USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 26
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of Vermilion county ; and Finley, also of this county. Mr. Creighton in 1852 was united in marriage to Miss C. M. Cary, a native of the state of Delaware, who died April 28, 1898, and was the mother of eleven children, all of whom are now living except one. In 1899 he married Mrs. Linda Hovey, and in 1903 Mr. Creighton was a fourth time married, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Mary Blair, of Delaware.
Mr. Creighton has been for many years identified with the democratic party and has served in several public offices in his township. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and have many friends among both the older and younger people of the community, who regard them with the esteem that rightly belongs to those who on life's journey have attempted to perform their duty. At the venerable age of eighty-two years Mr. Creighton retains in a large degree the buoyancy of spirits that carried him through many a struggle with adverse fortune, and he is today one of the most interesting survivors of the pioneers who so nobly accomplished their mission in subduing the wilder- ness to the uses of man.
LEVIN D. GASS.
In the list of notable men who have directed their efforts toward promot- ing the commercial and financial interests of Danville, certain names stand forth conspicuous and prominent by reason of what they have accomplished and from the manner of securing results. Levin D. Gass, cashier of the First National Bank, belongs to this class of men and his standing in business circles is un- questioned.
A native of Vermilion county, he was born in Catlin, November 22, 1858, and is a son of John H. and Lucinda (Driggans) Gass. The father was born in Greenville, Tennessee, while the birth of the mother occurred in the western part of North Carolina. They became residents of Crawfordsville, Indiana, at an early day, making their home there from 1841 until 1856, when they removed by wagon to Vermilion county, Illinois, and located in Catlin, where Mr. Gass engaged in the mercantile and live-stock business. He also served as the first railroad agent at that place for the Great Western Railway, now a part of the Wabash system, which then ran from State Line to Naples, Illinois. During the dark days of the Rebellion he put aside all personal interests and in 1862 enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and was commissioned captain, which position he resigned in 1864. He was with General Buell in his pursuit of General Bragg and participated in the battles of Nashville and Champion Hill. After leaving the army he returned to Catlin, where he made his home until 1866, when he removed to Danville, here con- tinuing to be engaged in the live-stock and mercantile business until 1875. In the latter year he removed to Chicago and was exclusively engaged in the live- stock business at the Union Stock Yards until his death, which occurred on the 17th of August, 1895. He was a very energetic and up-to-date business man and accumulated a handsome competence. His wife survived him for some
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years and passed away in Danville in February, 1902. In their family were six children, namely: Hamlet K., who is engaged in the stock business in Chicago; Inez, the wife of George Cutter of South Bend, Indiana; Charles, an employe of the Wabash Railroad, residing in Chicago; Levin D. of this re- view; Lola A., the wife of Charles E. Olmstead of Danville; and Bertha M., the wife of David P. Miller, who represents the New York Life Insurance Company in Chicago.
Levin D. Gass acquired his education in the public and high schools of Dan- ville and began his business career as a messenger boy in the First National Bank in May, 1875. He showed such an interest and adaptability for his work that he was promoted from time to time, serving as collector for eight months, and then as chief bookkeeper for two years, after which he was individual book- keeper for eighteen months. He was next made teller and in 1883 was promo- ted to assistant cashier, in which capacity he served until elected cashier of the bank in 1895. His constant promotion shows how a young man may rise in the business world who has the ambition to do so and is industrious by nature. He had a long road to travel but he accomplished his purpose and is today not only an officer in the bank but also a stockholder and director of the same. His courteous, genial manner has won patrons for the institution and much of its success is due to his untiring and well directed efforts. Mr. Gass is also in- terested in other enterprises, being president of the Danville Buggy Company and treasurer of the Vermilion County Telephone Company.
