Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 61

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 61

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GOODSON, L. Jay, D. D. S .- Dr. L. Jay Good- son, who has been engaged in the successful practice of his profession in Springfield, since 1901, was born in Christian County, Ill., near Taylorville, July 14, 1870, son of Benjamin F. and Maria E. (Blankinship) Goodson. Benja- min F. Goodson was born iu Bond County, Ill., February 24, 1836, and his wife in Fayette County, Ill., June 12, 1843. He was a farmer and liveryman by occupatiou, and iu 1860, moved from Bond County to Taylorville, where for twenty years, he was engaged in manufac- turing brick. He afterward engaged in farm- ing. For many years, he conducted a livery stable at Taylorville. Dr. Goodson is the only surviving child left of a family of twelve chil- dren.

The boyhood of Dr. Goodson was spent in his native county, and after attending the public schools, he entered Lincoln University, and af- terwards the Northwestern University dental department, at Chicago. He disliked farm work, and turned his attention to mercantile affairs after leaving school. He was employed for some time as a clerk in a grain warehouse, aud later in a dry goods store, and continued this occupation until 1891, when he became cashier of a life insurance company's branch office, and later district manager. Six years later, he dis- posed of his insurance business, and entered the Northwestern University, in 1897, taking up the study of dentistry. He was graduated with his degree in 1900, and practiced a few months in Chicago; spent one year practicing in Shawnee- town, and then located in Springfield, where he has built up a good practice, and has established an excellent reputation for honest skill in his profession. He is a Presbyterian in religious belief, a Republican in politics, and fraternally a member of the Knights of Pythias, which or- der he joined in 1891. Professionally, he be- longs to the Illinois State Dental Society, is Committeeman of the same; is a member of the Sangamon and Menard Dental Society, and dur- ing 1909, served the latter as president. He

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is a man of pleasant manner, and prepossessing in appearance, and has many warm friends.

Dr. Goodson was married in Greenview, Men- ard County, Ill., November 27, 1894, to Miss Ella Blane, born in that village, February 19, 1871, daughter of John J. and Mary Ann Blane, botlı natives of Greenview, the former born in 1845, and the latter in 1843. Mr. Blane is an extensive farmer and stockman, and ships a large number of cattle and hogs annually. Two children have blessed the union of Dr. and Mrs. Goodson ; Blane J., born July 17, 1897, and Ma- bel, born July 7, 1899. They own a comfortable residence at No. 514 South State street, and his office is on the second floor of the Illinois Na- tional Bank building. Lately, Dr. Goodson has been interested in the colonization of lands in Florida.

GORDON, Marion L., publisher of the "Auburn Citizen" and one of the representative news- paper men of Sangamon County, is a public- spirited citizen and one who has the welfare of his locality deeply at heart. He was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., April 18, 1861, a son of Seth E. and Anna (Freese) Gordon, the former born December 25, 1833, and the latter November 20. 1835, both natives of Schoharie County, N. Y. The father served three years in the Army of the Potomac, during the Civil War. At the close of the war he moved, with his wife and three sons, of whom Marion L. Gordon, the youngest, was then but five years old, to Sac County, Iowa, and homesteaded eight and one-half miles from Sac City. There he lived until his death, February 19, 1899. During his residence there he became an Im- portant factor in local politics, serving as Supervisor for fourteen years in succession. He refused to permit his name to appear on his party ticket for County Treasurer, although solicited to accept that honor. The family originated in the vicinity of Aberdeen, Scot- land.

Marion L. Gordon took a course at the North- ern Illinois Normal School at Dixon, and a classical course at Iowa College, Grinnell. Ia. He was brought up on a farm, but from child- hood found his pleasure in reading and study- ing. For twenty-nine terms he taught in the public schools, finally becoming President of Mendota College, and for three years held that responsible position. Then his health failed because of his close application to his duties, and he had to leave the profession. He began newspaper work and has succeeded along this line as he did in his other field. A stanch Re- publican, he has always favored strong opposi- tion to intemperance, and since coming to Illinois in 1896, has affiliated with the Prohibi- tion party. He has steadily refused to be a candidate for any office. as his tastes do not run in a political direction.

