USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 22
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JAMES P. COOK.
James P. Cook is a retired farmer now residing in Danville. He deserves representation in this volume because of his own personal worth and the fact that he is connected with one of its oldest pioneer families. He was born in Vermilion county, near Catlin, and is a son of Samuel and Melvina (Graves) Cook. The father's birth occurred in Ohio in 1825, and in 1835, when a lad of ten years, he came to Vermilion county. Even at that day there were many evidences of Indian occupancy in this part of the state, for the Black Hawk war had occurred only three years before, thus ending the dominion of the Indian
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tribes over this state. He was a son of James Cook, who was born in Mary- land or Virginia in 1797 and resided for some years in Ohio, whence he came to Illinois. He was a farmer by occupation and upon the home place his son Samuel Cook was reared. He too became a farmer, contributing in substantial measure to the development of the county along agricultural lines. He had two brothers who were soldiers of the Civil war, George W. Cook being cap- tain in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, while James M. Cook was a lieutenant under his brother. Both were in ser- vice from the beginning until the close of hostilities and took part in a number of important battles.
The mother of James P. Cook bore the maiden name of Melvina Graves and was born in Vermilion county in 1833, a daughter of James Graves, who also made farming his life work. Samuel Cook was married twice. By his first marriage there were born six children, of whom one died in infancy, while one daughter passed away in 1876, at the age of fifteen years, and a son died in 1909. The three still living are: James P., of this review; Mary E., who is the wife of John Wherry and has three children, two sons and a daugh- ter; and Charles F., who married Cecelia Padgitt and has one daughter. By the second marriage Samuel Cook had two sons and a daughter. His death occurred in 1905.
In the country schools of Vermilion county James P. Cook pursued his education. His training at farm labor was not meager, and he early learned the best methods of tilling the fields and caring for the crops. As he neared his majority he wisely chose the occupation of farming as a life work and sought as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Evaline O'Neil, who gave her hand in marriage on the 5th of September, 1877. Her father, Isaac O'Neil, was born in Indiana in 1818 and he, too, followed the occupation of farming. He wedded America House, who was also born in Indiana about 1818. The father was married three times. His first marriage was with Amer- ica Lowe and had five children, of whom two are still living, Mrs. Ellen Padgitt and Samuel O'Neil. Mr. O'Neil's second marriage was with the mother of Mrs. Cook and they had five children: Martha, who died in childhood; Sarah J., the wife of J. P. Ellsworth, who died in 1888, leaving two children-Austin, who wedded May Lash, and Lola B., at home; Evaline, the wife of James Cook; Winfield Scott, who died in childhood; and Isaac, who died in infancy. For his third wife Mr. O'Neil wedded Mary Lanham, who is also now deceased.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born four children. Lillian Gertrude, who is now the wife of Frank Downing and the mother of two sons and a daughter-Bertel Harmon, Helen Madeline and James L .; Lena J. and Stella E., twins, and Herman A., all yet at home.
For a long period after his marriage Mr. Cook followed farming and his energy and diligence enabled him to bring his fields under a high state of culti- vation and to gather large crops annually. In all of his methods he was practical as well as progressive, and his labors brought to him success, which he had justly earned. As the years passed by he made judicious investments in prop- erty and became the owner of one farm of five hundred acres, another of one hundred and three acres, a tract of sixty-six and a half acres and a smaller
-
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tract of forty acres. He discontinued farming in 1902 and removed to Danville, where he now makes his home. Beside his farm property he has become the owner of other valuable real estate, including ten dwelling houses in Westville and three in Danville, one of which he occupies, his own home being a beauti- ful residence at No. 2 Gilbert street.
Mr. Cook gives his political endorsement to the democracy, which he has supported at the polls since he obtained the right of voting. He is a member of the Christian church, and his has been an upright and honorable life, gain- ing for him the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
JOHN F. JENKINS.
For nearly fifty years John F. Jenkins has been a resident of Vermilion county. During the entire period he has lived in Newell township and since arriving at the age of discernment he has assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the material, mental and moral welfare of the community. Mr. Jenkins first saw the light of day on June 7, 1855, in Greene county, Ohio, his father being Richard M. and his mother Lucinda (Mullen) Jenkins. He came with his parents to Illinois in 1863, the family settling upon a farm in Ver- milion county. Here the father died January 22, 1902, and the mother October 28, 1899. Richard Jenkins was the owner of a well developed farm of two hundred and eighteen acres, and he and his wife were intelligent and progres- sive representatives of worthy families and left many friends in Vermilion county who cherish their memory with honor and respect.
