USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 25
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On October 18, 1849, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss America J. Boggess, a daughter of John Boggess, one of the early settlers of Vermilion county and the father of eleven children, nine of whom grew to maturity. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis: John T., a farmer of Vance town- ship; and Rachel A., the widow of E. R. Danforth, of Danville,
Although Mr. Davis is now in the eighty-third year of his age, he has pre- served his health and strength in a remarkable degree and has the appearance and action of a man twenty years younger. Previous to the Civil war he gave his earnest support to the democratic party, but like many other democrats of that period, he became a strong Union man and since the war has adhered closely to the republican party in national and state affairs, although in local politics he often votes for the man he considers best fitted for the office irrespective of party. While he has never sought official honors, he served for nine years as road commissioner and school director and has also served for many years as trustee of his school district. At the time of the war Mr. Davis proffered his services to the government, enlisting for three months in Company C, Seventy- first Illinois Regiment, the period of service covering from July to November, 1862. He is an honored member of Homer Lodge, No. 199, A. F. & A. M. This lodge he joined in 1857 and in 1907 he was presented by his brethren with a gold-headed cane in recognition of his fifty years' membership, a record which is seldom attained in this or any other fraternal organization. He has held the offices of senior and junior warden, deacon and treasurer in his lodge. He is also a member of Homer Chapter, No. 94, R. A. M., and of Athelstan Com-
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mandery, No. 45, Knights Templar, of Danville, and has held the offices of king and scribe in the chapter.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis are both actively connected with the Baptist church, in which they have held membership for more than fifty years. He has seen something of the world, having visited California and other states of the west in 1875 and also the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876. He has always been an independent and thoughtful observer and in the course of a long career has gained a great deal of knowledge which is not found in books. He is an inter- esting talker, a genial host, and no man in this part of the state is better in- formed as to early days nor can any other man relate more vividly the stories of pioneer times. Mr. Davis never was obliged to struggle to obtain a living, as he belonged to a well ordered family possessing an abundance of earthly goods, and with ability to conduct a farm so as to make it profitable. He is and has been for many years one of the substantial men of the county, and today he is without doubt one of the most respected and honored citizens of this region.
L. P. CULP.
When L. P. Culp was called to his final rest on the 9th of November, 1908, he had already passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, for his life record covered the period between that date and the 14th of March, 1835, when he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Indiana. His parents. were Joseph and Maragaret Culp, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana respec- tively, both of whom are deceased.
L. P. Culp passed the period of his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity and in the common schools of Indiana acquired his education. He was a young man of twenty years when, in 1855, he came to Vermilion county, Illinois, and here he engaged as a farm hand, having previously been trained to agricultural pursuits on the old homestead. He was thus employed until his marriage three years later. In 1873 his wife's father left her one hundred' acres of land in Catlin township and there he took up agricultural pursuits in- dependently. The log cabin which he erected upon the place at that time is still standing and continues to be the home of his widow. He gave his entire- time and attention to the cultivation and development of his farm, and under his wise management and careful direction the fields were brought under a good state of cultivation, annually yielding abundant harvests. He continued to engage in general farming until the time of his demise, and the industry, energy and perseverance which he displayed in the conduct of his affairs were salient elements in the acquirement of a competency which made it possible for him to leave his family in comfortable circumstances when he was called to his final rest after more than a half century's connection with the agricultural interests of Vermilion county.
In early manhood Mr. Culp had laid the foundation for a happy home life- of his own by his marriage, in 1858, to Miss Mary J. Wright, who was born in Catlin township in 1840 and was a daughter of Thomas and Mary B. (San-
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dusky) Wright. The father was a native of Virginia and the mother of Ken- tucky, and they arrived in Vermilion county in 1831, where they were united in marriage. They began their domestic life upon a farm which was the property of Mrs. Wright, and continued to make that their home throughout their re- maining days. The father passed away in 1872 and the mother in 1851, and their remains were laid to rest on the old home farm. Mrs. Culp and her brother Thomas and her half-brother Henry are the only surviving members of a family of five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Wright. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Culp was blessed with six children, as follows: Joseph F., a resident of Danville; Thomas S., now deceased; Cornelius, of Sidell, Illinois; William S., making his home in Catlin township: Madora B., the wife of ' David Lewis, of Collison, Illinois; and Lucy E., who wedded W. B. Freelan, of Danville.
The parents were members of the Congregational church, in the work of which they were deeply interested, and in the faith of that denomination Mr. Culp passed away on the 9th of November, 1908, his remains being laid to rest in the Oak Ridge cemetery at Catlin. His long identification with the agricultural interests of Vermilion county had made him well known among the citizens of the district in which he resided, and all with whom he had any relations entertained for him the highest regard and esteem. His widow con- tinues to reside in the home in which they began their domestic life more than fifty-two years ago. Although the snows of seventy winters have passed over her head, she still gives active supervision to her business interests, renting the old farm of one hundred acres which is yet in her possession, and proving capable and successful in the conduct of her affairs.