Mr. Gordon was married at Auburn, Ill., October 24, 1893, to Minnle O. Lowry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Lowry, born in Auburn,

Ill., December 25, 1873. The grandfather founded the "Auburn Citizen," owning it until a short time before Mr. Gordon assumed its man- agement. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have these chil- dren : Herbert E., born at Sac City, Iowa, August 10, 1894, and William Truman, born In Auburn, Iil., April 3, 1903. Mr. Gordon has been a member of Advent Christian Church since he was fifteen years old. He joined the Knights of Pythias in 1891, the Modern Wood- men of America in 1896, and the Court of Honor in the same year. While very charitable, he helps others so quietly that few know of his kind deeds. Industrious, conscientious, scrupulously honest, fearless in his advocacy of what he thinks is right, sympathetic with the "under dog" unless too far in the wrong, Mr. Gordon is a man of upright living and broad views. He declares, though, that he de- sires no higher praise than the remembrance when he is gone that he did his best to do the right and help his fellow-men. Mr. Gordon owns residence property in Sac City, Iowa.

GOREY, John Patrick .- The business instincts of some men are such as to insure their success in whatever line they undertake. They appear to know what is wanted by their customers and how to supply them with the best goods at sat- isfactory prices. Springfield is the home of a number of such men, among whom none is more worthy of special mention than John Patrick Gorey, proprietor of the largest retail store in Sangamon County, if not in this part of the State. He was born six miles southwest of Springfield in Sangamon County, August 26, 1864, a son of Patrick and Margaret (Casey) Gorey, natives of Ireland. In the 'fifties Pat- rick Gorey came to the United States, locating in Boston, Mass., where he remained for two years. He then came to Sangamon County, en- gaging in farming until 1884, when he moved to Chatham, and untii his death, in 1899, con- ducted a butchering business. In politics he was a Democrat but never entered public life, not aspiring to office. His widow survives, residing In Chatham. Both were born and reared in the Catholic Church, in which faith they reared their nine children, all of whom are now living.

John Patrick Gorey attended the district schools until about seventeen years of age, when he began working the farm In partner- ship with his father. He then worked for two years in a general store at Chatham, after which he was on the road as a commercial trav- eler for three wholesale shoe houses, in this way gaining an invaluable knowledge of the requirements of the trade. About 1894 he came to Springfield to enter the employ of Klayholt & Fogarty, shoe merchants, buying them out two years later. Since then he has been en- gaged in supplying a large retail territory, and has a handsome shoe emporium, that would do credit to any city in the country.

In politics Mr. Gorey is a Democrat, and

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served very ably and acceptahly as Tax Col- lector for a year, but, like his father, has never desired office. A stroug Catholic, he belongs to St. Agues' Church, and is one of its liberai supporters. Fraternaliy he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the M. W. of A., the Knights and Ladies of Honor, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

On February 28, 1890, Mr. Gorey was united iu marriage, at Auhurn, Iil., with Mary Jane Burns, daughter of James Burns and his wife Elizabeth. Mr. Burns was horn in Scotland, while his wife was horn in Ireland. They came to America iu 1862, having heen married at Glasgow, Scotiand. Mrs. Gorey was one of a family of twelve children. Mr. and Mrs. Gorey have had an interesting family of children, as follows: Mary J., studying music at the Sacred Heart Academy, with the intention of developing her exceptional ability to the extent of fitting herself for teaching music; Mar- gariette died at the age of three months; Jessie Veronica and Irene, attending the same school as Mary J .; Josephiue, who died at the age of four years; John, Jr., who is attending St. Agnes school, and Leonarda Bernaine, the bahy. Mr. Gorey helongs to the class of self- made men, his success heing the resuit of his own uuaided efforts inteliigently directed in legitimate channels. His pleasant, genial man- ner and nnfailing courtesy aid in furthering his business and making friends, and no man is muore highly regarded in Springfield than he.

GORMAN, William, now retired from active life and living with his daughter, Mrs. James Mc- Aloue, at 1128 North Walnut Street, Springfield, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, iu 1841. He is a son of Thomas Gorman, a farmer in Ireland, who had seven children : Thomas, Pat- rick, John, Johanna, Lizzie, Sarah and William, ali of whom came to the United States, although at different times.

