Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 77

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 77

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Albert L. Ide acquired his education in the country schools, which were tanght by his father near Williamsville. He was about two years of age when brought to the county and lie made his home continuously in this locality until called to his final rest. When he had completed his education he entered upon his business career as an apprentice in the machin- Ist's trade in Springfield, the trend of his mind and his native powers all tending in this di- rection. An incident of his early life showlug this is related. While his parents were at- tending church one Sunday, Mr. Ide, then a small boy, amused himself by boring a hole in a stick of wood, fitting it with a chamber and touch hole, and used this toy cannon by load- ing it with powder and firlug It off in the house. However, the cannon exploded and the flying pleces damaged the plaster of the ceil- Ing, and he was trying to repair it when his parents returned. He also took considerable pride and pleasure in repairing the neighbors' clocks. At the age of fifteen years Mr. Ide entered the shop of Campbell & Richardson, In Springfield, as an apprentice, and as they built steam engines for saw and grist-mills, he thus became familiar with the work which engaged so much of his attention in later life.

At the first call for troops by President Lin- coln, Mr. Ide eulisted in the Seventh Illinois Infantry and, at the close of his terin of serv- ice, became drill master at Camp Butler, re- malning in that post one year, when he re- enlisted and was chosen Major of the Thirty- second Illinois Infantry, fiually being honor- ably discharged for disability after a severe attack of typhoid fever.

Upon leaving the army MIr. Ide clerked in a merchandise store, by diligence and care sav-

Ing up a few hundred dollars, with which cap- ital he purchased an interest in the jewelry business of Henry C. Meyers, of which he ul- timately became the sole owner. After the war he superintended the building and equipment of the Springfield City Railway Fifth Street Line and became President of the company.

In 1870 Mr. Ide engaged iu the steam-fitting business in Springfield, and soon after secured the contract for furuishing the heating appara- tus for the new capitol building. In 1876 he purchased from the city the Market House property at the corner of Fifth and Madison Streets, and equipped a more complete and ex- tensive machine shop and foundry than he had before beeu able to owu, and this became tlie nucleus of the present engine works plant. Many of the largest public institutions of Il- linois have been fitted with heating and ven- tilating systemus by Mr. Ide. About 1880 his attention became centered upon efforts which were being made to perfect and introduce a commercial and practicable system of electric lighting, and in the interests of this enterprise Mr. Ide visited Mr. Edison, at Menlo Park, to witness results which had there been accom- plished. He discovered that the greatest dif- ficulty encountered was in regulating and gov- erning the engiues furnishing the power po that this would not fluctuate and cause nn- steadiness, pulsation and varlation of the In- tensity of light furnished. In the next few years he accomplished much in studying the leading engines of the country, their use in connection with lighting plants and thelr va- rious attachments and appliances for regulat- ing power. His subsequent designing, experi- inenting, and perfecting of his engiue resulted in the present product of the plant at which he speut so many active years. Besides the governing mechanism, he developed for his en- gines a self-oiling system, and in 1886, when he had completed his invention, his engine was named the "Ideal," after the snrname of the inventor, with his initials added. This engine rapidly became popular in the trade, and va- rious Improvements were afterward added and patented. The trade constantly grew, com- manding an enlargement of the plant, and to- day it is the largest enterprise of the kind in this part of the State. Mr. Ide continved in business up to the time of his demise, when he was also connected with other industries and enterprises of the City.

Albert D. Ide married Miss Adelaide Pierce, who was born in New York, aud was the daughter of Simeon Pierce, who followed farming throughout his entire career, aud died In Cass County, Va. Five children were born of this union: Harry L., who is a member of the firm of A. L. Ide & Sons; Albert who re- sides in Chicago; Francis P. and Roy W., who are also connected with the engine manufactur- ing business; and Chester E., a teacher of music, in Springfield.

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Mr. Ide passed away on the 6th of Septem- ber, 1897. Ile had never taken a very active interest in politics, but voted the Republican ticket. He was a member of American So- ciety of Mechanical Engineers, Stephenson Post G. A. R., and attended the Second Presbyterian Church. Canses of local improvement elicited his attention and co-operation, and in matters of citizenship he was always progressive and public-spirited. In a bnsness career of indus- try, integrity and success, he made for him- self an honorable name, never incurring an obligation that he did not fulfill or making an engagement that he did not meet. He came to enjoy, in large measure, the respect and confidence of his employes, as well as his ac- qnaintances of social life, and his death, there- fore, was deeply regretted by a wide circle of friends. His widow resides in a beautiful home at No. 1515 North Third Street and the sous all own fine residences in that neighbor- hood.

