USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 38
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The Iliff-Bruff is considered among the most progres- sive of Hoopeston's industrial concerns, affording employ- ment to many men that are well paid the year around.
The scientific nature of the chemical industry makes any description of the processes and products manufac- tured impossible to any person except a chemist, and there- fore none is attempted.
Cecil K. Reed ranks high among the progressive young business men of Hoopeston, where he is proprietor of the Shell Service Station, located on the Dixie Highway at West Main Street. He is a native of Vermilion County, born at Cheneyville, August 26, 1907, the son of Charles D. and Orphia (Troxell) Reed.
Charles D. Reed and his wife are natives of Indiana. They are now residents of Cheneyville, where Mr. Reed is identified with C. C. Harlam & Company, grain dealers. Formerly, they lived in Indiana, where Mr. Reed engaged in general farming. They located at Cheneyville in 1907. Mr. Reed is a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen of America. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed: Clifford, Cecil, Herbert, Russell, Ernest, Charles, Delmar, LeRoy, Vernel, Hazel, Zelda, Marjorie, and Norma Jean.
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Cecil K. Reed received his education in the public schools of Cheneyville. For a time he was employed on the Illinois State Highway and engaged in road building in Vermilion County. He later went with the Chicago, Milwaukee & Saint Paul Railroad, and then with the Sprague-Sells Company, of Hoopeston. On April 3, 1929, he took over the management of the Shell Service Station. Mr. Reed operates one of the city's popular service sta- tions and has a well established trade.
Mr. Reed is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Christian Church and Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. He is unmarried.
Daniel A. Miller, who is successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Hoopeston, is a lead- ing citizen of Vermilion County. He was born at Reading, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1878, the son of Sebastian H. and Hannah (Miller) Miller.
Sebastian H. Miller was a veteran of the Civil War, having served with Company G, Eighth Illinois Cavalry. He was a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and in 1849 started to California during the gold rush. However, he stopped at Chicago, and soon located at Rossville, where he became a successful farmer. He died in 1903 and his wife died in 1908. Both are buried at Rossville. Mr. Mil- ler was a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Grand Army of the Republic. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Harry, lives on the old homestead at Rossville, Illinois; Ellen, deceased; and Daniel A., the subject of this sketch.
Daniel A. Miller spent his boyhood at Rossville and received his education in the public schools there. He fol- lowed general farming until 1902, at which time he entered the store of McConnell & Wilbur as a clerk. Two years
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later he became associated with James Reed, and in 1907 came to Hoopeston as assistant manager of the Hoopeston Department Store. Mr. Miller resigned in 1922 and at that time established a retail shoe business at 223 East Main Street, which he successfully conducted until 1927. He then sold the store and has since devoted his entire time to the real estate and insurance business, making a specialty of farm loans.
In 1901 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Janet M. Miller, the daughter of Charles and Eliza Jane Miller, natives of Indiana. Charles Miller is deceased and his widow lives at Hoopeston. To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Miller have been born four children: Lawrence R., lives at Detroit, Michigan, married Lucia Hall, and they have a son, Lawrence; Grace M., married Glenn Hawkins, lives at Hoopeston, and they have a son, Millard; Alan, lives at Detroit, Michigan, married Josephine Mugg; and Daniel A., Jr., a student.
Mr. Miller is a Republican and is serving his second term as supervisor of Grant Township. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and belongs to Star Lodge No. 709, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Hoopeston Chap- ter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 181; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Ansar Temple; and Modern Wood- men of America.
William T. Henderson .- One of the most influential figures in professional circles in Vermilion County is Wil- liam T. Henderson, who is serving as county judge. He is a native of Vermilion County, born at Georgetown, March 5, 1885, the son of John T. and Sarah Belle (Ben- nett) Henderson.
