USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 37
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Spending his youthful days amid the environment of the home farm, Dr. Poole acquired his early education as a pupil in the district schools but after- ward attended the high school at Spencer, Indiana. Turning his attention to the profession of teaching, which he followed for several terms in various places, he thus secured the funds that enabled him to pay his own way through medical college. His preparation for the profession which he now follows was largely made in the Louisville Medical College of Kentucky, although he had previously read under private direction. Following his graduation at Louisville with the class of 1888, he afterward entered the Post Graduate Medical College of New! York city and was graduated in 1892. At intervals throughout his profes- sional career he has studied in leading colleges, and private reading and re- search have also greatly augmented his knowledge and promoted his efficiency. He was graduated from the Polyclinic School and Hospital of New York in 1907. He entered upon the active practice of his profession in Russellville,
G. W. Poole M. D.
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Indiana, and later was located for several years at Greencastle, Indiana, whence he removed to Danville in 1896. Through a residence of fourteen years here he has been accorded an extensive practice, placing him in a prominent position among the medical and surgical practitioners of the city. He also has mining interests, having been one of the organizers and now the president of the Iro- quois Mining Company, operating at Central City, Colorado.
In 1886 Dr. Poole was married to Miss Stella Baird, a daughter of Dr. J. W. Baird, of Russellville, Indiana. Their only living child, Alma, is a graduate of the high school of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and is now an art student. Mrs. Poole died in 1887 after a lingering illness, and two years later the Doctor mar- ried Miss Clara Goddard, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Goddard of Mo- rocco, Indiana.
Dr. Poole gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen camp, the Knights of Pythias lodge, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Masonic fraternity. He is registered as a practitioner of medicine in Illinois, Indiana, Colorado and New Mexico and in surgical work has been closely identified with St. Elizabeth's Hospital at Danville. He belongs also to the Vermilion County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medi- cal Society and the American Medical Association and thus keeps in touch with the progress of the profession in the society discussions of measures, methods and principles.
HERMAN E. DOUGLAS.
It is a well recognized fact that in the business circles of today the younger generation are forging to the front, assuming positions of responsibility and controlling enterprises of extensive proportions. Prominent among the young men of Catlin who are accomplishing results in the business world is numbered Herman E. Douglas who, although he has not yet reached the twenty-fifth mile- stone on life's journey, is nevertheless making his presence felt in financial, commercial and political circles of that city. The family has long been an honored one in Vermilion county, where its members have borne an important part in the business and public life of the community, and the subject of this review is proving himself a worthy representative of the name.
The birth of Mr. Douglas occurred in Catlin township, Vermilion county, January II, 1886, and he is a son of W. S. and Elizabeth (Clarke) Douglas. The father also a native of Vermilion county, where his birth occurred Decem- ber 2, 1848, supplemented his early educational training, obtained in the common schools, by study at Lincoln University, and in early life engaged in teaching school in the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to farm- ing. His time was thus fully occupied until the year 1900, in which he came to Catlin and entered the grain business, operating an elevator here for four years. At the expiration of that period he became identified with the financial interests of the city as the promoter of the First National Bank of Catlin, and
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from its inception until the time of his death occupied the office of cashier of that institution.
W. S. Douglas was married on the 7th of January, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Clarke, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Silas and Mary (Woodruf) Clarke. Her parents were early settlers of Ver- milion county, being numbered among the pioneers who came to this district in 1844, and here Mr. Clarke purchased a farm, upon which he and his wife made their home during the remainder of their lives. The former passed away in 1844 and the latter in 1848, and of their family of four children Mrs. Douglas is the only surviving member.
W. S. Douglas was a prominent and well known figure in fraternal circles in Catlin, being identified with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Court of Honor and the Knights of Pythias, of all of which organi- zations he was a most active and interested member. Although he won most gratifying prosperity in business life, the full measure of his success cannot be taken in terms of material gain, for during his residence in this city he en- joyed the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow citizens and few men more richly deserved the esteem in which he was uniformly held. He was. devoted to the welfare of the city in which he made his home, his labors in its behalf being potent elements for progress and development, and he was never neglectful of his obligations to his fellowmen. A useful and upright life was. brought to a quiet close when, on the 19th of January, 1908, he passed away,. his remains being laid to rest in the beautiful Oak Ridge cemetery. Besides his. wife he left to mourn his loss five children, who are as follows: Thomas W., residing in Frankfort, Indiana; Dora, the widow of W. B. Morris, of Catlin; Chloe, who married Gilbert Matthews of Frankfort, Indiana; Ethel M., the- wife of Henry Jones, Jr., also of Catlin; and Herman E., of this review. One child, Carroll O., the youngest in order of birth, was born February 13, 1888,. and was killed on the 16th of April, 1907, on the Wabash Railroad.
