USA > Illinois > McLean County > History of McLean County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 50
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Thomas Fitch Harwood received his preliminary education in the public schools of Bloomington, after which he was graduated from Den- ver High School and the Colorado School of Mines at Golden, Colo. He spent three years in the mines of Colorado and Arizona as mining en- gineer and returned to Bloomington in 1910, where he has since been associated with his father in the lumber and coal business. The firm is known as the W. S. Harwood Lumber & Coal Company and is among the leading business enterprises of Bloomington.
On Oct. 10, 1911, Mr. Harwood was married to Miss Helen Capen, a native of Bloomington, and the daughter of Frank C. and May (Johnson) Capen, natives of Bloomington. Mr. Capen is deceased. His widow lives at 504 E. Front Street, Bloomington. To Mr. and Mrs. Harwood one daughter has been born, Jane, who is 10 years of age. She is the fifth generation of three of Bloomington's prominent pioneer families: the Burrs, Capens and Foots; and the fourth generation of two other promi- nent families, the Harwoods and the Johnsons.
In politics, Mr. Harwood is identified with the Republican party and he belongs to the Masonic lodge, the Elks and the American Legion. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Harwood is a representative citizen of McLean County and is highly esteemed.
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Carl E. Whitehouse, who has been connected with the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Bloomington since 1903, is a native of Morgan County, Ohio. He was born in Morgan County, near McConnellsville, Feb. 2, 1879, and is a son of Israel and Catherine (Hastings) Whitehouse.
Israel Whitehouse and his wife were born in Morgan County, Ohio, and were engaged in farming there. Mr. Whitehouse died in November, 1903, and his wife lives on the old homestead. They were the parents of four children: Carl E., the subject of this sketch ; Vernon, lives in Morgan County, Ohio; Ella, married John Broedell, lives in Morgan County, Ohio; and Harry, who also lives in Ohio.
Carl E. Whitehouse was educated in the public and high schools of McConnellsville, after which he taught school in Morgan County, Ohio, for four years. He afterward was engaged in selling text books for one year, and in 1903, entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton as fireman. Three years later he was promoted to engineer with a regular run from · Peoria to Chicago. At present Mr. Whitehouse is in the pool block service.
On Oct. 18, 1905, Mr. Whitehouse was united in marriage with Miss Mildred Hammond, a native of LeRoy, Ill., born in 1881, and a daughter of William and Catherine (Bishop) Hammond, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of McLean County. Mr. Hammond died in 1903 and his wife died in 1912. They were the parents of four children: Ida, died in 1922, was the wife of Thomas Rutledge; James Walter, lives in Normal; Charles, lives in North Dakota; Elizabeth, married William Dewitt, lives at Moline, Ill .; and Mrs. Whitehouse. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehouse have four children: Doris, C. E., Jr., Eleanor, and William.
Mr. Whitehouse is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive En- gineers and he and his family are members of the Methodist Church. -
Alonzo Sargent, deceased, was a well known citizen of Bloomington. He was born at Marietta, Ohio, and was a son of Samuel Sargent.
Alonzo Sargent was among the early settlers of Bloomington. He followed farming and stock raising in Bloomington Township for many years and then engaged in the bakery business in Bloomington, and later in the livery and feed business. He also was a breeder of draft horses. Mr. Sargent died in August, 1898, at the age of 55 years.
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Mr. Sargent was married to Miss Betty Baker, who was born in Bloomington, Feb. 22, 1836, the daughter of Seth and Mary (Gates) Baker, natives of Ohio, and pioneers of Bloomington. Mrs. Sargent's grandfather, Isaac Baker, was the first postmaster of Bloomington. Mrs. Sargent has one sister living: Margaret, the widow of Frank Packard, lives in Bloomington. To Alonzo and Betty (Baker) Sargent five chil- dren were born as follows: Frank, deceased; Mary; Clara, the widow of Ambrose Kirkpatrick, lives at 1202 East Washington Street; Frankie, died in infancy ; and A. J., lives in Bloomington. There are two grandchildren, Alonzo and Esther Sargent. Mrs. Sargent lives at 1202 East Washington Street, with her daughter, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, and is highly respected and esteemed in her community.
William O. Strimple, deceased, was a substantial citizen of Blooming- ton and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Salem, Ohio, Feb. 3, 1844, the son of Robert and Ann (McCune) Strimple.