On the 24th of November, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gass to Miss Eva M. Hulce, a daughter of Martin Hulce, who was a former presi- dent of the Danville Buggy Company, and this union has been blessed by four children, namely: Lewis W., who obtained his degree as a civil engineer at Purdue University in 1909 and is now located at Texarkana, Texas; Martin J., who is teller in the First National Bank of Danville; Inez E., a sophomore at De Pauw University, Greencastle, Indiana; and Howard L., a student in the high school at Danville.
Mr. Gass is one of the leading members and a trustee of Kimber Methodist Episcopal church. He is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, having attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite; for two years he was master of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 38, A. F. & A. M., and has presided over all the Masonic bodies up to the eighteenth degree. He is also a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Damascus Lodge, No. 84, and is past grand chancellor of the state of Illinois, having filled that office in 1906-7. He likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Tribe of Ben Hur. In early manhood he joined the National Guards, becoming a private in 1875, and when mustered out, in 1883, was serving as adjutant of his regi- ment with the rank of captain. In 1906, however, he again entered the service, becoming quartermaster of the Fourth Brigade with the rank of major and is now deputy commissary general of the state of Illinois with the rank of Colonel, serving on the staff of Major General E. C. Young, commanding the Illinois National Guard. He was on riot duty in 1876-77 and again in 1879 during the railroad riots of that year and 1881. After his reenlistment he was on duty during the race riot at Springfield, Illinois, in August, 1908.
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Since old enough to vote Mr. Gass has taken an active interest in political affairs and was prominent during the sound money campaign that resulted in the endorsement by the state of Illinois of Major Mckinley on a hard money platform in 1896, the state being carried by the largest majority ever cast for a presidential candidate in Illinois. In 1902 Mr. Gass was elected president of the board of education in Danville and has been successively reelected to that office for nine terms, eight times without opposition. He takes a great interest in educational affairs and has done all in his power to promote the efficiency of the schools of Danville. His public and private life have alike been above reproach and he well deserves the confidence and high regard in which he is uniformly held. His business career has been characterized by honorable dealings and he today occupies a most enviable position in commer- cial, political and military circles.
ISAAC N. BYERLY.
Among the residents of Catlin whose well directed energies and intelligently applied labors in former years now make it possible for them to live in honor- able retirement, enjoying well earned rest without recourse to further business activity, is Isaac N. Byerly. A native of Putnam county, Indiana, he was born on the 8th of October, 1844 a son of K. F. and Mary Byerly, natives of South Carolina. Both went with their parents to Indiana at an early date, and after their marriage in that state took up their abode in Vermilion county, Illinois. Mrs. Byerly later passed away near Bushnell, this state, leaving besides her husband five children to mourn her loss. After the death of his first wife K. F. Byerly returned with his family to Indiana, where he was again married. Prior to the Civil war he again took up his residence in Vermilion county, Illinois, and died on the farm which he had purchased and upon which his remaining days were spent. By his second union were born seven children.
Isaac N. Byerly spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his father's home, acquiring his education in the common schools, and in the work of the farm he early took an important part, becoming familiar with all the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He remained with his father until twenty- one years of age, when he went to Putnam county, Indiana, and resided with an aunt for two years, or until his marriage, when he returned to Vermilion county and entered business on his own account, taking up agricultural pur- suits upon a rented farm which he continued to operate for six years. Then feeling that his carefully saved earnings justified such a step, he purchased a tract of eighty acres situated in Catlin township and began the cultivation and development of a farm of his own. For twenty-three years he remained upon that place, devoting his energies to general farming, and in the meantime in- troduced many improvements, including modern machinery for facilitating the work of the farm. He employed up-to-date and business like methods in the conduct of his enterprise, was energetic, industrious and persevering, and as the years went by his close application and wise management were resultant forces
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in the building up of a success which now enables him to live retired from active life. Although he still owns his farm of eighty acres, he now makes his home in Catlin, where he owns a fine residence and where he is enjoying the benefits of a comfortable competency which has come as the deserved reward of many years of earnest endeavor.
