USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 5
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Mr. Partlow was born in Danville, February 6, 1867, the son of Asa and Mary (Murdock) Partlow. Asa Part- low was the founder of the Peoples Building Association in 1870, and in 1880 he organized the Equitable Building & Loan Association. He served as secretary until 1885 and was succeeded at that time to the office by his son, Edwin Reuben Partlow.
The education of Edwin Reuben Partlow was received in the public schools of Danville and following his gradua- tion from Danville High School in 1885 he immediately accepted the office of secretary of the Equitable Building & Loan Association.
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Mr. Partlow was married on September 19, 1893, to Miss Lorene Fanson. They had a daughter, Edna M. Syrcle, who lives in Danville.
Mr. Partlow held membership in St. James Methodist Church, of which he was a trustee, and he was affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Knights of Pythias; Olive Branch Lodge No. 38, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Danville Consistory, thirty- second degree; and Rotary Club. He was president of the Illinois League of Building Associations and for seven years was Illinois representative on the executive com- mittee of the United States League of Building Associa- tions.
John F. Fisher, civil engineer, with offices in the Dale Building, ranks among the prominent citizens of Danville. He was born near Indianola, Vermilion County, April 24, 1865, the son of Michael and Maryetta (Baum) Fisher.
Michael Fisher was born near Indianola, Vermilion County, in November, 1835, and died January 10, 1923. He was a graduate of Georgetown Seminary and taught school in Vermilion County. Later, he farmed near Em- poria, Kansas, and from there went to Missouri, and set- tled near Springfield, where he again taught school. Upon his return to Indianola, Illinois, he was married June 30, 1864, to Maryetta Baum, who was born there, in Febru- ary, 1845. She now resides at Sidell, Illinois. Mr. Fisher became interested in the nursery business and was the owner of fine orchards. He also owned and operated a hardware business from 1878 until 1904, at which time he retired. He was a Democrat and for several years served as justice of the peace. His wife held membership in the Methodist Church and he was a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Fisher is buried in Wood- lawn Cemetery, Indianola. The children born to Mr. and
JOHN F. FISHER
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Mrs. Fisher were: John F., the subject of this sketch; Maude, the widow of Joseph J. Sidell, lives at Sidell, Illi- nois; and Eva, married Harvey Sconce, lives at Sidell.
Michael Fisher was the son of David P. and Jane (Weaver) Fisher. He was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1809, and his wife was born in Clairmont County, Ohio, in 1813. He died in August, 1881, and she died in July, 1907. Both are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, In- dianola, Illinois. Their marriage took place in 1834. He had settled at Indianola in 1833, where he became success- ful as a farmer and stock raiser. Jane (Weaver) Fisher was the daughter of Michael and Mary (Spessard) Weaver. He was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, August 18, 1775, and his wife was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1875 Michael Weaver celebrated his 100th birthday anniversary. He died in October of that year and is buried in Weaver Cemetery. He had settled near Indianola about 1828 and became a farmer. He served in the War of 1812.
Maryetta (Baum) Fisher is the daughter of Dr. John W. and Harriet (Wendel) Baum, the former a na- tive of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. He died in 1854 and she died in 1889. Both are buried in Illinois.
John F. Fisher received his early education in the pub- lic schools of Indianola. He was graduated from the Uni- versity of Illinois in 1890 with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Civil Engineering. After leaving college he went to Chicago and was employed in the engineering de- partment of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later, he went with the Illinois Central Railroad, and finally was associated with W. L. Stebbings, consulting en- gineer, Chicago. In 1900 Mr. Fisher went to the Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, and served as engineer for the Interior Department of the United States Government, laying out town sites. This work was completed in De-
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cember, 1904, and Mr. Fisher then came to Danville, where he established private offices.
In 1900 Mr. Fisher married Miss Maude Songer, daughter of W. W. and Elsie Ellen (Shore) Songer. A sketch of W. W. Songer appears elsewhere in this history in the biography of Robert C. Songer. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have a daughter, Georgia, who is a graduate of Danville High School and the University of Arizona. She was also a student at the Alameda County Hospital, Oakland, Cali- fornia, and is now dietitian at Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona.
Mr. Fisher is a Republican and held the office of col- lector of Carroll Township, Vermilion County, in 1895-96. He is a member of the Methodist Church, Modern Wood- men of America, and Illinois Society of Engineers.
