USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 11
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Mr. Horneman was the sole owner of the first creamery operated by the Sugar Creek Creamery Company at Wat- seka, Ill., and therefore was made president of the busi- ness when it was incorporated. He has continued in that capacity to the present time.
In 1908 Mr. Horneman married Miss Florence Coe, the daughter of Seymour and Caroline (Peterson) Coe, natives of Ames, Iowa. They have a son, Kenneth, born in 1910. He attended Pasadena Junior College one year and in 1929 he entered Iowa State College at Ames, Iowa.
Mr. Horneman is identified with the Republican party in politics and has been president of the Board of Educa- tion, Danville, for the past five years. He has the follow- ing lodge affiliations: Furtherlight Lodge, Ancient, Free
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and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Watseka Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Mary Com- mandery, Knights Templar, Watseka, Illinois; Ansar Tem- ple; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332. He belongs to the Danville Country Club; Danville Yacht Club; Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity; and Chamber of Commerce. He is president of the Illinois Allied Dairy Interests, and is secretary of the Illinois Guernsey Breed- ers Association.
Rufus Martin Utterback .- In the development of a career which has been characterized by marked industry and energy, and the achievement of merited success, the younger generation should take interest, for in this way lessons of incalculable value may be learned. Such a career has been that of Rufus Martin Utterback, president of Utterback's Business College at Danville, who, commenc- ing his independent life with little to aid him save faith in himself and a good education, with some experience as a teacher and a large amount of native ability, has steadily advanced in the field of commercial education until now he has three branch schools in addition to the parent school at Mattoon, Illinois, and he is accounted one of the leaders in his field of effort.
Professor Utterback was born May 21, 1878, at Dundas, Richland County, Illinois, and is a son of Martin and Eliza (Burgess) Utterback.
Martin Utterback was born near Elizabethtown, Har- din County, Kentucky, his birthplace being near that of Abraham Lincoln, and he was three years of age when he was brought to Illinois by his parents, the remainder of his life being passed in Richland County, Illinois, where he helped to haul logs for the first court house of the coun- ty. He was of German descent, but the family has been
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long in this country and his grandfather Snyder was pres- ent at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, clad in homespun linen uniform as sergeant-at-arms. At Clare- mont, Illinois, in 1857, Martin Utterback married Eliza Burgess, of Scotch descent, a daughter of James Burgess, a veteran of the War of 1812, and one of the early pioneers of Ohio.
Rufus Martin Utterback acquired his early education at Dundas, Illinois, where he attended the rural schools, and he followed this by a course at Valparaiso University. Later, he took a course at the Southwestern Business Col- lege. He commenced his career as a teacher in the public schools and was engaged from 1896 until 1904. He then spent one and one-half years as a stenographer and in 1905 turned his attention to business college work, with which he has been identified to the present, although it was not until 1909 that he purchased and started operation of what has since been known as Utterback's Business College, of which he has been president since its incorporation. In 1919 Mr. Utterback organized the branch school at Paris, Illinois, and in 1921 the second branch school was located at Olney, Illinois. In 1925 the third branch school was established at Danville. These have all proven decidedly successful under his careful and capable management, and there are already found a number of successful men and women in the business world who received their training at the Utterback schools. Mr. Utterback has given his chief attention to the management and direction of these establishments, but has not overlooked the duties of citi- zenship, and from 1915 until 1917 served as a member of the city council of Mattoon.
Mr. Utterback was married at Calhoun, Illinois, July 19, 1905, to Miss Leona A. Bartley, a daughter of Edward T. and Elvira Jane Bartley. Edward T. Bartley, who died in May, 1925, was a grandson of Governor Mordecai Bart- ley, of Ohio, a Union soldier during the Civil War, and a
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relative of William Hooper, one of the signers of the Decla- ration of Independence. William Hooper was born at Bos- ton, Massachusetts, June 17, 1742, and was graduated from Harvard College in 1760, following which he practiced law in North Carolina and early became interested in the Colonial struggle with Great Britain. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1774, and became a signer of the famous document of July 4, 1776. He died in Hillsboro, North Carolina, in October, 1790. Mrs. Bartley, who still survives her husband, is a descendant of the old Scotch Covenanteers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Utterback there have been born two children: Ethel Elvira, born December 27, 1913, died at birth; and Mary Elizabeth, born March 3, 1917.
