USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 43
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HISTORY OF VERMILION. COUNTY
Mr. Butz was killed by a train while crossing the railroad track on his way from Armstrong to Penfield. The loss of such a man was justly regarded as one of the severest that the county has known, the victim of the accident being in the very prime of his life, which was one of great usefulness not only to his family but to the entire community.
On March 18, 1885, Mr. Butz was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Wil- ber, and two children were born to them, one of whom is still living, Mary Adeline, the wife of John Mann, of Rossville, Illinois. Mrs. Butz having been called away, Mr. Butz was again married September 4, 1904, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Foley Luckey, who is the mother of one child, Samuel Jesse. Mrs. Butz is a daughter of George W. and Mary (McGill) Luckey. The father was born in Indiana, July 24, 1827, and came to Vermilion county at sixteen years of age, in 1843. In 1844 he was married to Miss Margaret Oder and to them seven children were born: Alonzo, Margaret, Samuel, Charles, George, Grant and Susan. Having lost his first wife in 1867, Mr. Luckey was married November 17, 1879, to Mrs. Mary Moorhead, and three children were born to this union, two of whom are now living: Hugh M. and Mary F., the latter of whom became the wife of the subject of this review.
Mr. Butz was active and capable in a high degree in anything he undertook and was easily one of the most popular men in his part of the county. His at- tention was mainly given to his farming interests, but his ability was widely recognized and at the time of his death he was a member of the county board of supervisors, a position he filled with the highest credit to himself and the people of the county. Capable as he was in affairs of business, it was as a husband and father in the sacred precincts of his home that his nature best found ex- pression. Here the noblest elements of his heart and life manifested themselves and it is as a kindly and loving companion and guide that he will be remembered by those to whom he was most closely united. Mrs. Butz is now living at the family homestead in Middlefork township and has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, whom she has attracted by years of association and helpful interest.
H. E. BALDWIN, M. D.
Dr. H. E. Baldwin, a physician and surgeon of Sidell, was born in Dan- ville, Illinois, December 10, 1882, and is a son of Hiram and Susan (Henderson) Baldwin, he former a native of Clay county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Vermilion county, Illinois. The father was seventeen years of age when he came to this county, where he secured employment as a farm hand three miles south of Danville. Four years later he was married and the following year his father-in-law died, at which time he took charge of the home place, buying the interest of the other heirs in the property. He resided there until 1895, when he sold out to the Kellyville Coal Company at one hundred dollars per acre, being the first man in that section to receive as high a price for his land.
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DR. H. E. BALDWIN
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
He continued to reside upon the farm, however, until 1898, when he removed to Danville, where he has since made his home, enjoying a well earned rest, while the fruits of his former toil enable him to secure all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party, is a Master Mason and is one of Vermilion county's well known and highly esteemed citizens. He and his wife are members of the Cum- berland Presbyterian church and their good qualities have endeared them to all with whom they have been associated.
Dr. Baldwin spent his youthful days at home, pursued his education in the schools of Danville, passing through the consecutive grades until he was grad- uated from the high school with the class of 1900. He then took up the study of medicine, reading under the preceptorship of Dr. S. C. Glidden of Dan- ville, who directed his studies for two years, at the end of which time he entered the medical department of Columbian University at Washington, D. C. He is numbered among its alumni of 1905 and following his graduation he spent one year in hospital work, superintending Casualty Hospital in Washington. Prior to this time he had spent two years in the University Hospital while at- tending lectures, and his broad experience acquired in this way well qualified him for the onerous and responsible duties which have since devolved upon him. Following his graduation he located in Jamaica, where he spent two years in practice, and in 1908 he came to Sidell, where he has since been ac- corded a liberal professional support.
On the 30th of April, 1900, Dr. Baldwin wedded Miss Jessie Said of Dan- ville and they now have one son, S. Glidden Baldwin. The Doctor is a member of Sidell Lodge, No. 780, A. F. & A. M .; the Modern Woodmen of America ; the Yeomen of America and the Phi Chi, a Greek letter fraternity. Politically he is a republican and his religious belief is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife worships at the Methodist Episcopal church. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession in his mem- bership with the Vermilion County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. In his practice he manifests an ability that is widely recognized in the liberal patronage that is accorded him.
AMOS JACKSON.
Amos Jackson was at the time of his death one of the best known and wealthiest citizens of Vermilion county, and the story of his career is the story of honest industry and thrift. He was born in Clinton county, Indiana, on the 15th of September, 1837, and was a son of John Jackson. His mother, who was a native of Ohio, died when he was only two years old and his father, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, passed away eight years later. Therefore, at the early age of ten years he was left an orphan and had to be- gin the battle of life alone.
