USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
Lewis R. French, who is connected with the French- Caughron Insurance Agency, with offices in the Jacobs Building, is among the prominent young business men of Danville. He was born at Armstrong, Vermilion County, June 22, 1890, the son of Dr. Truman P. and Eugenia (Rob- inson) French.
Dr. Truman P. French, deceased, was a native of Indiana, born at Terre Haute, in 1851. His wife was born at Princeville, Illinois, and now resides in Chicago. Doctor French removed to Armstrong, Illinois, with his parents when he was a small child. He was educated in the dis- trict schools and read medicine with Doctor Messner, of Potomac, Illinois. He later was graduated from Butler Medical College with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and engaged in practice at Ogden, Illinois, later at Arm- strong, Illinois, and in 1891 he removed to David City, Nebraska, where he remained until 1910. From that time until shortly before his death he engaged in practice at Danville. He died in 1920 and is buried at Armstrong. Doctor French was a Republican, a member of the Meth- odist Church, and Potomac Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Knights Templar. He was also
709
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
identified with the Vermilion County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He was the son of Ersom French, a native of Bowling Green, Indiana. To Dr. Truman P. and Eugenia (Robinson) French were born four sons: Dr. G. M., born in 1879, died in 1925, was a leading physician of Danville and Springfield, Illinois, served with the rank of captain, Medical Corps, United States Army, during the World War; M. D., president of the Columbia Industrial Machinery Company, Chicago, Illinois; Lewis R., the sub- ject of this sketch; and E. H., who is connected with the engineering department of the Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Chicago.
Lewis R. French was educated in the public schools of David City, Nebraska, and Danville, being graduated from Danville High School in 1907. The following year was spent at Brown's Business College, and later Mr. French attended the School of Law, University of Texas. He then went with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad and in 1912 went to Chicago, where he accepted a posi- tion in the general offices of the Studebaker Automobile Company. The following year he went to LaPorte, Indiana, with the Rumley Company, manufacturers of tractors, and served as assistant Canadian collection man- ager. Subsequently, Mr. French became associated with the Aetna Insurance Company, Chicago, in charge of the accounting department. He resigned from that position in 1924 and has since been identified with the Springfield Life Insurance Company, as general agent, located at Dan- ville. On April 15, 1929, the French-Caughron Insurance Company was organized.
In 1913 Mr. French married Miss Chloe Eurton, the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Eurton, of Danville.
In politics Mr. French is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Church, Olive Branch Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 38;
710
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Vermilion Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 82; and Gao Grotto. He also belongs to the American Business Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Carl H. Twietmeyer, who is successfully engaged in the real estate business in Danville, with offices at 114 East Main Street, is a native of Missouri. He was born at Saint Louis, November 20, 1881, the son of Fred and Henrietta (Kleintoph) Twietmeyer.
Fred Twietmeyer, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. Both he and his wife were natives of Germany. He was born at Hanover, in 1839, and emigrated to the United States in 1859. He settled at Saint Louis, Missouri. Dur- ing the Civil War he enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, and served with the Union Army. He was with General Sher- man on his march to the sea and served throughout the entire war period, being honorably discharged at Washing- ton, District of Columbia. After the war Mr. Twietmeyer went to Saint Louis, where he established a wholesale and retail grocery business. He was thus engaged until the time of his retirement. Mr. Twietmeyer ranked among the representative business men of Saint Louis. He died at Vincennes, Indiana, in 1925 and his wife died in 1898. Both are buried at Vincennes. Mr. Twietmeyer was a Republican and an active member of the Lutheran Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Twiet- meyer: Fred, lives at Vincennes, Indiana; Herman, lives at Vincennes, Indiana; August, lives at Indianapolis, Indi- ana; Gerhart, lives at Toledo, Ohio; Carl H., the subject of this sketch; Clara, married Otto Yunghans, lives at Cleveland, Ohio; George, lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Edward, lives at Indianapolis, Indiana.
The education of Carl H. Twietmeyer was obtained in the Lutheran parochial schools of Vincennes, Indiana. He
711
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
is also a graduate of Vincennes Business College. Mr. Twietmeyer was associated with his father's business for a period of twelve years and then went to Saint Paul, Min- nesota, where he became associated with the Lienke & Warner Company, wholesale dry goods merchants. From there he later went to Champaign, Illinois, where he estab- lished a branch office of the Milwaukee Sanitary Cleaning Company, in charge of twenty-five salesmen. Mr. Twiet- meyer came to Danville in 1917, where he has since been interested in the real estate business. He extends his activities to city and farm property and is widely known as a real estate broker.