IDE, Henry, an enterprising and progressive German-American citizen of Springfield, Ill., now living retired from active life and enjoying the rest he has so well earned by years of hard work, has been a resident of Springfield since 1866. He was horn in Hessen, Germany, April 28, 1828, the son of John and Mary (Gottschalk) Ide, both natives of Germany. The father was a farmer hy occupatiou and served nineteen years in the German Army. In later life he con- ducted a large sheep ranch, and died at the ad- vanced age of one hundred eight years. He and his wife spent their entire lives in Germany and she died at the age of ninety-five years. They were parents of ten sons and four daughters, of whom all are deceased except Henry, the sub- ject of this sketch. Henry Ide received his edu- cation in his native town, attending school until he was fonrteen years old, then went to Prussia and drove a team on a pike road there nineteen years. In March, 1859, he sailed from Bremen for America, landing In New Orleans after hav- ing spent forty-nine days on the ocean voyage. He came direct to Illinois and worked on a farm near Peoria until 1864, and in that year marrled Miss Emma Schmidt, of Peoria. He and his wife then moved to Alabama, where he owned and conducted a cotton plantatlon two years. Mrs. Ide died in 1866 and Mr. Ide then came back to Illinols, taking up the occupation of farming in Sangamon County.

Mr. Ide was married (second) December 19, 1892, to Mrs. Catherine Sauer, who was born in Germany and came to America in 1867, salling from Bremen to Hull, England, and thence to New York on a sailing vessel. Her birth oc- curred in 1843 aud she was married before leav- ing Germany, to Frederick Sauer, who dled in 1890. She has lived in Springfield the last thirty-three years. No children were born to Mr. Ide by elther marriage. Upon first coming to Springfield Mr. Ide drove an ice wagon for the Stiffler Ice Company, then worked fifteen years for the rolling mills, after which he car-

ried on farming and teaming sixteen years. He still owns a farm near Springfield besides his home at 1516 East Edwards Street, where he has lived for nineteen years.

Mr. Ide is a member of the Germau Lutheran Trinity Church and in politics Is a Democrat. He has been industrious and thrifty all his life and Is respected for his honesty and integrity of character. He is well advanced in years but is active aud well and enjoys the society of his friends.

ILES, Elijah. (Vol. I, p. 286.)

ILES, Washington Thomas .- There are a nm- ber of farmers of Sangamon County who have llved through the various changes in agricul- "tural life, emerging from the time when every- thing was done in the crudest fashion and the farmer never expected to earn more than a mere living, to the present when operations are con- ducted along scientific lines, and the man who tills the soil is thoroughly business-like in every respect. One of these men who has become well- to-do as a farmer, and still owns some of the valnable farm land here, is Washington Thomas Iles, residing on Section 14, Woodside Town- ship. He was born in Springfield, April 5, 1833, a son of Washington and Ann (Foster) Iles.

Washington Iles, Sr., was born in Kentucky, July 18, 1800, and married in that State. They had nine children, three of whom survive : Anna E., born in 1830, married William H. Bonrne, is now a resident of Springfield, her husband being deceased; Elijah Foster Iles, born in 1838, is also a resident of Springfield ; and Washington T. Iles. Having enlisted in the Black Hawk War, Washington Iles was im- pressed with the richness and beauty of Sanga- mon Connty through which he passed, and so returned, coming up the Sangamon River on the steamer Tallsman, the only steamer ever run on it. He located in Springfield, becoming the owner of a large acreage of land In and about the city. His brother, Major Elijah Iles, do- nated the land for South Park, and also that used by the Wabash Rallroad Company for their Springfield car shops. This public-spirited and patriotic man dled near Springfield, July 4, 1871, and his wife Angust 25, 1866.

Washington Thomas Iles was educated in the Sangamon County schools and here laid a firm foundation for his future life. Adopting farming as a calling, he has followed it all his life, now owning 280 acres in Sectlons 13 and 14, Wood- side Township.

