USA > Illinois > Christian County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Christian County, Volume II > Part 44
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BURT, A. S., proprietor of the Kuhn Bros. Laundry of Pana, the leading establishment of its kind in this part of the county, is a man of many capabilities, and progressive spirit. He was born at Berlin, Sangamon County, Ill., December 11, 1863, a son of Abram and Mary L. (Schenck) Burt, and was one of three sons and six daughters born to his parents. The father was born in Scotland, and the mother was of Holland descent, her ancestors coming from Holland in the seventeenth century to what is now New York City. Abram Burt was a carpenter and builder, and followed his trade at Cincinnati, Ohio, until he came to Berlin, Ill. When his son A. S. Burt was fourteen years old, he became self supporting. Although self edu- cated, young Burt taught school in Sangamon and Christian counties, and then for five years was a teacher in the Pana schools. Following this he alternated teaching school with farming from 1878 to 1893, living during this period on a farm. In 1893 he moved to Springfield, Ill., and for the next three years was engaged in teaching in the city and county schools. He was secre- tary of the Pana Building and Loan Association for four years, and then he entered the Schuy- lers' Bank, and remained there until in Febru- ary, 1908. At that time tired nerves gave way and he was stricken down with a nervous fever that necessitated his leaving the bank, and he resumed farming in order to recover his health. In June, 1916, he bought the Kuhn Bros. Laun- dry, which was established by E. G. Newell, and
run by W. J. and John Kuhn for many years, but for the past decade it was conducted by W. J. Kuhn. The name of Kuhn Bros. has been connected with this laundry for the past twenty- three years, so that Mr. Burt is retaining it. In conducting it he has been able to cope suc- cessfully with the many problems that arise in an establishment of this character. His work is very satisfactory and his prices as low as those who take less care. Any suggestions that are practical are adopted, and patrons are certain of securing a service that can scarcely be im- proved upon.
In 1904 Mr. Burt was married to Emma M. Hutchins of Pana, a daughter of Moses and Sarah (Estabrook) Hutchins, she being one of three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Burt have one son, namely : William Estabrook, who was born February 18, 1907. The Presbyterian Church holds Mr. Burt's membership. In politics he is a Republican. In spite of lack of early training, and ill health, Mr. Burt has succeeded in a re- markable manner, and is deserving of much praise for his determination and perseverance.
BYERS, Charles B., for many years one of the successful farmers of Taylorville Township, but now deceased, left behind him an honored name and a record for upright living. He was born at Shepherdsville, W. Va., January 5, 1866, a son of Jacob C. and Mary A. (Blacker) Bycrs. the former born at the same place as his son, October 7, 1831, and the latter at Brownsbor- ough, Md., November 21, 1833. After attaining to manhood's estate, the father left his native state, and came to Illinois, renting land in Ogle County for some years, and then coming to South Fork Township, Christian County, he bought a farm, near Edinburg, and lived on it for two years. He then bought property at Cus- ter, Ill., and there he died in 1906, aged seventy- one years. He was a Methodist and a Republi- can. The mother died in South Fork Township, in 1889, aged fifty-five years.
Charles B. Byers came to Illinois with his parents, and remained with them until he was twenty-one years old, at which time he began farming for himself in South Fork Township. After three years there, he went to Kansas, and was in a livery business for a year, but returning to Christian County, he spent two years on a farm. He then moved on the Ladd farm, and still later to the Logan Hay farm. Mr. Byers then bought 160 acres in Taylorville Township, and operated that farm until 1913, when he went to Colwell, Idaho, for his health, and there he died June 21, 1913, after a stay of five months. His widow returned to Taylor- ville and resided at the county seat until De- cember 9, 1913, when she moved on the home- stead on section 30, where she is still living.
In 1888 Mr. Byers was married to Miss Eliza- beth Moore, a daughter of Jackson and Cynthia (Daggett) Moore, of Kentucky. They left their native state for Missouri in 1867, and were there engaged in farming for some years, but in 1870
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moved to South Fork Township, Christian County, Ill., where the father was engaged in. farming and keeping a hotel for fourteen years. He then went to Enid, Okla., and still later to Colorado, where the mother died February 3, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Byers had five children, namely : Eva May; Aubrey Dale; Opal L .; Jauniata ; and Mary Evelyn. For many years he was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, while in politics he was a Republican. Ilis untimely demise deprived his township of an honorable man and good citizen, and his loss was felt by all who knew him.
