USA > Illinois > McLean County > History of McLean County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 53
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Dr. L. W. Moore grew up in Bloomington and attended the public schools there. After finishing high school he was employed in his fa-
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ther's drug store and later in the Palmer-Darnell Carriage Factory. In 1906 he entered the Chicago Veterinary College at Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1909. Dr. Moore then took up the practice of his profession at Lexington, where he has since been located. He has been efficient and successful in his work and is widely known.
Dr. Moore is a member of the American Veterinary Association and the Illinois State Veterinary Association. He is a Republican and a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
D. F. Trimmer, retired, is a highly esteemed and prominent citizen of McLean County. He was born on a farm in Money Creek Township, McLean County, July 27, 1851, the son of Jesse and Amanda (Gilmore) Trimmer.
Jesse Trimmer was a native of Huntington County, N. J., born in 1817, and the son of John Trimmer, one of the earliest settlers of McLean County. John Trimmer had a claim in Money Creek Township and brought his wife and eight children here from New Jersey. They made the trip in wagons and traveled by foot a great deal. After looking the land over, John Trimmer walked to Wisconsin, and his purchases of land ranged from $1.25 per acre to $50.00. He owned 2,200 acres of land in Money Creek Township and donated land for the Trimmer District School, which is still in existence. Mr. Trimmer's picture hangs in the school building and he is regarded as one of the leading pioneers of McLean County.
Jesse Trimmer followed farming like his father, and met with marked success. He owned large tracts of land, which he had inherited from his father. In 1839 Mr. Trimmer was married to Miss Amanda Gilmore, a native of Fayette County, Ohio, and to this union eight children were born, three of whom are now living, as follows: John, lives at Rockford, Colo .; Sarah, married Joseph Scott, lives at Pasadena, Calif .; and D. F., the sub- ject of this sketch. Mr. Trimmer died in 1873 and his wife died several years later.
D. F. Trimmer spent his boyhood on the farm and received his edu- cation in the district schools, and also attended Normal University and Eureka College. After finishing his schooling, Mr. Trimmer taught school for one term in Money Creek Township and after becoming heir to 240 acres of land he engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Trim-
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mer now owns 700 acres of well-improved land and for many years was a progressive and enterprising farmer. He has lived at Lexington since 1870, where he owns a fine home.
Mr. Trimmer was married on Sept. 9, 1874, to Miss Josephine McAf- erty, a native of Money Creek Township, born Nov. 20, 1851, and the daughter of William and Amanda (Richardson) McAferty, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Trimmer have had four children, as follows: Theron F., lives in Lexington Township ; Myrtle, deceased; Ivy J., teaches music at Lexington ; and Mortimer, deceased.
In politics Mr. Trimmer is a Republican and he has served as school 'director for a number of years. He is a member of the Christian Church, having joined at the age of 15 years, and he also belongs to the state and county historical societies. Mr. Trimmer has written many interesting articles for The Pantagraph of Bloomington and he is an ardent student of history. When he was a boy of 13 years he attended the funeral of President Lincoln at Springfield, Ill., and he was the youngest boy to attend the services. Mr. Trimmer stands high in the community and has many friends and acquaintances.
Frank C. Wise, one of the capable and excellent citizens of Lexing- ton, now living retired, is a member of one of the early pioneer families of Illinois. He was born in Yates Township, McLean County, May 19, 1870, the son of Charles and Pauline (Barnek) Wise.
Charles Wise was born at Baden, Germany, Dec. 25, 1838, and came to the United States with his parents when he was 14 years of age. They settled on a farm near Pekin, Ill., and in 1854 came to Lexington, where Mr. Wise became a prosperous farmer and stockman. He owned 300 acres of land and was widely known as a breeder of pure-bred stock. Mr. Wise served with Company C, 94th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, throughout the Civil War. He died Jan. 1, 1888. Pauline (Barnek) Wise was born in Austria, Feb. 26, 1850, and was two years old when her parents came to this country. She now lives with her son, Frank C., the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wise had three children, of whom Frank C. is the only one now living.
Frank C. Wise was reared on his father's farm and received his edu- cation in the district schools and also attended Chenoa High School and
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the Evergreen Business College of Bloomington. After finishing his schooling, Mr. Wise engaged in general farming in Chenoa Township and became one of the prosperous and widely known stockmen of the county. He retired in 1904 after suffering from paralysis, and now lives at Lex- ington. Mr. Wise with his mother owns 800 acres of good farm land in McLean County.
