USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 39
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On the 3d of October, 1900, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Estella A. French, who was born in this county, July 3, 1876, and is a daughter of W. D. and Lucinda (Deck) French, both of whom are now deceased. Their family numbered five children, all yet living. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brown has been blessed with two children: Helen May, born February 24, 1902; and Elston W., born March 29, 1904. The parents hold membership in the Church of Christ, in which Mr. Brown is serving as one of the deacons. They both take an active and helpful interest in church work and are generous supporters of the cause.
Without desire for office as a reward for party fealty, Mr. Brown gives un- faltering allegiance to the republican party. The spirit of marked enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of the middle west finds exemplification in his life. Early realizing that persistent labor is the basis of all honorable success, he has put forth diligent effort along mercantile lines and has secured a gratifying trade by reason of honest dealing and earnest effort to please his patrons.
JOHN M. McCABE.
The success of any community is due in large measure to the efforts of men of the stamp of John M. McCabe-men who bring things to pass and whose connection with business and public life speaks for progress and ad- vancement. A spirit of energy and determination has ever characterized the career of Mr. McCabe since entering the business world on his own account at the age of nineteen years, and during the intervening years his ambition has led him into connection with various enterprises, which, in the main, have proved substantial stepping stones to the gratifying degree of success which he today enjoys. He is one of Vermilion county's adopted sons, his birth occur- ring in Dearborn county, Indiana, on the 19th of February, 1844, a son of Alex- ander and Rhoda (Knapp) McCabe. The father was born in Ohio and the mother in New York, and in childhood they went with their respective families to Indiana, where they were reared and married. They began their domestic life on a farm in Dearborn county, that state, and there remained until 1870, when they removed to northwest Missouri, where they made their home for twenty or twenty-five years. At the expiration of that period they went to In- dependence, California, and there spent their remaining days.
On the homestead in his native county John M. McCabe spent the period of his boyhood and youth, and being one of a large family of children, was
JOHN M. MCCABE
MRS. JOHN M. MCCABE
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early assigned tasks about the farm and acquired practical experience which was at once thorough and comprehensive. In the meantime, however, his men- tal training was not neglected, for during the winter months he attended the public schools near his home and the knowledge thus acquired was supplemented by reading and study at home. Because of the smallness of the home farm the father permitted his sons to start out in the business world on their own ac- count at the age of eighteen years, but John McCabe. was nineteen years old ere he embarked independently, owing to the fact that his father had promised him a colt if he would remain and assist him in the cultivation of the home fields for another year. He earned his colt and upon leaving his parents' home came direct to Vermilion county, Illinois, where the following summer was spent as a farm hand in the employ of J. M. Daugherty, of Vance township. In the fall and winter of 1863-64 he was engaged in teaching in the district schools of Vermilion county, and the money thus received made it possible, in the summer of the latter year, to pursue a seminary course in Danville. In the fall of 1864 he was married and for several years thereafter he carried on agricultural pur- suits during the summer season, while the winter months were devoted to teach- ing. His efforts in both lines proved successful and in the meantime his indus- try and economy made it possible for him to save a goodly portion of his earn- ings. Leaving the farm in 1880, he came to Fairmount, at which time he be- came closely identified with the business interests of this city. Immediately after his arrival here he purchased an interest in the Fairmount Grist Mills, with which he was connected for about eighteen months, after which he sold out and entered the tile business. For twenty years or more he was engaged in the manufacture of tile, in which connection he worked up an extensive trade, his indefatigable energy and unremitting industry proving salient features in the success of the enterprise. Not content, however, to confine his efforts to one line of activity alone, his progressive spirit led him into other fields and in 1893 he erected an opera house building, with store rooms beneath in which he conducted a mercantile business for several years. In 1897 he suffered a heavy loss through the destruction of his building and stock by fire, but, un- daunted by this misfortune, he rebuilt the store rooms and continued his mer- cantile business for some five or six years, when he disposed of his business and gave his entire time and attention to the management of his farming in- terests. He owns one hundred and forty acres of valuable farming land in Vermilion county, the operation of which he personally conducted until about two years ago, since which time he has rented the land and has lived retired from active business life. He is the owner of one of the handsomest homes in Fairmount, his residence being constructed of concrete blocks and white cement bricks, which he manufactured himself. The combination of brick and stone, together with the beautiful architectural design, gives a very attractive and pleas- ing effect. For some years prior to the building of the house Mr. McCabe was engaged in the cement block business in connection with his other interests, and became very proficient in the manufacture of both blocks and bricks, his present home showing the skill and taste of a master hand. During a long and intensely busy career, in which Mr. McCabe has been identified with various enterprises, not all days have been bright, for he has met with some
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severe losses and grave disappointments. He lost heavily in the lead mines of Missouri, and in connection with his tile business experimented on a patent of his own for the manufacture of a roofing tile, the failure of which was due to the lack of suitable clay with which to make the material. Four years ago he organized and was made president of an oil company for the prospecting for oil, but this enterprise, also, was doomed to failure, for after much prospect- ing they failed to develope any paying wells. He possessed that pluck and deter- mination, however, which enabled him to rise above the difficulties and sur- mount the obstacles and, when one avenue of activity seemed closed to him, he sought out new paths and in the main his efforts were crowned with substan- tial results. His good business ability and keen discernment were salient elements in his struggle for success and were potent factors in gaining him the position which he later occupied among the most prosperous and influential business men of the city.
