USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 12
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Dr. Fairhall was married September 26, 1875, to Miss Elizabeth Sandys, the third daughter of William King, Esquire, of Elwick Villa at Ashford, Kent county, England. Two sons were born to them prior to their emigration to American, these being Joseph and Leo Victor. The family arrived in this
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country on the 29th of March, 1887, and during their residence in Chicago an- other son Lawrence Turner, was born in 1888, and in 1894 a daughter, Lucy Winnifred, was born at Grape Creek.
The family is one of prominence in Danville, the Doctor having ever oc- cupied an enviable position in social, professional and business circles. Taking an active interest in the betterment of the lower classes, he and his wife were instrumental in improving the social condition of the working people at Grape Creek, where they organized a church and Sunday school and were instru- mental in securing good concerts and other entertainments of a beneficial char- acter. The Doctor also took an active part in organizing the Grape Creek lodge of Odd Fellows, becoming its first noble grand. He has always taken an active interest in the work of that order and passed through the various degrees un- til he held the highest office in the Uniform Rank of Patriarchs Militant. In connection with this division of the fraternity he founded the degree of Ladies' Militant in 1901 and in all of this work was ably assisted by his wife, who established the White Oaks Rebekah degree lodge at Grape Creek and was later first president of the Ladies' Militant. His record is characterized by a masterful grasp of every problem that has been presented to him and his ad- vancement followed as the logical result of his mental equipment and diligence, his success being, therefore, well merited. He is a man of excellent character, beloved by his family and honored and respected in the community, and it is safe to say that no man now living in Danville is held in higher regard than Dr. Joseph Fairhall.
JAMES KNIGHT.
Through the years of an active business career and in every relation of life James Knight commanded the respect and enjoyed the confidence and friend- ship of all with whom he came in contact. His life measured up to the full standard of honorable manhood in all things and thus his death was the oc- casion of deep sorrow and regret when on the 22d of October, 1900, he passed away. He was then sixty-eight years of age, his birth having occurred on the 12th of May, 1833, at Rouse Point, Clinton county, New York. His parents, Dr. James and Alice (Henderson). Knight, were natives of Edinburgh, Scot- land, and in the land of hills and heather spent their childhood days and were married. Believing that they might have better opportunities in the new world, they crossed the Atlantic and established their home at Rouse Point, near Lake Champlain, in New York. The father, who had been identified with the medical profession there engaged in practice up to the time of his death, his ability winning him a good practice, while his research and investigation kept him in touch with the advancement made by the medical fraternity. His fam- ily included three sons; James Knight, however, being the only one to come to Vermilion county. His brother, Alexander Knight, removed to Illinois and died in Centralia. Another brother, Robert, is a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia.
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In his boyhood days James Knight pursued his studies in the public schools of New York, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and such tasks as were assigned to him by parental authority. In early manhood he heard and heeded the call of the west, the year 1857 witnessing his arrival in Springfield, Illinois. He became identified with business interests in this state as overseer of construction on the Wabash Railroad, which was then being built. In 1858, however, he came to Dan- ville and had charge of a construction train here for a few years, until the completion of the road in this section. He then continued in the railway ser- vice as conductor, running the first train into Danville over the Wabash. He continued in that capacity on the run between Danville and Quincy for some time and later was transferred to the Danville & Toledo road. He remained in the train service until 1865 and was then appointed station agent at Danville, occupying the position for several years. That he remained so long with the Wabash Company proved his ability and fidelity. At length he determined to devote his energies more directly to his own interests and to this end established a boot and shoe store in Danville, which he carried on successfully for some time. He afterward became an active factor in real estate circles, buying and selling all kinds of city property in Danville. His last days were spent in re- tirement from business, his former labor having brought to him a competence sufficient to enable him to enjoy all of the comforts of life and a well earned rest.
Mr. Knight was most pleasantly situated in his home life. In 1860 in Dan- ville he wedded Miss Mary Elizabeth Probst, a native of Danville, born Decem- ber 20, 1836. Her parents were James and Nancy (Barnes) Probst, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Kentucky. Pioneer conditions confronted Mr. Probst when he arrived in Danville. The work of civilization had been scarcely begun here and Indians were still frequent visitors in the locality. Much of the land was unclaimed and uncultivated and only here and there had a cabin been built, giving indication that the work of improvement was be- ing slowly carried forward. In early manhood Mr. Probst learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for some time, but later discontinued business in order to give his undivided attention to his official duties. He was frequently called upon for public service. He filled the office of constable in Danville and subsequently was elected to the position of sheriff of Vermilion county, in which capacity he remained for a number of years. Popular suffrage also called him to the office of county treasurer and he retired from the position as he had entered it-with the confidence and good-will of all concerned. No project or measure for the benefit of the city sought his aid in vain. He cooperated heart- ily in every movement for the public good and gave generously of his time and means where the welfare of Danville was involved. Moreover, his labors were of practical character that made his efforts resultant.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Knight was blessed with three children, a son and two daughters: Charles F., a resident of Chicago, where he is con- nected with the Lartz Wall Paper Company; Alice, who is the wife of B. H. Babbit, business manager for the Alfred Peats Wall Paper Company, of Chicago, and has four children, Alice, now Mrs. Edmond M. Gallup, of Chicago,
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Knight B., Eleanor and Gladys; and Grace, who is living with her mother. Theirs is an attractive residence at No. 204 Franklin street, and the family has long been prominently known socially in Danville.