Mr. Utterback is a Republican, a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, Mattoon Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Danville Consistory, thirty-second de- gree; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Wood- men of America, and Rotary Club. He is also identified with the United Association of Accredited Private Busi- ness Schools.
Albert A. Berhalter is one of the dependable and well known business men of Danville, where he is identified with the Berhalter Funeral Parlors, 106-08 West Main Street. He was born at Kendallville, Indiana, July 4, 1867, the son of Joseph and Frances (Schunder) Berhalter.
Both Joseph Berhalter and his wife were natives of Germany. Their marriage took place at Reading, Penn- sylvania, after their arrival in this country about 1850. He was a cabinet maker by trade and was also employed in the car shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Reading. Later, he lived at Corona, Indiana, and while a resident of that place became successful as a manufacturer of furni- ture and coffins. During the Civil War he enlisted in the
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Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served throughout the war period. After the close of the war Mr. Berhalter re- moved with his family to Kendallville, Indiana, where he continued in the manufacturing business until his death, September 4, 1881. His wife died in January, 1884. They are buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Kendallville. There were nine children in the Berhalter family, as follows: John, Joseph, Frank, and Louisa, all deceased; George, who died in March, 1928; Etta, deceased, was the wife of Casper Vetter; Charles, who died in 1926; Minnie, deceased; and Albert A., the subject of this sketch.
The boyhood of Albert A. Berhalter was spent at Ken- dallville, Indiana, and following his graduation from high school in 1886 he became associated with the manufactur- ing business there, which had been established by his father. About 1888 he came to Danville and went with N. A. Kimball, mortician, with whom he was identified until 1893. He then purchased Mr. Kimball's interests in partnership with W. C. Olmsted, the firm being known as Berhalter & Olmsted. Mr. Berhalter became sole owner of the business in 1919.
In 1892 Mr. Berhalter was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hurley, the daughter of Cornelius and Mary Ann (Shean) Hurley, the former a native of New York and the latter of Canada. Mr. Hurley is deceased and buried at LaSalle, Illinois. His wife is buried at Danville. Their children were: Anna, lives at Danville; Ella, married M. J. Denny, lives at McAllen, Texas; and Mary Berhalter. Mr. and Mrs. Berhalter have three daughters: Madeline, married Dr. M. J. Monahan, lives at Danville, and they have a daughter, Jane; Mary, lives at home; and Lillian, deceased.
Mr. Berhalter is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332, Rotary Club, and Danville Yacht Club. He
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is also a member of the National Selected Morticians, Illi- nois Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association.
Benjamin Charles English .- One of the outstanding financiers of Danville is Benjamin Charles English, who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank. He is also a veteran of the World War. Mr. English was born at Danville, February 5, 1885, the son of Charles Lewis and Mary Alice (O'Hara) English.
Charles Lewis English, deceased, was president of the First National Bank of Danville. A complete sketch of him appears elsewhere in this history.
Benjamin Charles English received his early education in the public schools of Danville and was graduated from the University of Chicago in 1907. He has been interested in banking throughout his business career and besides holding the office of assistant cashier of the First National Bank he is vice president of the Taylor English Coal Com- pany, and treasurer of the Vermilion County Building As- sociation, Danville.
Mr. English enlisted in 1908 in Company I, Fifth In- fantry, Illinois National Guard, and was later promoted to first lieutenant, serving until 1914. During the World War he was commissioned a captain in the Infantry and served as assistant instructor at the First Officers Training Camp at Chicago, Illinois. He then went to Camp Grant, Rock- ford, Illinois, where he was attached to the Three Hundred Forty-third Infantry, Eighty-sixth Division. He sailed for France in May, 1918, and was in the Argonne offensive. After the armistice he was assigned to General Headquar- ters of Quartermaster, Army of Occupation, serving until July, 1919, when he returned to the United States. He was discharged as a Major, and now holds that rank in the
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United States Reserve Corps. He is a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
On November 10, 1909, Mr. English married Miss Pearl Benjamin, of Danville, the daughter of Frank A. and Louise (Vierson) Benjamin. The former lives at Danville. Mrs. Benjamin is deceased.
