Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 55

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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November 12. 1845, when three months old, Charles C. Fowler was taken by his parents to Kentucky, where he received hls education. It Is the earliest home he can remember and his first work was done on his father's farm there. When about thirty years old, he married and be- gan active farming on his own account, purchas- ing sixty acres of land in Carter County, Ky., where he lived from 1875 to 1885, when he sold his holding, and removed to Illinois. He lo- cated near the village of Cantrall, eight miles from Springfield, in Sangamon County, where- for the remainder of his active life, he operated a farm. Being an energetic and practical farmer he won success, and in 1904, was able to retire. He then moved to the city of Spring- field, where his last years were spent.

Mr. Fowler's marriage occurred in Carter County, Ky., July 17, 1874, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Welsman, in the, Southern Methodist Church, when he was united with Matilda Dickerson, a native of Lawrence County, that State, born January 1, 1845. Her father, William J. Fields, was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., September 9, 1819, and her mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Boggs, was born in Lawrence Connty, Ky., in 1827. Matilda Fields was first married to James H. Dickerson, in 1864, and he was killed soon after their union. She was the oldest of the six children born to her parents, the others be- ing : Christopher Columbus, a well-to-do farmer of Carter County, Ky. ; James A., died in April, 1906; Walter A .. a successful farmer of Carter County, Ky. ; Elihu M., a farmer of Olive Hill, Carter County ; Leander C., on the home farm.

James and Matilda Dickerson were parents of one child, Rebecca Dickerson, born August 29, 1865, who lives with her mother. To Charles C. and Matilda Fowler were born children as follows : Taylor, born on June 11, 1875, a mo- torman, lives in Springfield, Is married and has four children ; Kalam C .. born December 2, 1876, a farmer of Trinidad, Colo .; William J.,

born January 1, 1878, a successful frnit-grower of Riverside, Wash .; Eva, born December 14, 1880, wife of George Long, of Springfield ; Os- car W1, a lineman, was born February 9, 1882, and lives at home ; Phena B., born July 3, 1886, a stenographer for the Mutual Benefit Life In- surance Company, of Newark, N. J., at Spring- field. Mrs. Matilda Fowler is a devout and helpful member of the Methodist Church, of which she has been a member for the past fifty years. She Is a woman of high character and good deeds and has many warm friends. Her father, William J. Fields, served fourteen years continuously as Sheriff of Carter County, Ky., and had served in the Civil War under the com- mand of Gen. Marshall.

FOX, Charles W., a veteran of the Civil War, and a prominent resident of Riverton. Ill., is now living retired from active dutles. after hav- ing spent most of his life In agricultural oper- ations in Sangamon Connty. Mr. Fox belongs to a family that has been well known in San- gamon County for half a century, and he was a boy of ten years of age when brought there by his parents. lle was born in Cape May County, N. J., November 20, 1838, a son of Aaron and Phebe (Buck) Fox, both natives of New Jersey, and the father a farmer by occupation. In early life Aaron Fox became a sailor and followed that occupation many years on the At- lantic Ocean, before taking up farming. He brought his family to Illinois in 1848, settling . first at Pleasant Plains, where he lived thirty- seven years. Their first home was an old log house, which had been built by Samuel Pur- vines, and later they lived in a log honse which had been erected by Rev. Peter Cartwright, a pioneer Methodist minister, for whom Cart- wright Township was named. Later, Mr. Fox moved to Lanesville Township and spent several years in farming there, then lived several years in Buffalo, whence he moved to Clear Lake Township and there carried on farming. About 1859, Aaron Fox was accidentally killed. His widow died in Riverton, in 1897. Five sons and five daughters were born to Aaron Fox and wife, of whom the following survive: Charles W., of this biography ; Smith and Coleman, also of Riverton ; Somers, now of Nebraska ; Frank, a retired farmer living in Springfield ; Elmira, wife of George Sharp, a farmer living near Riverton ; Melissa, wife of Sidney Branch, of Mason City, Ill. The Fox family originally came from England and the Buck family from Scotland.

Charles W. Fox was reared on a farm and educated In the public schools of Sangamon County. He enlisted in Company C, Thirty- eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil War, and served four years and five months, being promoted to rank of First Lieu- tenant of his company, participating in many Important engagements, bearing himself credit- ably. He enlisted from Springfield, and was

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

discharged March 12, 1865, in Tennessee, having never heen wounded or taken prisoner.