John T. Henderson was born at Georgetown, Illinois, in 1855, and died November 1, 1927. He is buried at the
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place of his birth. His widow, born at Maysville, Illinois, resides at Georgetown. Mr. Henderson was a farmer in early life and in 1885 became interested in the general mercantile business at Georgetown. He later sold his interests there in 1925 and retired. Mr. Henderson was a Republican and for many years was a member of the local school board. He held membership in the Methodist Church and Knights of Pythias. There were eight chil- dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, as follows: Oscar, lives at Portland, Oregon; Otis, lives at Georgetown, Illi- nois; William T., the subject of this sketch; Hon. Wilbur, who is serving his second term as a member of the Oregon State Legislature; John T., merchant, lives at Portland, Oregon; Joseph, born in 1890, died in 1896; Bennett F., postmaster, lives at Georgetown, Illinois; and Olive, lives at home. Wilbur, John, and Bennett Henderson are vet- erans of the World War.
John T. Henderson was the son of William and Mary (Black) Henderson. He was born in Vermilion Grove, Illinois, and died in 1908. His wife, who died in 1890, was also a native of Vermilion County. He was a farmer and in 1885 became interested in the mercantile business with his son. William Henderson was the son of Nathaniel Henderson, who was born at Henderson, North Carolina, and who came to Vermilion Grove in 1822. He was a cabinet maker by trade and also a millwright. He con- ducted a flour mill at Danville, on South Street, for many years. He also owned and operated the "Old Wheel" mill, located at Grape Creek, and known as the Henderson- Kyger Mills. He died in 1895 and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Danville. He was one of the pioneers of Ver- milion County and was numbered among the successful business men of Danville.
William T. Henderson, the subject of this sketch, grew up at Georgetown, where he received his early education. He attended Illinois Normal School, spent two years at
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Cornell College, and two years at the University of Illi- nois. He then taught school. He was admitted to the Illinois State Bar on October 18, 1910, and on January 1, 1911, became a member of the firm of Fleming & Hender- son, Danville. Mr. Henderson served as city attorney of Georgetown for ten years and in April, 1925, was elected judge of Vermilion County.
In 1913 Mr. Henderson married Miss Ethel Spang, the daughter of C. B. and Ada (Phillips) Spang, of Butler, Pennsylvania, both now deceased. He died June 17, 1928, and his wife died in 1899. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson: Ada Jane and Joseph William, both students.
Mr. Henderson is a Republican, a member of the Meth- odist Church, and has the following club affiliations: Rus- sell Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 154, Past Mas- ter, 1918; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Gao Grotto; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Kiwanis Club; and Chamber of Commerce. He is identi- fied with the Vermilion County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He is also an active member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau.
P. Keith Andrews, M. D .- Numbered among the lead- ing physicians and surgeons of Vermilion County may be mentioned Doctor Andrews, who is successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Danville, with offices at 5 Illinois Street. He was born at Clinton, Indiana, De- cember 20, 1882, the son of Joseph F. and Martha J. (Fouts) Andrews.
Joseph F. Andrews was born at Saint Bernice, Ver- million County, Indiana, in 1855, the son of William and Lucy Andrews, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneer set- tlers of Indiana. Both William Andrews and his wife are
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buried on the old homestead near Clinton, Indiana. Their son, Joseph F., followed farming on the home place until his marriage. He then located at Clinton, Indiana, and purchased a grocery store, which he successfully operated in connection with a hardware and implement business. He sold his interests in 1909 and until 1919 was a travel- ing representative, having removed to Chicago in 1909. He died in that city in 1921 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Chicago. His widow, born at Indianapolis, In- diana, lives in Danville. She is the daughter of Samuel and Nancy Fouts. Mr. Fouts, a native of Indiana, was a prominent lumber dealer in Indianapolis for many years and also had business interests at Terre Haute, Indiana. Mr. Andrews was a Republican, a member of the Meth- odist Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. To Joseph F. and Martha J. (Fouts) Andrews were born two children: P. Keith, the subject of this sketch; and Blanche, married L. C. Casey, lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Following his graduation from Clinton (Indiana) High School in 1901, P. Keith Andrews attended Loyola Medi- cal College, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1907. He began his practice at Atwood, Indiana, and in 1909 removed to Hindsboro, Illinois, where he was located until 1917. He then practiced at Ashmore, Illinois, until the time of his enlistment for service in the World War in 1918. Doctor Andrews served at Fort Riley, Kansas, as a first lieutenant in the United States Medical Corps. He was discharged in December, 1918, and re- sumed his practice at Ashmore, Illinois, until 1925, at which time he came to Danville. Doctor Andrews was appointed physician of Vermilion County in 1926 and is still serving in that capacity. He held that office in Coles County, Illinois. He is identified with the Vermilion County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, and American Medical Association.