William Gorman was educated in his native country and worked for the parish priest he- fore emigrating to America, at the age of twenty-one years. He landed in New York and soon after joined his hrother Thomas in Spring- field. Upon first coming to Springfield he found employment in the hotels of that city, and during the war drove a wagon for the United States Government, from Camp Butler to Spring- field. He afterward carried on farming at Buffalo, Sangamon County, and later at Tolono, Champaign County, where he lived many years, and there reared his family. His first wife. Miss Catherine Clear, of Springfield, died at Tolono, July 7, 1874, and he married (second) Bridget Bohan, who died in Springfield, in 1885. About 1885 Mr. Gorman moved to Springfield and purchased the bome where he now lives. He worked at putting in water mains until he retired from active life.

Mr. Gorman is a member of St. Joseph's Catlı- olic Church and is a Democrat in politics. He is an old resident of Springfield and has always

taken au active iuterest iu the progress and weifare of the community. He is highly re- spected hy all who know him and has many friends. Children as follows were horn to him: Thomas died in Nebraska, at the age of twenty- six years; Elizabeth, Mrs. McAlone, of Spring- field ; Sarah, unmarried; Johanna, Mrs. Thomas Lundregan, of Springfield; John died young ; Margaret died at the age of thirteen years ; James died in iufancy.

James McAlone was born iu Springfield, July 19, 1866, and has lived in the city ali his life. His father, who is deceased, was a carpenter, and served on the city police force. He was married, Aprii 24, 1906, to Miss Elizabeth Gor- man. Ile aud his wife are hoth members of St. Joseph's Church. She and her sisters own the old family home on North Walnnt Street. Mr. McAlone is well known in Springfield and he and his wife live with her father.

GRAHAM, James M., Member of Congress from the Twenty-first District of Iilinois, is a man whom his community has delighted to honor with various offices of trust, and one who has in every instance proven worthy of the confidence reposed in him by his constitu. ents. He is a seif-made man in every sense and his life is an inspiration to all young men of enterprise and ambition, an incentive to high endeavor and the determinatiou to make the most of their abilities and opportunities. Probably no man is more widely or favorably known in politicai circles in Illinois than Mr. Graham. and few men there are who in the midst of political strife, have made a smalier nnmher of enemies. A man of superior inteili- gence, educated and cultured, he has at ail times maintained the attitude and principles of a true gentleman, though forceful in speech and vigor- ons in defense of his opinions. The people of Sangamon County and of Central Illinois feel proud of the record of Mr. Graham and acknowi- edge that his success is a credit to himself aud to his constituents.

Mr. Graham was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, April 14, 1852, and came to Sangamon County, Ili., in 1868. He is a son of Hugh and Sarah (McMahon) Graham, the former a farmer by occupation. Honorable J. M. Graham received his education iu the common schools, the Northern Normai School at Valparaiso, Ind., and when of age began teaching in Cham- paign County, Ili., continuing this profession seven years. During his teaching he began the study of law under William A. Day, who later became Second Auditor of the Treasury under President Cleveland, and finished his legal studies under the supervision of James A. Creighton, who became aud is Circuit Judge of the Springfield District. Mr. Graham was ad- mitted to the Bar in 1885, and served in the Thirty-fourth General Assembly of Illinois, in 1885-86. Ile rose rapidly in his profession and served State's Attoruey for Sangamon County iu 1892-96. He afterward entered the

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law firm of Paimer, Shutt & Graham, the senior member being Hon, John M. Palmer, a bio- graphical sketch of whom appears on auother page of this work, and the second member, W. E. Shutt, became United States District Attor- uey for the Southern District of Illinois. The firmu has since been reorganized and now cou- sists of Hon. James M. Graham and his two sons, Hugh J. and James J., both of whom are graduates of the University of Illinois. The firm has won high prestige and all its members stand high in their profession. Mr. Graham was elected a member of the Sixty-first and Sixty-second United States Congress. He has aiways been interested in educational mat- ters and served as a member of the School Board in Springfield in 1898-1900. Fraternaliy he is a member of the Moderu Woodmeu of America, the Court of Honor, the Catholic Or- der of Foresters, the Knights of Coluiubus and the Loyal Americans. In political views he is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. Graham has always takeu an active interest in tile progress and welfare of Springfield and Sangamon County, and as a public-spirited citizen, has been ready to promote the same. Mr. Graham is an active member of the Catholic Church and has made a special study of its history as well as other lines of historical research. He is the author of an article to be found in this work entitied His- tory of the Catholic Church, and is weli fitted to cover his subject comprehensively.