In 1864 Mr. McCabe was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Dougherty, whose father, Samuel Dougherty, came to Vermilion county, Illinois, from Ohio about 1834. He located in Vance township where he resided for many years, but is now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. McCabe was blessed with four children, two of which, however, passed away in infancy. Their two surviv- ing daughters, Effie E. and Elsie E., are graduates of the Fairmount high school and are yet under the parental roof.
Mr. McCabe is serving as trustee of the Presbyterian church of this city, of which he and his family are members, and they occupy a high place in the social circles in which they move, the hospitality of many of the best families being cordially extended to them, while their own beautiful home is the favorite resort of a large circle of close friends. The family are members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and Mr. McCabe is identified with the Masonic body, be- longing to Fairmount Lodge, No. 590, A. F. & A. M., in which he has passed through all of the chairs. He is likewise a member of Fairmount Camp, No. 1868, M. W. A., in which he has filled all of the chairs and of which he served as venerable consul for a number of years. In politics he has never been gov- erned by party ties but cast an independent ballot, supporting the best men and most desirable measures, regardless of their party affiliation. He has filled all of the civic offices, including that of mayor of Fairmount, has served as justice of the peace, has been a member of the town council at different times and also occupied the office of school treasurer of the township, the cause of educa- tion ever finding in him a stanch champion.
Eminently progressive in his citizenship, he has ever been found in the foremost ranks of those who are striving for the best interests of the com- munity and whose efforts are potent elements in the work of advancement which is being carried on in Vermilion county. He has been one of the most prominent advocates and workers for the traction line extension from Catlin to Fairmount which has been proposed and will doubtless materialize in the not far distant future, and he has been a leader along many other lines of improve- ment and development. Such in brief is the life record of John M. McCabe- a record which in its entirety is but another proof of the fact that no matter
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what the early environment and advantages of the individual may be, the strongest characters are developed in those men who have had much to con- tend with and have had to make the most of their opportunities, and that in- dustry, energy and integrity will win success in the long run. He is numbered among the most prominent and influential citizens of Fairmount, and his is a splendid example of the power and force of honorable manhood, of earnest ef- fort and of high principle.
STEVE EVANS.
Steve Evans, formerly identified with farming interests but now engaged in the real-estate business in Rossville, in which connection he has a large clientage and is meeting with success, was born in Fentress county, Tennessee, on the 17th of January, 1859, his parents being Elliott and Sarah (Crockett) Evans. His maternal grandfather was a cousin of David Crockett, the noted explorer and Indian fighter, and was one of the early settlers of Kentucky. Elliott Evans, the father, was born in Tennessee and devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits, becoming the owner of considerable land. At the outbreak of the Civil war he remained loyal to his loved southland and enlisted in the Confederate army, serving with the rank of captain under Colonel Dibbrell.
Reared at the old family home in Tennessee, Steve Evans of this review pursued his education in a private school of that state which he attended to the age of sixteen years. Through the period of his boyhood he was also trained in the work of the home farm and gained practical experience that afterward proved of value to him in the conduct of his private business interests. When his education was completed he made 'his way northward to Indianapolis and soon afterward secured employment at farm labor in that part of Indiana. Later he returned to Tennessee and subsequently came to Vermilion county, Illinois, remaining for a short time at Hoopeston and at La Fayette. In 1880 he took up his abode in the vicinity of Rossville, where he entered the employ of a farmer and when he had saved a part of his earnings he rented land and began farming on his own account. When his capable management and careful expenditure brought him sufficient capital to justify the purchase of land he bought a farm and at different times thus invested in property, buying and then selling when a favorable opportunity presented. In this way he constantly realized a profit and gradually worked into the real-estate business in which he is now engaged. He has not only handled lands in Vermilion county, but also has interests in Texas and other states.