Mr. Iles was marrled in Butler County, Ky., In 1867. to Emma Jones, born in Bath County, Ky., Aprll 4, 1844, a daughter of James and Malinda (Robinson) Jones, and they became the parents of five children as follows: Julia J .; Linnie L., wife of John Norris, born July 14, 1869; Benja- min B., born May 28. 1872; William, born in February, 1874; and George, born April 6, 1879, is deceased. From 1887 to 1890 Mr. Iles was a member of the Grangers and enjoyed his asso- ciatlons with his fellow farmers. He has al-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ways been a good farmer, and has developed his land until it is now extremely valuable. Hard- working and thrifty, he has kuown how to make his labor count for something, aud he stands very high in his community as a man in whom implicit trust can be placed by those who have business dealings with him.

INGLEDEW, Thomas, a weil-known florist living at 1227 Phillips Aveuue, Springfield, is a native of Bristol, Somersetshire, Eugland, born April 29, 1841. He is a son of Thomas aud Mary (Kemm) Ingledew, the former of whom was a commerciai traveler in the employ of a London wholesale tea house, aud when his son was a small boy lived five years near Dublin, Ireland. When the boy was seven years of age the fam- ily moved to London, and there he received his education, through private tutors.

In May, 1865. Thomas Iugledew came to the United States, landing in New York when the city was draped in mourning for President Lincoln. He lived in New York and Brooklyn for ten years, being employed as hotel clerk and in various other capacities, such as street car conductor, etc., and in 1866 was there mar- ried to Miss Mary Ryau, who died in New York. In 1886 Mr. Ingledew located in Springfield, which has been his home ever since. He is honest aud industrious and has filled many different positions. He has been in his present business since 1901 and has met with fair suc- cess iu this .line. He is an energetic and faith- ful worker and au excelleut manager, and owns his home at 1227 Phillips Avenue.

Mr. Ingledew has formed many friendships and is popular with his associates. He was married (second) in Springfield, in 1886, to Miss Nettie Miller, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gabel) Miller, old settlers of Sanga- mon Couuty and natives of Kentucky. Mr. Miller was a "'Forty-niner" and died in Cali- fornia, and Mrs. Miller in Springfield, Ili. They had four children. Mr. and Mrs. Ingle- dew have one daughter, Mary E., who married B. F. Best. Mr. Ingledew is a member of the Episcopal Church and in politics is a Demo- crat.

INGELS, Nathaniel H., was born January 1, 1837. son of William and Parmelia (Jacoby) Ingels, and grandson of James Ingels. James Ingels was born November 3. 1779. He was married, October 24, 1799, to Elizabeth Ducker, who was born March 4. 1780. They had chil- dren as follows: Mary, born September 10. 1800; Sarah. born October 1, 1801; William, born September 6. 1803; Noah, born November 10. 1805; Nathaniel, born December 31. 1807; Lucinda, born January 28. 1810; Catherine, born February 1, 1812; Clarissa. born December 6. 1813; Ann, born Jannary 6. 1816; Elizabeth. born March 14, 1818; Emily. born July 19. 1820; Edy, born October 27, 1822. By his sec- ond wife James Ingeis had : James. born July 8, 1825; Joseph, boru January 13, 1827. James

Ingels, the father, died April 3, 1857, and his first wife, Elizabeth, died October 28, 1822.

Williamu, son of James Ingels, was boru Sep- tember 6, 1803, aud died Aprii 13, 1848. He married Parmelia Jacoby, born January 28, 1810, and she died February 6, 1877. Their children were Mary E Pritchard, boru April 26, 1830; Sarah J. Pritchard, boru February 11, 1832 ; J. J., boru August 25, 1834, died Janu- ary 22, 1868; Nathaniel N., born January 1, 1837; Clarissa G. (Ingels) Constant, born May 6, 1839; Rachei, born February 4, 1841, died October 29, 1841; William V., born January 10, 1843, died October 12, 1862.

It is supposed this family is of Scotch de- scent, and that their emigrant ancestor was one of a family that came fromu Edinburg to Phila- delphia, Pa., about 1690 or 1700. The sons and daughters moved to different parts of the couu- try, and oue descendant, who lived in Pennsyl- vauia, James Ingels, married Mrs. Catherine (Boone) Dehart, cousin or niece of Daniel Boone, aud they moved to Bourbou County, Ky., in 1785.

Nathaniel H. Ingels was quarried, October 2, 1860, to Sarah Bell Lockridge, who was born January 1, 1841, and they became parents of children as follows: Sarah Parmelia, born Sep- tember 27. 1861; William B., born April 20, 1863; Ifenry G., born Jaunary 15, 1865; Fred- erick L., born April 17, 1866; John A., born May 13, 1869; Jessy N., born February 17, 1872.

INGLIS, Samuel M. (Vol. I, p. 297.)

