USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 2
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In early manhood Major Downing was married to Miss Mary Yates, a daughter of Bartholomew and Nancy Yates, of Attica, New York. They became the parents of four children: Mary O., now the wife of Dr. Z. W. Moss, of Dixon; George J., a merchant of this city; Benjamin F., who is engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at Dixon; and Eudora, now the wife of John M. Stager, of Sterling, Illinois.
Major Downing was reared in the Quaker faith. His life has been largely patterned after the golden rule and his many sterling traits of character have commended him to the confidence, good-
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will and respect of all who know him. He is a charter member of Dixon Post, No. 299, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Since 1856 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplifies its beneficent spirit. He cast his first presidential vote for Fremont in 1856 and has continuously supported the republican party since that time. His early connection with mercantile interests and his later iden- tification with the commercial and agricultural life of Illinois have made him well known as a citizen here. More than six decades have passed since he first arrived in this state and his memory today forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. Throughout his entire life he has been actuated by a spirit of loyalty that has ever been as pronounced in days of peace as when he followed the old flag on the battlefields of the south.
HON. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DOWNING.
Hon. Benjamin Franklin Downing, conducting a real-estate, loan and insurance business at Dixon, with a clientage that makes his interests extensive and important, has in the midst of his business affairs also found time for public office, in which connec- tion he has made an equally creditable record. Dixon claims him as a native son, his birth here occurring in 1880. His father, Colonel O. J. Downing, is a well known citizen and, ambitious for his. son, provided him with liberal educational opportunities, his high-school course being supplemented by study in the University of Wisconsin. In 1899 he entered business circles of Dixon in con- nection with mercantile interests and for eleven years was active as a representative of commercial affairs here, conducting one of the leading stores of the city. In 1910, however, he sold out. In 1912 he established a real-estate, loan and insurance business, since which time he has largely handled western lands, making extensive sales. He has thoroughly informed himself concerning property values in the' sections of the country in which he operates and he is equally well known as a representative of some of the strongest insurance companies of the country. He likewise places loans and his clientage in each department of his business is large and gratifying.
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In 1903 Mr. Downing was married to Miss Mary L. Graves, of Dixon, and they have one child, Mary Louise. Theirs is an attract- ive and hospitable home and its good cheer is greatly enjoyed by a circle of friends that includes the leading residents of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Downing hold membership in the Episcopal church and are actively interested in its work, Mr. Downing serving as one of its vestrymen. He has attained high rank in Masonry, becom- ing a Knight Templar in the Dixon commandery while also crossing the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His name is likewise on the membership roll of the Benev- olent Protective Order of Elks. He has always taken a great interest in community and state welfare and progress, and appre- ciation of his loyalty and public-spirited citizenship has come to him in election to several offices. In 1906 he was chosen alderman from has ward and in 1908 was elected to represent his district in the state senate. While a member of the upper house he gave care- ful consideration to all questions which came up for settlement and left the impress of his individuality upon a number of measures which now find a place on the statutes of the state. Mr. Downing is widely recognized as a high type of our American manhood and chivalry and it is a known fact that no plan or movement for the benefit of the city along lines of advancement and improvement seeks his aid in vain.
JOHN MEISTER.
John Meister, deceased, was for many years closely and influen- tially identified with agricultural interests of Lee county and his energy and enterprise gained for him a high place among represen- tative farmers of this locality. He was born in Bradford township, this county, March 14, 1864, and is a son of Conrad and Rosa Meister, natives of Germany. The parents came to America about 1854 and located in Bradford township, where the father still resides.
John Meister was reared upon the homestead and remained with his parents until his marriage in 1897. Following this he began farming independently and his efforts were rewarded by constantly increasing success. He owned one hundred acres of land on section 9, Bradford township, and developed this along the most practical and progressive lines. He made it a productive and
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valuable property and remained active in its operation until his death. He passed away August 11, 1912, and was laid to rest in Ashton cemetery. His death was widely and sincerely regretted, for his honorable and upright life had gained him many friends in his native township.
In 1897 Mr. Meister was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Walter, who was born in Germany, May 1, 1866, a daughter of John and Anna E. (Shady) Walter, also natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1868 and located in Bradford town- ship, where both passed away. In their family were seven chil- dren, of whom six are yet living. To Mr. and Mrs. Meister five children were born, Clara M., George C., Mary L., Wilbert W., and a child who died in infancy. Mrs. Meister owns the homestead and makes her home upon it. She is well known in Bradford township and her many excellent qualities of mind and character have gained her a wide circle of friends.
HENRY W. REITZ.
