteenth Kentucky Cavalry, under the com- mand of Col. Weatherford, of Louisville. He served his full term and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war, having been a good and faithful soldier thronghout his ser- vice. He was never wounded, sent to a hospital, nor was he ever captured by the enemy. He accompanied the family iu 1867 to Macon Connty, and for two years worked in a brick vard in Decatur, but eventually located in Illi- opolis Township, Sangamon County, and engaged in farming, an occupation which he has since followed with much success. He is a public- spirited citizen, always being a stanch snp- porter of those movements which he feels will be of benefit to his community. He is a Demn- ocrat in politics and his religious belief is that of the Christian Church.

In 1867, in Springfield, III., Mr. Disney was united in marriage with Sarah J. Miller, who was born near Decatur, Ill., the daughter of Henry and Sarah Miller, natives of Pennsyl- vanla. They came to Macon County at an early date and engaged in agricultural pnr- suits, continuing therein until their deaths. Two of the three sons and three of the five danghters of Mr. and Mrs. Miller are now liv- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Disney have had seven chil- dren, and of these fonr survive: Lnla, the wife of John Bonn, living in Illiopolis; and Charles, Edward and Mande, who are living with their parents.

DOAN, George Franklin .- Among the successful farmers of Sangamon County, Ill., who have become prominent through their superlor intelli- gence and progressive methods of carrying on their work is George Franklin Doan, who owns a large farm in Sectlon 11 of Woodside Town- ship. Mr. Doan carries on general farming and pays special attention to breeding and raising stock. He has always been interested in high-

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grade stock and is a great admirer of a fine horse. He has spent his life iu farming since leaving school aud has carefully studied every branch of the business. Mr. Doan was born iu Switzerland Couuty, Ind., August 24, 1857, and is a son of Arthur and Alice Ann ( Smel- ley) Doan, the former of whom spent his en- tire life iu Iudiana and died there. The mother married (second) H. C. Clark, and they re- side at Olathe, Kan. Arthur Doan was a car- penter and contractor, and his father, a native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Indiana and ended his days in that State, was also a carpeuter. The parents of Mrs. Doan were early settlers of Sangamon County and were natives of Illinois.

George F. Doau attended public school at Mt. Sterling, Ind., and when a young man came to Illinois. Later he spent two years in Pratt County, Kan., but in 1881 sold his interests there aud returued to Sangamon County, where he has since resided. He now owns 360 acres of good farming land and is conducting his op- eratious iu a manner to insure the best results. He has aiways taken an active interest in pub- lle affairs and has served as Highway Commis- sioner and School Director. In political views he has been a Republican since attaining his majority. He Is a member of the Methodist Church and fraternaliy belongs to the Modern Woodmeu and to the Anti-Horse-Thief Associa- tlon. He has a large circle of friends and stands well among his fellow citizens, who ap- preciate his usefulness as a citizen and his in- tegrity and probity as an individual.

Mr. Doan was married on the farm where he . uow lives, October 26, 1881, Rev. G. Dungan of- ficiating, to Salome C. Shepherd, born on the farm where she has always lived, November 21, 1856, daughter of Joseph and Fannle (Smith) Shepherd, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Shepherd, a native of West Virginia, was born June 11, 1816, and died August 28, 1891, and the mother, who was born in Pennsylvania, October 25, 1818, dled in 1863 and was buried February 19, 1863, both she and Mr. Shepard being buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Six chil- dren were born to Mr. Doan and his wife, uamely : One died in infancy; Joseph A., born November 9, 1882, married Amy McGaha and they live in Sangamon County ; Fanny A., born Sep- tember 17, 1885, married William McClellan and they live in Sangamon County and have one son, George William ; George S., born April 12, 1889, married Rose Kreiger and they live ou one of the father's farms; John S., born January 8, 1892, and Lydia L., boru July 31, 1895, both at home. Mr. Doan has every reason to be proud of his fine family of children, all of whom have beeu a credit to their parents.

DODD, James E .- The farming interests of Sangamon County are in the hauds of men well capable of handling them, the high standard of the farmers there comparing favorably with those of auy other couuty. James E. Dodd, of

Section 11, Talkingtou Township, who has car- ried on agricultural operatlous all his life, aud been promineutly identified with the public iu- terests of his section for many years, was born August 24, 1838, in Bradley Couuty, Tenn., son of Charles and Mary (Jones) Dodd and grand- sou of William L. Dodd. William L. Dodd, who had removed from Botetourt County, Va., to Jef- ferson County, Tenn., at an early day, came to Morgan county, Ill., about 1825, aud remained until failing health caused his removal to Iowa. He then went to Bradley County, Tenn., but iu 1844, returned to Illinois, settling In Sangamon County, where his death occurred seven years later. His life was devoted to farming and he was a man of high moral character, being a de- vout member of the old Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he was a Jacksouian Democrat. He had the following children: Anna, Josiah, Sarah, Margaret, Charles, Mary, William L., Jessie aud John. He died in San- gamou County and his wife in Jefferson County, Tenil.

