USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 32
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
John Payne, Jr., died in 1863 and was buried in the cemetery which is located on the Vermilion County farm. His wife died in 1865 and was buried in Danville, leaving James B. and Carrie H. orphans at the age of eight and six years, respectively. About this time Alonzo G. Payne was honorably discharged from the Army and he and his good wife, Rhoda, took James B. and Carrie H. into their home and kept them until they established homes of their own.
When President Lincoln issued a call for volunteers, at the beginning of the Civil War, Wm. O., Alonzo G. and Abel W. Payne responded. During service in this war, Alonzo G. was promoted to the rank of captain. Abel W.,
968
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
for sixteen months endured the hardships of prison life in Andersonville and Libby prisons.
Carrie H., the full sister of James B., died in 1887; Wm. O. in 1888; Alonzo G. in 1907; Adderson C. in 1908 and Abel W. in 1927. Permelia A., widow of Joseph Malcom, lives in Iowa and Mary Beasley Smith, widow of William Smith, lives in Chandler, Oklahoma.
James B. attended school for two terms at the Old Red Seminary in Danville, then attended the school in Catlin, Illinois, and later the school at Newtown, Illinois.
In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Hettie O. Warner, of Newtown, Illinois. Her father, John P. War- ner, was a native of Maryland and her mother, Sarah Ellen (Truax) Warner, a native of Ohio. To this union was born Lena V. Payne and a son (the son died in infancy). Lena V. was married to John Curtis Smith of Potomac, and to them one child was born, Louise Payne Smith, who was graduated from Potomac Grade and High Schools and from the Illinois Womans College of Jackson- ville, Illinois, and for the past three years has been super- visor of music in the Oblong, Illinois, High School.
James B. Payne and wife commenced housekeeping in Catlin, where he operated the old Goins coal shaft until 1884, when they moved to Potomac, where they still reside. When they first came to Potomac, he engaged in the gro- cery and restaurant business. In 1866 he was appointed postmaster under President Grover Cleveland and held that office for nearly four years. He then took up the insurance business and in 1903 Elmer Moreland, of Poto- mac, entered into partnership with him, under the firm name of Payne and Moreland, which firm still exists. Mr. Payne was for several years agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, but in 1906 changed to the Franklin Life Insurance Company, of Springfield, Illinois, the firm of Payne and Moreland at that time taking a general agency with this company, and still holds that agency. The
969
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
firm also holds the district agency for the farm depart- ment of the Fidelity-Phenix Insurance Company of New York and write for the Hartford Fire, the Fire Associa- tion of Philadelphia, the Home of New York and the Cen- tral Surety and Insurance Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Payne was a charter member of the Potomac Build- ing and Loan Association and was secretary of that cor- poration for nineteen years. He is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Odd Fellows Encampment.
Mrs. Payne has been identified with the Womans Chris- tian Temperance Union for about forty years and is one of the leading workers in Vermilion County.
Mr. and Mrs. Payne are active members of the Meth- odist Church of Potomac and are ardent supporters of all movements that are for the betterment of the community.
Carl S. Williamson, M. D .- Standing high among the skilled professional men of Vermilion County, Doctor Williamson, of Fairmount, has honorably earned the posi- tion he occupies in his profession and community. He was - born at Calhoun, Illinois, June 8, 1885, the son of Stephen A. and Martha (Walton) Williamson.
Stephen A. Williamson was born in Ohio in 1840. For a number of years he operated brick plants at Mt. Carmel, Illinois. He served throughout the Civil War with an Indiana outfit and after his discharge from the service returned to the brick business. In 1874 he became inter- ested in farming. He died in May, 1919, and is buried at Calhoun, Illinois. His widow, a native of Illinois, lives at Calhoun. They had the following children: Charles, lives at Saint Louis, Missouri; Roland Ross, lives in Chicago; Minnie, married Obediah Barton, lives in Chicago; Mamie,
970
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
married Calvin Reaser, lives at Calhoun, Illinois; Carl S., the subject of this sketch; and Clarence P., retired navy officer, lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Carl S. Williamson attended the public schools of Cal- houn. After completing his preliminary education he went to Chicago and finished his high school work, where he became an apprentice tool maker and die maker. He later studied mechanical engineering, but gave up this profes- sion to study medicine. He entered Valparaiso Univer- sity, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine in 1910. He served as interne at Frances E. Willard Hospital and Cook County Hospital. He spent two years in practice in Chicago as assistant instructor under Doctor Rubenwitz and Dr. Henry Schmitz. Doctor Williamson's next location was at Pipe City, Illinois, where he prac- ticed for almost two years. He then came to Fairmount in 1914, where he has since established an excellent prac- tice. He is a specialist in the treatment of chronic dis- eases and is recognized as an authority on Physico- Therapy. He is identified with the Vermilion County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, American Medical Association, and American College of Physico- Therapy.
