Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 97

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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He was admitted to the Bar when a young man and until he retired In 1873 was active in the Courts of Sangamon and adjoining counties, particularly Menard. Logan 'and Christian. In a sketch of "The Springfield Bar In the 'Seventies," published a few years ago, there occurs the following description of him:

"James H. Matheny was among the most in- teresting figures in the Courts at this time. He had come out of the army in 1864 and from that time till elected judge of the County Court In 1873 he appeared in a great number of causes. Like Robinson, his specialty was to address the jury. He left the preparation of the case to his associates and except when circonstances made it absolutely necessary he did not examine witnesses nor argue points of law. In a long trial he would sit patiently, taking no note, but fixing in his memory the very words of every vital point of testimony and the manner and appearance of every im-

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portant witness. He was short and portly, with a dignified and most expressive face. When fully aroused, as he always was in addressing a jury, his eloquence and magnetie power were remarkable. Ont of eourt he was one of the most genial of men, but a trial seemed to transform him, and his arguments were char- acterized by the deepest earnestness, and when the case called for it, by bitter and most ef- fective denunciation. He was especially strong in homicide cases, and during the last ten years of his praetice he appeared in nearly all cases of that class that were tried in San- gamnon County."

In early life he was a elose personal friend of Abraham Lincoln and was groomsman at Lincoln's marriage.

In 1863 lie was commissioned Lientenant Col- onel of the One Hundred Thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry and went to the front. He was in active service until after tlie Siege of Vicksburg, when he was made Judge Advocate, and held military conrts un- til late in 1864. In that. year his regiment and another were consolidated and he re- signed and returned to Springfield.

In 1873 he was elected County Judge of Sangamon County by a majority then unprece- dented and until his death in 1890 he held the office by successive re-elections, generally without opposition from either party.

Ile was married to Maria L. Lee, daughter of Samuel Lee, of Carrollton, Ill. Mr. Lee was a relative of the Lee family of Virginia and is said to have had the first collection of law books in Illinois worthy of the name of library.

On taking the office of County Judge In 1873 Col. Matheny retired from the practice of law and from political life. This was a sacrifice of his abilities as an advocate, but it gave opportunity for wider development in other lines. His popularity was unbounded. His position as Jndge of the Court of Probate Jurisdiction made him the sympathetic adviser of great numbers in recent affliction.

The position gave leisure for active partlcl- pation in the work of all the more prominent fraternal orders. He was a recognized leader in the Grand Army of the Republic and made many addresses at its rennions, botlt in Il- linois and other States.

From 1859 until his death he was active inl the organization known as Early Settlers of Sangamon Connty. He was the orator at its first meeting in 1859 and his address on that occasion is a classic. For many years before liis death he was President of the association. In those gatherings and others of every kind he was a constant speaker. He was at once forceful, eloquent and magnetic.

He died September 7, 1890, after an Illness of two days, when apparently in the height of his powers. His funeral is said to have been the largest held in Springfield up to that time, excepting only that of President Lincoln.

Of his children Edward Dow Matheny died In March, 1902. Hls son, Dr. R. C. Matheny, resides at Galesburg, Ill., and his other sons, Lee Matheny, James H. Matheny and Robert Matheny, and his two daughters, reside in Springfield. His widow died on the 3rd day of December, 1909.

MATHENY, Charles W., was born in St. Clair County, Ill., on September 27, 1820. He was educated in the village schools of Springfield and at an early age entered mercantile life as Clerk in the store of B. C. Webster and Com- pany. His rise was rapid, and after being a member of several partnerships, in 1861 he es- tablished the firm of C. W. Matheny & Company, dealers in dry goods and general merchandise, purchasing and ocenpying the well known Math- eny Building, at the southwest corner of Sixth and Adams Streets, Springfield. His partners in this venture were his brothers-in-law, B. C. McQuesten and John Bressmer.

The conditions of business differed widely from those existing at the present time. The stores were smaller and much Inferior in ap- pearance, but the volume of trade was very large and profits were large. Springfield was then sinall and not particularly pleasing in ap- pearance, but it drew Its retail trade from a wide range of rapidly developing country. The early settlers required long credits, generally closing accounts at the end of the year. . The goods were bought in the East, largely npon semi-annual jonrneys made by the loeal mer- chants for that purpose. Capital was scarce and banking accommodations were very limited. Accordingly, the merchant of the 'fifties and 'sixtles was of necessity a man of character and foresight. In 1866 the firm was dissolved, Mr. McQuesten removing to Kansas, Mr. Matheny retiring from mercantile lines, and Mr. Bress- mer continued the business.

