Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 65

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 65

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Hamilton has a war record of which he may well be proud. In 1890 he joined the Fifth Regiment, Fourth Army Corps, and later Company C, Fifth Infantry, I. N. G. In this he was elected to fill the successive offices until he was made First Lieutenant. In 1897 he was transferred to the Engineers Corps, of which he was made Captain, and thus con- tinned until 1904. Meanwhile, at the out- break of the Spanish-American War, he en- listed, passed the examinations, and was ap- pointed First Lieutenant of the Second Regi- ment, United States Engineers, by President Mckinley. Mr. Hamilton continned with his regiment until September of that same year, when he resigned his commission and returned home to resume his interrupted duties as City Engineer. In addition to his arduous dutles in this connection, Mr. Hamilton also discharges those connected with the office of Commissioner of Buildings, and is just as efficient as Con- missioner as in the office of City Engineer. His political affiliations have always been with the Republican party.

Fraternally Mr. Hamilton Is a member of the B. P. O. E., the K. of P. and the Red Men. He is a live, progressive young man, who has

the best interests of Springfield at heart, and who understands the requirements of his two cxacting positions. Understanding his work thoroughly, he has gone ahead to accomplish what he deemed was necessary, and the re- sults justify him and demonstrate his good judgment and practical common sense.

HAMILTON, John M. (Vol. I, p. 217.)

HAMILTON, Hon. Lloyd F .- A man versed in the laws of the country, as distingnished from the business man or the politician, has been a recognized power. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and most permanent in- terests of the whole people, and withont him and his practical judgment the efforts of the statesman and the industry of the business man and the mechanic would prove tntile. The reason is not far to seek; the professional lawyer is never the creature of circumstance ; tlie profession is open to talent, and no defi- nite prestige or success can he attained save hy indomitable energy, perseverance, patience and strong mentality. The Hon. Lloyd F. Hamilton has ever been noted for these char- acteristics. Born in April, 1844, at Branden- burg, Meade County, Ky., he is a son of Felix J. and Jane ( Wathen) Hamilton. Felix J. Hamilton, who was a native of Kentucky, died in October, 1844, in early manhood, and his widow came to Tazewell County, Ill., where her parents had settled in 1835. Her death occurred in Springfield, Ill., March 6, 1886.

Lloyd F. Hamilton began his education in the district schools, attended the Eureka Col- lege from 1860 until 1864, and then went to the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor. He read law nnder Judge Schofield, of Mar- shall, Ill., who became widely known as the man who refused the Supreme Court Judge- ship tendered him by President Cleveland be- cause "he was a plain man and he and his wife did not care for the social activities of Washington." Mr. Hamilton entered the Union College of Law at Chicago, from which he graduated in 1866, and during that year formed a partnership with Paren England. Later he was associated with Thomas G. Prickett and from February, 1882, until May, 1902, his partner was James W. Patten. From that time until recently he practiced with B. L. Catron. At the present time he has no part- ner. Mr. Hamilton has taken an active part in shaping public sentiment where the welfare of the city has been at stake and he is a representative of its best type of citizen. He has a rare gift of oratory, but has ever been modest and unassuming, and has hesitated about pushing himself forward for positions of public preferment. His political views are those of the Democratic party.

HAMILTON, William S. (Vol. I, p. 217.)

HAMMAN, Samuel .- There are plenty of op- portunities for any live business man not only to earn a fair living, but to amass a comfort-

1283

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

able fortune in Springfield, for the city, being the State capital, draws almost every class there, and the visiting trade is immense. One of the men who has reaped a good and hon- est profit from his endeavors is Samuel Ham- man, now retired, who for many years con- ducted a teaming and transfer business. Mr. Hamman was horn in Winchester, Ill., May 12, 1848, being a son of Andrew and Christina (Schultz) Hamman, both natives of Germany. The parents were married in Germany, hut came to America at an early day, landing in New Orleans after a trip of fifty-two days. They came ou to St. Louis, and after a short time in that city went to Wiuchester, III., where the father followed his trade of baker. In 1848 he started overland to California in a wagon train of twenty-seven wagons, and died on the way of cholera. So terrible were the ravages of this dread disease that only seven wagons of this train reached California.

