USA > Illinois > McLean County > History of McLean County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 46
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Editorially, the Daily Pantagraph said of Col. Smith the day after his death: "Of Col. Smith it can never be said that he outlived his use- fulness. His geniality, kindness, generosity and wise counsel will be sadly missed. Col. Smith's life was and will continue to be an inspiration. He was an American in all that great word implies. Possessed of an unusual business sense, he accumulated a large fortune, which to him, however, was only an instrument through which he was enabled the better to serve humanity. No man thought less of money as mere material wealth than did Col. Smith. He lived simply, and ostentation was repul- sive to him. Accepting the opportunities of free America, Col. Smith throughout his long life never forgot the obligations to his country which every American owes, but 'all too many fail to recognize. As a young man he fought to preserve the Union in the civil war, and rose to high rank in the service of his country. Thereafter as an always loyal mem- ber of the party which preserved the union, he continued to serve, al-
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though always in the ranks. He possessed all the qualifications of the ideal public servant, and might have gone far in public life had he so desired. When the United States became involved in the World war, Col. Smith fought as effectively, although by force of circumstances not in the same way as he fought in the Civil War. He and his entire family were leaders in all war activities, with an only son in the army and a daugh- ter just behind the lines and under fire in France caring for those wounded in action. Thus was the example of the father followed unim- paired in the second generation. * * * As an American who stood ever ready to give his all for his country should the occasion require; as a citizen who held always in mind the welfare of his community; as the loving husband and father; as the loyal friend and unerring counsellor, Col. D. C. Smith will live in memory as an ideal for present and future generations."
Daniel M. O'Neil, deceased, was a prominent pioneer citizen of Mc- Lean County. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1834,, and left his home to come to America in 1850. His father died at the age of 43 years and shortly afterwards his mother brought her family of nine children to America. Daniel M., the subject of this sketch was the fifth in order of birth. After coming to this country they located in St. Louis, where Mr. O'Neil was employed by the Illinois Central Rail- road, cutting timber. He located in Bloomington in 1852 where he and his brother, William, opened a grocery store. This business is now con- ducted by James and William O'Neil, his sons.
Daniel M. O'Neil became an engineer on the Chicago & Alton Rail- road, which occupation he followed until the time of his retirement in 1893. At the time he retired from service he was the oldest engineer on the road. During the Civil War he carried thousands of troops to camps out of St. Louis. After the time of his retirement, Mr. O'Neil became an alderman in the city of Bloomington, and served continuously in that capacity for 18 years. He also served as acting mayor of the city from 1914 to 1915. He was one of the organizers and directors of the Corn Belt Bank for 25 years, and was the organizer of the Order of Locomotive Engineers in Bloomington. He died Feb. 13, 1922, at the age of 88 years, and is buried in Bloomington.
D. M. O'NEIL.
MRS. D. M. O'NEIL.
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In 1860 Mr. O'Neil was married to Miss Johanna Pyne, a native of Ireland, and the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Keefe) Pyne, early settlers of Bloomington. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil 12 children were born, as follows: Mary, married Frank Hanley, lives in Bloomington; Philip J., a mail clerk, lives in Chicago; Daniel P., retired, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Mrs. Thomas H., retired, lives on North Evans Street, Bloomington ; Johanna, married William Fahey and lives in Bloom- ington ; Margaret, married Daniel Hayden, lives in Chicago; James E., a member of the firm of O'Neil Brothers, grocers; Nellie, married William Morrisey, lives in Denver, Colo .; William, a member of the firm of O'Neil Brothers ; Agnes, married John Shields, lives in Bloomington; Julia, mar- ried Dr. Greenleaf, whose history appears elsewhere in this volume; and Loretta, who died at the age of two and one-half years. Mrs. O'Neil died Jan. 30, 1912, and is buried in St. Mary's cemetery.
Mr. O'Neil was a member of the Catholic Church and belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was highly respected and was known as a substantial citizen of McLean County.
Mr. O'Neil left to his children a large estate of nearly 2,000 acres of valuable McLean County land as well as considerable bank stock and Bloomington city property.
