Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 53

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 53

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At the close of the war, Mr. Fletcher began working for the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company as brakeman, studied telegraphy and continued in the employ of the road at Mason City and Streator, as operator and ticket agent. June 15, 1873, he entered the em- ploy of the company with which he is now con- nected, at their . Streator plant, as shipping clerk and telegraph operator. In March, 1890, he became General Manager of the River Bank Coal Company, at Streator, resigning three months later to accept the position of Superin- tendent of the Chicago, Wilmington & Vermilion Coal Company, at Streator. In 1900, the latter company bought mining lands in the southern part of Sangamon County and Mr. Fletcher was sent to what is now Thayer and opened up mines at that place. He platted the town, got the mines into running order, built eighty-six

Mr. Fletcher was married January 12, 1872, to Miss Rachel S. Proctor, born July 5, 1855, on a farm near New Berlin but in Morgan County, Ill., a daughter of Richard and Rachel (Harris) Proctor, natives also of Eastern Tennessee. The Proctors moved to Tennessee from South Carolina and they also were loyal to thelr country's flag at the time of the Civil War. Mr. Proctor came to Illinois in 1846. He was a stanch member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and strong in his convictions. No resi- dent of Morgan County was more highly honored for his many good qualities. He had a limited education but became well-to-do, having great business ability. He died at the age of eighty- eight years, his mother having lived to the age of one hundred and four years. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher became parents of two children, Edna M., at home, a clerk in her father's office, was born May 4, 1873, was graduated from Streator High School with a standing of 100 per cent in mathematics and has a business education, and Ralph P., born January 12, 1877, died April 11, 1889.

Mr. Fletcher has for many years been a mem- ber of the Masonic Order, which he joined in July, 1867, and he now belongs to Virden Lodge No. 161, A. F. and A. M., to Auburn Chapter No. 92, R. A. M., and to Elwood Commandry No. 6 of Springfield. His wife is a useful mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the successful self-made men of central Illinois, and at the age of seventy years, is in splendid health, being of a long-lived race through both his mother and father. He is pleasant and cheerful of manner and readily makes and re- tains friends. About 450 men are in his em- ploy, and the mines have a capacity of 2400 tons of coal each day.

In 1892, Mr. Fletcher made a visit to his birthplace and engaged an artist to take pic- tures of the scenes of his boyhood. Though the old home was in the possession of strangers, he visited at the home of an uncle, Drew S. Fletcher, and also with a cousin, Philander Conger. He drank from the old spring, he had left in 1852, and saw the cabin In which he was born, built about 1800. He has made several other trips to this and other places, and greatly enjoys this form of recreation. In politics he is a Republican.

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FLEURY, Frank, M. D. (deceased), who had been identified with various business enter- prises In Springfield, Ill., and had held various offices of public honor and trust in the city, iocated there June 3, 1865, and established him- self in a drug business, which he conducted some years, He served as City Clerk from 1868 to 1872 and served two years as Alderman of the Fifth Ward. Dr. Flenry was born In Mead- ville, Pa., September 28, 1841, son of Jacob and Margaret (Hamilton) Fleury, also natives of Pennsylvania. At the age of twelve years Frank Fleury left Meadville aud entered a drug store in Erie, Pa. In 1859 he came to Alton, Ill., later moved to Bloomington, and conducted a drug store there from 1862 to 1865. He re- ceived his medical training and practiced med- Icine in Springfield, Ill. He served from 1890 nntil 1899 as Secretary of the State Board of Pharmacy, and during 1880-81 was Secretary of the Illinois Pharmaceutical Association.

In 1881 Dr. Fleury began the manufacture of the "Wa-Hoo Tonic," and won a wide reputa- tion for this medicine, which met with a large sale. It was handled for him by jobbers and he reaped good results iu the way of profits. He was engaged In the active practice of his pro- fession until shortly before his death. He was well known In business and professional circles and had been successful in various lines of busi- ness. He had received thirty-two degrees in the Masonic Order, being affiliated with the Chapter, Council and Shrine, and was also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Dr. Flenry was married, June 25, 1863, to Miss Annie M. Herndon, of Springfield, and they became parents of one daughter, A. May, now Mrs. McPherson, wife of Augustus W. McPherson, of Springfield. The family attend the Episcopal Church. Dr. Fleury died August 28, 1910, and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield.