In 1858 Samuel Hamman arrived in Spring- field, growing up in the city, where he re- ceived his educational and husiness training. In 1868 he established himself in a teaming and transfer business, which he worked up to large proportions, and continued in It until 1908 when he retired. He is a Democrat, politically, while the German Lutheran Church holds hls membership.

On November 20, 1873, Mr. Hamman was married in Springfield to Louisa Hanselman, born in Springfield, November 20, 1853, daughter of Michael and Barbara (Heil) Hanselman. Her parents were also natives of Germany, who located in Springfield, but later went to Mt. Pulaski, III. where Mr. Hanselman operated a farm for several years. He then moved hack to Springfield and worked at his trade of a carpenter until his death. Both parents died there and are buried in Oak Ridge Ceme- tery. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamman : George, a cigar manufacturer of Springfield; Louis, engaged in the same business ; Christina is a trained nurse of Den- ver, Col .; Anna is the wife of Richard C. Latal, a tinner of Springfield; Mary is the wife of Harry Durham, member of the Fire Depart- ment of Springfield; Susie lives at home, and two who are deceased. There are three grand- children in the family. In addition to his beautiful home at No. 101 West Reynolds street, Mr. Hamman owns other city realty and is in very comfortable circumstances. He has never sought public office, but has been content to wield his influence as a private citizen in favor of good government and proper civic improvements.

HAMMON, Charles Henry .- One of the large Industries of Springfield which has grown rap- idly during the past several decades is the Iron foundry business, which during the past few years has been influenced to a great degree by the growth of the automobile industry. Charles Henry Hammon, who is engaged in this business

in Springfield, was horn in the Capital City, De- cember 16, 1865, a son of George and Catherine (Van Horn) Hammon, natives of Germany.

George Hammon, who was a mechanic by oc- cupation, was horn in Baden, Germany, from which country he came to the United States and located in Springfield, where he and Mrs. Ham- mou were married. Mr. Hammon worked for the Ætna Foundry in Springfield, of which John Lamb was the proprietor, for forty years, aud in 1900 retired, since which time he and his wife nave resided at No. 413 West Reynolds Avenue. Mr. Hammon was a member of the Old Volun- teer Fire Department, and has always heen con- nected with the German Lutheran Church. He is a Democrat in his political views, hnt has never cared for public office. Of the five chil- dren of George and Catherine Hammon, but two survive, Charles Henry and a daughter.

Charles Henry Hammon secured his early edu- cation in the German Lutheran school, and later attended night school in Springfield, and Profes- sor Bogardus' Business College, which was lo- cated over Ryan's Drug Store. At the age of thirteen years he left the latter institution to be- come a delivery boy in Hardsell's grocery store, but six months later was employed by the roll- ing mills. After a short period spent in the St. Nicholas barber shop, he entered the Ætna Foun- dry, where he learned the trade of molder, re- maining ten years, and then went to the Bloom- ington foundry, where he was employed for three years, also spending a like period at the Ide foun- dry. He subsequently returned to the Ætna foundry for three years, and at the end of this time embarked in business for himself, having continued therein in Springfield since 1894, and meeting with much success. He is also agent for the Zimmermann Automobile Company, of Au- burn, Ind.

On October 5, 1886, Mr. Hammon was united in marriage with Magdaleua Burgner, born in Springfield, Ill., the daughter of John Burgner, who with his wife is residing at No. 535 West Washington Street, Springfield. Three daugh- ters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammon, namely : Elizabeth, a graduate of Springfield high school, class of 1906, who is possessed of inuch artistic talent ; Magdalena, who graduated from the high school with the class of 1908; and Irena, who graduated from the same insti- tution with the class of 1910.

Mr. Hammon's fraternal connection is with the Knights of the Maccabees. He is liberal in political views and his business takes so much of his time that he has very little to give to public matters, although he has always sup- ported movements which have promised to be of benefit to the city. The family attends the Luth- eran Church.

HAMMON, George .- Some of the representa- tive citizens of Springfield today are men who have retired from the stress of active life, and are now free to consider matters of clvlc interest. They have the time and give It un-

1284

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

reservediy to their city, exerting their influence in many ways in favor of law and progress. One of these men of moment is George Hammon, a re- tired business man, who, like so many others of the successful residents of Springfield, is of German hirth, having heen horn in Bavaria, June 14, 1833, a son of Adam Hammon, also a native of Germany, and a shoemaker hy trade. The parents spent their entire lives in Germany, dy- ing long ago. The three children born to them, two boys and one girl were: John, deceased ; Catherine and George.

