Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 162

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

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In all his social relations Judge Epler is ex- ceedingly democratic, and his sympathies are with the plain, but cultured people. In the var- ied business of individual and public life he favors giving every one an equal chance; and he has consistently opposed any kind of Gov- ernment interference which confers special privileges, or affords opportunities to any one class of people to the injury, or at the expense, of the remainder of the people. He believes that the public and private weal of the people .is best subserved by the least possible interfer- ence on the part of the General Government, and that such interference should be undertaken only to suppress evil doing and to restrain the aggressive and obtrusive among the selfish ele- ment from doing violence to the rights of oth- ers. While he has always stood with the Demo- cratic party politically, he never engaged in ac- tive partisan politles during his long term of service on the bench.

Judge Epler occupies a position high in the esteem of the thoughtful citizenship of Illinols. which freely and gladly honors him for the many admirable characteristics of hls strong personality. A man of unImpeachable integrity, of high public spirit, of courage, of devotlon to

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

the best interests of the whole people, and, withal, a man of rare modesty regarding his personal worth and attainments, his long and honorable record has endeared him closely to a multitude of people. A good citizen, a kind friend, a wise counsellor and an upright judge, this brief outline of his career is entitled to per- petuation in the history of the State and of the county.

FAIRBANK, John B., was born in New Ipswich, N. H., March 16, 1796. At the district schools of his native town and at the New Ipswich Academy, he obtained a fair education, which, on leaving home at the age of twenty, he made use of by engaging in teaching. For four years he was principal of a high school in Stamford, Conn., where he married Miss Hannah M. Cris- sey, with whom he lived to celebrate their golden wedding. Soon after his marriage he removed to Massachusetts, and there established an extensive manufactory of palm-leaf hats, and ladies' straw bonnets, one of the first of the kind in the United States. For the sale of the goods manufactured, he opened a wholesale store in New York City, whither he removed in 1835. In 1837 he removed to Morgan County, Ill., settling on a farm on the north side of Diamond Grove, one mile south of Illinois Col- lege. Here he lived nine years, during which time his older sons received their education at the college. In 1846 he removed to the vicinity of what is now the village of Concord, where he retained his residence until the close of his life. A short time previous to his location there a church had been organized in the neighborhood, out of a variety of religious ele- ments found in that region, on a union basis, and because of this feature of the organization, and because some of the members were from Concord, N. H., it received the name Concord Church. With that church Mr. Fairbank, with his family, at once identified himself, and at a cost to himself of several thousand dollars over and above his subscription, he built its first house of worship. The building was lo- cated where the village of Concord is now sit- uated. In 1850, in connection with his third son, D. Wilder, Mr. Fairbank opened a store near the church, and soon after platted the · town, and named it Concord after the church. When the Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad was projected, he interested himself in that en-

terprise at once, and for a number of years was one of its Directors.

Mr. Fairbank was a decidedly public-spirited man, and was always ready, according to his ability, and, indeed, often beyond his ability, to give a helping hand in the furtherance of everything which had in view the public good, whether in the sphere of civil affairs, education, philanthropy, or morals. Early in life he be- came a Christian, and thereafter was most heartily identified with all moral reforms and religious enterprises. While as yet it was an unpopular thing to do, he adopted total absti- nence principles as to temperance, which he ever after uncompromisingly maintained. He was especially interested in the cause of For- eign Missions, to which he gave gladly his eldest son and a granddaughter, together with no small portion of his yearly income. Polit- 'ically he was an old-line Whig, until the for- mation of the Republican party, with which he allied himself at once, because of its advocacy. of the anti-slavery principles he had always held, and was identified with the first effort to organize that party in a convention held at Springfield, Ill., in October, 1854. Through a long life of mingled prosperity and adversity, in all relations of whatsoever nature, he ever maintained the character of a true Christian gentleman, and succeeded remarkably in his aim in life to be both just and generous. He died June 17, 1873, at the age of seventy-seven years, and was buried in Diamond Grove Cem- etery, Jacksonville.