Mr. English is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Rock- ford Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree, and Loyal Order of Moose.
Charles Lewis English, deceased, was one of Danville's foremost citizens and prominently identified with its finan- cial interests for more than half a century. He stood high in banking and business circles in the city and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr. English was born at Perrysville, Indiana, July 15, 1846, the son of Joseph G. and Maria (Hicks) English.
Joseph G. English was a native of Rising Sun, Ohio. He came to Danville in 1854 and became a leading business man and banker of this section, being president of the First National Bank of Danville for many years. He retired from business in 1899. Both he and his wife are deceased.
Charles Lewis English attended the public schools of Danville and was a graduate of DePauw University. Early in his business career he was interested in the lumber busi- ness. In April, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, One Hun- dred Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was hon- orably discharged in October, 1864. He then went into the lumber business for twelve years, being associated with Col. L. T. Dickason, of Chicago. In 1867 Mr. English be- came interested in the banking business. He became cash- ier of the First National Bank of Danville, in 1882, later served as vice president, and in 1899 was elected president.
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He held this office until his death, February 22, 1918. He was also identified with the Westville Coal Company and the Reola Coal Company.
In 1883 Mr. English married Miss Mary Alice O'Hara, of Richmond, Indiana. Their children were: Benjamin Charles, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this his- tory; and Daniel Joseph, deceased.
Mr. English was always a Republican. He was identi- fied with the Masonic Lodge, Elks, and held membership in the Methodist Church.
Albert Marion Earel, M. D .- A brilliant record of achievement and attainment is contained in the life story of Doctor Albert Marion Earel, one of the most prominent physicians and surgeons of Vermilion County, who is en- gaged in the practice of his profession at Hoopeston. He was born on a farm near Abingdon, Illinois, June 22, 1866, the son of Hervey Dale and Abigail (Linn) Earel.
Hervey Dale Earel was born on a farm near Parkers- burg, Virginia. At the age of four years he came with his parents to Ohio, but later located near Quincy, Illinois, when he was eight years old. Here his father, James Earel, deposited in a bank all his savings, about $8,000 in gold, and proceeded to hunt for a farm that he could pur- chase with this money and make for himself and family a comfortable home. Before the purchase could be consum- mated the bank failed, closed its doors and left him very little money. He then bought and cleared a farm near Co- lumbus, Illinois, but soon after died of typhoid fever, leav- ing his family with little besides the farm. Hervey Dale Earel, the second son, became the head of the family when only ten years of age. He was married first to Margaret Sammons, and to this union were born two sons and three daughters. He was married the second time to Miss Abi-
a. mu Zaral Mio.
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gail Linn, who was born near Cedar Grove, Franklin County, Indiana. To this union were born three sons, as follows: Charles Franklin, died in childhood; Albert Ma- rion, the subject of this sketch; and Major John William, M. D., lives at Long Beach, California. By his first mar- riage Hervey Dale Earel had five children: Mary Eliza- beth and Erasmus James, both deceased; Silas R., lives at Galesburg, Illinois; Mary Frances, died in childhood; and Mrs. Florence Jane Nelson, lives at Abingdon, Illinois.
Hervey Dale Earel helped organize a company of men for service during the Civil War for the Union Army, but upon medical examination he was refused and sent back home. He later enlisted again, however, but was refused the second time on account of physical disability. Soon after the close of the Civil War he took his family to Ab- ingdon, Illinois, and for a number of years owned and op- erated a hotel and livery stable at that place, and was one of three men to organize the first bank in Abingdon, Illi- nois. He afterward moved to a farm near Abingdon, where he engaged in stock raising and farming. In 1886 he returned to Abingdon, where he lived until his death, February 4, 1898. His wife died September 30, 1917, at the age of eighty-six years and is buried at Abingdon. Po- litically, Mr. Earel was a Republican. He was a devout Christian, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was for many years a steward or a trustee. He was also for many years a member of the board of trustees of Hedding College, at Abingdon. He served as an alderman for the city of Abingdon. As a boy he had little opportunity to go to school, yet by constant reading and study he became a well educated man. He was a citizen of excellent character, deeply religious, chivalrous as a Virginian is, and taught his sons that their promise should be as inviolate as their bond.