Richard H. Johnson .- Representative among the suc- cessful young men of Danville may be mentioned Richard H. Johnson, who is identified with Johnson's Printing House, 115 West Main Street. He is a native of this city, born August 20, 1895, the son of C. S. and Alma (Dillon) Johnson.
C. S. Johnson was born at Richmond, Kentucky, in 1862, the son of Richard Henderson and Susan (Goodwill) Johnson, the former a native of Lafayette, Indiana, and the latter of Kentucky. Mr. Johnson was a publisher and settled at Danville in 1866, where he was the founder of the old "Danville News" in 1872. He served as coroner of Vermilion County and was a leading citizen of his time. He died in 1911 and his wife died in 1910. They are buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville. She was an ardent lover of flowers and it was in honor of her beautiful flower garden, "Rose Lawn," that the new residential sec- tion of Danville was named. The son of Richard Hender-
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son Johnson was C. S., father of the subject of this sketch. When fourteen years of age he learned the printer's trade at Danville, having come to this city with his parents in 1866. In 1895 Mr. Johnson established a job printing com- pany, and it ranks among the city's leading business houses. They specialize in job printing, office supplies, and manufacture rubber stamps.
Mr. C. S. Johnson is a Republican, a member of the First Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen of America. Alma (Dillon) Johnson was born at Georgetown, Illinois, in 1862. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: Georgia Frances, lives at home; and Richard H., the subject of this sketch.
Richard H. Johnson grew up in Danville and obtained his early schooling here, being a graduate of Danville High School in the class of 1915. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at the University of Illinois in 1919. He volunteered for service during the World War and enlisted in the Ordnance Department, United States Army. He was stationed at Camp Hancock, later at Fort Sheri- dan, and finally at the Charleston General Ordnance Sup- ply Depot, South Carolina. He was discharged on March 14, 1919. Following his graduation from college, Mr. John- son went to Chicago where he was associated with Butler Brothers, as buyer. Later, he was buyer for Sears Roe- buck Company. He returned to Danville in 1921 and has since been connected with the Johnson Printing House.
In 1921 Mr. Johnson married Miss Dorothy Primm, the daughter of W. L. and Sarah E. (Webb) Primm, of Chi- cago, both now deceased. They have three children: Richard H., Jr., born in 1922; Hubert, born June 1, 1925; and Sarah Elizabeth, born September 1, 1928.
Mr. Johnson is a Republican and in 1928 was elected supervisor of Danville Township. He is a member of the First Church of Christ, Masonic Lodge, Elks Club, Amer- ican Legion, and "40 and 8" Society.
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William I. Bowman .- One of the well known men of Danville is William I. Bowman, portrait artist and com- mercial photographer. He was born near Fairmount, Ver- milion County, February 17, 1889, the son of Isaac N. and Rachael Elizabeth (Current) Bowman.
Isaac N. Bowman was born in Vermilion County, April 30, 1861, the son of William and Mary (Wiggins) Bowman, the former a native of Manchester, England, and the lat- ter of Vermilion County. William Bowman was a phar- macist and came to the United States about 1855. He and his wife are buried in Leonard Cemetery, near Danville. Their son, Isaac N. Bowman, engaged in general farming in Vermilion County for more than twenty years and in 1902 removed to Chanute, Kansas, where he owned and operated a farm until the time of his retirement in 1920. He is a Republican, a member of the United Brethren Church and Modern Woodmen of America. Rachael E. (Current) Bowman was born in Vermilion County, Decem- ber 8, 1865, the daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Lynch) Current. Both were natives of Vermilion County, where Mr. Current engaged in farming. He lives retired at Danville. His wife is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac N. Bowman were born five children: William I., the sub- ject of this sketch; Mary J., married Earl Wertz, lives at Chanute, Kansas; Harry M., a World War veteran, lives at Danville; Ruth M., married Oscar McClarren, lives at Chanute; and George N., lives at Danville.
William I. Bowman received his education in the public schools of Vermilion County and Chanute, Kansas. He also took a commercial course and at the same time studied photography. He began his business career in the Moore Studio, Chanute, Kansas. After coming to Danville in 1909 he was associated with the studio of A. R. Campbell until 1914, when he purchased Mr. Campbell's interest in the business. In July, 1925, Mr. Bowman removed to his present location, 22 North Hazel Street. He specializes
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in high grade portrait work and has also been official photographer for the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Rail- road for the past fifteen years.