After attending school and working on his father's farm, George Hammon followed farm- ing for five years, then came to America, arriv- ing in 1853. At first he continned to farm, then began hutchering, but eventually went into John Lamh's foundry. Following this he learned the coat-making trade, and continued in that line of business for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1894. When he was first married he lived on Carpenter Street, but later built a good house at No. 413 West Reynolds Street, which is stiil his resi- dence. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran church and gives liberally to it in both time and money. His political convictions make him a Democrat, but he has never heen willing to ac- cept public office.

Mr. Hammon was married in Springfield, July 18, 1865, to Catherine Van Horn, daughter of Henry and Mary Van Horn, natives of Germany, who lived to an advanced age. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammon : three sons and three daughters, of whom two survive: Johanna Fidengruber lost her husband twenty-three years ago; Charies H. is proprietor of a cigar store here. Fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren have heen born to this family. Mr. Hammon owns his home, and is otherwise interested in the city. He came there without a cent, yet persevered, never shirking any work and trying to add to his knowledge as he went along. His customers came back to him, appre- ciating the fact that they could always depend upon him. Although he has now retired, he holds the friendship of those he served, and en- joys it and the esteem in which he is held hy all who know him.

HANES, Urias .- There are certain staple articles which have been an absolute neces- sity to the forward march of progress and the advancement of civilization. Travel has al- ways heen the means of widening mankind's scope, the medium that has brought about our present civilization and, naturaliy, travel has always necessitated the use of a means of conveyance. The manufacture of carriages and wagons is one of the time-honored occupations and for years has had in its ranks men of the highest character. Urias Hanes, now living re- tired in Springfield, was for a long period one of the best-known vehicle manufacturers in the State. Mr. Hanes was horn near Altsville, Canada, March 22, 1827, son of Jolm C.

and Charlotte (Monticue) Hanes. Mr. Hanes' paternal grandfather was a native of Germany, hnt John C. Hanes was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in France. Mr. Hanes was a shoe- maker by occupation, following that calling all of his life in Aitsville, and dying there.

The education of Urias Hanes was secured in Canada and he iearned the carriage and wagon manufacturing business in his na- tive town. In 1850 he went to Chicago, Iil. working there for a short time and then go- ing to Pekin, Ili. In 1854 he ieft the latter place for Williamsville, where he engaged in business for forty years, then came to Spring- field and retired. He is residing at No. 1516 East South Grand Avenne, in the same house in which he has lived ever since coming to Springfield. It is an interesting fact that Mr. Hanes in 1861 built a caravan wagon which was later nsed by President Abraham Lincoln. Ife is a Republican in politics and his religious faitlı is that of the Methodist Church.

Mr. Hanes was married in 1854 to Mar- garet Dowdell, of Pekin, who lived but one year thereafter, and in 1855 he was united with Louise Bartram, who was born in Ver- mont and whose parents came to Springfield at an early date and there spent the remainder of their lives. The four children born to this union are as follows: Carl J., an architect of Springfield, carrying on an extensive business ; Joseph A. and John, carpenters and contractors with a fine business; and Elia, the widow of Clifford Council. Mr. Hanes is now living at No. 1516 East Sonth Grand Avenne, which residence he owns, in addition to other valuabie city property.

HANKS, John. (Vol. I, p. 219.)

HANLEY, John Henry .- The mining interests of Sangamon County have developed and hronght to the front men of nnusnal business and executive ability ; men who have made their own way in the world, forging ahead through aggressiveness, intelligence and deter- mination to succeed. The school of mining is not an casy one; it takes men of more than ordinary ability to succeed, and as a resuit we find some of the county's foremost men engaged in this business. One of the self- made men of Springfield who has been iden- tified with mines and mining nearly all of his life is John Henry Hanley, who was born near Lima, Allen County, Ohio, October 15, 1857, the son of Patrick and Bridget (Byron) Hanley. -

Patrick Hanley was born in County Tip- perary, Ireland, March 17, 1826, and when he was cighteen years of age came to the United States, landing in New York and going thence to Ohio, where he worked on a railroad for a few years. He then came to Springfield, Ill., and from there went to Will County, where for many years he was engaged in farming, although for the past ten years he

1285

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

has lived retired in Wilmington, Ill. His wife died in 1907, in the faith of the Cath- olic Church, of which he is also a member. He has been a Democrat all of his ilfe. Mr. and Mrs. Hanley had the following children : John Henry; James, of Joliet, Ill .; Michael, oť Punxsutawney, Pa .; William, a resident of Wilmington, Ill., and Mary, who married Daniei Tobin, of Chicago.