In 1905 Mr. Twietmeyer married Miss Catherine Appel. They have a son, Howard Carl, who attends Trinity Luth- eran School.
Mr. Twietmeyer is a Republican and a member of Trin- ity Lutheran Church. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
C. Harvey Pearson is one of the most progressive young business men of Danville, where he is connected with the Vermilion County Abstract Company as secretary and manager. He was born near Allerton, Champaign Coun- ty, Illinois, May 31, 1898, the son of John F. and Margaret E. (Hayes) Pearson.
John F. Pearson was born near Stockholm, Sweden, in 1859, and his wife is a native of Illinois. He came to this country about 1877 and settled in Danville, where he was employed for a number of years by the Wabash Railroad and the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. Upon his removal to Champaign County he farmed until 1906, at which time he retired and settled at Allerton, Illinois. He has lived at Danville since 1923. Mr. Pearson is a Repub- ilcan and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. There are five children in the Pearson family, as follows:
712
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Debbie L., married Walter Bean, lives at Danville; J. Roy, married Lela Clem, lives at Danville, and he is a World War veteran, having served with the Air Corps; C. Harvey, the subject of this sketch; Edith Florence, deceased; and Florence M., lives at home.
C. Harvey Pearson attended the public schools of Aller- ton, Illinois, and after his graduation from high school attended Brown's Business College, Danville. He then was identified with the Danville Malleable Iron Company as a stenographer. Later, he was employed as paymaster and assistant superintendent by the Carson-Payson Con- struction Company and the Arnold Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois, in charge of building railroad shops at Richmond, Virginia. In 1919 Mr. Pearson became asso- ciated with the Vermilion County Abstract Company in a stenographic capacity and soon became abstracter. He was appointed secretary and manager in 1927.
In 1918 Mr. Pearson was united in marriage with Miss Goldie B. Musk, the daughter of Ernest and Minnie (Songer) Musk, of Rossville, Illinois. To them have been born five children: William Robert, born in 1919; Beverly Jane, born in 1920; Helen Louise, born in 1922; Marjorie Ellen, born in 1925; and Betty Lou, born in 1928.
Mr. Pearson is a Republican. He is a director of the American Business Club and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Harold C. Crays is popular throughout Vermilion County as the vice president and efficient cashier of the First National Bank of Rossville, with which institution he has been officially identified since 1919. He was born at Armstrong, Vermilion County, in 1894, the son of George E. and Lizzie (Collison) Crays.
George E. Crays was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, November 16, 1863. He engaged in teaching school in
713
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
early life but afterward turned his attention to commercial pursuits, being employed as clerk in a general store for about a year. Subsequently he was engaged in the mer- chandising business at Armstrong, in association with E. A. Brown for a period of twelve years, conducting the enterprise under the firm name of Brown & Crays. At the end of that time he became associated with Samuel Col- lison, and later purchased the Citizens Bank of Rossville, which was later reorganized as the First National Bank of Rossville. George E. Crays served as cashier of the insti- tution until he was succeeded in office by his son, Harold C. Crays, in 1919, since which time he has occupied the presidency thereof.
Harold C. Crays received his early education in the grade and high schools of Rossville and continued his studies in Culver Military Academy, Culver, Indiana. He then entered the banking business, in which he has con- tinued to the present time. He was successfully connected with financial institutions at Willisville, Illinois, Dieterich, Illinois, Cayuga, Indiana, and East Chicago, Indiana, being in the East Chicago State Bank at the latter named place. It was in 1919 that he assumed the present duties as cashier of the First National Bank of Rossville, which he has since represented in that official capacity and in the successful management of which his efforts constitute an important factor. Mr. Crays is also president of the Citizens State Bank, at Williamsport, Indiana.
In 1920 Mr. Crays was united in marriage with Miss Louise Andrews, the daughter of Charles Andrews, a suc- cessful banker of Pence, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Crays have a daughter, Alice Louise. Mrs. Crays takes an active part in the social and civic affairs of the community in which she lives.
