USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 21
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and in matters of citizenship he has maintained a progressive attitude, advo- cating all the measures and projects which he has believed to be of practical benefit to the community. In early manhood he wedded Miss Mary Atwood, a native of Pilot township and a daughter of Alfred Atwood, one of the early settlers of the county.
Alfred A. Johnson is the youngest of a family of four children, the others being: Mamie J., now the wife of G. F. Fox, living in Danville; Lulu A., now the wife of W. P. Craig, cashier of the Danville National Bank; and Robert E., who is a medical student at Louisville, Kentucky.
. In the public schools of Oakwood township near his father's home, Alfred A. Johnson pursued his early education and later entered the public schools of Danville in which he continued his course until graduated from the high school with the class of 1904. The following year he took up the study of law with the intention of making its practice his life work and matriculating in the Uni- versity of Illinois at Champaign was graduated with the class of 1908. Admitted to the Illinois bar he began practice in Danville in July of that year and in the two years which have since elapsed has made steady progress in the profession, having already a good clientage that argues well for larger success in the future. He is using as the foundation of his success careful preparation of his cases, clear analysis and logical reasoning before the courts and prompted by laud- able ambition he is winning for himself a creditable position at the Vermilion county bar.
In June, 1910, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ruby Fairchild, a native of Danville and a daughter of Harrison Fairchild, a retired farmer. Both are well known in the county in which they have spent their entire lives and the hospitality of many of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr. Johnson is a Mason, belonging to Olive Branch Lodge, No. 38, A. F. & A. M. His political support is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day although never seeking public office.
GEORGE DILLON.
There was much in the life record of George Dillon that was worthy of commendation. A veteran of the Civil war, his loyalty in citizenship was no more marked upon the field of battle than in the various public offices to which he was called through the vote of his fellow townsmen. In every relation of life he was found true to the trust reposed in him and there were exemplified in him many sterling traits of character which constitute an example well worthy of emulation. It was during the pioneer epoch in the history of this part of the state that George Dillon came to take his place as a member of one of the families dwelling here.
He was born near Georgetown, January 16, 1837, a son of Luke and Charity (Wright) Dillon. On leaving North Carolina the father went to Ohio and the experiences of pioneer life became very familiar to him there. He left the Buckeye state in 1830 and arriving in Vermilion county, Illinois, was thereafter
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identified with the development and progress of the community until his life's labors were ended in death in 1852. He had settled on a farm near Georgetown, and his efforts, intelligently directed, have made of his place one of the best improved farms of the district. After losing his first wife, who also died on the farm near Georgetown, he was married to Miss Sarah Hayworth, who is now deceased. There were ten children born of the first marriage but all are now deceased.
At the usual age George Dillon began his education in the district schools, mastering the branches of learning which constitute the public-school curricu- lum. In the periods of vacation he worked in the fields and early became familiar with all the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When his school days were over he devoted his entire attention to the occupa- tion to which he had been reared nor did he cease from his labors until he felt that his first duty was to his country, then engaged in civil war. Joining the boys in blue he became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Twenty- fifth Illinois Infantry, enlisting for three years. Marching to the front he was with his regiment in many hotly contested engagements up to the battle of Dallas, Georgia, in which he was wounded in the right arm. His injuries necessitated hospital treatments, and he was taken to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later he was transferred to the hospital at Nashville, where his arm was amputated. He was afterward in the hospital at Mound City, Illinois, and was there honorably discharged in 1865. "The empty sleeve of army blue" there- after gave evidence of the sacrifice which he had made for his country.
After being mustered out Mr. Dillon at once resumed farming in George- town township and was successful in the management and conduct of his place, the well developed and highly cultivated fields bringing to him a substantial return for his labors. Before he joined the army he was married to Miss Des- demona F. Martin, the wedding being celebrated on the 7th of March, 1861. Her parents were Henry and Mary (Morgan) Martin. Her father, who was born in Virginia, became a resident of Vermilion county in 1820, settling near Georgetown only two years after the admission of the state into the Union. He bent his energies to the development of his fields and occupied and cultivated his farm through his remaining days. For several years he filled the position of justice of the peace and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, winning him "golden opinions from all sorts of people."
During the years in which Mr. and Mrs. Dillon resided upon their farm eight children were born unto them but two of the number died in infancy. The others are Lucretia Alma, the wife of C. S. Johnson, a printer of Danville; William S., now serving as county surveyor; Hannah, the wife of Harvey Johnson, a traveling salesman of Danville; Grace, the wife of Philip Yeager, a contractor of Danville; Joseph G., a bookkeeper; and Robert M.