FLOYD, Isaac (deceased), an industrious farmer and well-known citizen of Pawnee Township, Sangamon County, Ill., located on the farm now occupied by hls widow, about 1874, and there spent the remainder of his life. In his passing away hls loss was keenly felt in many circles, as he was a man of high principle and good habits, a true Christian, and always ready to befriend those in need or distress. He was a devont member of the Roman Catholic Church, and always faithful to its teachings, bringing his religion into his dally life. Mr. Floyd was born In County Tipperary, Ireland, May 5, 1838, a son of Michael and Eliza (Odell) Floyd, both natives of Ireland, the former born in County Tipperary in 1801. and the latter in the city of Limerick in 1803. The father held the office of County Surveyor in his native coun- try. In 1835 he brought his family to America and for thirteen years lived in New York City, then moving to Concord, Morgan County, Ill.

The education of Isaac Floyd was received principally in Landsdown College, New York,

and after leaving school he worked on a farm. Ile was of a quiet disposition and devoted to his home and family, never affiliated with any fraternal organizations, but much interested In church work. He was a Democrat in political principle, but In local affairs voted for the man rather than the party, being active in the cause of progress and education in his com- mnnity. He served some time as School Direc- tor of his district. IIe was an energetic and successful farmer aud became owner of an cx- cellent farm in Section 20, Pawnee Township.

The marriage of Mr. Floyd occurred at Jack- sonville, Ill., in 1868, when he was united with Sarah Kerr, born January 18, 1852, a daughter of John and Marian (Stuart) Kerr, the for- mer born in County Down, Ireland, and the latter, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, and re- lated to the famous Queen Mary Stuart. Mr. Floyd and his wife had six children, one of whom died In infancy. The others are: Lillian B., born in Morgan County, September 22, 1872, became a successful school teacher, and was mar- ried, April 5, 1892, to Otis D. Shaw; Engene, born Angust 6, 1876, is a farmer living near Harvel, Montgomery County, married Minnle Leonard March 6, 1905, and they have two chil- dren-Aileen and Glenn; Gilbert Alexander, born September 30, 1880, in Sangamon County, married Agnes Gallon and is a farmer by oc- cupation ; Charles E., born in Sangamon County, February 10, 1882, for many years held a good position with a wholesale house, married Jen- nie Howard, November 25, 1906, in Christian County, and they had one child, Wanita Jaunita -his wife having died he returned to farm- ing ; Pearl Aileen, born in Sangamon County. August 12, 1886, was for two years a pupil In Ursuline Convent in Springfield, and March 2, 1910, married Benjamin H. Wagehoft, and they now reside in Montgomery County. Mrs. Floyd has lived in her present home for thirty-five years and is now the owner of the home farm. She has been a devoted wife and mother and is regarded with great respect and love by all her children. Mr. Floyd died May 9, 1909, and rests in Dlvernon Cemetery.

FOLEY, Enoch, an enterprising business man of Illiopolis, Ill., conducts a grist mill at that vil- lage and has a comfortable home and a farm there. He is a native of Bath County, Ky .. born April 30, 1838, son of John and Hulda Foley, both natlves of Virginia. The father was a farmer and moved to Kentucky at an early day. settling in Bath County. where he carried on farming until his death, at the age of eighty-four years, his wife having died some time previous. There were three children in the family, all deceased except Enoch, who was the youngest.

The boyhood of Enoch Foley was spent on a farm and he was educated in his native county. Upon reaching manhood he began farming on his own account, secured land and raised wheat and tobacco. In 1866 he moved to Rockville,

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Ind., and worked in a woolen mill and carried on farming in that locality. He remained there five years, then moved to Harrison County, Ky., where for sixteen years he carried on farmning, and at the end of that period settled on a farm in Coles County, Ill., where he lived ten years. From there he moved to Lewis County, Mo., and operated a farm for five years. In 1900 he came to Illiopolis, and for some time conducted a dairy, but now devotes most of his attention to his mill." He Is energetic and prosperous, and has the respect and confidence of the commn. nity.

Mr. Foley enlisted in 1862, from Mt. Sterling, Ky., in Company B, Fourteenth Kentucky Cav. alry, and served twelve months, then worked a year for the Government, after which he re- eulisted in Company C, Fifty-third Mounted Infantry, being Commissary Sergeant. He served creditably and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., September 15, 1865, having taken part in many battles and minor skirmishes. He is a member of Morgan Post No. 208, G. A. R., of Illiopolis.