On the 7th of October, 1869, Mr. Byerly was united in marriage to Miss Dicie Goff, who was born in Indiana and is daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Garner) Goff, both natives of Indiana, where they still reside on the old home- stead farm. Their family consists of twelve children, which number includes Mrs. Byerly, who by her marriage became the mother of eight children, as follows: two who passed away in infancy: Charles F., a resident of Catlin ; R. K., of whom mention is made on another page in this volume; Elizabeth, the wife of John Smoot, of Vermilion county; Bertie, who married Thomas Bur- roughs, also of this country; and Grace and Nellie, yet at home.
The family hold membership in the Christian church of Catlin and occupy a prominent place in the social circles in which they move, the cordial hospitality of their home being enjoyed by a large number of friends. Mr. Byerly holds membership in the Modern Woodmen camp at Catlin, and in politics gives stanch support to the principles of the prohibition party, although he has never sought nor desired office. He is a strong advocate, however, of reform, pro- gress and improvement, and for several years served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm friend. Since taking up his abode in Catlin he has become deeply interested in the public welfare of the village and exerts his influence in every way possible for its development and upbuild- ing. He occupies a prominent position in the community, which is due not so much to the success which he has attained along material lines as to his many excellent characteristics.
CHARLES SHEAN.
Charles Shean, deceased, was for many years one of the most enterprising and progressive business men of Danville, but at the time of his death was liv- ing retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He was born in Wisconsin, October 20, 1850, and was a son of John Shean, who was engaged in the meat business in La Salle, Illinois, after coming to this state. Our subject was a mere lad on the removal of his parents to La Salle, where he continued to make his home until reaching manhood. He then removed to Mattoon, Illinois, where he was engaged in the bottling of mineral waters. While a resident of that city he was married in 1874 to Miss Emma White, a daughter of Durant White, of Mattoon, but she lost both parents when quite young. To Mr. and Mrs. Shean were born four children, namely, William, Charles, Mrs. Samuel Brace- well and Mrs. Clarence Allison.
The year following his marriage, in 1875, Mr. Shean removed to Danville and here purchased a bottling factory, and through hard work and close atten- tion to business he built up an excellent trade. He met with more than ordinary
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success in his undertakings and became the possessor of considerable valuable property, including several residences and business blocks. About eight years prior to his death he retired from the bottling business and gave his entire time and attention to looking after his invested interests. He handled a large amount of real estate and in this way added materially to his income. At one time he bought a beautiful tract of suburban property on the Perrysville road, where he lived for a number of years, and later built a house at 416 South street, where he took up his abode just seven weeks before he passed away on the 7th of June, 1906.
The democratic party always found in him a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples and in religious faith he was a devout Catholic. On starting out in life for himself he was in limited circumstances, but through his industry, enter- prise and perseverance steadily worked his way upward until he occupied a position of affluence and was regarded as one of the leading men of Danville.
J. H. M. CLINCH, M. D.
Dr. J. H. M. Clinch, who for twelve years has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Danville and has long since become well established in his chosen profession, was born in Georgia, December 25, 1861. His grand- father, General D. L. Clinch, of the United States Army, fought in the Mexi- can and Indian wars. The father, Duncan L. Clinch, also a native of Georgia, served as a colonel in the Confederate army. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan A. Hopkins and was also born in Georgia.
Dr. Clinch pursued his early education in Philadelphia, afterward attended Cheltenham Academy and was later graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. In preparation for the practice of medicine he entered the medi- cal department of the University of Oregon, completing the course with the class of 1896. He then located for practice in Huntington, Oregon, where he remained for two years, and in 1898 came to Danville, where he has since con- tinued in general practice. Each year has chronicled a growth in his patronage for he has given proof of his skill and ability in the excellent results which" have followed his labors. He keeps abreast with the advancement being made in the profession and while he is never hasty in discarding the old and time tried methods of practice, the value of which has been proven, he yet readily takes up with new methods and ideas which his judgment sanctions as worth while.