BYERS, George Edward, one of the prosperous men of Christian County, owns and operates a fine farm on Section 29, Taylorville Township. Hle was born in Washington County, Md., May 5. 1868. a son of Jacob Chalmers and Mary Ann (Blecker) Byers. The father was born in Jef- ferson County, Va., and the mother was born in Washington County, Md. In 1882 the father brought his family to Illinois, locating in Ogle County, where he rented land for two years, but in 1884 moved into Christian County, just west ot Edinburg, and for a short time continued to rent, then bought a farm and lived on it for a quarter of a century. Following this he bought land at Edinburg, and there died in 1906. aged seventy-four years. The mother died in Septem- ber, 1889. In politics he was a Republican, while the Methodist Church held his membership.
George E. Byers was brought to Ogle County, Ill., by his parents when thirteen years old, and he continued to attend school in that county and Christian County, and at the same time assisted his father in farming. His first purchase of land was near Atwater, Macoupin County, Ill., but after five years he sold and bought his present 160-acre farm, in 1911. on which he has since continued to reside, having added to its value by his improvements.
In 1890 Mr. Byers was married to Miss Ella Fisher, a daughter of John and Emily ( Robin- son) Fisher, natives of Harrison County, Ohio. The parents were married in Harrison County, but left there in 1863 to come to Illinois, locat- ing in Shelby County, buying land in Big Spring Township. After five years in that township, they went to Cumberland County, Ill., and rented land, later coming to Christian County, where they continued to rent land in South Fork Town- ship, and there they died, he passing away in August. 1891, aged seventy-two years, and she in April. 1898, aged sixty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Byers have been the parents of three chil- dren : Floy Pearl: Earl Chalmers, who died in 1900, aged six years; and Irene Hazel.
CAHILL, Forrest C., now deceased, at one time was a leading farmer of Rosamond Township, where he took a prominent part in local affairs. He was born in Ohio, February 2, 1860. a son of Thomas Cahill. In the spring of 1864 the family came to Jasper County, Ill .. where the father engaged in farming until his death.
Growing up in Jasper County, Forrest C.
Cahill attended its schools and made it his home until 1880 when he moved to Christian County, locating on the farm in Rosamond Township that continued his home until death claimed him, August 26, 1916. An upright man in the truest sense of the word, he took a very active part in the welfare of the Fairview Methodist Church, and for seventeen years served it as a trustee.
On October 19, 1893, Mr. Cahill was married to Miss Alice J. McElroy, who was born in Rosa- mond Township, April 12, 1864, a daughter of Joseph W. McElroy. Mr. McElroy was born in Harrison County, Ohio, August 1, 1839. Mrs. McElroy, who bore the maiden name of Emma Pence, was born in Preble County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 19, 1842. The McElroy family came to Christian County in 1862, settling in Rosa- mond Township, where Mr. McElroy died March 30, 1898. Mrs. McElroy died at Shawnee, Okla., March 9, 1913. They had eight children, three sons and five daughters, of whom Mrs. Cahill is the second child in order of birth. She was reared in Rosamond Township, and has always lived here. Mr. and Mrs. Cahill had one child, Mary Elizabeth, who was born October 23, 1894. At the time of his death Mr. Cahill owned 260 acres of land, 160 acres of which is still in the possession of Mrs. Cahill. Few men were better known or more universally liked than he, and he left his impress upon his community. Mrs. Cahill is an excellent woman, a good Christian and earnest in her support of the Methodist Church of which she is a consistent member.
CALLOWAY, Charles, one of the leading agri- culturalists of South Fork Township, is a man of whom Christian County has every reason to be proud. He was born in South Fork Township, November 1, 1868, a son of James and Amelia (Council) Calloway, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Charles Calloway was reared and educated in his native township, and after attaining man's estate rented his father's homestead and conducted it for ten years. In 1905 he bought his present farm of 282 acres of land on Section 19, and moving upon it began general farming and stockraising and has de- voted himself to these two kindred lines ever since with remarkable success, for he knows how to make his work yield him excellent returns.