At the close of the war, Mr. Fox returned to Sangamon County aud he was married Sep- temher. 21, 1865, to Melinda Ridgeway, born in Buffalo Hart Grove, April 9, 1848, daughter of Enoch and Mary (Likens) Ridgeway. Enoch Ridgeway was a native of Kentucky and his wife, who was a consin of Abraham Lin- coln's mother, was a native of Indiana and lived just across the road from the latter. Mr. Ridgeway came to Buffalo Hart at an early day and there engaged in farming, making that place hls home the remainder of his life. Mrs. Ridgeway died in 1908, at the age of eighty- nine years. In the family were three sons and one daughter, of whom the only one now iiving is Samnel Ridgeway, of Buffalo Hart Grove. After his marriage, Mr. Fox engaged in farm- ing In Buffalo Hart Grove and met with con- siderable success. He has resided in Riverton since 1886 and owns a very comfortable home there, besides other property. To him and his wife, children were born as follows: six sons and six daughters, of whom six children are now living : Mary, wife of Elmer Wilson, of Springfield ; Edward, a carpenter and brick mason, of Ashdown, Ark .; Alice, wife of Clar- ence Hamilton, of Riverton; Charles W., of Springfield; Clara, wife of Noah Hickman, an employe of the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company, living in Springfield; Gll- bert, of Riverton. There are eleven grandchil- dren in the family. Mr. Fox is a prominent member of the iocal post of the G. A. R. and his wife belongs to John R. Tanner Circle of Springfield. He is a member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Republican, and well known in Riverton and vicinity, as an up- right, useful citizen, possessing many warm friends.

FOX, James R .- The vast interests invoived in carrying on the coal industry in Sanganion County, necessitate the employment in official capacities of men of experience and ability, especially in the mechanicai department, where they are expected not only to answer for the efficiency of the work turned ont, but must also be able to handle large bodies of men. James R. Fox, of the well-known Woodside Coai Com- pany, a man of wide experience and unlimited capability, was born March 5, 1856, in Iowa County, Wis., and Is a son of James and Mary (Creho) Fox, natives of England, who later became farming people of Iowa County, where both dled.

James R. Fox was the fifth of his parents' eight children, and his youth was spent on his father's farm in Iowa County, in which location he secured his education in the common schools. In his youth, in addition to farming, he en- gaged in the iivery business until going to Mitch- ell County, Kan., where he embarked in stock- raising, and so continued for four years, at the end of which time he returned to his Wis-

consin home. A short time iater he came to Illinois, iocating in LaSalle, where he became connected with the Twin City Electric Company, continuing in the capacity of chief engineer of this firm for six and one-half years, and then taking the management of the lighting plant at Spring Valley, a position which he held for the five years following. In 1900 he came to Springfield, for nine years was engineer and had charge of the electric work for the Jones & Adams Coal Company, and in March, 1909, became hoisting engineer for the Woodside Coal Company, a position to which 'lie was eminently fitted after his long and varied experience.

On September 14, 1882, in Iowa County, Wis., Mr. Fox was nnited in marriage with Miss Mary L. Zimmer, a native of that connty and danghter of Daniel and Amelia Zimmer. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fox, namely : Alice, Arthur, Clara, the wife of John Weigand, of Springfield, and Ray.

Mr. Fox is well known in fraternal circles of Springfield, being a leading member of San- gamon Lodge No. 6, and of the State Encamp- inent, of the Odd Fellows, In which he has passed through all the chairs. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His present comfortable residence on North Sixth Street was erected by him after his former home had been destroyed hy fire.

FOX, Samuei C., an enterprising business man of Riverton, Ill., has established himself in the confidence and respect of the people of his com- munity and has built np a good trade throngh honest dealing and ahility in his line of work. The family of which Mr. Fox is a member is one of the older ones in Sangamon Connty and has aiways had a good standing there. He was born at Pleasant Plains, Sangamon County, May 24, 1849, a son of Aaron and Phoebe (Buck) Fox, natives of New Jersey and the father a farmer hy occupation. The parents came west and settled on the old Peter Cartwright farın, where they remained many years, moved thence to Lanesville Township, and for many years car- ried on farming there, then moved to Buffalo, where for many years the father conducted a tavern. They finally located on the George Mann farm at Lake Fork, where the father carried on agricnitural operations until his death. The mother died in Riverton in 1894. Ten children were born to Aaron Fox and wife, five sons and five daughters, of whom the fol- lowing are now living: Samnel C., Charles W. and Smith, of Riverton; Frank, of Springfield ; Sumner, of Nebraska ; Elmira, wife of George Sharp, of Riverton; Mrs. Millicent Branch, of Mason City, Ill.