INGRAM, James .- The present generation can have no conception of the spirit which moved the brave boys of the early 'sixties and seut them off to the front to fight in defense of their country. Only those who went through those trying days know anything about these mat- ters. One of the veterans of Sangamon County, now living retired at No. 1906 South Grand Avenne, Springfield, is James Ingram. He was born in Putnam County, Ind., August 7, 1845, a son of Robert and Margaret (Miller) Ingrain, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. The father was a cooper who came from Ken- tucky to Indiana at an early day, settling near Terre Haute, where he followed his trade, this continuing to be his home until his death. His wife is also deceased. There were five sons and two daughters in the family, those surviving being : James ; Oliver of Cuba, Ill., and two sisters living in Oklahoma.

James Ingram was educated in Indiana, and when still a boy, worked in a spoke and hub factory in Vermont, following this occupation for several years, or until he felt that his services were needed by his country. When only nine- teen years of age, he enlistd from Fulton County, Ill., in Company D. One Hundred and Fifty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving under Coionel Woodall. His regiment was first stationed at Columbus. Ga .. being on guard duty the greater part of the time. Returning to

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Camp Butler, he was discharged, and went back to Fulton County, having done his duty as a soldier. From then until 1907, he followed his trade in Fulton County, but in that year re- tired coming to Springfield, but is still the owner of property in Fulton County. While living In Fulton County, he was a member of the Joe Hooker Post, G. A. R., and is still a member of Astoria Lodge, I. O. O. F. He has always been a Democrat.

Mr. Hoffman was married in Schuyler County, Ill., in 1875, to Miss Mary Wallace, born in that county, where her parents were early settlers, and he worked at his trade of cabinet making until his death. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ingram: Edward, Ilving with his father, and engaged in mining; Inez, at home; Robert and Clyde, both miners; Bruce, William and Walter, all at home. There are two grand- children in the family. Mr. Ingram is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of his com- munity, whose problty and general kindliness of character have won him respect and confidence.

INSLEE, N. J., a highly respected farmer who owns an estate on Section 5, Cotton Hill Town- ship, Sangamon County, is the only one now sur- viving of the six children of Joseph and Sarah (Pease) Inslee, and was born six miles south of the city of Springfield, Ill., December 31, 1832. The father was born in October, 1796, and he and his wife were both natives of the State of New York. Joseph Inslee and wife came to Sangamon County In 1818 and located about slx miles south of Springfield, where they spent the remainder of thelr lives. His death occurred in the year 1868 or 1870. He was a blacksmith by trade and he and his wife had four sons and one daughter, all deceased except Newton. Jo- seph Inslee served three months in the Black Hawk War. The only daughter of this family lived near Mineral Point, Wis. The family were among the earliest settlers of Sangamon County and have always been considered among the most useful and public-spirited citizens of the county. The subject of this sketch has always been ready to promote any cause for the gen- eral welfare and has a patriotic feeling for his native county.

In boyhood N. J. Inslee worked on the farm for his father, and when he could be spared at- tended school in the old log building which is still standing, and which was then fitted with primitive log benches and desks. At the age of eighteen years he took up the occupation of farming on his own account and has since fol- lowed it. His first Independent farming was done on a farm southwest of what is now known as New City, where he spent three years, and in 1866 he located on his farm, which he purchased In 1865. He owns forty-one and one-half acres of fertile land, which he has developed into an excellent farm, and is known as a kind neighbor and desirable cltlzen. He Is reasonably proud of his famlly, as is in every way proper, and In his own life has endeavored

to keep up to his ideal of what a gentleman and a Christian should be.

Mr. Inslee was married In Sangamon County, May 16, 1852, to Eliza A. Keyes, daughter of Isaac and Mary Keyes, natives of Ohio, who came to Sangamon County in a very early day and located near where Mr. Inslee now lives. The father died there a comparatively young man and the mother died at somewhere near the same time. Five children have been born to Mr. Insiee and wife, three of whom now sur- vive : Mary, wife of John M. Walker, of Sanga- mon County ; Melissa, wife of William T. Dodd, was born in 1858; and they live in the State of Washington; Joseph W., born April 1, 1859, at home. Mrs. Walker was born in 1860. There are seven grandchildren in the family. During the Civil War Mr. Inslee was a member of the Union League. He is a member of the Christian Church, which he joined In 1870. He is a Re- publican in politics and in 1860 voted for Abra- ham Lincoln. He was elected School Director in 1858 and held the office two years.