Mr. Matheny then engaged successfully in the buying and selling of lands and In large con- tract work. chiefly in railway construction. With various associates he bullt large parts of several of the more important railroads in een- tral and eastern Illinois.

He was a keen judge of men and tlils is il- lustrated in the choice of hls associates. They included Mr. Bressmer, whose career as a mer- chant has been most distinguished; R. D. Law- ence. afterwards President of the State Na- tional Bank. of Springfield ; and Isaac Keys, fonnder of the Farmers National Bank. of Springfield, and for many years its Vice Presi- dent.

Charles W. Matheny was for many years a Director of the First National Bank of Spring- field. and npon the death of his brother, Noah W. Matheny, he became President and devoted himself to the banking business, when his health would permit, until his death, which occurred April 16, 1879.

He was one of the commissioners who estab- Ilshed and put in operation the Springfield Wa-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

ter Works System, but otherwise held no publle office.

He was married to Margaret Condell, who sur- vived him and died September 25, 1889. His two sons, Charles O. Matheny, of Springfield, Ill., and George H. Matheny, of Sarasota, Fla., are still living.

Mr. Matheny was a man of large business in- terests and accumulated a handsome fortune for those times. He was a man of liberal and char- itable spirit and broad business views. He was prominently identified with the First Metho- dist Church of Springfield.

MATHENY, Elijah Cook, the son of Charles R. Matheny, was born in Springfield, June 13, 1826, and lived in Springfield practically all his life. At the breaking out of the gold fever in Cali- fornia, in 1849, be crossed the plains by wagon to the Pacific coast and stayed there until 1854. He did not come back to Illinois overland, but salled from San Francisco for Panama and thence to New York. He stayed in Pauama for some eight months near where the Canal is now being constructed.

IIe was married February 3, 1857, in Spring- field, to Alletta L. Van Norstrand, and they had two children, Jolın R. and Louisa I. both of whom are now living in Chicago. Mrs. Matheny died in June, 1864, and the subject of this sketch was married in 1865 to Mrs. Naomi L. Ritten- bouse, whose family came from Pennsylvania and whose maiden name was Schroyer. Mrs. Matheny had two children, Charles E., of Spring- field, and Louis P. Rittenhouse, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Matheny had three other children : Mima, who is now the wife of George H. Simp- son, of Decatur, Ill .; Ada L. Matheny, who is now the wife of George Wbiting, of Chicago, and Phillips G. Matbeny, Manager of the Barclay Coal and Mining Company, of Springfield.

Elijah Cook Matheny was Deputy United States Marshal for the Southern District of Il- linois for nine years and it Is said that during that time he sold two million dollars' worth of confiscated property In Cairo. He died on the 13th of December, 1905. He was a man of un- usual information and at the time of his death there was probably no man more familiar with tbe early blstory of the county. He had a re- markable memory and was a man of wide read- ing, and up to the time of his death kept him- self fully informed regarding the publle and lo- cal matters. Ile had been a member of Masonic fraternities for many years.

MATHENY, James H., Jr., son of Judge James H. Matheny, was born April 4. 1856. at the fam- ily home in Springfield, Ill. He was admitted to Bar in 1877. and bas continuously practiced his profession. From 1895 to 190S he devoted much attention to the affairs of the Illinois State Bar Association, being Secretary and Treasurer from 1895 to 1906, Vice-President for the year 1906- 07 and President for the year 1907-08.

MATHENY, Edward Dow, (deceased) .- The profession of law in Springfield has been one the dignity of which has always been rigidly upbeld by its members, many of whom have served in official capacities in the city and aided in fashioning laws for the advancement of the State's capital. One who was for many years an honor to the profession and was widely known as lawyer, official and statesman, was the late Edward Dow Matheny, who was born December 4, 1847, In Springfield and there resided until his death, which occurred March 18, 1902.

Mr. Matheny was a son of County Judge James Harvey Matheny, of St. Clair County, and Maria (Lee) Matheny, of Greene County, Ill., and the family has for many years been known as one of the most prominent and bighly honored in the city.