The death of the husband and father occurred September 26, 1891, at which time he was filling the office of justice of the peace. He had previously been called to a number of positions of honor and trust, serving in various township offices. In October, 1868, he removed to Danville and was elected circuit clerk of Vermilion county, remaining the incumbent in that position for twelve years, his long service being positive proof of his capability and fidelity in office, for,
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as Abraham Lincoln has expressed it: "you may fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time" and therefore the unworthy official must sooner or later be found out. That Mr. Dillon was called to this office by the vote of the people is therefore indicative of the confidence and trust reposed in him. He was afterward a member of the county board of supervisors and held other official positions, the duties of which were discharged in a manner so satis- factory that no word of commendation or criticism was heard.
His political support was always given the republican party and his labors were a potent element in its local success. He held membership in Kenesaw Post, No. 77, G. A. R., of Danville, and was filling the position of commander at the time of his death. He also belonged to the Odd Fellows lodge, and both he and his wife held membership in the Church of Christ. In its work and up- building he was deeply interested and did all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. For many years he served as one of the elders of the church and was a deacon at the time of his demise. At all times he labored for the right as he saw it and cooperated in many movements and projects for the public good. Thus he grew in the regard of his fellowmen and at the same time he prospered in his worldly goods, achieving through well directed business affairs and careful investment a goodly measure of success that enabled him to leave a comfortable competence to his family who were ever his first con- sideration, his own happiness centering in their welfare.
WILLIAM G. CATHCART.
Without invidious distinction, William G. Cathcart may be termed Sidell's leading citizen. His position in the regard of his fellow townsmen is indicated by the fact that they have several times called him to the office of their chief executive, in which position he is now serving. Moreover, as president of the First National Bank of Sidell he occupies a leading position in its business cir- cles and is no less highly esteemed for the sterling traits which he manifests in the social circles of the community.
A native of Illinois, Mr. Cathcart was born in Natrona, Mason county, Feb- ruary 8, 1869, a son of John Marshall and Sarah J. (Alexander) Cathcart. The father was born at Pomroy, County Tyrone, Ireland, March II, 1842, and died at Pensacola, Florida, February 21, 1910. He became a resident of Morgan county, Illinois, in 1860, and was there employed upon a farm for several years. On the 15th of November, 1866, he married Sarah J. Alexander and later re- moved to Mason county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming and in the grain business on his own account. He continued a resident of that place until 1881, after which he spent three years in Nebraska, returning then to Illinois, where for a number of years he engaged in the lumber and grain business but retired about ten years prior to his death. He lived a consistent Christian life, becoming a member of the Christian church in the winter of 1876 while resid- ing in Mason county. One of the local papers said of him: "His life was sin-
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cere. He was just, honest, benevolent and kind, measuring up to every duty, seizing every opportunity where good might be accomplished and whereby others might be made happy. He was a devoted Christian in the broadest and noblest significance of that word, exemplifying in his daily life the sublime principles of Christianity." When he passed away his remains were returned to the home town for burial and his funeral was one of the largest ever held there, being made up of friends and neighbors of long standing who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect and friendship to a worthy citizen. One who knew him well said of him that "he never saw him anything but the happy, jovial, good- natured man that he was. Outwardly at least he never presented a ruffled nature and business cares were never carried into his home. This world would need fewer doctors, lawyers and courts if we had an organization of men who would go up and down the thoroughfares of life smiling; not smiles that need to be coaxed to the surface, but smiles like that of J. M. Cathcart that spring forth like the fountain from the hillside."
Unto Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Cathcart were born three children : Florence Her- ron, who died in May, 1899; William G .; and John A. The wife and mother still survives and is now a resident of Sidell.
William G. Cathcart was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public schools of Jacksonville. On the removal of his father to Nebraska in 1884 he became associated with him in the live-stock business and in 1887 they returned to Illinois. At that time William G. Cathcart entered the First National Bank of Paris, Illinois, occupying the position of bookkeeper there for six months. In the fall of that year, however, he resigned to accept the posi- tion of cashier in the private bank of Lyons, Alexander & Company at Sidell, and in 1906 he and his brother John A. purchased Mr. Lyons' interest in the bank at which time the firm style was changed to Alexander & Cathcart. Under this name the business was conducted until March 1, 1909, when they absorbed the First National Bank and incorporated the newly organized institution as the First National Bank of Sidell. At the time of the purchase of Mr. Lyons' interest William G. Cathcart was made president of the institution and has since remained in that capacity. His sagacity is keen, his judgment sound and his enterprise is constantly reaching out to new methods which will advance the interests of the bank and render its service of greater value to its patrons. It is today recognized as one of the strong financial institutions of the country, being based upon principles which are of recognized value in commercial and financial circles.
