USA > Illinois > Edgar County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Edgar County > Part 141
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COLONEL GEORGE DOLE (deceased) was born near Rockville, Ind., Jan. 19, 1834, a son of Franklin and Julia (Taft) Dole, who were natives of New Hampshire. He began his career in Paris, in 1852, by cutting wood at fifty cents per cord, later attending the Acad- emy in Paris, and also engaged in teaching school by which vocation he accumulated suf- ficient means to enable him to attend Washing-
ton College, Washington, Pa., from which insti- tution he was graduated in. 1861. During the early part of the Civil war, he was appointed Adjutant of the Third Indiana Regiment, United States Troops, and in 1863 was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment. He served in this command until the close of the war, being discharged in June, 1865. He then returned to Paris where he was admitted to the bar, and in May, 1866, a partnership was formed with Colonel H. Van Seller, which con- tinued until the former's death, February 14, 1888. On March 24, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Osborn, a daughter of Colonel John and Emily Osborn, residents of Green Castle, Putnam County, Ind., but natives
GEORGE DOLE.
of Kentucky. Four children were born to them, Wilton O., Alfred E. (deceased), Mary and George V. Politically Colonel Dole was a Republican, and a member of the Masonic Order, I. O. O. F., and G. A. R. He was appointed receiver of the Illinois Midland Railroad, which office he held for two years. In his religious belief he was a member of the Presbyterian Church in which he served as elder for eighteen years, and for fifteen years was Superintendent of the Sunday School.
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
HON. WILLIAM P. DOLE, during his life- time a successful merchant of Indiana and Illi- nois, prominent Republican politician, State Senator, and, during the administration of Abraham Lincoln, commissioner of Indian affairs at Washington, was born Dec. 3, 1811, in Danville, Caledonia County, Vt. As a boy he accompanied his parents on their various moves from Vermont to Ohio, and later to Indiana, and in 1831 began his industrial life
WILLIAM P. DOLE.
as a merchant at Clinton, Vermilion County, Ind., rapidly developing into one of the lead- ing men of his locality. During his residence in Clinton he served eight years in the House and Senate of Indiana. Taking up his resi- dence in Paris, Edgar County, Ill., in 1854, he engaged in merchandising with William Kile, at once stepping into prominence in local Republican affairs. In 1860 he was a delegate from Edgar County to the Republican National Convention held in Chicago, taking an active part in nominating Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. After the election of President Lincoln, he was appointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and, disposing of his mercan- tile interests, he removed to Washington, D. C., where he remained until his death, Sept. 30, 1889. February 19, 1833, he married Susan
Rush, of Clinton, Ind., and to this union were born two children, William R. and Persis Jane, wife of J. O. Rudy, of Mattoon, Ill.
RICHARD DOYLE, a retired farmer of Paris, and, for nearly forty years, section foreman in Edgar County, Ill., was born in Ireland, October 20, 1835, son of William and Mary Doyle. With his father, William Doyle, he sailed from Liv- erpool for the United States, March 1, 1851, arriving in New York, April 7th of the same year. His mother died in Ireland two and a half years before he came to this country. On July 18, 1854, he came to Edgar County, locating in Paris, which has since been his home. While performing his duty as section foreman for two score years, he has lived fru- gally and accumulated a competence, now own- ing, in addition to his Paris home, a farm of 160 acres in Buck Township. On May 13, 1861, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hag- gerty, daughter of Patrick Haggerty, and of this union one daughter was born, Mary, who is deceased. Mr. Doyle is a Democrat in polit- ical views, and in religious faith a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church.
HENRY DUGAN, farmer of Embarras Town- ship, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1828, his parents, John and Margaret Dugan. being natives of the same locality. His father dying in County Kerry, the mother came to the United States, and lived to a venerable age in Illinois. Settling in LaSalle County, Ill., in July, 1864, Mr. Dugan later moved to Cham- paign County, and after remaining there for twenty years located on his present farm of 160 acres in Embarras Township, where he has since followed general farming and stock rais .. ing. In February, 1859, he was united in mar- riage in Ireland to Ellen Dugan, to whom las been born ten children, the order of their birth being as follows: Mary, John, Margaret, Brid- get, Catherine, Michael, Honora, Lena, Agnes, and Julia. Mr. Dugan is a consistent Repub- lican, and a devout member of the Catholic Church.
HON. JAMES A. EADS, for many years a practicing attorney of Paris, Edgar County, Ill .. and at the time of his death, March 20, 1903, vice-president of the First National Bank of Paris, was born Feb. 2, 1834, in Harrison County, Ky., a son of John and Eleanor Eads.
