USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 19
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Upon leaving the university Mr. Pinkerton went to Sioux City, Iowa, and in 1894 started a newspaper at Leeds, a small town four miles east of Sioux City. After making a success of his venture he sold out and in 1895 purchased an interest in the Rantoul Press. In 1897 he was appointed grain inspector in the state department at Chicago and two years later sold to his partner, F. R. Cross, the interest which he held in the newspaper. We next find him at Lin- coln, Illinois, owning a quarter interest in the Daily Public of Clinton and also one of the owners of the Daily News Herald of Lincoln, Illinois, his brother, F. E. Pinkerton and Mr. Cross, being also identified with these papers. In 1904 he closed out his newspaper interests in Illinois and purchased the Rossville Press, with which he has since been actively connected. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers National Bank of Rossville and a member of the board of di- rectors of the Rossville Creamery. In his management of the newspaper Mr. Pinkerton has shown good judgment, increasing its sphere of usefulness and contributing in an important degree to the upbuilding of the community.
On June 6, 1900, Mr. Pinkerton was united in marriage to Miss Jean Smelz, a daughter of John and Amanda Smelz, of Maroa, Macon county, this state. Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton: Beatrice, born January 28, 1902; John C., February II, 1903; Nancy, February 27, 1904; Allen B., October 3, 1905; and Dorothy, December 24, 1906.
Mr. Pinkerton is a stanch adherent of the republican party, of the "standpat" kind, never having been affected with mugwump or insurgent tendencies. So- cially he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Masonic order, having passed through the chairs in the first two organizations named. He is also an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist church. As the head of an interesting and growing family Mr. Pink- erton is a pronounced champion of education and is giving his children every
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advantage available in the excellent public schools of Rossville. His estimable wife has proven an ever-faithful assistant, and hand in hand they undertake to travel the pathway of life, by their example of patience and attention to duty instilling a lesson not found in books but one fully as great as any taught in the universities.
THOMAS J. DALE.
On the roster of county officials there appears the name of no one who is more loyal to duty, more faithful and prompt in meeting the obligations that devolve upon him in his official capacity or one whose record is more worthy of commendation and approval than Thomas J. Dale, who is filling the position of county clerk. He was born in New York city in 1845, and was left an orphan at an early age, becoming an inmate of the New York Juvenile Asylum, where he remained until he reached the age of nine years. He then came to Vermilion county and took up his abode with Dennis Rouse, near Catlin, being there reared upon a farm, during which time he pursued his education in the country schools.
After the outbreak of the Civil war, although still a boy in his teens, Mr. Dale responded to the country's call for troops and enlisted as a member of Company D, Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. On the 20th of September, 1863, he was captured at the bottle of Chickamauga and until the 28th of April, 1865, was in Andersonville and other Confederate prisons, sharing in all of the hardships meted out to the Union soldiers who were held as prisoners of war. He took part in a number of important engagements, including the battle of Pea Ridge, the siege of Corinth, the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. His was a creditable military record, characterized by unfaltering loyalty to the old flag and the cause it represented.
When the war was over Mr. Dale returned to Vermilion county and was employed upon the farm of Dennis Rouse as a hired man, but his ambition for something better had been awakened and as he could find opportunity he studied and attended school, thus fitting himself for the profession of teaching. He followed that pursuit in Vermilion county for a number of years but put aside professional labor when appointed to public office in 1886 by Daniel C. Deamude, who made him deputy treasurer. In 1890 he was elected to that office and in 1894 was elected county clerk, which position he has since filled, so that for almost a quarter of a century he has been continuously in office, his promptness, accuracy and fidelity in discharging his duties winning for him high regard. In his political views he has ever been a republican, active in the work of the party, and is recognized as one of its trusted advisors in this locality.
On the 31st of March, 1887, Mr. Dale was united in marriage to Miss Jessie B. Tarrant, a native of Catlin, Vermilion county, and a daughter of Frederick Tarrant, who settled in this part of the state before the Civil war and became a prominent and respected merchant of this county. He married Eliza Jones
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and among their children was Jessie B. Tarrant, now Mrs. Dale. Four chil- dren have graced this union, Vaga M., Una A., Norman M. and Thomas M. In his fraternal relations Mr. Dale has formed a wide acquaintance. He be- longs to Danville Lodge, No. 69, I. O. O. F .; to Marsh Encampment, No. 46; Damascus Lodge, No. 84, K. P .; Northcott Camp, No. 1551, M. W. A .; and Kenesaw Post, No. 77, G. A. R. In all of these organizations he has won many friends and to their teachings he has ever been most loyal.