In 1908 Doctor Williamson married Miss Mary Elliot Thomson, of Ottawa, Canada, the daughter of William and Mary Thomson. He was born in England and for many years served as Postmaster General of Canada. He died in 1898 and his wife died in 1914. Several years after the death of his first wife Doctor Williamson was married to Miss Marie Tate of Chicago, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Williams) Tate, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. Mr. Tate lives at Villa Grove, Illinois. His wife died in 1921. To Doctor and Mrs. Wil- liamson a son was born, James Hunter, born January 16, 1913. He attends Fairmount High School and has a pro-
971
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
spective appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy.
Mrs. Williamson has the following brothers and sis- ters: Maude Lee, married Roland Ross Williamson, a brother of Doctor Williamson; Jeanette, married Daniel Jenson, lives at Billings, Montana; Daniel O., lives at Bain- bridge, Indiana; Luella, married Otis Norman, lives at Danville; Elza Franklin, physician and surgeon, served throughout the World War, lives at Plainfield, Illinois; and Marie Williamson.
Politically, Doctor Williamson is a Republican. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Fairmount Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
During the World War Doctor Williamson enlisted for service and received the commission of first lieutenant, Medical Corps, under which commission he served.
Doctor Williamson is interested in the raising of flowers and has one of the finest and most beautiful gar- dens in the city. He also enjoys fishing and hunting and spends much of his leisure time in the pursuit of those sports.
R. O. Vinson .- One of the most successful farmers of Vermilion County is found in R. O. Vinson, who is also president of the Peoples State Bank, of Collison. He was born in Pilot Township, Vermilion County, October 29, 1889, the son of C. W. and Josephine (Davis) Vinson.
C. W. Vinson, who lives retired at Oakwood, Illinois, is a native of Pilot Township, Vermilion County. He grew up on a farm near Collison and received his education in the district schools. He has always been extensively inter- ested in farming and stock raising. About 1913 he re- moved to Danville but eight years later located at Oak- wood, where he now lives. He is still numbered among the large land owners of this section. Mr. Vinson is a
972
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Republican and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Vinson are the parents of the following chil- dren: R. O., the subject of this sketch; and Clarence H., farmer, lives on the old homestead.
R. O. Vinson attended the district schools of Pilot Township and also studied at Brown's Business College, Danville. He returned to his father's farm at the age of seventeen years and was given a quarter of a section of land to work. He carried on that project until three years later, at which time the elder Mr. Vinson removed to Dan- ville and at that time R. O. Vinson took up his residence on the homestead. He managed four hundred acres of land and in addition purchased one hundred and sixty acres. In 1913 Mr. Vinson removed to Collison, where he now resides. He has maintained his interest in farming, however, and now is the owner of more than four hun- dred and fifty acres of the finest farm land in Vermilion County. He is widely known as a feeder of cattle and hogs and is an extensive shipper. Mr. Vinson was elected president of the Peoples State Bank, of Collison, in 1921.
On November 19, 1913, Mr. Vinson was united in mar- riage with Miss Julia Osborn, of Collison, the daughter of J. T. and Nellie (Exton) Osborn. Mr. Osborn, who died in 1917, was a native of Collison and one of the most prominent men in this section. His wife died in 1914. To Mr. and Mrs. Vinson have been born three children: Charles Osborn, born October 27, 1914; Nellie Josephine, born March 13, 1917; and Theodore Kelley, born Novem- ber 11, 1918. All are students in the Collison public schools.
Mr. Vinson is a member of the Christian Church and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Church. He is identified with Collison Lodge No. 714, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory; and Modern Woodmen of America. He is president of the Collison Masonic Association, president of the Emberry Cemetery
973
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Association, and has been a member of the Collison School Board for six years. He is now serving in his second year as superintendent of the Collison Methodist Episcopal Sun- day School.
