USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 11
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On December 24, 1881, Mr. Creighton was united in marriage to Miss Elzora Gerard. Of this union three children were born, one of whom is living, Clar- ence Elmer, a farmer of Pilot township, this county. Mrs. Creighton departed
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this life May 21, 1887, while the family were living near Hitchcock, Dakota. On October 15, 1891, Mr. Creighton was married to Miss Susanna Frye, a na- tive of Waynesburg, Greene county, Pennsylvania, where she was born June 2, 1867. She is the daughter of Harvey and Miranda Frye, both now deceased. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frye, two sons and four daughters. Four children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Creighton : Harvey, who is now deceased; William Ralph, born April 3, 1897; Laura Naomi, born October 4, 1901 ; and Lowell Wesley, born May 30, 1906.
Mr. Creighton was reared a democrat but, having observed the evil effects of alcoholic liquors, he has for some years been a strong advocate of prohibition. He has never sought political preferment but has served as school director of his district. In his boyhood the subject of this review experienced a religious conversion which has been one of the important forces in controlling his life and the effect of which is to be perceived in much of the work he has accom- plished. At the age of twelve he gave five dollars toward the construction of his home church, No. 10 Christian church, two dollars of which was earned in the harvest field of a neighbor on the Fourth of July. For six years past he has been president of the Loyal Sunday School Army of Vermilion county, one of the great rejuvenating forces of this part of the state. For four years he served as superintendent of the Pilot township Sunday schools and since 1900 he has been presiding elder of the Church of Christ. In all his acts he aims to be controlled by the great Book whose teachings he has always regarded as directly inspired and as the only safe guidance in life.
HENRY LLOYD.
Illinois has drawn many of her enterprising residents from the old world- young men who have come across the water to enjoy the better business oppor- tunities of the United States, where competition is greater but where success is more quickly secured. Among those whom England has contributed to the citizenship of the state is numbered Henry Lloyd, one of the extensive land- owners and substantial agriculturists of Vermilion county. He was born on the 5th of April, 1841, a son of Richard R. and Susan B. (Wicks) Lloyd, who were also natives of England, where their entire lives were spent. Of their fam- ily of seven children only two are now living, the elder son, William, making his home in London, England, where he is employed as government inspector of meats.
The other surviving member of the family, Henry Lloyd, was reared in his parents' home in England and in that country acquired a good common- school education. He was but seventeen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic, the call of America proving too alluring to resist. He landed on the shores of the new world in 1858 and immediately made his way to Illinois, locating in Vermilion county, where for two years he followed the carpenter's trade. He then rented a farm and was identified with agricultural pursuits until 1862, when, putting aside all personal interests, he responded to the call
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of his adopted country and enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry. He remained with his regiment throughout the remainder of the war and in the meantime took part in many important battles, while he also participated in Sherman's famous march to the sea. After three years of hard service he was mustered out at Washington, D. C., and returned to Illinois with a most creditable military career.
Upon his return to civil life Mr. Lloyd again located in Vermilion county, where he purchased a large number of cattle and other stock and was engaged in the butchering business for two years, after which he invested in eighty acres of land in Catlin township, upon which he made his home for six years. At the expiration of that period he sold out and purchased a tract of land ad- joining the corporation limits of Catlin, consisting of two hundred and forty acres of the Harvey Sandusky estate. Upon this farm he has since continued to make his home, devoting his time and energies to its further development, and with the passing years his well directed efforts have brought it under a high state of cultivation, making of it one of the well improved properties of the township. He has been most successful as an agriculturist, as is indicated by the fact that that he has been able, from time to time, to add to his landed possessions until he now owns, besides his home farm, fifty acres elsewhere in Catlin township, and five hundred and twenty acres of land in Kansas, con- stituting him one of the large property holders in his section of the county. Placing his dependence entirely upon the safe and substantial foundation of energy and wise management, he has worked his way upward in the agricultural world until his present enviable position has been reached, being recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers of Catlin township. He has, however, to some extent withdrawn from active life, leaving the management of his farm to his sons, and is now, after many years of earnest toil and unfaltering labor, able to enjoy in well earned rest the comforts afforded by a substantial com- petency.
It was in 1861 that Mr. Lloyd was united in marriage, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Church, who was also a native of England, her birth occur- ring in London. She is one of two surviving members in a family of nine children who were born to Henry and Sophia (Puzey) Church, now deceased. The parents, who were both born in England, came to America in 1850 and here passed their remaining days. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd were born ten children, four of whom died in infancy. The others were: Edwin, who has now passed away; Frederick R., operating a portion of the home farm; Louisa M., the wife of A. Wolfe, of Vermilion county; Alice S., who married F. H. Meneley, of this county; Edwin H., also engaged in farming on the home place; and William R., now deceased.