Mr. Matheny's education was begun in the public and high schools of Springfield, and be began studying law with MeGuire & Matbeny, his father's firm. For a short period he was engaged In school teaching in Springfield and Sangamon County, and became well and favor- ably known as an educator. On being admitted to the Bar, Mr. Matheny started on the practice of his profession and, his ability becoming recog- nized, he was soon appointed Deputy County Clerk, and later Circult Clerk of Sangamon County. A Democrat In political matters, he always took a prominent part in Democratic affairs. Ilis fraternal connection was with the Woodmen and the Red Men of Springfield, while his religious affiliation was with the First Chris- tlan Church.

On January 29, 1880. Mr. Matbeny was married to Miss E. Caddie Priest, who was born in Greencastle, Ind., a daughter of William N. and Mary A. Priest, who came from Kentucky to St. Louis, Mo., and thence to Springfield in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Matheny had no children.

To profound learning Mr. Matbeny united a high standard of professional honor of which many are incapable. No client, no matter how powerful he might be, political or otherwise, who came to him with a case without merit could have his services. He would defend no cause where he did not believe he was on the right side. The same inflexible houesty and Inde- pendence characterized him in all the relations of life. In all his official capacities he served the community so well as to deserve and receive its thanks, and his place will be bard to fill.

MATHER, Thomas. (Vol. I, p. 356.) MATTESON, Joel A. (Vol. I, p. 356.).

MATTHEW, Luther F .- The Matthew family was one of the earliest to locate in Sangamon County, and its members have always been good citizens, ready to do their share to promote the general welfare and progress of the county. Luther F. Matthew is a native of the county, born September 28, 1866, and is a son of Thomas

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Matthew, also a native of Sangamon County, where he has always lived, and now a success- ful farmer, The father of Thomas Matthew was boru in Franklin County, Ohio, and came to Sangamon County as a young man. Thomas Matthew marrled Adelaide Clayton, also a ua- tive of Sangamon County. Her father, a native of Kentucky, came to Sangamon County and Io- cated on a farm, where he spent the remainder of his life.

The education of Luther F. Matthew was ac- quired in the country schools of Saugamon County and he worked on his father's farm nn- til reaching his majority, then began farming on his own account. He rented land three years, then purchased twenty-seven acres, to which he added until he owned seventy-two acres, and carried on operations there until 1909, when he purchased his present fine farm of 215 acres on Section 28, Ball Township. Mr. Matthew is an enterprising and progressive farmer and is suc- cessful in a gratifying degree. Hle stands well in the community, being always ready to sup- port any measure he believes will be of general benefit. He is an Intelligent and public-spirited citizen and actively interested In public matters. He is a Democrat in politics and is now serving in the office of School Director.

Mr. Matthew was married, north of Pawuee, Ill., February 9, 18SS, by Reverend D. B. Wiley, to Maggie Hall, who was born in Montgomery County, Ill., December 13, 1868, whose old home was the camping ground of the Pawnee Indians in former times. Mrs. Matthew Is a daughter of James and Sarah ( Williams) Hall the former born in Knoxville, Tenn., died In Sangamon County, March 31, 1896, and the latter, also a native of Knoxville came to Macoupin County, Ill., when thirteen years of age and now re- sldes In Springfield. James Hall was a farmer by occupation and his father came to Sangamon County from Tennessee with a wagon, in ploneer days. Mr. Matthew and his wife have three children : Luther S., born August 2, 1890; Charles Everett. September 2, 1893, and Thomas, February 19, 1902, all born in Sangamon County. Mr. Matthew is a member of the Baptist church, but his wife Is not a member of any re- ligions denomination, He belongs to Glenarm Camp. No. SOS, Modern Woodmen, and to Lodge No. 523. A. F. & A. M., at Chatham. He has the esteem of his neighbors and Is popular with his many friends. He has an excellent farm and Is prond of his success and of his pleasant home and fine family, as he has every reason to be.

MAXCY, James R .- The same spirit that prompted the hardy dwellers of eastern States to brave the hardships of the unknown, and penetrate into the Indian-infested region of what later became the State of Kentucky, burned in those of a later date, pushing them westward to found new homes In Illinois. Those who selected the latter region made no mistake, for its development has been phenomenal. Asso- ciated with its onward progress are certain

names; some of these are blazoued upon the pages of history, while others are simply re- eorded in the annals of everyday life, but the owuers of all bore their part in the great work. James R. Maxcy Is a native of Springfield, but Kentucky blood flows iu his veins. He was born December 29, 1838, a son of John C. and Vanatta (Lloyd) Maxcy, natives of Bowling Greeu, Ky., where he was born lu 1812 and his wife iu 1810. A short time prior to the birth of James R. Maxcy, the parents came to Spring- field, where the remainder of their lives was spent, the father engaging in a general business. The ancestors of the Maxcy family had located in Kentucky in pioneer days. They were promi- nent there, as John C. Maxcy became In Spring- field, holding all of the local offices of any im- portauee and becoming one of Its representative citizens.

