Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 76

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 76

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On March 30, 1865, Mr. Hunter was nnlted in narrlage with Rose Ann Ream, who died Jnly 2, 1904, at the age of fifty-five years. One child was born to this union who died in infancy. Mr. Hunter is a member of the Christian Church.

HUNTER, John B., who was a retired farmer residing lu Buffalo, Sangamon County, Ill., was one of the large landholders of the county, and had been very successful in a business way In the locallty where he had lived since 1880. He was born in Bond County, Ill., February 9, 1825, a son of David and Elizabeth (Copeland) Hunter, natives of Dlekson County. Tenn. David was a son of John Hunter, who was a native of county Donegal or Tyrone, Irelaud. David Hunter was married in Tennessee, and about 1820 brought his family and honsehold goods with pack-horses to Bond County, Ill., where he entered prairie land at the edge of the tim- her. becoming owner of 300 to 400 acres. In 1846 he moved to Dallas County, Tex., took up

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

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land there and remained a few years, then re- turning to Bond County, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They had seven children who reached maturity, and of these John B. was the second.

John B. Hunter received his education in the district school and was reared on a farm. He lived with his parents until his marriage, April 2, 1844, to Martha Young, of Bond County, and lie and his wife became parents of one son, L. M., who died in Decatur, III., March 14, 1910. Mrs. Hunter died in April, 1845.

Mr. Hunter married (second), iu April, 1847, Mary A. Robinson, of Bond County, and they had five children; Sarah J., now Mrs. Simeon White, of Walter County, Tex .; W. H., of Downington, Wyo .; C. W., died in Illinois in 1895; Amanda J., died at the age of fonrteen years; James R., killed on the railroad in 1873. Mrs. Huuter died in 1863.

Mr. Hunter was married (third), April 2, 1865, to Elizabeth White, a native of Bond County, and they became parents of three chil- dren: John B., of Denver, Colo .; Otis J., liv- ing near Orchard, Neb .; Guy L., of Mechanics- burg Township, Sangamou County.

After his marriage Mr. Hunter moved to his farm in Bond County, to which he added from time to time until he owned 2,500 acres, and was one of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers in that county. Iu 1880 he sold out and moved to Lanesville Township, Sanga- mon County, where he bought land and became the owuer of several hundred acres. In 1883 he purchased a farm in Mechanicsburg Town- ship, to which he kept adding until he owned 549 acres, on which his son lives. Mr. Hunter also owned property in Buffalo. He had been re- tired from active life for several years. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he had heid all the offices; was a Democrat in politics, a friend of education and progress and highly esteemed as a man of enterprise and good business judgment. His success in life was the result of his own enter- prise and energy. Mr. Hunter died in January, 1911.

HUNTER, John W., an enterprising and prac- tical young farmer, who has always been iden- tified with the best interests of his community, and a lifelong resident of Chatham Township, Sangamon County, Ill., was born on his father's farm on Section 18, Chatham Township, the son of George W. and Rachel Caroline (Camp- bell) Hunter, mentioned at length in a sketch of the former, which appears in a preceding sec- tion of this volume. John W. Hunter spent his boyhood days on a farm, attending school and helping his father, beginning to do his share of farm work as soon as he was able to reach the plow handles and guide it in the furrow. After finishing a course in the district school he spent four winters attending the public school in Springfield and one year iu the Springfield Business College, after which he returned home

and soon after weut to live with his maternal grandfather, Peter C. Campbell, an extensive farmer of the county.