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In 1913 Doctor Andrews married Miss Ellen Elizabeth Reeds, daughter of F. N. Reeds, of Illinois. He died in 1923 and his wife died in 1925. Both are buried at Hinds- boro, Illinois. Doctor and Mrs. Andrews have no children.
Doctor Andrews is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Further Light Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Gao Grotto; Modern Woodmen of America; Tau Alpha Epsilon fraternity; and American Legion.
Doctor Andrews has a wide acquaintance in the com- munity and has already established an excellent practice in Danville.
Ernest A. Church, who is superintendent of the Ver- milion County Home, near Danville, has spent his entire life in this section and is a member of one of the oldest families in Vermilion County. He was born at Catlin, September 21, 1862, the son of George William F. and Sarah Elizabeth (Jones) Church.
George William F. Church was born in England. At the age of nineteen years he came to the United States and spent one year at Rochester, New York, before locat- ing at Catlin. He was one of the first settlers of Catlin Township and for more than half a century farmed a tract of three hundred and eighty acres. He retired in 1887 and located at Danville, where he died in 1914. His wife, also born in England, died in 1887. Both are buried at Catlin. Mrs. Church was twenty-three years old when she came to this country with her parents and settled at Catlin. To Mr. and Mrs. Church were born eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, married Richard Puzey, both deceased; Henry G., lives on the old homestead in Catlin Township; Fred; Walter, deceased; Minnie L., married Peyton F. Douglas, both deceased; Ernest A., the subject of this sketch;
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Maude I., married George M. Brady, deceased, and she lives at Catlin; and Ethel, married Clay Bumpus, lives at Danville. Mr. Church was a Republican and served as school director and treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and Catlin Lodge, No. 285, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
Ernest A. Church received his education in the public schools of Catlin and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. After his marriage he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres in Catlin Township, which he operated until the time of his appointment as superin- tendent of the Vermilion County Home in 1920. Prior to that time he had also engaged in the meat business at Catlin. In his management of the County Home, Mr. Church has proven his capability and executive ability, and he is recognized as one of the most efficient superin- tendents of the State.
On July 2, 1889, Mr. Church married Miss Anna V. Frazier, the daughter of John W. and Mary Frazier, natives of Illinois, both now deceased. They have a daugh- ter, Helen V., who is the wife of William Muriel Fulrath, of Peoria, Illinois. They have two children, Richard and David.
Mr. Church is a Republican and has served as highway commissioner.
L. V. Chaffee .- A substantial citizen and enterprising and dependable business man of Danville is found in L. V. Chaffee, who is president of Peyton-Palmer Company, wholesale grocers. He is a native of Illinois, born in Law- rence County, December 13, 1851, the son of Leonard and Ellen F. (McNece) Chaffee.
Leonard Chaffee was born in Lawrence County, Illi- nois. He died about 1851. Mr. Chaffee was a miller by trade. His widow died in 1908 and is buried at Palestine,
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Illinois. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee: L. V., the subject of this sketch; and Evander, deceased. By a second marriage Mrs. Chaffee was the mother of three children: Allen M. and Harlan H. Haskett, both deceased; and Mrs. W. O. Richey, who lives at Palestine, Illinois.
L. V. Chaffee spent his boyhood at Palestine, Illinois, and was educated in the public schools. He has been inter- ested in the wholesale grocery business at Danville con- tinuously since 1883 and for the past fifteen years has been identified with the Peyton Palmer Company as president.
On November 13, 1878, Mr. Chaffee married Miss Maria J. Wood, a native of Clay County, Illinois. They have no children.
Politically, Mr. Chaffee is a Republican. He has served as assistant county supervisor and as a member of the city council. He is a member of the First Church of Christ and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Knights of Pythias.
