Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 8

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 8

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Mr. Baumann was married in Springfield, January 1. 1861, to Miss Catherine Dunkle, and they became parents of nine children. namely : George Edward. a leading druggist of Spring- field ; Henry Albert, living at home; Charles. of Springfield; Georgetta. Mrs. Joseph Snyder, of Springfield : Noble, of Springfield; Herman and Benjamin B., of Springfield; Belle and Katy Louise, at home. Mrs. Baumann was born in Germany, May 21, 1844, and was but one year

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

old when her parents came to the United States. They landed at New Orleans, having been eighteen weeks on the water, belated by storms and nearly starved as a consequence of running out of food. The parents, Philip and Catherine (Spangler) Dunkel, had one child born on the voyage, whom the called Mary, after the ship on which she was born. They proceeded to St. Louis and came from there to Springfield with an ox team. Ile had a brother Adam living near Springfield and himself located on a farm four miles ont from the city. He had learned the trade of blacksmith in Germany but after coming to the United States devoted the re- mainder of his life to farming.

Mrs. Banmann was a bright child aud was educated in the district schools of Sangamon County. She had few early advantages, but by reason of her intelligence and natural ability, became of great assistance to her husband in managing his business and knew every detail of it. After the death of her husband she rented the store two years, then the tenant moved west and she condneted the store herself two years. She is a most energetic woman, having been left with nine young children to rear, but her courage never failed and she has fulfilled her duty nobly, having guided them all to noble man and womanhood and prepared them well for the duties of life. Not only has she taken an interest in her own family, but by her kind- ness of heart and charitable disposition has been moved to extend most valuable assistance to the sick and poor. Like her husband, she is much interested in the good work accomplished by the church and is a conscientious Christian. She is greatly loved and honored by her chil- dren and is held in high esteem by all who know and appreciate her good works and her noble character.

BAUMGARTNER, John, a retired business man of Springfield. is an honest and reliable citizen and has many friends in the city. He was horn in Baden, Germany, February 21, 1848, son of Bernhardt and Catherine (Kiser) Baum- gartner, both of whom spent their entire lives in Germany. The mother died at the age of ninety-three years. John Baumgartner spent his boyhood on his fathers' farm and received his education In the common schools of his na- tive country, which he afterwards supplemented by study after reaching Illlnols. He left home when twenty-four years of age, and after work- ing on a farm about three months, began work- ing at the trade of butcher in Lincoln, Ill., where he remained four years, being employed by John Ackert, then worked five years at Mt. Pulaski, Ill., and July 5, 1881. embarked in the butcher business on his own account in Spring- field. He conducted business for himself twenty- nine years and was always successful, having a shop first at the corner of Mason and Rut- ledge Streets, then at Mason and First Streets, and then on South Eleventh Street. He became well-known in the course of his business deal-

ings and won the confidence of his patrons. Ile built up a good trade and was able to save enough money so he conld retire. He owns his home at 410 Hay Street and other city property. In the thirty-seven years that he worked at his trade he established a good reputation for skill in his line and integrity in his dealings.

Mr. Baumgartner was married, at Springfield, May 8, 1883, to Elizabeth Koahl, a native of Baden, Germany whose parents died in Ger- many. She has two brothers in America and two sisters living in Springfield. Three daugh- ters and two sons have been born of this union, namely : Emma, born in 1884, nnmarried and living in St. Louis, Mo. ; Martha and Mary, twins, born February 22, 1886; Frank born March 10, 1888; Philip, born March 1, 1890. All except the eldest daughter reside with their parents. Mr. Baumgartner is a member of the German Catholic Church and fraternally is affiliated with the Odd Fellow's and the United Workmen. He has always taken an active part in public affairs since living in Springfield, and in politics is a Democrat.

BAXTER, Albert Crum, A. B., M. D .- The science of medicine and surgery has advanced to such an extent, during the past several dec- ades that the older members of the profession have given way, in a large degree, to the young- er generation, whose yonth and enthusiasm en- able them better to keep abreast of the times. Among the young physicians and surgeons of Springfield, one who has already made his name well known in his chosen calling, is Dr. Albert Crum Baxter, born October 9, 1880, at Liter- berry. Morgan County, Ill., a son of Hiram Bennett and Ellen (Crum) Baxter.