Mrs. Elizabeth Douglas still survives and makes her home in Catlin, where she occupies a beautiful residence. Aside from this she also owns two hundred and ninety acres of land in Indiana and is still in possession of one hundred and forty acres of the old homestead in Catlin township. She has reared her family in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she is a member, and her own deep Christian belief has found outward expression in the many ways in which she has sought to assist in the charitable work of the community. A devoted mother, a true friend, and above all a beautiful, Christian woman, she- is loved by all who know her, and her circle of warm friends is coextensive with the circle of her acquaintances.
Herman E. Douglas, whose name introduces this review, was reared in an atmosphere of culture and refinement and yet makes his home with his mother- in Catlin. He was afforded most excellent educational advantages, being a grad- uate of the Catlin high school, of the Danville high school and the university at Decatur, Illinois, and this broad training has served as an excellent prepara- tion for the practical and responsible duties which now devolve upon him in connection with important business interests. Upon laying aside his text-books he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Catlin, of which his-
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father had been a promoter, and has held that position for five years, proving himself most efficient and satisfactory in the discharge of the duties connected therewith. He is also junior partner of the firm of Jones & Douglas, proprietors of one of Catlin's large general stores, and is officially identified with several other important enterprises, such as the Colier Coal Company of Catlin, of which he is secretary. A young man of unusual business discernment and resource- ful ability, he has been fortunate in possessing qualities which have awakened confidence in his fellowmen, the simple weight of his character and ability bring- ing him into positions of trust and responsibilty, and few among the younger generaton of men today are playing a more conspicuous part in the business circles of Catlin. Not only has he evinced that fidelity to duty which has char- acterized those who have risen high in the affairs of the world, but he possesses those qualities of enterprise and organization which, having been so early brought into action, should bring him to even larger fields than those which now benefit by his labors.
Early becoming interested in the politics of the country and forming his own opinions concerning the platforms of the various political organizations, he has, since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, given stalwart support to the republican party. He is now acting as town clerk and also as school treasurer, and in serving the public he is manifesting the same spirit of energy and loyalty that is evidenced in the conduct of his individual business affairs. Fraternally he is connected with Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of Mayfield Lodge, K. P., of which he is secretary. Like his mother he is a member of the Presbyterian church, being an interested and active worker in church and Sunday school and doing all in his power to ex- tend the influence of the organization in the community. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Catlin, and his efforts are potent elements in furthering the material, political, intellectual and moral development and up- building of the city.
E. D. BROWN.
There is no secret process whereby success can be secured: it is always the result of industry, intelligently directed, and the life record of E. D. Brown is another proof of this fact. He is now a well known lumber and hardware merchant of Bismarck, where in a partnership relation with his brother, B. B. Brown, he is conducting an extensive, profitable and growing business. More- over, he is connected with other interests which make him an important factor in the business circles of this part of the county.
A native son of Vermilion county, he was born in Newell township, Jan- uary 17, 1872, his parents being J. C. and Mary Brown, both of whom were natives of Ohio, whence they came to Vermilion county with their respective parents in early childhood. The father still survives and makes his home in Bismarck, but the mother passed away in 1877. In their family were seven chil- dren, of whom five are yet living.
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E. D. Brown remained at home until he had attained his majority and then started in life on his own account, working at the carpenter's trade. He is still doing a contracting business, in which connection he is accorded a liberal and gratifying patronage. After a time, in connection with his brother, B. B. Brown, he established a lumberyard in Bismarck, in which business they have been en- gaged since 1898. They now have a large lumberyard, carry all kinds of builders' supplies and are enjoying an extensive and growing trade. After a time they established a hardware and implement business, thus extending the scope of their activities. They have erected a two-story brick building, forty by one hundred and twenty feet. It would be, a credit to a city of much larger size and they have also erected a large concrete building, fifty-five by one hundred and ten feet. In addition they own a farm of eighty acres on section 29, Newell township, and a tract of land of two hundred and eighty acres in Arkansas. Moreover, E. D. Brown is one of the directors of the Farmers & Merchants Bank and his name is an honored one on commercial paper. He is a man of keen business sagacity and is notably prompt, energetic and reliable.