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HARVEY J. SCONCE.
Scientific farming finds an exponent in Harvey J. Sconce. All that pertains to progressive agriculture is a matter of deep interest to him and his studies have covered a wide range in relation to soil, climatic conditions and plant propagation. He has watched with interest the work of the bureau of agriculture and is constantly broadening his knowledge along lines that are at once practical and at the same time give the keenest understanding of the great scientific principles which constitute the basis of agriculture. His success has resulted from a wise use of his innate talents and powers, of the natural resources of the country and the opportunities which are open to all.
He was born March 7, 1875, at Fairview, the beautiful country home of his father, James S. Sconce, who was a man prominent in all the affairs of the county and widely known throughout the state as a prominent agriculturist and stock-raiser. He was born near Brook's Point in Vermilion county, Novem- ber 14, 1831-a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of this part of the state. Concerning his lineage, a contemporary biographer has said: "Back to an early epoch in American history can the ancestry of the family be traced and in many events which left their impress upon improvement and pro-
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gress representatives of the name were active. When civilization made its way into the wilderness of Kentucky the Sconces joined the vanguard and the great- grandfather of James S. Sconce was one of the pioneers of Bourbon county, Kentucky, where he lived in a large log house, built especially to resist Indian attacks. There were eight brothers in the family and they were among the brave early settlers who reclaimed that beautiful country from the domain of the savages. Nearly all of these brothers emigrated to the south and west, bearing part in the reclamation of wild districts for the purpose of civilization. There are now many representatives of the name in Texas."
"Samuel Sconce, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1802, and was there reared amid the scenes of frontier life, shar- ing in the hardships and trials of the pioneer settlers until the year 1828, when he came to Illinois, settling in Vermilion county the following year. Here he was married to Miss Nancy Waters, who was born in Bourbon county, Ken- tucky, in 1808, and in 1829 came with her parents to Brook's Point, Vermilion county, where the marriage was celebrated. For a few years they resided in that locality and Mr. Sconce gave his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he followed very successfully. In 1852 he turned his attention to merchandising in Indianola as a member of the firm of Bailey & Sconce, which proved a prof- itable venture until the store was destroyed by fire, when Mr. Sconce retired from business life. He died in 1874, at the age of seventy-one years, and his widow passed away in 1897, at the age of eighty-nine. They were the parents of three children who reached mature years : James S .; America J. of Indianola, who is the widow of Dr. Oliver Calvert, by whom she had a daughter who died at the age of sixteen years ; and Thomas J., who was for many years a resident of Carroll township, Vermilion county, and died January 1, 1888."
After mastering the preliminary branches of learning taught in the district schools James S. Sconce continued his education in Danville and later in George- town Academy, then the best educational institution of eastern Illinois. His training at farm work was also broad and varied, and he received instruction and experience in commercial lines when, at the age of twenty-four years, he became a clerk in his father's store, where he received a salary of three hundred dollars per annum for four years. In 1859 he went to Kansas and there pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lyons county. Three months sufficed to convince him that he preferred Illinois as a place of residence and at the end of that time he traded his property for a smaller tract of land in Illinois and turned his attention to his live-stock interests, in which connection he be- came widely known by reason of the extent and importance of his operations in that direction.
It was during that period that James S. Sconce was united in marriage in September, 1861, to Miss Emma Sodowsky, the only daughter of Harvey So- dowsky. She was reared at Woodlawn, her father's country home, and com- pleted her education in Georgetown Academy. For a year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sconce lived with her father and then took up their residence at Fairview. Success attended him in his business ventures and wisely making investments in real estate, he became the owner of twenty-one hundred acres of valuable Illinois farm land and developed one of the finest farm properties
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in the state. In the midst of a broad and well kept lawn adorned by the arts of the landscape gardener he erected a commodious and beautiful residence, to which Mrs. Sconce gave the name of Fairview. Fine old shade trees surround the place, and flowers and shrubs are an attractive feature of the home. In the rear of the residence were built large barns and all the necessary outbuild- ings for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machinery. The latest improved agricultural implements were secured for the cultivation of the soil and the care of the crops. Year by year bounteous harvests were gathered, showing that the methods employed in the cultivation of the fields were practical and result- ant. Not only did Mr. Sconce give his supervision to the development of the fields but also became extensively engaged in the raising and selling of stock and from that branch of his business derived a large annual revenue. His suc- cess is indicated in the fact that the estate left by him was one of the largest ever probated in Vermilion county and careful analysis of his life record showed that the methods he employed in its attainment were such as could bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, there being not a single esoteric phase in his career.