Robert Strimple and his wife were born in Ohio and were early set- tlers of McLean County, where they followed farming. Mr. Strimple owned 300 acres of land and was a successful stockman. He was a Re- publican and served as justice of the peace for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Strimple, now deceased, were the parents of the following chil- dren : William O., the subject of this sketch; Adolphus, deceased; Charles, a retired farmer, lives west of Bloomington; Laura, the widow of John Enlow, lives near Bloomington; Emma, the widow of Milan Mun- sell, lives near Bloomington; Oren, lives retired in Bloomington; and Jane, deceased.
William O. Strimple was educated in the schools of Bloomington and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He followed farming during his life and met with success as a stockman. Mr. Strimple owned 60 acres of land. During the Civil War he served with Company B, 68th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and took part in several important battles and skir- mishes. Mr. Strimple died Jan. 2, 1921.
On Sept. 17, 1867, Mr. Strimple was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Eubank, a native of Winchester, Ky., born April 10, 1846, and the daughter of Achilles and Leanner (Kennedy) Eubank, natives of Ken- tucky and early settlers of Illinois, having come here in 1852 on the first .
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train that ran into Bloomington. Mr. Eubank died in 1895 and his wife died in 1901. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Strimple; John, lives at Ellsworth, Ill .; Lucinda, the widow of George Jones, lives in Bloomington; Nancy, the widow of Thomas Epperson, lives in Iowa; Mary, deceased; May, the widow of John Miller, lives at Ells- worth, Ill .; and Burt, died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Strimple six children were born, as follows: Cora, born in 1868, married J. C. Fierce, lives in Bloomington; Jennie, born in 1870, died in 1905, was the wife of George Gibbler; Eugene, born in 1872, lives at Topeka, Kan .; John, born in 1874, lives in Wisconsin; Oscar, born in 1876, lives at Peoria, Ill .; and Ella, born in 1885, married Leon Swain, lives in Bloomington. Mrs. Strim- ple has eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In politics, Mr. Strimple was identified with the Republican party, and he served as justice of the peace for six years and as constable for four years. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was a reliable citizen of his community. Mrs. Strimple has lived in Bloomington for 22 years.
Louis Dahm, deceased, was a well known and highly respected citi- zen of Bloomington. He was born in New Orleans, La., Oct. 5, 1848, the son of Louis and Cecelia Dahm, natives of France and early settlers of New Orleans, La. There was but one child in the Dahm family, Louis, the subject of this sketch.
Louis Dahm received his education in the schools of New Orleans and came to Bloomington when a young man. He learned the carpenter trade, which he followed his entire life. Mr. Dahm took part in the con- struction of many of the large business houses of Bloomington and owned a considerable amount of property. He died Nov. 9, 1909, and is buried in Bloomington.
On Sept. 22, 1875, Mr. Dahm was united in marriage with Miss Ame- lia Herder, a native of Germany, born Dec. 12, 1855, and the daughter of Gustave and Julia (Bush) Herder, natives of Germany and who settled in Bloomington in 1860, having left Germany in 1859. The ocean voyage required nine weeks. Mr. Herder died in 1870 and his wife died in 1884. They were the parents of the following children: Julius, lives in Bloom- ington; Mrs. Dahm; Clara, married John Lorber, lives in Bloomington;
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Charles, deceased; Louis, deceased; and William, also deceased. To Louis and Amelia (Herder) Dahm three children were born, as follows: Louis, born in 1876, died in infancy ; Lillian, born Nov. 10, 1878, was married on June 20, 1897, to Robert Bolles, and they live in Chicago; and Edward, born July 23, 1880, lives in Bloomington. There is one grandchild, Mar- lowe, who was born March 9, 1899. A great grandchild, Bonnie Lee Bolles, was born Aug. 21, 1923, and died in infancy.
Mr. Dahm was a Democrat, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. He was a progressive citizen and merited the high regard in which he was held in the community.
John Wesley Beckwith, deceased, was a prominent and highly re- spected citizen of Bloomington for many years. He was born near Roch- ester, N. Y., Dec. 5, 1844, the son of Nelson LeRoy and Hannah V. (Mevis) Beckwith.
Nelson LeRoy Beckwith was born near Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 21, 1816, and came to McLean County with his family in 1852. He settled at Lexington but later removed to Bloomington, where he engaged in ship- ping stock. Later, he went to Chicago, where he lived for 20 years. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the Baptist Church. Mr. Beckwith died Feb. 21, 1887, and his wife died Aug. 10, 1899. She was also a native of New York, born Feb. 24, 1816. They were the parents of the following children: Walter I., born May 26, 1840, served throughout the Civil war with the 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died Feb. 21, 1905; N. L., born Oct. 3, 1841, died Oct. 31, 1873 ; Hannah J. born July 23, 1843, died Feb. 10, 1844; John Wesley, the subject of this sketch; and Lester S., born Oct. 4, 1846, died July 24, 1901.