Mr. Wise was married on October 27, 1897, to Miss Eleanor Lawrence, a native of Lexington Township, and the daughter of Captain Harrison and Cynthia (Smalley) Lawrence. Captain Lawrence served throughout the Civil War and settled in McLean County after the Civil War. To Frank C. and Eleanor (Lawrence) Wise one child was born, Pauline Ger- trude, the wife of Dr. John L. Dies, and they live at Memphis, Tenn., where he practices medicine and surgery. Mrs. Dies is a graduate of Lexington High School, National Park Seminary at Washington, D. C., and also attended the University of Illinois for one year.
Mr. Wise is a director and stockholder of The Peoples Bank of Lex- ington. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and be- longs to the Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Pythias.
John Shaver, a well-known retired farmer of Lexington, was born in Fulton County, Ill., Aug. 12, 1850, the son of George and Margaret (Mc- Elhanėy) Shaver.
The Shaver family came to Illinois from Huntington County, Pa., and settled on a farm in Fulton County. They made the trip in covered wagons and were among the first settlers of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. George Shaver had eight children, three of whom are now living, as follows: Mary Katherine, the widow of Lewis Zoll, lives in Oklahoma; John, the subject of this sketch; and Samuel, lives in Fulton County, Ill.
John Shaver grew to manhood on his father's farm in Fulton County and received his education in the district schools. When he was 23 years of age Mr. Shaver came to McLean County and purchased land in Blue Mound and Lexington townships. He followed general farming until 1896 when he moved to Cooksville, Ill., where he remained until 1909. Mr. Shaver then moved to Lexington and built a fine home in the east end of town, which he later sold. Mr. and Mrs. Shaver reside at the corner of Vine and Chestnut Streets, in Lexington. They own 520 acres of well- improved land.
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On Nov. 28, 1878, Mr. Shaver was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Woodard, a native of Morgan County, Ind., and the daughter of James and Luany (Evans) Woodard. The Woodards came to McLean County from Indiana in 1860 and at the time of his death Mr. Woodard owned over 1,800 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard had five children, of whom Mrs. Shaver was the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Shaver have no children.
Mr. Shaver is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church.
Wesley P. Franklin, deceased, was a native of Illinois and a promi- nent citizen of McLean County for many years. He was born on a farm in Owen County, Ind., March 15, 1837, and died April 4, 1920. Mr. Frank- lin was the son of John and Mary (Puett) Franklin.
John Franklin was a native of North Carolina and in 1818 moved his family to Indiana, where they remained until the late forties, when they came to McLean County, and settled on land in Money Creek Town- ship. Mr. Franklin was a colonel in the state militia of Indiana and died in 1860. He and his wife had 13 children, of whom Wesley P., the sub- ject of this sketch, was the 12th in order of birth.
Wesley P. Franklin spent his entire life on the farm and was success- ful as a breeder of black Poland Angus cattle and trotting horses. After farming in Lexington Township for many years, Mr. Franklin went to Montana and engaged in stock raising with his son, H. P. Franklin, and they remained at Big Timber, Mont., for 15 years. While there Mr. Frank- lin organized the Scandinavian American Bank, of which he was presi- dent for 15 years. He also served as a member of the Legislature from Montana and died in Montana. There is a memorial window in the Chris- tian Church at Lexington in memory of Mr. Franklin.
On March 23, 1858, Mr. Franklin was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Puett, a native of Indiana, born Feb. 14, 1835. She died July 22, 1915, at Lexington. To Wesley P. and Hannah (Puett) Franklin four children were born, as follows: Estelle F. Mowdy, further mention of whom is made below; Herschel Puett, lives at Big Timber, Mont .; Lillian, married Henry North, lives at Minneapolis, Minn .; and Daisy F. Hamilton, lives at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Estelle F. Franklin was educated in the public and high schools of
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Lexington and was graduated from Eureka College, where she studied music. After completing her course in 1887 she studied in New York City and on Aug. 18, 1892, Miss Franklin was married to John L. Mowdy. Mrs. Mowdy has taught music successfully for 40 years and is widely known as an accomplished musician. Mr. and Mrs. Mowdy have one daughter, Edith, who married Allan Ream and they have one daughter, Louise Ream. Mr. and Mrs. Ream live at Oakville, Iowa. Mrs. Mowdy lives at Lexington and she is a member of the Baptist Church. She was the organizer of the Lexington Music Club and is a member of the Lex- ington Womens Club.