Samnei C. Fox spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received a common school education. As a young man he learned the trade of plasterer, which he followed several years, then began contracting In this line of his own account, carrying on this enterprise seventeen years, after which he engaged in

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

miuiug, hut later he agalu took up plastering, aud has ever siuce takeu coutracts on his owu account. He is wide awake and euterprising aud devotes himself closely to building up his business. He is a splendid workmau aud eu- deavors to employ the best help obtainable so that he has established a good reputation iu his liue of work.

Mr. Fox was married, in Liucolu, Ill., to Miss Ada J. Freeman, born in Kuox County, Mo., December 17, 1859, daughter of Edward Freeman and his wife, the former horu in New York State May 4, 1818, aud died Decem- ber 18, 1885, and the mother boru in Cauada February 26, 1829, aud died July 30, 1894. The parents came to Illinois before the time of the Civil War and settled on a farm near Dawson, where they lived many years. They had oue son aud five daughters, and three of these children are living: Mrs. Fox; her brother Silas, of Macon, Mo., and Henrietta, wife of Charles Cantrall, of Springfield.

Three children were boru to Mr. Fox and his wife, uamely : Mary, wife of Frank Hott, of Riverton ; Edward married Miss Nellie Radi- gan, of Riverton, aud they have three daughters -- Ada E., Veda M. aud Nellie M .; John W., of Riverton. Mr. and Mrs. Hott have one child, Charles H.

Mr. Fox has a nice home in Rivertou and has many friends in the vicinity. Iu polltics he is a Republican. he and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Church, and both are interested in auy worthy cause which comes to their notice. He is a member of Industrial Lodge No. 550, I. O. O. F., of Barclay, and hls wife belongs to the Yeomen of America, being affiliated with Springfield Lodge No. 136.

FOX, Smith, a highly respected citizen of River- ton, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has spent most of his life in Sangamon County, beiug brought there by his parents when about four years old. He was horn in Cape May County, N. J., June 3, 1844, a son of Aaron and Phœhe (Buck) Fox, both also uatives of New Jersey. The father was a sailor in early life aud iater took up the occupation of farm- ing. Coming to Illinois In 1848, he immediately located iu Pleasant Plains, where he lived many years, subsequently living in Lanesvllie Township, Buffalo and Clear Lake Towuship. He and his wife, together with a list of their children, are mentioned in this work In con- nection with the sketch of Charles W., a brother of Smith Fox, who is also a resident of Riverton.

As a hoy Smith Fox atteuded the country schools, and helped with the work on his father's farm as soon as he was oid enough to do so. He followed farming as an occupation untii a few years ago, when he retired from business life and located in Riverton. He en- iisted from Springfield in Company D, Fifty- eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was dis- charged at Mobile, Ala., New Year's Day, 1865.

He had takeu part in mauy serious engagements, among them being the hattles of Bull Run and Mobile.

At the close of hostilities, Mr. Fox returned to Sangamou County and followed farming for mauy years In connection with his trade of plasterer. His marriage occurred July 6, 1866, when he was uuited with Louisa Flagg, a na- tive of Saugamon County, who was boru in 1847. Her father, Isaac Flagg, was a native of Delaware and au early settler of Saugamou County, where he entered land from the Gov- erumeut at $1.25 per acre, and there carried on farmiug the remainder of his life. He and his wife are both deceased and Mrs. Fox died August 27, 1907. Twelve childreu, six sous and six daughters, had beeu boru to Mr. and Mrs. Fox, of whom but three uow survive: Beuja- min, of Wyoming; Charles E., of Riverton; May, wife of William Peters, of Michigau City, Ind. There are six grandchildreu in the fam- ily. Mrs. Fox was a devoted wife and mother, and had a host of friends by whom she is most kiudly remembered and deeply mourned.

Mr. Fox is a member of the Methodist Church aud iu politics a Republicau. He takes an ac- tive interest in local affairs and is Identified with the best interests of his community. He owns a very comfortable home iu Riverton, where he has lived since March 20, 1867. He was a member of Post 389 G. A. R., which has been dishauded. He is regarded as a mau of strict integrity aud honesty and is cousidered a representative citizen.