John Wesley Beckwith was among the pioneer railroad men of Illi- nois. He was reared and educated in Bloomington and his first position was with the Illinois Central Railroad as conductor. He was later trans- ferred to the Big Four Railroad as conductor, and was later appointed yard master. Mr. Beckwith was killed while on duty, Nov. 10, 1871, and is buried in Bloomington.
During the Civil war Mr. Beckwith enlisted in Company E, 11th Missouri Cavalry and served throughout the war as a bugler. He was wounded during the battle of Lexington, Mo., when his horse was shot from under him. .
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On May 18, 1868, Mr. Beckwith was united in marriage with Miss Leonora Baird, a native of Clarksburg, W. Va., born March 15, 1848, and the daughter of John S. and Mary B. (Hayes) Baird. Mr. Baird was born in Virginia May 30, 1812, and came to Illinois in 1854, locating in Bloom- ington. His wife was born Jan. 4, 1811, and was a first cousin to Ruther- ford B. Hayes, at one time president of the United States. Mr. Baird died May 7, 1879, and his wife died Jan. 16, 1898. They were the parents of 10 children, as follows: Anna M., the widow of Henry Jordan, now 85 years of age, lives in Mansfield, Ill .; Jane A., deceased; Mary, deceased ; William, died Oct. 4, 1915; Esther L., the widow of Charles Glissman, lives at Bellflower, Ill .; John M., born April 8, 1846; died Feb. 18, 1921; Mrs. Beckwith; Lewell, born May 4, 1849, died in 1881; Rebecca J., born Feb. 25, 1851, married Joseph Robinson, lives near Portland, Ore .; and Didema, born Oct. 22, 1852, married Lloyd Farmer, and died in 1877. To John Wesley and Leonora (Baird) Beckwith two children were born: Blanche B., born Feb. 24, 1869, died Oct. 27, 1894; and John W., born Sept. 22, 1870, died Aug. 4, 1888.
John Wesley Beckwith was a Republican and a member of the Bap- tist Church. His widow lives at 611 East Empire Street, Bloomington. She is a member of the Grace Methodist Church, having joined that church when she was nine years old. Mrs. Beckwith has lived in the same residence for 33 years, has been a subscriber of the Pantagraph for 55 years, and a customer of the McLean County Coal Company for 55 years also. She is widely known in McLean County and is among the highly esteemed women of Bloomington, where she has spent so many years.
Shepard Reynolds, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and a highly esteemed citizen of Bloomington. He was born in Tazewell County, Ill., April 1, 1845, the son of Jesse and Sarah (Collins) Reynolds.
Jesse Reynolds was a native of Illinois and an early settler of McLean County. There were seven children in the Reynolds family, all of whom are deceased.
Shepard Reynolds attended the district schools of Illinois and when a young man learned the painter's trade, which he followed for many years in Bloomington. He served throughout the Civil War, enlisting at three
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different times. He suffered injuries to his head and shoulder during the war, which later caused blindness, and for 15 years before his death, Mr. Reynolds was totally blind. He died Sept. 3, 1901.
On Dec. 31, 1867, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Lyons, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born July 29, 1845, and the daughter of William and Esther (Goodrich) Lyons, the former a na- tive of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lyons, deceased, were the parents of the following children: Mary Ellen, deceased; Mrs. Reynolds; Martha A., deceased; Frank A., deceased; Salinda, deceased; James Henry, soldier, Iowa; and Alice, married John Hughes, both de- ceased. To Shepard and Sarah E. (Lyons) Reynolds five children were born, as follows: Charles W., deceased; Clarence H., lives in Bloomington; Nellie M., married M. R. Osman, lives in Bloomington; Elmer and Clyde S., both living in Bloomington. Mrs. Reynolds has 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Reynolds was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Reynolds is a mem- ber of the United Brethren Church and is highly respected in Bloomington.
James F. Riley, a well known and highly respected citizen of Ran- dolph Township, who is now living retired, was born in Nicholas County, Ky., Nov. 1, 1843, the son of John and Elizabeth (Johnson) Riley.
John Riley, a native of Kentucky, was kicked by a horse and died when he was 27 years old. His wife died in 1861, at the age of 51 years. James F., the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
James F. Riley was educated in the district schools of Kentucky, and when he was a young man went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed in a wholesale house as a clerk. He came to McLean County in 1872 and engaged in general farming and stockraising in Randolph Township, where he owns a well-improved farm of 160 acres.