The death of the husband and father occurred October 22, 1900. He passed from this life honored and respected by all who knew him, and his memory re- mains as a blessed benediction to those with whom he came in contact. He was a leading member of the Knights of Honor and the Masonic fraternity. In the latter organization he rose to high rank and was a charter member of the commandery of Danville. His political allegiance was given to the republi- can party but public office never had attraction for him. His attention was al- ways given to his business and his determination and reliable methods enabled him to accomplish whatever he undertook. From time to time he made judi- cious investment in property and at his death he left considerable real estate, including several business blocks on North street, near the Aetna Hotel, the Byers block and also much valuable property on Walnut street, together with sixteen and a half acres near Lincoln Park. His business methods were never such as seek nor require disguise. He dealt honestly and honorably with all men, and his name came to be regarded as a synonym for integrity in business circles. He was never so busy but what his city could call upon him for cooperation in public affairs and any project which he believed beneficial to the community received his earnest endorsement. Those who knew him socially found him a genial, kindly gentleman, of generous impulses, ready at all times to speak a good word for a friend or to aid those in need. Mrs. Knight holds membership with the Presbyterian church and is well known socially in Dan- ville, where she has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances.
I. E. STARR.
Carrying on general merchandising, I. E. Starr has recently contributed to the substantial improvement of Bismarck in the erection of a fine two-story brick building, twenty-five by eighty feet, which is an ornament to the village and also a monument to the enterprising spirit of the owner. He was born in Newell township, this county, December 9, 1877, and has therefore but passed the thirty-third milestone on life's journey. He is a son of Zack and Clentha (Cunningham) Starr. The father resides in Newell township, where for a long period he has engaged successfully in general farming. His wife died in 1888, leaving a husband and three children to mourn her loss.
Upon the old homestead the son was reared and his youthful days were divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. Through the summer months he aided in the culti- vation of the crops and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, after which he rented a part of the old homestead and thus car- ried on farming for three years. A college education, at the Union Christian College at Merom, Indiana, supplementing his public-school privileges, well
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qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1904 he turned his attention to general merchandising at Bismarck, opening a store which he has since conducted. He carries a large and well selected line of goods and makes earnest effort to meet the wants of his customers, knowing that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. His prices are reasonable and at all times his busi- ness tranactions are honorably conducted. That he has prospered in his un- dertakings is indicated in the fact that he has recently erected a fine two-story brick business block twenty-five by eighty feet.
On the 6th of November, 1907, Mr. Starr was united in marriage to Miss Flora Leonard, who was born in Ross township, Vermilion county, and is a daughter of James and Clara (White) Leonard, who are also natives of this county, where they yet make their home. Their family includes five children, who yet survive. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Starr have been born two children: Dale L., born July 24, 1908; and Ruth M., May 21, 1910.
Mr. Starr belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge and his prominence in the or- ganization is indicated by the fact that he has been called to fill all of the chairs. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but has no desire for political office. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and are well known socially, theirs being a hospitable home, whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
CHARLES W. RICE.
Charles W. Rice, owning and operating a rich and productive tract of land of eighty acres near Georgetown, is an agriculturist whose labors have been attended with a gratifying measure of success. His birth occurred in Edgar county, Illinois, on the 29th of December, 1851, his parents being William S. and Rebecca (Cunningham) Rice, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. When about seven years of age William S. Rice accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, the family home being established on a farm in Ver- milion county. It was here that he met and married Miss Rebecca Cunning- ham and they resided in this part of the state throughout the remainder of their lives.
In the acquirement of an education Charles W. Rice attended the district school near Ridge Farm and after putting aside his text-books assisted his father in the operation of the home farm for a short time. He then started out as an agriculturist on his own account and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres near Georgetown, to the cultivation of which he devotes his time and energies with excellent results. The well tilled fields annually yield golden har- vests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them and his success entitles him to recognition among the substantial and representative citizens of the community.