It was in 1890 that Mr. Cathcart was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sconce, a native of Carroll township, Vermilion county, and a daughter of James S. Sconce, now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cathcart was born one child, Celia S., now attending the Sidell high school.
In his political views Mr. Cathcart is a republican with firm faith in the principles of the party, yet without desire or ambition for office. His fellow townsmen, however, recognizing his worth and ability in citizenship, have fre- quently called upon him to fill positions of public honor and trust, and, answer- ing to these demands, he has served repeatedly as mayor of Sidell, being the present incumbent in the office. As chief executive of the city he has labored
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as untiringly and effectively for the public good as he does for the advance- ment of his individual interests in private business connections. His administra- tion has been characterized by needed reform and by practical improvement, and the most correct and careful methods are applied to the management of the business of the office.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Cathcart is a Mason, an Elk and a Modern Woodman. He belongs to Sidell Lodge, No. 798, A. F. & A. M .; to Danville Chapter, R. A. M .; to Chicago Consistory, A. & A. S. R .; is a member of Dan- ville Lodge, B. P. O. E .; and is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his active support of various lines of church work. He is now secre- tary of the board of trustees of the church and for several years has served as Sunday school superintendent. He ranks with the most prominent men of the southern portion of Vermilion county. He holds to high ideals in every rela- tion of life and in their attainment is recognized as a man of action rather than of theory. His correct judging of life's contacts and experiences as well as of his own capabilities and powers, his even paced energy and the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into important public and business relations.
JOHN N. BADEWITZ.
Among the successful farmers of Vermilion county should be named John N. Badewitz, now deceased, who came to this country as a boy of sixteen and through his own exertions and a worthy ambition that should be the inspiration of every young man, attained a position of respect and honor in this county. He was born in Germany, December 21, 1854, and was the son of Lawrence and Katherine Badewitz, who lived and died in the fatherland. The subject of this review was educated in the public schools, while even before he had passed out of the years of boyhood he learned of the marvelous opportunities await- ing the hand of toil in this favored land and he determined as soon as he had arrived at years of discretion to seek his destiny in the republic. Accordingly, after leaving school he bade farewell to his friends and associates and came to New York, traveling thence to Illinois, where he began the battle of life among strangers as a farm laborer. He proved to be an apt pupil and soon acquired the language of the new country and after a few years, having in the meantime become well acquainted with farm life, he rented land on his own account and soon began to gather abundant harvests.
Mr. Badewitz was an intelligent man of fine character and in the neigh- borhood he met Miss Clara J. Andrews, to whom in 1887 he was united in marriage. She was born on the farm that she now owns and where she now resides, January 25, 1858, and is a daughter of David P. and Rhoda (Zumwalt) Andrews. Her father was a native of New York and the mother of Kentucky, the respective families coming to Illinois at an early date, where they acquired land and became established as farmers. Mr. Andrews was quite successful
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and became the owner of a valuable farm in Newell township. He departed this life February 17, 1879, his wife having been called away November 9, 1897. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrews: D. Clinton, James A., Charles R., and Clara J., who became the wife of our subject.
John N. Badewitz was successful in a marked degree in his farming oper- ations and at the time of his death, which took place September 25, 1908, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, he was the owner of a well improved farm of two hundred and eighty-seven acres. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Badewitz five children were born : Hazel, born June 22, 1888; an infant, deceased ; Harry, born Decem- ber 12, 1890; Alta, born January 26, 1894; and Rhoda, born April 30, 1896. All are at home with their mother.
Mr. Badewitz was in sympathy with the democratic party as the one that best expresses the theory of republican institutions and he gave his hearty support to its candidates. He served with credit to himself and the people of his town- ship for three years as commissioner of highways and for ten years he was an active member of the school board. He held membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at State Line, whose principles of friendship, love and truth appealed to him as being especially applicable in an age when the accumulation of money threatens to take the place of higher ideals. He will be remembered as a man of many noble traits of character that endeared him to his family and friends and that earned for him the esteem of the entire neighborhood. He inherited the indomitable energy of the Teutonic race and was entirely fearless in the discharge of any responsibility which he considered he owed to himself or to others. He was always self-reliant and industrious and in earlier years was economical, so that he acquired sufficient funds to enable him to start independently as a farmer. He used good judgment in his busi- ness transactions and by due attention to his work he reached a position finally that would have been impossible under the conditions of the old country where the son follows in the footsteps of the father and there is often little possibility of changing conditions in which one is born. Under the American republic Mr. Badewitz found the freedom and an opportunity he had yearned for, and here he established a home and left a widow and children who will ever regard his name with the reverence and respect due to a worthy husband and loving father.