In Mr. Fairbank's family were ten children, five sons and five daughters. The latter all died in infancy, while the former grew to manhood. Rev. Samuel B. Fairbank, D. D., the oldest son, was born at Stamford, Conn., in 1822, graduated from Illinois College, at the age of eighteen, and from Andover Theological Seminary at twenty-one. The following year he went as a missionary of the American Board to India, and was stationed at Ahmedungger, 200 miles east of Bombay, in which work he spent about forty years, dying in India in 1898. James C. Fairbank, the second son, was born at Oak- ham, Mass., in 1825. While attending Illinois College, failing health caused him to relinquish his studies, and he returned to his father's farm, remaining with or near his parents until the father's death. He died in Jacksonville, Ill., February 7, 1893. D. Wilder Fairbank,

J. J. Pratt

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

the third son, was born at Oakham, Mass., April, 1829. Because of failing health when in col- lege, he too was obliged to relinquish his studies and his expectation to enter the ministry. For a number of years he engaged in teaching, but later entered the Concord store, and also en- gaged in farming and the stock and machine agency business. In 1850 he married Miss Sarah Epler, daughter of the late John Epler, of Cass County, and sister of Judge Cyrus Epler, of Jacksonville. His death occurred in Jack- sonville, Ill., February 19, 1893, a few days after that of his brother, James C. John B. Fairbank, Jr., the fourth son, was born September 6, 1831, in Oakham, Mass. He graduated from Illinois College in 1857, and from Union Theo- logical Seminary, New York, in 1860. He en- tered at once into the ministry, in the Congre- gational Church. After a long career of suc- cessful pastorates in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michi- gan and Indiana, he retired from active ministe- rial work, and is now serving as Secretary of the General Congregational Association of Illinois, residing in Jacksonville, Ill. Edward B. Fair- bank, the fifth son, was born in Morgan County, in May, 1841, and died at Concord, Ill., in Sep- tember, 1863, aged twenty-two years. He was a young man of rare social and business qual- · ities, and of earnest Christian principles, and gave promise of a worthy future. He was held in high esteem, and his untimely death was mourned by all who knew him. All the sons of Mr. Fairbank have been, at some time, con- nected with Illinois College, all followed his example in engaging, to a greater or less ex- tent, in teaching, all early united with the church, all have been from their youth absolute teetotallers, and all have received and held the confidence of their fellow-men.

FANNING, Joab .- Joseph Fanning and Middle- ton John Fanning were the ancestors of the large number of Fannings of Morgan County; and many others of that ancestral stock became widely dispersed over the West by emigration. Joseph Fanning, father of Joab, came first from Virginia to Tennessee; then, in 1822, to Madi- son County, Ill., and to Morgan County in 1823. Robert Fanning, a brother of Joab, died in the Florida War while a soldier under General Jack- son. Joab was a soldier in the Mexican War, serving in Company G, First Regiment Illinois Volunteers. The Fanning family were originally from Ireland, and are of the purest Milesian de-

scent, being of the race IR. of the Hermonian line. The family settled in Ireland more than 2,000 years ago. The genealogy of this old pio- neer family points with justifiable satisfaction to the chivalrous Celtic race of Ireland. The grandsires came to America when the country was under British rule. During the American Revolution Sampson Fanning often gave news to the Colonial army under Washington, of the whereabouts of skulking Tories. Many past and present excellent citizens of Morgan County have sprung from those original immigrants.

FARRELL, Felix Epler, senior member of the banking firm of F. G. Farrell & Company, Jack- sonville, Ill., was born in that city October 28, 1868, a son of Felix Grundy and Anna (Epler) Farrell. (A detailed sketch of his father's life will be found elsewhere in this volume.) He received his education in the public schools of Jacksonville and at Illinois College. In 1885 he entered the First National Bank of Jackson- ville as collector, and was promoted through the various positions in the bank to the Assist- ant Cashiership, a post he occupied when the national bank was succeeded by the private in- stitution of F. G. Farrell & Company. In the meantime, however, Mr. Farrell went to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where, in 1893, he established the private banking firm of Farrell & Mueller. This institution he operated until December, 1897, when he sold his interest to the Banco de Minero and removed to Hermosillo, where he assisted in the establishment of the Banco de Sonora. In the spring of 1898 he disposed of his interests and returned to Jacksonville to be- come Assistant Cashier of the First National. to which office he was elected March 21st of that year. In this post he remained until the na- tional bank was succeeded by the bank of F. G. Farrell & Company, on January 2, 1899. Upon the death of his father, December 29, 1901, Mr. Farrell and his brother-in-law, Edgar E. Crab- tree, who had been equal partners with the elder Farrell in the management of the bank, continued operations under the old firm name as cqual partners, an arrangement which has since continued, Mr. Farrell being the senior partner in the firm. The partners have inherited the extensive landed interests of the elder Farrell, which form their chief working assets.