IRWIN, Adolphus Quintin .- The financial stand- ing of a community depends upon the solidity of its banking institutions, and as a result the officers of these Institutlons must be men of up- right character and business reputation. Adol- phus Quintin Irwin, Cashier of the Pleasant Plains State Bank, President of the Building and Loan Association, belongs to a family that has long been connected with the financial, busi- ness and political life of Sangamon County. He was born In Cartwright Township, Decem- ber 30, 1864, a son of Amos Dick and Rebecca J. (Plunkett) Irwin, and a grandson of Robert S. and Ruth (Combs) .Plunkett, pioneers of Sangamon County who located here in 1820 from North Carolina. The Irwin family is also an old one in Ilinois, where the general occupa- tion of the family has been that of farming. Mr. Irwin's grandfather was a member of the company commanded by Abraham Lincoln dur- ing the Black Hawk War, and was intimately connected with the early history of the State. Adolphus Q. Irwin spent his boyhood on the home farm, going with his parents to Kansas when about five years of age and returning to the farın in 1870. In 1872 the family moved to the village, where Mr. Irwin attended the public school, and in October, 1882, he accepted a position as clerk in a grocery store, later

taking charge of the books, and eventually be- coming confidential clerk and book-keeper. He continued in that positlon until 1887. when he took a position as clerk in the grocery store of Mccullough Brothers, No. 124 North Fifth Street. Springfield, later becoming book-keeper and finally head clerk. He remained with that concern until June, 1891, when on account of illness he went home, and after recuperating accepted a position in a general store. In 1892 he went West, where he remained for one year, and on his return commenced agricultural oper- ations, with his brother as a partner, so con-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

tinuing for two years, when he went to work for William Lynd, a grocery merchant. In 1896 the stock was sold to John Lehmann, with whom Mr. Irwin continued until the fall of 1904, and in 1905 he accepted a position as book-keeper in the Greene Bank, of Tallula, a private institution. He had full charge of the books there until June, 1906, when he was tendered the position of Cashier of the Pleas- ant Plains State Bank, which he accepted, and the bauk was then incorporated as a State in- stitution with the following officers: A. Ather- ton, President; J. H. Irwin, Vice-president; A. Q. Irwin, Cashier ; E. J. Atherton, Assistant Cashier; and A. Atherton, J. H. Irwin, W. S. Rearick, J. F. Tomlin, Isaac F. Tomlin and A. Q. Irwin, Directors. The bank's cash capital is $30,000, and the deposits run as high as $150,000, showing that the people have entire confidence in the institution under its present management.

On June 25, 1903, Mr. Irwin was united in marriage with Frances M. Griffin, who was born in Pleasant Plains July 4, 1876, a daugh- ter of William B. and Malinda (Farris) Griffin, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. Griffin came from Ohio at an early day and located in Pike County Ill., there carrylug on his trade of wagonmaker until his retirement from active life, since which time he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. W. S. Hinsley. in Pleas- ant Plains. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin had one child, Francis Q. Irwin, born April 25, 1905, and on May 12th of that year Mrs. Irwin died. She was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, while Mr. Irwin is affiliated with the Christian denomination. In political matters he is a Republican and for some years has heen a member of the Village Board of Trustees. For many years he was Secretary of the Bulld- ing and Loan Association, and in July, 1906, was elected President of that body. In addition to his various other operations he farms a tract of 110 acres of fine land.

IRWIN, James H., a farmer residing on Section 3. Cartwright Township, and Vice-President of the Pleasant Plains State bank, was born on his present farm, two miles east of Pleasant Plains on the Beardstown Road, Nov. 25, 1855, a son of Alexander Blackstone Irwin and Jane (Broad- well) Irwin. His father was horn in Cabarrus County, N. C., February 7, 1814, and was a son of Samuel Lynn and Rachel (Hudson) Irwin.

Samuel Lynn Irwin was horu June 6, 1779, in Cabarrus County, N. C., and his wife, Rachel Hudson, in Rockingham County, Va., October 15, 1785. The latter was taken by an uncle to Cabar- rus County, N. C., where she and Samuel Lynn Irwin were married, September 23. 1802. They had ten living children horn to them in North Carolina, and in the fall of 181& with their family, moved to the part of Tennessee then called the Cherokee Purchase, where one child, Robert T. Irwin, was horn. Samuel Lynn Ir- win came to Illinois in 1819 and staked out a claim on land which is now located in the north-

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 77

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