USA > Illinois > Christian County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Christian County, Volume II > Part 62
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
operation for a number of years before Taylor- ville had an exchange office.
In politics Mr. Martin was always a staunch Democrat and during many years of his life with exceeding efficiency filled offices of trust and responsibility. Four times he was elected tax collector of Taylorville Township and for many years was township highway commissioner ; was city treasurer of Taylorville for two terms ; was school trustee a number of years : and was street commissioner of Taylorville for seven years. Additionally for three consecutive terms, con- tinuously from the spring of 1897 to 1903, when he voluntarily retired from public life, he was a member of the Christian County Board of Super- visors. It was during this period of public use- fulness that he, as chairman of the building committee, succeeded in introducing a bill before the city council of Taylorville. to build a court- house that should cost approximately the vast sum of $100,000. This bill coming from Mr. Martin received the close attention and the final approval of the council and when it was sub- mitted at the fall election to the people, the bill was carried. When Mr. Martin was selected by the board of supervisors as chairman of the building committee, he entered into the work of this office as always, with strength of pur- pose and by his honesty and integrity saw that not one cent appropriated for the building was misspent, and through his good judgment and largely through his careful management, it was all paid for and money, at the same time, was in the county treasury to pay all the county's run- ning expenses for the following year.
The farewell address delivered by Mr. Martin before retiring from the board of supervisors after his long and memorable service, was pub- lished in full in the Daily Courier of Taylorville, and is now a part of the Christian County rec- ords. The full text of this address is given in this history in the article devoted to the new courthouse. Mr. Martin at that time was seventy-three years old and, with the exception of several subsequent years when he was asso- ciated in a grocery business with his son Frank, near the Square, at Taylorville, he lived practi- cally retired until his death although always intelligently and genially interested in family and social life and in everything that concerned Christian County.
Mr. Martin was married December 28. 1856, to Miss Milcah Bowman, who was born March 17. 1835, near Columbus, Ohio, and died at Ta,y- lorville, February 19, 1913, her age being seventy- five years eleven months and two days. Her parents, John Bowman and wife, came to Chris- tian County with their large family and settled in Bear Creek Township, about two miles west of where Palmer now stands, on what is known as the Curry farm. In the following year Mr. Bowman purchased a farm in Johnson Town- ship and erected a comfortable dwelling. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Martin was sixteen years old when she accompanied her parents to Christian County, where the rest of her beautiful life was spent. She was one of
fourteen children and became the mother of six. namely : Margaret Sylph, Elizabeth Charity, John Alexander, Mary Ann, Francis Marion and Charles Bowman. Only two of these reached maturity : Frank M., as familiarly known, who is one of Taylorville's leading citizens ; and Mar- garet S., who is the wife of J. E. Alverson, of Quanah, Texas. Mrs. Martin united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in girlhood and lived devoted to its teachings. With the clear vision that sometimes comes to the faithful and exalted Christian who is nearing the end of the course, Mrs. Martin realized several days be- .fore her departure that the change was immi- nent and made her preparation with sweet sol- emnity, choosing Rev. E. K. Towl of her own church to officiate and her nephews to act as pallbearers : Arthur Bowman, of Owaneco; Wil- liam Coleman. of Springfield; and Joshua B. Walker, Lee Traylor, Ennis Garrison and Ma- rion Brents, all of Taylorville. Her wishes were respected, and her remains were laid to rest in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery. She had ever been a loving wife, a kind and judicious mother and a sympathetic neighbor.
Mr. Martin was a loyal and energetic member of the Masonic fraternity for over forty-five years, belonging to Blue Lodge, Haslemere Chap- ter. Royal Arch, and to the Eastern Star, and particularly enjoyed the work in the Blne Lodge where he became a Master Mason. He had been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since early life. His death was univer- sally lamented at Taylorville, and all day Mon- day and Tuesday, while his body lay in state. the flag over the new courthouse hung at half mast. His funeral services, conducted by Rev. W. W. Weedon and Rev. M. G. Coleman, took place on the day of President Wilson's first in- auguration, mentioned in this connection be- cause of his interest in this candidate's election, and his body was laid to rest in the family lot in Oak Hill cemetery, the entire services being under the auspices of the Masonic bodies to which he belonged.