Coming to Vermilion county in 1856, Mr. Jackson started a brickyard and factory in connection with his brothers at Indianola, where he made his home
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for some time. Later he turned his attention to farming and so successful was he in that occupation that he eventually became the owner of over one thousand acres of very valuable and productive land. His home place, where he lived for so many years, was west of Sidell and was a very valuable and well im- proved property. He also owned a large stock farm near Paris, Illinois, being for several years extensively engaged in buying, selling and shipping a large amount of stock besides those he raised on his own place. In fact, he became one of the most prominent stockmen of his community and for a time was as- sociated with a Mr. Reynolds in that business, maintaining an office at the Chicago Stock Yards. For a short time he made his home in the city of Paris and then removed to Danville, taking up his residence on Walnut street. Subsequently, however, he removed to the corner of Wayne and Buchanan streets, where he owned the fine home that his family still occupies.
It was on the 15th of November, 1858, that Mr. Jackson was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah Hesler, a daughter of Frank and Zilpha (Gilgus) Hesler. She was born in Indianola and after the death of her mother, which occurred when she was quite small, she made her home with her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Gilgus, who came to this state from Kentucky and were among the first settlers of Indianola, Mr. Gilgus being a pioneer merchant of that city. He brought his first stock of goods from Cincinnati, Ohio, by wagon. He was one of the most highly respected men of his community and in busi- ness affairs was very successful. Mrs. Jackson's father was a farmer by occu- pation and made his home in Vermilion county for many years but later re- moved to Douglas county, this state. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson one is now deceased and the others are: John L .; Frank; Jennie, the wife of H. L. Freeman; Laura, now Mrs. Wm. Pundt; Ada, the wife of Burt Jones; and Lula, the wife of D. R. Swam.
In his political affiliations Mr. Jackson was a democrat and in his social relations was a Mason. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church and led an upright, honorable life, which commended him to the confidence and high regard of all who knew him. In business affairs he was always found prompt and thoroughly reliable, and, being dependent upon his own resources from the early age of ten years, the success that he attained was certainly well deserved. He not only left his family a large estate but also a good name and the memory of one to whom reference can always be made with pride. He passed away on the 14th of December, 1895, in Danville, and was buried in Spring Hill cemetery.
ANDREW PETERSON.
The life record of Andrew Peterson is an excellent example of what may be accomplished in America by a man of foreign birth. Oliver Wendell Holmes characterized America as the "land of opportunity," while Benjamin Harrison - said: "The gates of Castle Garden never swing outward." This is but another way of saying that the advantages of the new world are so great that he who comes from foreign lands to this country does not desire to return for perma-
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
nent residence. Mr. Peterson is numbered among the valued citizens of Hoopes- ton that Sweden has furnished to the United States. He was born December 7, 1864, a son of Jens and Maria (Larson) Peterson, both of whom passed away while still residents of Sweden. In their family were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom the following are still living: Rev. P. Peterson, a minister of the Swedish Lutheran church, now located at Rankin, Illinois; Swan, a florist of Gibson City, Illinois; Ella, the widow of Nels Johnson and now a resident of Hoopeston; Anna, the wife of Andrew Olson, residing in Sweden; Nels, whose home is at Harby, Sweden; and Jens, also living in the old country.
The other surviving member of the family is Andrew Peterson, who was educated in Sweden, attending school until sixteen years of age when he came to America with an older brother. It requires courage to sever home ties and leave one's native land, facing a future the conditions of which are unknown, but with resolute spirit Andrew Peterson turned his face to the new world, hoping that he might have better opportunities in this country than he could se- cure in Sweden. He settled first in Gibson City, Illinois, and for one term at- tended the public schools there, thus acquainting himself more largely with the English language. He made it his first duty then to learn the business of a horticulturist and florist, and followed this in connection with the Rev. L. L. Reinhart, with whom he remained for eight years, gaining comprehensive knowl- edge of the business. He then removed to Chicago and was employed by Theo- dore Freeman in the retail grocery business, remaining in his service for six years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode at Paxton, Illinois, and bought out Andrew Johnson, a florist. He remained there for nine years and during that time purchased a greenhouse of F. L. Shriever, of Hoopeston, which he conducted at the same time, carrying on his enterprise at Paxton for about four years.
In 1905 he sold his interests in Paxton and concentrated his energies upon his business at Hoopeston. He has remodeled the plant, adding to his build- ings, and has also purchased ten acres just outside the corporation limits of the town on which he also has a number of large greenhouses. In fact his equipment for the conduct of his business is the largest of this kind to be found in this entire section of the state. His shipments cover a wide territory, ex- tending from New Mexico to Canada, and the productions of his greenhouses are to be found in the principal cities of the United States. He was a poor boy when he came to the new world, and moreover met with the misfortune of having his leg broken while en route on a steamship. When he accepted his first position he was in debt to the amount of two hundred and seventy-five dollars. He made it his first object to discharge his financial obligations and since that time economy and industry have advanced his interests in a substan- tial way until he is now at the head of an extensive enterprise, bringing him very gratifying financial returns each year.