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
Receiving a thorough education in the public schools, and being a graduate of College Hill College, Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Eads began the study of law at Cynthiana, Ky., and the year after being admitted to the bar in 1856 located in Paris, where he soon became one of the best known members of the Edgar County bar. Engaging in a general practice of law, he was
JAMES A. EADS.
at the same time continuously connected with various organizations as counciling attorney, and from the time of its construction until his appointment to the receivership of the road, was council for the Peoria Decatur Railroad Company. He was long a stock-holder of the First National Bank, finally advancing to the position of vice-president. June 19, 1860, Mr. Eads was united in marriage to Clara, daugh- ter of Leander Munsell, and of the union nine children were born, seven of whom are living: Eda, Mary C., Eleanor F., Hannah M. (wife of Rev. C. Reed), Sidney E., Clara L., and James T.
JAMES A. EARHART, who is extensively engaged in the sale of farm implements, car- riages and buggies at Chrisman, Ill., was born in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, July 20, 1850, a son of Martin and Elizabeth (Banta)
Earhart, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was a blacksmith by trade and four of his sons learned the same business. Upon the retirement of the father the four sons suc- ceeded him and carried on the work. In 1869 James A. Earhart removed to Bloomfield, a vil- lage in Edgar Township, Edgar County, where he was joined by a brother and cousin, and together they carried on the trade of black- smithing and pump making. James A. and his brother Frank came to Chrisman when the town was first started, and went into business together, blacksmithing, wagon making, and dealing in agricultural implements. They dis- solved partnership March 12, 1885, since which time James A. has continued in business alone, dealing in agricultural implements, carriages and buggies. He owns two farms in Prairie Township, Edgar County, aggregating 210 acres. He was one of the citizens who organized the electric lighting system for the city, is a stock holder and director in the Chrisman Bank, and is also one of the stock holders in the Wabash Valley Telephone Company. Mr. Earhart was married Sept. 1, 1881, at Chrisman, to Miss Clara Camerer, whose parents came from Ohio, and settled in Edgar County, Ill., at an early day. Mrs. Earhart was born in Edgar County. One daughter has been born to them, Ruth Irene. Mr. Earhart is a Republican and has filled the office of Township Clerk, is a mem- ber of the school board, and Alderman of the city of Chrisman. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Order, and the I. O. O. F. His religious belief is with the Methodist Church.
E. E. ELLEDGE, retired farmer, Paris, Ill .. was. born in Grand View Township, Edgar County, Oct. 15, 1839, son of Isaac and Eliza- beth (Barr) Elledge. Isaac Elledge, born in Kentucky, March 24, 1817, son of Elijah Elledge, came with his parents to Edgar County when ten years of age and passed his life on the farm. The subject of this sketch grew to years of maturity on the farm, and obtained his edu- cation in the district schools. At the age of eighteen years he began his business career as a farmer in Kansas Township, Edgar County, where he still owns 302 acres of land. On January 24, 1861, he was married to Elizabeth E. Ashmore, daughter of W. L. Ashmore, a pioneer settler of Coles County, Ill., and of this union there are two children: Martha E. ( Mrs.
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
W. E. Redmon) and Effie (Mrs. C. E. Clinton). In political relations Mr. Elledge is a Demo- crat and served as School Director about thirty years; was also Road Commissioner three years. In 1898 he was elected Clerk of Edgar County, serving four years, and declined renomination.
GEORGE ELLIOTT, retired farmer, 211 East Madison Street, Paris, Ill., was born in Butler County, Ohio, April 3, 1840, son of Silas H. and Rhoda ( Magie) Elliott. Silas H. Elliott,
GEORGE ELLIOTT.
who was born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1812, came with his family to Edgar County, Ill., in 1853, locating on a 900-acre tract of land just north of the city of Paris. A part of his farm is now occupied by the Paris Reservoir. The subject of this sketch was reared on his fath- er's farm and obtained his education in the Paris Seminary and Paris Academy. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three months, and in July, 1862, enlisted in the Seventy-ninth Illinois, serving until the close of the war, when he returned to Edgar County and conducted his father's farms and general business affairs until 1882. At the present time (1904) he owns 170 acres of land in Elbridge Township. On April 3, 1862, Mr.
Elliott was married to Rachel Blackburn Kile, daughter of Dr. William and Charity ( Web- ster) Kile, and of this union one son was born, Edgar DeLos Elliott, who died in 1880, aged seventeen years and six months. In political views Mr. Elliott is a Republican, and socially is a member of the G. A. R. Mrs. Elliott is a member of the Methodist Church.