On the 12th of February, 1882, Mr. Rice was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Small, a native of Vermilion county, who was called to her final rest
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on the 6th of June, 1909, leaving a family of seven children to mourn her loss. Mr. Rice now makes his home with his mother-in-law, who has attained the age of ninety-five years and to whom he proves a great assistance in her feeble condition.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Rice has supported the men and measures of the republican party and for several years he acted as a school director in Fairview district. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Georgetown. A man of high worth and sterling integrity, he is widely respected and honored in the community which has known him for more than a half century.
WALTER J. BROWN, M. D.
Dr. Walter J. Brown, a successful member of the medical profession of Dan- ville, was born in Urbana, Illinois, April 16, 1871, and is of Scotch-Irish descent, although the family was founded in America at an early period in the the civiliza- tion of the new world. Among his ancestors was General Brown, of Pennsyl- vania. His father, Myron Stoddard Brown, was a native of Pottsdam, New York, born June 30, 1832, and was educated in the Pottsdam Academy, after which he engaged in teaching school but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, for in 1853 he took up the study of medicine and in 1860 was graduated from the Rush Medical College of Chicago. Having thus carefully prepared for the onerous duties of the profession, he entered upon ac- tive practice and as the-years passed established himself as one of the most capable, reliable and successful physicians of Illinois.
In 1862, however, Dr. Myron S. Brown put aside all business and personal consideration to respond to his country's call, enlisting in the Union army, with which he served as assistant surgeon of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry. He was for some time on active duty in connection with the hospital service at Nash- ville and while there employed his leisure hours in further study and was gradu- ated from the University of Nashville in 1863. After the war he located for practice in Urbana, where he remained continuously until 1884, when he re- moved to Danvile. Ever deeply interested in the progress of the profession and in all projects that tended to promote the efficiency of its representatives, he assisted in founding the Champaign Medical Society in 1868, becoming one of its life members. In addition to his private practice he acted as surgeon for the Big Four Railroad Company and also for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company. He was also president of the surgical staff of the Danville Training School for Nurses and was the founder of the Lake View Hospital, in which connection he has filled the chair of surgery and afterward that of obstetrics. He was honored with election as the first president of the Vermilion County Medical Society, was also a member of the State and National Medical Associations. His fraternal relations were with the Masons. He attained the Knight Templar degree and filled all of the chairs in Danville Lodge.
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In 1856 Dr. Myron Stoddard Brown was married to Miss Sarah Huff, of Decatur, Illinois, who was born in Indiana. They became the parents of six children; Harry L., a dentist now practicing in Renssalaer, Indiana; Lucy Belle, the wife of E. C. English, of Indiana; Walter J., of this review; Blanche M., now the wife of Louis F. Hopkins; Grace and Fred, both at home. Dr. Myron S. Brown remained a prominent physician and honored citizen of Urbana up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 2d of July, 1904, while his wife passed away in January of the same year. The remains of both were interred in Mount Hope cemetery of Urbana where they had long made their home.
Dr. Walter J. Brown has followed in his father's professional footsteps and has made a splendid record by reason of his ability and his marked devotion to his professional duties. He was educated in the University of Illinois in the acquirement of literary knowledge which serves as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of broad professional learning. He afterward studied medicine in Rush Medical College, completing the course with the class of 1891. He then located for practice in Danville and the following two years served as county physician. He was on the surgical staff of the Vermilion County Hos- pital, is now surgeon of the artillery battalion, of the Illinois National Guard and in addition has a large private practice, which indicates the confidence re- posed in his professional skill and ability. He holds to a high standard of pro- fessional ethics and therefore enjoys the highest regard of his brethren of the medical fraternity. Moreover, he keeps in touch with the general trend of pro- gress that is stimulated through the interchange of knowledge among the mem- bers of the county, state and national medical societies, with all of which he is identified. He is likewise a member of the Aesculapian Society of the Wabash valley and is associated with the Military Surgeons of the United States. He is also a member of the Order of Eagles, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other fraternities and social organizations, in which he is popular by reason of his genial and social qualities which, combined with his genuine personal worth won him the high regard of all with whom he comes in contact.
FRANK LINDLEY.
Frank Lindley, whose law practice has covered litigation of every character, including that which is heard in the United States supreme court, has long been numbered among the distinguished representatives of the Danville bar. With a nature that could never be content with mediocrity, laudable ambition has prompted the best use of his talents and his opportunities and he stands with those whose well developed powers and abilities have made their records a part of the judicial history of the state.