Like his father, Mr. Farrell is unswerving in his devotion to the principles of the Demo- cratic party, but he has never sought nor con-

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

sented to occupy public office. Upon the death of his father he succeeded him as Trustee and Treasurer of the Jacksonville Female Acad- emy, and as Treasurer of the State Street Pres- byterian Church, and is Treasurer of Passa- vant Memorial Hospital. Fraternally he is a member of the local lodge of Elks, and of Urania Lodge, No. 243, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs; also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Delaware Tribe of Red Men, No. 72, and Ridgely Encampment I. O. O. F., No. 9. He was united in marriage April 12, 1898, with Isabel Stewart Martin, a daugh- ter of James H. and Sarah (Gray) Martin, of St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Farrell are the parents of two children-Felix Martin and Dorothy Isa- bel

Though still a young man, Mr. Farrell has become recognized as one of the most substan- tial and progressive business men of Jackson- ville. Inheriting from his ancestors a fixity of purpose and rare strength of character, he has been governed in his transactions by high and honorable motives. In the conduct of his banking operations he has exhibited sagacity and prudence; but while aiming at honorable financial success, has not permitted his ambi- tions to interfere with his inherent tendency toward a just consideration of the rights of others. Under the present management of the bank its business has greatly increased, and those who have watched the career of Mr. Far- rell and his partner prophecy that in the near future their concern will take rank among the strongest financial institutions of this section of Illinois. Personally Mr. Farrell is disposed to render proper assistance to all movements which have for their end the elevation of the moral and industrial status of Jacksonville, thereby keeping alive the traditions of a name which has been honored in Morgan County for more than half a century.

FARRELL, Felix Grundy, (deceased), mer- chant and banker, Jacksonville, Ill., was born in Cumberland County, Ky., October 13, 1829, a son of John and Abigail (Turley) Farrell. While he was yet an infant his parents started for Illi- nois, where they intended to locate permanently, and in 1832 while at Beardstown, Ill., his mother was stricken by Asiastic cholera and died. His father soon afterward proceeded westward upon his journey to Iowa, leaving

. his son in the care of relatives. The last intel- ligence received from him was to the effect that he had reached Burlington, and it is supposed that he died during his journey further into the territory. Sometime after the death of his father, young Farrell was taken to Iowa, where he was cared for by his maternal grand- mother until he was placed in the charge of his uncle, Neil Turley, who finally brought him back to Illinois. During his childhood and youth he attended the country schools of "Cracker's Bend" whenever the opportunity pre- sented itself, but his early educational advan- tages were meager. During most of the time until he had reached the age of eighteen years he was a farm laborer. In 1847 he began learn- ing the trade of a brickmaker and burner, and was thus employed until he became of age, when he entered the general store of Link & Powell, at Arcadia, Morgan County, in the capacity of clerk and general helper. During the summer season he drove a peddling cart throughout the surrounding country for that firm, and in this way became acquainted with many men of all classes and conditions. The knowledge of human nature thus gained proved of incalcu- lable benefit to him in his future undertakings, and doubtless enabled him to avoid many a pitfall in his later career.

In 1852 Mr. Farrell and an uncle, Thomas Turley, purchased the business of Link & Pow- ell, Mr. Turley supplying the necessary money and Mr. Farrell the experience. The partner- ship was an ideal one, as Mr. Farrell had thoroughly familiarized himself with the cus- tom, and knew the demands of the community. In March, 1853, they removed to Pleasant Plains, Ill., where they continued the business for several years. In February, 1857, the part- ners removed to Jacksonville, where they es- tablished themselves in the same line of busi- ness, but upon a larger scale. After seven years of successful enterprise, or in the summer of 1864, Mr. Farrell and others who appreciated the need of additional banking facilities in Jacksonville, organized The First National Bank of Jacksonville. Of this Mr. Farrell was Cashier from 1867 until January 2, 1899, when the bank relinquished its charter and the pri- vate house of F. G. Farrell & Company began operations. Mr. Farrell, who had owned a major- ity of stock in the national bank, and his son, Felix E. Farrell, became partners in the new

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

enterprise, which was then operated by them until February 1, 1901, when Edgar E. Crabtree was admitted into the firm as an equal partner. The firm continued under this arrangement until the death of Felix G. Farrell, which oc- curred December 29, 1901, after which the busi- ness was continued as before.