On the 17th of December, 1882, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hallowell and unto them have been born two children, Gertrude, who is a graduate of the high school of Rossville and is now the wife of Robert Braden ; and Austin, who is also a high school graduate and has pursued a busi- ness course, since which time he has gone west, being now located in California. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, to the support of which Mr. Evans contributes liberally. His life has been guided by its principles and
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his fellow townsmen find him a reliable man under all circumstances. His en- terprise and laudable ambition have carried him into important business relations and at all times the course that he has pursued has commended him to the good will and confidence of those who know him.
WILLIAM TRIMMELL.
One of the most worthy citizens of Vermilion county is William Trimmell, now living retired after a long life of activity and usefulness, in the course of which he has contributed in an eminent degree to the development of this region and the establishment of the present gratifying condition of advancement and pros- perity. For four score years, during the entire span of his life, has he been a resi- dent of this county and, therefore, he ranks with the pioneers who found this region a wilderness and here wrought with such energy and faithfulness that it has be- come one of the garden spots of the state and is recognized as one of the most desirable places of residence anywhere to be found. In a life time Mr. Trimmell has witnessed the wondrous change and now in ease and comfort he has turned the care of the farm over to younger hands, and he enjoys the rest which he has earned by many years of self-denial and well directed labor.
Mr. Trimmell was born in Vermilion county, April 14, 1830, and is a son of William and Sarah (Gillen) Trimmell, his father having been a native of France and his mother of Kentucky. The father came to this country with his parents when a child and lived in Kentucky until 1823, when he removed to Vermilion county, Illinois. He was married in Kentucky and he and his wife were early settlers of this state, he being one of the men who assisted in lay- ing out the original village which is now the city of Danville. For many years after establishing themselves here Mr. and Mrs. Trimmell lived in primitive style in a log house and in this house most of their children were born and reared. Hinges of the door were of hickory withes, the windows were of oiled paper and the family cooking was accomplished in a great fireplace which occupied nearly an entire end of the room. In those days the puncheon floor and the clapboard roof were to be found only in the homes of the most favored. Frame houses were unknown until after the introduction of the sawmill, the furniture was of the simplest description and such as could be made principally with the axe, but a generous hospitality prevailed of which we in the present day have little conception, while the social gatherings of the young people were enjoyed fully as heartily as the most elaborate functions nowadays. It was under these con- ditions that the foundations of the state were laid and it is doubtful whether a braver or more persevering people ever lived than the pioneers who redeemed the wilderness and established homes where now are to be seen every blessing of modern civilization.
The head of the family entered the land upon which he began farming and in later years he devoted a great deal of attention to handling live stock. At the time of his death he was the owner of five hundred acres of land, also having deeded to his children several hundred acres previous to that time. He departed
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this life in 1848, his faithful companion continuing to live with her children until she was called to her reward in 1890. Seven children blessed their union, of whom three are now living; Mrs. Elizabeth Vincent, of Danville; Mrs. Beckie Piepfer, of California; and William.
The subject of our review grew up in the pioneer home, sharing in its joys and sorrows, assisting in the hard work necessary in removing the forest and breaking the soil of the prairie and securing such meager education as was pos- sible at the log schoolhouse in the neighborhood. He has all his life been iden- tified with the farm, continuing actively at his work until 1900, when he rented his farm but still lives at the homestead. He is the owner of three hundred acres of highly improved land and has also, according to the example set by his father, given to each of his children a farm.
At the age of twenty-one years, in 1850, Mr. Trimmell was happily united in marriage to Miss Roseilla Outten, a native of Delaware, who removed with her parents to Ohio and later to Illinois, where they permanently located. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Trimmell: George W., a farmer of Blount township, who is now the owner of a farm of five hundred acres; William P., also a farmer of this county; and Laura, the wife of Eli Fox, a farmer of Ver- milion county. Mrs. Trimmell was to her husband an invaluable companion and assistant through all the years in which they were associated and was a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She passed away on the 30th of September, 1910, at the age of eighty-one years.
Politically Mr. Trimmell is an advocate of the principles of the republican party. He has never been an office seeker, as his attention has been mainly de- voted to the farm, but he has always assisted to the extent of his ability in the advancement of education and of those interests which aim to promote the wel- fare of the community. From his earliest recollection he has been identified with agricultural pursuits and the success that has attended his efforts is the result of practical knowledge and unwearied attention to a business for which he was well adapted. In his declining years he enjoys the confidence of his neighbors and the gratitude of many to whom he has been truly a friend. Of such men it may well be said that they are the salt of the earth, the ones to whom the world instinctively pays sincere and lasting respect, accorded only to the truly deserving.
WILLIAM P. HOLADAY.