Dr. Clinch was married in Danville, in 1901, to Miss Edna Wilber, a native of this city and a daughter of Peter Wilber, an old and highly respected citizen who has served as justice of the peace here. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Frances (Fuller) Wilber, is a native of this county. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Clinch has been born a son, J. H. M., Jr., whose birth occurred in August, 1902. Dr. Clinch is well known in the fraternal societies of Danville, holding membership in the Masonic Lodge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Along strictly professional lines he is connected with the Ver-
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milion County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and thus keeps abreast with the profession in all that it is doing to annihilate disease and do away with conditions that are a menace to health. He conforms closely to the highest standard of commercial. ethics and is most conscientious in the performance of his professional duties.
CHARLES HILLMAN.
Charles Hillman, the owner of a valuable farm in Vermilion county and a soldier of the Civil war now living retired, was born ,in Montreal, Canada March 8, 1840. He is a son of Edward and Hannah Hillman, the latter a native of Scotland and the former of England. The father went to Canada with his parents when he was quite young and in later life took up his residence in New York state, where he died. The subject of this review was left an orphan by the death of his mother when he was nine years of age, at that time going to live with a farmer who treated him so unkindly that at thirteen he ran away and sought employment under more favorable conditions. Owing to the various fluctuations which took place while he was growing up, he had little opportunity for such training, but, being a man of intelligent observation and a reader of good literature, he years ago overcame this handicap. At sixteen he secured a position in a lumber camp in Canada, where he continued for a short time, when he came to St. Joseph, Illinois, remaining there about a year and then taking up his residence at Pilot Grove.
Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Hillman enlisted in Com- pany I, Thirty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and after being sent to the front partici- pated in a number of the great battles, among them that of Stone River, Perry- ville and Chickamauga. At the last named place he was shot through the left thigh and was confined to the hospital from September, 1863, until September, 1864, which was the expiration of his term of enlistment. However, although he had suffered great pain from an extremely dangerous wound, no sooner did he recover than on January 1, 1865, he again enlisted, serving in Company K, One Hundred and Fiftieth Illinois Infantry. With this regiment he saw more favorable service in Georgia and Tennessee, and he was always a gallant and true soldier, continuing in the army until after the close of the war and receiv- ing his final discharge February 1, 1866. He entered the army as a private and was promoted on account of efficiency to the rank of first sergeant and later was made second lieutenant. He has two honorable discharges from the army, which he holds as valuable mementos of years of faithful and meritorious ser- vice in behalf of the stars and stripes. After his final discharge Mr. Hillman returned to Vermilion county and began operating a farm of eighty acres, which he had acquired previously. After making a number of improvements he traded this farm for a part of the farm which he now owns and which includes two hundred and two and one-half acres of land under a high state of cultivation. He also is the owner of a comfortable residence in Oakwood and of several other properties in the township. For the last fifteen years he has been living
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retired in the enjoyment of the well earned results of many years of applica- tion.
On October 8, 1867, Mr. Hillman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Hilliary, a native of this state, who was born in Danville township, this county, March 15, 1849. She was a daughter of George and Sarah O. (Freese) Hilliary, who were of German descent and were married in Ohio but at an early day removed to Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hillman were born four children: Edward J., of Vermilion county; Bertha A., now living at home; George F., who received a college education and is living in Oklahoma; and Mary E., the wife of James A. Gutteridge, of Danville, Mrs. Hillman was called from earthly cares February 21, 1898, and on June 1, 1899, Mr. Hillman was married to Miss Elizabeth Oakwood, who is a daughter of Samuel and Priscilla Oakwood and was born in Oakwood township, this county, October 3, 1844. Mr. Hillman was again called upon to mourn the departure of a loving companion when on March 6, 1909, at the age of sixty-four years, his faithful wife was summoned to the unseen world. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and always endeavored to discharge her duties according to the teachings which that church represents.
