USA > Illinois > McLean County > History of McLean County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 43
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On Jan. 30, 1901, Mr. Broyhill was married to Miss Laura Tipton, a native of Bloomington, and the daughter of Judge T. F. and Mary (Strayer) Tipton. Judge Tipton was a pioneer settler of Bloomington and a prominent attorney there for many years, and also served as con- gressman for two terms. Mrs. Broyhill is the fourth of five children, the oldest of whom is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Broyhill have no children.
Mr. Broyhill is a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church, and is a 32d degree Mason and belongs to the Bloomington Consistory and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man esteemed throughout McLean County for his reliability and industry.
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Samuel Kline McDowell, the capable superintendent of city schools of Bloomington, Ill., is one of the well known educators of the state and has many years of successful experience to his credit in school work. He was born near Gilboa, Ohio, Sept. 20, 1866, a son of James and Sarah Octavia (Kline) McDowell.
James McDowell was a native of Ohio, born near Pandora, and his wife was also a native of Ohio, born near Gilboa. James McDowell was a farmer and stock raiser throughout his active career. He was a vet- eran of the Civil War, having enlisted at Ottawa, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1862, becoming a member of Company D, 21st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, and served under Capt. Charles W. Allen. He served in a num- ber of engagements, including the eight day battle of Stone River. He was discharged from the service at Decherd, Tenn., Aug. 7, 1863, on ac- count of expiration of his term of enlistment. After the war he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming. He died March 29, 1916, and is buried in Harmon Cemetery, near Gilboa, Ohio. His widow now resides at Brunswick, Me.
To James McDowell and wife were born the following children: John H., Troy, N. Y .; Tamar, died Oct. 17, 1901; Inis, died Feb. 9, 1909; Flor- ence, lives at Brunswick, Me .; Prudence, Canadian, Texas; and Kline, the subject of this sketch.
S. Kline McDowell was reared on a farm near Gilboa, Putnam County, Ohio. He was educated in the country schools of Putnam County, Ohio, and after graduating from Belmore High School he entered the Tri-State College at Angola, Ind., where he was graduated with the degree of Bache- lor of Science. He is also a graduate of the Illinois State Normal Uni- versity at Normal, Ill., and was a student of the graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana. Mr. McDowell began his career as a teacher in the public schools near his home in Ohio. His first school in this state was at Mt. Olive, West Township, McLean County. He was principal of the Downs public schools for four years, principal of the McLean graded school five years, superintendent of the LeRoy public school seven and one-half years; superintendent of Hoopeston, Ill., public school six and one-half years, superintendent of Aurora public schools (west side) five years, and for the past four years has been superin- tendent of the Bloomington public schools. In addition to his regular school work, Mr. McDowell has been an instructor in teachers' institutes in Illinois during the summers for the past 15 years.
SAMUEL K. McDOWELL.
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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY
On June 7, 1893, Samuel K. McDowell was married in West Town- ship, near LeRoy, Ill., to Miss Ida Bell Scott, a native of West Township, McLean County, and a daughter of William T. and Mary (Lowe) Scott, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of McLean County. William T. Scott died Jan. 29, 1913, and his wife departed this life Oct. 3, 1913, and their remains are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy, Ill. To Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have been born two children: Edna Lucile Mc- Dowell, who died Oct. 11, 1918, at the age of 20 years; and William Scott McDowell, who is attending college and resides with his parents in Bloom- ington.
Mr. McDowell is a Republican and he and Mrs. McDowell are mem- bers of the Baptist Church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a 32nd degree Mason, being a member of the Bloom- ington Consistory, Bloomington, Ill. He is a member of the Illinois State Teachers Association, the Illinois School Masters Club, and the National Educational Association.
Robert E. Williams, an attorney of Bloomington, is recognized as one of the representative members of the bar of McLean County. He was born in Bloomington, March 11, 1863, and is a son of Robert E. and Mar- tha J. (Smith) Williams.
The Williams family dates back to Virginia where Ebenezer Will- iams, great grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1757. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. In 1779 he married Miss Catherine Jones, and the following year they moved to Pennsylvania. One of their sons, Abraham Williams, came to McLean County in 1856. His wife, Sally Hanna, was a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham . Williams were the parents of seven children, of whom Robert E., father of the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. Abraham Williams died in 1857.