Mrs. Lloyd holds membership in the Presbyterian church of Cat- lin, while Mr. Lloyd is identified with Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled part of the chairs. In politics he gives stanch allegiance to the republican party and has been active in the public Mr. Lloyd is identified with Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M., in which life of the community for a number of years, serving for six years as commis-
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sioner, as collector for two years and as a member of the school board for six years, in every instance manifesting a loyal devotion to duty that won for him the approval and commendation of his fellow citizens. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been awarded due recognition of earnest labor, for with the passing years he has found the opportunity for advance- ment which he sought in the new world and has never had occasion to regret his decision to try his fortunes here. Moreover, his adopted country has ever found in him a stanch advocate of her laws and institutions, remaining as loyal a citizen in the time of peace as when he championed the cause of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war.
JOSEPH C. VANCE.
Joseph C. Vance, whose life record covered the intervening years between the 2d of June, 1844, and the 17th of January, 1904, was during that period a resident of Vermilion county, spending a considerable portion of the time in Danville. His life was characterized by unfaltering loyalty in every relation. He proved himself a valorous soldier upon the field of battle and a trustworthy official in his home locality. Those who knew him - and he had a wide ac- quaintance - spoke of him only in terms of high regard.
He was born in Oakwood township, a son of John W. and Deziah (Rath- bone) Vance. The father was a native of Germany, where he spent his early boyhood, and then crossed the Atlantic with his parents in 1822. They did not tarry on the eastern coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling in Oakwood township, Vermilion county. It was upon the old homestead farm there that John W. Vance was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Later he conducted salt works and also engaged in farming on his own account. His business affairs were capably managed and his careful control of the interests that were his brought him in time to a position among the successful business men of the city. He died in 1856 at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife survived him for nine years, passing away in 1865 at the age of fifty-two years. They were the parents of nine children but only two are now living : Lena G., the wife of Samuel Tilton, of Catlin, this county; and Bridget, who is living in Danville.
The district schools of Vermilion county afforded Joseph C. Vance his early educational privileges. He attended school until fourteen years of age and then, putting aside his text-books, started out to make his own way in the world. He was identified with farming interests in his native township for some time and in 1888 became a resident of Danville. During much of the period of his resi- dence here he was connected with official service and for five years was a capable member of the police force. He was afterward appointed to the office of deputy sheriff under J. W. Newlon, serving for three years, and in 1899 he was elected justice of the peace to fill out the unexpired term of Park T. Martin. The capability which he displayed during that period led to he elec-
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tion for the office at the regular election in the spring of 1901. He never faltered in the performance of any duty and his official service was always mentioned in terms of respect and admiration.
Mr. Vance gave no greater proof of his loyalty to the best interests of the country than by his active service on southern battle fields at the time of the Civil war. In the second year of that long sanguinary struggle he offered his services to the government, being assigned to duty with Company A, Seventy- first Illinois Regiment, and on the expiration of his term of three months he reenlisted, becoming a member of Company F, Twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry. His service included the march to the sea under General Sherman, a march that proved the inefficiency of the Confederate troops to defend the interior, their forces having already been drawn to the border. He took part in all of the engagements of the Atlanta campaign in 1864 and was on active duty with his command until mustered out at the close of hostilities, receiving an honorable discharge in July, 1865. His was a creditable military record, characterized by unswerving fidelity whether on the field of battle or on the lonely picket line. He never questioned the right of the officers to give commands for required ser- vice, and was actuated at all times by the loyal spirit that prompted thousands of brave men to leave their homes in the north and upon southern battlefields de- fend the Union cause.
In 1869 occurred the marriage of Joseph Vance and Miss Lydia E. Mathew- man, of this county. Unto them were born six children: Alta, who is now the wife of James Garringer ; John F .; Alberta, who married Samuel Sailor; Joseph- ine; Ethel; and Deane. Mr. Vance was identified with a number of fraternities including the Knights of the Globe, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons, and in his life he exemplified the beneficent principles upon which those orders are founded. His political support was always given to the republican party and never in his life did he waver in his allegiance to a political principle or or to any cause which he believed would prove of direct benefit. He was about sixty years of age at the time of his death, which caused deep regret among his many friends, who had learned to esteem him for his worth. Although he did not seek to figure prominently before the public, he came to be known through- out the community as an exemplary citizen, as a faithful husband and father and as a reliable and trustworthy business man.
JOHN PARK.
