Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 43

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 43

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Reared and educated in County Cork, Michael Donovan worked on his father's farm, but was not contented there, so in 1864 he came to America, sailing from Queenstown. Landing in New York, he came direct to Springfield, arriving when the city was plunged into deep- est mourning, for upon that day Abraham Lin- coln was laid to his last rest. The first em- ployment of Mr. Donovan was secured in a brick yard, and he continued there for four years, then commenced to farm and has been thus engaged ever since. About 1895 he bought his present farm of forty acres, which he has developed into a very valuable property. On it

he carries on general farming and takes a pride in his crops.

The marriage of Mr. Donovan occurred in Springfield, April 20, 1868, to Mary Mccarthy, born in Whitinsville, Mass., September 23, 1857. Her parents, natives of Ireland, came to Boston at an early day, later moving to Whit- insville but a. couple of years later came to Sangamon County, where the father began farming. He was accidentally killed by a horse about forty-two years ago, but his widow sur- vived until 1892. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy, ali of whom survive. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Donovau, and three sons and one daughter survive: John lives in Springfield, where he is engaged in business; Michael is also a resident of that city, and Dennis aud Mary reside at home. There is oue grandchild in the family, Mary Donovan, the pet of her grandfather.

Since boyhood Mr. Donovan has been a con- sistent member of the Roman Catholic Church and is now connected with St. Joseph's Church, of Springfield. The Democratic party has his support, but he has no desire to come before the public for office, preferring to exert his influence as a private citizen. A hard-working man, Mr. Donovan saved his money until able to purchase his farm. From time to time he has made improvements upon it, and as it repre- sents the result of many years of endeavor, he is naturally proud of it. Not only has he made his way in the world aud accummulated some- thing for himself and his wife in their old age, - but he has reared a fine family, of which he has a right to be proud. His sons are splendid young men and his daughter is charming. Mrs. Donovau has been her husband's able assistant during the years they have lived together and he frankly confesses that he owes much to her. She is an excellent housekeeper, and weicomes the guest who enters their door with true Irish hospitality, which is the most cordial and hearty in the world. The entire family have many friends in the township and are highly respected wherever known.

DORAN, Patrick, a retired farmer living at 801 South Twelfth Street, Springfield, Ill., was an early settler of Effingham County, III., locat- ing on ninety acres of land in West Township, a few miles south of Altamont, where he lived until he retired from active life. Mr. Doran was born in County Wexford, Ireland, about 1834, son of Owen Doran, a small farmer in Ireland, where he died. Owen Doran marrled Margaret Dwyer, who also died in Ireland, and they had children as follows: Winnle, Mrs. Martin Doyle, of Chicago; Margaret died un- married; Patrick; Owen, who emigrated to the United States, served in the Civil War in an Illinois Regiment and died in Philadelphia ; James, a deep-sea sailor; Margaret, married Henry Carter, of Chicago.

Patrick Doran received but a meager edu-

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catiou and began working when still a boy. He remained on his father's farm until he came to the United States, at the age of sixteen years. He sailed from Liverpool and landed ju New York, having spent nine weeks on the ocean. The vessel lost her masts and was nearly wrecked. Mr. Doran joined a sister in Phila- delphia and found work among the Quaker farmers of the vicinity, spending about four years in this occupation, then went west and worked summers at farming near Springfield, Ill., going south during the winters and work- ing for the planters there.

Mr. Doran was married iu Springfield, about 1855, to Miss Catherine Kavanaugh, who was born in Washington, D. C., about 1834, daughter of Morgan Kavanaugh. Mr. Kavanaugh came to the United States from County Wexford, Ireland, and worked on the old National Road and on the first State House of Illinois, he and a Scotchman cutting stone for this build- ing. Mr. Kavanaugh was a brick-layer and stone cutter by trade, but died on a farm in Effingham Couuty. He married Margaret Con- ners, who also died in Effingham County.

Soon after their marriage Mr. Doran and his wife moved to her father's farm in West Township, which he conducted until he re- tired. He was an able and successful farmer and owns his residence and another house on Jackson Street, Springfield. He and his wife belong to the Catholic Church of the Immacu- late Conception, to the erection of whose build- ing Mr. Doran contributed liberally. He is a Democrat in politics and is actively interested in public affairs. He is ready to forward any movement for the general good of his com- munity and is a useful, patriotic citizen. Chii- dren as follows were born to him and his wife: Margaret, widow of John Brennan, of Spring- field : Winnifred married James White, of Springfield ; William, of Springfield, married Annie McNally; John, of Springfield, married Katy Corrigan ; Annie married William Lee, of Chicago; Patrick Henry, of St. Louis, married Lottie Jennings.