On March 11, 1896, Mr. Calloway was married. to Miss Ora Trigg, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ragan) Trigg, of Tennessee. At an early date the Trigg family came to Christian County, and operated a farm near Edinburg. in Buckhart Township. Later the family moved to South Fork Township where the parents still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway have one child. Hiram T., born December 11, 1896. In politics Mr. Calloway is a Republican and has served as township treasurer of schools, was supervisor one term, collector two terms, assessor one term, and is at present township treasurer. His fra- ternal relations are with the Masons and Elks, and he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star. A man of decided personality, Mr. Calloway has been selected upon many occasions to repre-
Orin & Nash
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
sent his neighbors in public office, and has proven himself capable and reliable, and it is reasonable to suppose that higher honors await lıim in the future.
Mrs. Calloway is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CALLOWAY, James, whose activities in the past entitle him to the honorable retirement he is now enjoying, is a highly respected resident of Taylorville, where he takes an intelligent inter- est in civic matters. He was born near Kingston, Canada, November 15, 1836, a son of James and Susan (Thornhill) Calloway, both of whom were born in the vicinity of Hull, England. The father was a soldier in the British army, and was sent as such to Canada. He died in 1843 and the mother in 1851.
James Calloway attended school in Canada, but when fifteen years old came to the United States, and pursued his studies for several win- ters in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. In 1857 he came to Illinois, and worked out by the month for farmers in the neighborhood of Springfield. When the Civil War broke upon the country, James Calloway did not shirk his duty as a man, but enlisted in 1861, in Company B., Eleventh Missouri Volunteer Infantry, going into a Mis- souri regiment because at that time Illinois' quota was filled, and those desirous of giving the country their services had to go to St. Louis to enlist. For eighteen months Mr. Calloway saw active service, and then was wounded at the battle of Corinth, Miss., on October 3, 1862, when he was honorably discharged on account of dis- ability.
On returning to Christian County, Mr. Callo- way bought eighty acres of land in South Fork Township, Christian County, and began farming, branching out into a heavy feeder of cattle. Hav- ing great faith in the value of Christian County land, Mr. Calloway invested heavily in it, having bought in all 1.460 acres. Twenty-five years ago he moved to Taylorville Township, which prop- erty is now the home of his sons, Roy and Arch, there remaining until May, 1913, when he re- tired and moved to his pleasant home in Taylor- ville. In addition to heavy land holdings, Mr. Calloway is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Taylorville. He also owns 1,440 acres of land in Texas and 200 acres in Missouri, and the Forum Hotel, in Wichita, Kan., a $25,000 property.
On March 1, 1866, Mr. Calloway was married, to Amelia Council, of South Fork Township, a daughter of Acquilla Council. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway have the following children : William, Charles, Hattie, Ella, Mary, Clarence, Ray, Mabel and Arch, all living but Ella. The Chris- tian Church holds Mr. Calloway's membership. In politics he has always been a Republican. No man stands any higher in public esteem in this vicinity than does Mr. Calloway, and he deserves the good opinion thus entertained.
CALLOWAY, William R., one of the retired merchants of Taylorville, who is held in the
highest esteem by all who have the honor of his acquaintance, was born at Washburn, Ontario, Canada, April 14, 1840, a son of James and Susan (Thornhill) Calloway, natives of England. The parents located in Canada, after their marriage, and there the father followed his trade as a lock- master on a canal in Canada, being employed by the government at Washburn. He died when his son, William R. Calloway, was three years old, and the mother died when he was ten years old. When he was eleven years old William R. Cal- loway went to St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and lived with his grandfather, attending the neigh- borhood schools. Until 1863 he was engaged in farming in St. Lawrence County, but in Septem- ber of that year he came to Illinois and located at Taylorville, forming a partnership in the grocery business with A. G. Barnes, which asso- ciation continued for about three years when Mr. Barnes sold his interest to Charles Cheney. Five years later Mr. Cheney sold to J. S. Torrey. Later Mr. Calloway conducted the business alone until 1911 when the company was incorporated as W. R. Calloway & Sons Company, and he re- tired from active participation in its conduct. He owns the corner on the square occupied by the grocery establishment.
Mr. Calloway was married to Angeline F. Dun- kerson, from Madisonville, Ky., a daughter of William Washington Dunkerson. Mr. and Mrs. Calloway have six children, namely: Robert Kendrick, William W., Leila, Walter Melleville, Russell T. and Laura. The family belongs to the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Calloway is a Republican and his fraternal connections are with the Masonic order.