Henry W. Reitz, who was born June 20, 1860, a son of Adam and Barbara Reitz, now lives retired on his excellent farm located on section 34, Ashton township, Lee county, the operation of which he leaves to his oldest son, John A., whose career is recorded under a separate caption. Mr. Reitz of this review remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he married Miss Mollie Ventler. He enjoyed a common-school education and when young became well acquainted with such agricultural methods as lead to success. He made good use of his knowledge and brought his farm holdings to a high state of cultivation before he turned over the actual management of his land to his son, although he still resides upon his farm, having, however, largely withdrawn from the active work connected therewith. After his marriage he engaged in farming, buying the property upon which he yet lives and which comprises one hundred and sixty acres. He gave his sole attention to improving this land and placing there- upon modern equipment, and as profits resulted he acquired more property, now owning three hundred and eighty acres. Two sets of buildings can be found upon his land and all of these are in the best state of repair.
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To Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Reitz were born four children: John A., Emma B., Lilly M. and Harvey A. Mr. and Mrs. Reitz are members of the Lutheran church and politically the former is a republican. He has always interested himself in the progress and advancement of the township and county and has served for some time as a road commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Reitz are highly esteemed by all who know them and enjoy the confidence and good- will of their friends and neighbors.
A. F. MOORE, M. D.
Dr. A. F. Moore, president of the Lee County Medical Society and a practitioner in Dixon since 1895, was born in Polo, Illinois, in 1867, a son of A. F. and Maria (Cutts) Moore, the father a native of New Hampshire, the mother of Maine. Coming to Illinois in . 1848, they settled at Buffalo Grove and subsequently removed to Polo. The father was a farmer by occupation, devoting his entire life to the work of tilling the soil.
At the usual age Dr. Moore entered the public schools of his native town and then, in preparation for the practice of medicine, entered the Marion-Sims Medical College at St. Louis, in which he completed the full course, being graduated with the class of 1895. Immediately afterward he came to Dixon, opened an office in this city and has since been engaged in general practice here. He mani- fests the utmost care in the preparation of his cases, his diagnosis is accurate and his sagacity keen. He is continually promoting his knowledge through reading and study and no professional subject can be broached upon which he cannot express an intelligent opinion.
On the 21st of January, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Moore and Miss Frances Craig Smith, of Cheboygan, Michi- gan, who died on the 19th of September, 1909. The Doctor's fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is well known in the military circles of the state as surgeon of the Third Brigade of the Illinois National Guard and as a member of the staff of Brigadier General Edward Kittleson of Moline. Politically Dr. Moore is a republican, but his professional duties leave him no time for activity along that line. His standing among his professional brethren is high, as is indicated in the fact that he
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is now president of the Lee County Medical Society. He is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society, the North Central Medical Society, the American Medical Association and Associa- tion of Military Surgeons of the United States. In addition to his private practice he is acting as surgeon for the Northwestern Railway and his ability in both medical and surgical practice has carried him far beyond the point of mediocrity, gaining him a place in the front rank among Lee county's physicians.
HON. CHARLES H. HUGHES.
No citizen of Lee county has been more faultless in honor, fear- less in conduct and stainless in reputation than Hon. Charles H. Hughes, who at the time of his death on the 12th of May, 1907, was serving as state senator from his district. He won distinction in every relation of his life. He was a successful and progressive farmer, an enterprising and sagacious banker, an astute, clear- headed and public-spirited citizen and political leader, a loyal friend and devoted husband and father. He had a wide acquaint- ance among the most prominent residents of Illinois and their ex- pressions of regret at his passing showed how deeply he was honored by them and how greatly his worth was appreciated.
His life record had its beginning in Columbia county, Pennsyl- vania, his birth occurring near Berwick on the 13th of April, 1846. He was descended from Welsh and German ancestry, his fore- fathers having crossed the Atlantic to America at an early period in the development of this country. The family history contains the names of many who contributed to the successes of the Revolu- tionary war and molded the later history of the republic. His parents were Elwood and Elizabeth (Hill) Hughes, in whose fam- ily he was the fourth child. His father was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and made farming his life work. The mother was a native of Lycoming county, Pennsylvania. For many years they resided in the Keystone state but in 1870 came to Illinois, where the father made his home until his death which occurred in 1894. Following her husband's death the mother made her home with her son, Charles H., until his death. She died in the city of Dixon in August, 1909, at the ripe age of ninety- one years. Her living children are E. C. Hughes, now a promi- nent attorney of Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. James Hill of Los
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HON. CHARLES H. HUGHES
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Angeles, California. Her oldest son, John N. Hughes, Captain of Company B, 210th Pennsylvania Volunteers was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness and died a few weeks later. Her fourth son, William E. Hughes, died at the age of four years in 1855. Her second son, B. F. Hughes, a lawyer by profession and at one time a member of the state senate of Pennsylvania and also assistant postmaster of Philadelphia, died at his home in Phila- delphia, in October, 1913. Her youngest son, Edward A. Hughes, died in Clinton, Iowa, in 1902 while serving his third term as mayor of that city.