Mr. Vinson was the first young man in Collison to be called in the draft in 1917, but due to physical disability was honorably discharged.
E. Dean Huber .- As junior member of the firm of J. W. Huber & Son, real estate brokers, E. Dean Huber is a well known figure in the business life of Danville, and he stands deservedly high in popular esteem. He was born at Cob- den, Union County, Illinois, June 28, 1896, the son of J. W. and Mabel M. (Dean) Huber.
J. W. Huber was born at Belleville, Illinois, October 19, 1872. He was an orphan at nine years of age and in early youth went to Anna, Illinois, to start life on his own resources. He identified himself with the shoe business until 1895 and then went to Belleville, where he conducted a retail store until 1903. After a year's residence at Champaign, Illinois, Mr. Huber came to Danville in 1904, where he has since successfully engaged in the real estate business, being one of the pioneer operators of Vermilion County. The offices of J. W. Huber & Son are located in the First National Bank Building.
In 1895 J. W. Huber married Mabel M. Dean, who was born at Simco, Ontario, Canada, May 2, 1875. They have three children: E. Dean, the subject of this sketch; Beatrice R., lives at home; and Elizabeth M., married Charles Baum, lives in New York City. Mr. Huber is a Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian Church and Elks Club.
E. Dean Huber was eight years of age when his parents located at Danville. He attended the public schools and
974
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
following his graduation from Danville High School in 1914 became associated with his father in the real estate business. He has been a member of the firm since 1916.
On April 11, 1917, Mr. Huber was united in marriage with Miss Elsye M. Ernst, the daughter of Anton and Linna Ernst, natives of Germany, and early settlers of Danville. Mr. Ernst, who died in 1915, had lived in Dan- ville since 1879, where he engaged in the wholesale and retail meat business.
Mr. Huber is a Republican, a member of the Presby- terian Church, and has the following club affiliations: Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332, Past Exalted Ruler 1925-26; Kiwanis Club, vice president 1922- 1925-1928; Danville Rifle Club, president 1926-27-28; and Danville Chamber of Commerce, president in 1929. He served as president of the Danville Real Estate Board in 1923-24, and president of the Danville Country Club in 1928. He is also identified with the Illinois Real Estate Association and National Association of Real Estate Boards.
Walter V. Dysert .- The professional career of Walter V. Dysert has extended over a period of twenty-eight years, during which he has brought to his calling splendid legal abilities and a regard for professional ethics that has served to gain him general confidence. From the out- set he has been numbered among the reliable and energetic lawyers of Danville, and on several occasions has been called upon by his fellow citizens to represent them in offices of trust and responsibility.
Mr. Dysert was born in Oakwood Township, Vermilion County, May 31, 1881, the son of Joseph and Abigail (Vin- son) Dysert.
975
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Joseph Dysert served throughout the Civil War as a member of Company C, One Hundred Twenty-fifth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry. He was born in Vermilion County and spent his entire life there. He became a suc- cessful raiser of pure bred stock. He died in 1926 at the age of ninety-four years. His wife is also deceased. They are buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Oakwood Town- ship. Their children were: Naomi, married John W. Fowler, lives at Otterbein, Indiana; Samuel, deceased; John E., lives in Oakwood Township; Estella, married H. P. Kiger, lives on the old homestead in Oakwood Town- ship; and Walter V., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Dysert was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, and Grand Army of the Republic.
Joseph Dysert was the son of Joseph Dysert, who was born in Ohio. Abigail (Vinson) Dysert was the daughter of Leven T. and Abigail Vinson, natives of Irving County, Kentucky. They were among the earliest settlers of Oak- wood Township. Mrs. Vinson lived to the age of one hun- dred and four years.
Walter V. Dysert attended the public school of Oak- wood Township and following his graduation from Oak- wood High School in 1900, he studied law at Illinois Wes- leyan University, and was admitted to the bar in 1901, and was a member of the law firm of Buckingham & Dysert, at Danville, for a period of five years. He then practiced alone until 1910, at which time he removed to Los Angeles, California, where he remained until 1917. Upon his return to Danville he became a member of the firm of Graham & Dysert. Judge Graham died in 1925, but Mr. Dysert con- tinues the practice under the firm name of Graham & Dysert. He served as a member of the Illinois State Leg- islature in the Forty-fifth General Assembly. He holds the office of Master in Chancery of the Circuit Court of Vermilion County.