CASHEN, James P., a prosperous farmer of Section 27, South Fork Township, is one of the leading agriculturists of Christian County. He was born in King Township, Christian County, March 5, 1879, a son of Peter and Ellen (Kelley) Cashen. Peter Cashen was born in County Cork, Ireland, while the mother was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland. When he was only six years old, Peter Cashen was brought to the United States by his parents, and they located in Illi- nois, and there he attended school. Later he worked for a Captain Brown of Morgan County, Ill., handling cattle, for which he received ten dollars per month. Going subsequently to San- gamon County, Ill., he entered land and operated it, but still later came to Christian County, buy- ing eighty acres of land in South Fork Township. to which he added until he had 320 acres of land. When he moved to Bear Creek Township, he bought land there and also in King Town- ship, owning in all 860 acres of farm land, all of which he developed from raw prairie into well cultivated farms. He was married at Springfield, Ill., and on the way home from the wedding his bride's sister, Mrs. John Burk, her husband, their little baby and her mother were drowned at Crow's Mill on the Sangamon River, this terrible tragedy saddening the wedding party. The father died in King Township, aged
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
sixty years, but the mother survived until Sep- tember 13, 1915, when she passed away at Mor- risonville, Ricks Township. In politics the father was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
Until he was twenty-three years old, James P. Cashen remained with his father, and attended the schools of King Township. In 1905 he moved to his present farm of 240 acres of land in South Fork Township, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising with gratifying success.
In 1907 Mr. Cashen was married to Miss Rena Harris, a daughter of J. R. and Catherine (Young) Harris of Sangamon County, Ill. Mr. IFarris is a retired farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Cashen are the parents of four children, namely : Carl V., James R., Mary Ellen Marie and Joseph P.
CAZALET, Leon, vice president of the First National Bank, vice president of the Assumption Transfer Company, and president of the Farmers Grain Elevator Company, is also largely inter- ested in farming in Assumption, and a man of prime importance in Christian County. He was born at Gauzier, France, June 10, 1857, a son of Angust and Julia (Gullia) Cazalet.
After their marriage in the place of their birth, which was Gauzier, France, the parents of Leon Cazalet lived there for a time, the father work- ing at his trade of a stonemason. In 1857 they came to the United States, locating first at Joliet, Ill., where the father worked at his trade for two and one-half years. They then went to Ottawa. Ill., spent eighteen months there, and then to El Paso, Ill., where the father embarked in a mer- cantile business with his two brothers, Leon and Stephen. In 1865 he came to Assumption, Ill., having sold his mercantile interests at El Paso, and was in another mercantile venture in this village for seven years. He then formed a part- nership with David Latharite, in 1870, and they remained together, conducting a high class dry goods establishment until Mr. Cazalet sold to his associate, and embarked in a grain and Inm- ber business, in 1885 taking his son Leon into partnership, the firm becoming known as A. Caza- let & Son. In 1886 this association was dissolved, but resumed in 1887, the firm importing and handling horses for four years, but the father continuing to handle grain and Inmber, until he retired. In the meantime the father had organ- ized the First National Bank of Assumption, and was its president until his death, which occurred in February. 1914, when he was eighty-nine years old. The mother died in 1900, aged seven- ty-five years. In politics the father was a Democrat. He was also interested in farming, investing quite extensively in Christian County farm land, and operating his land, although he always resided at Assumption. His ultimate snc- cess was remarkable, for he was practically penniless when he and his family landed in the United States after a six weeks voyage across the Atlantic, in an old sailing vessel. In fact he had to pawn his wife's jewelry in order to get through the first winter, and he died worth
$300,000. Ile owned a beautiful residence at Assumption, fifteen store buildings, and his many acres of farm land, in addition to his business interests. The Presbyterian Church held his membership.
Leon Cazalet was reared at Assumption, and after attending its public schools spent two years at Blackburn University at Carlinville, Ill. Upon his return to Assumption he was associated with his father in business as above indicated. Being his father's favorite. he in conjunction with a nephew of his father's, Mr. O'Connor, was left in charge of his father's vast interests. During bis earlier business career, Mr. Cazalet bought 500 acres of Christian County land and inherited 480 acres more, and one-half a business block on Main Street, Assumption. His business interests are many and varied, chief among them being those connected with the First National Bank, the Farmers Grain Elevator Company and the large transfer business. In politics he is a Democrat, fraternally he in an Odd Fellow and Elk, while his religious connections are with the Presbyterian Church.