Among those who have contributed to the commercial and agricultural de- velopment of Hoopeston and the surrounding country John Park was numbered. He lived to a ripe old age, winning the respect and confidence of his fellowmen by an upright, honorable life that conformed to the highest standards of man- hood. He started upon life's journey on the 22d of February, 1822, and passed the eighty-sixth milestone, his death having occurred on the 28th of August, 1908. His parents were William and Jane (Anderson) Park, pioneer settlers of Jeffer- son county, Indiana, and natives of Scotland. In early life they left the land
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of hills and heather and soon after reaching American shores became residents of Indiana. The father was a farmer and mason, and his life was one of un- tiring industry.
Reared under the parental roof, lessons of industry and integrity were early impressed upon the mind of John Park and in later years bore rich fruit in his life. His education was acquired in the district schools of Jefferson county, Indiana, which were somewhat primitive in character owing to the pioneer condi- tion of the community. However, he mastered the lessons therein taught and in the school of experience as the years went by continually broadened his knowl- edge, becoming in time a practical business man. In his youthful days he as- sisted in the operation of the home farm and remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account by leasing a farm near by. There he continuel to till the soil for some time and also purchased timber land and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, which he shipped to Louisville, Kentucky. His business interests grew in volume and importance as the years passed by.
Mr. Park remained a resident of Indiana until 1874, when he came to Hoopes- ton and for two years thereafter was connected with no active business under- taking. In 1876 he purchased a half interest in a feed and grist mill, with which he was connected for a time but later sold his interest to James Hanna, of Hoopeston, who still continues the business. About that time Mr. Park pur- chased some farm land and his son John now occupies the farm. In the later years of his life the father lived retired, deriving from his property a good in- come that provided him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life, thus contributing much to his happiness in his later years. He was fond of horses and raised many, keeping high grades of stock. ,
Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Reed, of Indiana, who died on the 20th of May, 1871. There were six children of that marriage, of whom three are now living, namely: John, who occupies the farm in Vermilion county formerly owned by his father; Laura; and Joseph R., whose home is in Covington, Indiana. On the 10th of March, 1874, Mr. Park was again married, his second union being with Sarah A. Simpson, a daughter of John and Nancy (McGregor) Simpson, who came from Ireland and settled in Jennings county, Indiana, in 1833, where he secured land and devoted his attention to farming. Mrs. Park still resides in Hoopeston, where she is widely and favorably known. Here Mr. Park made his home until called to his final rest.
In his political views he was a republican until within two years of his death, when he became identified with the prohibition party. While he never sought or desired office he always kept thoroughly informed concerning the political questions of vital import. He was well known as an active man of the town who was imbued with the spirit of progress and aided in all the measures in- stituted for the benefit of Hoopeston. At the age of twenty years he became a member of the Associate Presbyterian church and ever remained an active church worker and liberal supporter. He possessed a most social nature and thus drew around him an extensive circle of warm friends. Moreover, he was honorable, true and upright in every relation of life and therefore enjoyed the
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confidence and good will of young and old, rich and poor. His success came to him as the legitimate and logical reward of his perseverance and labor. He started out for himself empty-handed and recognizing the fact that industry is the most stable foundation upon which to build success he made it the basic prin- ciple of his life and by his continued business activity gained a creditable posi- tion among the men of affluence in Vermilion county.
HENRY FROST HOOKER, M. D.
Dr. Henry Frost Hooker, a rising young medical practitioner of Danville, makes a specialty of surgery and in this branch of the profession has already won notable success. His birth occurred in Independence, Kansas, on the 12th of November, 1880, his parents being Samuel and Laura (Frost) Hooker, who are natives of Pennsylvania and Illinois respectively. Soon after the birth of our subject Samuel Hooker removed to South Dakota, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale. At the present time he makes his home in Independence, Kansas.
Henry F. Hooker was reared on the range in South Dakota and was educated in that state, being graduated from the high school at White in 1898. Subse- quently he studied pharmacy in the State School at Brookings, South Dakota, and in 1904 entered the Northwestern University of Chicago, completing the course in the medical department of that institution in 1908. After spending one year in a hospital of Chicago he came to Danville in 1909 and has already won an enviable reputation as an able representative of his profession, giving special attention to surgical work. He acts as surgeon for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad and in the line of his profession is connected with the County and State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association.
In November, 1909, Dr. Hooker was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. MacGrath, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a popular member of the Physicians Club and though a comparatively recent addition to the ranks of the medical fraternity, enjoys the confidence of his professional brethren as well as of the general public.
H. A. CLINGAN.
H. A. Clingan, an enterprising, entergetic and progressive agriculturist of Georgetown township, was born on a farm near Westville, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 10th of November, 1886. His parents, L. A. and Martha (Groves) Clingan, were likewise born near Westville, this county. The father obtained his education in the district schools and devoted his attention to gen- eral agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. In connection with the tilling of the soil he shipped cattle and hogs on an extensive scale and in both branches of his business met with a gratifying measure of success. About
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five years ago he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived in honorable retirement at Danville, leaving the management of the farm to his children. Having spent their entire lives in Vermilion county, both he and his wife are well known within its borders and deserve recognition among its representative and respected residents. They have three living children, namely : Blanche, twenty-five years of age; H. A., of this review; and Roy, who is eighteen years old.