The subject of our review was educated in the district school and continued on the old homestead until he was twenty-five years of age, assisting his father and preparing to begin operations independently in his own name. In 1880 he started in Newell township upon the farm where he now lives and which em- braces one hundred and thirty-five acres, all under a high degree of cultivation, with a good residence in which are to be seen the comforts and many of the luxuries of modern life. Having acquired a good education in his earlier years, Mr. Jenkins became a school teacher and taught in the district schools for ten years, during which he acquired a reputation as one of the best teachers that has been known in that part of the county. During recent years, however, he has devoted his entire attention to the farm.
On October 12, 1880, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Phronie R. Johnson, of Boone county, Indiana, a daughter of Joseph S. and Marilda (Kemper) Johnson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. Mr. Johnson located at State Line in 1864, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for four years. He then located upon a farm in Newell township and in connection with its operation acted as stock-buyer for twenty years, also holding several township offices. At the end of that period he took up his resi- dence in Hoopeston, where he handled live stock for two years, and then re- moved to Coles county, where he became engaged in the mercantile business. He next operated in the same line of business at Clinton, Indiana, and from
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there moved to Chicago, where he was a builder, contractor and grain inspector. He finally located in North Judson, Indiana, where he now lives retired. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins: Cecil C., now Mrs. Frank Young, of Vermilion county ; Charles R. S., of South Dakota; Fern L., of Vermilion county ; Georgiana, Rebecca, Dannold K. and Paralee L., all of whom are liv- ing at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are affiliated with the Christian church and in their lives aim to be controlled by the teachings of the great Book, which they ac- cept as containing the revealed word. Mr. Jenkins is highly respected in the region where he has been known all his life and where he has performed a manly part in the advancement of every worthy cause. His home is the abode of peace and hospitality and no deserving applicant for relief is turned away unassisted. By a life of sobriety, industry and activity in all worthy causes he has assisted in upholding the reputation of the county and has set an example which is plainly worthy of imitation and encouragement.
MILTON J. WOLFORD.
His ability to solve intricate business problems, his undaunted enterprise and strong determination have brought Milton J. Wolford into important relations with numerous business concerns and he is today president of the Palmer Na- tional Bank of Danville. He was born on the 6th of April, 1844, in Butler county, Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, Jacob and Lavina (Adams) Wolford, were also natives. His father was a farmer by occupation and throughout life made his home in Butler county, where both parents passed away. The son received his education in the public schools of his native county and later attended Westminster College but left that institution in his junior year. He was graduated from the Iron City Commercial College of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1864.
In the meantime, however, Mr. Wolford had entered the service of his country, enlisting in August, 1862, as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until May, 1863. In 1864 he reenlisted, becoming a member of the Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and was made orderly sergeant on the organization of his company. Subsequently he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and as a member of Battery A, Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, participated in a number of engagements. He took part in the latter part of the battle of Antietam, the battle of Winchester and the charge of Maries Heights at Fred- ericksburg and later was on duty in the Cumberland valley against Mosby, help- ing to keep open the railroad there. He was never seriously wounded but was hit by a spent ball at Fredericksburg. At the close of his service he returned to his old home in Pennsylvania and for a year thereafter was a student in Westminster College.
It was in 1866 that Mr. Wolford came to Illinois, first locating in Arcola, Douglas county, where he taught school for a couple of terms, and was then
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made cashier of the Cannon & Wyeth Bank, filling that position until the firm discontinued business. He was then with his brother-in-law, J. C. Justice, in the banking business for about two years and in October 1875, came to Dan- . ville, where for a year and a half he was employed in the Vermilion County Bank. At the end of that time he entered the service of L. T. and C. J. Palmer in their loan office. In 1880 he was elected secretary of the Danville Benefit & Building Association, in which connection he is still carrying on the insurance business in conjunction with his banking operations. In May, 1892, in asso- ciation with Messrs. Palmer, he organized the Palmer National Bank with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, C. J. Palmer being made president and Mr. Wolford its first cashier, in which capacity he served until 1902, when he was elected president of the bank and has since filled that position. The bank is now capitalized at one hundred and sixty thousand dollars and is re- garded as one of the safest financial institutions in this part of the state. They are now erecting a fine bank building at a cost of fifty thousand dollars, which will be complete in all its appointments and especially adapted for the business carried on. In addition to his other interests Mr. Wolford has served as sec- retary and treasurer of the Danville Opera House Company for several years and is a director of the Vermilion County Abstract Company and a trustee of Lakeside hospital. His connection with any undertaking ensures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is his nature to successfully accomplish any task to which he sets himself.
In 1873, Mr. Wolford was united in marriage to Miss Maude S. Blackwell of Arcola, Illinois, and unto them have been born one son and three daughters, all of whom are still living, namely: Ann S., now the widow of O. L. Ridgely ; Maude B., the wife of Charles F. Shane; and Sarah W. and Harold E., who are students at the Madison (Wis.) University. The family hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Wolford is also identified with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. He has never taken a very active or promi- nent part in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his com- mercial and banking interests and has earned for himself an enviable reputa- tion as a careful man of business, being known in his dealings for his prompt and honorable methods which have won him the deserved confidence of his fellowmen.