FRANCIS, James S., one of the oldest residents of Sangamon Couuty, Ill., was born at Palmyra, N. Y., January 15, 1831, and was brought to Il- linois by his parents when five years old. He is a son of Josiah and Fidelia (Clark) Fran- cis, the former born iu Pittsfield, Mass., iu 1801, and married in the same place. Josiah Fran- cis was a cabinet maker and in 1822 came to Palmyra, N. Y., from Massachusetts, removing thence to Saugamon County July 4, 1836, and at first lived with a brother, Charles B., who had come to Springfield the year previous, remain- lug with him uutil 1857, theu moved to what was knowu as the Davy Newsom farm, where he dled in 1898, his wife havlug passed away in 1872. Mrs. Francis' sister, Esther Clark, iived with the family until she was ninety- eight years and four months old, and died in 1905. Esther Clark many times saw the Colo- nial soldlers under Gen. Washington when they stopped at her father's house. The father of Josiah Francis was a native of Massachusetts aud died at Pittsfield, the father of Mrs. Fran- cis aiso having spent his entire life in Massa- chusetts. Joseph Francis and his wife had four children, three sons and one daughter.

(Palmyra, N. Y., the birthplace of Mr. Fran- cis, was for a time the home of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, aud where he started the scheme for the propagation of his new faith, and it was Joslah Francis, the father

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of James S., who made the box to receive the first Mormon bible.)

The boyhood of James S. Francis was spent in the city of Springfield, where he was edu- cated, and after leaving school he was employed as clerk for Joseph Thayer & Co., where he worked two years. He has lived on the same farm since 1851, and has there beeu constantly engaged iu agricultural pursults. He has a fine tract of 200 acres which he has developed and improved in every way possible. Mr. Francis' methods as a farmer are shown by the fact that, during the year 1910, a tract of five acres of the laud which he had beeu cultivating for fifty-eight years, produced a crop of oats amounting, withiu a sinall fraction, to 90 bushels per acre. He is one of Sangamon County's best-knowu citizens and is revered and respected by ail who meet him. He has seen remarkable changes since locating in the county and has always been the friend of progress and education. His pleasant home is located on Section 16, Clear Lake Township. He was formerly a Whig and is now a Republican, and has always been interested in public affairs. He has served as School Director, but has not held other public office.

Mr. Francis was married in Missouri, in February, 1881, to Abbie Barrows, a native of New York, and daughter of Franklin Barrows and wife, also natives of New York. Mrs. Francis dled on the home farm, in 1906, and her memory is cherished by many friends. She and her husband had no children. Mr. Francis is a devout member of the Second Presbyteriau Church of Springfield, and is always ready to advance the cause of any benevolent or char- itable enterprise. He is a man of high char- acter and kind heart, a true friend and a kind neighbor. He saw Lincoln and Douglas many times and was a personal friend of the former.

FRANCIS, Joseph (deceased), was born in Ken- tucky, in 1838, lived in his native State until he reached the age of ten years, then accom- panled his parents to Illinois, his home for the remainder of his life. He was a son of Joseph and Margaret Francis, natives of Ken- tucky, and the father, a farmer by occupation, located in Illinois in 1848 and secured a farm in Adams County.

The early education of Joseph Francis was received in Kentucky, but being a small boy when the family came to Adams County, he at- tended the schools of that county for some time. His father's farm was located uear Clayton, and after reaching manhood he engaged In farming there. Later he moved to Sangamon County and located on a farm, but afterwards returned to the vicinity of Clayton, and there his death occurred. Hls widow subsequently brought her children to Springfield, where they are all llv- ing at the present time. Mr. Francis was a devout member of the United Brethren Church, of Clayton, and in politles was an earnest Re- publican. He was an industrious and able

farmer and won a fair degree of success in this occupation. He was a man of innate honesty and high character, and when his death oe- curred, he left many warm friends to mourn his loss.

The marriage of Mr. Francis occurred In 1861, at Mt. Sterling, Ill., when he was united with Miss Mary Ann Farrell, born September 1, 1844, in Indiana. Mrs. Francis is a daugh- ter of David and (Kattie) Catherine (Hall) Farrell, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Francis, namely : Harvey is married and has two children-Hazel and William; Frank, conductor on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Road, Ilves In Springfield, is married and has two children; Lucinda mar- ried Thomas Stailey, and has three children- Ruth, Esther and Tracy, all attending school in Springfield.

FRANCIS, Simeon. (Vol. I, p. 175.)