Mr. Graham was married at Rantoui, Ili., August 15. 1876, to .Miss Catherine Wallace, a native of Rantoul, daughter of Michael Waliace and Elien ( Nolan) Wallace. Seven children have blessed this uuion, three of whom are grad- uates of the University of Illinois, and one a student in that institution. Their names are : Hugh J., born in 1877; James J., in 1879; Ar- thur F., in 1881; Charles W., in 1882; Mary, in 1885; Neille, in 1892; Agnes, iu 1897. Mr. Graham is a fine specimen of athletic mauhood, being six feet tall and weighing 195 pounds. He has little time for social pleasures, but has always been greatly absorbed by his work and it is his favorite occupation. His two oldest sons are partners in the firm of Graham & Graham and his third and fourth sous are pre- paring for business life. Mr. Graham owns a residence in Springfield aud some farm land in Sangamon County. Though Mr. Graham has been so successful in his professional and po- litical career, he never forgets his former friends and meets them with the same pleasure and greets them with as much friendiiness as in his early life. He is modest and unassum- ing in demeanor, pleasant aud courteous to all, and has a multitude of close personal friends, in ali stations of life.

GRANT, Ulysses S. (Voi. I, pp. 206-207.)

GRAVES, Samuei L., Jr .- That Springfield is growing rapidly is proven beyond any reason-

able doubt iu a number of ways, but oue that is conclusive is the locatiug there of men who are interested in building and allied trades. One of the foremost painters, paperers and decorators of Springfield is a comparatively receut addi- tion to the city's population, having come there in 1907, since which time he has built up a large busines by the quality of his work aud his artistic taste. Samuel L. Graves Jr. is a native Girard, Macoupin County, Iil., born Sep- tember 2, 1867, son of Samuel L. and Pauline (Coots) Graves, natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1835 and the latter in 1846, The father came to Macoupin County more thau fifty years ago, first settling on a farm, which he still owus, but for the past score of years has been connected with the New West Coal Company, at Girard, being one of the stock- holders and foreman. During the Civil War he was a soldier and a non-commissioned officer. He occupies an enviable position in Girard.

Samuel L. Graves Jr. was educated in the public schools of Girard, graduated from the high school there, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. After leaving school he learned the painter's and decorator's trade, but later was clerk for the Carr & Bowensox Cloth- ing Company for two years. He then decided to return to his trade and worked at it in Girard until 1890, when he moved to Decatur, and after a period of working for others, embarked in business on his own acount, becoming one of the leading decorators of that city. In 1907 he was induced to move his business to the Capi- tai City, and has had uo cause to regret the change.

Mr. Graves was married at Virden, Ill., May 30, 1895, to Vicland Graves, a young lady bear- ing the same name as himself, but as far as known not related to him. She was born in Kentucky in 1873 and died in 1898, and the two children she bore her husband are also de- ceased. Her father is dead, but her mother lives in Springfield. Mr. Graves is a Methodist and a Republican. His work is artistic and skillful, he employs a force of competent men to assist him, and his contracts are faithfully carried out. Immersed in business, he finds little time to devote to public matters, but is in favor of good government and improvements, and gives them his support.

GREENAWALT, George W .- There are some names that are indissolubly connected with the history of Sangamon County, their representa- tives having come here in early days, conquered the wilderness and left behind them reliable men to support the government they made pos- sible. The Greenawalt family is one of those known from one end of the county to the other, and one of its members who is a solid citizen and excelient farmer, is George W. Greenawalt, of Pawnee Township. He was born in Ken- tucky, November 12, 1847, a son of the pioneer Louis B. and his wife Polly (Holloway) Green- awalt, both born in Kentucky. The paternai

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grandfather was one of those sturdy old Ger- mans who came first to Kentucky, and thence to Sangamon County, making his home with liis son Louis B., until his death, which occurred when he had attained the extreme age of nine- ty-two years. The maternal grandfather was a prosperous farmer of Kentucky, where he died. Louis B. Greenawalt brought his famlly to Sangamon County In 1852, and spent a use- ful but uueventful life in this locality, dying at ali advanced age. His remains were In- terred in the Baptist Cemetery, but his wife was buried iu Oak Ridge Cemetery.

George W. Greenawalt spent a useful boy- hood on the homestead, attending the Oak Ridge School. From the time he was able to assist his father his interest centered in farming, and he has followed that calling all his life. His fine farm of 200 acres in Pawnee Towuship is rated as one of the best in the county.