GEORGE F. ENGLISH .- An almost con- tinuous practice in Edgar County since 1881, has established for Dr. George F. English an enviable reputation as physician and surgeon. A native of Greene County, Ind., where he was born July 4, 1856, Dr. English is a son of Thomas D. and Rachel R. (Talley) English, and his early training and education were those to be found in the Hoosier region where his father was known as a successful agricul- turist. The possessor of ambitions which would fail of realization on the farm, the youth, after
GEORGE F. ENGLISH.
teaching school four years, entered the Colum- bus Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, and shortly after his graduation in 1881 located iu Edgar County, Ill., where, with the exception of a year spent in Kansas, he has since made his home. With headquarters in Isabel, to which he came several years ago, he has prac-
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
ticed throughout the county, making his sym- pathy and skill felt in many households, and helping to maintain a high professional stand- ard. March 25, 1883, Dr. English married Eppa L., daughter of Jesse and Margaret Bor- ton, mention of whom may be found elsewhere in this work. Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. English: Thomas J., Dora E. and Raymond R. The Doctor is high in fra- ternal circles, being a member of the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica; is also a member of the County Medical Society, the Aesculapian Society of the Wabash Valley, State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. In politics he is a Repub- lican and in religion a Methodist.
FRANK ENGLUM, farmer, Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the township where he now resides, Sept. 27, 1881, son of Jerry and Margaret Englum, natives of Ire- land who came to America many years ago. The father is now deceased, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Paris. The subject of this sketch was married in April, 1901, to Josephine Semkel, and they have one son, Jacob L. Mr. Englum owns 160 acres of land in Buck Township, and devotes his attention to general farming and stock- raising. He is a Democrat in political views, and is now serving as School Director. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church.
WILLIAM J. ENGLUM, farmer and stock- raiser, Buck Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born in the county where he now resides, June 30, 1873, son of Jeremiah and Margaret Eng- lum, natives of Ireland who came to Edgar County in the early '50s. In February, 1899. William J. Englum was married to Mary F. Mattingly, and they have one son, Owen J. Mr. Englum owns a valuable 200-acre farm in Buck Township, and devotes his attention to general farming and stock-raising. In politics he is a Democrat, and is serving his second term as Assessor. He is a communicant of the Catholic Church.
HARRY EPPS, a prominent business man of Edgar County, and an extensive grain dealer of Metcalf, was born in Manchester, N. H., May 4, 1857, the son of George D. and Judith A. (George) Epps. The paternal ancestry is Eng- lish and is traced down from Joseph Epps, who came to America in 1644. Some of the fore-
fathers participated in the war of the Revolu- tion. George D., the father, was a soldier in the First New Hampshire Regiment of Infantry during the Civil War. The subject of this sketch was reared in Manchester, N. H., where he was well educated as a youth, and fitted for Yale College at Andover, Mass. Just at this time, however, 1876, he was called to Chicago and entering the employ of his uncle, Charles Epps, assisted the latter in the grain business. In 1880 he went to Paris, Edgar County, and taught school, later clerking in a mercantile business house in Paris until 1887, when he farmed part of Colonel T. Clark's estate in Ross Township, remaining there three years. In 1888 Mr. Epps engaged in grain dealing in Metcalf and at other points and in 1898 removed his house residence to Indianapolis, Ind. He has a farm in Young America Township, and another in Edgar Township, Edgar County, the two aggregating 500 acres, all of which is planted to grain. He also owns five elevators, two at Metcalf, one in Cherry Point, one at Garmes, and one at Jessie. Mr. Epps was mar- ried February 4, 1885, to Miss Cora L. Clark; daughter of Colonel F. and Martha (Smith) Clark, and they have one daughter, Jessie M., who is a graduate of the high school at India- napolis, Indiana. He is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, and also a member of the I. O. O. F., the K. P. and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Republican.
FRANK ESSINGER, miller and merchant, Redmon, Ill., was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 19, 1861, son of Jacob and Phoebe (Brunt) Essinger, natives of Germany who came to the United States in the '40s and settled in Ohio, where both died. On June 19, 1884, Mr. Essin- ger was married to Philena Musgrove, daughter of William F. and Sopha (Sumner) Musgrove, natives of Kentucky, and of this union six chil- dren have been born, four of whom-Vern, Elijah, Elsie and Grace are living. Mr. Essin- ger came to Edgar County in 1896 and now owns and operates the Redmon Roller Mills and also handles merchandise in connection with his milling business. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious belief a Lutheran. Fraternally he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A.