The progenitor of the Baxter family in Amer- ica, James Baxter, came from County Tyrone, Ireland, about the time of the American Revo- lution, settling at Pittsburg, Pa. HIe there married Rebecca Riddle, a native of Berlin, Germany, thus forming a union of two races, which was bound to produce worthy and sturdy stock. The elder James Baxter, after a short stay in Pennsylvania, moved to Ohio, settling where the city of Dayton now stands, and there the grandfather of Dr. Baxter, William Baxter, was born, August 1. 1804. About the year 1815, the Baxter family, consisting of the parents. three sons and one daughter. came down the Ohio River on a flat-boat, and settled in the wilderness at or near Madison, Ind. Here, In 1828, William Baxter married Jane Kerr. a lady of Scotch parentage, daughter of Josiah Kerr, whose parents had migrated to Indiana, about the same time as the Baxter family. The young couple began housekeeping in the wilds of southern Indiana, in a one-room, one-story, round log house, with one door and one window, and a puncheon floor, a stick-and-mud chimney, the whole structure being erected without a mail. and the roof held In place by weights and poles, and the door with wooden pins. In this primitive dwelling, they lived many years and

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prospered, and eventually were able to erect a commodions stone house, the materiai for which, was selected from qnarries on their iand, and this abode is stili in a good state of repair. William Baxter and his wife, were parents of ten sons and two daughters, seven of their sons serving in the Union Army and are living. Tile sixth son, Hiram Bennett Baxter, was born September 22, 1840, eniisted as a private in Company K, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Before being mustered out of service, in 1865, he had, by his galiantry in action, won the rank of Captain. He took part in aii the batties fought by the Army of the Cumberiand, and his company was in the front rank in the March to the Sea. He was twice wounded dur- ing his service. The Baxters had a remarkable record, being the only family in the county who sent seven sons for service, no two of whom were in the same regiment, and uo two of whom participated in the same battle.

In December, 1866, Hiram B. Baxter came to Illinois, and settied in Morgan County, where he taught school, kept a- general store in the town of Literberry, and filled contracts with a railroad company. Iu 1881, he began farmiug at Ashland, where he has since continued, and it is interesting to note that he is now the owuer of 1,720 acres of fine farming land, in great contrast to his condition in early life. Aithongh a member of no religious denomination, he is a liberal contributor to ali worthy causes. While in business at Literberry, Mr. Baxter was mar- ried October 4, 1876, to Lydia Ellen Crum, danghter of Abram Alvin Crum, of that piace. Her parents and paternal grandparents, came from Kentucky and southern Indiana to Illi- nois, at an early day, settling in Morgan County when iand there conid be bought of the Gov- ernment for $1.25 per acre. Her maternal grandparents, the Buchanans and Liters, were of English and German origin, having first set- tled in Virginia, later moved to Kentucky, and came to Illinois about the same time as the Crums, in 1832. Mrs. Baxter died March 26, 1907, having been the mother of two sons: Dr. Albert Crum and William Abram, the latter now living with his son on a farm in Cass County.

Albert Crum Baxter first attended the dis- trict school, and in 1897, entered Whipple Acad- emy at Jacksonville, being graduated therefrom, with the Ciass of 1900, when he entered the Literary Department of Illinois College. In 1903, he took up the study of literature and medicine in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, being gradnated from the Literary De- partment in June, 1904, with degree of Bach- elor of Art, and in 1907, from the Department of Medicine and Surgery. While in college, he was a member of the Phi Beta Pi Fraternity, of the Gynecological Staff, and of the Phagocytes, an honorary medical society. During the sum- mer and fall of 1906, Dr. Baxter was connected with the Morgan Hospital, of New York City, and in the winter of 1907, he came to Spring-

field and engaged in general practice, having a fully equipped and weil appointed office at 51112 East Mouroe Street. Dr. Baxter is a member of St. Panl's Lodge, No. 500, A. F. & A. M .; Springfield Chapter No. 1; Springfield Council No. 2; Eimwood Commandery No. 6; Sangamon Lodge of Perfection; Princes of Jerusalem; and Chapter of Rose Croix, of the Masonic fraternity. He is aiso connected with the American Chemical Society; the Sangamon, Iliinois and American Medicai Societies, and McLeiian Camp, Sons of Veterans. In politicai matters, he is a Republican.

On Aprii 15, 1908, at Beacon, Mich., Dr. Bax- ter was uuited iu marriage with Miss Ethel J. Mitchell, a native of Michigan, and daughter of Joseph and Jane (Wassiey) Mitcheii, natives of England.