James R. Maxcy spent his boyhood in Spring- field, beiug fond of all outdoor sports, and at- tended the city schools. His first business ex- perience was gained as a clerk in his father's store, where he remained from 1856 to 1860. With the exception of four years, during which he was working in the Chicago Post Office, Mr. Maxcy's life has been spent in Springfield. It was during his residence in Chicago that the great fire of 1871 oceurred, and he recalls many thrilling experiences of it. After returning to Springfield he became an auctioneer, and is still thus engaged, being one of the most popu- lar In Sangamon County.

While residing In Chicago, on May 23, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Maxcy and Har- riet A. Dicksou, born in Jacksonville, Ill., in 1853. Her father was United States Marshal of the Southern District of Illinois, and a proml- nent man of hls day. Mr. and Mrs. Maxcy be- came the parents of the following ehildren : Ma- tilda B., S. C., Mary D., Margaret L. and Fer- netta. In politics Mr. Maxcy is a Democrat, and he has held several local offices. While not ac- tive in public life, he has always beeu inter- ested in securing good schools and a liberal gov- ernment, and has exerted himself to secure both. For years he has been a loyal and liberal member of the Christian Church, where he Is appreciated. Mr. Maxcy is one of the oldest business men of Springfield, aud some of his associations date back many years. Genial in disposition, he is a favorite socially, and has many friends throughout his part of the State.

MAY, Ethan Palmer, (deceased) .- One of the men who have been closely associated with the growth and development of Sangamon County, and one who could always be depended npon to do hls full duty in every position in which he found himself, was Ethan Palmer May, now de- eeased. He was born near Dayton, Ohio, June 12. 1829. After attending the public schools of his neighborhood, Mr. May worked with hls parents on their farm, and was taught those homeiy virtues which ever marked all his later

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

actions. In 1848 Mr. May came to Illinois, and at first operated a large amount of land, from that going into the lumber business, which he carried on very profitahly for a number of years.

In April, 1850, Mr. May was united In mar- riage with Elizabeth J. Elder, horn on a farm near Lexington, Ky. She was a daughter of Samuel and Phoebe (Clinkenheard) Elder, farm- ing people. Mr. and Mrs. May had the follow- ing children : Mary E., Sarah E., Fannie A., and Martha A., deceased; Charles W .; Harriet J., deceased; Laura E .; George W., deceased ; Flora and James, deceased : Samuel L., Augusta and Frederick Tracy.

In politics Mr. May was a Democrat, and he hield the office of School Director for many years. He was a Mason, but was not connected with any religious organizatlon. The death of this most excellent man occurred in Rochester, Ill., June 27, 1896. when he was sixty-seven years and fifteen days old. His widow survived him until .July 18, 1903, when she, too. passed away at Rochester, at the age of seventy-one years. Both are interred in the cemetery at Rochester. Mrs. May was a lady of lovely. trne Christian character, who made a most excel- lent wife and mother, and who is sincerely monrned by her family. Mr. May was very highly esteemed among his neighbors and friends, and he was one in whom implicit trust conld always be placed. IIIs business honor was never questioned, and he always stood for what was best and truest In his community.

MAY, William (deceased), for many years a resident of Springfield, was born near East St. Lonls, Ill .. May 15, 1842. son of George and Mary (Turner) May, natives of Ohio, The father was a farmer in Ohlo and served three years in the Civil War. He located in Illinois . and there carried on farming until his death. Willlam May spent his boyhood on his father's farm. attending the public schools and helping with the farm work. He chose work on the railroad as an occupation after reaching man- hood, and first entered the employ of the Iron Mountain Rallroad Company, for whom he be- came a foreman, and remained in their employ many years. Later he began working for the Chicago & Alton Company and became a bridge worker, also being promoted to the position of foreman for this company. He could he trusted to perform well any work assigned to him and won the confidence of his employers and asso- ciates.