Charles Dodd was born iu Botetourt County, Va., and went with his parents to Jefferson County, Teun., but iu 1836, went to Bradley County in the same State, and was married in McMinn County, Tenn. He purchased land and comumenced farming in Bradley County, but in 1851, brought his family to Saugamon Couuty, settling on a farm east of Loami, which prop- erty he sold one year later, and purchased the 200-acre farm in the southeast part of Loami Township, which had been partly cleared, for $11 per acre. The tax iu those days was about $18 ou this farm and the personal property thereon, but Mr. Dodd improved the farm to such an extent that his taxes became $200. He resided in his beautiful home until his death, which occurred November 19, 1881, at the age of seventy years and five months, while his widow survived him until Juue 4, 1906, being ninety years old at the tlune of her death. She was au active member of the Methodist Church which she had joined in young womanhood, while Mr. Dodd belonged to no special religi- ous organization, although he gave freely of his means towards all movements of a religious and charitable nature. In politles, he was a stanch and active Democrat, and hls fraternal coll- lection was with the Masonic Order, which con- ducted his funeral. The children born to him and his wife were as follows : Catherine, mar- ried Rev. A. A. Lawson of Springfield, Mo .; Nancy, married B. R. Weir of Loami, Ill .; Josiah, Joshua, James E .; William H., who met his death October 8, 1862, while a member of the Seventy-third Iillnois Volunteers, and was buried on the battlefield at Perryville; Mary Ann deceased, was the wife of J. W. Hall of Quenemo, Kan. ; Amelia married John Ma- hard, a farmer living near Loami; Sarah mar- ried William P. Campbell, both being now de- ceased; Charles, a farmer of Macoupin County, Iil .; Jesse W., residing in Springfield; and Alexandra, deceased.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

James E. Dodd's school days were speut in Tennessee and iu 1851, he accompanied the family to Sangamon County, Iii., remaining home until 1859, on February 10th of which year he married Annise Jacobs, born in Loami Township, October 10. 1840. After marriage, he rented 120 acres of his father's land in Loami Township, on which was located a three-room house, and in this they resided until 1866, when he moved to Greene County, Mo., and purchased 280 acres of iand. This he sold and bought 210 acres in Lawrence County, Mo., but in 1867, he sold this and returned to Sangamon County, buying eighty acres of iand in Section 11, Talk- ington Township. He kept adding to his prop- erty from time to time, and as the children grew up aud left the parental roof each was provided for. The five children of Mr. and Mrs. Dodd were as follows : Charles O., now deceased, born December 19, 1859, married Lizzie L. Haddix, who resides north of Lowder, and they have seveu children,-Rachel, Amy, Edna, Ciara, Charies, James E., Vivian, liviug, aud Clarence and an infant who are deceased; Isabeile, born February 5, 1861, is the wife of Frank A. John- son, of Coldwater, Mich., and they have five iiv- ing children-Melvin, Vernice, Rebecca, Anna and John, besides oue who died in infancy; · Louise, born November 14, 1862, died June 19, 1906; Meiiie, born January 14, 1865, married J. F. Haun, resides at Lostine, Ore., and they have two children iiviug, Joy and Edith, and one chiid died in infancy ; James E. Jr., born January 26, 1868, who is counected with the Hershall Manufacturing Company, of Peoria, Iil., married Fannie Gish, of Auburn, and they had one child who died in infancy. Rachel, daughter of Charles O., Dodd, married Luther Funderburk, and they have one child, Mary Corine, the one great-grandchild in the family, and iive in Chicago. Amy, married Wiliis Hun- ley who reside in Chatham, Iil .; Edna, 'married Aivin D. Meyers of Chicago.

For more than haif a century, Mr. Dodd has been identified with the development of San -. gamon County, and not only has he seen the many changes that have taken piace, but he has been an active participant in them. He has devoted his time to farming and stockrais- ing, has been very snecessfui along both lines, and has aiso found time to serve in positions of public preferment to which he has been elected, as his fellow townsmen have recognized his ahiiity and integrity. For twelve years he served as School Trustee and Treasurer of Taikington Township, was Supervisor ten years, and served as Commissioner of Highways in both Loami and Taikington Townships. Iu his official duties, he recognized no party ruie, but protected his constituents to the best of his ahiiity and thus won their confidence and es- teem. Fraternally, he is counected with Masonic Lodge No. 450, of Loami, heing one of the orig- inai nine persons to organize this iodge, and was first master, and he has been active in building up this organization. Mr. Dodd is a

great believer in the benefits of education and as a consequence his children have received ex- ceptional advantages. Charles O. was a teacher in Sangamon County for a long period; Isabelle was for twelve years one of the leading educa- tors of the section, and Meliie, when but six- teen years old was au instructor in the schools of Sangamon County and was finally offered the principalship of the Lostine High School in Oregon, and later married J. F. Haun, a mem- ber of the School Board and a banker and ex- tensive landowner in Oregon.

