USA > Illinois > McLean County > History of McLean County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 4
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Mr. Froehlich takes an active interest in the affairs of his community and is secretary of the Gridley Commercial Club and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Froehlich is a member of the village board and is secretary of the local board of improvements. He ranks among the leading citi- zens of the county.
C. T. Wilson, an enterprising and well known business man of Grid- ley, was born in Highland County, Va., July 22, 1873, the son of John B. and Martha (Price) Wilson.
John B. Wilson and his wife were natives of Virginia and early set- tlers of Illinois. He became a prosperous farmer and owned 292 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, now deceased, were the parents of the fol- lowing children: William, a farmer, lives in Illinois; Rhoda, married Jonas Heffner, a farmer, lives in Hightown, Va .; C. T., the subject of this sketch; Jane, deceased; Nancy, married Henry Propst, a farmer, lives in Pennsylvania; George P., lives in Chenoa; Soloman, deceased; Mary Emma, married James Smith, a farmer, lives in Virginia; Martha, de- ceased ; Gerald, lives in Maryland; and Lucinda, lives at Gridley.
C. T. Wilson was reared on his father's farm in Virginia and came to Illinois when he was 14 years old. He settled on a farm and worked out by the month for 13 years, after which he entered the restaurant business at Gridley. Mr. Wilson operated this business until 1903. He then en- gaged in the grocery and drug business.
On Sept. 6, 1906, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Effie McColm, a native of Ohio, born Aug. 8, 1882, and the daughter of Mathew and M. McColm, natives of Ohio and now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McColm were the parents of four children, as follows: Ira, a farmer, lives in Ohio; John, lives in Chili; Henry, lives in Lexington, Ill .; and Mrs. Wilson. Mr. McColm served throughout the Civil War was a well known farmer of McLean County. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have two children: Ione and Mar- vin, both at home.
Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. He has been president of the Gridley School Board since 1918. Mr. Wil- son is a progressive business man of Gridley and widely and favorably known.
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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY
Clinton P. Soper, deceased, was one of the best known and most successful business men of Bloomington. He was born at Verona, N. Y., March 21, 1851, and died in Pasadena, Cal., Jan. 24, 1916. Mr. Soper was the son of Philander and Eliza Angeline (Adams) Soper. ยท
Philander Soper was a native of Verona, N. Y., and his wife was born in Rome, N. Y. He followed farming for many years and died Oct. 14, 1894. His wife died March 17, 1855. They were the parents of four children, as follows: Horace Wylie, born May 18, 1842; Willard H., born April 6, 1846; and Clinton P., the subject of this sketch. Clinton P. Soper had a half-sister, Emma (Soper) Wilson, who was born June 17, 1859.
Clinton P. Soper received his education in the public schools of Ve- rona, N. Y., and attended Whitestown Seminary. At the age of 21 years he left his home state, where he had been a teacher, and came to Chicago, where he remained one year before coming to Bloomington. For many years he and his brother, Horace W. Soper, were interested in the foundry business, which they established at the corner of Market and Prairie streets. This firm was known as Soper & Rogers, and later was moved to a large plant on East Washington street, just east of the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad. Horace W. Soper died in 1898, and the company was later reorganized under the title of The American Foundry & Furnace Com- pany. It is one of the largest private manufacturing concerns in Bloom- ington and employs many men. Mr. Soper died suddenly in Pasadena, Cal., while there on a vacation.
On Nov. 23, 1881, Mr. Soper was married to Miss Emma Burr, a native of Bloomington and the daughter of Hudson and Lucy Wright (Pelton) Burr, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Burr died Feb. 17, 1891, and his wife died Aug. 11, 1907. To Mr. and Mrs. Soper two sons and a daughter were born, as follows: Dr. William Burr Soper, a biographical sketch of whom appears in this volume; Hor- ace Adams, vice president of the American Furnace & Foundry Com- pany, whose sketch also appears elsewhere in this volume; and Lucy A., married Henry Richardson Lane, and they live in Boston, Mass.