November 4, 1903, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Flora Van Doren, also a native of Chatham Township, born on a farm near Mr. Hunter's birthplace, and daughter of William L. and Emelly (Darneille) Van Doren, her father a leading farmer of the township. After their marriage Mr. Hunter and his wife re- mained in the neighborhood and iu 1905 located on the farm where they now live, on Sectiou 6, Chatham Township, where he makes a specialty of breeding Percheron horses. This is one of the best farms in the neighborhood, containing 200 acres, most of it under cultivation. Since purchasing this place he has made many im- provements in the way of erecting buildings, putting in tiling, etc., and now owns 345 acres In the township. His farm is well stocked with high-grade cattle, hogs and horses, and his Per- cheron stallion, "Caesar," is well known as one of the finest in Central Illinois, being coal- black, 18 hands in height and weighing 2,000 pounds. He also has two pure-bred mares. Though a young man Mr. Hunter has won a good reputation for his intelligence and success in conducting his agricultural business. He takes great interest and pleasure In producing abun- dant crops, and in looking after the many de- tails necessary in carrying on so large a farmi to advantage. He believes in owning and us- ing the latest improved equipment in carrying on his work and takes great interest in the progress and improvement of the community, and especially in the improvement of road con- ditions, which may be appreciated by examining the roads adjoining his land. He stands well with his neighbors and is popular with his inany friends. In politics he is Independent, voting for the Men and Measures he things for the best interests of all the people. Having resided in the neighborhood all his lifetime he is weli- known, is a popular representative of his fa- mily, which he has been identified with this community for so many years.

Mr. Hunter is a member of the Christian Church while his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge at Loami, and of the I. O. O. F. No. 108 at Loami, and he and his wife are identified with the Order of the Eastern Star of that village.

HUNTER, Peter James, member of the well- known Hunter family that has done so much in promoting the welfare and progress of Chat- ham Township, Sangamon County, was born in the township, April 24, 1882, a son of George W. and Rachel C. (Campbell) Hunter. (A more complete history of the family is to be found In the sketch of George W. Hunter, in a pre- ceding section of this department.) Peter J. Hunter attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and when tweive years old en- rolled himself in the public schools of Spring- field and attended them during the next five

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

winters, working on his father's farm during the summer months. After leaving school, he remained on the home farm until March 5, 1902, when he was uuited in marriage with Miss Nellie A. Van Doren, born on the same section (18) of Chatham Township, as himself, April 30, 1882. She was a daughter of William Van Doren, a representative citizen of his com- munity, still residing on his farm, and of whom may he found a sketch elsewhere in this work.

After marriage, Mr. Hunter settled on his farm ou Section 3 of Chatham Township. In 1907, he and his wife took a pleasure trip to Colorado and New Mexico, then spent two years in the village of Chatham, and in the spring of 1910, returned to the farm, where they have a pleasant home, brightened by the presence of their two children: Emma R., horn Novemher 15, 1904, and Esther Eloise, May 1, 190S. For many years Mr. Hunter has heeu connected with the Christian Church, while his wife is a mem- her of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Loami which he also attends. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 523, of Chatham, and he aud Mrs. Hunter are members of the Order of Eastern Star. He is serving as Worshipful Master of the former.

Although a comparatively young man, Mr. Hunter has for several years been identified with the best interests of his community, and is always found ready to support any worthy puhlic enterprise. In 1909, by solicitation of his friends. he was placed upon the Democratic ticket for the office of Supervisor, and although the township is strongly Republican. he was elected by a fair majority and took his seat in June of that year. He has stood for a "fair deal for the people," aud has been one of the most useful members of the board. When the question came up of converting the county iuto a commission of three Judges, he voted that the people be allowed to vote on this question. Personally, he is much opposed to the issue and has advanced inany good reasons for his oppo- sition to the commission plan.

Mr. Hunter is au intelligent farmer, aud for the past three years has given much attention to breeding high-grade hogs. At the head of his herd, is the pure-hred Poland China "Banker Second," champion at the Illinois State Fair, in 1909. Mr. Hunter has about fifty head of hogs on his farm at the present time. He owns 240 acres in his home place on Section 3, and also has 160 acres ou Section S of Chatham Township. He has always been in favor of a good grade of horses and cattle, as well as hogs. His success attest the soundness of his judgment on agricultural matters.

HUNTER, William D., an enterprising young farmer and a husiness man of sound judgment, has recently purchased a fine farm in Section 12, Loami Township, Sangamon County, Ill., which he is stocking with high-grade cattle and hogs. Mr. Hunter has virtually had charge of his own affairs since he was twelve years of

age, his father having died before he was born, and in this way he has acquired a degree of acumen and clear-sightedness not usually pos- sessed by a man of his years. Mr. Hunter is a native of Sangamon County, born in Chatham Township, July 10, 1SS2, a son of George W. and Rachel Caroliue . (Campbell) Hunter, the former a native of Auburn Township, Sangamon County, and the latter of Chatham Township. A sketch of the father, to he found elsewhere in this volume, contains further history of the family.