In 1885 Mr. Cazalet was married to Miss Iva Adams, born in Prairieton Township, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Widich) Adams, natives of Kentucky. Joseph Adams was brought from Kentucky to Illinois by his parents in boyhood, the trip being made overland to Blue Mound, in Christian County, where the grandfather took up government land and lived on it until his deatlı, but the grandmother died at Moweaka, Ill. Mr. Adams became a farmer and stockman, and later was sent to the State Assembly of Illinois, being one of the leading men of his district. His deatlı occurred in Prairieton Township, and the mother died at Moweaka, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Cazalet have two children, namely : Clyde Chester and Essie. the latter married L. C. Corzine, of Assumption.
When the family located here, Assumption was a very small village, and communication between Assumption and Taylorville was maintained by a stage line. there being no railroad. On account of the primitive conditions prevailing, there were many prairie fires, and Mr. Cazalet fought them upon more than one occasion. In looking back he can realize better than the present generation what a wonderful development there has been in this locality during the past half a century, and is proud of the fact that he has participated in it.
CHANDLER, James, for many years was one of the leading farmers of Christian County. and a man very active in local politics. He was born in Fayette County. near Vandalia, Ill .. August 13. 1825. During his boyhood he worked on his father's farm. and attended the schools of his native place, but on February 22. 1864, came to Buckhart Township. Christian County, and bought 190 acres of land which he began improv- ing. and operated for years. On September 22, 1877. he moved to Edinburg, although he con- tinued his agricultural activities, and was made a justice of the peace, and also served as asses- sor, tax collector, magistrate, and held other local offices.
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Orrin S. Nash gr. Winnifred b. Nash.
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
On September 9, 1877, Mr. Chandler was mar- ried to Mrs. M. J. Umphrey, a daughter of George and Jane (Jackson) Wood, natives of Montgomery County, Ky. When she was thir- teen years old, in 1854, her parents came over- land trom Kentucky to Illinois and located in Sangamon County. After six years of farming the father died, and the mother passed away in the same year as the father, which was 1862. In 1859 Mrs. Chandler was married (first) to J. W. Martin of Sangamon County, Ill., and he died in 1862. In. 1866, she married (second) Benjamin Umphrey, a son of Alexander Um- phrey, both natives of Virginia. The Umphrey family is very prominent in early Illinois his- tory. Benjamin Umphrey lived for a time in Sangamon County, and then settled near Tovey, in South Fork Township, Christian County. He bought land from the government near the pres- ent site of Tovey, and was engaged in farming for a time, but ill health induced him to go to Manitowoc, Wis., for a change of climate, but finding the change of no avail, he returned home, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Umphrey had a daughter, now Mrs. Ida H. King, of Oklahoma. Mr. Chandler was a member of the Christian Church for over fifty years and an elder for over thirty years. Mrs. Chandler is a member of the same faith.
CHAPMAN, Andrew, one of the substantial farmers of Stonington Township, belongs to one of the original Stonington colonist families, his mother being the only living survivor of that little band which sought to bring into Christian County some of the customs and sterling characteristics of the old home in Connecticut. He was born at Stonington, Ill., March 8, 1856, and was reared in this locality, where he attended school. com- pleting his courses by a two years' attendance in the schools of Taylorville.
After returning to the homestead Andrew Chapman was engaged in farming there until he attained his majority, at which time he began farming on his own account. In 1880 he branched out as an extensive livestock dealer and feeder, with business enterprise renting the Brown tarm to carry on his operations. This farm was lo- cated in Prairieton Township, and he became the largest feeder of stock in that township. shipping to Chicago markets. In 1894 he bought the Marion farm of 240 acres of land, in Stoning- ton Township, and in 1913 he bought 120 acres adjoining his homestead. In June, 1900, he be- came one of the stockholders of the First National Bank of Stonington, and was made its vice president, which office he still holds. After many years of successful operation in the stock business. he retired from that branch of agricul- tural effort.
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