Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 46

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 46

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EASLEY, James Ambrose .- The great financial institutions of Sangamon County enjoy a weli- earned reputation for stability and reliability owing to the sagacity, conservative acumen and shrewd financial instincts of their officials. None is more representative of this class tiran the First National Bank of Springfield, of which James Ambrose Easley is Vice President and one of the controlling factors. Mr. Easiey is an energetic business man, weli equipped to conduct the affairs of a bank of the magnitude of the First National, and the material snc- cess which he has fairly earned is alike bene- ficial to himself and to the place in which he has labored.

Mr Easiey is a native son of the county, born on his father's farm, October 3, 1870, and there grew up to young mauhood. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Easley, whose history is more fully given eisewhere in this volume, are excellent representatives of the best class of Springfield's retired farming people. Robert H. Easley, gave three of the best years of his life to the service of his country, and since his re- turn from the battie field has continued to labor for the good of his community.

Like many country boys, after finishing the district schooi course, James A. Easiey came to Springfield and studied at the business college, from which he graduated. He then accepted a position in the First National Bank and has worked his way up to his present responsible office. Mr. Easley is also serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce of the city, and is a member of the Park Board, as well as the minority member of the City Civil Service Commission. Mr. Easiey is not only Vice Pres- ident of the bank, but is a heavy stockholder, and is Vice President of the First Trust and Savings Bank.

On October 24, 1897, Mr. Easley was married in Springfield to Ada Payne, daughter of F. E. Payne, formerly one of Springfield's leading hardware merchants. Both Mrs. Easley's parents are deceased. Two children have blessed their union : Frances Mariette and Edward Payne. Mrs. Easiey was born in Springfield and has long been a member of Christ Church there. Mr. Easley is a Republican. He belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and is a member of Ei- wood Commandery, K. T., in which he is very prominent, and he enjoys his Masonic asso- ciations. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and M. W. of A. Mere words call- not do justice to a man of Mr. Easley's cali- ber. When one has accomplished what he has praise is self-evident, and its wording sounds futile to those who know and appreciate the

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man, but this record is written for those who came after the preseut generation, so it is only fitting that a true account be given of the life and work of those who are prominent iu the history of Springfield today.

EASLEY, Robert Henry .- Too much credit can- not to be given the veterans of the Civil War, for it is to them and their comrades that we owe the preservation of the Uniou. Springfield stili has some of the old soldiers, aithough many have answered to the last roil cail and gone where neither censure nor praise can reach them. Que of those who stand high in the estl- mate of the people there, is Robert Henry Easiey. He was born September 19, 1841, in Sangamon County, and has been one of its most valuable citizens ali his life. He is a son of James B. and Margaret (Dodds) Easiey, the former a farmer by occupation, who in 1830 came from Kentucky to Sangamon County, where he met and married his wife. The iat- ter was born in what became Sangamon County, in 1820, before the organization of the county. The father became prosperous, served as Con- stable and Justice of the Peace, and was very useful in the development of the county dur- ing its early history. He was popular among the first settlers, as well as among those who came later, and died greatly respected.

After a boyhood spent in working on the farm and attending the schools of the period, Robert H. Easley went to Iilinols State University, and was barely beyond his majority when he eniisted, in March, 1862, in the Twelfth Illi- nois Cavalry, serving until his honorable dis- charge, in April, 1865.

Mr. Easiey now owns nearly 600 acres of rich farming iand in Sangamon County, and severai of his children operate a portion of it for him. He Is a Justice of the Peace and for five terms has been elected Supervisor, on the Republican ticket, being one of the strong- est supporters of that party in his locality. Fraternaiiy he is a Mason, belonging to Elwood Commandery, of Springfield. His religious af- filiations are with the West Side Christian Church, of which he is a consistent member.

On October 26, 1865. Mr. Easiey was mar- ried to Mary F. Easiey, whose parents aiso came from Kentucky to Sangamon County at a very early day. Five children have been born to them: Laura E. Engle, who lives at Chatham : Henrietta F. Beardon, who lives on a farm in Sangamon County : James A., of Springfield, Vice President of the First Na- ionai Bank; Arthur K., who lives on a farm in Sangamon County, and Herbert L .. who lives at home. Mr. Easley is an excellent example of the solid, reliable man, whose interests are centered on the welfare of Springfield, and en- joys in marked degree the confidence of aii who know him.