A contemporary biographer has said of him: "While his success excited the admiration of those who knew him, it was his personal characteristics that drew around him so many warm friends. He was a man of fine appearance, six feet in height, broad shouldered, and with the keen blue eye so characteristic of the family. He would have attracted attention in any gathering. Politically he was a democrat from conviction and principle and in 1882 he consented to become a candidate for state senator. He made a brilliant race, running far ahead of his ticket in a county which is strongly republican. He served as super- visor of Carroll township and always took a deep interest in public affairs. A well filled library indicated his literary taste, and he read broadly and deeply, spending many of his most pleasant hours with his favorite authors. Educa- tional matters always awakened his earnest interest and hearty cooperation and for a number of years he was one of the regents of the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, which was also favored by his generosity. He was a consistent and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was buried with Masonic honors in the Woodlawn cemetery at Indianola. The funeral was attended by an immense throng and the cortege, headed by three hundred Masons in mourning, was over three miles in length, probably the largest funeral ever held in Vermilion county. It was remarked by one who knew Mr. Sconce well that 'a secret society which commanded the fealty of a man like James S. Sconce must have something in it.' If he loved Masonry it was also true that the brethren of the craft loved him. He lived a life of sim- plicity, gentleness, kindness and charity, and he never allowed the accumulation of wealth to in any way influence his action toward those less fortunate, unless it was to make him more considerate and gracious. He regarded only the worth of character in those whom he made his friends and he had the highest regard for upright manhood. It was therefore a logical result that he should draw around him a circle of friends that was almost coextensive with his circle of acquaint- ances, and that his death should come as a personal bereavement to a great majority who knew him.
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"His widow still lives at beautiful Fairview. She is well versed in literature and art and 'one is never alone who has the companionship of the old masters.' As a friend remarked to the writer: 'It matters not who goes to the home of Mrs. Sconce, be they rich or poor, they all receive the same gracious welcome.' To her husband she was a devoted companion and helpmate and for more than a quarter of a century they traveled life's journey together in a most congenial companionship that made her bereavement very heavy, yet left her with many precious memories of happy years of wedded life."
The family of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Sconce included three children : Anna, the wife of William G. Cathcart, a banker of Sidell; Harvey J .; and Samuel, who died in infancy. The surviving son, reared at the beautiful country estate of his father, where he yet makes his home, pursued his education in the pub- lic schools of Vermilion county and afterward specialized in the agricultural course at the University of Illinois, taking a special course of three years. While he made a good record in his studies he was also interested in athletics and college sports, playing for three years on the football team and for one year was a member of the baseball team. His father's estate, which had been under the supervision of his mother during his minority, came under the im- mediate charge of Harvey J. Sconce following his return from college. He brought to bear in the work which he now assumed a comprehensive scientific knowledge which he continued to broaden by reading and investigation and no finer farm land in Illinois can be found than the three thousand one hundred and forty acres comprised within the Sconce farm, belonging to our subject and his sister Anna. The usual features of farm life, the cultivation of the fields and the raising of stock, constitute the branches of his business. Both are carried on extensively and as a breeder and raiser of shorthorn cattle Har- vey J. Sconce is widely known not only in Illinois but throughout the country. Moreover, he has made a specialty of the raising of corn, in which connection he has won prizes at the national exhibitions. The element of luck does not enter into his business. Wherever science has penetrated into the mysteries of nature Harvey J. Sconce has followed, thus coming into an understanding of the conditions of plant life, the food needs and the soil requirements. He is numbered among those who have raised farming from an occupation to a profession.
Mr. Sconce was married June 2, 1897, to Miss Eva Fisher, who was born July 22, 1876, and is a daughter of Michael and Marietta Fisher of Indianola. Three children bless this union: Emma Frances, who was born May 9, 1898; Marietta Louise, born September 9, 1904; and James S., born October 13, 1906. Their home is lacking in none of the accessories, conveniences and equipments of the most modern city residence. All that is tasteful and rich in furnishing may here be found in a house lighted by electricity and embellished with the adornments of art, music and a fine conservatory.
Mr. Sconce is a republican stanch in his advocacy of party principles and policy. He belongs to the Kappa Sigma Greek letter fraternity and the Elks Lodge at Danville and to the Masonic Lodge at Sidell. He has attained to the thirty-second degree in the latter order and is a member of the Chicago Con- sistory. While his finanical position affords him opportunity for travel, his in-
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terest yet centers in the county and state of his nativity and his generous co- operation can always be counted upon to further any measure or project for the welfare, improvement and upbuilding of Vermilion county. He is too broad- gauged, however, to center his thought here without manifesting an interest in national affairs and questions of widespread and vital importance. Where- ever known, and he has a wide acquaintance, he is recognized as a scholar and financier as well as one of the most prominent exponents of scientific and ad- vanced agriculture.