Robert E. Williams, father of the subject of this sketch, was a promi- nent attorney of McLean County for many years. He was born in Green County, Pa., Dec. 3, 1825, and died Feb. 18, 1899. He was educated at Bethany College in West Virginia and also attended Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, where he was a classmate of James G. Blaine. Mr. Williams then studied law in Kentucky and was admitted (32)
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to the bar there. He practiced law in DeWitt County, Texas, for sev- eral years and was prosecuting attorney there. In 1856 he came to Bloomington to practice his profession and was a partner of Major Pack- ard, and later Hudson Burr. At the time of his death Mr. Williams was practicing law with Charles Capen. He was a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge.
Mr. Williams was personally acquainted with Lincoln and was also a friend of Stephen A. Douglas, senator from Illinois. For a number of years he was attorney for the Illinois Central and Chicago & Alton railroads.
Mr. Williams was married in December, 1851, to Miss Martha J. Smith, who was born in Tennessee, 1835. She was a daughter of James N. and Elizabeth (Moorehead) Smith, the former a native of North Caro- lina and the latter of Tennessee. Mrs. Williams died Aug. 25, 1882.
Robert E. Williams was reared and educated in Bloomington and was admitted to the bar in 1887. He is unmarried. He is a Democrat, a mem- ber of the school board, and belongs to the Association of Commerce, the Bloomington Club, and the Bloomington Country Club. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and belongs to the Phi Delta fra- ternity. Mr. Williams is an excellent citizen and an asset to his community.
The Illinois Feed and Elevator Company, among the leading busi- ness enterprises of Bloomington, was incorporated Oct. 7, 1920, with an authorized capitalization of $150,000 of which $124,000 is paid in. The following are the officers: J. A. Harrison, President; Delmond Sensen- baugh, Vice-President; George P. Stautz, Secretary, and Jesse E. Dam- eron, Treasurer. The above mentioned officers, together with Robert T. Lain, R. C. Roberts, Daniel Ward, Sage H. Kinnie and J. A. Eckert, con- stitute the board of directors.
Immediately upon the organization of the corporation, the mill. and elevator property formerly owned by L. E. Slick and Company, was pur- chased and this mill was converted into a plant for manufacturing mixed feeds for livestock and poultry. The work of converting the old ma- chinery and the installation of much new improved machinery was com- pleted by Nov. 1, 1920, when operations began in earnest. By construction
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of additional railway switches and some improvements in the elevator, this concern has a capacity of ten cars of manufactured products per day. The concrete elevator has storage capacity for 100,000 bushels of grain. The elevator is equipped with the latest improved machinery for clean- ing grain, thus permitting the proper cleaning and conditioning of grain. The elevator also has a large Ellis grain dryer which is used to eliminate excessive moisture in corn.
During the first year this company's business amounted to a million dollars. This was the result of placing a highly experienced sales organi- zation in the New England states, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohip, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, as well as their abil- ity and willingness to put out a high quality, scientifically prepared, per- fectly balanced ration. Since the first year, the business of this organiza- tion has increased materially.
Some few years back, manufactured feeds were unknown to practi- cal feeders. With the advent of highly specialized agricultural courses in our leading universities, it was demonstrated to the satisfaction of practical feeders that their rations must contain properly balanced amounts of chemical properties, such as protein, fat, carbon-hydrates, min- erals and vitamins to produce the best and most profitable results. The average farmer does not have at his command all the grains or grain products necessary, nor the requisite machinery for thoroughly mixing a perfectly balanced ration. This is where the feed manufacturer takes his place in the scheme of events and through quantity, economical and thorough production is enabled to deliver the finished article to the feeder at less cost than would result from efforts at individual manufacture. Mixed feed manufacturing is sound economically and serves a real pur- pose in carrying out, practically, important discoveries in the science of animal nutrition.
Citizens of Bloomington will be interested in knowing that the name "Bloomington" is prominently featured in the printed matter appearing on every bag of feed that leaves this plant. Their "Illinois" and "Home- stead" brands of feed are on sale in all of the larger cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincin- nati, Indianapolis, and many of the smaller cities and towns from Bloom- ington east to the Atlantic coast. Naturally this is a nice advertising medium for the "Evergreen City."
