USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 7
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
627
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
the last day of the battle. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg. He saw service in nearly all the im- portant engagements in the Civil War, and was honorably discharged at Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia, June 13, 1865, as a second lieutenant.
In 1866 Mr. Wolford came to Illinois, first locating in Arcola, Douglas County, where he taught school for two terms. He then accepted a position as cashier of the Can- non & Wyeth Bank, remaining there until the firm moved to Danville. He then went with his brother-in-law, J. C. Justice, in the banking business. In October, 1875, he re- moved to Danville and went with the Vermilion County Bank. Later he went with the L. T. & C. J. Palmer Broth- ers in their loan office. In 1880 he was elected secretary of the Danville Benefit & Building Association, and also carried on an insurance business. On May 2, 1892, he with Messrs. Palmer, organized the Palmer National Bank, and Mr. Wolford was the first cashier and served in that capacity until 1902, when he was elected president and held that position until his death. He also served as secretary of the old Danville Opera House Company and director of the Vermilion County Abstract Company. For years he was on the board of directors and president of the Lake- view Hospital, and was a prominent figure in promoting and building the new addition to the hospital. He was also largely instrumental in making the Young Women's Christian Association Building a realization, and he was an important figure in the building of the Salvation Army Citadel, Old Ladies Home, and Young Men's Christian Association.
The Hotel Wolford was named in honor of Mr. Wolford and it is situated on the old Wolford homestead in Danville.
In 1873 Mr. Wolford married Miss Maude S. Blackwell, of Arcola, Illinois, born January 21, 1848, at New Bern, North Carolina. She lives at Danville. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolford were born the following children: Ann Selby,
628
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
born November 17, 1873, the widow of Orndorf Long Ridgely; Frances McCann, born February 19, 1875, died October 28, 1884; Maude Blackwell, born October 8, 1876, married Charles Frederick Shane, Danville, Illinois, and they have two children, Wolford Milton, born September 22, 1907, and John W., born February 11, 1916; Sarah Wicks, born June 26, 1882, married Roscoe Simpson Fair- child, Danville, Illinois, and they have two children, Roscoe W., born June 18, 1917, and Harold B., born March 27, 1921; Albert Milton, born March 22, 1889, died October 22, 1899; and Harold Earnest, born July 23, 1891, died March 9, 1924. He married, October 3, 1913, Margaret Herbst. She resides in Danville. Two children were born to this union, Mary Jane, born July 8, 1914, and Milton John, born Jan- uary 19, 1916.
Mr. Wolford was affiliated with the Elks Club, Grand Army of the Republic, Sons of the Revolution, and Young Men's Christian Association.
The European ancestors of Mr. Wolford were French Huguenots. In other words, they were French Protestant refugees, who were stoned out of France during the relig- ious wars of the sixteenth century. They took refuge in the mountains of Switzerland, from whence they came directly to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. The progenitor of this line in America, Johannes Wolfort, landed at the port of Philadelphia in 1739. His son, George Wolfort, served in the War of the American Revolution as a private in Capt. Joseph Gear's Company, Ninth Battalion, for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and under Col. J. Huber for 1778.
Milton John Wolford was the son of Jacob and Lavina (Adams) Wolford. He was born in Slippery Rock Town- ship, Butler County, Pennsylvania, April 22, 1817, and died August 21, 1897. His wife was born August 9, 1817, and died in September, 1902. They were married July 4, 1839, and spent their entire lives in Butler County. Their chil-
629
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
dren were: Perry, born June 25, 1840, died in 1905; Eme- line, born April 13, 1842, deceased; Milton John, the subject of this sketch; Lewis I., born January 27, 1846, died in 1913; Charlotte, born February 18, 1848, died October 20, 1864; Sarah Margaret, born October 25, 1854, deceased; John R., born March 31, 1857, died May 21, 1872; and Ange- line, born August 8, 1859.
Jacob Wolford was the son of Henry and Mary (Frick) Wolford. He was born in Westmoreland County, Penn- sylvania, and died in 1856. She was born there and died in June, 1868. They came to Blacktown, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1807, and later removed to Slippery Rock Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania. Finally, they located in Cherry Township, Butler County. The first school house in Butler County was erected on the Wolford clearing near Centreville.