Clinton P. Soper was identified with all the larger social and charit- able organizations of the city and one of the city's philanthropic institu- tions which will stand as a monument to the influence and public spirit of Mr. Soper is Brokaw Hospital, for to his work and interest in this
Clinton Psuper
OF THE
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noble establishment was largely due the fact that it was placed upon a substantial financial basis. From the earlier years of the hospital when it was struggling along under the constant deficit at the end of every year, he was one of the earliest advocates for support in a financial way from time to time as its needs became apparent. Those who are inti- mately acquainted with the inner history of the negotiations by which the late Abram Brokaw was finally induced to bestow upon the hospital a princely sum as an endowment, are aware that it was mainly Mr. Bro- kaw's confidence in Mr. Soper's wisdom and discretion in the management of the institution that led the millionaire plow-maker to give the large sum to the hospital, the income from which creates a fund which pro- vides against future stringencies. Mr. Soper was for seven years presi- dent of the hospital board and even after his resignation maintained close personal touch with all the affairs of the hospital and constantly gave his time and business knowledge in promoting the welfare of the institution. The hospital lost one of its best friends and constant well wishers in the death of Mr. Soper.
Mr. Soper and his family were regular attendants of the Second Presbyterian Church and he was prominent in all affairs of the church. He was the first president of the Bloomington Country Club and also a charter member of the Bloomington Club, and served as president one term and as director for many years.
Dr. Willard Burr Soper, a native of McLean County, is recognized as one of the leading authorities of our time in the study and treatment of tuberculosis. He is the son of the late Clinton P. and Emma (Burr) Soper, a complete biographical sketch of whom appears in this work.
Immediately upon the declaration of war by the United States, Dr. Willard Burr Soper enlisted in the medical corps on May 4, 1917, was commissioned captain. Sailing from New York May 14, 1917, he had the distinction of being a member of one of the first hospital units to leave for France during the World War. Captain Soper was at first con- nected as medical officer to U. S. Base Hospital No. 2, which was recruited from the Presbyterian Hospital, New York, Columbia University and New York City. Upon arrival in France this hospital unit took over No. 1 Gen-
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eral Hospital, B. E. F., at Etretat, Seine, Inferieure. From this time on the unit was known as No. 1 (Presbyterian U. S. A.) General Hospital B. E. F, continuing as such until the end of the war. On July 1, 1918, Dr. Soper was placed in command of this hospital and continued so until de- mobilization, Feb. 18, 1919, at Camp Meade, Md. The great. Casino at Etretat was commandeered and converted into a hospital and 1,000 beds installed for the soldier patients under charge of Dr. Soper. The emer- gency capacity was 1,200 wounded. Dr. Soper was promoted to major in August, 1918. The work assigned to him was both surgical and medical, and 23,000 cases passed through during 18 months. Although the whole personnel of the staff was American, the hospital was British and almost all patients were from the British forces. This unit was one of six loaned to the B. E. F. on America's entrance into the war. All were retained until the Armistice. Helen Crocker Soper, wife of Major Willard B. Soper, went to France in June, 1917, for service with the American Ambulance Corps at Paris, but it developed that her services would be of more value at Etre- tat where there was a colony of 250 orphans of the Association Nationale Des Orphelins de la Guerre. In July, that year, she took charge with Miss Peabody of the Infirmary of the colony and of the general health of its children. From June, 1918, Mrs. Soper was assisted in this work by Miss Laura McNulta, formerly of Bloomington. Their work terminated Jan. 1, 1919. At Christmas, 1918, the prefect of the Department of the Seine Infirieuere, presented Mrs. Soper with the medal of Reconnaissance of the department, in recognition of her invaluable services. The self sacri- fice and tireless devotion to his line of duty won for Major Soper the gratitude of the patients in his charge and he was at all times alert to their needs and watchful of their comfort and care.
Dr. Soper elected to specialize in his chosen profession as bacteriolo- gist, and for several years prior to the war was instructor for physicians at the Truedeaux School of Tubercular Diseases, located at Saranac Lake, N. Y. Upon his return from France with the conclusion of hostilities, he was induced by the managers of the Rockefeller Foundation to devote three or four years to experiments in the treatment of tuberculosis with headquarters in Paris, France. Dr. Soper accepted this commission and his selection was a notable tribute to his ability and the fame that he has already commanded in this important field of work. It is believed that the result of his study and experimentations will doubtless alleviate the terrors of the "Great White Plague".
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Horace A. Soper, vice-president of the American Foundry & Fur- nace Company, is a veteran of the World War, and a prominent business man of Bloomington. He was born in Bloomington, Oct. 12, 1886, and is the son of Clinton P. and Emma (Burr) Soper, a sketch of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work.