Charles H. Hughes acquired his early education in the public schools of Berwick, Pennsylvania, and afterward had the oppor- tunity of attending the Susquehanna University. He was a young man of twenty-two years when in 1868 he came to Illinois, where he took up the occupation of farming being actively connected with agricultural pursuits in Lee county for twenty-two years. In the management of his fields he displayed keen discernment, thor- ough understanding of the best methods of tilling the soil and in- defatigable industry. These qualities won him success as the years passed on and made him in time the possessor of a handsome competence. At the time of his demise he was still the owner of his farm lands and personally directed their operation. In addi- tion he had business interests in Dixon in which city he took up his residence in 1892. The following year he became connected with the Dixon National Bank as one of its stockholders and at the time of his demise was its cashier. During the later years of his life he devoted his attention largely to the management of the bank, the success and upbuilding of which are largely at- tributable to his efforts. He was always strictly honorable and straightforward in his dealings and was ever willing to assist the patrons of the bank to any degree that would not imperil the safety of other depositors. He was an excellent judge of human nature and was therefore seldom, if ever, at fault in giving sub- stantial evidence of his confidence in an individual. His entire business career was characterized by progress. He always fol- lowed constructive methods so that his path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's failures. He readily recognized and grasped opportunities and the wise use which he made of his time and talents brought him substantial return.
It was not long after he came to Lee county that Mr. Hughes was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Williams, a daughter of the late Mark Williams of Palmyra, this county. Theirs was Vol. 11-2
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an ideal married life, most close companionship existing between them because of their mutual interests and the similarity of their tastes. To their friends they delighted to extend the hospitality of their home which was bereft of the wife in 1903. There is an only living child, Adessa, the wife of E. H. Brewster, a lawyer in Dixon, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Two other children of the marriage, Mark W. and Vera L., have long since passed away.
Mr. Hughes was recognized as one of the political leaders of Lee county and in all of his political activity was actuated by an unfaltering devotion to the public welfare. He was first elected to office in Palmyra township, being chosen township assessor in 1876. He was reelected for three terms and in 1879 was elected supervisor from his township, which position he filled for one year. In 1886 he was elected treasurer of Lee county for a term of four years and added further laurels to his good name as a pub- lic official. In March, 1895, he was chosen mayor of Dixon ; was re- elected in 1896 and again in 1900. It is said that he was the best mayor the city ever had. He worked toward high ideals but at the same time used practical methods. He was active in the develop- ment of the city, in the paving of the streets and in the establish- ment of other public improvements. He became an active factor in state politics in 1900, when he was elected to the lower house of the Illinois legislature. At the close of his two years' term he was nominated and elected state senator in the thirty-fifth district and his course during the succeeding four years was indorsed by a reelection. At the time of his death he was in the first year of his second term. He was a recognized power in the senate, one who wielded a wide influence because of his businesslike methods, his capability and his recognized devotion to the general good. He won and retained the respect and confidence of the leading legislators and statesmen of Illinois.
. Mr. Hughes was also prominent in fraternal circles. In No- vember, 1884, he was initiated into Friendship Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M., of Dixon and was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on the 5th of March, 1885. He served as worship- ful master of his lodge and he was a member of Nachusa Chapter, No. 56, R. A. M. and filled nearly all of the offices in the chapter, including that of high priest. He was created an Knight Templar in Dixon Commandry and at all times he was loyal to the teach- ings and to the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was likewise a member of Dixon Lodge, No. 779, B. P. O. E.
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Mr. Hughes had been in poor health for some time but the immediate cause of his death was an injury received when his sad- dle horse fell. He went to Excelsior Springs, Missouri, for treat- ment and there passed away on May 12, 1907. The remains were brought back to Lee county and interred in the Palmyra ceme- tery on which occasion many of his colleagues in the state senate, and other prominent men throughout the state, as well as his relatives and old-time friends were in attendance. Perhaps no better summary of the life and of the character of Hon. Charles H. Hughes can be given than by quoting from the Dixon Daily Sun of May 18, 1907. Among other things that paper said :
"Charles H. Hughes was one of the leaders of the public life of this community. Though he has silently gone from the ranks and the gap may appear to fill with unseemly haste the good that he did will survive him and will even perhaps survive the memory of his name with the busy majority of the community where he lived and loved and labored. His influence will pass into the minds and hearts of his fellows and there will live and uncon- sciously manifest itself in the actions of their days yet to come.
