USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 21
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In 1878 Mr. Wallace was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Viola Webb, the daughter of Chamberlain and Betsy Ann (Weber) Webb, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Both are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were born four children: 1. Mac Cloyes, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 2. Irma St. Clair, deceased, was the wife of Dr. L. B. Russell, phy- sician, Hoopeston, and they had two daughters, Elizabeth and Irma. 3. Lucy Dale, married J. Mitchell Thorsen, lives at Bronxville, New York, where he is identified with
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the insurance business of Thorsen & Thorsen, Incorpor- ated. They have four children: Dale, Elizabeth, J. Wal- lace, Pollyann, and Patricia. 4. Forrest Webb, general manager of William A. Wise Publishing Company, Scars- dale, New York. He married Mabel Harden, and they have a son, Jerry.
Mr. Wallace is a Republican. He served as postmaster of Hoopeston, being appointed by President Hayes in 1877 and reappointed by President Chester A. Arthur, in 1881. He is affiliated with Star Lodge No. 709, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Royal Arch Chapter; Mount Olivet Commandery, Knights Templar; Modern Woodmen of America; and Commercial Club.
In 1905 Mr. Wallace built a beautiful summer home at Waupaca, Wis., on the chain of lakes called the Killarney of Wisconsin. It is there that he spends his summers and delights in his favorite recreation, fishing.
Mac Cloyes Wallace .- One of the enterprising and suc- cessful business men of Hoopeston is Mr. Wallace, who is identified with the Mac C. Wallace Insurance Agency. He was born in this city, January 22, 1880, the son of Dale and Lucy Viola (Webb) Wallace.
A complete sketch of Dale Wallace appears elsewhere in this history.
The early education of Mac C. Wallace was obtained in the public schools of Hoopeston. Following his graduation from Michigan Military Academy in 1899 he returned to Hoopeston and entered the First National Bank. He sub- sequently became assistant cashier but in May, 1905, re- signed to enter his father's business. In 1911 Mr. Wallace purchased the interests of his father in the real estate and insurance business and in 1918 purchased the interests of Mr. Catherwood, the firm originally being known as Cath-
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erwood & Wallace. Mr. Wallace is recognized as a lead- ing insurance operator of this section. He has offices in the First National Bank Building.
On June 15, 1904, Mr. Wallace married Miss Irene Mil- dred Wilson, the daughter of Joseph and Mildred (John- son) Wilson. Mr. Wilson, a native of England, died in 1902. His wife, born in Indiana, died in 1921. Both are buried at Neoga, Illinois. Mr. Wilson was one of the first graduates of Wabash College. To Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were born two children: Natalie, born April 29, 1905, married Theodore I. Merseles, broker, lives at Bronxville, New York; and Dale II, born September 9, 1907, a stu- dent at Dartmouth College.
Mr. Wallace is a Republican, a member of Star Lodge No. 709, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Royal Arch Chapter; Lions Club; Hubbard Trail Country Club; Com- mercial Club; and Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Wallace is a director of the First National Bank, Hoopeston, and secretary of the North Vermilion Loan and Saving Association.
William C. Hunt, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and one of the most prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Vermilion County. He was born at Mount Vernon, Ohio, February 15, 1839, and died April 4, 1929. Mr. Hunt was the son of Richard and Nancy (Colopy) Hunt, natives of Ohio, where they lived and died.
Richard Hunt was a local politician, and he died in 1854, his wife having preceded him in death in 1846. He was the son of Jonathan Hunt, who was born in New Jer- sey in 1780, and his wife was a native of West Virginia, born January 9, 1782. Their marriage took place in 1804, and two years later they came to Ohio and settled in Pleas- ant Township, Knox County. Mr. Hunt was a wagon- maker and gunsmith. He cleared the land in his new home
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and became a close friend of the Indians, who still lived in that section of Ohio. During the War of 1812 he served under Major Kratzer. In 1815 he was licensed to keep a tavern in Knox County, Ohio. Both he and his wife are buried in Hunt Cemetery, Hunt's Station, near Mount Vernon, Ohio. The children of Richard Hunt were: Cecilia Carter; Matilda Carter; Emily Warthen; Mary Rhodes; Honor, dying in infancy; William C., the subject of this sketch; George, a sketch of whom appears below; Ira D., and Richard J.