Horace A. Soper was educated in the public and high schools of Bloomington, attended Lawrenceville school at Lawrenceville, N. Y., and is a graduate of Yale University. Since completing his education, Mr. Soper has been interested in the American Foundry & Furnace Com- pany, which was organized by his father, the late Clinton P. Soper.
Of the young business men of Bloomington who responded to the call of service during the World War, Mr. Soper was fortunate in being sent abroad. He won a commission as first lieutenant on Oct. 11, 1917, and due to his business training and administrative experience, he was first assigned to duty in Washington, D. C., and later placed in charge of the purchasing department for steel helmets, fire control instru- ments, etc. Making good in this field, he was commissioned captain in June, 1918, and given greater responsibilities abroad. He was sent to France and placed in charge of the purchases of iron and steel and va- rious classes of machinery necessary for the projection of the war. Capt. Soper made his headuarters at Tours while in France, thus enabling him to participate in the tremendous activity necessary in carrying on the war and also getting an insight of the superhuman modus operandi that no writer has yet been able to adequately describe. Capt. Soper remained in the service until the close of the great conflict and was honorably discharged Jan. 4, 1919, returning to Bloomington to re- sume his position with the American Foundry & Furnace Company.
On June 7, 1911, Mr. Soper was united in marriage with Miss Anne Bell, a native of Staunton, Va., and the daughter of Richard P. and Emma Lisle (Frazier) Bell, natives of Virginia and now deceased. To Horace A. and Anne (Bell) Soper three children have been born: Jean, Clinton Burr, and Emma, all at home. The Soper family resides at 1122 E. Monroe Street.
Mr. Soper is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife belongs to the Episcopal Church. Mr. Soper is a progressive and successful man of affairs and the Soper family ranks among the leading representative citizens of McLean County.
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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY
Hudson Burr, now deceased, was for many years a prominent mem- ber of the McLean County bar. He was born in Litchfield County, Conn., Jan. 23, 1830, the son of Rufus and Anne (Hudson) Burr.
Rufus Burr was born in Litchfield County, Conn., in December, 1800, and was a farmer of moderate means. On May 9, 1827, he was married to Miss Anne S. Hudson, a daughter of Barzilli Hudson. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Burr settled at Torrington, Conn. Mr. Burr died in 1863 while visiting his children in Bloomington, Ill. His wife died in 1878. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Hudson, subject of this sketch, was second in order of birth.
Hudson Burr passed his boyhood days in his native state and re- ceived his primary education in the public schools, later entering Yale College, where he pursued a thorough course of study and was grad- uated in 1853. He then entered the law office of Henry S. Barber, of Wolcottville, Conn. where he remained one year. He then came to Bloomington and was admitted to the bar in 1858, soon afterwards be- coming a partner of Major Packard. This partnership continued until 1862. The Civil War being then in progress, Mr. Burr enlisted, becom- ing Adjutant of the 94th Illinois regiment, and was detailed for duty on the frontier until the summer of 1863. The regiment was then trans- ferred to the Army of the Potomac. In 1864, Mr. Burr was forced to resign on account of ill health. During his military experience he dis- tinguished himself for bravery and faithfulness and served as Adjutant- General with the rank of Captain. He took part in the battle of Prairie Grove and was at the siege and capture of Vicksburg, July 18, 1863. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army, Captain Burr returned to Bloomington and formed a law partnership with Robert E. Williams, which continued for 19 years. The firm was for many years known as Williams, Burr & Capen. It was a strong one and gained favor from the beginning.
Mr. Burr was married in his native state in 1855 to Miss Lucy W. Pelton, a daughter of Robert Pelton, of Wolcottville, Conn. To this union four children were born, Charles Hudson; Mrs. Emma Burr Soper, of Bloomington; Louis H., who died at the age of nine months; and Lillie, died at six years of age.
Mr. Burr and his family were regular attendants of the Second Presbyterian Church. He was always regarded both socially and in his business relations as a valuable citizen of McLean County.
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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY
Walter H. Sieberns, now living retired at Gridley, is among the lead- ing citizens of McLean County. He was born in Woodford County, Aug. 19, 1862, the son of Henry E. and Caroline (Niergarth) Sieberns.