Mr. Foley was married iu Kentucky, Novem- ber 5, 1857, to Eliza Iugram, boru in Kentucky, of which State her parents were also natives. Mr. Ingram was killed in the Civil War and his widow died in Kentucky. Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Foley, of whom the following survive: Thomas; James, living in Sullivan, Ill .; Philip, of St. Louis; William is in business in the Philippine Islands; John. of Kewanee, Ill .; Joseph, of Lewiston, Mo .; Mary, wife of Frank Digbee, of Oakland, Ill. ; Harriet, wife of Chink Martin, lives near Redman, Ill .; Josephine, wife of Frank Jacobs, of Kewanee; Maude, wife of Charles Huff, living at Taylor- ville, Ill. Mr. Foley has thirty grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has always been a Republican in political views. He belongs to the Christian Church. He has a good trade and enjoys the confidence and es- teem of his community.

FOLEY, John, who has for nearly thirty years lived in his present comfortable home on West Elliott Avenue, Springfield, is now living retired from business life. He is a representative of the best type of Irish-American citizen and has the respect of those who know him. He was born lu County Waterford, Ireland, in 1844, and lived iu his native country until he finished his education. He is a son of William and Margaret (McGrath) Foley, also natives of Ire- land, who spent their entire lives there, and was one of six children, four sons and two dangh- ters. Besides John there are two other sons now living. Thomas, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Jerry, still in Ireland.

At the age of sixteen years John Foley emi- grated to the United States. IIe landed in New York and spent seventeen years at Yonk- ers, that State. IIe then came to Sangamon County; located in Springfield in 1876, and for

some six years was employed in Lamb's foundry. He spent several years in farming, but for some time past has been retired. He belongs to St. Joseph's Parish Romau Catholle Church and is active in its cause. In politics he is a Dem- ocrat.

Angust 9, 1865, Mr. Foley was married, in the State of New York, to Mary Powers, also a native of County Waterford, born May 1, 1846, of Irish parentage. Her father was a blacksmith and spent his entire life in Ireland, and he and his wife had three sons and three daughters, all still surviving : Maurice and John live in Ireland; Edward Powers, of East St. Louis, Ill .; Mrs. Grace McGraw, of New York ; Mrs. Margaret Rinar, of Ireland ; Mrs. Foley. To Mr. Foley and wife five daughters and two sons were born, all living: William; Mary, of Los Angeles, Cal .; John, living in the West ; Catherine, wife of John Barr, of Springfield ; Margaret, wife of Abe Adams, of Oakland, Cal .; Alice, wife of Willlam Fisher, also of Oakland ; and Grace, of Oakland. There are three grand- children in the family.

FORD, Edward .- The English contingent in Springfield, while not so large as in some other cities, has produced some of the best business men of Sangamon County. A notable example of this class is Edward Ford, a native of Amer- ica, but born of an English father. Mr. Ford was born in Dnektown, Tenn., February 23, 1864, a son of Thomas and Catherine Ford, na- tives of Cornwall, England, and Ireland, re- spectively. The father was a worker in coal, lead and silver mines in his native land, but believing that better opportunities were afforded in this country, came to America, and for twen- ty years prospected in California and Colorado. Finally, in 1869, he came to Springfield, where he still carried on his mining operations and conducted a boarding house. He was one of the most solid and reliable men in his line of business, and when he died, in 1898, the com- munity mourned his loss. His wife passed away two years before him. Thomas Ford was a member of the A. O. U. W. While a Democrat in political belief, he never aspired to office, and was a man of a retiring disposition. Liberal in religious views, he gave to others the freedom of thought and action he asked for himself. Six children were born to him and his wife, four sons and two daughters, but one of the sons is now deceased.

Edward Ford attended the Converse School in Springfield until he was sixteen years old, when he left to work in a coal mine. Ile also farmed and did teaming, until he was able, in 1886. to start into business for himself. Since then he has been engaged in the same line and has been very successful in what he has under- taken. For four years prior to his death Thomas Ford was a partner with his son in the present enterprise.