April 20, 1913, Mr. Bowman married Lena Rader, the daughter of S. W. and Mary (Myers) Rader, of Marion, Indiana. He is chief engineer for the Western Brick Com- pany and now lives at Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are the parents of five children: William R., Gertrude, Dallas, and Robert, all students; and Herbert, born in 1916, died in 1924, buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Dan- ville.
Mr. Bowman holds membership in the First United Brethren Church, Olive Branch Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 38; Vermilion Chapter, Royal Arch Mason No. 182; Athlestan Commandery, Knight Templar No. 45; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Mo- hammed Temple; Loyal Order of Moose; Rotary Club; and Chamber of Commerce. He is a life member of the Am- ateur Trap Shooting Association, Vandalia, Ohio.
Mr. Bowman is a Republican.
John G. Hartshorn, retired, is numbered among the progressive men of Danville, where he has lived for more than thirty years. He was born at Corydon, Iowa, May 17, 1862, the son of William G. and Mary Ann (Thompson) Hartshorn.
William G. Hartshorn was a native of Dublin, Ireland. Early in life he went to Liverpool, England, where he was identified with one of the largest iron merchants as book- keeper and traveling salesman. After coming to this country he accepted a position as bookkeeper in St. Louis and later went to Keokuk, Iowa, and worked at the same occupation. After his health failed he went to Corydon, Iowa, where he published the first Republican newspaper,
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which was known as the Corydon "Monitor." He was elected United States Senator on the Republican ticket but died the same year, 1867. His wife, who was born in London, England, died March 10, 1903. Both are buried at Corydon, Iowa. They had five children: Mrs. Kate H. Hayes, born May 6, 1859, lives at Danville; William G., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history; John G., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. C. W. Martindale, born January 25, 1864, lives at Fargo, North Dakota; and Mrs. M. J. Elrod, born March 5, 1866, lives at Missoula, Montana.
John G. Hartshorn attended the schools of Corydon, Iowa. After his graduation from high school he was em- ployed as a clerk in the dry goods store of B. F. Miles for three years. He then became associated in the general mercantile business with his brother, William G. Harts- horn, at Pleasanton, Iowa. Later, he conducted a coal business at Dunreath, Iowa, from 1887 until 1898. In the latter year the brothers came to Danville, where they pur- chased the Economy Mine, as well as numerous other mines in this section. They also operated mines in Ohio and Indiana. Their interests in southern Illinois were sold in September, 1928, to the Truax Traer Coal Company. In 1922 the Hartshorn mining interests in and about Dan- ville were disposed of to the United Electric Coal Com- pany. Mr. Hartshorn maintains private offices in the Adams Building, Danville. His residence is at 1102 North Walnut Street.
On March 1, 1888, Mr. Hartshorn was united in mar- riage with Miss Minnie E. Shepherd, of Mt. Ayr, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph S. and Mary (Moore) Shepherd. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are deceased and are buried at Keosauqua, Iowa. He was a publisher at Keosauqua and Mount Ayr, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Hartshorn two children were born: Harry, died February 29, 1892; and Helen Carson, born May 6, 1897, lives at Danville.
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Politically, Mr. Hartshorn is a Republican. He is af- filiated with the Elks Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Rotary Club, and Danville Country Club. He has served as presi- dent of the Board of Education, Danville, and as president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was chairman of the Vermilion County Centennial Association.
Fred Bowman Penwell, of Danville, is recognized as one of the leading members of the Vermilion County bar. He was born in this city, September 2, 1878, the son of Frank W. and May (Bowman) Penwell.
Frank W. Penwell, deceased, was a leading attorney of Vermilion County. He was born near South Bend, Indi- ana, and following his graduation from Saint Joseph's Academy and the University of Michigan Law School he engaged in practice at Shelbyville, Illinois. He came to Danville in 1873, where he formed a partnership with a Mr. Henry, the firm being known as Henry & Penwell. In 1880 Mr. Penwell became associated with Frank Lindley, and that partnership continued until the retirement of Mr. Penwell in 1907. He died June 19, 1920, and is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville. His widow, born in New York, lives at Danville. Their children were: Fred Bowman, the subject of this sketch; Jeanette, married Dr. A. M. Miller, lives at Danville; and Edward E., lives at Danville.