William C. Hunt attended the district schools of Ohio, and after the death of his father, in 1855, he came to Illi- nois. The trip was made on horesback and Mr. Hunt set- tled near Donkey's Point, near the present site of Kansas Station. He worked on a farm during the summer months and attended school during the winter session. At the age of twenty-two years he enlisted for service in the Civil War, in April, 1861. He became a private in Company "C", Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was soon promoted to first lieutenant. He took an active part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, At- lanta, Jonesboro, and Altoona Pass. He was also with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea and took part in the grand parade in honor of President Lincoln, Mr. Hunt was discharged on July 16, 1865, having served throughout the entire war period with only one week of sick leave. Upon his return to Illinois he resumed his farming activities, and was thus engaged for several years, being a successful and prosperous farmer. He retired from the farm in 1903 and moved to Allerton, Illinois, where he resided until his death.
On February 20, 1872, Mr. Hunt was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth Lowther, who died December 30, 1916. Both are buried in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman, Illinois. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt: Gertrude, deceased; Harry, lives at Stuttgart, Arkansas;
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Jessie H. Anderson, lives at Allerton; and Dolly, deceased.
Mr. Hunt was very active in politics and took an inter- est in all things for the betterment of the community. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Grand Army of the Republic, and Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He was the last surviving Civil War veteran of Allerton, and was familiarly known in the community as "Uncle Bill."
George Hunt served as County Superintendent of Schools in Edgar County, Illinois. He was admitted to practice law in 1869, and in 1875 was elected State Senator. In 1885 he was elected Attorney General, and served three terms in Illinois State Senate.
He conducted the prosecution of Chicago Anarchists when their case was carried through the Illinois and United States Supreme Courts, and eventually secured their conviction. He also was concerned in the injunction proceedings against the Old Harlem race tracks. It was during his term of office that the contest arose with Illinois Central Railroad Company for possession of lake fronts, and it has been frequently said his efforts saved the lake front for the city. In 1893 he moved to Chicago where he confined himself almost exclusively to practice of law.
He died March 17, 1901, and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Springfield, Illinois. His widow resides at Winnetka, Illinois, with her daughter, Mrs. C. C. Adams.
Ralph B. Allen .- One of the representative young business men of Vermilion County is found in Ralph B. Allen, who is manager of the Harry Allen Grain Company, of Allerton. He was born here, December 23, 1899, the son of Harry and Alice (Brown) Allen.
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Harry Allen was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1866 and was fourteen years of age when his family came to this country and settled on a farm in Sidell Township, Vermilion County. He made several trips to England and became widely known as an importer of Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep. He was also engaged in farming, with his brothers and father. In 1896 Mr. Allen became in- terested in the grain business at Allerton with Gus Ander- son. Later, he purchased Mr. Anderson's share in the business and has since been the owner of one of the largest grain businesses in this section. The elevator is located on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. Mr. Allen also owns an elevator at Broadlands and is the proprietor of the original elevator of Henry Eversole at that place. He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and has the following lodge affiliations: Broadlands Lodge No. 791, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Newman Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Tuscola Council, Royal and Select Masters; Tuscola Commandery, Knights Templar; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Mohammed Temple; and Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Allen live at Broadlands. They have three children: Cecil, married Norman E. Westfield, lives in Chicago; Harry Kenneth, a graduate of the University of Illinois, and veteran of the World War, married Ione Walkup, and they have a daughter, Mary Ann; and Ralph B., the subject of this sketch.
Ralph B. Allen received his early education in the public schools of Broadlands and after his graduation from high school in 1919 he entered the University of Illinois, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1923. He served as a member of the Reserve Officers Train- ing Corps at the University for four years and received the commission of second lieutenant of the Infantry Re- serve Corps. He is now a first lieutenant of the United States Reserve Corps. Throughout his business career
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Mr. Allen has been associated with his father's grain in- terests and has served as manager of the Harry Allen Grain Company at Allerton since his graduation from col- lege. He became associated with Frank G. Anderson in 1924 and they are leading lumber dealers of this section, their firm being known as the Anderson-Allen Lumber Company.
Mr. Allen is a Republican, a member of the Metho- dist Church, and belongs to Broadlands Lodge No. 791, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Master in 1929-30; Newman Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Danville Consis- tory, thirty-second degree; Gao Grotto; Modern Woodmen of America; and Delta Sigma fraternity.