The financial foundation upon which the pri- vate banking enterprise established by Mr. Far- rell rested, was his real estate holdings, which consisted of more than 2,000 acres of valuable farming land, situated in Morgan County, Ill., and Jackson County, Mo. Besides this he pos- sessed other valuable city property, all of which was accumulated entirely by reason of his own individual effort.

Mr. Farrell was always deeply interested in all well-considered efforts put forth for the pro- motion of the general welfare of the community. He took a great interest in educational matters, and for many years served as a Trustee of the Jacksonville Female Academy. An active mem- ber of the First Presbyterian Church (now the State Street Church) for many years, he served as an Elder therein from 1872 until his death, and for a long period was also Treasurer of the Society. He was also a most useful sup- porter of the work of the Passavant Hospital. For many years he was a member of the Jack-

sonville Board of Water Commissioners, and one of the stanchest advocates of the best obtainable water supply. His sole entry into political life was his service in the Illinois State Legislature in 1867 and 1868, to which office he was elected as the nominee of the Democracy. Fraternally he was identified with Urania Lodge, No. 243, I. O. O. F., having been initiated into the order in 1857.

Mr. Farrell was first united in marriage Sep- tember 18, 1855. to Mary Jane Dunlap, daughter of the Hon. Stephen Dunlap. She died in Feb- ruary, 1864, leaving four daughters: Mary Abi- gail, deceased wife of Walter Ayers; Nellie Frances, deceased wife of Harry E. Wadsworth: Dicy Elizabeth, wife of Edward A. Nixon; the second daughter, Leonora Althica, dicd at the age of seven years. On May 30, 1866, Mr. Far- rell married Anna Epler, of Pleasant Plains, 111., a daughter of Jacob Epler. Of this mar- riage two children were born, namely: Felix I., and Anna, wife of Edgar E. Crabtree.

Mr. Farrell's mind was broadened and his personality cultured by extensive travel, which

included two journeys to the Old World. The first of these was made in 1878, when, accom- panied by his three grown daughters, he visited Europe, Palestine and Egypt. In 1884 he spent several months on the Pacific Coast and in the Yosemite Valley; in 1888 he visited Mexico and some of the countries of tropical America, and in 1892 returned to Europe, in company with his youngest daughter and three of her friends. Mr. Farrell's life was molded after high ideals, and good fellowship and delicate consideration of the rights of others were cardinal principles of his creed. He was constantly reaching out a kindly, helping hand to others less fortunately situated than he; but in the midst of his nu- merous beneficences he shunned everything which might be regarded as ostentation. His high and unselfish public spirit was frequently in evidence; for no appeal in behalf of a timely and well considered effort to advance the mate- rial, moral or spiritual welfare of Jacksonville was ever submitted to him in vain. He was, In brief, one of the most substantial, kindly, be- nevolent and progressive citizens of Morgan County, a man whom all delighted to honor, and one whose life was the source of much in- spiration to others.

FAUGUST, Oscar, a well-known and prosper- ous coppersmith and tinner of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., was born in Vestergotland, Sweden, November 5, 1860. He is a son of Gus- taf and Anne Marie (Johnson) Faugust. His father was also a native of Vestergotland, born January 1, 1827, and followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, April 17, 1875. His widow was born in the same place as her hus- band and son. December 24, 1826, and died March 5, 1903. in Bremer County, Iowa. Oscar Faugust received his mental training in the public schools of Sweden, and then served a four years' apprenticeship as a coppersmith in Gottenborg, where he received a thorough train- ing in his chosen trade. After finishing his appren- ticeship, together with his mother, two sisters and two brothers, he came to the United States, and settled at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 17, 1880. There he worked at his trade until 1887, when he moved to Springfield, Ill., where he was successfully engaged for sixteen years. In May. 1902, he there established a business in tin and galvanized iron work, and tile and slate roofing, the enterprise having enjoyed a sub-

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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

stantial and continuous expansion. Since he has made his home in Jacksonville he has been a useful and enterprising citizen, and has exer- cised his utmost endeavors to advance the public interests.