CHARLES C. YOUNG.
Charles C. Young, recognized as one of the energetic business men of Oak- wood, Vermilion county, was born in York county, Nebraska, October 4, 1874, and is a son of J. H. and Sarah L. (Lockhart) Young, a record of whom ap- pears elsewhere in this work. From both sides of the family he comes of sturdy pioneer stock. His parents were residents of Vermilion county and were sojourning temporarily in Nebraska at the time of their son's birth. They returned to this county and here he was reared and educated. He received a thorough training in the fundamental principles which apply to all lines of business, under the direction of his father, and continued with his parents until twenty-one years of age. In 1895 he and his father were associated in general mercantile business at Oakwood, continuing until 1901, when they retired and the subject of this sketch became connected with the telephone business as manager of the Vermilion County Telephone Company, being the founder of the Oakwood Exchange, of which he still continues in charge. In 1901 he was appointed postmaster of the town and retains that position. He has taken a great interest in matters pertaining to the postal department and five years ago was elected secretary to the National League of Postmasters, which position he has filled with such efficiency that he has ever since been retained in that responsible office.
On October 31, 1895, Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Seal, who was born in Oakwood and is a daughter of William and Damarius (Gar- ner) Seal, both natives of Ohio. Mr. Seal settled in Vermilion county many years ago and he and his wife are still living at Vermilion Heights, Danville. One child blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Young, Ethel, who was born November 15, 1898. On November 16, 1898, Mrs. Young was called from the cares of earthly life and on May 16, 1900, Mr. Young was married to Miss Nannie Pricer, a native of Vermilion county and a daughter of James and Ar- minta (Abbott) Pricer, of Ohio, who settled in Illinois during the first half of the last century. Her father died December 23, 1906, but Mrs. Pricer is living retired at Rossville, Illinois. Mrs. Young received a fine education and for ten years was a popular teacher in the public schools. She has been an able assistant and a constant support to her husband. She is one of a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living: Charles, John, George, Thomas, Lulu, Artie, Alice, Clara and Nannie.
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Mr. Young is a supporter of the principles of the republican party. He is a member of Lodge No. 332, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Danville, and also of Lodge No. 1727, Modern Woodmen of America, of Oak- wood. He and his wife are both affiliated with the Church of Christ, in which they are active workers, he being a member of the board of trustees and a teacher in the Sunday school, while she has charge of the Sunday school as its superintendent. Mr. Young is greatly respected wherever he is known, as his efforts are in a high degree unselfish and directed so as to prove of permanent and practical benefit to those with whom he is associated.
ISAAC L. CREIGHTON.
Isaac L. Creighton, who belongs to a long-lived family and is himself now more than four score years of age, was born in Carroll county, Ohio, January 19, 1828. During his life time many of the most important developments in the history of the world have taken place and the great strides of modern civilization have transformed not only the modes of living in all enlightened nations but have changed the trend of thought, and today he sees a new world from that upon which his eyes opened in a little log cabin in Ohio long years ago. He is a son of John W. and Elizabeth (Luton) Creighton. His grandfather was a native of Scotland and removed with his parents to Ireland at six years of age and ten years later went to Canada. He participated in the Revolutionary war and later came to Ohio, where he died at the age of one hundred and one years. The father of our subject entered forty acres of timber land in Ohio and built a log cabin, which he covered with a clapboard roof and provided with a floor of the same material. Here he lived for some years, when he took up his resi- dence for a short time in Indiana, returning again to Carroll county, Ohio, where his wife died. He was married a second time and finally located in Monroe county. Ohio, there spending his declining years. He was the father of two sons, John and Isaac L.
The subject of this sketch had limited opportunities for obtaining an educa- tion in the log schoolhouse and the most of his knowledge has been acquired in the great school of life. He is, indeed, a living link connecting the very early days of the pioneers, with their joys and sorrows, to the quiet, peaceful and prosperous conditions which we now enjoy. He remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority and then began farming upon rented land in Ohio. In 1866, believing that conditions were more favorable in Illinois, he came to Vermilion county and purchased a farm in Middlefork township, later acquiring more land until at one time he owned over seven hundred acres in that township and was known as one of the most prominent and successful farmer in his part of the county. The land which he acquired he has given to his children, retaining for himself only a life interest.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Creighton was married to Miss Cath- erine Johnson, of Ohio, who departed this life three years after her marriage. Two children were the result of that union : Mary E., the wife of Joseph Truax,
ISAAC L. CREIGHTON
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