Daniel P. O'Neil, who is now living retired at Bloomington, after a successful career as a farmer and business man, is a native of Bloom- ington. He was born Sept. 27, 1868, and is a son of Daniel M. and Johanna (Pyne) O'Neil, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Daniel P. O'Neil spent his boyhood in Bloomington and attended the public schools there. After working in his father's store for several years, he attended college in Kankakee, Ill., and also attended the Old Evergreen Business College. Mr. O'Neil then returned to his father's store where he remained for 14 years. In 1897 he engaged in general farming and stock raising on 240 acres of land in McLean County, which he operated for 25 years. He was a fancier of thoroughbred horses and through his many sales became prosperous. By wise investment in city and government bonds, Mr. O'Neil has accumulated a considerable fortune. He lives at 402 North Lee Street.
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On April 26, 1897, Mr. O'Neil was married to Miss Elizabeth Mc- Queeney, a daughter of Luke and Elizabeth McQueeney, natives of Ire- land and pioneer settlers of McLean County. Mr. McQueeney died at the age of 86 years and his wife was 90 years of age at the time of her death. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil have no children. They are members of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and have an extensive acquaintance in McLean County.
Thomas J. Hayden, retired, is a substantial citizen of McLean County. He was born Dec. 1, 1864, in Bloomington, and is a son of Thomas J. and Margaret M. (Moore) Hayden.
Thomas J. Hayden was born in Ireland, as also was his wife. He came to the United States when he was 17 years of age and after arriv- ing in New York City went to Buffalo, where he remained two years. He then came west to Wisconsin where he remained until 1859, when he removed to Bloomington. After being employed in a distillery for a short time he entered the employ of the Chicago and Alton Railroad, in the blacksmithing department, where he remained 32 years. Mr. Hay- den died in 1897, and is buried in St. Mary's cemetery, Bloomington. His wife died in 1904. They were the parents of the following children: Johanna, deceased; William, deceased; Thomas J., the subject of this sketch; Catherine, died in May, 1923, was the wife of John G. Burhyte; Daniel W., lives in Chicago; and John J., lives at Kankakee.
Thomas J. Hayden was reared and educated in Bloomington and began life as a machinist. After working at that trade for four years he spent one year in Chicago, after which he returned to Bloomington and entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. Mr. Hayden was in the employ of the railroad for 22 years and after retiring en- gaged in general farming in Towanda Township, McLean County, where he owns 162 acres of well improved land, which is now being farmed by his son, John F. The Hayden family lives at 1007 North Evans Street, Bloomington.
In 1894, Mr. Hayden was married to Miss Elizabeth O'Neil, whose family history appears in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Hayden six chil- dren have been born, as follows: Thomas J. Jr., served in the World War at Camp McArthur most of the time, a farmer, lives in Old Town Town- ship; McLean County, married Florence Killion, who died Aug. 27, 1923;
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Daniel A., a veteran of the World War, having served in the navy, now assistant cashier of the Corn Belt Bank in Bloomington, lives at home; Josephine, died at the age of five years; Jerome W., a student in the Loyola Medical School in Chicago; John F., a farmer; and James E., at- tends high school.
Mr. Hayden and his family are members of the Catholic Church, and they are well known and highly respected citizens of the community. He is now living retired in a fine residence at 1007 North Evans Street, Bloomington.
S. P. Irwin, reporter of decisions of the Supreme Court at Blooming- ton, is a representative citizen of McLean County. He was born in Lodi, Wis., Feb. 19, 1870, and is the son of Dr. E. Howard and Sarah E. (Pash- ley) Irwin.
Dr. E. Howard Irwin was born in Pennsylvania and received his education in the district schools there, after which he studied medicine at the University of Michigan. He practiced his profession for many years at Lodi, Wis., where he died. His wife, a native of Lake George, N. Y., is also deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Irwin were the parents of five children, four of whom were sons.
S. P. Irwin was reared and educated in Wisconsin. After attending the University of Wisconsin for one year he entered the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in the law department in 1894. Mr. Irwin then began practicing his profession at Bloomington and two years later became assistant to Isaac N. Phillips, Governor Fifer's law partner. Mr. Phillips was Supreme Court reporter at that time and in 1910 Mr. Irwin succeeded him when he retired on account of poor health. Since that time Mr. Irwin has served in that capacity and has been re- appointed on three occasions by the judges. He devotes his entire time to this work and is thoroughly capable and efficient.