The country was but sparsely settled when Mr. Dale came here as a boy, after which he shared in all the hardships, privations and other experiences of pioneer life. Too much credit cannot be given him for what he has accom- plished. Spending his early youth amid the kindly meant but oft times ineffi- cient care of a children's asylum, and then coming to Illinois in early boyhood, he has known what arduous work has meant from his youthful days. Becom- ing imbued with laudable ambition for something better, he has continuously worked his way upward, using every opportunity that has come to him and allowing no obstacle or difficulty to brook his path if it could be overcome by persistent and earnest labor. Such a record deserves high encomiums and should serve to encourage and inspire others who have started as he did without the aid of influential friends and without particularly favorable circumstances.
E. H. PALMER.
When an individual passes from life it is customary to consider the record he has left and thus to judge of his worth to the world. Close investigation into the history of E. H. Palmer shows that he occupied a conspicuous and honor- able position in Danville, that his labors were varied and important, that their results were far-reaching and beneficial. He contributed in a notable degree to the material, intellectual and moral upbuilding of the community and at the time of his death he was the oldest native son of Danville. It was on the 10th- of August, 1830, that he first opened his eyes to the light of day in the family residence which then stood at the corner of Walnut and Main streets.
His father, Dr. Asa Rice Palmer, was born at Coventry, Connecticut, in 1786, and represented one of the old New England families of English descent. The grandfather, Abel Palmer, was born in New England and previous gener- ations of the family arrived in that section of the country, where their descend- ants are still to be found. It has been the custom in recent years to hold a fam- ily reunion at Stonington, Connecticut. These have proved to be most pleasant occasions, several hundred being present at different times.
On leaving Connecticut Dr. Asa R. Palmer became a resident of Vermont in his boyhood days, while subsequently he lived in Black River, New York. He afterward established his home in Moscow, New York, where his parents both died. He studied medicine while residing in the Empire state and practiced there to some extent but later sought the opportunities of the growing middle west. On horseback he made the trip to Illinois in search of a location and took up his abode in Vermilion county, Illinois, about 1825. The journey was made
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by boat to Pittsburg, thence down the Ohio river and up the Wabash. His destination was the site of the present city of Danville, although at the time there was little or no indication that a flourishing city would one day be founded here. Owing to the unsettled condition of the country Dr. Palmer's practice extended for miles. He was called for professional service into the homes of those who lived far from Danville and no night was too dark, no winter too cold and no summer sun so hot that it prevented him from responding to the call of those who needed his services. In the later years of his life, however, he gave up the practice of medicine and lived retired. In the meantime, how- ever, he became associated with his son E. F. Palmer in establishing and con- ducting the first drug store in Danville and was otherwise connected with the business development and substantial upbuilding of the city in which he made his home from the time of his arrival in Vermilion county until his death, which occurred about 1861. He was three times married, the first time before leaving New York. In Danville he married his third wife, who bore the maiden name of Adelia Hawkins and was born near Rochester, New York. Her father, Ebenezer Hawkins, also a native of that state, became one of the honored pioneers of Vermilion county and his interment was the first burial in the old grave yard of Granville. The death of Mrs. Adelia Palmer occurred in 1851 and E. F. Palmer, a half-brother of E. H. Palmer, passed away here. Dr. Palmer was one of the original members of the Presbyterian church of Dan- ville and was at all times deeply interested in the moral as well as the material and intellectual upbuilding of the city.
Danville was but a village during the boyhood and youth of E. H. Palmer, who acquired his literary education here, while later he pursued a four years' course in Wabash College. He made his initial step in the business world when a lad of thirteen years, entering the employ of J. M. Culbertson, whom he repre- sented as a clerk for four years. It was subsequent to this time that he pur- sued his college course, having come to the realization of the need of train- ing in that direction. When he had completed his studies he again engaged in clerking for a year or more, and subsequently formed a partnership as a mem- ber of the firm of Humphrey, Palmer & Company, general merchants and drug- gists. From that date, 1855, until his death Mr. Palmer remained one of the leading and prosperous business men of the city. His labors were of a varied character, his interests wide and important. He was at one time appointed to fill out an unexpired term as county superintendent of schools, succeeding his uncle, who had died in office. On his retirement from that position he aided in organizing the First National Bank. He became its first cashier and as such largely managed its interests for twenty-five years. He became thoroughly familiar with every phase of the banking business and his courtesy to the patrons of the bank, his reliable methods and his keen insight into business affairs made him a popular and valuable official. On his retirement from the bank he was presented with a fine gold watch, his name and the date, January 15,. 1885, being engraved on the inside of the case. He next became connected with the wholesale grocery trade and succeeded in building up one of the important mercantile enterprises of the city. He likewise added to its architectural im- provement through the erection of three new residences. His own home was.
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an attractive and commodious dwelling just outside the corporation limits of Danville and for many years he lived at 408 North Franklin street.