John F. Twomey .- Prominent among the young attor- neys of Danville may be mentioned John F. Twomey, who is engaged in practice with Hugh E. Bouton, with offices in the Adams Building. Mr. Twomey was born at Kanka- kee, Illinois, November 26, 1900, the son of Daniel E. and Martha (Creighen) Twomey.
Daniel E. Twomey was born in Bedford, Indiana, in 1863. His wife was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1865, and came to this country with her parents in 1877. Mr. Twomey entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail- road in 1881, at the age of nineteen years, and retired from the company's employ in November, 1927, as a pas- senger conductor. He is a member of Holy Trinity Catho- lic Church, Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hiber- nians, and Holy Name Society. Mr. and Mrs. Twomey reside at Bloomington, Illinois. They are the parents of the following children: Marie, married Raymond Brady,
630
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
lives at Cheyenne, Wyoming; Florence, married A. J. Zehnedner, lives at Huntington, Indiana; Edward, lives at Bloomington, Illinois, is a World War veteran, having served in France with the Three Hundred and Fifth Motor Transport Corps; Mildred, school teacher, Chicago, Illi- nois; and John F., the subject of this sketch.
John F. Twomey received his education in the parochial schools of Bloomington, Illinois, and in 1918 was gradu- ated from St. Mary's High School. He received his degree from the Law School of Illinois Wesleyan University in 1924, and was admitted to the bar of Illinois on October 16, 1924. Mr. Twomey came to Danville at that date and established offices in the First National Bank Building. He has been associated in practice with Mr. Bouton since July 1, 1928. On July 1, 1929, Circuit Judge S. Murray Clark appointed Mr. Twomey Adult Probation Officer of Vermilion County.
Mr. Twomey is a Republican and a member of the board of supervisors of Vermilion County. He was sena- torial committeeman of this district in 1928. He holds membership in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Twomey is not married.
John H. Lewman .- As a practicing attorney, the career of John H. Lewman has been identified with the city of Danville for almost thirty-five years. Mr. Lewman was born at Danville, December 28, 1866, the son of Hugh and Mary (Liggett) Lewman.
The paternal grandfather of John H. Lewman, James Lewman, was a native of Kentucky. He was among the earliest settlers of Vermilion County and became a suc- cessful farmer. He sold his land in 1875 and removed to Kansas, where he died. Jesse Liggett, maternal grand-
631
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia in 1805 and was only a year old when his parents brought him to Ohio, where he lived until 1835. He then came to Vermilion County and entered a tract of land in Pilot Township, where he lived until his death in 1898.
Hugh Lewman was interested in agriculture through- out his life and owned a well improved farm in Vermilion County. He died in 1869. His wife is also deceased. Their sons were: W. C., postmaster of Danville; and John H., the subject of this sketch.
John H. Lewman spent his boyhood on a farm and was educated in the country schools of Vermilion County. Fol- lowing his graduation from Danville High School in 1888 he taught school at Danville for a short time. He then spent two years at Cornell University and in 1894 was graduated from the Law School of the University of Michigan. During that year he was admitted to the bar of Vermilion County. Mr. Lewman has taken an active part in public affairs. In 1899 he was elected city attorney of the city of Danville and was re-elected twice, serving in that office for six years. He was elected mayor of Dan- ville in 1905 and re-elected in 1907. In 1908 he was elected State's Attorney.
In 1898 John H. Lewman enlisted in Battery A, First Illinois Volunteers, for service in the Spanish-American War and served in Porto Rico. He was honorably dis- charged in the fall of 1898 as sergeant and became an officer in the Illinois National Guard in 1899. He was pro- moted to captain in 1904 and resigned from the service in 1909. In 1918, with Oscar P. Yeager, he organized the Tenth Regiment, Illinois National Guard, and became Lieu- tenant Colonel of this regiment. He served until 1921 when he resigned.
John H. Lewman is identified with the Vermilion County Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Asso- ciation. He is a member of Olive Branch Lodge, Ancient
632
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Free and Accepted Masons, No. 38; Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree; Ansar Temple; Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, No. 332; and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is also a member of United Spanish-American War Veterans Camp Egbert No. 1, Past Commander.
Asa M. Bushnell .- The years that cover the active busi- ness career of Asa M. Bushnell, who is president of the American Bank & Trust Company, Danville, have chron- icled his success as the result of determined and persistent purpose and close application. He is well known as a financier, but has also identified himself with various other enterprises which have materially advanced the interests of the city and county. Throughout his entire career he has retained the high regard of a large circle of friends- a fact indicative that his pronounced traits of character are those which everywhere command confidence and trust.