In his political views Mr. Crays is a stanch Republican, and he is now serving as mayor of Rossville. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Benevolent and
714
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Rossville Lodge, An- cient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Mohammed Temple; American Le- gion; and Hubbard Trail Country Club.
During the World War Mr. Crays volunteered for serv- ice in 1917 and was assigned to a machine gun company at Houston, Texas. In May, 1917, he went overseas with the One Hundred Thirtieth Infantry, Thirty-third Divi- sion. Subsequently he was transferred to the Fifth Divi- sion. He was discharged May 15, 1919, with the rank of first lieutenant.
Donald J. McFerren .- Ranking high among the promi- nent young men of Hoopeston is Donald J. McFerren, who is vice president of the First National Bank and a veteran of the World War. He was born here January 31, 1891, the son of Jacob S. and Lida (Schultz) McFerren.
A sketch of Jacob S. McFerren appears elsewhere in this history.
Donald J. McFerren received his early education in the public schools of Hoopeston and later attended Hotchkiss School and Philips Exeter Academy. He is a graduate of Yale University, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1914. Throughout his business career he has been identified with the First National Bank of Hoopeston, having been elected to his present office as vice president in 1916. He is also vice president of the Hoopeston Can- ning Company.
During the World War Mr. McFerren served in the United States Navy, aviation section, and was stationed at Akron, Ohio, and later at Pensacola, Florida. He was dis- charged from the service in December, 1918.
In 1915 Mr. McFerren married Miss Marie Stewart, the daughter of Charles P. and Frances (Beech) Stewart, resi- dents of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. Stewart was born in
715
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Iowa and his wife is a native of New York City. There are two children in the McFerren family: Marie Stewart, born in July, 1918, and Frances J., born in December, 1923.
Mr. McFerren is a Republican and has held the office of mayor of Hoopeston, being elected for a four year term in 1925. He is a member of Hoopeston Lodge, No. 709, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Mohammed Shrine; American Le- gion; Lions Club; Hubbard Trail Country Club; Commer- cial Club; Chamber of Commerce; Cloister Club of Yale; and Yale Alumni Association.
Wesley L. Berkey, a veteran of the World War, is among the substantial men of Hoopeston, where he is superintendent of the Vermilion Malleable Iron Company. He was born at Cassopolis, Michigan, June 22, 1878, the son of Noah and Isabel (Leer) Berkey.
Noah Berkey, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1840. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry early in the Civil War and later served with an Indiana outfit. After the close of the war he returned to Elkhart County, Indiana, where he farmed and also engaged in general contracting. He was living retired at the time of his death, April 1, 1906. His wife, born in Elkhart County, Indiana, February 2, 1846, died August 27, 1917. Both are buried at Goshen, Indiana. Mr. Berkey was a Republican, a member of the Dunkard Church and Grand Army of the Republic. There were eight children in the Berkey family, as follows: Jennie, married I. H. Mayer, an engineer on the Twentieth Century Limited, New York Central Rail- road, lives at Elkhart, Indiana; Ada, married M. Morgen- thau, retired merchant, lives at Miami, Florida; Clara, married Edward G. Walker, assistant purchasing agent,
716
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Sante Fe Railroad, lives in Chicago; William, deceased; Wesley L., the subject of this sketch; Mary; Pearl, de- ceased; and Grace, married C. M. Stephenson, lives at Elkhart, Indiana.
Wesley L. Berkey received his education in the public schools of Elkhart County, Indiana, and is a graduate of North Manchester College. He was a teacher in the schools of Elkhart County for three years and taught in the same school during 1897 in which his mother had taught in 1865. Mr. Berkey became identified with the New York Central Railroad in 1898 as a timekeeper, later served as brakeman, and in 1907 was promoted to conductor. Ten years later he removed to Kankakee, Illinois, where he served as yard master for the New York Central Railroad until 1915. Due to ill health he went to Kansas in that year but in January, 1916, located in Chicago as an in- spector for the P. and M. Company. He enlisted for service in the World War, April 6, 1918, and went to France with the Fifty-second Railway Engineers. He served as a transportation officer at Base Section No. 2, and was discharged with the rank of sergeant of first class, July 18, 1919. He then returned to Chicago and in August, 1919, became an inspector for the Vermilion Iron Company at Hoopeston. He was promoted to superintendent of the plant in 1924.