CHARLES LUCKEY.
It would be difficult to find in all the length and breadth of the land a richer and more productive agricultural district than Vermilion county, and they are fortunate, therefore, who derive at least a part of their income from farming interests here as does Charles Luckey, who owns both town and country prop- erty. He is one of Vermilion county's native sons, his birth having occurred here in 1856. His father, George Luckey, was an old-time resident of the county and devoted his life to general farming and stock-raising, meeting with success in both branches of his business.
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Upon the home farm Charles Luckey was reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farm lad. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges and after putting aside his text- books he worked at the carpenter's trade, but is now engaged in farming in this county.
On the 24th of September, 1908, Mr. Luckey was united in marriage to Mrs. Myra (Makemson) Elder, a daughter of Hiram and Prudence (Campbell) Makemson. Her father was born in Kentucky in 1830 and is still living at the age of eighty years. In his childhood he came to Vermilion county and has been a lifelong farmer. He married Prudence Campbell, who was born in this county in 1824 and remained here until her death, which occurred in 1880. They were the parents of five children: Myra, now Mrs. Luckey; Mary, the wife of W. W. Current; Bertha, the deceased wife of Mort Byrd, by whom she had one child, Joseph Byrd; Sherman, who married Sadie Byrd; Joseph, now deceased, who wedded Mary Renner, who still survives.
Mr. and Mrs. Luckey are the owners of farming interests and town prop- erty and derive therefrom a substantial and well merited income. His political support is given to the republican party, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. Fraternally he is connected with the Tribe of Ben Hur and with the Masonic lodge, and Mrs. Luckey is also well known in the ladies' auxiliaries of these organizations, having held office in the Eastern Star and in the Royal Neighbors. They reside at No. 102 South Hazel street, where they own and occupy an attractive home that is the abode of a warm-hearted and generous hospitality.
GEORGE W. MILLER.
George W. Miller is a retired farmer of Vermilion county living about three miles east of Rossville on the Attica road. His home is on the south side of the road and stands in a fine grove of hickory trees. It is pleasantly; and attractively located and there he is enjoying life, his rest being the merited re- ward of many years of earnest and well directed labor. He was born in In- diana on the 26th of November, 1841, and is a son of Andrew J. and Catharine (Moyer) Miller. The father removed from the Blue Grass state to Indiana in 1820, when about six years of age and was there reared, coming to Illinois about 1846. He was one of the earliest settlers of Vermilion county and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, carefully devoting his attention to farm work until he had developed a good property.
George W. Miller was a little lad of four years when brought to Illinois by his parents. His education was acquired in his district. Owing to the sparsely settled condition of the county and the fact that public schools had not been organized, several families of the neighborhood in which he lived employed a teacher for the instruction of their children. During all of his school period George W. Miller worked upon the home farm as his aid was needed and the periods of vacation were always given to such tasks as were suited to his age
MR. AND MRS. G. W. MILLER
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and strength. For a term or two he attended a school about four miles from his home but though his school training was comparatively limited he has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience and by reading and observa- tion has become a well informed man. His thorough training in farm work well qualified him to take up farming on his own account after he had attained his majority. He worked with his father through the period of his youth and after- ward bought land for himself. In fact he made his first money by buying and selling land and at all time he has manifested particularly sound judgment in making investments. At length he became the owner of a part of his present farm and to this has added as his financial resources have permitted until it is now a splendid and extensive property of four hundred and forty-five acres, which annually returns a substantial income as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon it.
On the 15th of February, 1872, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Vianna Haas, a daughter of Daniel and Louise (Miller) Haas, from Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born nine children: Louise, the wife of Jess Lansdown, by whom she has three children, Frank, Paul and Russell; Andrew, engaged in the livery business, who married Mary Prather and has two children, Harold and Marita; Samuel J., who wedded Maud Cadle; Mary, the wife of John Harris; Elsie, who married Reed Songer and has two chil- dren, Creta and Andrew; Maud, the wife of Ed Hushaw and the mother of one son, Charles; George, living upon the home farm, who married Stella Cox, by whom he has two children, Edward and Amil; Grover C., also on the home farm; and Pearl, who completes the family.
Mr. Miller has served on the school board and at one time was commis- sioner of his township. He has always been interested in matters pertaining to the public welfare and cooperates in all those measures which he deems of value to the community. He and his family belong to the Christian church and his has been a well spent life that has gained for him the respect and con- fidence of his fellowmen as well as the substantial rewards of labor. He has now lived in Vermilion county for sixty-six years and has therefore largely witnessed its growth and upbuilding as it has been converted from a sparsely settled district into a populous region that now constitutes one of the richest and most progressive districts of this state.
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