DORWIN, Harry F., present Secretary and business manager of the Illinois State Journal Company, was born in the city of Springfield August 4, 1855, the son of Phares A. and Caroline (Fisher) Dorwin. His father, Phares Dorwin, came with his parents to Illinois at an early day, settling at Naples, where both died. In 1840, their son came to Springfield, and was there engaged in mercantile business as dealer in stoves, tin-ware, etc., until his death in 1870. Mr. Harry F. Dorwin's mother, nee Caroline Fisher, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Fisher, who came to Springfield overland from Franklin County, Pa., in 1840. She was an older sister of the late Mrs. Shelby M. Cullom, and resided in Springfield until her death In January, 1897, nearly twenty-seven years after the death of her husband.

Harry F. Dorwin received his education in

the Springfield city schools, and at the age of about sixteen years became clerk, and later Teller, of the State National Bank of Spring- field, serving in these two capacities from 1871 to 1876. He theu became Secretary to Gov. Cullom, coutinuing in this position until the electiou of the latter to the United States Seu- ate (1883), when he became Private Secretary to Gov. John M. Hamilton, successor to Gov. Cullom, remaining one year, (1883-84). Other official positions held by him included those of Chief Deputy of the United States Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois (1884-85), and Assistant in the office of State Treasurers John R. Tanner and Charles Becker (1886-89). Although he has held no elective position, it will be seen from this record that few men in the later period of State history have had a larger or more varied experience in connec- tion with important public offices than has Mr. Dorwin. On the organization of the present Illinois State Journal Company, he became Secretary aud business manager of the com- pany, a position which he has retained to the present time, covering a period of more thau twenty years, during which the business of the concern has shown an extensive developiuent, giving evidence of his business capacity and devotion to public interests.

On March 31, 1897, Mr. Dorwin was married to Miss Bertha Buck, who was born in Spring- field, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. H. B. Buck; they have no children. Dr. Buck was a surgeon with the rank of Major during the Civil War. among important battles in which he saw service beiug that of Gettysburg. A fuller sketch of Dr. Buck will be found in an- other section of this volume.

Always a Republican politically, Mr. Dor- win's religious affiliations are with the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, while in his social relations he is connected as a charter member, with the Saugamo Club, the Illini Country Club and the Springfield Association of Commerce. His residence is at No. 606 South Fourth Street, Springfield.

DOTY, Nathan, who has for half a century occupied his present home in Williamsville, Ili., has for the past ten years lived retired from active life. He is a native of New York State, born March 12, 1827, sou of Abraham and Han- nah (Campbell) Doty, both natives of New York, the former born in 1801. The parents spent their entire lives in New York. The father was descended from a Mayflower emi- graut and the mother was of English descent. They were parents of eight children, and Na- than, one of seven sons, is the only survivor.

Nathan Doty received his early education in Berkshire County, Mass. He helped with the work on his father's farm as a young man and when he left home engaged in farming ou his own account. He came west in December, 1856, reaching Williams Township. Sangamon Coun- ty, January 1, 1857, and there engaged in farm-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ing for a few years, then located in Williams- ville, where for fifteen years he conducted a general merchandise establishment. He was for several years manager of the Conncil Eleva- tor in Williamsville and for the past ten years has lived retired from active life. He has been falrly successful and has accumulated some other property besides his nice home in Williams- ville. He is prominent In local affairs and one of the prominent men of liis community, whose good judgment and ability is generally recog- nized.

The marriage of Mr. Doty occurred in Lake- ville, Conn., March 18, 1853, when he was nnited with Katherine Shaw, born in Cannoul, Conn., March 22, 1853, daughter of Hiram Shaw, a native of New York, as was his wife. Hiram was a son of John Shaw, a soldier in the Re- volntionary War. Hiram Shaw and his wife spent their entire lives in the East. Of thelr ten children all are deceased except two, Katherine, Mrs. Nathan Doty, and Mrs. Eliza- beth Doty, of Connectlent. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Doty, and of these three sons and two daughteres still sur- vive : William, a resident of Racine, Wis .; Na- than, a painter, living In Willlamsville ; Charles, a clerk in the offices of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, Ilving in Joliet ; Emma. wife of Charles Slaughter, a farmer of Williams Township; Jnlia, wife of Charles Fishburn, living on a farm near Barclay, Sangamon Coun- ty. There are thirteen grandchildren in the family.