DOENGES, Lewis A., foreman of the composing room of the Edward F. Hartmaun Printing Company, is one of the representative young men of Springfield, whose influence is widely felt by those who are acquainted with him and recognize his worth. He was horn in Springfield, May 27, 1877, a sou of Adam and Mary Doenges, a sketch of whom appears eisewhere in this work.

Lewis A. Doenges attended the public schools of Springfield until he was sixteen years old, thus gaining a practical edncatiou. At this time he hegan learning the printer's trade, in the piant with which he is stili connected. Serving his apprenticeship. he was then employed as . journeyman, and in 1908 his services were rec- ognized by his promotion to his present respon- sible position. During the sixteen years he has been with this concern, he has lost but one week, and is recognized as one of the most effi- cient and capabie men in his line in the county:

Iu June, 1906, Mr. Doenges was united in marriage, in Springfield, to Miss Ciara Wheeler, of Breckenridge, Ili., daughter of Dr. H. G. and Nancy (Gaibraith) Wheeler. Dr. Wheeler died some time since, but his widow survives. Mr. and Mrs. Doenges became the parents of one chiid, Louise Aima, born August 19, 1910. In politics Mr. Doenges votes for the man best fitted for the office, without regard to party ties. Fraternaliy he is a member of the Court of Houor and the Printers' Union. A iive man, thoroughly abreast of the times, he has risen steadily throngh sheer merit to have charge of the department he entered sixteen years ago.

DOERFLER, John (deceased), of Springfield, Ili., was horn in Germany, January 12, 1828, son of John and Catherine Doerfler, both of whom were natives of Germany and died there. The father was a milier, aud, after receiving his education in the German Lutheran Schoois, John Doerfler, Jr., worked with his father in the miil until he came to America, in 1S54. He landed in New York in Juiy of that year and iived in that city two years, hecoming a broom- maker, which occupation he followed in Spring- fieid after locating there in 1856, until his death. He became an adept at his trade and was fairly successful in a financiai way, be- ing industrious and thrifty. He became a highly respected citizen of Springfield, where he won many warm friends, and at his death

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was genuinely monrued by his family and all who knew him. Mr. Doerfler was always a devont church member and was affillated with the German Lutheran Church of Springfield. He had served in the German Army before emi- grating to America. In politics he was a Demo- crat and took a commendable interest in the progress and welfare of hls community.

In August, 1856, Mr. Doerfler was marrled, in Springfield, to Miss Elizabeth Traeger, who was born in Germany, January 18, 1828, daugh- ter of Leonard and Catherine (Diedell) Trae- ger. Children as follows were born of this nmion, namely : Margaret, married and living in Springfield; Elizabeth, unmarried, Ilving with her mother; Catherine, married and liv- ing in Springfield; Anna C., also married and living in Springfield; John, Thomas and Bar- bara, unmarrled, the latter in the employ of the Illinois Watch Company, and Ilving at home. Mr. Doerfier died in 1895 and his remains were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Doerfler owns the family home at 355 West Reynolds Street, where she has lived the past twenty- nine years, and is well-known in the neighbor- hood.

DONELAN, Michael, foreman of the Wabaslı machine shops, Springfield, and a man of nn- failing reliability, has been connected with the shops for forty years, having started in as an apprentice when seventeen years old, under the kindly-remembered Thomas Gorman, master mechanic. After fonr years' apprenticeship he then worked as a journeyman for many years, finally retiring a few years ago, but in 1910 he returned to become foreman of the shops. He was born In Hartford, Conn., Jnne 7, 1855, a son of Thomas and Bridget (Fitz) Donelan, na- tives of Connty Clare, Ireland. The father was born in 1820, but came to the United States in yonng inanhood, landing in New York. He learned the trade of stone mason and plasterer, and followed this line of work for some years. While in New York he married. In 1856 the family came to Springfield, where the father found work at his trade, working at it until hls death, in 1865. The mother survives, living in Springfield. at an advanced age. The children born to these worthy parents were: Michael ; Thomas, a dental surgeon of Springfield; Eliza- beth, Mrs. Thomas Hughes, of Springfield.

Michael Donelan was only eighteen months old when brought to Springfield by his parents, so practically all his life has been spent there. His boyhood was spent iu the neighborhood of Madison and Thirteenth Streets, and he at- tended . St. Mary's School until he was twelve years old, when his father died and he left school to go to work, his widowed mother need- ing the help of her eldest born. He first worked as a chore boy in the family of Willlam A. Turney, Clerk of the Supreme Conrt, remalning with them for six years, when he entered the shops.