Albert Marion Earel attended the district schools and Knox College, Galesburg, Ill. Later, he studied medicine
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under the preceptorship of Dr. Madison Reece, of Abing- don, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Rush Medical College in 1891. He has since practiced his pro- fession at Hoopeston, with the exception of post graduate work in this country and in Europe. He has studied at the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat College; Philadel- phia Polyclinic; Will's Eye Hospital, Philadelphia; Central Eye & Ear Infirmary of New York City; Polyclinic of New York City; Golden Square Nose & Throat Hospital, of Lon- don, England; Royal Ophthalmic Hospital, of London, England; Guy's Hospital, London, England; and Vienna, Austria. He is numbered among the most skillful special- ists in Illinois and has an extensive practice.
On December 29, 1892, Doctor Earel was united in marriage with Miss Sadie E. Honeywell, of Hoopeston, Ill., the daughter of Alba and Cornelia Rosetta (Andrews) Honeywell, natives of New York. Mr. Honeywell, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history, died at his home, 509 Honeywell Avenue, Hoopeston, on February 4, 1916. His wife died April 10, 1904. Both are buried in Floral Hill Cemetery, Hoopeston. Doctor and Mrs. Earel have one daughter, Eleanor Claire Earel, who lives at home. Mrs. Earel was graduated from Hoopeston High School and also graduated from Hedding College with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts and later receiving her master's degree.
Doctor Earel is a Republican and has been a member of the school board of Hoopeston for 15 years and a mem- ber of the city council for eight years. Both he and his wife are active members of the Universalist Church, of which he has been moderator of the parish for five years. He holds membership in the Masonic Lodge, thirty-second degree, Shrine, Loyal Order of Moose, Modern Woodmen of America, Lions Club, and Commercial Club. Doctor Earel is a member of the Vermilion County Medical So- ciety, Illinois State Medical Society, American Medical
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Association, and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology.
Doctor Earel was one of the members of the Medical Board that examined Company B before they left for pa- trol duty on the Mexican border; and was one of the med- ical board during the World War, and examined the eyes, ears, noses and throats of all the men examined at Hoopeston.
A fine citizen, a total abstainer, always standing firmly for what he considers right, a good dependable man in a community and a beloved physician to his patients, Doctor Earel is outstanding in the community. He and his wife have travelled throughout the world and have many inter- esting souveniers of their numerous voyages. Among these may be mentioned the motion pictures taken by Doctor Earel during his visits to foreign lands. They have espe- cial appeal and illustrate his familiarity with the most in- teresting spots in both Europe and America.
The great grandfather of Doctor Earel was James Earel, Sr., of Maryland, who was a Revolutionary soldier. His maternal great grandfather, Robert Given, also served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His grandfather, James Earel, Jr., was a soldier in the War of 1812 and participated in the Nanvoo (Mormon) War.
Benjamin Franklin Davidson is an enterprising and successful business man of Danville, where he is president of the Interstate Printing Company, 132 North Walnut Street. He was born in this city, March 29, 1887, the son of Henry Morton and Sarah (DeArmond) Davidson.
Henry Morton Davidson, well known in Danville, is a native of Logansport, Indiana, born in 1864. He began his career with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as a bridge carpenter and in 1882 came to Danville in that com-
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pany's employ. Later, he established a livery business with Will DeArmond under the firm name of Davidson & De- Armond. For a number of years Mr. Davidson conducted a retail coal business at 300 South Street. In 1920 he be- came interested in the grocery business at Fairchild and Jackson streets. He still conducts this place of business. Mr. Davidson is a Democrat and has served as alderman of the first ward. He is a member of Saint James Methodist Episcopal Church and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have three children: Benjamin Franklin, the subject of this sketch; Bessie, twin sister of Benjamin F., married Frank G. Swafford, lives at Ham- mond, Indiana; and Arthur L., lives at Danville, where he is associated in business with his father.