On April 28, 1886, Mr. Ford was married, In Springfield, to Ellen Brennan, born in County

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Mayo, Ireland, daughter of Patrick Brennan, who is deceased, but whose widow survives him and resides in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have had nine children, seven of whom survive: May, wife of William Grehn, of Springfield, one child, Eddie; Annie, Nettie and Edward H., at home; Thomas, with the Illinois Watch Co .; Harry and George, at home. Mr. Ford is a Republican with regard to national matters, but locally is an Independent. Like his father, he has never desired office. Fraternally he is a member of the American Order of Eagles and the Original Order of Owls. He is liheral in his religious views, and is connected with no religious denomination. He is an excellent busi- ness man, whose honesty and integrity have won the confidence of his associates.

FORQUER, George. (Vol. I, p. 169.)

FORSTER, Thomas .- It is a noteworthy fact that the peoples of the Old World give to their children and young people a more thorough training than ours receive here. A trade or profession is selected for the child, and he is carefully taught every detail of it, rising from one position to another as his progress warrants. For this reason, those thus taught are eagerly welcomed in this country and some of the most responsible positions are held by just such men. One of the best representatives of the good, solid English training is Thomas Forster, fore- man of the Leland Hotel farm, who had this property in charge for seventeen years. He was horn in Cheshire, England, November 13, 1858. a son of William and Elizabeth Fors- ter, natives of England, as were their parents. The father was a farmer and brought up his son Thomas in the same line of work. At the same time the lad was attending the National school of England and becoming well versed in the rudiments of an education.

Thomas Forster studied dairy farming, working on a dairy farm until he came to America in March, 1883, finding immediate em- ployment, with Enoch Snider, a farmer east of Springfield. For three years more, he was in the employ of C. C. Brown, who owned the farm on which the White City now stands, and later worked for Stericker Brothers. In Oc- tober, 1893, he entered the employ of the Leland Hotel farm as foreman. and conducted the property in an eminently satisfactory manner.

On May 12, 1880, Mr. Forster married Emma Parry, a native of England, daughter of James and Elizabeth Parry, farmers of England and both now deceased. Mrs. Forster passed away in January, 1898, and is buried in beautiful Oak- ridge Cemetery. She and her husband had the foliowing children: William is farming at St. Charles, Ill .; Elizabeth married George Young, a farmer of Fancy Creek Township; Emma is the housekeeper for the family; Jane acts as her father's hookkeeper, and Fred, who is at home. The Forsters are all Episcopalians, and have been confirmed. Mr. Forster is a self-

made man, who has worked hard and faithfully, and deserves his success. The fact that he has held this present responsible position for sev- enteen years, is the best proof of his ability and conscientiousness that could be offered.

FORTH, Charles J .- The building trades prosper in Springfield, for the city offers excellent oppor- tunities for huilding operations. The men con- nected with these trades have ali they can do to keep with the demands made on their time and skill, and one who has attained promi- nence as a carpenter and builder is Charles J. Forth. He was horn in Kentucky, September 6, 1859, a son of Ewing Dixon and Mahaia (Wade) Forth, both natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer, who moved from Kentucky to Illinois in 1866, locating at Chesterfield. He then returned to Kentucky, but returned in 1876. The Forth family was established in Kentucky in early days, when isolated log forts along the rivers represented its civilization.

Charles J. Forth was educated in both Ken- tucky and Illinois and grew up on a farm, work- ing for his father. Like other country boys, he enjoyed out-door sports. After leaving school he learned the carpenter trade, and that has since been his calling. He has built and as- sisted in building many of the beautiful resi- dences and substantial business and public build- ings of Springfield, and is noted for his skill and careful attention to detail.

Mr. Forth was married at Palmyra, Ill., in 1881, to Ida Hunt, born in Palmyra, November 9, 1865. She died and Mr. Forth married (second) Emma Battershell, born in Pike County, Ill., November 26, 1858, whose father was a farmer all his life. Mr. Forth had four children by his first marriage: Maud, born in 1882, in Chesterfield ; Ethel, born in 1885; Clyde, born in 1892, and George, born in 1894. The last three yere born in Palmyra. Mr. Forth has held local offices, being elected on the Dem- ocratic ticket, but is now a Republican from principle. He belongs to the Christian Church and is earnest in support of its good work. Faithful in everything, Mr. Ford has made and retained friends, and is rightly regarded as a substantial, reliable man, who can be trusted upon any occasion.