One of the outstanding events to take place in the city of Danville during 1929 was the unusual gift presented by Mr. Chaffee to the First Church of Christ Congregation. He presented the First Church of Christ building, located at Oak and Seminary streets, as a tribute to the memory of his mother, who for many years was an active member of the church. The gift was made as a complete surprise to the congregation. An excerpt from Mr. Chaffee's let- ter, giving the church building to the church, follows: "In making this gift I desire to do so in memory of a wonder- fully good woman-a woman who prior to her death was an earnest and consistent member of this particular church organization for more than fifty years-a woman who stood very high in the community in which she lived, was a good Samaritan to many families in the town and com- munity, was always ready and willing to go forth on any
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mission of mercy, and to comfort and console the unfor- tunate, and to uplift those who had fallen. In making this gift of five thousand dollars to the First Church of Christ I do so in memory of that good woman-who was my mother."
James A. Harlam is one of the most popular business men of Cheneyville, where he is identified with the grain interests of C. C. Harlam & Company. He was born at Washington, Tazewell County, Illinois, October 8, 1867, the son of James Newton and Margaret Ann (Andrews) Harlam.
James Newton Harlam was born in Kentucky and his wife was a native of Ohio. He was a traveling salesman for many years and later in life engaged in the grain busi- ness in Woodford County, Illinois. He died in 1893 and his wife died in 1925. Both are buried in Floral Hill Ceme- tery, Hoopeston. Mr. Harlam was a Republican, an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge. To Mr. and Mrs. Harlam were born five children: Lulu, deceased; Minnie, married E. O. Eyman, lives at Oak Park, Illinois; James A., the subject of this sketch; Charles, lives at Kentland, Indiana, is interested in the grain business with C. C. Harlam & Company; and Carrie, married H. D. Pruit, lives at Hoopeston.
James A. Harlam was educated in the public schools of Eureka, Illinois, and attended Eureka College. He was a teacher in the schools of Woodford County for several terms and then became interested in the grain business with his father. After two years he formed a partner- ship with his brother, Charles C., the business being known as C. C. Harlam & Company. They began business at Goodfield, Illinois, later purchased an elevator at Crescent City, Illinois, and subsequently located at Ambia, Indiana. James A. Harlam operated and managed the elevator at
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Ambia until 1911 when he assumed management of the elevator at Cheneyville. His brother is now in charge of the branch at Kentland, Indiana. Mr. Harlam maintains his residence at 518 East Lincoln Street, Hoopeston.
Mr. Harlam was married first in 1900 to Miss Bertha Miller, the daughter of A. C. and Cecelia (Townsend) Mil- ler, natives of Indiana, now residents of Crescent, Illinois. Mrs. Harlam died in 1911 and is survived by one daughter, Margaret, who attends the University of Illinois. In 1913 Mr. Harlam married Mabel Love, the daughter of James and Grace Love. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Hoopeston. Mabel (Love) Harlam died in 1918. Mr. Harlam was married the third time in 1925 to Bess Johnston, of Hoopeston.
Mr. Harlam is a Republican and has served as alder- man of the Second Ward, Hoopeston, continuously since 1922. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with Star Lodge No. 709, Ancient Free and Ac- cepted Masons, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Illinois Grain Dealers Association and the National Grain Dealers Association.
Roy Melloy Montfort, M. D., is one of the best known of the younger physician and surgeons of Vermilion County, engaged in the practice of his profession at Dan- ville, with offices at 312 Temple Building. He was born at Galien, Michigan, July 11, 1889, the son of Frank and Mina (Mudge) Montfort.
Both Frank Montfort and his wife were born near Toronto, Canada. He died in 1889 and she lives at Benton Harbor, Michigan. They had two sons: Louis B., attor- ney, lives at Washington, District of Columbia. He is a veteran of the World War, having organized the Three Hundred and Sixtieth Air Squadron at Kelly Field, San
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Antonio, Texas. He was later transferred to Washington, District of Columbia, and served with the rank of captain. Following the close of the war Mr. Montfort remained in Washington for five years with the Department of Justice. (2) Roy Melloy, the subject of this sketch.