976
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
In 1905 Mr. Dysert married Miss Mabelle Fox, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Fox, both deceased.
Mr. Dysert is a Republican and a member of the Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, and Danville Country Club. He is identified with the Vermilion County Bar Associa- tion, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association.
John Szilagyi is one of the younger men who have achieved success in the business life of Westville as the pro- prietor of a large mercantile business. He was born in Hernad Csany, Austria-Hungary, January 11, 1897, the son of George and Mary (Wargo Gyurcso) Szilagyi.
George Szilagyi was born in Austria-Hungary, where he was reared and educated. He came to the United States at the age of twenty-five years and settled at Westville, where he was employed in the coal mines for several years. He then became interested in the mercantile business at Westville and was thus engaged at the time of his death, April 23, 1913. His wife died in 1921. Both are buried at Georgetown, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Szilagyi were the par- ents of the following children : George, who died in infancy ; John, the subject of this sketch; Mary, married John Ko- vacs, lives at Westville; Kate, married Joseph Sebastian, lives in Chicago; Elizabeth, unmarried, lives in Chicago; George, lives at Westville; Henry, lives at Westville; Julia, who died at the age of five years; Helen, attends Westville High School; and Stephan, died in infancy.
John Szilagyi was six years of age when he came to this country with his parents. He was educated in the public schools of Westville and at an early age became identified with his father's grocery business. After the latter's death, Mr. Szilagyi made a trip to Europe with his mother, and upon his return to Westville in 1913 was employed by Austin Ellsworth. On May 1, 1916, Mr. Szilagyi estab-
--
JOHN SZILAGYI
977
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
lished his present business. He carries a complete line of groceries and meats, and also handles general merchan- dise. The company also deals in radios, electric washers, electric refrigerators, stoves, etc. A branch store is main- tained at Indionola, Illinois.
On June 15, 1924, Mr. Szilagyi was married to Miss Catherine Takacs, of Westville. They have no children.
Mr. Szilagyi is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Danville. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose.
Benjamin Canady Richie is one of the active and most successful business men of Georgetown, where he is inter- ested in the real estate business. He was born at George- town, December 5, 1860, the son of James King and Sophia R. (Canady) Richie.
James King Richie was born in Tennessee, October 24, 1826. He became one of the leading merchants of George- town and met with great financial success in all his busi- ness undertakings. He was married May 31, 1854, to Sophia R. Canady, who was born at Georgetown, March 7, 1834, the daughter of Benjamin and Ann (Haworth) Canady, who were among the first settlers of Georgetown, having come here when it was little more than a wilder- ness. James King Richie died December 10, 1891, and his wife died February 1, 1881. Both are buried at George- town. Their children were: John F., who died August 28, 1856; Morris Edward, lives at Georgetown; Anna Cora, who died February 17, 1880; Benjamin Canady, the sub- ject of this sketch; Mary Augusta, who died December 22, 1891; Charles K., who died March 3, 1868; and Willie B., who died August 4, 1874.
Benjamin Canady Richie grew up in Georgetown and attended the public schools. He later attended Earlham
28-Vol. 2
978
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
College and the University of Illinois. He began his busi- ness career in his father's store, but after his marriage went to Springfield, Illinois, where he established a grocery business. In 1891 he returned to Georgetown, and he has since devoted his time to his real estate interests in this city. He lives with his family on the old Richie home- stead, which is among the historic landmarks of this sec- tion. Many interesting heirlooms of the Richie and Leav- erton families are to be found in this lovely old home, which carries on its tradition of hospitality.