On Thanksgiving day in 1891 Mr. Irwin was united in marriage with Miss Cora Snider, a native of Rutland, Ill., and the daughter of C. E. Snider. She is a graduate of the Illinois State Normal University, and has taken a year's graduate work at the University of Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin five children have been born, as follows: Alta E., Doris E., Marjorie F., Phillips, and Louise G. Irwin. They have all received unusu-
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ally good educations and those who have completed their educations hold responsible positions.
Alta E. Irwin is a graduate of University High School at Normal, received her B. A. degree at James Milliken College at Decatur, her M. A. degree at the University of Wisconsin, and for several years taught school at Nan in Siam. She is now studying for her Doctor's degree at the University of Wisconsin.
Doris E. Irwin is a graduate of University High School at Normal, received her B. A. degree at James Milliken College at Decatur, and after teaching school for five years at Chatsworth and Mackinaw, Ill., is now studying in the New York School of Social Work.
Marjorie F. Irwin is a graduate of University High School at Normal and the Nurses Training School at Frances Willard Hospital in Chicago, and is now attending Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va.
Phillips Irwin is a graduate of University High School, and also attended the University of Illinois. He is in the employ of the American Railway Express and is studying law at the John Marshall Law School. He married Miss Nina Short, a native of Champaign, Ill., and they have two children, Phillips, Jr., and Betty Jane Irwin.
Louise G. Irwin is a graduate of Fairfax Hall, school for girls, Basic, Va., and is now attending the John B. Stetson University at DeLand, Fla.
In politics Mr. Irwin is identified with the Republican party and he is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He is a member of the Rotary Club, the Bloomington Club, and the McLean County Automobile Association. He and his family reside at 1003 Franklin avenue, Normal.
Mr. Irwin is an enterprising and progressive citizen and is widely and favorably known.
Dr. Henry G. McCormick, a popular and successful dentist, in charge of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Normal, was born at Normal, Oct. 14, 1880. He is a son of Prof. Henry and Numantia (Kinyon) McCormick, the former vice-president and for many years prominent in the affairs of Illinois State Normal University.
Dr. Henry G. McCormick spent his boyhood in Normal and was grad- uated from the University High School there and from the University of
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Michigan in 1903, where he studied dentistry. He located at Normal for two years and from there went to Manhattan, Kan., where he practiced his profession until 1909. After returning to Normal he resumed his practice there until 1918, when after taking civil service examination, he was appointed dentist of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Normal.
On May 16, 1908, Dr. McCormick was married to Miss Louise Sting- ley, a native of Manhattan, Kans. They have no children.
Dr. McCormick is a Republican and has served as a member of the council of Normal for five years. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic lodge of Normal, the Consistory and Commandary of Bloomington. He lives at 505 South Fell Street, Normal. Dr. McCormick is an able man in his profession and a citizen of pro- gressive ideals.
W. J. Arbogast, president of the Normal Commercial Club, is a lead- ing citizen of McLean County. He was born at Farmer City, Ill., July 2, 1867, and is the son of D. H. and Minerva (Payne) Arbogast.
D. H. Arbogast was a native of Ohio, born May 2, 1826, and his wife was born in Tennessee. Mr. Arbogast came to Illinois in 1832 and settled on a farm near Farmer City, in DeWitt County. He died in 1916, and his wife who was born in 1829, died in 1914. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are now living.
W. J. Arbogast spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received his education in the schools of Farmer City. He was graduated from high school in 1887 and then went into the general contracting business at Farmer City, where he remained until 1893. He then moved to Normal and continued in that line of work until the time of his retirement in 1908. Mr. Arbogast became heir to 271 acres of well improved land in McLean County, which he now owns besides land in Texas and Mississippi. He resides at 305 North School Street, Normal.
On June 1, 1893, Mr. Arbogast was married to Miss Mary Fry, a native of Randolph Township, McLean County, and the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Bishop) Fry, the former a native of Green County, Pa., and the latter of Heyworth, Ill. The mother of Mrs. Arbo- gast was one of 13 children, all of whom grew to maturity and reared families. A Bishop reunion is held every year and Mr. and Mrs. Arbogast
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have attended 28 out of 30, all of which have been held in Miller Park, Bloomington. To W. J. and Mary (Fry) Arbogast one child has been born, Florence Minerva, born Feb. 24, 1912.