MARTIN, Isaac A., a retired farmer who for many years was prosperous in his undertakings in connection with Buckhart Township, was born in Christian County, Angust 29, 1861, a son of John H. and Lucy J. (Jones) Martin, natives of Indiana and Tennessee. The father came to Illinois in 1850. and for a time lived in San- gamon County but later came to Christian County, and located near Edinburg. In 1868 he moved to Buckhart Township and farmed 320 acres of land. In addition, he owned 440 acres of land in Christian County, and three houses and lots at Taylorville. In 1896 he retired and moved to Taylorville where he has since made his home.
Isaac A. Martin attended the schools of his district, and engaged in work on the homestead. until 1913, following agricultural pursuits, but in that year retired and moved to Taylorville. While his son Harry A. attends to the farm industries very capably. Mr. Martin superin-
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
tends affairs, and they successfully carry on general farming and stockraising.
In 1892 Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Jennie Jester, of Taylorville, a daughter of Eli and Sarah Jester. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have four children, namely : D. Roy, who lives at Taylorville ; Harry A., who lives on the farm ; Florence, who is Mrs. Edward Beatty, of Ston- ington, Ill., and C. Merle. The family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Martin is a Democrat, and his only fraternal affiliation is with the order of Moose.
MARTIN, Lon E., editor of the Courier, the leading organ of the Democratic party in this part of the state, has directed its policies the past four years. He was born at Dorchester. Macoupin County, Ill., November 6, 1876, a son of Beverly V. and Mary Ann (Wayne) Martin, natives of Shinnston, W. Va., and Dorchester, Ill., respectively. The family coming to Taylor- ville, when Lon E. Martin was a boy, he attended the east ward schools, and for four years was in the Taylorville High school. After completing his studies at the latter institution, Mr. Martin became a reporter for the Daily Breeze, of Tay- lorville, of which he was soon made city editor, and held that position for twenty years. In November, 1913, he promoted a stock company which bought the Daily Courier, and he became manager, secretary and editor. Since assuming the duties of these several positions, Mr. Martin has shown his mettle, and has made his journal a recognized factor in city and county politics.
On November 20, 1907, Mr. Martin was mar- ried to Miss Zell Plowman, of Taylorville, a daughter of James W. and Fanny (Stevens) Plowman, of Springfield, Ill., but old residents of Taylorville. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have three children, as follows: James Beverly. who was born November 25. 1908 : Lee Don, who was born July 20, 1913 ; and Mary Frances, who was born October 15, 1914. Mr. Martin is very prominent fraternally, belonging to the Elks. Eagles. Knights of Pythias. Odd Fellows, Moose and Caribou, and is enthusiastic in promoting the welfare of these orders. Wielding a forceful pen, Mr. Martin in all of his writings has thrown the weight of his influence on the side of law and order, and for public improvements, and as long as he is in the editorial chair, his readers may be sure of obtaining a paper that does credit to their intelligence and neighborhood.
MAXON, Howard L., a citizen of Morrisonville and one of the prominent men of Christian County, was born at Springfield, Ill., July 29. 1866, a son of George E. and Nina H. (Potter) Maxon. An older brother and sister, Adelbert P. and Nina H. died in infancy.
George E. Maxon was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1838, a son of George W. and Julianna Maxon. George W. Maxon was super- intendent of a division of the old Erie Canal. before the railroad era, an important factor in linking the East with the then West. At the age of sixteen, after receiving instruction in the
"three R's" in the district school, George left home to seek his fortune as a pioneer of Illinois. Arriving at the straggling village of Chicago without money or friends, he at once sought em- ployment and worked at anything he could find to do until his pleasing personality and evident worth won the attention of John Steele, head of the house of Steele and Company, dealers in hides, wool and furs. Mr. Steele not only gave him employment but took an interest in instruct- ing him in the general knowledge of the business. When competent he was sent out as buyer. It was a position of trust, danger and hardship, for there being neither banks or railroads, traveling had to be accomplished by horse or boat, and large sums of gold carried into the wild and lawless sections of the West to pay for purchases added to its peril. Severing his connection with Steele and Company in 1859, he came to Springfield and formed a co-partner- ship, engaging in the same business under the firm name of Maxon & VanDuyn.
In the autumn of 1861, Mr. Maxon journeyed east and was married to Nina H. Potter, daugh- ter of Caleb N. Potter, of Marcellus, N. Y., soon thereafter returning to Springfield to establish their home.