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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY
Production is in charge of Mr. Sensenbaugh, who has had several years experience with both the American Hominy Company of Decatur, Ill., and the Charles A. Krause Milling Company of Milwaukee, Wis., which organizations were pioneers in the mixed feed industry. Mr. Sensenbaugh is a highly trained miller as well as an experienced milling engineer, so that production is in good hands.
Sales are directed by Mr. Stautz who has proven himself adequately fitted for the position. Mr. Stautz has assembled a high-class sales or- ganization and has the best salesmen in the feed consuming territory that it is possible to secure. Mr. Stautz has already established himself with the trade as a man of excellent busines integrity and competitive manu- facturers have been compelled to recognize him as an aggressive mer- chandiser.
Purchases of raw materials are handled by Mr. Dameron. Some forty different grain, seeds and grain products enter the composition of "Illinois" and "Homestead" feeds and they are purchased from such dis- tant points as New Mexico, Minnesota, New York, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa and Dakota. A nation- wide knowledge of grain and raw materials is required by the buyer of a modern feed plant and the trade generally credits Mr. Dameron with the highest integrity and sagacity.
Traffic matters are very ably handled by Mr. E. L. Steele and be- cause of his ability to handle the railroad situation, the customers of the organization through the East feel that they can depend on the company for service and prompt deliveries. The company knows that service is a prerequisite of increasing business and has earnestly endeavored to make this feature an asset.
Aside from furnishing employment for considerable labor, this rap- idly growing concern has created a nearby market for Central Illinois grain. Inasmuch as the business is steady and not seasonal, grain ship- pers throughout the Corn Belt now seek Bloomington as a market, where they are assured through the Bloomington Association of Commerce, offi- cial weight and Federal inspection on all their shipments.
Since exports of grain have fallen off as a result of the war and since it now behooves each territory to dispose of its surplus products through other channels, the Central Illinois Corn Belt is coming to recognize Bloomington as a terminal market and naturally realize that this indus- try occupies a predominant place where their grains may be consumed.
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Poultry and dairy producing territories have had such wonderful results from the products purchased from this manufacturer that a steady market is assured and this new industry is certain to prosper.
E. C. Martens, who is successfully engaged in the automobile business at 315 E. Front Street with E. W. Martens, is a member of one of Mc- Lean County's pioneer families. He was born in Bloomington, Jan. 26, 1878, and is the son of Henry T. and Fredericka (Pufpaff) Martens.
Henry T. Martens came to this country June 28, 1869, and worked on the farm of James and Henry Ewing in McLean County. In 1870 he learned the painting trade with his brother-in-law, John Pufpaff, and they were partners in business for three years. In 1873 Mr. Martens engaged in business in Bloomington for himself; this he conducted for 44 years and was one of the pioneer painters of the city. His business is now con- ducted by his sons, Henry T., Jr., and Bernard Martens. Mr. Martens died in 1916 at the age of 69 years and his widow lives at 1508 South Main Street, Bloomington. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Albert, lives in Bloomington; E. C., the subject of this sketch; Henry and Bernard, mention of whom is made above.
E. C. Martens received his education in Trinity Lutheran School of Bloomington and attended Brown's Business College. He was in the paint- ing and decorating business with his father for seven years and then became manager of the McLean County Telephone Company, which posi- tion he held for nine years. After being in the employ of the Moline Plow Company as manager for five years, Mr. Martens went into business for himself in Bloomington. He has been in the automobile and implement business since June, 1917, and in March, 1924, became engaged in the auto business with E. W. Martens. They handle the Chrysler, Maxwell auto- mobiles and Moline farm implements. t
On Dec. 29, 1903, Mr. Martens was married to Miss Henrietta Schwulst, a native of Bloomington, and the daughter of John F. and Wil- helmina (Ritz) Schwulst, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Martens have one child, Bernadine.
Mr. Martens is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and be- longs to the Association of Commerce. He is a man of integrity and ability, who is making a success of his business.
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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY
Roy W. Batterton, a grocery merchant of Bloomington, is a member of a wellknown pioneer family of Illinois. He was bor nat Petersburg, Ill., March 19, 1880, and is a son of J. C. and Emma (Clary) Batterton.