On the 14th of November, 1894, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Ida Juvinall, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Andrew and Susan Juvinall, also natives of Vermilion county. Her mother is now deceased, but her father still survives and is living on a farm in this part of the state. Their family included five children, all of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brown have been born three children: Lela M., who was born September 25, 1895, and entered the high school in the fall of 1910; Zella M., born October 13, 1902 ; and Viola G., born July 14, 1904.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in its work, doing all in their power to promote its growth and in- sure its upbuilding. Mr. Brown has served as superintendent of the Sunday school for fourteen years and his labors are most effective in eliciting the atten- tion of the young. In his political views Mr. Brown has been an earnest republi- can since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as school director and also as trustee, but prefers to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs rather than to hold office. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp at Bismarck and also of the Court of Honor. He may truly be called a self-made man and as the architect and builder of his own fortunes he has done a creditable work, his energy and perseverance enabling him to ac- cumulate a handsome fortune.
CLAY F. GAUMER.
Clay F. Gaumer is leaving his impress upon the history of Illinois through the splendid work that he has done for the intellectual and moral progress of his fellowmen and for the support of those measures which uplift and benefit humanity, especially the temperance cause. He is now successfully engaged in the grain business in Alvin, but his life is by no means self-centered, reaching out continually to those questions which touch the general interests of society.
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A native of Ohio, he was born near Mount Vernon in Knox county, March 14, 1870, and is of German lineage. His grandparents were Peter and Susan (Hauger) Gaumer and his parents were Jerome and Caroline (Freeman) Gaumer. Jerome Gaumer was also a native of Ohio and pursued his education in the public schools of the Buckeye state. At an early age he began acquiring land and as his financial resources increased, added to his holdings until his property interests were quite extensive, but in later years he has sold much of this. For a long period he was actively engaged in farming, carefully cultivating his fields according to progressive methods, but at the present time he is living retired on the old home place in Knox county, enjoying in well earned repose the fruits of his former toil. He has ever been regarded as a worthy and valued citizen of the community and enjoys the respect of all who know him. His wife passed away in 1894.
Clay F. Gaumer began his education in the schools of Knox county, Ohio, and when seventeen years of age began teaching. Subsequent to that time he attended the normal school at Danville, Ohio, but continued to teach at inter- vals for about four years. His ambition for higher education being still unsatis- fied, he then pursued a scientific course and also took up the study of languages in the university at Ada, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892. He was a prominent figure in the military organization of the school and held the rank of senior major under a regular army officer, winning honors as the best cadet in college. He declined an appointment to West Point and, continuing in the educational field, became principal of the high school at Custar, Ohio, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Illinois and was principal of the schools of Sidell for nine years. He studied each student from an individual standpoint and learned to meet specific needs. He had the ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge he had acquired and also to inspire pupils and teachers with much of his own zeal and interest in the work. He has done some work in the Chicago University and throughout his life has been a man of studious habits, greatly broadening his knowledge by independent reading and investigation. While teaching he also devoted some time to the ministry, preaching on Sundays as occasion offered, and after removing to Alvin in the spring of 1903 he acted as minister of the church here for three years and also preached at times at Bismarck, Prairie chapel at Potomac and other places. About a year ago he purchased the grain elevator at Alvin and since that time has been giving his attention to the grain trade, meeting with excellent success in this undertaking. This business has not interferred, however, with his ministerial labors, as he still preaches every Sunday.
On the 10th of June, 1893, Mr. Gaumer was married to Miss Sadie Watts, a native of Champaign county, Illinois, and a daughter of Sinclair and Martha Watts. This marriage has been blessel with three children: Everett H., who is now in the second year in high school; and Clay F. and George W., who are in the intermediate grades.
Mr. Gaumer belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained high rank, being a Knight Templar and a Scottish Rite Mason of the thirty- second degree. He also holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Woodmen. His entire life has been
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actuated by high and honorable principles and a recognition of the duties and obligations of man to his fellowmen. He belongs to the Christian church and is very active in the brotherhood. He has, moreover, attained distinction as the only prohibitionist who has been elected for two successive terms to represent his district in the state legislature. He was a member of the forty-fourth and forty-fifth general assemblies and introduced the first bill for state prohibition. Unlike many so called reformers, he is not a single-idea man, and when in the assembly gave close and earnest consideration to all the questions which came up for settlement, earnestly supporting those which he believed to be for the good of the commonwealth and as earnestly opposing those which he believed to be inimical to the best interests of the state. He has long been a close and discriminating student of political, economic and sociological conditions, and in these connections always keeps abreast with the best thinking men of the age.
CHARLES E. CHESLEY.
No history of Vermilion county would be complete without mention of Charles E. Chesley, who is a worthy representative of one of the old and honored families of Danville and has for many years been prominently identified with the in- dustrial interests of the city. He was here born on the 16th of April, 1854, be- ing a son of Robert V. Chesley, who came to Danville at an early day with his father, Colonel A. P. Chesley, a noted Indian fighter. The father of our subject was also in military service and served in the Union army during the Civil war as captain of Company C, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Helen Marr Russell, was born in Connecticut and came to Danville in girlhood with her father, William Russell, the journey being made by canal the greater part of the way. Her father served as land agent here for many years and became one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of this locality, dying here in 1856. More extended mention is made of the ancestors of our subject in connection with the sketch of L. A. Chesley on another page of this volume.