On June 11, 1921, Mr. Berkey married Miss Leota Mc- Coy, the daughter of Nelson and Mary (Finley) McCoy, of Hoopeston, both now deceased. They have a son, Wil- liam Wesley, born January 19, 1923.
Mr. Berkey is a Republican, and has served as alder- man. He is a member of the American Legion and Com- mercial Club of Hoopeston. He is also chairman of the Park Committee and was instrumental in obtaining one of the finest swimming pools in the State for the city of Hoopeston.
717
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Capt. Fred E. Earel, M. D., a veteran of the World War, is among the prominent young professional men of Hoopes- ton, where he is also serving as mayor. He was born at Abingdon, Illinois, January 11, 1892, the son of E. J. and May Helen (Elwell) Earel.
E. J. Earel was born at Abingdon, Illinois, where he spent his entire life. He was reared on his father's farm and attended Hedding College. Throughout his life he engaged in general farming and stock raising and retired in 1895. He served as mayor of Abingdon and was promi- nent in Masonic circles, being Past Master of Abingdon Lodge, and a member of Quincy Consistory. He died Jan- uary 5, 1920, and his wife died December 15, 1913. Their children were: Harley D., who died in 1898; Ray, lives at Orange, California; and Fred E., the subject of this sketch.
Following his graduation from Abingdon High School in 1910, Fred E. Earel attended Hedding College for two years. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and was graduated from the Medical School of that university in 1916. He served as interne at Henrotin Hospital and Polyclinic Hospital, and began the practice of his profession at Hoopeston with his uncle, Dr. A. M. Earel. On June 1, 1917, Doctor Earel received commission in the Sanitary Train of the Illinois National Guard as First Lieutenant, and was transferred to the Federal service as the 108th Sanitary Train, Field Hospital No. 132, Thirty-third Division. He saw active service in France and participated in the Somme, Saint Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne campaigns, being cited for bravery by his commanding general, Major General George Bell. Doctor Earel was discharged with the rank of Cap- tain, July 7, 1919. He came to Hoopeston in October of that year where he has since engaged in practice with Doctor R. G. Kline, with offices at 2021/2 East Main Street.
718
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
On December 30, 1919, Doctor Earel was united in mar- riage with Miss Lilyan L. Lewis, the daughter of Morris H. and Lillian (Evans) Lewis, the former a native of Oxford, Indiana, and the latter of Hoopeston. Mr. Lewis, a retired paving contractor, lives at Hoopeston. His wife died in February, 1923. Two daughters have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Earel: Cecelia Marion, born May 5, 1923; and Rosalie Jeanne, born March 25, 1926.
Doctor Earel has always been a Republican. He was elected mayor of Hoopeston, April 16, 1929. He has served as a member of the school board since 1926 and as its presi- dent during 1928-29. He is a member of the First Metho- dist Church, and is affiliated with Hoopeston Lodge, No. 709, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Hoopeston Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 181; Watseka Commandery, Knights Templar; Quincy Consistory, thirty-second de- gree; Arabia Shrine; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Loyal Order of Moose; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Modern Woodmen of America; Ira Owen Kraeger Post, No. 384, American Legion, charter member and Past Commander, 1922; Chef de Gare of "40 and 8 Society"; Chamber of Commerce; Commercial Club; and Hubbard Trail Country Club. He is identified with the Vermilion County Medical Society; Illinois State Medical Society; American Medical Association; and Illinois In- dustrial Surgeons Society.
Ray H. Marvin is one of the popular men of Hoopeston, where he has served as city clerk continuously since 1917. He is a native of Vermilion County, born at Cheneyville, June 25, 1889, the son of Jesse Elwood and Olive (Smiley) Marvin.
Jesse Elwood Marvin was born in Indiana. He spent his early life on a farm and lived near Benton, Indiana.
719
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
As a young man he came to Cheneyville, Illinois, where he served as station agent for the Lake Erie & Western Rail- road for eleven years. He then purchased a general store from R. R. Zook and conducted that business for several years. Later, he farmed in Jefferson County, Illinois, and retired in 1897. He died at Hoopeston, May 5, 1899, and is buried in Floral Hill Cemetery. His widow, born in Indiana, lives at Hoopeston. Mr. Marvin was a Repub- lican, a member of the Christian Church, and belonged to Cheneyville Lodge, No. 706, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Marvin: Ida, married C. D. Smith, lives at Hoopeston; Lulu, married Frank Lee, lives at Hoopeston; Ray H., the subject of this sketch; Mabel, married F. W. Perigo, lives at Lafayette, Indiana; and William, lives at Detroit, Michigan.