Later, the firm of Maxon & VanDuyn acquired large land holdings in Christian County. and during the Civil War engaged extensively in the sheep business, ranging them in bands of a thou- sand in charge of herders over the unsettled portions of the county. Maxon & VanDuyn also promoted the first coal shaft sunk at Springfield and were largely interested in its development. In 1871 the firm amicably dissolved partnership, Mr. VanDuyn taking over the Springfield inter- ests, and Mr. Maxon assuming those of Christian County. For twenty years thereafter George E. Maxon was engaged in general live stock busi- ness, buying for shipment, and feeding exten- sively. During the eighties he specialized-in breeding draft and carriage horses, bringing "Congo." the first imported Percheron stallion to the county. He also owned "Clark Chief," a standard bred Hambletonian, and other famous sires.
In December, 1891, Mr. Maxon joined with William M. Provine and N. D. Ricks of Taylor- ville, Ill., in the purchase of the undivided two- fifths interest in what was known as the D'Arcy lands west of Morrisonville, in Christian Count.v. comprising in all nearly 6,000 acres of rich prairie land. The principal portion of these lands had been broken up for cultivation, but were poorly farmed, not tiled, and were without improvements in the way of buildings. etc .. ex- cept a few of the most primitive character. As a result the income therefrom had but little more than paid the taxes. Soon after the purchase a partition was had between these purchasers and the other owners of the undivided interests. Immediately the purchasers, Mr. Maxon having charge of the work. commenced tiling, erecting suitable buildings, fencing and otherwise improv- ing the lands. This work being constructive in
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
character he thoroughly understood and took pleasure in its accomplishment. The lands soon showed his intelligent oversight in increased pro- ductiveness and more attractive appearance. After some years Mr. Ricks sold his interest to his partners, Mr. Maxon and Mr. Provine, who afterward sold one section and some outlying tracts and then made amicable partition of the remainder between themselves. These lands are now well tiled, have first class dwellings, barns, and other improvements, and with their well kept road hedges, and improved farming methods are among the most attractive places in the county.
Howard L. Maxon was educated in the public school of Morrisville, supplemented by a year at the Brooks' private school at Springfield, then entering Carroll College at Waukesha, Wis., was graduated with the class of '86. He then went to Trinidad, Colo., to accept a position there. Returning in the autumn of 1887 he was em- ployed in the bank of A. G. Barnes as bookkeeper. A year later he became identified with the First National of Chicago, remaining in its employ until 1893. In the meantime he became inter- ested in the study of law, attending the night sessions of the Chicago College of Law and read- ing during leisure hours from his regular employ- ment at the bank. Having graduated from the law school and being admitted to practice, he entered the law office of Hon. B. F. Richolson. then corporation counsel of Chicago. He was later associated with Ex .- Gov. Jno. M. Hamilton, and later with George E. Dickson and others, who constituted the exclusive legal department for the associated labor unions of Chicago. This department was the first conception of its kind and very soon proved its success in safeguarding the interests of its members and securing justice for them.
Upon the sudden death of his mother in March. 1903, his father then being in failing health, he gave up his practice and came to Morrisonville to assist in the organization of the First National Bank, with which his father was interested. He was elected cashier, resigning in 1905. Opening an office he then became resident manager for 2,000 acres of farm lands, bringing them to a higher state of efficiency by tiling and other im- provements. He was during these years also en- gaged in the real estate business and the practice of law. His responsibilities were increased by the death of his father, which occurred January 16, 1912.
While never an office seeker, Mr. Maxon has been prominently identified as a worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He is identified with the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally is a Knight of Pythias.
In 1893, Mr. Maxon was married to Mattie Gillispie, of Chicago, a daughter of Maj. W. C. B. and Ruth Ann Gillispie, both formerly of Christian County. They have one son, George G., born May 15, 1903.
MAY, Anthony, owner of one of the best im- proved farms in Ricks Township, where he has
lived for twenty years, was born at Akron, Ohio, December 31, 1870, a son of Adam and Berna- dena (Voggester) May, being one in a family of seven daughters and five sons. The year after his birth his parents moved to Christian County, Ill., and located on a farm in the vicinity of Taylorville. Until he was twenty-four years old, Anthony May remained at home, and then began farming for himself. He specializes on raising the best breeds of hogs, and his product com- mands the highest prices on account of the qual- ity. During the twenty years he has been on his present farm, for a part of the time he was in a grocery business in partnership with his brother at Stonington, but he did not relinquish his farm- ing activities even then. At present he con- fines his efforts to his farm.