Mr. Hillman is also a member of the church and for many years has served upon its board of trustees at Oakwood. Politically he is identified with the republican party but has not been bound strictly by its platform, as he is a man of liberal views who is able to perceive good traits in men who may not entirely agree with his own ideas. He has never sought office but has served most ac- ceptably as commissioner of highways and for twelve years as a member of the school board, and in his various duties as an officer of the church and as a citizen has always shown an interest and ability which have made him a valued member of the community.
HERMAN MANTEUFEL.
Herman Manteufel, who is now successfully engaged in the bakery business in Danville, was born in Hessen-Nassau, Germany, on the 10th of May, 1869, and comes of an old and honored German family, his parents being Louis and Hermina (Poppe) Manteufel. It was in 1878 that the parents brought their family to the United States and settled in Indiana, where the father continued to make his home until called to his final rest on the 3d of April, 1905. The mother is still living.
Herman Manteufel was only about nine years of age on the emigration of. the family to the new world and in the public schools of Lake county, Indiana, he obtained his literary education. He was reared upon a farm but after leav- ing school, in 1885, went to Chicago, where he learned the baker's trade. On the 19th of January, 1903, he came to Danville and entered the employ of H. Linne, a baker, but at the end of a year became a partner in the business, which they carried on together until 1908. During that year Mr. Manteufel opened an establishment of his own at No. 863-65 East Fairchild street, where he is
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now located. On beginning business alone he used only about a barrel and a half of flour per day, but his trade has so rapidly increased that now he averages eight barrels per day and furnishes employment to from seven to ten people. The excellence of his product has insured him a good trade and, being a man of sound judgment and good business ability, he is meeting with most excellent success.
On the 24th of November, 1889, Mr. Manteufel was married in Danville to Miss Margaret Hosh, a daughter of Andrew and Marie (Koch) Hosh, who for the past fifty years have made their home in this city and are numbered among its honored residents. Mr. and Mrs. Manteufel now have a little daugh- ter, Esther, who was born in Danville, June 26, 1901. They hoid membership in the German Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Manteufel is an active worker in the ranks of the republican party but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He has, however, served as school director in the Germantown district for three years, from 1906 to 1908 inclusive. Fraternally he is a member of the Court of Honor. Home-loving and charitable, he has made a host of friends since coming to Danville and has become one of the sub- stantial and prosperous business men of the city, whose success is due entirely to his own industry, perseverance and good management.
GEORGE W. NEGLEY.
George W. Negley, at the head of the Star Lumber Company, is deserving of prominent mention among the leading business men of Danville. He was born in Marion county, Indiana, on the 10th of August, 1844, his parents being George H. and Elizabeth (Ludwig) Negley, whose ancestors were of German origin. The Negley family was founded in Pennsylvania at an early day. The father, whose death occurred in 1848, was a minister of the Methodist church and traveled from village to village preaching the gospel in those early days.
In his family were the following children: Peter L., who is now a farmer and stock-raiser of Marion county, Indiana, served his country in the Civil war, commanding Company K, Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. David D. was captain of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Regiment, and for some time was a prisoner at Andersonville, being taken at the evacuation of Tennessee through the failure of General Schofield to re- lieve his officers. He is now a resident of Brightwood, Indiana, and is living retired. It was owing to the brilliant speech that he made that General Lew Wallace instead of General Harrison was given the state monument at Wash- ington. John W., who now lives on the old home farm in Marion county, In- diana, was also one of the boys in blue and was taken prisoner with his brother David. Harriet H., the eldest of the family, is now the wife of Dr. Spees and a resident of Indianapolis. Mary is the widow of David Askrem, who was well and favorably known as a resident of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Martha is the widow of Thomas Stevenson and a resident of Denver, Colorado. Elizabeth, who was for fifteen years engaged in school teaching, is now deceased. Sarah
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