In 1854 Mr. Palmer was united in marriage in Urbana, Illinois, to Miss Frances B. Nelson, who was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a daughter of William Nelson, also a native of that state. Having lost her father, Mrs. Pal- mer came to the west with her brother, settling in Champaign county, Illinois. Four children graced the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer: Flora; Frank N., who is a minister of the Presbyterian church and is now located at Winona Lake, Indiana; Lula C .; and Della, the wife of Lorin E. Shetts.
From the time he attained his majority Mr. Palmer gave his political allegi- ance to the republican party, his first presidential ballot being cast for John C. Fremont in 1856. In his boyhood he had heard discussed the question of slav- ery, his father being a whig and a stanch abolitionist. The boy came to be- lieve in the unrighteousness of the practice and therefore, when the new party was formed to prohibit the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks. To its interests he was loyal throughout his remaining days, believing ever that its principles contained the best elements of good government. Local advance- ment and national progress were both causes dear to his heart and his cooper- ation was given to every movement which he believed would prove of benefit to Danville and the county. He proved his deep interest in the cause of educa- tion by his service on the school board and he ever advocated the employment of competent teachers at a good salary. He filled the position of alderman for a few terms, yet his ambition was never in the line of office seeking and he was content that his public service should be done as a private citizen. Both he and his wife held membership in the First Presbyterian church and his Christian faith permeated all that he did. His life record covered almost seventy-five years, his death occurring on the 23d of January, 1905. Throughout that en- tire period he had been a resident of Danville, and there was a time when he knew every inhabitant of Vermilion county. He remained to the end of his life an active factor in the affairs of the city and kept in close touch with its progress and with the questions of vital interest here. Wherever he was known he was honored and most of all where best known. His life stands as a splen- did example to those who wish to become useful and valuable citizens and to society, that when they pass on they shall leave behind them an honorable name and an untarnished record.
GEORGE SEDLMAYR.
George Sedlmayr, well known as one of the leading and representative citizens of Danville, was born in Munich, Bavaria, on the 15th of September, 1868, and is of German origin. His parents, George and Anna (Stulberger) Sedlmayr, spent their entire lives in the fatherland. The father occupied and important position in the government employ, being in charge of the mails for a great many years, having succeeded his father in that business. He was born in 1840 and died in Munich on the 23d of May, 1889, while his wife, who was born in 1845, passed away on the 4th of November, 1888.
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Like most boys of German birth, George Sedlmayr was given good educa- tional advantages and was graduated from the high school of Munich, August 8, 1885. It was on the 12th of May, 1893, that he crossed the Atlantic and be- came a resident of the new world. He first located in Chicago where he spent five years as a brewer in the employ of the Peter Schoenhofen Brewing Com- pany. On the 7th of September, 1898, he was promoted to brew master, which position he filled until December 7, 1903, when he removed with his family to Danville, becoming financially interested in the Danville Brewing Company, which was later changed to the Fecker Brewing Company. Of this corporation he is now serving as secretary and brew master and much of its success is due to his untiring efforts.
On the 7th of January, 1899, Mr. Sedlmayr was married in Chicago to Miss Lydia Reisenegger, whose parents were residents of Chicago. Her father, who is now deceased, was at one time in the employ of the city map department as manager under Mayor Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Sedlmayr have two children, namely : George W., born March 23, 1900, and Clara, born August 4, 1908.
Prior to his emigration to America Mr. Sedlmayr served one year in the German army, from 1888 to 1889, but was not compelled to remain longer on account of having acquired a higher education than most young men were given. On national issues he usually votes the republican ticket, but at local elections supports the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices. He and his family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and he is identified with the Eagles. He also affiliates with the Danville Social Turner Society. Public- spirited and progressive, he supports every movement which he believes will prove of general good and is regarded as one of the leading citizens of the community.
PERRY P. GRAHAM.
A man who has devoted much study to the subject of the economic conditions and natural resources of the country is authority for the statement that there is no better investment than Illinois farm land and more that a century ago George Washington said that agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honor- able occupation of man. Perry P. Graham, therefore, is fortunate in having chosen farming as his life work and in owning so valuable a property as his Illinois farm, which comprises two hundred acres in Ross township, east of Alvin. He also cultivates other land, having charge of four hundred and sixty acres.
He is one of the native sons of this state, his birth having occurred near Catlin in 1875. His parents were Hugh and Rose (Bradford) Graham. The father, a native of Scotland, on coming to America settled in Meigs county, Ohio, whence he removed to Danville, Illinois, in 1860. He was a coal miner and lived an active and busy life. He died in 1897 and his remains were in- terred in Spring Hill cemetery at Danville. His widow still survives him and is now a resident of Alvin.