On September 11, 1894, Mr. May was married to Mollie A. Doyle of Stonington, a daughter of Daniel D. and Mary A. (Kerwin) Doyle. Mr. Doyle was a farmer and stockraiser of Stoning- ton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle had seven children, of whom Mrs. May and three brothers survive. At one time Mr. Doyle owned 1,000 acres of Christian County farm land. The chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. May are as follows : Daniel H., who was born August 1, 1895, is a graduate of the Decatur Business College, but is engaged in farming with his father on the 254-acre home- stead, a farmer by preference; Adam G., who was born October 19, 1897, and Byron, who was born December 29, 1898, expect to attend an agricultural college; Doyle F., who was born October 30, 1901; Mary Florence, who was born June 22, 1903 ; Bernadena Thelma, who was born September 1, 1904; Lawrence Jerome, who was born April 30, 1906; and Marcella Irene, who was born July 5, 1912. Mr. May is a member of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Columbus.
MAY, John Adam, a retired farmer of Taylor- ville, exemplified in his life and success how im- portant a line of endeavor agricultural work is, and what can be accomplished by intelligent effort and experienced foresight. He was born in Randolph Township, Portage County, Ohio, December 6, 1840, a son of George and Eliza- beth (Goodyear) May. The parents were na- tives of Germany who came to the United States in 1830, locating in Portage County, Ohio, where the father farmed during the summer, and worked at his trade as a tailor at Akron, Ohio, during the winter. He was also engaged for a short time as a tavern keeper. His death oc- curred in Portage County when he was ninety- seven years old. The mother died at the age of sixty-seven years. In politics the father was a Democrat. His religious faith was that of a Catholic.
Until he was nineteen years old John Adam May remained with his parents, and then went to South Bend, Ind., leaving there in 1860 for Logan County. Ill., where he worked on different farms. Still later he went to Springfield, Ill., where he was engaged in transporting soldiers
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
to Camp Butler. For seven years he was en- gaged in a pump business, and in 1866, he came to Taylorville, from whence he went to Blue Mound, Ill., where for two years he was engaged in farming. Returning to Taylorville he spent a short time: and then went to Ohio. Once more he came back to Taylorville and was in a res- taurant business for two years. For some time he was interested in a lightning rod business and also conducted a farm in the vicinity of Taylorville. Subsequently he bought thirty- seven acres of land that are now included in Taylorville, and farmed it and continued to place lightning rods in and about Taylorville for thirty-five years. He also conducted a wagon and blacksmith shop, keeping himself thoroughly employed until his retirement. In politics he is a Democrat. The Catholic Church holds his membership. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the order of Caribou.
In 1863 Mr. May was married to Miss Brede- noda Voggoer, native of Germany, who was brought by her parents to Chicago when she was two years old. Her father was a cabinetmaker and worked at his trade at Chicago for six years, leaving that city for Logan County, Ill., where he bought a farm and subsequently died. The mother moved to Lincoln, Ill., and later married (second) Jacob Ball, a farmer of Elk- hart, Ill., who later moved to Blue Mound and bought 160 acres of land, to which he subse- quently added eighty acres. On this property he died, and his widow moved to Taylorville, where she passed away in 1914, aged eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. May became the parents of the following children : John Adam, who died Octo- ber 5. 1892: Anna; Emma M .; Tony ; Louisa, who died in infancy ; Maggie: Lizzie ; Francis F .; Kate: Lew : Nellic, and Harry.
McARTHUR, Joseph Andrew, now deceased, but formerly a farmer of Edinburg, was born at Atlanta, Ga., March 6, 1845. a son of Duncan and Isabel (McMillen) McArthur. Duncan Mc- Arthur was born in Scotland and in early life came to the United States with a sister, locating in Richmond County, Ga. By trade he was a inillwright and followed that occupation all his life, and also operated farm land in Georgia. His wife was born in Georgia, of Scotch extrac- tion. They had two sons, namely : Duncan and Joseph A. The father died in 1855, and the mother in 1863. In politics the father was a Democrat, and in religious faith he was a Pres- byterian.
Joseph Andrew McArthur received only mod- erate educational advantages. In 1862 he was drafted into the Confederate service under Gen- eral Lee, and was near "Stonewall" Jackson when that famous general was killed. During the battle of Gettysburg, Mr. McArthur was wounded, and being taken prisoner, was sent to Chester, Pa., for medical attention. Later he was taken to Port Lookout, where he was kept prisoner until the close of the war. As his in- juries prohibited further active service, he went to Washington, D. C., after the war, and was
employed in driving a government team of six mules. In the fall of 1865 he drove across the country to Springfield, Ill., to secure work, and upon his arrival there he found employment among the farmers by the month. For seven years he worked for Mr. Lord, and spent eight years on the farm that later became his per- mancnt home, being engaged in feeding cattle.