In his youthful years H. A. Clingan attended the district school near West- ville and subsequently pursued a commercial course in the Danville Business College, from which he was graduated. Later he was graduated from the Jones National School of Oratory & Auctioneering at Chicago, and on leaving that institution he took charge of his father's farm, still residing thereon. During the summer seasons he is busily engaged in the tilling of the soil and in the win- ter months his services are largely in demand as auctioneer at farm sales. Al- though still in the early years of his manhood, Mr. Clingan possesses those qualities that should make him one of the substantial citizens of his locality, for he has many things to his credit, being industrious, progressive in his ideas and not afraid to exert himself in the pursuit of the success which he hopes to attain.
On the 22d of October, 1908, Mr. Clingan was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Hill, whose birth occurred near Fairmount, Illinois, where she received her early education. Later she continued her studies in the Danville high school.
Politically Mr. Clingan is a republican believing firmly in the principles of that party. He is now serving in the capacity of township school trustee, hav- ing been elected to that position in the spring of 1910. He has attained the third degree in Masonry and is a member of the lodge at Georgetown. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clingan have always resided within the borders of Vermilion county and they are a well known and highly esteemed young couple.
JOSEPH FAIRHALL, M. D.
One of the most influential men of Danville is Dr. Joseph Fairhall, who has made for himself an enviable record both in business and professional circles and is now living retired, enjoying a rest that is richly deserved. He was born February 9, 1853, on the isle of Sheppey in County Kent, England, and belongs to an old baronial family of that name. The ancestry can be traced back through many centuries and the name of Joseph was borne by the eldest. son in each succeeding generation. It is believed that the first representative of the family to locate in England went to that country with William the Con- queror as a paid soldier, and his descendants have since been prominently iden- tified with the counties of Sussex and Kent.
The Doctor's father, who also bore the name of Joseph Fairhall, was born on the isle of Sheppey and on reaching manhood married Esther Shaw, a na- tive of the same locality. They made their home at Tadwell Hall as the father was a country gentleman, residing there until 1868, when they removed to
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Sittingbourne, at which place the father died in 1885, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother passed away on the 15th of March, 1902, and was laid to rest in the family vault at Queensboro, Kent county. Dr. Fairhall began his education in the national school of Minster on the isle of Sheppey and later attended the grammar school at Sheerness. He subsequently pursued a col- legiate course at the University in London, England, where he was graduated in 1881, and during the following three years made preparation for his chosen profession by study at Charing Cross Medical University of London.
Prior to this, however, Dr. Fairhall had enlisted in the Irish Rifles in 1877 and was a member of that regiment for eight years, being mustered out in 1885. For two years longer he remained a resident of London and in 1887 crossed the Atlantic and made his home in Chicago for the following three years. While coming to America he became interested in the Grape Creek Coal Company, of which he served as vice president until it went into the hands of a receiver in 1892. He was also connected with the South Chicago Dock Company for some time and in 1890 he located on the property owned by the Grape Creek Coal Company. Being of an observant and studious nature, he became thoroughly familiar with mining engineering and for a time had the active management of the company's affairs.
When the coal company passed into the hands of a receiver Dr. Fairhall took charge of the Grape Creek Clay Works and by a close study of the various clays found in the vicinity, coupled with his excellent knowledge of chemistry, he was enabled to master the art of brick manufacture. He became a prominent member of the National Brick Manufacturers' Association, attending all its conventions and taking an active part in its work. However, he was not able to obtain a lease of the clay works for longer than one year and, finding the venture unprofitable, he retired from that business at the end of four years.
The Doctor then decided to resume the practice of medicine and passed the required examination before the state board, receiving his license on the 27th of March, 1896. Coming to Danville in the spring of 1898, he erected a house and office near the Gilbert street bridge, which presents an excellent view of the Vermilion river, and turned his attention to the profession with which he became connected in early manhood. The year of his arrival here he was made a member of the staff of physicians of the Vermilion County Hos- pital and also professor of anatomy and physiology in the Danville Training School for Nurses. Ever a thorough student and progressive in his methods in practice, he met with most excellent success and became a prominent mem- ber of the Vermilion County Medical Association, the Tri-County Medical Association, the Danville Physicians' Protective Association and the National Med- ical Association. He met with most excellent success in his chosen calling and was regarded as one of the leading physicians of this part of the state. He con- tinued in active practice here for some years but is now living retired, looking after his business interests.
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