BAYLISS, Alfred. (Vol. I, p. 39.)

BEAM, John Lewis (deceased) .- In the death of John Lewis Beam, which occurred April 13, 1905, Cotton Hill Township lost one of its rep- resentative men, one who knew the business of farming thoroughly and carried it on in a scientific manner, and both the township and connty were deprived of a good, public-spirited citizen. Mr. Beam was a native of Sangamon County, born August 13, 1851, a son of Wesley Beam, who was born in Ireland, and Ameiia (Rafe) Beam, a native of Sangamon County. Mr. Beam's parents were farming people in Sangamon County and followed that occupation thronghont their lives, both passing away there. Wesiey Beam had been brought to America by his parents, natives of the Emerald Isle, who located in Sangamon Connty during the pioneer days and, after years of hardships and struggle with the soil, managed to locate a home in the new land for their loved ones.

The education of John Lewis Beam was se- cured in the country schools of his native local- ity, his work keeping him on the farm during the summer months, while during the winter terms he acquired such education as he conld in the nearby schoolhouse. Even as a youth he evidenced a fondness for his home, and this characteristic was prominent throughout his life. A quiet man, of unostentations manner, he was never one to thrust himself forward, nor to seek piaces of public preferment, bnt went about the business of operating his farm, making a comfortable home and taking care of his family, which-after all is said-is really the highest type of citizenship. After his mar- riage he located a tract on Section 5, in Cotton Hiil Township, and here the remainder of his days were spent.

On March 5, 1879, Mr. Beam was nnited in marriage at Springfield, Ill., with Maiinda E. Kent, who was born in Sangamon County, Ili., June 4, 1851. Mrs. Beam's father, Pleasant Kent, was born in Ohio, Jannary 11, 1822, but in eariy manhood decided that there were better opportunities for him to carry on his chosen oc-

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cnpation of farming in Illinois, and subse- quently came to this State, where the re- mainer of his life was spent in agricultural pur- suits, his death occurring in Sangamon County, June 28, 1898. He was married to Mary A. ‘ Brownell, who was a native of the county, born December 12, 1829, who also spent her lite here, and died June 18, 1901. Grandfather Kent was a native of Ohio, who died in Sangamon County, Ill., while on the maternal side Mrs. Beam's grandfather was born in New York and died in Sangamon County.

To Mr. and Mrs. Beam there were born four children, three boys and one girl, as follows : Elmer, who was born November 5, 1881, died November 6, 1881; George A., who was born Angust 22, 1882, died October 18, 1883; Mary L., born August 5, 1884, married Wiley Nichols, a well known and substantial farmer of San- gamon County, and they have two children, John A. and Cora I .; and Clarence E., born March 18, 1887. Clarence E., married Grace Terry, who was born in Springfield, July 3, 1892, and they live with Mrs. Beam. They were mar- ried October 31, 1908, and are parents of a danghter, Gladys Ruth, born Jannary 26, 1910.

In political beliefs, Mr. Beam was always a Democrat and he supported the principles of that party loyally. Fraternally he was identi- fied with the Modern Woodmen. Although not directly connected with any religious denomi- nation, he was in sympathy with all, and gave liberally of his means towards movements of a religions nature. Mrs. Beam and her children are members of the Christian Church. The Beam farm, where Mr. Beam's widow now re- sides, and which is operated by his son, Clar- ence E., consists of forty-nine' acres, and is in the finest of condition. The family is well known in Cotton Hill Township, where all its members are very popular.

BEARD, Josiah .- The changes that have oc- curred in Springfield during the last forty or fifty years have been astounding, and are so many and varied that the average citizen of the capital city could hardly believe tales of the earlier days as related by one who has seen the various changes come. Of all the people in the city who have lived here a long time, the per- son most likely to notice innovations would be a carpenter for, as a city develops in other ways, the buildings grow larger in size and num- bers, and the quality of the structures improve. Josiah Beard, an old-time carpenter and joiner. has lived in Springfield for upwards of a half- century. He is a native of Adams County, Pa .. born Jannary 2, 1827, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Flohr) Beard, farming people of Pennsylvania.