FORTHMAN, William H., chief engineer in the employ of the Reisch Brewing Company, of Springfield, was born in Waynesboro, Franklin County, Pa .. December 5, 1866, son of John and Amanda (Crouse) Forthman, and grandson of George and Susan (Peters) Forthman. The grandfather was a brewer in early life, and la- ter became a farmer in Indiana, living in Spen- cer County, that State, at the time of his death. John Forthman and his wife were both born in Franklin County, Pa., and he learned the trade of hrewer with his father. At the time of the Civil War, he was running a small brewery in Waynesboro, and after he withdrew from the husiness his place was taken by a Mr. Little.

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

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For the past thirty-eight years, he has been em- pioyed in the machine department of the Geiser Manufacturing Company, at Waynesboro, and in that time, has lost but thirty-eight days from his work. He and his wife had children as fol- lows: William H., Frederick, and Lucy, wife of Frauk Blessing.

William H. Forthman received his educatiou iu the Waynesboro public schools, aud after he was thirteen years old, he was employed dur- ing vacatious for five years iu the boiler de- partment of the Frick Company's plant in Waynesboro. Until coming West in 1904, he filled various positions in the boiler department of this same company, as salesman on the road and installiug ice and refrigerator machinery, etc. He is a conscientious and faithful worker and has been able to secure a good position by reason of his ability and industry. He owns his pretty home at 212 West Miller Street. He is a member of the Eagles and the J. O. U. A. M., aud in politics, is a stanch Democrat. He is social and kindly iu disposition, and is popular with his friends. Mr. Forthmau was married in Fayetteville, Frankiin County, Pa., Septem- ber 2. 1886, to Miss Daisy Honey, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Ritten) Honey and they became parents of two children: Earl H. and John V.

FORTMAN, John .- Many retired business men of Springfield formerly gained their living from the soil, and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor there. One deserving of special mention, owing to his industry and thrifty habits, is John Fortman, who was born in Germany, Sep- tember 20, 1833, a son of Henry Fortman, aiso a native of Germany, who was a carpenter by trade.

Mr. Fortman was educated in his native land and there learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked and ou a farin. Believing that in the United States he would find better oppor- tunities, he left his native land, and landed at New Orleans in 1858. After a two-years' residence there he came to St. Louis, and a year later to Springfield, arriving there in 1861. He then bought a tract of six acres adjoining Springfield, and on it raised vegetables, which he hauled to the city, selling them to dealers. This business increased until he was able to accumulate a competency, upon which he re- tired about 1902. The frugality and industry which are so characteristic of the German, were present with Mr. Fortman, who, although now retired, occupies himself with work about his pleasant home.

Mr. Fortman was married in Springfield, March 17, 1874, to Minnie Shoultz, born in Mecklenburg. Germany, January 1, 1833. Her parents lived and died in Germany. Four chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fortman of whom two survive: Fred, of Christian County ; Minnie Price, whose husband is a brass molder for the Wabash Railroad. The family belong to Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Fortman is

a Republican but has never came before the people as a caudidate for politicai office. He is sober aud reliable, aud is well known in the community in which he has made his home for so many years.

FOSSETT, Jonathan E. (deceased), for many years a resident of Illiopoiis, Ill., was a veteran of the Civil War and highly respected as a man of integrity and reliability. He was boru near Chillicothe, Ohio, May 3, 1843, son of John and Catherine (Erwin) Fossett, both na- tives of that State. The father carried on farming in Ohio many years and later came to Sangamon County, where he carried on the same occupation some years, then removed to Missouri, where he lived on a farm and was killed by a falling tree. The grandfather had been killed by being thrown from a horse. Four daughters and two sons were born to John and Catherine Fossett, . namely : Jesse and Mrs. Margaret Moorehead. of Lincoln; Mrs. Hattie Riley, of Kansas; Mrs. Hannah Stevenson, of Taylorville; Jonathan and Jesse.

As a boy Jonathan E. Fossett worked on his father's farm and after the beginning of the Civil War enlisted from McLean County, Ill., iu Compauy A Fifth United States Cavalry, serving three years and participating in many batties. He was mustered out at Springfield at the close of the war, having proved himself a valiant and able soldicr. He then engaged iu farming in McLean County and later moved to Kenney, Ill., where he bought and sold stock and conducted a butcher shop three years, then spent six months at Buffalo, whence he moved to Illiopolis and established himself in the meat market business and conducted same until his death. He also served as policeman at Kenney and Illiopolis. He was an enterprising and suc- cessful business man and enjoyed the confidence of his community. He and his wife became devout members of the Methodist Church and he belonged to Morgan Post G. A. R.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 53

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