Clifford C. Simpson, who is secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Danville, is a veteran of the World War, and is well and favorably known among the energetic young men of Vermilion County. He was born at Rincon, New Mexico, November 15, 1899, the son of Benjamin V. and Dora E. (Wadhams) Simpson.
Benjamin V. Simpson was born near Glasgow, Scotland. He spent the greater part of his life in Kansas and was a civil engineer on the Santa Fe Railroad. He died in Feb- ruary, 1900, and is buried at Everst, Kansas. His widow has spent her entire life at Sabetha, where she still resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were born four children: Mrs. George Beyer, lives at Sabetha, Kansas; William, lives at Horton, Kansas; James, lives at Elgin, Illinois; and Clifford C., the subject of this sketch.
Clifford C. Simpson attended the public schools of Sabetha, Kansas, and following his graduation from high school entered Nebraska University. He later attended the University of Illinois. Mr. Simpson began his business career as a salesman but soon became identified with the
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Chamber of Commerce at Sycamore, Illinois, and was later associated with the same organization at Sterling, Illinois, before locating at Danville in 1928.
On June 5, 1923, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Beyer, of Morton, Illinois, the daugh- ter of Frank and Lena (Zobrist) Beyer, natives of Illinois and Switzerland, respectively. Mr. Beyer died March 5, 1927, and his widow lives at Morton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have two daughters, Dorothy and Elizabeth.
Mr. Simpson is a member of the Methodist Church, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, American Legion, and "40 and 8 Society." He is also identified with the National Association of Commer- cial Organizations Secretaries.
During the World War Mr. Simpson volunteered for service. He enlisted in the army from the University of Nebraska and was assigned to Camp Zachary Taylor, in Kentucky. He was commissioned second lieutenant and was serving as such at Camp Zachary Taylor when the war ended.
William J. Alexander, deceased, was prominently iden- tified with the business, social, and civic life of Sidell, where he was vice president of the First National Bank. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, February 11, 1833, the son of James and Letitia (Marshal) Alexander. Both James Alexander and his wife, natives of Ireland, are deceased.
William J. Alexander was educated in the common schools of his native land and in 1854 came to the United States. He settled first at Peoria, Illinois, where he re- mained for six months, and afterward removed to Jackson- ville, Illinois, where he was employed by his uncle on a farm. While there he gained the necessary knowledge of farming and cattle raising and in 1865 purchased a farm
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of one hundred and sixty acres in Mason County, Illinois. A few years later he purchased three hundred and twenty acres in Logan County, west of Lincoln, Illinois. While in Mason County, Mr. Alexander, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Cathcart, purchased large tracts of land, which they successfully operated. In 1872 he pur- chased a section and a half of land on the Broadland Tract, Champaign County, Illinois, and removed there in 1873. He remained there until 1905. Mr. Alexander had also purchased four hundred and eighty acres while a resident in that section and in 1896 purchased over a section of land in Page and Freemont counties, Iowa. He became one of the founders of the oldest bank in Sidell in 1887 in partnership with William Lyons, Joseph Alexander, and W. G. Cathcart, the institution being known as Lyons- Alexander & Company. In 1907 Mr. Lyons disposed of his interests and the bank was then known as Alexander & Cathcart until 1909, when the First National Bank was merged with the bank of Alexander & Cathcart. At that time Mr. Alexander became vice president and served in that capacity until his death, which occurred February 29, 1924. At the time of his death Mr. Alexander was the owner of a tract of five thousand acres in Alberta, Canada, seven hundred acres near Broadlands, Illinois, and eight hundred acres near Marion, Ohio. He had also purchased a large ranch near High River, Canada, in 1905 but due to ill health had been forced to dispose of it a number of years ago.
In 1905 Mr. Alexander married Miss Hetty Kyle, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, the daughter of Robert and Hester (Cathcart) Kyle. The Kyle family emigrated to Ontario, Canada, about 1884. Mr. Kyle died in 1912 and his wife died in 1928. Both are buried at Dresden, Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Alexander was a Republican and a member of the Christian Church. He was a man highly esteemed in his
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community and always gave in abundance to all worthy causes. His widow continues to carry on the philanthropic spirit that was his and is among the most charming women in the community.