Samuel Beard was born October 21, 1796, in Maryland, and his death occurred April 24, 1872. He was married June 5, 1821, to Eliza- beth Flohr, who was born July 26, 1799, and died in 1882. Their children were as follows: Levi, born March 12, 1822, died August 2, 1862;

Lewis, born December 18, 1823, died March 20, 1907; Rachel, born October 20, 1825, died No- vember 19, 1909; Josiah, born Jannary 2, 1827; Reuben A., boru October 25, 1828, died Novem- ber 27, 1908; Julia Ann, born January 12, 1832, died in 1908; George F., born November 2, 1833; Flora Jessie, born November 12, 1835, died Oc- tober 14, 1901; David J., born December 15, 1837; and Lydia S., born June 28, 1840, died Jannary 10, 1845.

Josiah Beard received his education in a log school-house on his grandfather's land, when old-fashioned rules were in vogue and a plenti- ful supply of "strap-oil" was on hand ready to be administered whenever necessary. His boy- hood was spent in assisting his father with the work of the farm and he learned the carpenter's and jointer's trade at, or in the vicinity of, Gettysburg, twice a week crossing Little Round Top to go back and forth from farm work, and also attended camp meeting there. He re- mained at home until eighteen and oue-half years of age, when he crossed the Allegheny Monutains by stage coach in such bad weather that it took six horses to take the coach from Chambersbury to Pittsburg. He engaged passage on the old boat "Diadem," coming down the Ohio River and leaving the vessel at Cairo. He made many trips up and down the Ohio, meet- ing with some exciting experiences, including the piloting of a big boat down the river, some- thing he had never done before. and only did then because the pilot had fallen asleep. He also saw the "Belle of the West" when it went over the falls at Louisville, Ky. He was in the State of Mississippi when the war broke out, and with others he began to work his way back to Springfield. There. was a blockade to be run, however, and they decided to go to Humboldt, Tenn., to the Tennessee River, below Pittsburg Landing at Fort Hyman where they joined the Federal forces, went thence to Paducah, Ky., with the Springfield Battery, and remained with them for a time, but eventually ran the blockade from Memphis to St. Louis and snc- ceeded in getting to Springfield.

He was near Gettysburg at the time of the great battle there. At that time there were but 6000 people in Springfield, and but three houses worth $8000. Mr. Beard has always engaged in contracting for carpenter work and his labors have been well rewarded. Although well along in years he is still active and in full possession of his faculties and is a very interesting con- versationalist, being able, as he is, to tell of the early days in the capital city. He is a Jack- sonian Democrat in politices, but is rather broad-minded in his views, and votes for the man rather than the party.

On March 15, 1874, Mr. Beard was united in marriage with Mary E. Crites, danghter of Peter and Margaret (Rombaugh) Crites, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beard: Frederick C., born December 7, 1874; Edith F .. born October 10, 1876, died March 17, 1901; and

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Clara L., born November 16, 1878, at home. The family resideuce is at No. 1225 Fourth Street.

BEASON, Joseph C. (deceased), who for many years carried on a farm near Illiopolis, Ill., was an industrious and useful citizen and enjoyed the confidence and regard of his friends and neighbors. He was born in Logan County, Ili., January 11, 1846, a son of Henry and Sarah (Collins) Beason, the former boru in Xenia, Ohio, and the latter in Logan County. The fa- ther was an early settler of that county and spent the remainder of his life farming there, both he and his wife dying on the homestead. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters, of whom the only survivor is Jacob, of Chatham, who served as a soldier in the Civii War.

Mr. Beason worked on his father's farm nntii he reached his majority, acquiring his educa- tion in the country schools. Ile then engaged in farming on his own account, spending several years in Logan County and then locating near Iiliopolis, where the remainder of his life was spent. His widow has lived in the village of Illiopolis for the past four years.

Mr. Beason was married in Sheiby County, Ill., June 19, 1874, to Mrs. Emily (Rice) Wood, born February 4, 1844, in Shelby County, Ill., daughter of Nathan Rice and wife, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Ala- bama. Mr. Rice was a farmer and a minister of the Christian Church, and was an early set- tler of Shelby County, where he spent the re- mainder of his life, and died in 1875. The mother died in 1897. Of the six danghters and four sons in the family three children now sur- vive : Mrs. Beason; Spencer, of Los Angeles, Calif .; and Nathan, of Kansas, where he lives on a ranch. The father of Nathan Rice, Sr., was a soldier in the Revolution and served un- der General Washington. Emily Rice was mar- ried (first) in Shelby County, November 12, 1862, to William Wood, born near Bloomington, III., whose parents were early settlers of Illi- nois. Mr. Wood served three years in the Civil War, enlisting from McLeau County. His death occurred in 1868. To the union two children were born: William T., of Iiliopolis, where he conducts a barber shop, and Hattie A., wife of Charles McCorkle, a carpenter by trade and janitor of the Christian Church and the school- house in the village.