The early education of Fred Bowman Penwell was re- ceived in the public schools of Danville. He attended Michigan Military Academy and in 1905 was graduated from the Law School of the University of Illinois. Mr. Penwell's first experience in legal work had come when he was employed as a clerk in the offices of Penwell & Lindley, of which his father was the senior member.
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After his father's retirement a reorganization of the firm in 1907 took place, and became known as Lindley, Penwell & Lindley, Frank Lindley being the senior mem- ber of the firm. At that time Walter C. Lindley, now United States Judge, also became a member of the firm, and the firm continued as Lindley, Penwell & Lindley until October, 1922, when Walter C. Lindley was appointed to the Federal Bench.
The firm was then again reorganized, Mr. Walter T. Gunn becoming the senior member, and Harold F. Lindley, of Chicago, becoming associated as a partner.
The firm is now known as Gunn, Penwell & Lindley, with offices in the Daniel Building.
Politically, Mr. Penwell is a Republican. He is affiliated with Olive Branch Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 38; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Sigma Chi fraternity; Danville Country Club; Union League Club of Chicago; and Chamber of Commerce. He is also identified with the Vermilion County Bar Association, Illi- nois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association.
Howard A. Swallow, who is identified with the firm of Swallow & Bookwalter, with offices in the First National Bank Building, Danville, is one of the leading members of the Vermilion County bar. He was born at Danville, August 18, 1878, the son of Charles M. and Clara (North- up) Swallow.
Charles M. Swallow was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Danville in 1871 and the following year was gradu- ated from the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the bar in 1872 and engaged in the practice of law at Danville continuously from that time until his retirement in 1899. Mr. Swallow married Miss Clara Northup, of
HOWARD A. SWALLOW
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Clark Summit, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. She died February 7, 1879. Howard A., the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
The early schooling of Howard A. Swallow was re- ceived in the schools of Danville. He was graduated from Keystone Academy, Factoryville, Pennsylvania, in 1896, and four years later from Brown University with the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1902 he was graduated from the Law School of Columbian University, Washington, Dis- trict of Columbia. Mr. Swallow established offices at Dan- ville in 1902, where he has since engaged in practice. From 1911 until 1915 he served as corporation counsel for the city of Danville, and from 1915 until 1921 was master in chancery. He is prominent in the business life of the city, being president of the United Electric Coal Companies and Danville Building Association, and director in the follow- ing companies: Electric Coal Company of Chicago; Dan- ville Building Association; Western Indiana Gravel Com- pany; United Electric Coal Companies and Illinois Electric Limestone Company.
Mr. Swallow married May 29, 1905, Miss Grace Mar- garet Hamilton, at Providence, Rhode Island. They have two children, Richard Hamilton and Barbara Northup.
Mr. Swallow holds membership in the Masonic and Elk lodges, Sigma Chi fraternity, Knights of Pythias, Loyal Order of Moose, Modern Woodmen of America, Brown Club of New York, and Union League Club of Chicago, and Medinah Athletic Club of Chicago.
Otto W. Longenecker, lawyer and present assistant state's attorney, is among the prominent Republicans of Danville and Vermilion County. He was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, March 12, 1883, the son of Samuel A. and Elvessa (Warner) Longenecker.
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Samuel A. Longenecker, retired, was born in Craw- ford County, Illinois, in 1852, the son of Benjamin F. and Lydia (Buzzard) Longenecker, who were natives of Lan- caster County, Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Illinois. He is buried in Ward Cemetery, Shelby County, Illinois, and his wife is buried in Charlottsville Cemetery, Law- rence County, Illinois. Their son, Samuel A. Longenecker, spent his early boyhood on his father's farm and through- out his active career engaged in farming in Lawrence County, Illinois, where he now lives retired. He is a Re- publican and has served as school director, commissioner and road supervisor. He holds membership in the Meth- odist Church. Elvessa (Warner) Longenecker was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, and died in 1921. She is buried in Lawrenceville Cemetery, Lawrenceville. She was the daughter of John W. and Harriet (Goffe) Warner, natives of Virginia and Illinois, respectively. Both are deceased and are buried in Charlottsville Cemetery, Law- rence County, Illinois. To Samuel A. and Elvessa (Warner) Longenecker were born four children: Minnie M., mar- ried J. Herman Highsmith, lives at Lawrenceville, Illinois; Roscoe C., who died in 1909; Otto W., the subject of this sketch; and Lena I., lives at home.