In 1917 Mr. Arbogast was elected president of the Normal Commer- cial Club, which office he still holds. He is a Republican, and in 1923 was appointed superintendent of hard road construction. Mr. Arbogast is a member of the Christian Church and is a 32nd degree Mason and a mem- ber of the Consistory of Bloomington. He was selected by John McBarnes in 1921 to serve on the building committee in the erection of the McBarnes Memorial for soldiers and sailors of McLean County who took part in the World war. He also served as superintendent of construction when the memorial was erected. Mrs. Arbogast is a cousin to Mrs. Celia McBarnes, wife of the late John McBarnes.
W. J. Arbogast is a representative citizen of his community and the Arbogast family is one of the well established and well known families of McLean County.
Frank H. Petrie, a progressive business man of Bloomington, was born at Fleming, Ky., June 25, 1861, the son of David A. and Hannah (Lewellen) Petrie.
David Petrie was a native of Herkimer County, N. Y., the county which furnished more Revolutionary soldiers than any other county in the United States. The Petrie family originally came from Holland. David Petrie went to Kentucky when he was a young man and worked at the carpenter trade there. He and his wife are now deceased. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: John A., born in 1857, married Samantha Pierce and they had two children, Edith and Nina, and he later married Emeline Alkire; Clarence, born in 1859, married L. B. Childs, and they have three children, David, Winifred and Herbert; Frank H., the subject of this sketch; Lucy Grace, born in 1863, married Dr. Hammill, and they have two children, Ray and Marshall; Lydia Anne, born in 1865, married Marshall Moore; Phoebe Alice, died at the age of four years ; Charles A., died at the age of three years ; and Claude, born in 1871, married Marian Rowe, and they have two children, Audrey and Vivian, lives at Greenview, Ill., and he is editor of the Greenview Review.
Frank H. Petrie started to work at the age of 12 years and was in the employ of the Greenview Coal Company for 20 years. In 1907 he came
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to McLean County and worked at the carpenter trade. He took part in the construction of several grain elevators, which were owned by Warren Darnell.
In 1915 Mr. Petrie became interested in the burial vault business in Bloomington. The business was located first at 230 East Front Street, and five years later was moved to 810 West Front street. The following year Mr. Petrie removed to his present location at 503 West Washington street, where he owns a modern factory building. The concern is known as the Norwalk Vault Company, and Mr. Petrie has county rights in Lo- gan, Menard and McLean County. The Norwalk burial vaults are water- proof, air-proof and sealed. During his first year of business Mr. Petrie sold nine vaults, the second year, 49, the third year 126, and in 1922, 165.
Mr. Petrie was married to Miss Lottie Rogers, a native of Covell, Ill., born Aug. 21, 1864, and the daughter of Wesley H. and Mary I. (Hart) Rogers. To this union one child was born, that died in infancy.
Mr. Petrie is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and be- longs to the Masonic lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 43, Bloomington, Ill., of which he is Past Master.
Frank L. Washburn, of the firm of A. Washburn and Sons, florists and nurserymen, with business headquarters at 318 North Main Street, Bloomington, is a well known and successful business man of McLean County. He was born at Danvers, Ill., Jan. 11, 1869, the son of Andrew and Cordelia Washburn.
Andrew Washburn came to McLean County from Connecticut in 1866 and settled at Danvers. He was a captain during the Civil war in the 29th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served through- out the war. There were six children in the Washburn family, as follows: Frank L., the subject of this sketch; George A., in business with his brother at Bloomington; A. Edwin, lives in Canada; Emma F., married H. H. Edmunds, superintendent of schools at Clinton, Ill .; Edna Boundy, lives in Beloit, Wis .; and Lucy Prather, lives in Bloomington.
Andrew Washburn engaged in the nursery and floral business in 1894 at Bloomington, and the business is now conducted by his two sons, Frank L. and George A. Washburn. They have two large greenhouse establish-
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ments at Normal and Bloomington and have been unusually successful in their enterprise.
Frank L. Washburn attended the public schools of McLean County, where he has spent his entire life. In 1907 he was married to Miss Emma S. Randolph. They have no children. The Washburn home is located two miles west of Bloomington.