Mr. Doty is a devout member of the Method- ist Church and In politics is a Republican. He was for five years Overseer of the Poor In Sangamon Connty and served one year as Con- stable, serving in each office with credit and ability. He was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and has many pleasant recol- lections of thelr friendship. He has worked very hard most of his life and has been snc- cessful through earnest effort and good busi- ness judgment. His integrity and honesty have . never been questioned and lie is held in high esteem by all who know him.

DOUGLAS, Stephen A. (Vol. I, p. 135.)

DOWIS, William H .- Sangamon County, Ill., offers an excellent field for farming operations, and among the men who have been able to achieve success in this line may be mentioned William H. Dowls, who lives at 2240 East Ce- dar Street. Springfield. Mr. Dowis was left an orphan when a small child and was obliged to look out for himself. He was ambitious and industrious and made the most of every op- portunlty for advancement. Mr. Dowls was born in Pike County, Ohio, October 14, 1850, one of the thirteen children of James and Mary (Downing) Dowis, both natlves of Ohio, and the former of Pike County. The parents spent their entire lives In Ohlo and were farmers.

Only two of their children are now living, Wil- liam H. and a danghter.

The education of William H. Dowis was ac- quired in his native State and he worked on his father's farm until the latter's death, learn- Ing the full details of farming. In 1875 he lo- cated In Sangamon County and engaged in farm- ing near Sherman, first working by the month. In 1880 Mr. Dowis went to Fillmore Connty, Neb., where he worked on a farm for fonr years, then returned to Illinols and has since resided In Springfield. He has been very suc- cessfnl in a business way and has shown ex- cellent judgment In the management of his affairs. He is at present extensively engaged In buying and selling stock. He has lived in his present home the past ten years and also owns other property.

Mr. Dowis was married in Springfield, in October, 1882, to Miss Anna Dyer, who was born in Ohio, daughter of Buck and Elizabeth (Babb) Dyer. Her parents came to Illinols about fifty years ago and settled on a farm In Sangamon County, where they lived the remainder of their Ilves. Mrs. Dowis was one of a family of eight children, of whom bnt two survive. No children were born to Mr. Dowls and his wife. He is a Republican in politics and a Methodist in religions bellef. He is a self-made man in every respect and has learned much In the school of experience. He is well-Informed, a pleasing conversationalist, readily makes friends, and In all hls dealings with his fellows lias held to the highest principles. He is well- known in Sangamon County and has the good- will of his associates and acquaintances. He is an upright and public-spirited citizen and actively interested in public affairs.

DOWLING, James E., a prominent lawyer and public-spirited citizen of Springfield, Ill., has been engaged In the practice of his profession in that city since 1877, and has during that time been identified with the city's best Inter- csts. He has been active in the conncils of the Republican party and has been one of Its leaders in his community. Mr. Dowling is a man of great force of character and has forged his way to the front in his chosen field by well- directed energy and perseverance. He is pre- eminently a self-made man and in his career as a lawyer has gained and maintained the high- est confidence and esteem. He was born at Pinegrove, Pa., April 19, 1844, son of Patrick and Anna (Dolan) Dowling, married in Ireland, where they were both born, whence they emi- grated to America In early marrled life. The father embarked in business as a rallroad con- tractor and graded the land throngh what Is now Altoona, for the Pennsylvanla Central Railroad Company, building the first house there.

The early education of James E. Dowling was acquired in his native county, where he attended the country schools, and when fifteen

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

years old he came to Illinois. He attended high school in Freeport three years, being a member of the Class of 1860, and four years later grad- uated from Albany (N. Y.) Law University. He spent some time in farming in eariy man- hood, but was ambitious to secure a good edu- cation aud to enter upon the study of law, and carried out his designs by his own exertions. He was admitted to the Bar in 1865, having previously spent some time in teaching school in Christian Couuty and served as Principal of Schools in Atheus, Menard County, during which time he spent his leisnre hours largely iu the study of law.