In politics Mr. Franklin was a Democrat and he was a member of the Christian Church. He was an energetic man who stood well in the es- teem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
William A. Smith, a well known retired farmer of Lexington, is a member of one of McLean County's prominent pioneer families. He was born on a farm in Lexington Township, Sept. 27, 1846, the son of Milton and Lydia Ann (Goddard) Smith.
Milton Smith was a native of Kentucky and came to Illinois in 1835, making the trip on horseback. He was born Feb. 19, 1808, and died in 1887. Mr. Smith was among the leading pioneers of Lexington, and helped build the first house there. He was the son of William and Obedi- ence Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Milton Smith were the parents of the follow- ing children: Sarah, the widow of Willis Strayer, lives at Lexington; W. A., the subject of this sketch; Fletcher M., lives at Everett, Wash .; Carrie, the widow of A. D. Pierson, lives at Lexington; Kate, the widow of L. D. Poole, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; L. H., a retired farmer, lives at Lexington ; George J., a merchant at Lexington; Estelle, married Harry S. Shade, lives at Normal; and Anna Mary, deceased, was the wife of George B. Okeson.
Milton Smith became a prosperous farmer of McLean County and at one time owned 1,800 acres of land, which was later divided among his children.
William A. Smith has always followed farming and stock raising and has been successful. He received his education in the public and high schools at Bloomington and attended Illinois Wesleyan University. Mr.
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Smith remained on the home place until 1870 and in 1871 became heir to his present farm of 287 acres in Lexington Township, which he farmed until 1890 when he moved to Lexington.
On Sept. 8, 1870, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Tinnie Day, a na- tive of Lake County, Ill., born Aug. 16, 1852, and the daughter of Rev. Allen and Emma (Townsend) Day, natives of New York. To William A. and Tinnie (Day) Smith three children have been born, as follows: Al- bert, at home; Vivian, the widow of William Perrill, and she has one son by a former marriage, Kenneth Stone; and Josephine, the wife of G. C. Mericle, lives at Monta Vesta, Colo.
Mr. Smith is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is public spirited and progressive and the Smith family has always stood high in the community.
Arthur Van Dyke Pierson, deceased, was a prominent citizen of McLean County for many years. He was born at Mt. Gilead, Morrow County, Ohio, May 19, 1847, the son of James S. and Mary J. (Morri- son) Pierson.
James S. Pierson was a native of Knox County, Ohio, and was born Aug. 7, 1821. In 1853 he brought his family to McLean County and after a short time moved to Menard County, Ill. However, in 1855 he returned to McLean County, where he purchased 230 acres of land in Lexington Township. Mr. Pierson was an extensive sheep raiser and was appointed judge of sheep at many state fairs. He died May 19, 1900, and his wife, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, died March 24, 1915. She was born Sept. 12, 1826, and they were married on July 30, 1846. To James S. and Mary J. (Morrison) Pierson six children were born, as follows: Arthur Van Dyke, the subject of this sketch; Louisa, the widow of D. T. Douglas, lives in Martin Township, McLean County; Emily A., the wife of J. A. Bailey, lives at Los Angeles, Calif .; Eleanor, lives with her sister, Mrs. Douglas; Elmer, deceased; and Grace, de- ceased, was the wife of Howard McFarland.
Arthur Van Dyke Pierson received his education in the district schools and lived on the home place until the time of his marriage, when he purchased land for himself. He followed farming until 1901, at which time he retired and moved to Lexington, where he died Jan. 16, 1916.
ARTHUR VAN DYKE PIERSON.
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Mr. Pierson was a successful farmer and an excellent citizen. During his life he wrote many articles for The Pantagraph of Bloomington and also for the Lexington papers. One of his best known writings is con- cerning the lives of Presidents Lincoln and Grant.
On March 30, 1876, Mr. Pierson was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Smith, a native of Lexington Township, born June 13, 1853, and the daughter of Milton and Lydia Ann (Goddard) Smith. Mr. Smith was born in Franklin, Ky., Feb. 19, 1808, and died Feb. 12, 1888. His wife was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 23, 1820, and died May 20, 1890. To Arthur Van Dyke and Carrie (Smith) Pierson three children were born, as follows: Lawrence Milton, born Oct. 6, 1878, and killed during a football game at Lake Forest College in Chicago, where he was at- tending school, on Sept. 28, 1900; Anna N., born May 19, 1882, married Harry Blue, lives on the home place; and Madge, born Oct. 2, 1888, is an invalid and lives with her mother.