On Nov. 8, 1866, Mr. Riley was married to Miss Elizabeth Johnson, born in Nicholas County, Ky., and to this union four children were born: Etta H., died at the age of 31 years; Willie Ray, died in infancy; Harry M., died at the age of four years; and Carroll, born Feb. 21, 1887. Mrs. Riley died April 6, 1919, age 73 years. She was a daughter of Labon and Eliza (Victor) Johnson, natives of Nicholas County, Ky., where they died.
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JAMES F. RILEY.
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Carroll Riley was educated in the public schools and attended Brown's Business College at Bloomington. He is now engaged in general farming and stock raising on his father's farm. In 1910 Carroll Riley was married to Miss Anna Alexander, a daughter of P. D. Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Riley have four children, as follows: Dorothy Laverne, Fern E., Denny H., and Jennie Lee.
James F. Riley is a Democrat and belongs to the Masonic lodge. Mr. Riley and his wife were charter members of the Christian church at Normal, having organized the church at Normal in 1875. Mr. Riley was a first cousin of James Whitcomb Riley, who was the beloved Hoosier poet, and who made many visits to the Riley home in Randolph Township. Mr. Riley spends each winter at Tampa, Florida. He is well known in McLean County and is held in high esteem.
Charles Herder, deceased, was a well known citizen of Bloomington for many years. He was born in Germany, Dec. 22, 1856, the son of Gustave and Julia (Bush) Herder.
Gustave Herder brought his family to this country from Germany in 1856 and located at Bloomington, where he engaged in the upholstery business. He and his wife, now deceased, were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Julius, lives in Bloomington; Amelia, the widow of Louis Dahm, lives in Bloomington; Clara, married John Lorber, lives in Bloomington; Charles, the subject of this sketch; and William and Lewis, deceased.
Charles Herder was reared and educated in Bloomington and began life railroading on the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He became an engi- neer and after a number of years moved to Venice, Ill., where he engaged in the grocery business for 15 years. Mr. Herder died April 29, 1920, and is buried in Bloomington, having returned here in 1909.
On Nov. 19, 1890, Mr. Herder was united in marriage with Miss Lilly Weyh, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of William and Mary A. Weyh, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. Weyh came to this country at the age of 14 years and settled in St. Louis, where he engaged in the commission business. He served throughout the Civil War and was slightly wounded. Mr. Weyh served as mayor of Venice, Ill., for a period of 16 years and as justice of the peace for a number of (37)
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years. He was a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Knights of Pythias and the Lutheran Church. He died June 15, 1905, and his wife died Jan. 23, 1915. They were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Nellie M., deceased; Mrs. Herder; Jessie, married Thomas McCauley, lives in St. Louis; Harry W., lives in St. Louis; and Frederick, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Herder four children were born, as follows: Ruth M., married Daniel Manney, lives at 1104 S. Fell Ave- nue, Normal, Ill .; Mary J., attending Brown's Business College in Bloom- ington; Charles W., attending high school; and Lilly J., also a student. Mrs. Herder has one grandchild, Charles Vance Manney, who was born Aug. 16, 1921.
Charles Herder was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. He was esteemed throughout the community as a substantial and reliable citizen.
William A. Stautz, deceased, was a well known business man of Bloomington. He was born in that city, Nov. 24, 1859, the son of Jacob and Bibiana (Uhrie) Stautz.
Jacob Stautz was a pioneer business man of Bloomington. There were seven children in the Stautz family, as follows: William A., the sub- ject of this sketch; Louise, the widow of George L. Porter, lives at Indian- apolis, Ind .; Rose, married George H. Miller, lives in Bloomington; Emma, the widow of Thomas Darmody, lives in Indianapolis, Ind .; Ottilie, mar- ried Henry Kadglim, lives at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jacob, deceased; and Romilda, widow of Ernest Gaffon, lives at Indianapolis, Ind.
William A. Stautz received his education in the public schools of Bloomington and at the age of 17 years engaged in business with his fa- ther, who owned and operated a meat business. Mr. Stautz continued in this line of work until the time of his death, Dec. 10, 1921. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bloomington.
On March 14, 1889, Mr. Stautz was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Lenze, a native of Bloomington, born Nov. 16, 1867, and the daugh- ter of Emil and Bertha (Schroka) Lenze, the former a native of Switzer- land and the latter of Prussia. Mr. Lenze, who died in 1895, was a Re-
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publican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and belonged to the Catholic Church. He served during the Civil War. Mrs. Lenze died in 1917. They were the parents of four children: Lydia, married Edward F. Meyer, lives in Chicago; Mrs. Stautz; Anna, lives with her sister, Mrs. Stautz; and Emil, deceased. To William A. and Bertha (Lenze) Stautz three children were born, as follows: William T., en- gaged in the grain business in Pittsburg, Pa .; George P., engaged in the grain business in Bloomington; and Helen, born May 9, 1894, died Jan. 13, 1916.