In 1865 Mr. Dowling opened an office in Pe- tersburg, Ill., and in 1877 removed to Spring- field, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He was appointed Assistant Secretary of the State Senate, in which capacity he served during an entire term and the next term was clerk of the committee on Banks and Corporations. He has gradually built up a large practice aud has handled some important cases during his long career. He is well fitted for his profession, both by natural ability and training, and has given much time to the mastery of special lines of jurisprudence. For some years he has been located in the Mc- Gruder Building, opposite the Court House and on the north side of the Square in Springfield. He owns a beautiful home near Washington Park, in the west part of the city, and being thus much interested in the establishment and proper maintenance of the park, donated a strip of land for the purpose. In religlous faith he is a Methodist, and he is always ready to further the cause of education and religion, as well as that of any other beneficial move- ment.

Mr. Dowling was married in 1865, In Peters- hurg, 111., to Miss Sivila Davis, whose parents were early settlers of Cleary Grove, Menard County, the father for many years conductiug a general store at Petersburg, which did busi- ness under the firm name of Davis & Adams. Nine children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dowling : Willlam E. married Kath- erine Ellis ; Effie Jane, wife of P. J. Ryder ; Ira T. married Miidred Dereicott; Lois, de- ceased ; John P. married Matilda Stevens; Ber- tie married Julius Dongee; Maud and Mabel, twins, died at the age of seventeen years; Neva, wife of Walter Dugger, Jr., of the American Home Life Insurance Company, of Fort Worth, Tex.

DRAKE, Henry B., a retired farmer now living at 402 West North Grand Avenne, Springfield, 111., was born at Miamisburg, Ohlo, October 11, 1837, and is a son of Charles S. and Lucy (Clayton) Drake, natives of New Jersey. The father was born in 1802 and by occupation was a shoe-muaker and farmuer. The mother was born at Monmouth. Charles S. Drake emi- grated from his native State to Ohio in a very early day (1822) and some years iater, in 1855,

came to Fancy Creek Township, Sangamon Connty, Ili., where he engaged in farming aud later moved to Logan County and bought land. He spent the remainder of his lite on a tarm and became an influential and prominent citizen of the community. He died in 1892, at the ad- vanced age of ninety years, and his wife died in 1897, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clampett, iu Jacksonville. Both parents were buried in Fancy Creek Township, in the old Vau Meter Cemetery. Charles S. was a son of Thomas Drake, who was a soldier iu the Black Hawk War, lost in service and never heard from 'again. Both he aud his wife were natives of New Jersey aud both parents of Mrs. Charles S. Drake were natives of the same State.

To Charles S. Drake and wife nine sons and one daughter were horn, namely : John, boru in New Jersey, went to California in 1849, at the time of the "gold fever," and died there; Charles is a Congregational minister at New Haven, Conn .; Silas H. lives on a farm near Elkhart, Logan County; Moses, deceased, was a surgeon in the Fourteenth United States In- fautry and served three years during the Civil War, under John M. Palmer, was taken pris- oner at Missionary Ridge, but was paroled on account of being an officer; Zachary T. (named after Zachary Taylor, once President of the United States) lives on a farm near Elkhart, Logan County ; Octavins, deceased, was also a soldier in the Civil War, heing a member of the Fifth Illinois Cavalry, (as was also Silas, who is mentioned above,) and was accidentally killed hy his son near Silver City, Oregon, where he resided; Elizabeth is the wife of Charles Clampett and they live at Jackson- ville. Ili. ; three children died in infancy.

Henry B. Drake received his education in Ohio and in boyhood worked on his father's farm, coming with his parents to Sangamon County and remaining with them until 1881, when he moved to Springfield, his home since. For many years he was engaged in a transfer business, but for some time past has been re- tired from active life. Ile was reared to habits of industry and was successful in whatever he undertook. He enlisted during the early part of the Civil War. from Springfield, in Com- pauy G, Seveuth Iilinois Volunteer Infantry, served three months, then reenlisted In the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, Company G, for three years. The Tenth Cavairy was instered out at San Antonio, Tex., November 22, 1865, re- ceiving final pay and discharge at Springfield, Jannary 6, 1866. Mr. Drake participated lu many battles and minor engagements, among them the Siege of Vicksburg. He assisted in organizing a G. A. R. Post at Elkhart. which later disbanded. For thirteen years he served as a Supervisor in Logan County and was Col- lector for two years. He is a member of Elk- hart Lodge No. 545, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Drake is a member of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Drake's marriage occurred in Sangamon County, February 20, 1872. when he was united