Mrs. Carrie Pierson was educated in the public and high schools of Lexington. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Mis- sionary Society. Mrs. Pierson is one of the hospitable and highly es- teemed women of McLean County and she has many friends.
Arthur Van Dyke Pierson was a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. When the Smith Library was organized he was elected president of the board. He was one of McLean County's rep- resentative and well known citizens.
Alexander Hensley, a well known citizen of McLean County, now liv- ing retired at Lexington, is a native of Kentucky. He was born on a farm in Oldham County, Ky., Aug. 10, 1848, the son of Thomas and Nancy (Davis) Hensley.
Thomas Hensley was a tobacco grower in Kentucky, where he was born. He moved his family to Illinois in 1856 and settled on a farm of 80 acres in Blue Mound Township. Mr. Hensley served as a member of the school board for many years and was a deacon of the Christian Church. He died in 1909 at the age of 82 years. His wife died 1898, she being 66 years of age. To Thomas and Nancy (Davis) Hensley six children were born, two of whom are now living: Alexander, the subject of this sketch ; and Frank, lives in California. After the death of his first wife Mr. Hens- ley was later married to Mrs. McCollough, also deceased.
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Alexander Hensley was reared on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. After working as a farm hand for two years he purchased land in Lawndale Township, McLean County, which he farmed until about 10 years ago. Mr. Hensley was a successful farmer and breeder of pure-bred stock. He owns 223 acres of well im- proved land, which is located in Lawndale, Blue Mound, and in Lexington townships.
Mr. Hensley was married in 1872 to Miss Steary Miles, a native of Ohio and the daughter of E. A. Miles. To Mr. and Mrs. Hensley the following children were born: Lee, deceased; Joseph Albert, lives in Washington; Jay Alexander, lives in Michigan; Ed, lives at Saxton, Mo .; Pearl, married Claude Albertson, lives at Indianapolis, Ind .; Guy, lives in Lawndale Township, McLean County ; Thomas Wesley, lives in Blue Mound Town- ship; Edna, married Henry Lindenbaum, lives in Lexington Township; and one child died in infancy.
Mr. Hensley is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. He is a substantial citizen of McLean County and is well known.
Thomas A. Dawson, widely known as a breeder of pure bred Short- horn cattle and Durock Jersey hogs, is the owner of 200 acres of well- improved land, and a member of one of McLean County's oldest and most prominent families.
The Dawson family is of Welsh extraction and came to America dur- ing the first settlement of Virginia. James R. Dawson, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., in 1794 and went to Madison County, Ohio, in 1817, where he and his family remained until 1832, when they moved to McLean County. They settled on a farm one and one-half miles southwest of Lexington and were among the earli- est settlers of the county. James R. Dawson was a successful farmer and owned 240 acres of land. His wife died three years after coming to Illinois .
John Dawson, father of the subject of this sketch and son of James R. Dawson, was born in Madison County, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1820, and died in 1900. He followed farming during his life and became the owner of 700 acres of land in McLean County. Mr. Dawson went to California in 1875 and remained there four years. He then lived retired at Lexington
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until the time of his death. He was a member of the Christian Church and a Democrat. Mr. Dawson was married to Miss Arminta Adams, a na- tive of Bourbon County, Ky., born in 1862. They were the parents of eight children, two of whom are now living, as follows: Thomas A., the subject of this sketch; and Orlando, lives retired at Lexington.
Thomas A. Dawson was born in Lexington Township, Oct. 13, 1854, and has always been a farmer. He received his education in the public and high schools of Lexington and attended the university at Normal for five months. Mr. Dawson has owned his own farm since he was 18 years of age, 200 acres which his father gave him. For many years he has specialized in the breeding of pure-bred stock and his farm is among the well improved stock farms of McLean County. His son, Harvey E., now farms with him. In 1890 Mr. and Mrs. Dawson moved to Lexington where they now reside.
Mr. Dawson was married on Jan. 1, 1873, to Miss Arabelle Campbell, a native of Lexington, and the daughter of John and Adeline (Hefner) Campbell, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Dawson seven children have been born, as follows: Oscar A., lives in Chicago; Bernard O., deceased ; Austin, lives at Olathe, Kan .; Arminta, deceased; Nettie, married B. E. Grimsley, lives in Lexington Township; Alta, married Ralph Payne, lives in Chenoa Township; and Harvey E., who farms the home place in Chenoa Township. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have nine grandchildren and one great- grandchild.