Mr. Washburn is a Republican, a member of the First Baptist Church and is a 32nd degree Mason.
Mrs. Della H. Rigby, C. S. B .- The history of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Bloomington, Ill., which appears in another chapter of this work would be incomplete without specific mention of its princi- pal pioneer worker, Mrs. Della H. Rigby, C. S. B.
Previous to coming into Christian Science, Mrs. Rigby was a mem- ber of the First Methodist Church of Bloomington, and was a valued worker in all its varied activities, receiving the appointment of confer- ence organizer for the Home Missionary Society from its leading mem- bers. Later, she presided over the suffrage department of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, for which she worked enthusiastically. Was a delegate to the World's Fair in Chicago on this line of work.
Always delicate and frail of physique, and having sought healing of various physicians without avail, she asked for the prayers of her pastor. This, too, failed to bring the much desired healing. It was then that her attention was called to Christian Science. She tested its merits and realized physical healing. She found, too, that this scientific Christianity uplifted one morally and spiritually, and with Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, Mrs. Rigby at once began healing, and her success was phenomenal. She went to Chicago to fur- ther advance herself by taking a primary course from Mrs. Caroline B. Noyes, C. S. D., one of Mrs. Eddy's oldest students. On her return, she devoted all her time to the practice of Christian Science.
Later in May, 1889, she fitted herself for an authorized Christian Science teacher by taking the Normal Course in the Massachusetts Meta- physical College, personally taught by Mary Baker Eddy. Since return- ing to this field, she has taught a large number of students whom she
MRS. DELLA H. RIGBY.
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has fitted for the work of healing the sick, and casting out sin in them- selves and others, from almost every part of the United States.
Sarah E. Raymond, superintendent of the Bloomington public schools for many years, wrote of her as a teacher as follows:
"This is to certify that Mrs. Della H. Rigby was a highly valued teacher in the public schools of this city for ten years. She had a high appreciation of her profession, was successful both in discipline and in- struction, and was loyal to all the highest interests of the school, con- sidering the individual interests and peculiarities of her pupils. Her sunny disposition won for her the universal regard of her pupils and associates. All her conduct was regulated by the highest Christian prin- ciples."
Hon. Louis FitzHenry, District Judge of the U. S. Court, in writing of her, said in part: "I know of her more as a citizen than otherwise. It has been my pleasure to have enjoyed acquaintance with her for over thirty years. Her remarkable ability and splendid character attracted public notice while she was a teacher in the public schools of Blooming- ton. Later, she became interested in Science, having been one of Mrs. Eddy's pupils.
"She became a practitioner and for more than twenty years has been the recognized leader of Science in this community. During that time, she has brought much relief, consolation and comfort to many of our citizens, and it is the general public conception that no small part of the wonderful advance made by Science in this community has been the result of her earnest conscientious efforts.
"During her long residence in Bloomington, born here, she has been identified with, and has given substantial, enthusiastic support to, every public movement which has had for its purpose the uplifting of the morals of the community and the development of Christian citizenship."
Prof. D. C. Ridgley for seventeen years head of the Geographical department of the Illinois State Normal University, now of Clark Col- lege, Worcester, Mass., writes of her:
"Mrs. Rigby's work as a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, from the time of its organization to the present time may be expressed in one word-Loyalty-loyalty to Principle; loyalty to the explicit teach- ings and direction of her teacher, Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science; loyalty to the board of directors of the Mother Church; loyalty to every progressive step made by the band of
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workers in the local church; loyalty to a scientific practice of Christian Science, for the good of human kind as laid down in Science and Health the Christian Science text-book.
As an authorized teacher of Christian Science, a graduate in 1889 of the Massachusetts Metaphysical College of Boston, and as a member of the board of directors of this church for a score of years, Mrs. Rigby has been prominent in the development of Christian Science in the local field."
Mrs. Rigby was married to Amos W. Rigby, June, 1882. He has been connected in a business way with several of the leading industries of the city. For twelve years being a partner with J. H. Niehaus in The Peoples Restaurant and The Boston Cafe. Mr. Rigby has retired from active business life. He is respected by all who know him for his ster- ling uprightness of character, also being a firm believer in Christian Sci- ence, always having been closely identified in all the footsteps of con- structive growth in Christian Science with his wife since her healing. They have no children.
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