Mr. May was married. at Pittsfield. Pike County, Ill., August 24, 1881, to Miss Mary E. Bowen, who was born In Pike County. October 11, 1855, daughter of Billingsley and Sarah (Brocket) Bowen. the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Winchester. III. Mr. Bowen emigrated to Illinois from Ohio as a young man and for many years lived on a farm near Win- chester. One son was born to Mr. May and his wife, Leslie E., born May 11, 1883. is un-

married and lives at home with his mother, at 921 East Mason Street, Springfield. Ile Is a car inspector in the employ of the Wahash Road. Mrs. May owns the comfortable home where she lives.

William May was a member of the Methodist Church, of Springfield and in politics was a Re- puhlican. He was fond of his home and family and took little part in public affairs. His loss was genuinely monrned by his family and many friends, and In his death Springfield lost a nse- ful citizen.

MAY, William I. (Vol. I, p. 357.)

MAYER, Jacob (deceased), who for many years carried on farming in Sangamon County, was well known as a public-spirited German-Ameri- can citizen, industrious and enterprising in bnsl- ness, and ready to do his share to promote the general welfare and prosperity. He was a de- vont Catholic and endeavored in his daily life to adhere closely to the principles of his re- ligion. He was born in Germany, July 17, 1830, his parents being natives of that country. where they spent their entire lives. The father was a cooper by trade.

Mr. Mayer was educated in Germany and lived there until coming to America in 1871. He located first at Decatur, III., and several years later came to Illiopolis, where he was em- ployed by the Wahash Railroad Company for thirteen years. He gave up raidroad work in later Ilfe and came to the farm on Section 24. Illiopolis Township, south of the village, where he spent the remainder of his life. He pnr- chased this farm and operated it successfully the remainder of his active life, and his family still make it their home. Both he and his wife were members of the Catholic Church and in politics he was a Democrat.

Mr. Mayer's marriage occurred In Decatur, Ill., in June, 1878. when he was unlted with Mary (Matthews) Gilmore, who was horn in Chatham, Sangamon County, daughter of Wil- liam and Christina Matthews, the father a na- tive of England and the mother of Ohio. Mr. Matthews was a millwright hy occupation and was a very early settler of Chatham. where he erected inlll and conducted it for several years, until he retired and moved to Illiopolis. where both he and his wife died. Mary Matthews was married (first) to James Gilmore, in 1865. He was born In Irc- land and came to the United States as a young man. locating near Springfield. He was a farmer by occupation and carried on farming in Sanga- mon County until his death, which occurred at Illiopolis, then his home. He served in the Civil War, enlisting from Springfield in the Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and serving to the end of the war. He was wounded at the Battle of Memphis. To Mr. and Mrs. Gil- more eight children were horn and five are now surviving, namely: Elizabeth. wife of John Mead, of Mattoon, Ill .; George, of Lanesville ;

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Mary, of Warrensburg, Ill .; Anna, wife of Pat- rick Norris, of Kansas; Maggie, wife of Joseph Myers, of North Dakota. Three grandchildren have been born in this family. To Jacob Mayer and wife three children were born: Joseph, of Lincoln, 111. ; John, a resident of Illiopolis ; Charles, living near Mt. Anburn. To this mar- riage there are four grandchildren. The deatlı of Mr. Mayer occurred in 1907 and Mrs. Mayer owns the home farm.

McCALISTER, James, a veteran of the Civil War, now living retired from active life and residing in Mechanicsburg, Ill., was boru in Ross County, Ohio, August 1, 1841, a son of Gordon and Mary ( Snodgrass) McCalister, the former a native of Ireland. The father came to Ohio as a young man and located on a farm in Ross County, where he lived nntil 1844, then went to California on a prospecting tonr. He was successful iu his quest for gold, but two years later was killed by robbers for his gold and money, and was buried in California. His wife died in Ohio in 1846. They were parents of two sons and two dangliters, of whom the only survivor is James.

As a boy James McCalister attended school in Huntington Township Ross County, then worked on a farm until learning the cooper's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Capt. R. N. Adams, of Waverly, Ohio, Col. Thomas Morton and Gen. Sherman, being with the latter ou the famous March to the Sea. He served four years, taking part in fifteen battles, among which were those of Shiloh, Corinth, Bear Creek, and Atlanta, and being flag-bearer part of the time. He was mustered ont at Lonisville, Ky., in July; 1865, having performed efficient service and made an excellent record as a soldier. He is affiliated with Stephenson Post No. 30 G. A. R., of Spring- field.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 97

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