EBE, Sofer, who has recently purchased a hand- some residence at Divernon, Iii., has lived In

Sangamon County since 1871 and during most of that time has carried on a farm in Divernon Township. Mr. Ebe was born at Walshud, Ger- many, March 5, 1846, a son of Joseph and Agnes (Fiug) Ebe, natives of the same piace. He was born September 17, 1800, and she March 6, 1804. The father was a farmer at the piace mentioned and there spent his entire life, dying on his farm November 17, 1867, and his widow surviving him until March 20, 1871. They were parents of two daughters and four sons, and the following four children still survive: Mary, wife of Paui Druffinger, resides on the home formerly owned by her father at Waishud, Germany; Carrie, married and ilving in Ger- many; Sofer, of this sketch; Bernhardt, a farmer of Macoupin County, Iii.

Until he reached the age of twenty years Sofer Ebe worked on his father's farm, re- ceiving his education in his native piace. November 20, 1866, he was drafted for service in the German Army, serving eighteen months. He came to the United States in 1868 and for three years carried on farming near Virden, Ili. In 1871 he moved to Springfield, where he lived but a short time, then engaged In farming in Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, and two years later located on a farm in Divernon Township, which he successfully operated until retiring from active life and coming to his present home, which he has occupied since December 26, 1910. He has been prominent in iocai affairs and served two years on the school board while living on his farm. Both he and his wife are well known in social circles and have many friends in the community. He is a inember of the Catholic Church and politically is a Democrat. Mr. Ebe endeavors to deal fairly with aii who do business with him, and has the respect of his neighbors and associates.

Mr. Ebe's marriage occurred in 1871, at Springfield, when he was united with Ellen Carter, born in Putnam County, Mo., in 1856, daughter of William and Mary Jane (Schumate) Carter, both natives of Gailia County, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation and removed to Missouri 'iu 1856, remaining there until 1861, when he came to Adams County, Ili., where he lived about twenty-two years. In 1883 he located in Schuyler County, Iii., where he car- ried on farming until his death, October 23, 1891, his wife surviving and living on the home farm. Six sons and six daughters were born to Mr. Carter and wife, and six children now survive, namely : Mahaia Jane, widow of James Utter, who was a farmer and lived in Pick- away County, Ohio, where his death occurred recently ; Mary Margaret married David Miller, a farmer of Illinois; Sarah Frances married James Beii. a farmer. and resides in Missouri ; Eliza Ann married George Bowen, a farmer of Nebraska ; Elizabeth, wife of George Mason, a farmer living near Jacksonville; Ellen, Mrs. Ebe. Seven children were born to Mr. Ebe and wife, as follows: Mary, born March 19, 1872, married Edward Mark, a farmer of Divernon

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Township; Joseph, born March 1, 1873, married Mary Rical and Ilves on a farm in Dlvernon Township; John, born April 10, 1875, carries on farming in Auburn Township and married Cora Mertz; Libble, born July 22, 1880, marrled Edward Jessops, a rural mail carrier living at Dlvernon; Willlam, horn January 9, 1885, Iives with his parents; Ella, born March 7, 1889, marrled William Moose, a farmer of Divernon Township; Netta, born February 9, 1896, lives with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Ebe have eleven grand-children, of whom they are very fond and proud, as they have reason to be.

EDSALL, James Kirtland. (Vol. I, p. 147.)

EDWARDS, Benjamin Stephenson (deceased), who was born in Madison County, Ill., June 3, 1818, and died at his home in Springfield, Ill., February 4, 1886, was the youngest sou of Ninian Edwards, Governor of Illinois dur- ing nearly its whole existence as a Territory, and the third Governor of the State. Ninlan Edwards was born in Montgomery County, MId., March 17, 1775, and at the age of nine- teeu years emigrated to Kentucky, where he rose to the position of Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals. He was appointed Terri- torial Governor under President Madison, In 1809, and at the time of the admission of Il- linois as a State was elected to the United States Senate, being reelected at the expira- tion of his first term (a short one), and in 1826 was elected Governor of the State of Il- lluois, serving until 1830. He died at his home in Belleville, July 20, 1833, of cholera, having contracted that dread disease through his ef- forts to assist the sufferers from the epidemic. His son, Honorable Ninian Wirt Edwards, mar- rled Elizabeth P. Todd, sister of Mrs. Abra- hamn Lincoln, and in 1834 was appointed by Governor Reynolds Attorney General of Il- linois, but resigned this office the following year, inoving to Springfield.