Henry E. Sieberns was born in Germany and came to this country when he was a young man, making the trip in a sailing vessel which re- quired 46 days. He landed at New Orleans, where he followed his trade as cabinet maker for a short time before coming to Woodford County, Ill., in 1860. Mr. Sieberns owned and operated the first store at Gridley, where he remained until 1882. He then moved to Peoria, where he died Jan. 11, 1914. His wife died March 27, 1918. Mr. Sieberns owned 1,640 acres of well-improved land which is now owned by his children. Mr. and Mrs. Sieberns were the parents of eight children, as follows: Etta, the widow of C. P. Ohl, lives at Peoria; Anna, married B. F. Schertz, lives at Peoria; Mary, married George W. Brickner, lives at Peoria; Walter H., the subject of this sketch; Minnie, married William Ohl, deceased, and she lives with Mrs. Brickner at Peoria; John R., retired, lives at Peoria; Otto, lives in Wisconsin; and Carl lives in Wisconsin.
Walter H. Sieberns was reared on the farm and received his educa- tion in the district schools of McLean County. He succeeded his father in business at Gridley, and now lives retired. Mr. Sieberns owns 160 acres of land and town property, as well as a fine residence which was built in 1921.
On Sept. 6, 1886, Mr. Sieberns was married to Miss Caroline Frie- dinger, a native of Tazewell County, Ill., born July 3, 1862, and the daugh- ter of John and Mary (Sandmeyer) Freidinger, both natives of Germany, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Freidinger have seven children, as follows: George, lives at Peoria; Kate, deceased; Lizzie, married Barney Eisle, lives at Pekin, Ill .; Henry, deceased ; Mary, lives at Peoria ; Anna, married George Crawford, lives in Livingston County, and Mrs. Sieberns. To Walter H. and Caroline (Freidinger) Seiberns four children have been born, as follows: Oscar W., born Feb. 5, 1888, further mention of whom is made below; Lynn C., born Feb. 7, 1889, further mention of whom is made below; Anna S., born Jan. 14, 1890, trained nurse and now superin- tendent of nurses in the Methodist Hospital at Peoria; and Henry E., born July 4, 1900, died in 1902.
Oscar W. Sieberns served four years in the United States navy before the World War and took part in the battle of Vera Cruz during the Mexi- can trouble. During the World War he was inducted into service and
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was overseas eleven months with the 68th Regiment, Coast Artillery. Mr. Sieberns owns and operates a garage at Gridley and is among the success- ful young business men of the community. He married Miss Carrie Blair, a native of Bloomington, and the daughter of Henry Blair. She died one year after their marriage.
Lynn C. Sieberns is among the prominent young attorneys of the McLean County bar and has practiced at Gridley for seven years. He was inducted into service during the World War and sent to Fort Riley, Kan., with the medical division. Mr. Sieberns served overseas for 13 months and took part in many of the important battles of the war. He married Miss Edna Meyer of Oak Park, Ill., and lives at Gridley.
Walter H. Sieberns is a Democrat and he and his family are members of the Congregational Church. They are highly respected citizens of McLean County.
George K. Young, a well known and respected citizen of McLean County, who is now living retired, is a member of one of the county's prominent pioneer families. He was born near Lexington in McLean County, March 11, 1860, the son of Isaac and Julia A. (Kemp) Young.
Isaac Young was born in Money Creek Township, McLean County, where he spent practically his entire life. He was the son of Madison Young, who was among the early settlers of Illinois. Isaac Young was the owner of 200 acres of land near Lexington, which he improved, and he was among the leading stockmen of that section, driving his stock on foot to Chicago before the time of the railroad. During the early days the Young family and the Funk family were close friends. Mr. Young died Aug. 4, 1907, and his wife died April 17, 1913. They were the par- ents of three children, as follows: George K., the subject of this sketch; Belle J., married C. K. Ream, retired, lives in Bloomington; and Martha A., married H. B. Montgomery, both deceased.
George K. Young was educated in the district schools and attended Illinois Wesleyan University, afterward taking a business course at the then known Evergreen City Business College at Bloomington. He then engaged in general farming and stock raising and later specialized in the breeding of draft horses. Mr. Young bought and sold horses for the Chi- cago market for more than 15 years and during the World War did a
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large volume of business. At one time Mr. Young sold a pair of dapple gray horses to the Papst Brewing Company and they were used for show purposes by the company, and sent throughout the country.