"About ten years ago Charles H. Hughes was elected mayor of Dixon. At that time there were few of the modern and perma- nent improvements within the limits of the city. The civic pride of the city had not kept pace with its commercial spirit.
"As mayor of Dixon, Mr. Hughes decided to pave the streets, at least in the business center, and replace the plank sidewalks with safe and durable walks of cement. Knowing that this would be seriously opposed, he quietly laid his plans, but he laid them well and with an indomitable will he carried them into speedy realization. The feeling of many of the business men of Dixon ran high against this improvement and the action of the mayor was condemned in the harshest terms. But he pursued his course with words of reason for a time and then in silence. Over the op- position he triumphed. To do this it took great will and sterling courage. It is much harder to contend for what you believe to be right in a small community where the long association of the people has ripened into friendship than it is upon the broader field of the world's activities. Time proved that the mayor was right in his contention and the improvements once started were continued until now Dixon is one of the most finely improved cities in the state. Besides the convenience of these improvements there is one value that is not generally considered. This is the fact that gracious and well kept streets and sightly public im-
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provements have an effect in developing the higher and more ar- tistic taste of any community. This is one of the features of Dixon which Mr. Hughes initiated and helped develop and in the years to come, if it is not now, this will be remembered as one of the most beneficent achievements of his busy life. Mr. Hughes held other offices which are supposed to carry higher honor with them, but in none of them did he accomplish a greater work. In municipal government it must be remembered that 'It is the lack of civic consciousness, of a sense of responsibility for the whole municipality at least that makes private comfort more command- ing than public duty; makes a man more solicitous for the condi- tion of the lawn which is his own luxury than for the street and alley which is everybody's necessity.' In at least partially arous- ing this consciousness in Dixon Mr. Hughes did a work which will be more warmly be commended with the passing of the years.
"In politics Mr. Hughes was an ardent republican. He ac- cepted all the teachings of the party and venerated its customs. He was content to be a worker in the ranks; a plain, persevering laborer with great confidence in his own efforts and ever seeking results rather than reward. He served two terms in the legisla- ture and as a member of that body he framed and secured. the passage of the law which made it possible for Lee and Ogle coun- ties to build the Grand Detour bridge. At his death he was serv- ing his second term as state senator. As senator he assisted in the passage of many important measures, one of the latest and of most importance to the citizens of Dixon is the measure which made it possible for Dixon to accept Lowell park as a gift for the use and pleasure of the people. His executive ability and steadfastness of purpose made him a power politically. It was these qualities which made him one of the leaders of the Cullom forces in the latter's contest for his seat in the United States sen- ate eight years ago. It was also these qualities that made him manager of Congressman Frank O. Lowden's candidacy for the republican nomination for governor of Illinois. In these con- tests no policies of grave importance were involved but the ques- tions were those of personal preference among the members of the republican party. They were purely questions of leadership in that party.
"A man who possessed the determination and sturdy will of Mr. Hughes often aroused spirited opposition among his co- workers and this he often did among his political associates. But through these same qualities he overcame opposition. His politi-
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cal honors were seldom thrust upon him but were nearly always the result of victorious contests. The last contest against him for his seat in the state senate did not even reach the floor of the con- vention hall where the republican candidates were nominated. This was not because the opposition to him was not determined in certain quarters but simply because those who opposed him grew fearful of defeat and abandoned the fight rather than suf- fer the consequences.
"In properly studying the life work of any man the condi- tions of the time which form the background for the picture must also be considered. The political life of Charles H. Hughes ran through a time of the ugly wounds of the Civil war and into a time of wondrous prosperity in his own country. Commercialism was all pervasive. It permeated all the varying lines of man's activity. The politicians of all parties were enamored of expedi- ency. They contended for temporary victory and personal ad- vancement rather than for the principles that shall make the world better and the people happier in all the years yet to come. Silent- ly and ominously rearing its massive walls at the side of the highway of public activity was a neglected temple. Here un- noted and in most cases unhonored gathered the prophets of a bet- ter time. They weighed all questions as world-problems which must finally be settled at world tribunals and 'according to ever- lasting principles that obtain in all nations, underlie all ages and overreach all righteous courts.' Their theories were considered impractical, yet about that temple was the purer atmosphere that inspires the souls of men. Those who reached it must 'struggle up the steps, they must travel a road that is a lonesome road-a road that is rocky and dusty and that has neither springs nor shade trees beside it. But the road along which are found the footprints of genius and the finger-boards that point to immortal- ity.' Out of this temple are marching the delegates to the inter- national peace conference and a year ago they established an international institute of agriculture having its seat at Rome. Out of this temple will come the forces to purify politics and make the world's work one of universal brotherhood.
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