On January 13, 1881. he was married to Miss Christina North, born July 17, 1849. a daughter of Robert and America (Schmick) North, of Berry Station, Ill. Robert North, Mrs. Mc- Arthur's father, was born in October, 1814, in Buckingham County, Va., but was brought by his parents to Jefferson County, Tenn., arriving there in September, 1832. Subsequently he came to Illinois, and was married in Sangamon County, March 29, 1838, to America Schmick, who was born in Lincoln County, Ky., February 10, 1816. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. North located at Berry Station, then at Clarkville, Sangamon County, Ill., where they became ex- tensively interested in farming. Mrs. McArthur inherited a part of the old North homestead, and Mr. McArthur added to this farm until he owned 420 acres of land in Cooper Township, Sangamon County. In addition he became the owner of 200 acres of land in Buckhart Town- ship, Christian County. Mr. and Mrs. McArthur became the parents of four children, namely : Bertha, who died in Sangamon County, at the age of fifteen years; Belva, who died at the age of thirty years, June 22, 1914; Charles, who was married January 4, 1910, to Lura Ruthrauff of Wichita, Kas .; and Chelsea, who married Albert J. Hunsley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
A Democrat, he cast his first vote for General Hancock in 1868, and his last one for William Jennings Bryan in 1900. He served as com- missioner of highways for a number of years, and was a leader in his party. A Mason in high standing, he belonged to Rochester Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Springfield Chapter, R. A. M. While he was a Presbyterian, his wife was a Methodist.
McBRIDE, James C., Judge of the Appellate court, and one of the most distinguished jurists of this part of the state, is justly numbered among the leading men of Christian County. Hc comes of an old and honored family, that dates its origin back to Scotland, from whence the great-great-grandfather of Judge McBride came to the United States at an early day. Gen. James McBride, one of the family, was prominent in early Kentucky history. Judge McBride was born on a farm near Palmyra, Macoupin County, Ill., July 16, 1845, a son of Thomas W. and Margery A. H. (Wiggins) McBride, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively, who came to Ma- coupin County many years ago.
After attending the public schools of his native county, James C. McBride attended the Quaker college at Richmond, Ind., and then Lincoln University, at Lincoln, Ill., from whence he was graduated in 1869, with the degree of B. S.
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
Following this he taught school and studied law, entering the office of Judge W. R. Welch of Car- linville, Ill., and was admitted to the bar after a year, having the distinction of being the first to be admitted upon the recommendation of Judge H. M. Vandeveer after he became Circuit judge. Coming to Taylorville in the spring of 1871, James C. McBride began the practice of law, and continued in active practice until his talents and legal knowledge caused his elevation to the Circuit bench in June, 1909. Two years later he was appointed by the Supreme court as one of the Appellate judges of the Fourth Dis- trict of Illinois, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Duncan. In June, 1912, Judge McBride was appointed to the same office for a term of three years. In June, 1915, he was again elected a judge of the Circuit court for a term of six years, and appointed by the Supreme court one of the Appellate judges for the same district for another three years.
On May 17, 1871, Judge McBride was united in marriage with Miss Mattie Wheeler of Lin- coln, Ill., a daughter of Aaron and Elmira (Stockwell) Wheeler. Her ancestors, who re- sided in New York were highly educated and prominent people in the communities in which they lived. Judge and Mrs. McBride became the parents of four children, namely : Willis B., Horace, Elma and Marcella. In politics Judge McBride is a Democrat, and has been sent to represent his party at a number of conventions, among them being that held at Kansas City in 1900 to nominate the national ticket. Prior to his election to the bench, Judge McBride served Taylorville as city attorney, and was a master- in-chancery. Fraternally he belongs to Mound Lodge No. 122, A. F. & A. M. of Taylorville ; Taylorville Chapter No. 102, R. A. M., and Elwood Commandery No. 6. K. T. of Springfield, and is a past master of the Blue Lodge. He is also an Odd Fellow, and in 1900 he received a veteran jewel to celebrate his having been a member in good standing of that order for a quarter of a century.
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