The boyhood of William D. Hunter was spent on a farm and, after attending the district schools, he spent three years in the public schools of Springfield and took a course of six months in bookkeeping. After leaving school he went to live with his grandfather, Peter C. Camphell, and at the age of twelve years was entrusted with the respousihility of drawing a check against the bank account of the latter for personal expenses and giveu a voice in the transaction of all husiness in which he had a personal interest through property inherited hy him. He remained on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, during that time superin- tending much of his grandfather's business, writing the leases of land which was rented out and on his own responsibility looking after large land interests.

August 31, 1909, Mr. Hunter married Miss Catherine Ramsey, who was born on the edge of Springfield, July 26, 18SS, a daughter of Christopher M. and Catherine (Baskim) Ram- sey, her father being deceased while the mother is still a resident of Springfield. Mr. Ramsey passed away Juue 4, 1909. He and his wife had four sons and one daughter, namely: Robert, of Springfield; Joseph and Chester, twins, the latter deceased; John, at home, and Mrs. Hun- ter. At the time of his marriage Mr. Hunter had sold his stock aud prepared a pretty home on Allen Street, Springfield, for his bride, but after they had occupied it about six montlis, both decided they preferred country life. In February, 1910, he purchased his present farm of fifty-three acres in the northeast quarter of Section 12, Loami Township, for which he paid $208 per acre, the highest price ever paid for land in that vicinity. This is a well-improved and fertile farm and Mr. Hunter plans adding to its attractiveness and productiveness as time goes on. He is a most enterprising and ener- getic farmer and has made a special study of scientific methods and modern ideas. He is stocking his farm with Poland-China hogs and Jersey and Holstein cows. He has selected this breed of hogs after much deliheration, and his choice has heen due to their superior quality as a food product and their early fitness for the market. He pays high prices in order to secure the hest quality of stock for the market, is coul- mended for his excellent judgment in emhark- ing in this very profitable industry and holds a high reputation for honest dealing and integrity in business transactions. He owns 525 acres

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

of land, a large part of it being in Sections 7 and 8 of Chatham Township.

Mr. Hunter is a member of the Christian Church, while his wife is a communicant of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral in Springfield. In politics he is a Democrat, is popular among his neigh- bors and has many friends in varions parts of Sangamon County.

HUNTER, Waiter E .- The tendency of the age is toward specializing, experience having taught that through distinctive training along limited iines, the greatest measure of success is at- tained. There is no limit placed upon the work. Every line of activity is open to specialization, and one of those who has already made his name known in Illinois as a skilled trainer of horses, is Walter E. Hunter, one of the newer residents of Springfield. Mr. Hunter, whose place of business is located on South Fourth Street, was born in Effingham, Ill., August 11, 1877, the son of James and Mary (Toothacher) Hunter. The father was born in Effingham County, Iil., January 10, 1842, while his wife was born in the same locality, but died in 1893, at the age of thirty-five years. James Hunter served in the Civil War and located in Effing- ham County at an early day. This has con- tinued to be his home ever since, and he has be- come prosperous as a farmer and stationary en- gineer. His work has won for him enviable distinction in his line of business, and he en- joys the respect and confidence of his associates.

Walter E. Hunter attended the schools of Ef- fingham, and Champaign, finally taking the full course in veterinary surgery, at the Iilinois State University. Prior to this he had learned the baker's trade, at which he worked for eight years to earn the money for his university course. While at the nniversity he decided upon becoming a horse trainer, and his success has justified his adoption of this profession. His experience has been wide and varied, and while in Effingham Connty he was easily a leader in his line, as he Is in Sangamon since coming there. He had gained a good knowledge of horses on his father's farm in boyhood, and un- derstands them thoroughly.

Mr. Hunter had an interesting experience as a soldier, serving as a non-commissioned officer for eighteen months in the Spanish-American War, in the. Philippines, and was a brave and faithful soldier. He is a Presbyterian and has aiways been a Republican, but is not an office seeker. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. Although he has ieft Effingham, Mr. Hunter is still interested in that city, for he owns considerable property there, and it was hls home all his life before his location in Springfield.