Seven children were horn to Joseph C. Bea- son and wife. of whom the following survive: Overton, of Illiopolis; Carrie, wife of William Rice. of Missouri. Mr. Beason died on his farm April 2. 1899, widely mourned by his family and friends. Both he and his wife became use- fui members of the Christian Church, and he was a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Beason owns a comfortable home in Illinois, the family home for the past forty years.

BEATTY, Waiter Roilins .- The business inter- ests of Springfield are in the hands of men

capable to handle any line, many of them being self-made men, who take a pride in keeping up the standard of excellence attained. Waiter Roliins Beatty, a successfui merchant of the Capitai City, probably owes his success as much to his personal popularity as to his shrewd business attainments. He was born eight miles from Plattsburg, Clinton County, Mo., Decem- ber S, 1856, a son of William S. and America T. (Roliins) Beatty, natives of Kentucky, where they were married.

William S. Beatty was engaged in agricul- turai pursuits in the vicinity of Lexington, Ky., and later carried on the same occupation in Missouri, whence he came to Illinois and set- tled in Pleasant Plains. He there engaged in the grocery business until his death in 1875, when his widow went to Roodhouse, Iil. She died February 28, 1888, at the home of her son John, at Litchfield, Ill. Mr. Beatty was a Democrat in politics and a Baptist by religion, while fraternally he was connected with the A. F. & A. M., and organized the lodge at Pleasant Plains.

Waiter Rollins Beatty attended school nntii eighteen years of age, and during the eight years following was engaged in assisting his father in the work of the farm. Subsequently he became employed in the flonring mill where he worked until becoming connected with the Chicago & Alton Railroad in the capacity of conductor, working for this road for seventeen years and spending three years in the service of the C. P. & St. L. Railroad. He was known as one of the most popular conductors on either road, and his social and jovial disposition has always won for him many friends. In 1900 he went into business on his own account in Springfield, and has been remarkably successful, now being the owner of considerable valuable real estate.

On October 24, 1889, Mr. Beatty was married to Maggie Sweany, who was born in Jerseyville, Iil .. daughter of Annie and Mitchell Sweany, natives of Ireland, who are both deceased. Two children have been born to this union: Grace, who is employed as a milliner with the Furlong Dry Goods Company ; and Ruth, who will grad- uate from the high school with the class of 1911.

BECK, Robert .- At the ciose of the Civil War many of the young men who had been serving their country during the mighty struggle felt unwilling to settle down in their old homes, the spirit of adventure being strong within their breasts. To this is due much of the emigration which took piace during the latter part of the 'sixties. when Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Towa received so many sturdy settlers. They had heen hardened by experience, so they were not afraid of working steadfastly. They were looking for homes and found them, giving to their new communities the best that was in them, and these iocalities profited from the strict discipline the soldiers had gone through

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with in the army. One of the men who literally turned the sword of his war experience into a plowshare with which to break Illinois sod, is Robert Beck, of Section 36, Woodside Townshlp. Mr. Beck was born in Maryland, August 10, 1837, being a son of Jesse and Polly (Lee) Beck, natlves of Maryland. The parents died in their native State when still young, leaving behind them seven children, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Robert.

Mr. Beck grew up in Maryland, working for his father until he was elghteen years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War he cast his for- tunes with the Union, enlisting in its service in Company J, Second Maryland Volunteer In- fantry. He was detailed as teamster, and was kept at that class of work during his entire term of service. He received his honorable discharge at Washington, after serving two years. Following the war he came to Spring- field, finding employment with A. M. John Preast, with whom he continued for six years. He then rented a farm, operating it for three years, when he bought hls present property of 160 acres on Section 36, Woodside Townshlp, which has been his home for thirty years. Since buying this property he has made many improvements and now has a fine farm, which he devotes to general farming and raising high grade stock. Understanding his work in all Its details, Mr. Beck has made it pay him good re- turns and he is now in most comfortable cir- cumstances, his property all having been accumulated through hls unaided personal efforts.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 8

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