GEORGE W. FAIR was born in Edgar Town- ship, Edgar County, in 1853, a son of Richard
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
and Susan A. (Baird) Fair, the former of whom was born in Kentucky, the latter a na- tive of Edgar County. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the public schools, and when quite a young man con- ducted a store and postoffice, and was also for a time railroad and express agent. In 1876 he came to Chrisman and farmed in Ross Town- ship until 1895, when he formed a partnership with J. G. Schance and C. Q. Holden, inaugu- rating the first telephone system in this part of the state. Upon the retirement of Mr. Holden the business was continued by Mr. Fair and Mr. Schance until the latter's death in 1901, at which time Mr. Fair was joined by his brother Charles, the business then being known under the name of the Fair Telephone Company. On July 1, 1902, a joint stock com- pany was formed under the name of the Wabash Valley Telephone Company, with Mr. Fair as vice-president. In 1902, in company with A. K. Hartley-under the firm name of Hartley & Fair-he established an elevator on the Chicago, Hamilton & Dayton Railway; is also interested in the Bonner Manufacturing Company, and was instrumental in organizing the Electric Light and Water Company at Chris- man. Mr. Fair owns a farm of 400 acres in Ross Township. On April 18, 1878, he married Dorothy L. Hoult, who died in July, 1884; and on March 18, 1886, he was married to Miss Emily H. Hoult, a native of Illinois, and their three children are: Susie Mabel, Evan Albert, and Florence Leone. Mr. Fair is a Republican and very active in the interests of his party, having held the office of Supervisor of Ross Township two terms, besides serving as Tax Collector. He is a member of the Masonic Order, I. O. O. F., Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, and Tribe of Ben Hur, and belongs to the Baptist Church.
JAMES FARNHAM, retired, Vermilion, III., was born in Stratton Township, Edgar County, 111., May 7, 1836, the son of James and Sarah Farnham, natives of Vermont and New York respectively, who were among the pioneer set. tlers of Edgar County. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. After com- pleting his educational training, Mr. Farn- ham's father presented him with 115 acres of land, to which he has made subsequent addi- tions until he now owns 950 acres. On January
6, 1859, he was married to Anna Fuqua, and of this union five children were born, all of whom but one, Andy, are now deceased. Mrs. Farn. ham died July 31, 1871. On November 6, 1872, Mr. Farnham was married to Charity Smith, and they are the parents of one son, Harry J. In political sentiment Mr. Farnham is a Republican.
GEORGE W. FIDLER, a life-long farmer, and for many years a resident of Embarras Town- ship, Edgar County, was born April 19, 1850, in Owen County, Ind., the son of Levi and Mary A. (Hissler) Fidler, the former of whom was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and now makes his home in Edgar County, while the latter, born in Burton County, Ky., is now de- ceased. Beginning with a much smaller farm, Mr. Fidler now owns 200 acres of land, to the cultivation of which he has devoted the best years of his life, and which yields him grati- fying returns for time and labor invested. On December 25, 1895, he was married to Ella K. Fenwick, daughter of John W. and Janna K. Fenwick, the father a native of Lewis County, Ky., but now a resident of Edgar County, Ill. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fidler, one died in infancy, while Carrie E. and Paul F. are living at home. For the past thirty-six years Mr. Fidler has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to the sup- port of which he is a generous contributor. Fraternally he is connected with the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a Republican.
ANDREW J. FOLTZ, farmer, Stratton Town- ship, Edgar County, Ill., was born in Virginia, March 1, 1836, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Foltz, natives of the same state, who removed to Stratton Township, Edgar County, Ill., in 1837, later locating in Indiana, where they both died. In 1867 the subject of this sketch ( who had accompanied his parents to Indiana ) returned to Stratton Township. Deciding to become a farmer, he located on the land where he now resides and owns 218 acres and devotes his attention to general farming and stock- raising. In 1861 he married Sarah E. Trogdon, daughter of A. D. and Martha Trogdon. Mr. Foltz is a Democrat, and is now (1904) serving as Supervisor of Stratton Township. As a Mason he belongs to the Chapter at Paris, and is likewise a member of Blue Lodge at Ver- milion.