On Sept. 30, 1886, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Per- melia L. Kemp, a native of Fort Scott, Kan., born Sept. 23, 1862, and the daughter of Shadrick and Cynthia (Dawson) Kemp, natives of Madison County, Ohio. The Kemp family came to Illinois in 1857 and almomst im- mediately went to Kansas, where Mr. Kemp became a prominent farmer. He served during the Civil War and took part in many battles. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp, now deceased, were the parents of six children, as follows: Elizabeth, died Oct. 31, 1922, was the wife of S. J. Bean; James, killed in Alaska, Feb. 4, 1897; Mrs. Young ; S. J., lives at Lexington, Neb .; Cynthia Ellen, lives with her brother in Nebraska; and Croghan, deceased. To George K. and Permelia L. (Kemp) Young four children were born, as follows: Eunice, born April 19, 1887, married on Nov. 4, 1911, to Prof- Boyd E. Whisnant, lives in Montana; Grace Ellen, born Sept. 29, 1889, married on March 11, 1920, to Earl J. Conrad, and they live in Idaho; Russell P., born March 6, 1892, is a veteran of the World War, lives at Gridley ; and George Lyman, born March 27, 1895, also a World War vet- eran, and he lives with his parents at Gridley. Mr. and Mrs. Young have eight grandchildren.
In politics Mr. Young is a Democrat and he has served as alderman of Gridley for three years. He is a member of the Methodist Church and is held in high esteem throughout the county.
T. Curtis, a prominent citizen and successful business man of Grid- ley, was born in Norfolk, England, March 28, 1871, the son of William and Anna Curtis.
William Curtis was a game keeper on a large estate in England and is now deceased, as also is his wife. They were the parents of three chil- dren, as follows: Sarah, lives in England; William, deceased; and T., the subject of this sketch.
T. Curtis received his education in the public schools of England and was then employed in the kennels of Rothschild, famous breeder of fox hounds and other blooded dogs. He came to the United States when he was 19 years of age and settled on a farm in McLean County, where he
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worked for $15.00 per month. Mr. Curtis later operated rented land for six years. He entered the jewelry business at Gridley 25 years ago in partnership with James Rogers. Mr. Curtis owns his place of business, which is located on Main Street and he is among the leading and reliable business men of that section.
Mr. Curtis is a Republican.
George Stipp Hanna, one of Bloomington's most prominent native sons, died Feb. 21, 1920. He was born in Bloomington, July 5, 1849, and spent his early life there, attending the University High School at Nor- mal. In 1869 he accompanied the Hon. E. B. Washburne, United States minister, to France and was a member of his family for some time, af- terwards going to Germany and studying at Heidelberg University. At the time of the Franco-Prussian war he returned to Paris and acted as German interpreter for the United States embassy.
Mr. Hanna was the son of the Hon. William H. Hanna, one of Bloom- ington's distinguished lawyers in his time, and was the last of his fam- ily, his father, mother and brother, W. Claibourne Hanna, having pre- ceded him in death.
The Hanna family is traced back to Castle Corbley in Scotland and from there large numbers of the family went to Ireland. After the restoration of Charles II to the throne of England, things became quite warm for these Scots, who had fled to the county of Down in Ireland, and many of them hurried to America. Some of the family settled in Penn- sylvania and from there Mark A. Hanna, who was famous as a politician in his day, was descended. One of the Hannas settled at Wilmington, Del., and another went to South Carolina, and from him William Hanna, father of the subject of this sketch, was descended. William Hanna's father bore the name of Robert and his grandfather's name was the same. Both were natives of Carolina. The battle of Cowpens during the Revolutionary War was fought on land belonging to a member of the Hanna family. From the Carolinas the Hannas moved to Brook- ville, the county seat of Franklin County, which in the early days was quite an important post.
The father of George S. Hanna was one of the most prominent members of the McLean County bar. His death occurred when he was but 46 years of age and came in a most distressing way. The family
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home was located in a large imposing house, which stood where Paul F. Beich's home is now located at Albert and Grove streets. There was a thunder storm on the night of Aug. 5, 1870. He was sleeping soundly when lightning struck the house, the bolt finding its way to the cham- ber of Mr. and Mrs. Hanna. He was struck and lived but an hour after the shock, while Mrs. Hanna was uninjured. Their son was in Europe at the time.
George S. Hanna was like his illustrious father in that he did not care for the plaudits of the world, preferring to remain at his post and to live his life quietly as was his choice. He was a wealthy man, but never made a display of his worldly goods, but took a great pride in his home life. His residence on East Front street is one of the finest in that part of the city.
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