Jesse Elwood Marvin was the son of William Marvin, a native of Indiana, who served as treasurer of Benton County for two terms. He was a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of that section of Indiana.
Ray H. Marvin was educated in the public schools of Hoopeston. He learned the printer's trade in the offices of the Hoopeston Chronicle at the time the newspaper was owned by C. W. Warner. Mr. Marvin has been identified with this paper continuously and with D. Milburn operated the plant from November 1, 1920, until the paper was con- solidated with the Herald in April, 1921. He is now adver- tising compositor for the Chronicle-Herald. Mr. Marvin was elected city clerk of Hoopeston in April, 1917, and has been re-elected to the office each succeeding term, having held this office longer than any other person in the history of the city.
In 1921 Mr. Marvin was united in marriage with Mrs. Florence (Skinner) Robertson, the daughter of Thomas J. and Rose (Hedrick) Skinner, natives of Columbus, Indiana, and now residents of Sloan, Indiana, where Mr. Skinner
720
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
engages in general farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin have no children.
Mr. Marvin has always been a Republican. He is a member of Hoopeston Lodge, No. 498, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Star Lodge, No. 709, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
Hon. E. R. E. Kimbrough, who lives retired at Danville, has been one of the leading figures in the judicial life of Vermilion County for many years, and is regarded as one of the most influential citizens of this section of the state of Illinois. He was born on a farm in Edgar County, Illinois, March 28, 1851, the son of Dr. Andrew H. and Sarah (Ashmore) Kimbrough.
Dr. Andrew H. Kimbrough was born in Harden County, Kentucky, February 27, 1822, the son of Richard Calvin and Jane (Morrison) Kimbrough. He was a native of North Carolina and his wife was born in Virginia. Both are buried in Edgar County, Illinois. He was a vet- eran of the War of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Horseshoe Bend, Alabama, by the Indians. Later, he was wounded at the battle on New Orleans. He was given a soldier's land grant in Edgar County, Illinois, in a sec- tion of Stratton Township. He settled there in 1825 but died at the age of 33 years from the effects of wounds suf- fered during the war, from which he failed to recover. His son, Andrew H., was educated in private schools and was graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- phia. He settled at Georgetown, Illinois, in April, 1858, where he engaged in practice until 1873, at which time he located at Danville. He continued in practice in this city until his eightieth year. He died September 17, 1903, and is buried in Springhill Cemetery, Danville. Doctor Kim- brough was a Democrat, and a member of the Vermilion County Medical Society, Illinois Medical Society, and
E. R. E. KIMBROUGH
721
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
American Medical Association. Sarah (Ashmore) Kim- brough was born in Clark County, Illinois, April 10, 1820, and died August 4, 1904. She was the daughter of Amos and Patience (Maguire) Ashmore, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. Both are buried at Yankee Point, Illinois. They settled in Clark County, Illi- nois, in 1808, where Mr. Ashmore engaged in contract work on the old National Road, now known as Route No. 40. To Dr. Andrew H. and Sarah (Ashmore) Kimbrough were born three children: Laura, who died January 2, 1929; E. R. E., the subject of this sketch; and Dill, who died April 28, 1921.
E. R. E. Kimbrough attended the district schools of Vermilion County. He was graduated from Illinois State Normal School in June, 1873, and then read law in the of- fices of Judge E. S. Terry, being admitted to the Illinois bar in January, 1876. He then became a partner in prac- tice with W. D. Lindsey, who is 1882 was elected county treasurer of Vermilion County. Mr. Kimbrough then practiced alone until 1889, when he became associated with James Meeks until June, 1903, at which time Mr. Kim- brough was elected circuit judge. He was re-elected to this office in 1909 and again in 1915, but at that time retired. In 1882 he was elected to the thirty-third General Assembly as a State Representative, and re-elected in 1884 to the thirty-fourth General Assembly.
In April, 1907, Mr. Kimbrough was elected mayor of Danville on the Independent ticket. For twenty-five years he was a member of the Illinois State Educational Board, serving from 1893 until the time that the Board was abol- ished by Governor Lowden. He also served as a member of the Danville School Board for nine years.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.