Otto W. Longenecker grew up in a rural locality and attended the country schools. He attended Central Nor- mal College, Danville, Indiana; Austin College, Effingham, Illinois; Illinois Wesleyan College; and graduated from the Bloomington Law School in 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In that year Mr. Longenecker was admitted to practice at the Illinois bar and in 1910 engaged in practice at Bridgeport, Illinois. Later, he purchased an interest in an abstract firm at Lawrenceville, Illinois, and also established law offices at that place. From 1914 until 1918 he served as county judge of Lawrence County, and in the latter year removed to Danville, where he be- came associated with the Vermilion Abstract Company.
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From 1920 until 1924 he served as state's attorney for Lawrence County, and in January, 1925, became assistant state's attorney for Vermilion County.
In 1910 Mr. Longenecker married Martha May Miles, daughter of John W. and Mary (Burcelle) Miles, the for- mer a native of Lawrence County, and the latter of Craw- ford County, Illinois. He died in May, 1928, and she died in 1924. Both are buried at Charlottsville, Illinois. He was a farmer and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Longenecker have a son, Hal A., born in 1912. He attends Oakwood High School.
Mr. Longenecker is a member of Saint James Methodist Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Edward Dobbins Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 164, Law- renceville; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332; Court of Honor; Modern Woodmen of America; Vermilion County Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; and American Bar Association.
Roscoe Simpson Fairchild is among the well known and highly esteemed men of Danville, where he is secretary of the Danville Benefit & Building Association. He was born on a farm ten miles northwest of Danville in the Fair- child neighborhood, May 12, 1878, the son of Harrison and Sarah E. (Lanham) Fairchild.
Harrison Fairchild was born near Danville, December 25, 1840, the son of Daniel and Lucy (Hemenway) Fair- child. Daniel Fairchild was a pioneer Methodist circuit rider. His son, Harrison, became a progressive and suc- cessful farmer, who was interested in educating a family of twelve children. He spent four years in service during the Civil War as a member of Company B, Twenty-fifth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was an active churchman, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal
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Church. Mr. Fairchild died February 14, 1917, and his wife, born at Jamesburg, Illinois, September 11, 1845, died December 28, 1904. Both are buried in Springhill Cem- etery, Danville. Their children were: Rev. W. D., area secretary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Chicago, Illi- nois; Mrs. Lillie Jane Crawford, lives at Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Effie Bennett, lives at Hammond, Indiana; Oscar H., chemical and mining engineer, lives at Chicago, Illinois; John L., farmer, lives at Danville; Mrs. Ethel Church, lives at Elkhart, Indiana; Mrs. Bessie Coil, lives at Ida Grove, Iowa; Mrs. Ruby Johnson, lives at Danville; Harry V., mining engineer, lives at Leadville, Colorado; Albert K., farmer, Ida Grove, Iowa; and Roscoe Simpson, the subject of this sketch.
Roscoe Simpson Fairchild spent his boyhood on a farm ten miles northwest of Danville. Following his graduation from Danville High School in 1899 he taught school. He became principal of Roselawn School before entering the University of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1907. He had studied in the department of philosophy and divinity and entered the ministry of the Methodist Epis- copal Church in Colorado in 1908 after spending one year in business training in the Otero County Bank at Ordway, Colorado. Mr. Fairchild felt that this business training was helpful in conducting the affairs of his church and also that this western experience would give him a liberal view as a minister. Among the churches served by him were: Durango, Colorado, from which church he came to Rantoul, Illinois, in 1915; other churches served in Illinois were Casey, Farmer City, and Beardstown. He was the son-in-law of M. J. Wolford and upon the death of his son, Harold Wolford, Mr. Fairchild was asked to come to Dan- ville and take up work in connection with the Danville Benefit & Building Association. Soon after the death of Mr. Wolford in 1928 he was elected secretary of this asso- ciation in 1929. This association is one of the oldest and
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largest in Illinois. Mr. Fairchild believed in accepting this office that all work done well contributes to the welfare of humanity, even though it be in the field of business. He is also interested in music and has sung leading parts in several operas with the Danville Choral Society. He is a graduate of the Gottschalk School of Music, Chicago.
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