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

with Columbia A. McKiunie, a uative of the couuty, born in 1848, daughter of Thomas L. McKinuie and wife, both natives of Kentucky. Mr. aud Mrs. McKinnle came from Fleming Couuty, Ky., to Illluois at a very early day. Mrs. Drake's grandfather entered land from the Government in Springfield Township and is buried on the old home place there. Thomas L. McKiunie carried ou farming there uutll hls death and he and his wife were parents of two sons aud three daughters, of whom all except Que now survive: Mrs. Drake; Mrs. Mary Hel- vety, of Decatur, Ill .; Mrs. Florence Huntley, wife of Samuel Huntley, who lives on part of the old home place iu Fancy Creek Towuship; William, also a farmer and living ou part of the old home place.

To Mr. Drake and wife three sons and three daughters were horn and two daughters are uow living : Mabel, who lives at home, a teacher iu Springfield High School, and Grace, wife of Frederick Crissey, of Springfield, and they have five sons-Norman. Harold. Fred. Robert and Howard. Hervey Leon Drake died January 9, 1909. aged thirty-three years aud three chll- dren died in infaucy. Mr. Drake owns a very comfortable home in the city, where he has inany warm friends and is highly respected.

DRENNAN, John Walter .- The Drennans were among the ploneers of Sangamou Couuty, and have borne au importaut part in the progress and development of the locality. Johu Walter Drennan, now living ou Section 3 of Divernon Township, is of the third generation of his branch of the family to live in the county, and was born on the farm he now owns and occu- pies, July 29, 1877. He is a son of Alfred L. and Eruiua J. (Christopher) Drennau, natives of Sangamon County, the former boru in 1852 and the latter iu 1855. The pareuts have spent their entire lives in the county, though they have resided In various townships. The father was a farmer by occupation but has now retired from active life and resides in Springfield. The grandparents of John W. Dreunan were all early settlers of Sangamon County, where they dled.

As a boy John Walter Dreunau attended Oak Ridge District School and upon completing his education took up farming as an occupation. He Is fond of fine horses and has always en- joyed horse-racing and huuting. He has uever moved from his birthplace, and although he has traveled rather extensively In the West, has never cared to reside anywhere else than In his present location. He understands the soll on his farm and its peculiar fitness for varlous kinds of treatment, and is an energetic, progres- sive farmer. Besides his farming interests he owus stock in the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Divernon. He is a man of upright houesty and integrity and stands well with his nelgh- bors aud acquaintances. He is representative of the best type of citizenship and takes pride in his achievements as a farmer and a business

man. He owns 160 acres of land and also soule city property.

Mr. Drennan was married in Cottou Hill Township, April 23, 1902, the Rev. T. F. Hart- luau, of Chatham, officiating, to Cora E. Colean, who was born in Sangamon County, March 11. 1SS0, daughter of Meade W. and Ahhie (Babb) Coleau, uatives of Sangaruon County and farm- ers of Cotton Hill Township. The Coleans are among the carliest and best kuown families iu Sangamon County. Three sons have beeu boru of this union: Alfred C., boru February 16, 1903; Clarence A., March 13, 1905; Harold W., May 6, 1910. Mr. Drennan Is proud of his children, as he has every reasou to be. He has been for many years a member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a Republican in politics aud takes an active in- terest in local affairs. He Is now serving as School Trustee. Fraterually Mr. Drennau be- longs to Camp No. 572, Modern Woodiuen, of Divernon, and to the Court of Honor of Glenarm.

DRESCH, John (deceased) .- The efficiency of German-trained workmeu cannot be equalled by any learning a trade In the United States. The training given there is so complete that those who have acquired a working knowledge of any trade in Germany find ready employment upon coming here. John Dresch, a cahinet- maker of Springfield, proved In his work the truth of these statements. He was born in Ba- den. Germany, January 1, 1832. His father was also a cabinetmaker and he and his wife . spent their lives In Germany where they were born and died.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 43

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