Roy Melloy Montfort was educated in the public schools of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and after his graduation from high school in 1909 he entered Michigan State Col- lege, where he remained for two years. He then attended Ferris Institute, for a course in pharmacy, passing State Board of Michigan, obtaining Registered Pharmacist degree, and in 1915 was graduated from Loyola Univer- sity, Chicago, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served as interne at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Danville, during 1915 and 1916 and in January, 1917, established offices at Fairchild and Bowman Avenue and in the Temple Building. On July 11, 1917, Doctor Montfort volunteered for service in the World War and received the rank of first lieutenant, Medical Corps. He served as tubercular spe- cialist at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and was later trans- ferred to Camp Sherman, Ohio, Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, and Camp Colt, Pennsylvania, where he served in the same capacity until the close of the war. He was attached to the Second Gas Regiment, Camp Kendrick, New Jersey, at the termination of the war. He also studied at the Camp Greenleaf School of Internal Medicine and Lung Diseases. Upon his return to Danville, Doctor Montfort resumed his practice at 312 Temple Building. He served as tubercular specialist for the Veterans' Bureau for two years.
On July 6, 1927, Doctor Montfort was united in mar- riage with Miss Harriet Smith, the daughter of Marion and Ella Mae (Harris) Smith, of Gibson City, Illinois, and natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three chil- dren: Harriet Montfort; Eva Mae, married Claire Bishop, lives at Piper City, Illinois; and Virginia, married Watson McKee, lives at Piper City, Illinois.
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Politically, Doctor Montfort is a Republican. He holds membership in the Methodist Church, and has the follow- ing lodge affiliations: Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Olive Branch Lodge No. 38; Bloomsburg Consistory, thirty-second degree; Almas Temple, Washington, District of Columbia; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; and American Legion. He is a member of the Vermilion County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, and American Medical Association.
Edward M. Raimer is perhaps one of the best known of the younger business men of Danville, where he is asso- ciated with the Raimer Realty Developing Company. He is a native of this city, born February 19, 1901, the son of Edward I. and Millie (McKee) Raimer.
Edward I. Raimer, deceased, was a leading citizen of Danville for many years. He was born in Danville, where he spent his entire life. He was a manufacturing chemist and was one of the organizers of the Raimer & Heinley Company, later also organizing the Raimer Realty Devel- oping Company in 1901. He was identified with both of these organizations until the time of his death in 1924. He is buried in Springhill Cemetery, Danville. His widow lives in this city. Mr. Raimer was a Republican, a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332, and Loyal Order of Moose. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Raimer: John McKee, lives at Long Beach, California; Edward M., the subject of this sketch; Mack McKee, lives at Brooklyn, New York; and Amelia, lives at Danville.
Edward M. Raimer obtained his early schooling at Dan- ville, was graduated in 1921 from Saint John's Military Academy, and then attended the University of Illinois. He has since been identified with the interests of the
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Raimer Realty Developing Company and is responsible for the opening of the following sub-divisions of Danville's suburban area: Millie Raimer; Raimer's Orchard Hill Addition; Raimer's Orchard Hill Second Addition; Raim- er's Orchard Hill Third Addition; and Rose Lawn Heights. Mr. Raimer is especially interested in the planning and designing of homes to be built in these attractive sub- divisions and carries out his own ideas in the development of these additions.
In 1927 Mr. Raimer married Miss Elizabeth Swaim, the daughter of Will and Olive (Erickson) Swaim. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Danville.
Mr. Raimer is a Republican, a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332, Sigma Alpha Epsi- lon fraternity, Kiwanis Club, Danville Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Harvey C. Adams .- A man of varied activities in busi- ness and public life is Harvey C. Adams, who is president of the Danville Brick Company. He was born in Cass County, Indiana, February 2, 1870, the son of Lewis and Hannah (Schuman) Adams.
Lewis Adams was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1829. He was a well known merchant at Galveston, Indiana, for many years and in 1876 removed to Crawford County, Illi- nois, where he engaged in farming on LaMotte Prairie, later removing to Hutsonville, Illinois, where he lived re- tired. He died in 1903 and his wife, also a native of Ohio, died in 1918. They are buried at Hutsonville. Their chil- dren were: Frank R., Mrs. Sarah Doggalt, Lorena, Crowell, and Belle, all deceased; Mrs. Emma Bishop lives at Danville; Mrs. Anna Holderman, lives at Hutsonville, Illinois; and Harvey C., the subject of this sketch.
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