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The public schools of Vermilion county afforded Perry P. Graham his early educational privileges, but ambitious to qualify for life's practical duties by a broad and liberal education, he afterward spent one year as a student in a col- lege at Hoopeston. In his youthful days he was taught the value of industry and perseverance as factors in the affairs of life and these qualities have always characterized him since he started out in business on his own account. His diligence and determination have enabled him to add to his possessions from time to time since he first invested in land and he is now the owner of a valuable tract of two hundred acres and farms an additional two hundred and sixty acres east of Alvin. His success would be creditable to a man twice his years. His business advancement, however, is attributable entirely to his own labors and proves what may be accomplished when determination and ambition lead the way.
Mr. Graham has been called to public service as road commissioner and he has won the favorable regard of his fellow members in the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities. Those who know him recognize in him many sterling traits and his business ability is such as will undoubtedly win for him further suc- cess as the years go by.
A. ARTHUR CLARK, M. D. C.
Among the younger men who are coming forward in Vermilion county and taking the places made vacant by the departure of those who have performed their work A. Arthur Clark, farmer, liveryman and veterinarian, occupies a promising place. He is a native of Vermilion county, having been born on the farm which he now owns, May 29, 1883, and is a son of Isaac and Ella (Lynch) Clark, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Indiana. They were married at Ridge Farm in 1879 and lived upon a farm for several years, at the end of which time the father removed to town, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for four or five years. Again he returned to the farm and there he died two years later, in 1886. The mother made her home in Ridge Farm, where she was married to H. L. Miller, of Jamaica, this county. She was called to her final repose in 1905, and she was laid to rest in Crown Hill cemetery, where the body of her first husband was deposited many years before. Mr. Miller, the stepfather, is still living in Vermilion county. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clark: Charles Wallace, who was born in 1881 and died in 1901; A. Arthur, our subject; and Harry L., who was born in 1885 and was killed by a train June 28, 1906, while returning home in a buggy.
The subject of our review was educated in the public and high schools and remained with his mother until her second marriage. After leaving the high school he spent four years on the farm, in the course of which time he became thoroughly acquainted with all the details of its operation. Desiring to see something of the world, he went west and was gone for a year, at the end of which time he returned home and, having decided to prosecute further subjects
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A ARTHUR CLARK
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in which he had become greatly interested, he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, where he pursued the full three years' course and was graduated as a veterinarian April 6, 1909, standing first in all branches of the work. He spent some time in experimental work at Covington, Indiana, with Dr. Carter, who is one of the best known veterinary surgeons in this section of the country. Since that time Dr. Clark has engaged in the livery business and the practice of veteri- nary surgery at Farm Ridge and is the only doctor of comparative medicine in that part of the country. As a lover of fine horses he is devoting a great deal of attention to the development of the best breeds. He is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and eighty-seven acres, two and one-half miles south of Ridge Farm and also of a well equipped livery establishment.
Dr. Clark is unmarried. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party but he has no desire for official preferment, and in the business he has chosen he finds a gratification that he feels no other line of industry would have afforded. He has made a special study of the horse, which he justly regards as one of the noblest and most useful of the domestic animals and one which is still capable of much improvement. This improvement in his opinion can be accomplished by scientific breeding-the work to which he expects largely to devote his life. Young, ambitious and endowed with a fair share of con- fidence in himself, there is no reason in the opinion of his friends why he should not make a lasting reputation in his chosen field and also add to the wealth and prosperity of Vermilion county.
R. W. STEPHEN.
R. W. Stephen, engaged in the conduct of a first class livery barn in Catlin, is numbered among the well known and prominent business men of this city, his wise management and capable control of his interests winning him a most gratifying degree of success. Illinois claims him as one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Iroquois county on the 6th of June, 1867. His parents are R. H. and Mary A. (Barcus) Stephen, both natives of Indiana, who came to Illinois at an early day, locating in Iroquois county, where the father en- gaged in farming for a number of years. He purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres after his arrival in Illinois, for which he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre, but under his careful direction the place was converted into a valuable and productive farming property. He is now living retired, however, and with his wife makes his home in Rossville, Vermilion county. In their family were three children, as follows: Carrie Emma, now deceased ; R. W., of this review; and Elizabeth, who makes her home with her parents and is engaged in teaching school.
In the home of his parents R. W. Stephen spent the period of his boyhood and youth, and in the common schools of Illinois acquired a good education. He was reared to farm work and amid the busy activities and healthful sur- roundings of rural life learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance, and there laid the corner-stone for future success in
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hard labor and earnest endeavor. He remained with his father, assisting in the work of the fields, until twenty-five years of age, when he laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own through his marriage to Miss Dora E. Polson, of Potomac, Illinois. Her parents were John and Adelina (Church) Polson, the former now deceased. The mother however, still survives and makes her home in Vermilion county.
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