Adam P. Eaton, owner of the A. P. Eaton Grain Com- pany, is a progressive and well known business man of Allerton. He was born in Vance Township, Vermilion County, April 26, 1883, the son of David and Rachael (Reffett) Eaton.
David Eaton, who lives retired at Mentone, Indiana, is a native of Indiana. He spent his early life as a farmer in Vance Township, Vermilion County, and later owned land in Sidell Township. He removed to Mentone, Indiana, in 1911, and purchased two hundred acres of land in that sec- tion, which he still owns. Mr. Eaton is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton: George, lives at Rileysburg, In- diana; Charles, lives at Mentone, Indiana; Harvey, de- ceased; Bert, lives at Pence, Indiana; William, lives at Ames, Iowa; Adam P., the subject of this sketch; Clara, deceased, was a twin sister of Adam P .; Florence, married Ralph Green, lives at Alberta, Canada; Nellie, married William Plumber, lives at Elkhart, Indiana; and Daisy, married M. Bender, lives at Elkhart, Indiana.
Adam P. Eaton was reared and educated in Sidell Township, and following his graduation from Allerton High School in 1901 he engaged in farming. He came to Allerton in 1905 and entered the employ of the Allerton Grain Company as manager. In 1917 he purchased a farm near Tuscola, Illinois, where he spent one year. He then returned to Allerton and in October, 1918, went to Jamaica, Illinois, as manager of the Farmers Elevator until 1926, when he returned to Allerton and purchased the Allerton
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Grain Company. The business has since been known as the A. R. Eaton Grain Company. Mr. Eaton is also vice president of the Daines Sales & Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Eaton was married in 1912 to Miss May Pugh, the daughter of E. K. and Lilly (Thompson) Pugh, of Allerton. They have a daughter, Vivian, born in 1918.
Politically, Mr. Eaton is a Republican. He was elected supervisor in 1922 and served for two years and has also been school director and judge of elections. He is affiliated with Fairmount Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Mo- hammed Temple. He is also a member of the Farm Bu- reau of Vermilion County.
Dr. Arthur Ernest Dale, of Danville, is outstanding as one of the leading surgeons of Vermilion County. He is a native of Illinois, born at McLeansboro, December 20, 1881, the son of Dr. M. C. and Amanda M. (Eddington) Dale.
Dr. M. C. Dale, deceased, was prominent for more than half a century as a successful physician and surgeon of McLeansboro, Illinois. He was born on a farm near that place in 1850 and received his early schooling in the dis- trict schools. He was graduated from Northwestern Uni- versity Medical School with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine in 1874 and immediately took up his practice at Mc- Leansboro, where he continued for a period of fifty-four years. He died in October, 1928, and his wife died in 1925. Both are buried at McLeansboro. Doctor Dale was a Re- publican and a member of the Baptist Church. He held membership in the Hamilton County Medical Society, Illi- nois State Medical Society, and American Medical Associa- tion. He served as surgeon for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. To Doctor and Mrs. Dale were born four chil-
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dren: Dr. Omar E., physician and surgeon, Connersville, Indiana, graduate of Barnes Medical College, served as a first lieutenant in the Spanish-American War; Dr. Harry W., eye, ear, nose and throat specialist, Chicago Heights, Illinois, a graduate of Northwestern University, served as a captain in the United States Medical Corps during the World War; Arthur Ernest, the subject of this sketch; and Ada, married Frank Weltner, who is identified with the Weltner Conservatory of Music, Saint Louis, Missouri.
Arthur Ernest Dale spent his boyhood at McLeans- boro, Illinois, and after his graduation from high school in 1900 he entered the University of Illinois, where he took pre-medic work. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1907 from Northwestern University, and served as interne in the Baptist Hospital, Chicago, in 1907- 08, and in Saint Elizabeth Hospital, Danville, from April, 1908, until 1909. He then established offices in this city in the Temple Building, where he has met with marked success as a specialist and surgeon. Doctor Dale has taken graduate work in England, France and Germany, and has attended clinics throughout the United States. He is a member of the surgical staffs of Lakeview and Saint Elizabeth hospitals, Danville, and is surgeon for the Wabash Railroad, Vermilion County Telephone Company, and Danville Brick Company.