A native of Illinois, Mr. Bushnell was born in Cook County, December 8, 1849, his parents being Henry and Lavina (Dayton) Bushnell, who were natives of Ohio and New Jersey, respectively. Before his marriage the father came west becoming one of the early settlers of Cook County, Illinois, and he purchased a farm in Blue Island, which he operated for a number of years. In 1854, how- ever, he removed to Vermilion County, taking up his resi- dence about ten miles east of Danville, where he continued in agricultural pursuits for a few years. At the end of that time, however, he returned to Cook County, where he made his home during the Civil War. He was the first man drafted from that county but his services were re- fused and the company he organized there was given to another. After the close of the war he again came to Ver- milion County but in 1874 removed to California and spent the remainder of his life in Monterey County, his time and
633
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
attention being devoted to farming. His death occurred there March 19, 1901.
In the acquirement of an education, Asa M. Bushnell attended the grade schools of Cook County, Illinois, Marion Academy in Indiana, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago. Upon the home farm he spent his boy- hood days, remaining under the paternal roof until twen- ty-two years of age. He engaged in clerking for the firm of Gundy Brothers at Myersville, Vermilion County, for one year and in 1873 opened a store of his own at Bis- marck, Vermilion County, which he conducted for twenty years. While engaged in business there he also served as postmaster for eighteen years, one term of this time being under the administration of President Cleveland, although he is a strong Republican. While residing at Bismarck he also served as school director for several years. It was in 1894 that Mr. Bushnell removed to Danville, where he was first engaged in the music business, purchasing his stock from the firm of Lyon & Healy, of Chicago, but a few months later he sold out and bought an interest in the im- plement and hardware business with J. B. Chambers, with whom he was connected for seven years. On disposal of his interests in that enterprise he organized the Danville Wholesale Grocery Company, but sold out at the end of a year and in 1907 organized the American Bank & Trust Company, of which he has since been its president. The bank has steadily prospered and is regarded as one of the safest and most conservative financial institutions of east- ern Illinois. The building it occupies and the one ad- joining it are owned by Mr. Bushnell, who still owns a fine farm near Bismarck.
Mr. Bushnell carried into the banking business the friendly courtesy for his customers, learned in his many years as a merchant, and the patrons of the American Bank & Trust Company are welcomed as they pass the president's desk with a cheery "Hello, George," and
634
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
"Howdy, Charlie," which has done much to increase the business of the institution.
On October 15, 1873, Mr. Bushnell married Miss Willa M. Shockley, a native of Ohio. Their family numbers three sons and a daughter, as follows: Clyde H., farmer, lives in Vermilion County; Frank, broker, lives at Wichita, Kansas; Mabel, married O. H. Fairchilds, of Chicago and they have two children; and Asa Barton, merchant, lives at Danville.
Fraternally, Mr. Bushnell is affiliated with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Modern Woodmen of America. He at- tends the Methodist Church.
A man of good business and executive ability, Mr. Bushnell has met with excellent success in his undertak- ings, and is today numbered among the men of affluence in Danville. He has known the pleasure of success, not simply in the pecuniary reward that has come to him, but also in that enjoyment which comes in the accomplishment of what one undertakes. He has ever persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and is now numbered among those who are the factors in Vermilion County's material upbuilding. He is a splendid type of the Ameri- can business man, alert, energetic, and determined, carry- ing forward to successful completion whatever he under- takes.
James A. Foster, well known in Danville as the efficient cashier of the American Bank & Trust Company, was born at Newark, West Virginia, May 4, 1873, the son of Thomas and Mary (Hustead) Foster.
The Foster family is of English descent. Thomas Fos- ter was born in Wirt County, West Virginia, and through- out his life engaged in the mercantile and lumber business.
635
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
He served as sheriff and treasurer of Wirt County, West Virginia. He died in 1917 and his wife died in 1920. Both are buried at Newark, West Virginia. Mary (Hu- stead) Foster was born in the Ohio Valley, her ancestors being of French extraction. There were three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Foster: Lena, died at the age of eigh- teen years; Frances, married William Bailey, lives at Oil- ton, Oklahoma; and James A., the subject of this sketch.