J. C. Batterton was born at Petersburg, Ill., as also was his wife. He was a son of E. C. Batterton, who came to Illinois from Kentucky in 1818. E. C. Batterton settled in Sangamon County, where he followed farming for many years. He died at Athens, Ill. His son was a school teacher and died March 19, 1922, at the age of 78 years. His widow resides at Springfield, Ill. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living as follows: Roy W. Batterton, the subject of this sketch; Florence, the wife of Lawrence Mannell, of Bloomington; Myrtle, the wife of Verne Martin, Clinton, Ill .; and Lillian, wife of H. H. Zorn, Spring- field, Ill.
Roy W. Batterton was reared and educated at Petersburg, Ill. After being employed in a grocery store there for seven years, he came to Bloomington in 1906 and entered the employ of Gray Brothers, grocers. In 1919 when the firm was incorporated he became a stockholder. This business is located at 314 North Main Street.
On May 12, 1907, Mr. Batterton was married to Miss Elizabeth Derry, a native of Petersburg, Ill., and the daughter of J. M. and Martha (Pol- lock) Derry, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They are now deceased. To Roy W. and Elizabeth (Derry) Batterton two chil- dren have been born, Doris Ethel and Rachel Marie.
Mr. Batterton is a Democrat and a member of the Knights of Pyth- ias. He is accounted one of the progressive and reliable business men of Bloomington.
Lester H. Martin, State's attorney, is a well-known citizen of McLean County and a member of a pioneer family of Illinois. He was born in Anchor Township, McLean County, Aug. 28, 1878, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Martin.
Joseph Martin, a native of Zanesville, Ohio, was born Dec. 1, 1852, the son of Henry and Jane (Wilson) Martin, natives of Ohio. Henry Mar- tin served during the Mexican War and at the time of his death in 1915, was one of the two surviving Mexican War veterans of Illinois. He set- tled in Illinois in 1851 and farmed in Woodford County. To Mr. and Mrs.
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Henry Martin four children were born, two of whom are now living, as follows: Joseph, father of the subject of this sketch; and Susan Gomien, who lives at Colfax, Ill.
Joseph Martin was a successful farmer of McLean County for many years and now lives at Colfax, Ill. His wife was born in McLean County, Aug. 3, 1854, and died Oct. 18, 1913. They were the parents of five chil- dren, as follows: Lester H., the subject of this sketch; Leta, married Ernest Steele; James R .; Joseph, Jr .; and Ida, married Oscar Anderson. All the members of the Martin family are now residents of McLean County.
Lester H. Martin grew up on his father's farm in McLean County and attended the public school. He was graduated from the law school of Illinois Wesleyan University in 1903. After practicing his profession at Colfax for five years he went to Winfield, Kan., in 1908. The follow- ing year he came to Bloomington where he has since been located. Mr. Martin has an excellent practice in McLean County and is widely known throughout the state. He has served as State's attorney since 1920.
In 1904 Mr. Martin was married to Miss Mary Beckwith, a native of Gilman, Ill. They have two children, Lowell and Rodger, both at home.
In politics Mr. Martin is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Martin owns 185 acres of land in Anchor and White Oak townships, McLean County. His office is located at 204 Unity Building, Bloomington.
Oscar G. Hoose, a member of the firm of Hall, Martin, Hoose & De- Pew, is a leading attorney of McLean County. He was born at Atlanta, Ill., July 21, 1887, and is a son of George J. and Fredericka (Schoth) Hoose.
George J. Hoose was born in Pekin, Ill., and his wife was a native of Germany. He settled in Atlanta, Ill., in 1860, and is now engaged in the hardware business there. Mr. and Mrs. Hoose were the parents of four children. The mother died in 1910, at the age of 45 years.
Oscar G. Hoose was reared and educated in Atlanta and after finish- ing high school there in 1906, came to Bloomington. In 1914 he was graduated from the Law Department of Illinois Wesleyan University and commenced practicing law in partnership with Lester Martin. Later
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Judge Hall became a member of the firm, which was then known as Hall, Martin & Hoose. In 1920 J. R. DePew became a member of the firm. Their offices are located on the second floor of the Unity building.