In 1912 Doctor Dale was united in marriage with Miss Edna B. Johnson, the daughter of George and Dessie John- son, natives of Illinois, both now deceased. They have no children.
Doctor Dale is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and has the following club affiliations: Olive Branch Lodge, No. 38, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Ansar Temple; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Rotary Club; Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica; Danville Country Club; Chamber of Commerce; and
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Omega Epsilon Phi fraternity. He served as president of the Vermilion County Medical Society in 1918, and is a member of the Illinois Medical Society, American Med- ical Association, Aesculapian Medical Society, and is a fel- low of the American College of Surgeons.
Melvin Leo Hole, M. D., who is among the most suc- cessful of the younger physicians and surgeons of Dan- ville, is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Hutchinson, Kansas, August 5, 1888, the son of Dr. Oliver C. and Lucy (Castle) Hole.
Dr. Oliver C. Hole was born at Ridge Farm, Illinois, July 28, 1859, the son of Dr. Jonah and Margaret (Rice) Hole. Jonah Hole was a leading dentist at Ridge Farm and Metcalf, Illinois. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried at Ridge Farm. Their son, Oliver C., was reared and educated at Ridge Farm. He was a telegrapher early in life and was employed in Indiana and later be- came express messenger at Hutchinson, Kansas. Subse- quently, he attended the University of Iowa and was later graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia, with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He practiced at Dan- ville for many years and retired in 1922. His death occurred January 22, 1925, and he is buried at Ridge Farm. His widow lives in this city. Doctor Hole was a Repub- lican and a member of the Methodist Church. The three children born to Doctor and Mrs. Hole were: Melvin Leo, the subject of this sketch; Mary Laverne, married Harold Sheffield, lives at Florida City, Florida; and Margaret Louise, married Robert Hartman, lives in Chicago.
Melvin Leo Hole attended the public schools of Dan- ville and was graduated from Danville High School in 1907. He then entered Northwestern University, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in
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1911. He served as interne in the Metropolitan Hospital, New York City, in 1911-13, and spent five months as ship's surgeon in New York for the Quebec Steamship Company, running from New York to British Guinea. In Septem- ber, 1913, Doctor Hole came to Danville, where he engaged in practice with Dr. Stephen C. Glidden until 1916. He then established a private practice. In December, 1917, he volunteered for service in the World War and was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, with the rank of first lieutenant. In June, 1918, he was transferred to Camp Dodge, Iowa, and in September of that year sailed for France with Base Hospital No. 88 as detachment commander. He was located at Langres, France. He was discharged in August, 1919, with the rank of captain. Upon his return to Danville, Doctor Hole resumed his practice with offices in the Tem- ple Building. He is a member of the staffs of Lakeview and Saint Elizabeth's hospitals, and is surgeon for the Illinois Terminal Railway System, and medical examiner for the Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Com- merce.
In 1916 Doctor Hole was united in marriage with Miss Inez Gass, the daughter of Levin W. and Eva (Hulce) Gass, natives of Illinois. He is deceased and his widow lives at Danville. To Doctor and Mrs. Hole have been born three children: Inez Marie, John Levin, and Mary Louise.
Politically, Doctor Hole is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of St. James Methodist Episcopal Church; Anchor Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Con- sistory, thirty-second degree; Ansar Temple; Gao Grotto; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; and American Legion.
Doctor Hole is identified with the Vermilion County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, American Medical Association, Illinois Industrial Medical and Sur-
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gery Society, and American Railway Surgeons Associa- tion. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Thurman D. Allen is a leading figure in the business and commercial life of Danville, where he is president of the Allen Electric Company, 23 West North Street. He was born at Greencastle, Indiana, March 13, 1870, the son of William D. and Jennie (Hoar) Allen.
William D. Allen, who died in 1876, was a native of Kentucky. His wife was born at Providence, Rhode Island. She died in 1891. Mr. Allen was an early settler of Greencastle, Indiana, where he was interested in the banking business. He also served as mayor of that city. He was a Democrat. During the Civil War Mr. Allen invested his entire fortune in gold and eventually lost everything he possessed. There were three children in the Allen family: William T. Fletcher, who died in Indian- apolis, Indiana, in February, 1929; Mary F., the widow of O. A. McFarland, who died in 1916, and she lives at Danville; and Thurman D., the subject of this sketch.
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