Benjamin Stephenson Edwards graduated from Yale College in 1838 and the following year was admitted to the Bar. He studied under the supervision of Stephen T. Logan, of Springfield, and in March, 1841, commenced the practice of his profession, being contenu- porary with such eminent jurists as Stephen A. Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, Stephen T. Lo- gan, Colonel E. D. Baker, Jesse B. Thomas, Josiah Lamhorn and James A. McDougall, and the fact that he was able to attain and main- tain an honorable position among such men attests his ability in hls profession and his energy and integrity as a man. At the time of his death he was President of the Illinois State Bar Association.

In early life Benjamin S. Edwards was a Whig and later became a Democrat. He served as a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1862 and in 1868 was an un- successful candidate for Congress, against Shelby M. Cullom. In 1869 he was elected Cir-

cuit Judge of the Springfield Circuit, but within a year and a half resigued this position, pre- ferring the practice of his profession to the dignity of the bench. He had the universal respect of all as a citizen and as a lawyer ful- filled his duties ably In both capacities.

Mr. Edwards was married, August 13, 1839, to Miss Helen Kissam Dodge, daughter of Coi- onel Henry Augustus Dodge, grand-daughter of Dr. Richard Varrick, of New York City, and great-graud-daughter of Theodore Van Wyck, a native of Holland, being thus related to the "Knickerhocker" families of Van Wyck, Van Courtlandt and Van Reusselaer. Mrs. Edwards died March 18, 1909, at the age of eighty-nine years and is survived by three daughters, namely : Helen M. married Moses Coudell ; Alice E. married Benjamin Hamilton Fergu- son, a sketch of whom appears In this work, and Mary S. married James Henry Raymond.

EDWARDS, Benjamin Stephenson. (Vol. I, p. 153.)

EDWARDS, James B., of Springfield, Ill., is a machinist of more than ordinary ability and skill, and has been for more than thirty years a valued employe of the Illinois Watch Com- pany. Mr. Edwards was born in Bury, Lan- cashire, England, January 4, 1847, a son of John and Margaret (Butterworth) Edwards, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Bury, England. The father's people were horn in Wales and the mother's ancestors were natives of England. Johu Edwards was a blacksmith and he and his wife both died in England. They were parents of six sons and three daughters, of whom all are deceased ex- cept two sons, one living in England and James B.

The education of James B. Edwards was acquired in the public schools of his native place and he learned the trade of machinist in England. He was married in his native country and continued to work there at his trade until 1869, when he embarked for Amer- ica, landing in Philadelphia. He came direct to Springfield and for a time worked at his trade in the shops of the Wabash Railroad, then, three years later, accepted a position with the Ide Engine Company, fourteen years later be- gan working for the company where he is 110w employed. He has won the confidence of his employers by his careful and skillful work and has there had an opportunity of us- ing his ability and knowledge of his trade to considerable extent.

Mr. Edwards was married, in St. John's Episcopal Church, in Bury, England, February, 8, 1868, to Elizabeth A. Chadderton, born in Bnry, March 1. 1841. Her parents spent their entire lives in England, and were parents of six sons and one daughter. Four sons were born to Mr. Edwards and his wife, all of whom are living, namely: John, an employe of the Illinois Watch Company, as tool maker ; James B., Jr. is a foreman in the employ of the San-

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gamo Meter Company; Joseph H., Deputy County Clerk of Sangamon County and Eruest J., employe of the Sangamo Meter Company. All are residents of Springfield, where they are respected and prosperous. Mr. Edwards has five grandchildren. He owns one of the hand- somest of the more. modest Springfield homes, at 1117 East Division Street.

Mr. Edwards served eight years as a mem- ber of the Springfield Board of Education and spared no pains to promote the best interests of education, in which he has always taken a vital interest. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with Springfield Lodge No. 6, 1. O. O. F .. the British-Americans, Court of Honor and Modern Woodinen of America. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in politics is a Republican. IIe is a man of sterling qualities aud a public-spirited, use- fui citizen, greatly enjoying the comforts of his bome and also being fond of the companion- ship of his many friends.