During the World War Mr. Hoose enlisted and was sent to Jackson- ville, Fla., where he attended the officers' training school. He was sta- tioned there at the time of the armistice. He was commander, during 1923, of the Louis E. Davis Post No. 56, American Legion. Mr. Hoose is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, the Consistory of Bloomington and the Shrine of Peoria. He belongs to the Phi Delta Phi and the T. K. E. fraternities, and since his graduation has been treasurer and president of the latter.
Mr. Hoose is a member of the Bloomington Club and the Maplewood Country Club. He is unmarried. Mr. Hoose is an able man in his pro- fession, a citizen of progressive ideals and a man highly esteemed in McLean County.
In February, 1924, Mr. Hoose was appointed Master in Chancery of McLean County, Ill.
Jacob E. Morrison, the able and highly esteemed sheriff of McLean County, is a native of Illinois. He was born at Danvers, June 19, 1864, and is a son of John R. and Cynthia Hill (Hall) Morrison.
John R. Morrison was born in Upshur County, W. Va., and his wife was born at Salem, N. H. He was a prominent farmer and stockman for many years and served as constable for 52 years and as local deputy sheriff under Richard Osborne, Gus Lange, Henry Honscheidt, James Goodheart, Joseph Ator, H. H. Swaim, James Stone and George John- ston. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, now deceased, were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Alice Wilson, lives at Danvers, Ill .; Susan Wilson, also lives at Danvers; and J. E., the subject of this sketch.
J. E. Morrison received his education in the public and high school at Danvers and attended Illinois Wesleyan University. He began life as a farmer and was actively engaged in stock raising until 1895 at which time he was appointed chief of police at Danvers. During his term of eight years he was noted as a thief taker and terror of evil doers. Mr. Morrison entered the United States mail service in 1903 and after eight years resigned his position to accept the appointment of chief deputy in
J. E Marrison
J.E. Marrison
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the sheriff's office under James Reeder. After four years in that position he retired to take up farming and auctioneering, and successfully con- ducted farm and pure bred stock sales in central Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and the Dakotas. He was appointed sheriff of McLean County in 1921, to serve an unexpired term and was then elected for a four year term. Mr. Morrison will have the honor of being the only sheriff in McLean County to serve over four consecutive years since 1880. During his term he has administered the affairs of his office fearlessly and impar- tially, enforcing the law, and he has become known throughout the state as a terror to bootleggers and other law violators. He is unalterably opposed to the parole or probation system, believing as he says "that every tub should stand on its own bottom", and that every law violator should be punished for his crime.
On March 10, 1885, Mr. Morrison was married at Danvers to Miss Jennie Bethel, a native of Heyworth, Ill., and the daughter of Isaac and Sarah M. (Noble) Bethel, natives of McLean County. Mr. Bethel was killed in a saw mill accident at Funk's Grove, Ill., in 1866, and his wife died in 1913. To Mr. and Mrs. Morrison the following children have been born: John E., a prominent attorney of Joliet, Ill., and a veteran of the World War, having served as a major, and decorated with the Cross with Palms; Isaac L., lives at Danvers, Ill .; Linn N., a deputy sheriff at Bloomington ; and Charles A., a law student, lives at Bloomington.
Mr. Morrison is a Republican and has served as highway commis- sioner of Randolph Township, McLean County. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church and he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Morrison is a progressive citizen and a cap- able and efficient officer of the county.
E. L. Henninger, manager of the Traffic Bureau of the Association of Commerce, is a native of Bloomington. He was born Aug. 11, 1891, and is a son of Gottfried and Rose (Schwarz) Henninger.
Gottfried Henninger and his wife were born in Germany. They were married in McLean County and reside at Bloomington, where Mr. Hen- ninger has been employed as section foreman by the Illinois Central Rail- road for 25 years. Mr. and Mrs. Henninger have seven children of whom E. L., the subject of this sketch, is the third in order of birth.
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E. L. Henninger was educated in the public schools of Bloomington and after working on a farm for one year was employed in a commission house in Bloomington. In 1909 he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad where he remained for six years. After working for the Lake Erie and Western Railroad for three and one-half years and the Chicago & Alton Railroad, he resigned and accepted his present position with the Association of Commerce. While in the employ of the railroads he worked as billing clerk and rating clerk.
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