FRANCIS, Vincent (deceased) .- Many of the valned and useful citizens of Springfield, Ill., were natives of the Island of Madeira. Of this uumber was Vincent Francis, who lived in the city for more than half a century. Mr. Francis was born on Madeira Island, June 15, 1836, a sou of Frank and Anna (Dacausta) Francis, who spent their entire lives on the Island. The father was a gardener and owned a fiue grape vineyard, also carrying on farming in a small way.

At the age of ten years Vincent Francis ac- companied relatives who came from his na- tive land to the State of Illinois, locating at Springfield. His education was begun in his birthplace and was completed in Springfield. After leaving school he learned the trade of painter and followed it the remainder of his life, eventually taking contracts on his own ac- count. He was an expert in his trade and be- came quite successful. He enlisted for service iu the Civil War, becoming a member of Com- pany I, One Hundred and Thirtieth Illinois Vol- unteers, winning an excellent record as a sol- dier. and at the end of his term was honorably discharged.

At the close of the war Mr. Francis resmined work at his trade in Springfield and continued to build up a very good business. He was hon- est and reliable and fulfilled his contracts in a way to give entire satisfaction. He became a member of the G. A. R. and also joined the Mutual Aid Society, to which order Abraham Lincoln belonged, and in which he carried his membership some thirty years. His widow is a member of the Ladies of the G. A. R. Mr. Francis was an active member of the First Portuguese Presbyterian Church of Springfield. In politics he was a firm Republican and took the greatest interest in the cause of his party and especially in its success in national affairs. Hle was a public-spirited, highminded citizen, ready to promote the best Interests of his com-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

inunity and having very practical views along these lines.

Mr. Francis was married (first) in Spring- field, Iil., to MIIss Dimingus Goveria, a native of the Island of Madeira, and three children were horn of this uniou: Vic, a mail carrier of Springfield ; Lizzie, who married William Syl- vester, a painter In Springfield ; Sindie, married Albert Helme, and they reside in Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Francls was married (second) in 1869, to Miss Carrle De Freitas, daughter of Francis De Freitas, an old resident of Sanga- mon County, who was connected with a slanghter honse at Springfield np to the time of his death, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Children as follows were born to Mr. Francis by his second marriage: Fred, married and living in Racine, Wis .; Rose, married Ernest Fernandez and they have no children; Law- rence Bert. Mr. Francis died in Springfield, July 15, 1906, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Ilis widow now resides at 325 North Fourteenth Street, Springfield. She and her husband made many friends in the city and both won universal respect. Mrs. Francis owns the pleasant home where she now lives.

FRANKS, John .- When a man decides to answer the call of his fellow citizens who wish to elect him to public office, he must, of necessity, neglect his own private Interests and serve them to the best of his ability. Very few there are, especially in civic positions, whose business does not suffer from thelr acceptance of public Ilfe, and this unselfishness in behalf of the peo- ple should be appreciated. John Franks, one of Springfield's self-made men, who has been connected with official life in the Capital City for a number of years, was born there, January 8, 1850, a son of Emanuel and Clara (Verria) Franks, natives of Madeira. Emanuel Franks came to the United States in 1848 and was en- gaged in varlous occupations until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted in the Union army, under General John M. Paimer, and served three years, during which time he was wounded in the hand. For twenty years he was janitor of the Palmer School in Spring- field, and after his retirement went to El Paso, Tex,. where he is now residing. His wife died In December, 1909. Mr. Franks is a member of the Portuguese Presbyterian Church.

As a youth John Franks showed his enter- prise by peddling apples to the soldiers of the Union army at Camps Butler and Yates. His education was secured in the Palmer School, which he left at the age of eighteen years, and worked at various occupations until obtalning a position with the wholesale house of Smith & Hay. In 1876 he became a member of the Springfield police force, with which he was connected for nine years, and in 1885 entered into his present business, in which he has con- tinued to this time. He hauled the first load of sand to use in the construction of the State House, and the first load of dirt in excavating

for the reservoir, and his was the last team to leave work thereon. He also hauled the first load of sand to use in building the Presbyterlan Church. For a time he farmed on the land where the water company's plant Is now located. He was Deputy Sheriff under Tamp Elliott, Sheriff of Sangamon County, and in 1889 was elected Alderman of the First Ward, serving until 1901, when he was re-elected for a term of two years, and it was during his term that the High School was erected. He has always been faithful in the performance of his official dnties and constantly looked after the interests of his constituents. Mr. Franks' politics are those of the Democratic party. In religious views he is liberal. He is the owner of con- siderable property in Springfield.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 55

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