George P. Stautz is a World War veteran, having served with a medi- cal supply corps. There are two grandchildren: Helen, daughter of William T. Stautz, who was born Sept. 1, 1915; and William L., son of George P. Stautz, who was born Sept. 3, 1920.
William A. Stautz was a Republican and served as county treasurer of McLean County for one term and as alderman for eight terms. He was a member of the Unitarian Church and belonged to the Masonic Lodge, the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Stautz was highly respected and was a substantial citizen of Bloomington.
Francis A. Packard, deceased, was a prominent pioneer of McLean County. He was born in Canada, Jan. 13, 1833, the son of Rev. John A. and Mariam (Bullock) Packard.
Rev. John A. Packard was born at Saint Johnsbury, Vt., the son of Richard Packard, a soldier of the Revolutionary War and a direct de- scendant of John Alden, well known historical character. Reverend Pack- ard was a minister of the Methodist Church and was a circuit rider, preaching throughout the country. He was an early settler of Canada and later lived in Illinois. He died in 1862 and his wife died in 1876. They were the parents of the following children: Callista, married H. Bryant, both deceased; Marshie, married Christopher Chatman, both deceased ; Charles, deceased ; Mary Frances, married Joseph Monroe, both deceased ; Jesse, deceased; John Alden, Civil War veteran, deceased; Matthew Hale, deceased; Walter S., a Civil War veteran, deceased; Emeline, married George Monroe, both deceased; William B., Civil War veteran, deceased; Thadius, deceased ; and Francis A., the subject of this sketch.
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Francis A. Packard was reared and educated in Canada and came to the United States in 1855, locating in Bloomington, where he engaged in the mercantile business for a number of years. During the Civil War he served with Company I, 94th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the close of the war he returned to Bloomington and engaged in the insurance and real estate business. Mr. Packard died May 22, 1911, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery.
On Feb. 4, 1857, Mr. Packard was united in marriage with Miss Mar- garet S. Baker, a native of Bloomington, born Aug. 6, 1830, and the daugh- ter of Seth and Mary M. (Gates) Baker, natives of Marietta, Ohio. Mr. Baker was born in 1805 and his wife was born the same year. They came to Illinois in 1827 and were among the earliest settlers of Bloomington, where they built a log cabin on the spot where the post-office now stands. It was the third frame house to be built in the town. Mr. Baker was a well-known merchant and became prosperous. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge and was identified with the Whig party and later became a Republican. He died Dec. 5, 1846, and his wife died Nov. 19, 1839. They were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Packard; Mary M., married Chambers P. Ober, both deceased; Bettsy Dodge, the widow of Alonzo Sargent, lives on East Washington Street, Bloomington; and Izrael D., who was drowned while in service during the Civil War. To Francis A. and Margaret S. (Baker) Packard two children were born: Edith, born Nov. 1, 1857, married first to Edwin F. Feidler, deceased, and later she was married to James B. Kelley, and they live at 811 West Jeffer- son Street, Bloomington; and Charles B., born May 24, 1866, died Oct. 7, 1898. Mrs. Packard has two grandchildren: Eva, married John L. Mur- ray, lives in Bloomington ; and Edwin F., who lives in Bloomington. There are four great-grandchildren: Loren P. Murray, who was killed by acci- dent in 1921. He was a World War veteran, 154th Aerial Squadron; Mar- garet H. Murray ; Frances Murray ; and Robert K. Murray.
Mrs. Francis A. Packard is among the highly esteemed women of Bloomington and is an interesting pioneer. She is now 94 years of age and enjoys good health.
Francis A. Packard was a staunch Republican. He held many public offices and was prominent in the affairs of his city. He was an active church worker, being a member of the Unitarian Church. Mr. Packard belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic and was one of the well known and dependable citizens of this section of Illinois.
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Harry E. Flesher, postmaster of Lexington, is a worthy descendant of an old and honored Virginia family. He was born on a farm a short dis- tance west of Lexington, Ill., Feb. 22, 1868, the son of John W. and Nannie (Armstrong) Flesher.
Lieut. John Flesher, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, served in the Fifth Regiment of Virginia Volunteers during the War of 1812 between the United States and England. His son, Jesse Flesher, was born in Virginia and came to Illinois with his father in 1841. John W. Flesher, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Vir- ginia and lived in Ohio before coming to Lexington, Ill.
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