Mr. Greenawalt was married in Springfield, by Squire S. B. Brock, on February 24, 1874, to Mary C. Landrey, born in Indiana March 26, 1853, daughter of Joseph M. and Adaline (Bowers) Landrey, the former born in Ohio, Jannary 22, 1827, and the latter in Indiana, July 27, 1830. The grandparents on both sides were farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Greenawalt have liad five children : Pearl died in infancy ; Lan- ra, born December 17, 1874, married Owen Molohon of Pawnee, one child, Phinas, eight years old; Addie, born November 28, 1879, at home; Charles, born July 12, 1881, at home ; Ollie, born Angust 16, 1883, married Fred Ket- terer, of Pawnee, no issue.

Like other members of his family, Mr. . Greenawalt is a very stanchi Democrat and is active in hls party. Fraternaily he belongs to the Modern Woodmen and Loyal Americans. The Methodist Church claims his membership. He is a man of high moral character and he and his wife are important factors in their church and community. They have brought up a nice family and are proud of them and their grandchildren. Their pleasant home is the scene of many delightfui social gatherings and both are never as happy as when extending hos- pitality to their hosts of friends.

GREENAWALT, Leroy. - There are many men in Sangamon County who have devoted themselves to farming, spending their lives at the work, learning it from the foundation up, and therefore have become anthorities npon everything pertaining to agricultural matters. One of these men who has amassed a comfort- able fortune from his farming. and is regarded as one of the most representative of his ciass, is Leroy Greenawalt, born in the county, Febru- ary 10, 1858, and now residing on his farını, which occupies portions of Sections 2 and 3, Divernon Township. He is a son of Lonis B. and Polly ( Holloway ) Greenawalt, natives of Kentucky.

The paternal grandfather came from Ger- many to America at an early day, locating in

Kentucky. The maternai grandfather was born in Kentucky, where he dicd. In 1852, the famn- ily migrated to Sangamon County locating In Divernon Township, with the object of securing cheap land. Here the paternal grandfather passed away, aged ninety-two years. The fa- · ther died on the homestead, aged eighty-three years, and his wife passed away on that same property.

Growing up on the homestead, Leroy Greena- walt attended the country 'school of his neigh- borhood, but his interest was centered in farm- ing, and the caring for horses and other kinds of stock. This homestead of 119 acres of rich farm land came iuto his possession, and he is still improving it, although his fine buildings, neat premises, weli kept fences, sleek stock and modern machinery would indicate that but lit- tle is ever left undone.

Mr. Greenawalt has never married, but is interested in his two brothers, George, who is a farmer of Sangamon Conuty, and James, a farmer of Kausas. He is a Democrat, and is proud of the fact that he has always voted the straight ticket. Fraternaily, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen, the Royal Circle and the Odd Fellows. While not connected with any religious organization, Mr. Greenawalt in his daily life sets an example of morality that inany a church member might follow with profit, believing in the Goldeu Rule as a guide in bnsi- ness and social intercourse. Pleasant, genial, kind-hearted, Mr. Greenawalt has made count- less friends, and probably no enemies. It is such men as he who raise the standard in any community, and their influence once exerted, results in the securing of good government and the enforcement of existing laws.

GREENE, Henry S. (Voi. I, p. 208.)

GREENWALT, John Thomas .- Farming as an occupation is a profitable one if followed along scientific lines, but the work of the farmer to- day entails much study and not a little scientific training, in sharp contrast to the agricultural life of several decades ago. While the soil of Sangamon Connty is very fertile, water plentiful and easily obtained, and weather conditions nearly ideal, good crops cannot be raised nniess conditioned, and the high standard sct by the agriculturists of this section is, therefore, all the land is properly worked and scientifically the more creditable. John Thomas Greenwalt, who is farming along scientific lines in Cotton Hill Township, was born in this township, May 22, 1862, a son of John W. and Elizabeth Ann (McAtee) Greenwalt.

Mr. Greenwalt's paternal grandfather was a native of Kentucky who dled in Sangamon County. On the maternal side his grandfather was a native of Tennessee and served as Justice of the Peace of Sangamon County many years, and he aiso dled there. John W. Greenwalt was born in Kentucky July 23, 1830, and came to Sangamon County with his parents in 1836. He

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 61

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