Henry Morton Davidson is the son of John Davidson, a native of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and one of the earliest settlers of Logansport, Indiana. He operated a saw mill for many years near Logansport. The latter part of his life was spent at Danville, where he died.
Benjamin Franklin Davidson attended the public schools of Danville and worked as a boy on the Commercial News. He subsequently entered the University of Illinois, and after leaving college went to Spokane, Washington, where he followed his trade as a printer. In 1919 he came to Danville and at that time purchased the Interstate Print- ing Company, of which he became president. It is among the up-to-date printing plants of the city and carries on a large volume of business, specializing in commercial printing.
In 1927 Mr. Davidson married Rose L. Woods, the daughter of Arthur Woods, of Los Angeles, California. By a former marriage Mr. Davidson has three children: Carl, associated with him in business; Helen and Jane, both students.
Politically, Mr. Davidson is a Republican. He holds membership in Saint James Methodist Episcopal Church;
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Olive Branch Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 38; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Mo- hammed Shrine, Peoria, Illinois; Knights of Pythias; Dan- ville Yacht Club; and Chamber of Commerce.
Perl Humrichouse, proprietor of the Humrichouse Tire Shop, which is located at North and Hazel streets, is well and favorably known in Danville. He was born at Saint Joseph, Illinois, September 5, 1870, the son of James W. and Priscilla (Grace) Humrichouse.
James W. Humrichouse was born at Cayuga, Vermilion County, Indiana, in 1845, and his wife is a native of Cam- eron, Warren County, Illinois. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and during the Civil War served with . the Union Army, having enlisted in an Illinois outfit. After the close of the war he purchased a farm near Saint Joseph, Illinois, where he lived until his retirement. He also owned farms in Benton County, Illinois, and was widely known as a breeder of pure bred horses and cattle. He died in 1927 and is buried in Frankfort Cemetery, Frankfort, Indiana. Mr. Humrichouse was a member of the Presbyterian Church and Grand Army of the Republic. His widow lives at Frankfort, Indiana. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Humrichouse: George, who died in 1922, was president of the Danville Wholesale Grocery Company; Perl, the subject of this sketch; Estella, married Lan Mc- Clurg, lives at Frankfort, Indiana; and Dolly, who died in 1909.
Perl Humrichouse obtained his education in the public and high schools of Homer, Illinois. He remained on his father's farm until 1894, at which time he came to Dan- ville. In partnership with his brother, George, he pur- chased a grocery store on East Main Street. Later, he was connected with the Danville Wholesale Grocery Company
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as a traveling representative until 1916. He then pur- chased a farm in Vermilion County, which he operated until 1922, at that date selling the farm of two hundred seventy-six acres. He subsequently purchased a tire store across the street from the present location on North Street. Mr. Humrichouse has been agent at Danville for the Fire- stone Tire Company for several years, and deals in other automobile accessories, including tubes and supplies. He specializes in battery service and does first class work in automobile washing and greasing.
In 1911 Mr. Humrichouse married Miss Ethel Adams, the daughter of William B. and Fanny Adams, of Cutler, Indiana. He died in December, 1927. His widow lives at Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Humrichouse have two children: William Robert, born April 15, 1916; and Dorothy Ann, born February 4, 1923.
Mr. Humrichouse is a Republican, a member of the . Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and has the following club affiliations: Anchor Lodge, Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Ansar Temple; and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Ralph E. Lauten, who is secretary and treasurer of the Danville Lumber Company, is a veteran of the World War and one of the progressive young business men of Dan- ville. He was born at Caldwell, Illinois, January 29, 1899, the son of Fred and Emma (Bruns) Lauten.
Fred Lauten is a native of Germany. He was born and reared at Leipzig and early in life came to the United States with his parents, Fred and Caroline Lauten. He lived on a farm for a number of years and in December, 1905, removed to Princeton, Indiana. His wife is a native of Effingham County, Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Lauten the following children were born: Harry, a World War
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