James A. Foster was educated in the grade and high schools of Elizabeth, West Virginia. Shortly after com- pleting his schooling he came to Illinois, locating at Ridge- farm, in Vermilion County, where he secured a clerkship in the Farmers State Bank, in which institution he rose to the position of cashier. Subsequently, he assumed the du- ties of assistant cashier in the State Bank of Danville, after reorganized as the Danville National Bank, and he was so serving when in May, 1907, in association with Asa M. Bushnell and Alonzo L. Lyons, he established the American Bank & Trust Company, of Danville. Mr. Foster was elected cashier of the newly organized institution, with which he has thus been officially identified during the en- tire period of its existence, and to the continued success of which he has contributed in material measure. He belongs to various banking associations and formerly served as chairman of the Vermilion County Federation.
In 1901 Mr. Foster married Mary E. Bines, the daugh- ter of William M. Bines, of Ridgefarm, Illinois. Mr. Bines was a prominent Democrat who represented his district in the State Legislature, and also served the people of his community in various other offices of public trust and re- sponsibility.
Mr. and Mrs. Foster are the parents of a daughter, Mary, who attends the Western College for Women, Ox- ford, Ohio.
636
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Mr. Foster is a stanch Republican and is affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Anchor Lodge; and Danville Consistory, thirty-second degree. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. His wife holds mem- bership in the Presbyterian Church.
The American Bank & Trust Company, of Danville, was established in May, 1907, by A. M. Bushnell, Alonzo L. Lyons, W. M. Acton, and J. A. Foster. Its first officers were as follows: A. M. Bushnell, president; A. L. Lyons, vice president; and J. A. Foster, cashier.
The capital stock was fixed at $100,000.00. It has been augmented since by a surplus of $75,000.00, undi- vided profits, capital and surplus of over $300,000.00, which places the American Bank & Trust Company on the honor roll of Illinois financial institutions.
The present officers and directors of the American Bank & Trust Company are, as follows: A. M. Bushnell, president; W. M. Acton, vice president; J. A. Foster, cashier; L. O. Froman and E. H. Bleveans, assistant cashiers: and J. H. Willett, trust officer. Directors: W. M. Acton, W. F. Banta, N. J. Basch, H. F. Brown, A. M. Bushnell, H. C. Darnall, August Faulstick, J. A. Foster, and C. W. Johns.
A. M. Bushnell and J. A. Foster, to whom largely be- longs the credit for the growth of the institution, have been squarely backed by the board of directors, which is composed of some of Danville's outstanding citizens. The quarters of the American Bank & Trust Company, which have been maintained in the same building from the be- ginning, were modernized for banking purposes and are modern in every detail.
637
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
Robert W. Johnson .- One of the most prominent of the younger attorneys of Danville may be found in Robert W. Johnson, who has offices in the Daniel Building. He is a native of this city, born October 13, 1903, the son of Archibald G. and Julia (Young) Johnson.
Archibald G. Johnson is a native of Danville, the son of Richard H. and Susan (Goodloe) Johnson. Both were born near Richmond, Kentucky. Richard H. Johnson came to Danville early in life and was prominent in newspaper circles, being editor of the Danville News for many years. He was also correspondent for several western news- papers. Both he and his wife are buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville. Their son, Archibald G. Johnson, obtained a good education in the schools of Vermilion County. Early in life he was interested in the grocery business and later became associated with C. M. Young in the furniture business at Danville. After the latter's retirement Mr. Johnson continued the business until 1910, when he retired. He then became interested in the real estate business, with which he is now connected, ranking among the leading realtors of the city. Mr. Johnson is a Republican and has served as alderman of the Seventh Ward. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Julia (Young) Johnson, who died March 30, 1928, was a native of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and the daughter of Cornelius M. and Alice (Welsheimer) Young, natives of Indiana, both now deceased. Mr. Young became a suc- cessful furniture dealer of Danville and it was he who was associated in business for many years with Archibald G. Johnson. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: Robert W., the subject of this sketch; and Archi- bald, Jr., who attends the University of Illinois.
Robert W. Johnson was educated in the public schools of Danville and following his graduation from Danville High School in 1921 he attended Wabash College for two
638
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
years. He then entered the Law School of the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1926. He was admitted to practice before the Illinois Bar in December of that year and then became associated in practice with the firm of Lewman & Carter, attorneys, Danville. Mr. John- son was subsequently admitted to practice before the Federal Courts.
Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, Kappi Phi, Alpha Delta Phi, and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, and Young Men's Christian Association. He is past secretary and treasurer of the Vermilion County Bar Association and is a member of the American Business Club.
Woods Hibbard Martin .- Recognized as one of the most influential citizens of Danville, where he is identified with the Second National Bank as executive vice presi- dent, is Woods Hibbard Martin. He was born at Shelby- ville, Illinois, June 25, 1882, the son of Elgin Homer and Mary (Sylvester) Martin.
Both Elgin Homer Martin and his wife are natives of Illinois. Throughout his active career he engaged in the printing business. He now lives retired at Wilmer, Ala- bama. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin: Carlie E. Johnson, lives at Wilmer, Alabama; Bartlett F., lives at San Francisco, California; George M., lives at Danville; Ward E., lives at Wilmer, Alabama; Harry W., lives at Mobile, Alabama; and Woods Hibbard, the subject of this sketch.
Woods Hibbard Martin began life as a newsboy. He later learned the printer's trade and in February, 1906, entered the services of the Second National Bank of Dan- ville as a messenger. He became collection clerk, general bookkeeper, and subsequently teller, being elected assis-
639
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
tant cashier on May 19, 1909. He became cashier of the institution August 10, 1925, and vice president and cashier on January 12, 1926. Mr. Martin has served in his present capacity as executive vice president since January 8, 1929.
On December 3, 1912, Mr. Martin married Miss Mildred L. Erickson, of Danville, the daughter of L. M. and Nettie (Tyler) Erickson, of Iowa and Indiana, respectively. At present Mr. and Mrs. Erickson are residents of Danville. There are three children in the Martin family: Robert Woods, Jeanne Louise, and Barbara Ann, all students.
Politically, Mr. Martin is identified with the Republican party; a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 332, Past Exalted Ruler; and president of Piankeshaw Council, Boy Scouts of America. He served four years as a member of Company H, Fourth Illinois Infantry.
Eldon LeRoy Mclaughlin, who is successfully engaged in the practice of law at Danville, with offices in the Daniel Building, is among the leading young lawyers of Vermilion County. He was born at Elkhart, Indiana, January 14, 1903, the son of Abraham Weldy and Dora Salome (Stal- ter) Mclaughlin.
Abraham Weldy Mclaughlin was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. He spent his boyhood on a farm and became well known as a teacher of music. Later, he became a carpenter. He died October 15, 1911, and is buried at Elk- hart, Indiana. Mr. Mclaughlin was a Democrat and a member of the Mennonite Church. His wife was born in Allen County, Ohio. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin: Grover Cleveland, lives at Elkhart, Indiana; Lloyd, deceased; Harry, deceased; Nellie, deceased; Frederick Luther, lives at Elkhart, In- diana, is a World War veteran, having served with the rank of second lieutenant; Eldon LeRoy, the subject of
640
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
this sketch; John Willard, lives at Elkhart, Indiana; and Joy Lucille, lives at home.
Eldon LeRoy Mclaughlin attended the public schools of Elkhart, and in 1927 was graduated from the Law School of the University of Illinois. He was admitted to the bar on October 15, 1927, and came to Danville in Feb- ruary, 1928. He was later admitted to practice in the Federal Court.
Mr. Mclaughlin is a Republican. He holds member- ship in St. James Methodist Episcopal Church, being a member of the choir. He belongs to Delta Theta Phi and Phi Eta Sigma fraternities, and Young Men's Christian Association. While a student at the University of Illinois, Mr. Mclaughlin took an active part in athletics, being a member of the freshman varsity track teams. He also made freshman honors at the University.
Ralph L. McCalman, who is president of R. McCalman, Inc., Danville, ranks among the city's most influential busi- ness men. He was born at Wilson, Wisconsin, October 20, 1871, the son of John and Lucy (Lynde) McCalman.
John McCalman was born at Glasgow, Scotland. He was graduated from Glasgow University when 21 years of age and soon after came to the United States, where he followed his profession as construction engineer. He en- gaged in railroad construction work in Michigan, and was identified with the building of the Wisconsin Central Rail- road, Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, and London, Hu- ron & Bruce Railroad. His activities took him through the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He retired in 1912 and lived at Traverse City, Mich., until his death in 1914. His wife, born at Rock Island, Illinois, died in 1928. Both are buried at Traverse City, Michigan. Mr. McCalman
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.