While employed by the Ide Engine Works Mr. Edwards represented the above firm at the Chicago Exposition held in 1881, at which time Miss Sheridan, daughter of Gen. Phil Sheri- dan, presented him with a bouquet of flowers for having the best high speed engine for elec- tric lighting purposes. Mr. Edwards had built this engine. He also built the first electric en- gine for the purpose of lighting the streets of Springfield.

EDWARDS, Ninian Wirt. (Vol. I, pp. 152-153.) EDWARDS, Richard. (Vol. I, p. 153.)

EGAN, Edward Francis .- It is often the case ' nowadays that men who are comparatively young stand at the head of successful business institutions ; in these days when so many young men enjoy the advantages of an education in the modern business college, their training has fitted them to hold responsible positions, and they discharge their duties just as well as their predecessors, who received their training in the school of experience. Among the enterprising young business men of Springfield, is Edward Francis Egan, who bas a natural ability in the line in which he is engaged, and is a man of acumen and keen-sightedness. He was born in County Waterford, Ireland, April 25, 1874. a son of Thomas and Mary (Merinn) Egan, natives of the same place.

Thomas Egan was reared and educated in his native country and was there married. In 18SS he emigrated with his family to the United States, locating in Springficid, where the re- mainder of his life was spent. They had lost eight children in Ireland, and brought fonr with them, those surviving being: Mary, wife of B. Kirlin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Richard, a contractor, unmarried ; Nellie, unmarried, residing in Springfield; and Edward F. Thomas Egan was politically a Democrat. He was a member of the Catholic

Church, as are the members of his family. He died March 29, 1907, and his widow, who sur- vives him, still resides in Springfield. He was highly respected by all who knew bim and made his presence felt among his fellow-citizens. The family residence is 131 Mason Street.

Edward F. Egan received his early education in the public schools of his native country and was fifteen years of age when brought by his parents to America. He was a wide-awake, am- bitious youth, and soon adapted himself to his surroundings iu the new country. After taking a commercial course in Springfield Business College, he entered the employ of the Spring- field Iron Company, where he remained until 1895, when he formed the partnership with B. M. Kirlin, which still exists. In anticipation of this step he had begun to study along the line of embalming and kindred subjects, and is a graduate of the Barnes School of Embalming. The firm operates under the name of Kirlin & Egan. Mr. Egan is a man of modern methods and ideas, and much of the success of the busi- ness is due to his able judginent. He is thor- ongh master of his art, and his manner of car- rying on his work commends itself to every person of knowledge and discernment. The establishment is located on East Adams Street in pleasant rooms, equipped with the most mod- ern fixtures and appliances, and they have facili- ties for carrying on their business in the most approved manner.

Mr. Egan is a good example of the men who have risen to prominence and financial success solely through their own efforts, being actuated by a high order of energy and acnmen. He is popular in social, as well as business circles, where his high character and straightforward manner have been duly appreciated. Honest in his dealings, he enjoys a good reputation, and his business prospects are bright. He is a mem- ber of the Illinois Undertakers' Association and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph's Court of Foresters. He is actively interested in public affairs, is a strong Democrat and a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. He is unmarried.

EIFERT, David, an old and well-known resi- dent of Springfield, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has lived in the city since 1859. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, May 24, 1837, and is a son of David and Cath- erine (Kimball) Eifert, both also natives of Germany. The father served in the German Army three years and the Grandfather Kim- ball served in the Russian War. Further than the fact that the Grandfather Eifert was a native of Germany, little is known of the an- cestry of the family by the preseut genera- tion. David Eifert Sr. was a shoemaker and musician, and the childhood of his son David was spent in a city, where he received his edu- cation. After leaving school the young inan worked on a farm. He has always been fond of outdoor amusements and sports.