William P. Holaday is a well known representative of the Danville bar now engaged in general practice as a member of the firm of Hall & Holaday. He was born near Ridge Farm, his natal day being December 14, 1882. His father, G. M. Holaday, is a native of Tennessee and at an early age accompanied his father to Illinois, the family locating at Vermilion Grove in 1850. They were members of the Society of Friends and were farming people. The father of our subject is still engaged in agricultural pursuits and stands high in the com- munity where he resides. In early manhood he married Martha Smith, who
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was born in this county, her father, William Smith, having coming here at a very early day with his father, Isaac Smith, who at one time owned the land on which the town of Ridge Farm now stands.
William P. Holaday pursued his education at Vermilion Academy, the Friends school located at Vermilion Grove, and later Penn College, which is also a Friends institution, at Oskaloosa, Iowa. Subsequently he studied law for one year at the University of Missouri and at the end of that time entered the University of Illinois, where he continued his preparation for the legal profession. He served as assistant state's attorney under J. W. Keeslar in 1903-4 and then re- returned to the university, where he graduated from the law department in 1905. Being admitted to the bar, he opened an office in Danville the same year in partnership with A. R. Hall, under the firm name of Hall & Holaday, and has since been engaged in general practice, making steady progress in his profession.
In 1906 at Indianola, Mr. Holaday was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Gorman, a native of Edgar county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Eva (Hill) Gorman, now living in Indianola, Vermilion county. For many years her father was engaged in farming in this county, but is now living retired. Mr. and Mrs. Holaday have one child, Helen, born September 22, 1908. By birth- right a Quaker, Mr. Holaday still holds membership in the Friends church and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he has taken quite an active and in- fluential part in local politics. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him to the legislature in November, 1908, and he most creditably filled that position. His salient qualities of character aside from his professional relations commend him to the confidence and good will of his fellowmen and his circle of friends is constantly increasing, a fact which indicates an honorable and successful career.
H. G. CHURCH.
The agricultural interests of Vermilion county are finding a worthy repre- sentative in H. G. Church, one of her native sons, whose birth occurred on the 10th of March, 1854. His parents were G. W. F. and Sarah (Jones) Church, both natives of London, England, who came to America at an early day. The father entered land in Catlin township, Vermilion county, and for many years directed his efforts to general farming. He is now living retired, however, in Danville, at the age of eighty years, enjoying in the evening of life the fruits of his former years of toil. The mother, however, has passed away, her death occurring on the 28th of August, 1886, and of their eight chil- dren six remain to mourn her loss.
This number includes H. G. Church who, like the other members of the family, was reared to maturity under the parental roof. At the usual age he became a student in the country schools near his home and therein acquired a good knowledge of the common branches of learning, and the time not devoted
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to his text-books was given to the work of the farm, in which he early assumed a part. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age, when he entered upon an independent business career as a renter, operating the old homestead in that capacity for about six years. He also conducted a dairy business dur- ing that time and met with such success in his undertaking that at the end of that period he was able to purchase a farm from the earnings which he had carefuly saved. He became the owner of twenty-seven acres in Catlin town- ship, which formed the nucleus of his present farm, and from time to time, as he prospered, was able to add to his original holdings until his farm now com- prises two hundred and fifteen acres, all located in that township. He has in- stituted many improvements upon the place and the farm with its well tilled fields and well kept appearance is the visible evidence of the progressive meth- ods and unfaltering industry of its owner. .
Mr. Church was united in marriage in 1880 to Miss Lola M. Douglas, who was born in Vermilion county and is a daughter of Paten and Mary E. (Dicken) Douglas, natives of Kentucky and Indiana respectively. They came to this county in 1851 and here the father passed away in 1872. The mother still sur- vives, however, having reached her seventy-third year. Mrs. Church is one of eight children born to her parents, all of whom are yet living and by her mar- riage she has become the mother of four children, as follows: Nora B., the wife of D. O. Kinder, of Vermilion county ; Ralph E., a graduate of the North- western University of Chicago, who now makes his home in that city; Mabel M., the wife of E. Clark, of Vermilion county ; and Ita L., yet at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Church manifest their religious faith by membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are deeply and help- fully interested, and they enjoy in large measure the respect and good-will of their many acquaintances. Mr. Church has never been so busy with personal affairs but that he can find time for participation in matters of vital moment to the community, and he gives stanch support to the principles of the repub- lican party although not an office seeker. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honor- able position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellowmen, among whom he has long lived and labored.
WILLIAM H. BELLES.
Among the honored citizens of Vermilion county whose names are known beyond the limits of the county and who have by industry and good judgment accumulated a comfortable competence may be named William H. Belles. He was born in Fountain county, Indiana, December 12, 1847, and is a son of Eli- sha and Rebecca Belles, the former having been born in 1805 in New Jersey and the latter in 1815 in east Tennessee. They became acquainted in Indiana, of which state they were pioneers. They were married in 1842 and four chil- dren resulted from the union: Jacob S., now a hotel manager of Stewardson,
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