FRANK BREWER.
Starting out in the business world for himself at the early age of sixteen years, the success which now belongs to Frank Brewer, proprietor of an ex- tensive furniture and undertaking establishment in Catlin, is an indication of the unfaltering industry and perseverance which he has manifested since that time and is the logical result of well directed efforts and of earnest labor on his part. One of Illinois' native sons, his birth occurred in Douglas county, Decem- ber 3, 1866, and he is a son of David and Caroline (Lynch) Brewer, natives of Ohio and West Virginia respectively. They were married in Vermilion
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county, Illinois, to which county David Brewer had come in 1829 when but a year old, his parents taking up their abode near Danville. A log cabin was the home of Mr. Brewer for a number of years. He passed away in Iroquois county in February, 1895, while his wife's death occurred on the 21st of Novem- ber, 1877. In their family were ten children but only four are now living, namely : M. L., of Champaign county; I. P. and R. H., of the same place; and Frank, of this review.
Frank Brewer received his education in the common schools, and on the home farm was reared to the age of sixteen years, when, desiring to enter busi- ness on his own account, he engaged as a farm hand, continuing as such for four years. He then rented a tract of land, which he operated for a number of years, and that his early training on the home farm had been most thorough and comprehensive, inculcating into his mind lessons concerning the value of energy, economy and self-reliance, is indicated by the substantial results which attended his efforts as an independent farmer. He continued to follow agri- cultural pursuits in the capacity of renter until 1902, when, seeking the busi- ness opportunities offered by city life, he removed to Homer, and with the capital which he had been able to accumulate from his agricultural venture, he estab- lished a furniture and undertaking business, in which he continued for three years. At the end of that period he came to Catlin and here entered the same business, in which he has remained to the present time. With characteristic energy he at once applied himself to building up a good trade, and the success that attended his efforts is manifest in the extensive and constantly increasing patronage which is now accorded him. With ready discernment and keen in- sight into business he has so conducted his enterprise from the beginning that its growth has been both steady and healthy, at last reaching gratifying propor- tions, which rank it among the large and important enterprises of the city. The store handles a well selected and up-to-date stock, and the business policy of Mr. Brewer has ever been such as to inspire the trust and confidence of the public. In addition to his business he owns a fine brick store building and an attractive residence, and he is recognized as one of the substantial and influential business men of Catlin.
In 1891 Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Catherine V. Wise, who was born in Ohio in 1869. She was one of five children whose parents were William T. and Phoebe F. (Kinzey) Wise, the former deceased and the latter now making her home in Philo, Illinois. Mrs. Brewer was a graduate of the common schools and also the high school at Champaign and for several years prior to her marriage was a successful teacher in the common schools. She has since become the mother of one son, Donald W., who was born May 29, 1894, and is now a student in the high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Brewer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they are active and helpful workers, and he is widely and prominently known in fraternal circles here, being identified with the Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M .; with Catlin Lodge, No. 538, I. O. O. F .; and with the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 635, K. P., all of Catlin. In the first named order he has filled all of the chairs, and his life has ever exemplified the teachings of these various organizations. Interested as all American citizens should be in
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the political situation of the country, he has thoroughly informed himself con- cerning the questions and issues of the day and gives stalwart support to the republican party although he has no desire for preferment along political lines. Much credit is due Mr. Brewer for he started out in life as a farm hand when sixteen years of age, and with the passing years, by constant exertion associated with good judgment, has gained a place among the substantial merchants and valued citizens of Catlin, commanding the respect and confidence of all with whom he has private or business relations.
JOHN A. CATHCART.
John A. Cathcart, cashier of the First National Bank of Sidell, was born in Natrona, Macon county, Illinois, March 31, 1876, and although a young man has gained for himself a creditable position in the financial circles of Vermilion county. His judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success, his life being characterized by an orderly progression.
His parents were John Marshall and Sarah J. (Alexander) Cathcart, both of whom were natives of county Tyrone, Ireland, whence they came to the United States in young manhood and young womanhood. They became resi- dents of Logan county, Illinois, where they were afterward married and sub- sequently they took up their abode upon a farm in Mason county, Illinois, where they resided for a number of years. Later they made their home in Nebraska for about four years and on the expiration of that period returned to Champaign county, Illinois, where John M. Cathcart conducted a lumber and grain business in the town of Broadlands for about five years. He then came to Sidell, where he engaged in the lumber and grain business, acquiring a comfort- able fortune through the careful conduct and capable management of his interests. Making judicious investments in property, he owned extensive farm lands in Sidell township at the time of his death. About ten years prior to his demise he retired from active business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former toil. He died in Pensacola, Florida, where he was sojourning for the benefit of his health, passing away on the 21st of February, 1910. His widow is still a resident of Sidell, where she has a large circle of warm friends.