On October 23, 1883, Mr. Faugust was united in marriage with Lydia Sandberg, a daughter of John and Anne (Caspersen) Sandberg, of Copenhagen, Denmark. Six sturdy and interest- ing children have blessed this union, namely: Gustaf, born June 15, 1885; Carl, born February 2, 1887; Hulda, born November 16, 1890; Nellie, born March 6, 1893; and Fred and Will (twins), born December 7, 1895. Mr. Faugust's brother, Alfred, is living at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and one sister, Augusta Nordstrom, resides at Marshall- town, that State, while his other sister, Mrs. Anne Noid, lives in Sioux City. Fraternally Mr. Faugaust is a member of Jacksonville Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F .; Springfield (Ill.) No. 1418, M. W. A., and Damascus Court, Tribe of Ben Hur, of Springfield, Ill.

FELLOWS, Richard, (deceased), late a worthy citizen of Lynnville, Morgan County, Ill., where he was for many years engaged in the tailoring business, was born in Birmingham, England, December 11, 1817. At the age of fourteen years he went to Sutton for the purpose of learning the tailor's trade, and worked as an apprentice in that line for seven years and three months, his only compensation being his board. He then returned to Birmingham, where he remained until 1844, when he came to the United States. The voyage was made on a sailing vessel and consumed eight weeks from the day of embarkation. Shortly after landing on these shores he proceeded to New Orleans, where he remained until 1849. Thence he jour- neyed to Illinois, and opened a trilor's shop at Winchester, which he conducted for three and a half years. He then located at Lynnville, and from 1853 lived in the house where he passed his last days in May, 1905. During this long period he was engaged in the tailoring business and in farming. In both occupations he was a careful, diligent and painstaking man, and by his close and faithful application to the task before him, and his strict integrity won an enviable reputation and an excellent standing in the community. Although not a church mem- ber, he contributed freely toward the various agencies of Christian work. On October 10, 1847,

Mr. Fellows was united in marriage with Ann Wilson, who died in 1875. In 1878, he was wedded to the widow of W. J. Woodward, and a daughter of Ebenezer and Frances Ruark. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years and an earnest Christian worker, dying in May, 1905.

FLIGG, George, who is successfully engaged in agriculture on the farm where his birth took place in Morgan County, Ill., was born October 12, 1847. He is a son of John and Jane (Groves) Fligg, of whom the former was born in Eng- land. When a young man John Fligg came from his native country to the United States and be- gan working on a farm. He moved to the place now operated by his son, George, at an early period and was there engaged in farming throughout his active life, dying at Lynnville, Ill., in 1855, aged thirty-nine years. His widow died on the homestead farm October 8, 1893, in her eighty-third year. George Fligg attended the common schools until he was nineteen years of age, when he took charge of the paternal farm, where he had been reared, in the interest of his mother. Of her six children, five died young, George being the only one to reach ma- turity. Mr. Fligg's farm consists of 80 acres. on which he has made all of the present fine improvements. He is an industrious and care- ful farmer, and good results attend his labors.

On May 29, 1870, Mr. Fligg was united in marriage with Jennie Stephenson. Their union has resulted in six children, namely: Johnny, who died at the age of eight years; Charles, who died about the same time, of scarlet fever; Jessie, wife of Charles Hammell, a resident of Buckhorn Township, Morgan County; Joseph, who is living at home; Pearl, who was born April 7, 1883, and Roy, who was born October 13, 1888. In politics, Mr. Fligg follows the fortunes of the Republican party. He has served six terms as School Director of the township.

FRANK, John, a well-known and prosperous grocer and baker, of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., was born in that city, March 31, 1865. He is a son of Emanuel and Frances (Fernandes) Frank, natives of the Island of Madeira, who came to this country with other Portuguese exiles. In this country the father followed the occupation of a dairyman until his death in 1896. His widow still survives him.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 162

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286