HUNTINGTON, George Lathrop (deceased), for many years identified with the business life of Springfield, serving for two terms as Mayor of the city, was born in Norwich, Conn., in May, 1812, and dled in Springfield, Ill., May 26, 1874.

He was a son of Jonathan and Anua (Lathrop) Huntington, both natives of Norwich, Conn. The ancestors of Mr. Huntington were prom- inent in New England in colonlal times, having served in the colonial wars and also in the War of the Revolution.

Mr. Huntington received his education in Boston, Mass., and having a natural taste for music, received excellent training along this line and in the classics. He came west as a young man and embarked in the dry-goods business iu St. Louis, Mo., later moving to Springfield, Ill., where for many years he con- ducted a similar business. He became inter- ested in various other business enterprises, for a time being connected with the Great Western Railroad. He was aiso successful as a lumber merchant, displaying both business judgment and superior energy in caring for his financial interests, as a consequence ac- cumulating considerable property, including city real estate and several farms in Sangamon County. Mr. Huntington took an active part in political affairs, being affiliated with the Democratic party, and the people of Spring- field showed their appreciation, for two terms (1861-63) electing him to the office of Mayor, which he filled with ability and satisfaction. He always had at heart the progress and wel- fare of the city and assisted in laying out beautiful Oak Ridge Cemetery, which contains the tomb of Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Huntington took great interest in va- rious benevolent societies, and being a man of kindly disposition and generons instinct, con- tributed largely to private charities as well. He was a loving husband and father, a true aud kind friend, and became a social leader. He was very fond of music and fond of other arts as well. He became Musical Director of the Philharmonic Society, and his home was the scene of many pleasant gatherings which were well remembered by those present. He was much beloved in social circles and was highly esteemed and respected as a citizen. His loss was felt keenly in many circles and he is still remembered by those who had the pleasure of his friendship as a man of more than usual talent and worth. He was a mem- ber of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. Huntington was married in St. Louis, Mo., to Hannah Flagg Forbes, daughter of Franklin and Clarissa (Nichols) Forbes, both natives of Boston, Mass. Nine children blessed their union, namely : Mary, died in infancy ; Charles, a commander in the United States Navy; Alice, Emily, George, Clara; Ellen, widow of Thomas C. Henkle; Arthur and Leonora. Mrs. Huntington was noted for her personal beauty and intellectual attainments. She was a social favorite in ali the great func- tions during the time of Abraham Lincoln. She died in 1893.

HURT, David M., a retired farmer residing at Illiopolis, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

has lived In the neighborhood of his present home siuce 1867. He was horn In Meuard County, Ill., Deceiuber 12, 1832, sou of James K. and Malinda (Preston) Hurt, hoth natives of Kentucky, the former boru In 1805 and the latter in 1808. The father was a farmer by oc- cupatiou and came to Saugamon County in 1830, living for a short time on a farm north of Springfield, then moved to a farm uear Athens, Menard County, where his death occurred In 1852, from cholera. His wife died at the age of eighty years. Ile was a soldier In the Black Hawk War. His parents and those of his wife were natives of Kentucky. Seven daughters and four sons were horn to James K. Hurt and his wife, of whom two sons and three daughters survive: J. A., Justice of the Peace at Athens, Ill .; Frank, residiug iu Colorado; Julia Hol- land, Ilving in Kansas; Adeline Peter, of Spring- field ; Maria Primin. of Athens.

David M. Hurt received his education iu the country schools of Meuard County, and after leaving school worked on the farm for his fa- ther. He learned the trade of cooper, at which he worked for some time, and he and his brother J. A. for four years conducted a hrlck business in Athens. just before the former enlisted in the Union Army. He enlisted at Athens, Au- gust 12. 1862, in Company K, One Hundred Sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served three years, and was mustered out in July, 1865. He took part in several battles, among them the siege of Vickshurg and the hattle at Little Rock, be- sides many skirmishes. At the close of the war Mr. Hurt returned to Athens and in 1867 pur- chased a farm near Illiopolis, where he lived many years. then retired from active work and located in Illiopolis. He was an enterprising and Industrious farmer and won a very falr de- gree of success. He has erected a comfortable home in Illlopolls and is enjoying the fruits of his years of hard work. He Is a Republican in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for Fillmore and his second for Lincoln. He served eighteen years as School Director in Athens, aud also served as Commissioner of Highways. He is Commander of Morgan Post No. 208, G. A. R., and has been Its Chaplain several terms. He has belonged to the Metho- dist Church fifty years, and is Trustee of the organization in Illiopolis.