On January 11, 1877, Mr. Donelan married

Mary Pierik, of Springfield, danghter of the late William Pierik and his wife, Elleu (Mnr- nane) Pierik, the latter still surviving, aged seventy-five years. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Donelan were as follows: Thomas died in childhood ; John, of Springfield, married Ber- tha Kahl; Mary, Margaret and William at home; Helen and Elizabeth, deceased; and James and the second Elizabeth, at home. Mr. Donelan belongs to the Church of the Immacu- late Conception. In politices he is a Democrat, and fraternally he belongs to the Royal Ar- canum. He is a solid, reliable man, whose responsibilities have always been faithfully discharged.

DONNELLY, John, a nsefui and public-spirited citizen of Springfield, Ili., and a veteran of the Civil War, has been a resident of the State since 1852. He was born in Augusta, Me., July 4, 1846, son of Francls Donnelly and his wife, both natives of the United States. The father was a merchant and importer in New Orleans for many years, and the parents were both liv- Ing in New Orleans the last John Donnelly heard from them. Francis Donnelly served through the Mexican War, being a member of Major Ringold's Regiment. The famlly lived some time in Illinois and there John Donnelly received his education In the subscription schools. Upon leaving school he became en- gaged in farming.

In 1861 John Donnelly enlisted in Company M, Sixth Illinois Cavalry, which later was nn- der command of Colonel Grierson in Richard Yates' Leglon. This regiment participated in the famous Grierson Rald. The first battle in which he took part was at Olive Branch, Miss., where the regiment came in contact with Stone- wall Jackson. Their next battle was at Her- nando, Miss., and they operated In this vicinity for several months. They had an engagement at Florence, Ala., and fought continuonsly for sixty-three days at one time. Mr. Donnelly be- came Sergeant of his company and won a com- mendable record as a soldler. At the close of the war he returned home and took np the af- falrs of clvil ilfe and has been an industrions, enterprising citizen. Ile Is a member of Ste- phenson Post, G. A. R.

Mr. Donnelly came to Illinois in 1852 and has since that date resided in the State. In 1876 he began working at the Old North Shaft, Springfield, remaining there one year, after which he worked fourteen years as hoisting en- gineer at the New North Shaft, leaving this position to accept one with the Springfield Wa- ter Works, where he worked twelve years and became chief engineer. He is skilled at his trade and is a life member of the Natlonai En- gineers of America. He is now employed by the Citizens Coal Company.

Mr. Donnelly was married December 24, 1868, to Mrs. (Ing) Johnson, who was born Jnly 2, 1837, danghter of Christopher and Philemon Ing, the former born In 1811 and the latter in

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1815. Her parents settled in Hamilton County, Ill., at an early day, comlug from Teunessee, and died in Illinois, the father July 8, 1897, and the mother March 29, 1891. Their daugh- ter had married (first) Aaron Johnson, who was killed, August 4, 1864, in front of Atlanta, and was buried at Marietta, Ga. Mr. Johnson and wife had one daughter, Louisa, deceased. Three children, one son and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly, namely : Frank, Manager of the Galveston (Tex.) Base-ball League, was for two years Manager of the Springfield Team, coming from Rock Island, Teun., to Springfield ; Ella D. Williams, living at home; Pernina, wife of John Mountz, a painter and paper-hanger living in Peoria. Mr. Donnelly and his wife have three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Samuel Hoskinson, living in Arkansas. Mr. Donnelly owns a beau- tiful home near the northeast corner of the Fair Grounds, where he has two acres of land with 150 feet frontage. He is a member of the Methodist Church and for the past eight years has been affiliated with McCormick Lodge No. 4, Loyal Americans. In politics he Is a Re- publican.

DONOVAN, Michael .- Among those whom San- gamon County considers her best and most re- liable citizens, are those who were born in Ire- land. The sons of ErIn have always been noted for their brilliancy of mind and their quickness to grasp offered opportunities, and develop into loyal, devoted citizens of their adopted country. Many of them were brought up to farm life in their native land and instinctively turn towards that occupation upon arrival here, continuing it with marked success. One of these repre- sentative Irishmen is Michael Donovan, resid- ing on his fine forty-acre farm on Section 29, Springfield Township. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, June 20, 1842, being a son of Jeremiah and Catherine (Crawley) Donovan, both natives of Cork, Ireland. They were farm- ing people, who never came to America, but passed their lives in Ireland, where they died. There were seven children in their family, five sons and two daughters. A brother of Mr. Dou- ovan is residing in Bostou, Mass., being con- nected with one of the largest banking iustitu- tions of that city.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 42

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