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In 1859 Mr. Eifert, subject of this sketch, emigrated to the United States and proceeded direct to Springfield, where he eulisted, in June, 1861, in Company C, Twenty-fourth Iilinois Infantry, under Captain W. Eden, aud served three years, being discharged at the end of this time. He was mustered out at Chicago, in August, 1864, having uever been wounded or taken prisoner, although he had encountered many hardships and had many narrow escapes. He participated in the Battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and many skirmishes. He was muelu- ber of an expedition from Nashville, Tenn., to Huntsville, Ala., and their force captured many prisoners. He was also among a force that captured many prisoners. He was also among a force that fought bushwhackers In the hills of Missouri. He is proud of his record, as he has reason to be, and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. in Springfield.

Mr. Eifert was married, in Springfield, No- vember 9, 1866, to Miss Catharine Doerfler, who was born in Germany, February 18, 1846, daughter of John A. Doerffer, a native of Germany, as were his parents. Ten chil- dren were born of this union : Annie, Johu D., Fred, Margaret, Amelia, Carrie, Paul, Atwood; Emma aud Katie, both deceased.

After the war Mr. Eifert engaged in shoe making, which he learned both in Germany and America and is uow engaged iu business at 1158 North Sixth Street. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and is a stanch Democrat in politics. Fraternally he belongs to the Maccabees aud the Ancient Order of United Workiuen. The family reside at 1156 North Seventh Street. Mr. Eifert is of a friendly, genial nature and is popular with his many friends.

EILENBERGER, William, who for the past three years has held the position of chief jan- itor of the Supreme Court Building at Spring- field, and Is recognized as a very reliable and efficient official, was born at Monmouth, Ill., October 1, 1855, a son of Daniel and Eliza- beth (Hull) Eilenberger, and a grandson of Luke Eilenberger, who spent his life in Penn- sylvania, where he was born. Daniel Eilen- berger had one brother and two sisters who came to Illinois and settled at Monmouth. He became a very important man in that section, for twenty-two years was a Constable in Warren County, and served one term as Sheriff. Dur- ing the Civil War he was a capable soldier and a member of the Eighty-third Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry. His death occurred from dysentery before the end of his military serv- ice. He was married hefore coming to Illinois, to Ellzabeth Hull, who died at Monmouth. They had the following children : Milton, of Mon- mouth ; Benjamin. Constable at Monmouth for the past twenty-seven years; Willlam; Charles. of Monmouth ; Jennie, Mrs. James Borwick, of Monmouth; and Danlel, of Montana.

William Eilenberger had school advantages at. Monmouth until he was seventeen years of age, when he learned the cigarmaker's trade and followed the same for thirty-four years. remaining all this time with one employer. He was then appointed to an official position under Secretary Rose and came to Springfield. He continued in that office for nine years. Since then he has been in hls present office. He Is well known and is very popular with public inen and private individuals who have business at the Supreme Court Building, and is well acquainted with many prominent men of the State. He has not invested in property at Springfield but owns several pieces of real es- tate at Monmouth.

Mr. Ellenberger was married at Monmouth to Miss Lena Opitz, who was born in Germany and came to America in girlhood, with her mother and brother, who settled In Illinois. They have five sons. Mr. and Mrs. Eilenberger are members of the First Presbyterian Church and he is a stanch Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Sons of Veterans, the Odd Fellows and the Court of Honor.

ELKIN, Charles N .- During the strenuous days of the early sixties the country learned to de- pend upon the stalwart country boys whose muscles had been trained In the open air. and to whom love of the Union was taught from earliest childhood. One of the men who be- longed to this class of brave defenders of the flag when it was in danger, is Charles N. El- kin, of Springfield. He was born on a farm eight miles north of Springfield, April 12, 1846. , being a son of Garret and Martha Elkin, na- tives of Zanesville. O., and Frankfort, Ky. The parents came to Illinois at an early day, locating on the farm where their son was later born.

Until lie was six or seven years old Mr. El- kin lived on the farm, then the family moved to Decatur. Still later removal was made to Jeffersonville and finally to Springfield. The lad attended school in this city until 1860, and was only sixteen years old when he en- listed in May, 1864, In Company K, One Hun- dred and Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer In- fantry. He re-enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer infantry, which was mustered into service for one year, and mustered out January 22. 1866, receiving final discharge at Springfield Febru- ary 4. Mr. Elkin served bravely until the close of the war, and at this time. his services being dispensed with, returned to Springfield . He then learned the carpenter's trade. which during the many years which have followed has afforded him a comfortable living. His work has been characterized all through with the honest quallty which is representative of the man.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 46

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