Mr. Lindley was born in Fayette county, Indiana, March 10, 1858, not far form the Dublin postoffice in Wayne county. His parents were Osmond and Achsah W. Lindley, the former a son of James and Ruth L. Lindley, and the latter a daughter of John W. and Margaret Wilson. The grandparents were all residents of North Carolina, in which state they maintained plantations and
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owned slaves, but both James Lindley and John W. Wilson liberated their slaves before the Civil war and became strong advocates of freedom. They then left slave territory, removing to Indiana. They belonged to the orthodox Friends society and their lives were in harmony with its teachings. Both Osmond Lind- ley and Achsah W. Wilson were graduates of Earlham College, and Indiana school conducted under the auspices of the Society of Friends. The father was one of a family of five children, of whom the only survivor is John L. The others were Hiram, Calvin and John. The family was of Scotch and English lineage. Fol- lowing his graduation from Earlham College, Osmond Lindley engaged in teach- ing for a number of years, but subsequently gave his attention to farming, stock- raising and pork packing. His intelligently directed energies brought him suc- cess and he continued in business until his death, which occurred in 1877, when he was forty-five years of age. His widow still survives and is now a resident of Fairmount, Indiana.
During his early boyhood Frank Lindley accompanied his parents on their removal to Henry county, Indiana, where he attended the common schools, while later he entered Hopewell Academy, a Quaker school, wherein he com- pleted his literary course. He dates his residence in Illinois from 1872, in which year his parents located in Shelby county. He was for a time engaged in teach- ing and then resumed his studies as a student in the State Normal School of Illinois. After a brief period he began reading law in the office of Thornton, Wendling & Hamlin, of Shelbyville, Illinois, and having successfully passed the required examination that secured admission to the bar in May, 1881, he came to Danville. Here he entered upon active practice with Frank W. Pen- well under the firm name of Penwell & Lindley. As year after year changes occurred in partnership relations and members of the bar moved away or were called to their final rest, the firm of Penwell & Lindley became the oldest in years of continued connection with the Danville bar. From the beginning Mr. Lindley has enjoyed an extensive practice that has been of an important charac- ter, and his name is associated with many notable forensic victories. In his wide general information as well as his understanding of legal principles is found one of the strong elements of his power and ability as a lawyer. His broad knowledge enables him to understand life and its various phases, the motive springs of human conduct and the complexity of business interests, and this knowledge, combined with a comprehensive familiarity with statutory law and with precedent makes him one of the ablest members of the profes- sion in Danville. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capability. His is a natural discrimination as to legal ethics and one of the strong elements in his success is the fact that he never fails to recognize the main point at issue and never neglects to give a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presen- tation rather than by flights of oratory, and his power is the greater before court or jury from the fact that it is recognized that his aim is ever to secure justice and not to enshroud the cause in a sentimental garb of illusion which will thwart the principles of right and equity involved. Aside from his law practice he is connected with business circles as one of the officers of the Equit-
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able Building & Loan Association and of the Vermilion County Abstract Com- pany.
On the 29th of October, 1885, in Danville, Mr. Lindley was married to Miss Jennie Gregg, a daughter of Daniel and Luvinia Gregg, of this city. Her father operated a mill, and had a chain of elevators, being recognized as one of the prominent grain men of the district.
Mr. Lindley was a birthright Quaker but joined the Presbyterian church in Danville about 1882. He is a member of the Odd Fellows society and served as its recording secretary in 1883. He has been identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity since 1882 and is also a member of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and for twelve years he was chairman of the republican congressional committee and for ten years served as its chairman. He has also been a member of the Danville republican central committee and has frequently been a delegate to the state convention. Aside from politics he has been identified with many local enterprises in his home town and is a co- operant factor in many measures that have been directly beneficial to the com- munity. He is spoken of throughout Danville in terms of high regard and is found in those circles where the intelligent men of the city are gathered for the discussion of questions of vital interest. Those things which are most worthy and commendable in life make strong appeal to him and the principles of upright and honorable manhood which find expression in his life as well as his professional skill have gained for him the high position which he holds in the regard of his fellowmen.
BENJAMIN F. STITES.
Twenty-one years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since Benjamin F. Stites passed away, and yet there are many who remember with pleasure his social nature and his consideration for others as well as the enter- prise and industry which made him one of the valued and respected business men of Hoopeston, where for a long period he conducted a furniture and un- dertaking establishment. Ohio claimed him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on the 20th of July, 1833, in Cincinnati, his ancestors being among the founders of that city where a large monument has been erected to their memory. His parents were Benjamin and Susan (Steward) Stites, who left Ohio in the spring of 1837 to become residents of Vermilion county, Illi- nois, establishing their home at Rickard Corners, in Blount township, but who a year later removed to a farm two miles south of Meyersville, which was their home until 1857. Later they became residents of Paxton, Ford county.
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