Mr. Hurt was married, in Athens, to Susan Tice. a native of Menard County, whose parents came there from Virginla In an early day, and lived on a farm until their deaths. Her parents lived to au advanced age. Mrs. Hurt died in May, 1900, having heen a falthful and loving wife and mother. Children were born to her as follows: Edwin N., a farmer of Illiopolis Township; Luella, deceased : Minnie Ilves with her father. Edwin N. Hurt has four children : Ruth, Pauline, Lora and David N. Mr. Hurt owns his present home and a farm in Illiopolls Township.

IDE, Albert L. (deceased) .- No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential limitations, will serve to offer a fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of the honored subject of this sketch, a man who was remarkable In the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable perseverance, his strong individuallty, and yet one whose entire life had not one esoterle phase, beiug an opeu scroll, inviting the closest scrutiny. True, his were "massive deeds aud great" In one seuse, and yet his eutire life accomplishmeut but rep- resents the result of the fit utilization of the iuuate talent which was his, aud the direct- ing of his efforts in those lines where inature judgment aud rare discrimination led the way. There was iu Mr. Ide a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that commanded the re- spect of all. A quan of indefatigable enter- prise and fertility of resources, he carved his name deeply on the record of the commercial and business history of the State, which owes inuch if its advancement to his efforts.

The name of Albert L. Ide, is familiar in mechanical circles throughout the civillzed world for his designing, constructing and per- fecting a high-speed automatic engine for elec- tric lighting purposes, and at the time of his death was connected with many business and financial enterprises iu Springfield, Ill. He was at that time the senior partner and original founder of the firm of A. L. Ide & Sous, pro- prietors of the Ide Engine Works, at Spring- field; President of the Springfield Electric Light & Power Company; a Director of the Ridgely National Bank, and .a Director of the Springfield Consolidated Rallway Company. The Ide Engine Works reached phenomenal success and secured world-wide reputation un- der his able management, selling the finished product In many foreign countries, as well as throughout the United States. He was a nat- ural genius, a mechanic of the highest order, and met success as a business man, an iu- ventor and a manufacturer. He was the first steam fitter who established himself in busi- ness in Springfield and one of bis larger con- tracts was the fitting of the present State Cap- itol with heating facilities.

Mr. Ide hecame a resident of Sangamon County In 1843 and was long accounted a leading citizen and representative business mau of Springfield. He was one who, under the pressure of necessity and the stimulus of com- petition, rose to prominence in trade circles in Central Illinois, and in his career exem- plified the fact that no country offers the ad- vantages to its citizens as great as those fur- nished by America. Unhampered by caste or class, the people of this land may rise through the inherent force of character and the exer- cise of indomitable Industry to positions of power and influence. and thus It was that Mr.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Ide became one of the leading representatives of industrial life in Springfield and won the proud Americau title of a self-made man. The Ide faully of which he was a representative, was founded in Vermont in colonial days aud was afterward established iu Ohio. In the latter State the subject of this sketch was boru March 20, 1841, his parents being Harrison and Mary (Stockdale) Ide. The father, also a native of the Buckeye State, came to Sanga- mon County in 1843, settling ou a farm near Williamsville. He there carried on agricul- tural pursuits through the summer months aud in winter season engaged in teaching school. He resided in Sangamon County several years, but there was something attractive to him iu pioneer life, as he took pleasure in claimiug wild land and improving it for purposes of civilization. This iuduced him to move far- ther west, and he went to Sanford, Iowa, where he purchased land and began its development, there carrying on agricultural pursuits until his death. The mother of the subject of this sketch had died in Springfield, and the father was afterward married a second time, his union then belng with Mrs. Reynolds, who is also deceased.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 76

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