No event of special importance occurred during the youthful days of our subject to vary the routine of his life. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and his business training was received under the direction of his father, with whom he became identified in the lumber and grain trade. As his years and knowledge increased his responsibilities were enlarged and he came to assume more and more of the management of his father's business, with which he was associated until 1898, when he entered the First National Bank of Sidell as a bookkeeper. About five years later he was made assistant cashier of the institution and occupied that position for five years when, in 1908,
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he was chosen cashier of the bank, in which capacity he is now serving, proving an efficient officer popular with the patrons of the bank.
On the 28th of June, 1899, Mr. Cathcart was married to Miss Mabel Wright of Sidell, a daughter of Silas Wright, a prominent farmer of Sidell township, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cathcart have but one child, Josephine. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Cathcart is serving on its board of trustees. In the work of the church they are actively and help- fully interested, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Cathcart votes with the republican party and his fraternal rela- tions are with Sidell Lodge, No. 798, A. F. & A. M .; Homer Lodge, R. A. M., of Homer, Illinois ; Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R. of Chicago; and Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., also of Chicago. He likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Sidell and is in sympathy with the basic principles and purposes of these orders which recognize the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations of the individual to his fellowmen.
THEODORE E. ANDERSON.
For twenty-two years Theodore E. Anderson has now been identified with the business interests of Danville and is today most capably serving as secretary and superintendent of the Spring Hill Cemetery Association. A native of Illi- nois, he was born in Coles county, on the 8th of November, 1862, and on the paternal side is of Scotch-Irish descent, the family being founded in Pennsyl- vania at an early day, from that state its representatives removed to Indiana. His parents were John Wesley and Lucretia (Day) Anderson, both natives of Terre Haute, Indiana. The father, who was a stationary engineer by occupa- tion, died November 27, 1883, but the mother is still living.
Theodore E. Anderson attended the public schools of Terre Haute and of other places but at the early age of fourteen years he left school and began earn- ing his own livelihood. The family being in rather limited circumstances necessitated his seeking employment at that time. For a period of five years he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, working at farming and garden- ing near his home, but at the end of that time found employment with the Terre Haute Car Company, where he served an apprenticeship as a machinist and fin- ally became an expert wheelman. In 1888 he came to Danville, Illinois, and for twenty years was with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as foreman of their wheel department at this place. On the 21st of June, 1894, he be- came associated with the Spring Hill Cemetery Association and was elected superintendent and secretary of the company, which position he is still filling to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
On the 7th of November, 1883, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Mollie E. Stalcup, a native of Indiana, who died November 29, 1893. They became the parents of three children, namely: Walter, who died September 8, 1903; Charles, who died July 5, 1886; and Lillie May, who was born February I, 1890. Mr. Anderson was again married in Danville, August 5, 1896, his second
Theo. E, Anderson
MRS. THEODORE E. ANDERSON
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union being with Miss Marietta M. Borland. a native of Danville, who success- fully engaged in teaching in the public schools of this city for several years. She is a daughter of George W. and Mary J. Borland, both now deceased, who were old residents of Vermilion county. The father was a merchant tailor throughout his active business life. By his second marriage Mr. Anderson has two children : Elizabeth Viola, born February 14, 1903; and John Wesley, born April 21, 1906.
Mr. Anderson has taken high rank in Masonry, having attained to the thirty- second degree in the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Knights of Pythias and has filled all of the chairs in the last named organ- ization. Religiously he holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church of Danville. By his ballot he supports the men and measure of the republican party and has taken quite an active and influential part in local poli- tics and for one term served as a member of the city council from his ward. He is also president of the board of education of the Roselawn school district. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, who takes a commendable interest in public affairs, and during his residence in Danville has made a host of warm friends.
MILTON M. McNEILL.
The history of Danville's business enterprise would be incomplete without mention of Milton M. McNeill, a dealer in hard wood lumber. Honored and respected by all, no man occupies a more enviable position in commercial circles not alone by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to his straight- forward business policy and his ready recognition of opportunity. He was born in Perrysville, Indiana, on the 24th of December, 1845, a son of George H. and Rebecca K. (Beers) McNeill, who were natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively. The father early learned surveying, which he followed for many years, but at a later day turned his attention to merchantile pursuits, open- ing a drug store in Perrysville, Indiana, which he conducted with success until his death. He passed away September 9, 1892, and the community mourned the loss of one who had long been honored as a representative and valued citizen. He was a well read man, whose opinions were sound and his judgment keen, and he had moreover those qualities which make for personal popularity. At his death he was succeeded in business by his wife and son, W. K. McNeill, who was proprietor of a business that has been carried on by the family for over sixty-five years, but was sold in 1907.
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