Mr. Dawson is identified with the Democratic party in politics and is a member of the Christian Church. He is well known throughout the county, where he is highly esteemed as a man of progress, industry, and initiative.
L. H. Smith, who now lives retired on his farm near Lexington, is a substantial citizen of McLean County. He was born on a farm in Lex- ington Township, Aug. 13, 1858, the son of Milton and Lydia Ann (God- dard) Smith.
Milton Smith came to Illinois from Kentucky in 1835, making the trip on horseback. He was born in Franklin County, Ky., Feb. 19, 1808, and died in 1887. Mr. Smith was among the leading pioneers of Lex- ington, and helped build the first house there. He was the son of William
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and Obedience Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Milton Smith were the parents of the following children: Sarah, the widow of Willis Strayer, lives at Lex- ington; W. A., a retired farmer, lives at Lexington; Fletcher M., lives at Everett, Wash .; Carrie, the widow of A. D. Pierson, lives at Lexington; Kate, the widow of L. D. Poole, lives at Lexington; L. H., the subject of this sketch; George J., merchant of Lexington, a sketch of whom appears in this volume; Estelle, married Harry S. Shade, lives at Normal; and Anna Mary, deceased, was the wife of George B. Okeson.
L. H. Smith was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools. He farmed the home place until 1888, when he purchased his present farm of 30 acres near the city limits of Lexington. Mr. Smith conducts a dairy and has pure-bred Jersey cows.
On Sept. 30, 1879, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Rozilla Ralston, a native of Lexington, and the daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Mc- Nery) Ralston, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of McLean County. To L. H. and Rozilla (Ralston) Smith two children have been born, Harold, deceased, and Bessie, at home.
Mr. Smith is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a man of integrity and ability, a good farmer and an excellent citi- zen. Mr. Smith has had a hobby for the past 30 years of taking pictures, and he has in his possession a fine collection of photographs taken through- out the state of Illinois.
Robert E. Jones, deceased, was one of McLean County's most promi- nent and highly respected citizens. He was born at Montgomershire, Wales, Oct. 30, 1843, and died at Lexington, June 12, 1902. Mr. Jones was the son of Richard and Anna (Evans) Jones, natives of Wales, where they spent their entire lives.
Robert E. Jones was reared on his father's farm in Wales and re- ceived his education in the schools there. In 1865 he came to the United States and went as far west as Emporia, Kan. After several years Mr. Jones returned to Wales, was married, and returned to this country with his family in 1877. They settled on land near Lexington and Mr. Jones became a prosperous farmer. His first farm consisted of 80 acres, but at the time of his death he owned 160 acres. He was an extensive cattle feeder and also shipped stock.
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On June 2, 1869, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Re- becca Hughes, a native of Wales, born July 30, 1843, and the daughter of Morris and Elizabeth (Evans) Hughes. To Robert E. and Rebecca (Hughes) Jones eight children were born, as follows: Morris T., grocer at Lexington; Elizabeth Ann, the widow of William Cochran, lives in Chi- cago; Nellie Jane, the widow of L. O. Carnahan, and she conducts the N. J. Carnahan Dry Goods Company at Lexington; Richard G., state inspector of highway equipment, lives at Lexington; Emlyn Ivor, an at- torney at Seattle, Wash., is a graduate of the University of Michigan; Winnie, a graduate of the University of Michigan and teacher of latin and history in Detroit before her marriage to John Nettleship, and they are now abroad; Sarah Florence, a graduate of the school of music at the University of Michigan, and she now teaches music and art at Quincy, Ill .; and Ora Margaret, a graduate of the University of Michigan, for a number of years secretary to the grand master of the state of Illinois Masonry, and she is now married to Athur Millard, lives at Chicago. Mrs. Jones has 21 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Mrs. Robert E. Jones is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a mem- ber of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and also belongs to the McLean County Historical Society. She has always taken an active inter- est in public welfare, especially educational affairs, and she has traveled extensively, having made five trips abroad. Mrs. Jones' daughter, Mrs. Carnahan, is a member of the Lexington Board of Education. She has one son, Charles, who married Louise Van Dolah, and they have one daughter, Given.
Robert E. Jones was a staunch supporter of the Republican party and served as road commissioner for several years. He was a well edu- cated man and a representative man of affairs in Lexington and McLean County.
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