John Henry Hanley was but an infant when his parents came to Illinois, and he was reared to the iite of a farmer, being sent out to do his share of the farm work when he was but eight years of age, and as a consequence uot having much chance for learning, aithough close observation and much reading have made him a weil-educated man. At the age of twenty- six years he ieft home and became engaged In selling coai-mining machinery, and in this way came to Springfield. After some years spent in this manner he became manager of the Old North mine, iater held the same position with the Chicago & Kansas City Coal Company, and then became manager of the Springfield Mln- ing Co. During the year following he served as County Mine Inspector, and for five years was manager of the Chicago-Virden Coal Com- pany, accepting his present responsible posi- tion in 1905. Probably no man in Sangamon County knows more about mines and mining than does Mr. Haniey, and his selection hy this iarge company as manager goes a iong way towards proving it. His experience has been long and varied and he has learned how to meet every sitnation and how to overcome every obstacie.

In Odell, Ili., in April, 1883, Mr. Hanley was married to Miss Elizabeth Kane, daughter of Timothy and Mary (Dalton) Kane, and to this nnion there were born six children : Mary, who married Patrick Foley, of Peoria; Will- iam F., who married Elizabeth Slocum; and John Edward, Nora, Bessie and Esther, ail at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hanley are members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, in which he is serving as a member of the Board of Trus- tees. He was Trustee for a long time of Ridgely, before It was incorporated with the city of Springfield, and has always been a stanch and active Democrat. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic order of Foresters and is District Vice President of fourteen counties for the latter order.

HANSON, Frederic A., an industrious and en- terprising farmer ilving near the Fair Grounds just outside of Springfield, fil., was born in Denmark, October 6, 1852, son of Peter and Karry Mary (Nelson) Hanson, both natives of Denmark, the father born in 1824 and the mother November 1, 1810. The former was a flax manufacturer and he and his wife spent their entire lives in their native country, where he died in 1857 and his widow In 1SS7. They

were parents of fonr sons, of whom two came to the United States. Frederic A. Hanson has a brother now living in Springfield, who came to the United States in 1873.

Frederic A. Hanson received his education in the public schools of Denmark and nntii twenty years old followed the occupation of fisherman. He then took up farming and has followed that occupation ever since. He sailed from Copenhagen in 1873, spent two weeks on the water and landed in Boston. He came di- rect to Springfield, reaching that city on May 16. He immediately took up farming at Berry Station, where he remained one year, worked two years on William Bradford's farm, one year for Lute Bortman, then spent five years in the employ of J. P. Gardner, after which he worked for himseif. He has lived six years on his present farm, and owns three acres. He carries on his work with intelligence and good judgment and makes it pay well.

Mr. Hanson was married at Springfield, Oc- tober 16, 1879, to Mary A. Shoemacker, born in Germany, October 6, 1860, and died Sep- tember 25, 1905. Her parents died when. she was a giri and never came to America. She was seven years of age at the time she was brought to the United States. Five children were born to Mr. Hanson and his wife, fonr daughters and one son: Nellie May married Mr. Dickerson, a mail carrier at Curran; Laura Lee, deceased; Dr. John, in the employ of Schucks Lumber Company ; Lucy Aune, Mrs. Stronb, of Springfield, and Mary E., deceased.

Mr. Hanson was married (second) in De- cember, 1908, in Springfield, to Wilhelmina Meinecke, born in Germany, November 2, 1868. Her mother and father died when she was sixteen years old and both parents spent their entire lives in Germany. Mr. Hansou is a member of the Christian Church and in pol- itics is a Democrat. He is a member of the Loyai Americans and has a large circle of friends. He is pleasant and genial In manner aud has a reputation for honesty and integ- rity.