Reared in Danville, Charles E. Chesley is indebted to the public schools of this city for the educational advantages he enjoyed and was attending high school when his father died, and he was forced to provide for his own support at the age of seventeen years. He then learned the carriage-maker's trade with Daniel Force, but while yet a young man entered the employ of the Wabash Railroad as call boy. His fidelity to duty won him promotion and he served both as fire- man and engineer, subsequently becoming foreman of the roundhouse at Tilton, where he remained for two years. He then went upon the road, but after a year once more resumed the duties of foreman, serving in that capacity for two years more. He was next employed as assistant to C. F. Lape, general master mechanic, and once more went upon the road as an engineer, continuing his connection with the Wabash Railroad Company for twelve years.
On resigning his position in 1892 he embarked in his present business in connection with his brother, John L., establishing boiler works on West Main
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street, but a few years later they purchased the interest of William Stevens, an old pioneer in the same business, whose plant was located on Section street, and after the consolidation they removed to the latter location, where they have since carried on business under the name of the Chesley Brothers Boiler Works, manufacturing tanks, boilers, stacks and other sheet iron products, which are shipped extensively to all parts of the United States. Their business has con- tinually increased and has reached such proportions that it is now one of the leading industrial concerns of the city. In addition to this business they also conduct a coal yard and have become interested to some extent in real estate.
In May, 1878, Mr. Chesley was married at Ridge Farm to Miss Ida M. Dicken, who was born at that place in 1860, a daughter of David Dicken, also a native of Vermilion county, his birth occurring in Elwood township. Five children blessed this union, all of whom are still living, namely : Beulah V .; Edna May, now Mrs. Laflin ; Annie D., who is being educated at Nashville, Tennessee ; Alice; and Robert E. The parents hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church and are widely and favorably known throughout this their native county.
Fraternally Mr. Chesley holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Court of Honor. His political support is given the republican party, but he has never taken a very active part in political affairs, though he served two years as alderman of the fourth ward. He is, however, a very progressive, enterprising man, who takes a deep interest in public affairs and never with- holds his support from any object which he believes calculated to prove of public benefit. As a business man he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens and the success that has come to him is but the just reward of his own earnest and persistent efforts.
H. P. BLAIR.
One of the highly esteemed citizens of Vermilion county who has gained a gratifying degree of independence financially entirely through his own exertions is H. P. Blair. He was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, No- vember 22, 1849, and is a son of Mrs. Rosenna (Pyles) Blair. Early in his life he was deprived of his parents, who were supposed to be native Kentuckians, and although he grew up without the loving protection of a father or mother, he possessed endowments of mind and heart that carried him through many difficulties and enabled him as a young man to avoid the quicksands in which so many promising young men have been engulfed.
He was educated in the common schools, and on the farm he acquired habits of industry and economy which it is difficult to teach successfully in a city, and by years of patient labor and good management he became the owner of a farm which he improved until it is now one of the valuable properties of the county. It comprises two hundred and forty acres and is provided with a comfortable residence and with barns capable of sheltering many head of stock. Many im-
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provements on the farm Mr. Blair has made with his own hands, and to the development of the land which he acquired many years ago he has devoted the principal energies of his life. He also is the owner of real estate in the same locality and of a beautiful and commodious residence and grounds in Potomac, where he now lives.
On November 25, 1875, Mr. Blair was united in marriage to Miss Nancy A. Adams, a daughter of George W. and Sylvia Ann (Buck) Adams, the former of whom was born January 27, 1829, and the latter May 1, 1834. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adams: Samuel, who married Esther Call and is now a resident of Oklahoma; Sarah, who first married J. C. Leonard, who died in 1891, afterward becoming the wife of Frank Miles, now deceased, and makes her home at present in Potomac; and Nancy A., who was born January 15, 1856, and is the wife of our subject. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Blair, George Edward, who is now conducting a farm near Potomac.
Mr. Blair has for many years been identified with the democratic party, but he is liberal in his views and often votes for a man regardless of the ticket which he represents. As a patriotic citizen he has performed such duties as he has been called upon to undertake by his neighbors and he is at present a member of the city board. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife are both earnest members of the United Brethren church, and in their lives have aimed to follow the teachings of the great Master. Mr. Blair is known as an up-to-date farmer and a conscientious man who firmly believes in the institutions of his state and country and is always willing to lend his assistence in promoting the public good. He and his estimable wife have many friends and acquaintances who appreciate their sterling qualities.
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