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
ELLSWORTH FORSTER, an active and suc- cessful farmer, residing on his farm, Section 34, Elbridge Township, was born June 7, 1862, on his father's homestead in this Township. His parents, James and Nancy (Stump) Fors- ter, were natives of Elbridge Township, the former, born April 15, 1822, was the son of Arthur Forster, a native of Kentucky, who moved to Vincennes, Ind., in 1819, and to Edgar County the following year, where he entered eighty acres of land. He was an enterprising man and accumulated an estate of between five and six hundred acres of land. He filled sev- eral township offices, and died in 1875, leaving three children. To James Forster and wife ten children were born, eight of whom attained the age of maturity. These were, Catherine, wife of Daniel Roll; Arthur, deceased; Thomas; Amanda; Ellsworth, who owns the old home- stead; William; James, and Elbert. Mr. Fors- ter was Supervisor of his township and filled other offices therein. Politically he was a Re- publican, and a member of the Methodist Church. He died April 7, 1901. His wife sur- vives him, and resides with her son Ellsworth. Ellsworth Forster received his education in the public schools and was reared to farming, in which business he is still engaged. At the time of his father's death he became owner of the old homestead, his farm consisting of 200 acres, where he follows general farming and is noted for his breeding of Chester White hogs. Mr. Forster has never married.
ABRAHAM FOX, farmer and stock-raiser, of Shiloh Township, Edgar County, Ill., was born May 21, 1841, at Sullivan, Sullivan County, Ind., son of Abraham and Rebecca (Stipp) Fox, the former born in Kentucky, and the latter in Ohio. The family located in Edgar County in 1867, since which time the parents are de- ceased. In 1865 Mr. Fox enlisted in Company F, Eighty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serv- ing until his honorable discharge at the close of hostilities. He has always followed the occupation of his youth, and the lessons of thrift and industry learned on his parents' farm have been the foundation of his success as a farmer and stock-raiser. His farm of 240 acres is located in both Shiloh and Buck Town- ships. He is not a party man, voting always for the man best qualified to serve the public interests. His religious views are extremely liberal, and his contributions to charitable and
other causes are in keeping with his income and standing in the community. Fraternally
ABRAHAM FOX.
he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Redmen Lodge No. 150. Mr. Fox is unmarried.
JAMES B. FRAZIER, a prosperous farmer of Symmes Township, Edgar County, was born in Coles County, Ill., Dec. 26, 1856, a son of John and Lucinda (Wells) Frazier, the former a native of Clark, and the latter of Edgar County, Ill. The family was established in Symmes Township in 1866, the father pur- chasing a small farm, adding to the same as success came his way, until he owned a tract of three or four hundred acres. His promising career was terminated at a comparatively early age in April, 1878, and he is survived by his wife, who still makes her home on the old place. James B. Frazier was reared on the old homestead and irregularly attended the public schools, developing a capacity for ear- nest and conscientious work. June 1, 1876, he married Dora J., daughter of Jacob and Eveline Zimmerly, and of this union five sons and four daughters were born: Edgar; John Z .; Grace, wife of Harlan See; Bertha; Pearl, deceased ; James B .; Arthur O .; Lawrence R., and Mary E. Edgar and John are graduates of the Paris
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HISTORY OF EDGAR COUNTY.
high school. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Frazier bought his present farm of 169 acres, upon which he has expended years of painstak- ing effort, and which is a valuable and fertile property. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of cattle and sheep. A Democrat in politics, he has filled various offices in the community, includ- ing those of Tax Collector and School Director. Fraternally he is connected with the Court of Honor. A member of the Christian Church, he has been active in the upbuilding of that de- nomination in Paris, serving as deacon for many years, and contributing liberally towards its charities and general support.
JAMES GAINES, extensive land owner and farmer of Ross Township, and intimately con- nected with the early legislative and agricul- tural undertakings of this section, was born May 31, 1825, in Greene County, Ohio, son of Alexander and Mary (Chrisman) Gaines, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter born in New Jersey. Mr. Gaines located on his pres- ent farm in 1844, pre-empting from the govern- ment 120 acres of land, which he improved, and added to, by the purchase of land warrants given to soldiers of the Mexican war. Eventu- ally he was the possessor of 5,200 acres of land, owning at the present time 1,200 acres. Dur- ing the years 1871-3 he was a member of the State Legislature. Mr. Gaines established a home of his own March 25, 1849, marrying Louisa Weaver, of Ohio, whose death occurred Sept. 6, 1903. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaines: G. W., deceased; Mary, wife of J. R. Grace, and Rose, wife of Isaac Woodyard. Mr. Gaines is a member of the Mount Olive Methodist Episcopal Church. His life constitutes an example of what may be accomplished by perseverance, integrity, and loyalty to interests and friends. The ability to see and utilize an opportunity has also been an important factor in his life.
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