HAPPER, Andrew F. (deceased), was for many years one of the leading citizens of Gardner Township, and well known as a substantial farmer and graln operator, owning the eleva- tor at Farmingdale. He was born on the old Happer homestead, on Section 19, of the town- ship which continued his home, July 14, 1854, son of James E. Happer. The latter was born in Washington County, Pa., but located in Gardner Township, where he became a teacher in the country schools. He bought 160 acres of land and divided his time between farming and teaching, becoming one of the leading men of his neighborhood. n 1837 he returned to ils native connty, where he married Sarah Gardner. They returned to the home he had made in the still new State, and settled down to happy married life. Mr. Happer was a man of political convictions such as would

1286

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

have made him a Republican. He was a de- voted Christiau and one of the pillars of the church at Farmingdale, being instrumental in securing the erection of the house of worship there, becoming a Deacon and Sunday school superintendent, loving the work, and accom- plishiug much good through his efforts. His wife joined him in all his good work, being a member of the same denomination. He died in 1875 and she in 1883. They had six children: Johu G., of Dakota; Carrie M. married J. S. Lyman, deceased; Sarah, wife of John I. Par- sons, of Santa Rosa, Cal .; Lura, wife of Wil- liau Sims, of San Antonio, Tex .; Margaret M. married Dr. E. A. Morgan, of Decatur. These children have all done well and are numbered among the leading people of the several com- munities in which they have resided.

After the death of his father Andrew F. Hap- per bought out the interests of the other heirs, becoming the owner of 400 acres of land. He immediately commenced extensive improve- ments and, as he was a careful farmer, reaped large returns from his investment.

On October 24, 1883, Mr. Happer married Ida V. Harrison, born in Cartwright Township, October 6, 1856, a daughter of Simeon Q. and Mary A. (Renshaw) Harrison, the former now deceased, and the latter living at the age of eighty-eight years, being a very lovable old lady, with a pleasant word for everyone and happy recollections of bygone days.

Mr. Happer made a specialty of Polled Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, making many ex- hibits of his product at fairs and stock shows. He remained on his farm until 1889, when he bought the interest of D. Humphrey at Farm- ingdale, including the home now occupied by Mrs. Happer, a large mercantile establishment and the elevator. In conjunction with operat- ing all these, Mr. Happer also retained supervi- sion over his farm, and the multiplicity of du- tles resulted in his death, February 2, 1903. He passed away firm in the faith of the Presby- teriau Church, belonging to that denomination at Farmingdale, and his work in it and the Sunday school will long be remembered.

Mr. and Mrs. Happer became the parents of two children : James Harrison, born Septem- ber 14, 1886; and Mary, born January 11, 1891. James H. Happer attended district school, and Springfield high school, being graduated there- from in the Class of 1907. He also took a two- years course in the agricultural department of the State University, but on account of the failing health of his mother, iu 1910, he re- turned home to assume charge of the business affairs, which she liad shouldered upon the death of Mr. Happer, and in the brief time which has since elapsed, has proven himself a worthy son of his noble father. His methods have been such as to inspire confidence, and he has every prospect of a long and brilliant busi- ness career. His sister, who is a member of the Class of 1909, Springfield high school, is a charming young lady, with more than ordinary

musical ability, which has been carefully trained. The family all belong to the Presby- terian Church and are popular in it as they are in the best social circles of the town.

HARBAUGH, Edward, a retired farmer of Mechanicsburg, Ill., and a veteran of the Civil War, was born at Baltimore, Md., September 5, 1846, a son of Jerome and Martha (Thomp- son) Harbaugh. Both parents were natives of Georgetown, Md., and the father spent most of his active life at his trade of coachmaker, in Baltimore, where his death occurred, at the age of eighty years, his widow living to the age of ninety-two. The paternal grandfather of Ed- ward Harbaugh, subject of this review, was born in Little York, Pa., his parents being na- tives of Switzerland.

After completing his education in the schools of his native city, Edward Harbaugh became clerk in a store there and in 1863 came to Illi- nois and remained one year on a farm near Mattoon. January 4, 1864, he enlisted for ser- vice in Company E, Thirty-Eighth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, under command of Captain Voris, of Mattoon. Mr. Harbaugh served to the end of the war, was mustered out at Victoria, Tex., and on March 21, 1866, was discharged at Camp Butler, near Springfield. He had ren- dered efficient service aud never had the mis- fortune to be takeu prisoner or receive a wound.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 65

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