On October 27, 1886, Mr. Richie was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Caroline Leaverton, of Chatham, Sangamon County, Illinois, born at Pocahontas, Bond County, Illinois, September 22, 1864, the daughter of Wil- son and Jeanette T. (Johnson) Leaverton. Wilson Leaver- ton was born at Indianapolis, Indiana, March 16, 1825. He moved with his father's family to Pocahontas, Bond County, Illinois. In 1849 he crossed the plains to Cali- fornia when only twenty-four years of age, with only a yoke of oxen and very little money and he as well as the entire party came near perishing for want of water. He remained in California for two years, and came back with three thousand dollars in gold nuggets in a belt strapped around him. He invested this gold in a farm at Pocahon- tas, Bond County, Illinois. In 1871 he moved with his fam- ily to Chatham, Illinois, where he purchased a farm of one thousand acres. He died September 16, 1895, and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois. His wife, who died November 24, 1903, was a native of Pocahontas, Illinois, the daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca (Plant) Johnson. Her father was twice elected to the Illinois Legislature, once to the lower house, 1838 to 1840, and once to the Senate, from 1842 to 1846. To Benjamin Canady and Mary Caroline (Leaverton) Richie were born four children: (1) James King, born September 20, 1887, a graduate of the University of Illinois, now superintendent
979
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
of the electrical department of George A. Spang & Com- pany Oil Well Supplies, Butler, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta and Eta Kappa Nu fra- ternities, also a Mason and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Lillian Brandon Spang, of But- ler, Pennsylvania, daughter of George A. and Laura Bran- don- Spang. She died November 17, 1918. (2) Wilson Leaverton, born January 13, 1889, attended the University of Illinois and the University of Boulder, Colorado, now engaged in the electrical business, Georgetown. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, a Mason, and a member of the Methodist Church. He married Miss Emma Adelia Keenan, of Bloomington, Illinois, the daugh- ter of Rev. and Mrs. Wilbur E. Keenan. They have a son, Wilbur Benjamin Richie, born February 19, 1927. (3) Sadie May, born March 28, 1895, died November 27, 1901. (4) Harold Benjamin, born December 11, 1902, a graduate of the University of Illinois in 1925 and the Uni- versity of Minnesota, having received the degree of Mas- ter of Science from the latter institution, and taught school for one year at the University of Minnesota. He is now doing research work in Dairy Bacteriology and Butter Culture in the chemical laboratories for Swift & Com- pany, Chicago, Illinois. He married Miss Lucilla M. Mad- son, June 30, 1929, at Lanesboro, Minnesota. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Madson, and was gradu- ated from the University of Minnesota in 1929. They live in Chicago. He is a member of the Masonic order and the Methodist Church.
Politically, Mr. Richie is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America.
Mrs. Benjamin C. Richie takes an active interest in local club work. She was president of the Woman's For- eign Missionary Society for seventeen years, is a life and memorial member, and a member of the Eastern Star,
980
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Women's Christian Temperance Union, and Home Mis- sionary Society, and was president of Danville District W. F. M. S. for three years. Her great great grandfather, Samuel Johnson, came from Scotland in 1750 and settled in North Carolina, where he became an extensive land owner. Through this ancestry, Mrs. Richie holds mem- bership in the Daughters of the Colonists. She also had four ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, namely: Charles Johnson and Williamson Plant, who are buried at Pocahontas, Illinois; John Foster Leaverton, born in London, England, buried near Leesburg, Ohio; and William Buntain. Mrs. Richie is a member of Gov- ernor Bradford Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Danville, Illinois. Her father served in the Civil War as a member of Company F, One Hundred Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and she holds membership in the Daughters of Veterans, Danville, Illi- nois, and Auxiliary Legion at Georgetown.
Wilson Leaverton Richie served during the World War, having enlisted September 6, 1917, as a member of Com- pany D, Three hundred Thirteenth Engineers, Eighty- eighth Division, United States Army. He was sent to France August 13, 1918, and was discharged from the service on June 13, 1919.
George A. Potter, M. D .- One of the representative citi- zens and substantial men of Danville is Doctor Potter, physician and surgeon, with offices in the Temple Build- ing. He was born on a farm near Danville, February 2, 1876, the son of Elijah and Sarah E. (Hoskins) Potter.
Elijah Potter was born on the old Potter homestead near Danville, September 28, 1848. He spent his entire life there and became one of the most successful farmers of Vermilion County. He died September 26, 1915, and
981
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
his wife, born near Henning, Illinois, February 13, 1855, died December 18, 1893. Both are buried in Johnson Cemetery, near Danville. Mr. Potter was a Republican, and held the offices of tax collector and school treasurer. He held membership in the Christian Church and was a prominent citizen of the community in which he spent his entire life. To Mr. and Mrs. Potter were born three chil- dren: George A., the subject of this sketch; Daisy J., married Ulysses Grant Fairchild, lives at Urbana, Illinois; and Jewell, farmer, lives on the old homestead near Dan- ville.
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.