Mr. Peterson was married in Chicago, April 1I, 1896, to Matilda Johnson, a daughter of John Swanson, also a native of Sweden. Mr. Peterson attrib- utes much of his success to his wife, who at all times has been to him a faith- ful helpmate as well as a devoted companion. They are members of the Luth-
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eran church and Mr. Peterson belongs to Star Lodge, No. 709 A. F. & A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen camp. His political views are in accord with the prin- ciples of the republican party. His life work may well serve as an example to others who wish to attain success but must start out in life as he did, with- out capital or the aid of influential friends. Gradually he has worked his way upward and his efforts have been effective forces in the attainment of pros- perity in this country, where "labor is king."
THOMAS BENNETT.
For almost half a century Thomas Bennett has been numbered among the leading and representative citizens of Vermilion county and in its development and improvement he has ever borne an active and prominent part. For many years he was successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising, but is now living retired a mile and a half south of Rossville, enjoying the fruits of former toil. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Bedfordshire, England, on the 24th of June, 1830, a son of Thomas and Rebecca (Stewart) Bennett, who were also natives of England and brought their family to America in 1851, locating upon a farm in Ross township, Ver- milion county, Illinois. Here the father purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land and to its cultivation and improvement he devoted his energies throughout the remainder of his life. He converted the tract into a valuable property, supplied with all the improvements known at that time. His death occurred when he was about seventy-four years of age and both he and his wife were laid to rest in the Mann burying ground.
In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, of whom Thomas is the seventh in order of birth, but only three of the number are now living, the brothers of our subject being Samuel and Simeon, now residents of Danville.
Reared in the land of his nativity, Thomas Bennett acquired his education in the common schools and after coming to the United States assisted his father in the operation of the home farm for some time. He had previously learned the butcher's trade in England and later engaged in that business at Cov- ington, Indiana, for fifteen years. In connection with that enterprise he also gave some attention to packing and gradually developed a profitable business along that line. For a time he also engaged in the butchering business in Danville and was in the employ of Henry Smith, a pioneer merchant of this city, for whom he worked for twelve dollars per month and had to board himself. He also drove a team for William Lamb, one of the early settlers of the county, who was killed during the Civil war.
Mr. Bennett was married in October, 1858, to Miss Catherine E. Mann, a sister of Abraham Mann and a daughter of Abraham Mann, Sr. She died in 1872 and the six children born of that marriage are also deceased. For his second wife Mr. Bennett married Miss Frances Beal, a native of Kentucky and a resident of Vermilion county. They today occupy one of the finest resi- dences in this portion of the state, it being thoroughly modern and up-to-date
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in all its appointments, finished throughout with hard wood, lighted by gas and supplied with water from Mr. Bennett's own water works upon his place.
In the management of his affairs Mr. Bennett has met with most excellent success, being a man of enterprise, sound judgment and good business ability as well as industrious and progressive, and to these characteristics he owes his prosperity. As his financial resources increased he made judicious investments in real estate and at one time was the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land but has since disposed of part of this, retaining, however, about one thousand acres of very valuable and highly cultivated land. During his active connection with agricultural pursuits he gave special attention to the raising of cattle and high grade hogs, shipping annually about five hundred head of Duroc Jersey hogs and seventy-five to one hundred head of cattle each year. He became one of the most extensive stock-dealers in this section of the state but is now prac- tically living retired, looking after his invested interests.
Mr. Bennett became identified with the republican party upon its organ- ization, casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, but at local elections he supports the men and measures whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party affiiliations. For many years he served as school treasurer and has always taken a commendable interest in educational affairs, do- ing all in his power to promote the moral, intellectual and material development of this section of the country. Both he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are people of prominence in the community where they reside. Coming to this region when the country was largely a wild and unimproved district, Mr. Bennett has borne an active part in its development and progress and is well worthy of honorable mention in the history of his adopted county.
ROBERT FROST PINEGAR.
Robert Frost Pinegar, agent for the Big Four Railroad Company at Oak- wood, was born near Fairmount, Illinois, April 8, 1872, a son of James and Elizabeth (Crawford) Pinegar, who were natives of Tennessee and Indiana respectively. They were married in the latter state in 1853 and in 1861 re- moved to Ashkum, Illinois, where they remained for a few years before coming to Vermilion county. Here they settled on a farm near Fairmount, the father renting land which he continued to cultivate until 1880, when he retired from active life, taking up his abode in Danville. His remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of a well earned rest to the 24th of September, 1898, when he passed away, since which time his widow, who is now seventy-seven years of age, has resided with her children. At the time of the Civil war Mr. Pinegar responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 12th of August, 1862, as a member of Company C, Eighty-eighth Illinois Infantry. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863; Mis- sion Ridge, November 25, 1863; Rocky Face Ridge, May 12, 1864; Resaca, Georgia, May 14 and 15, 1864; and Adairsville, May 17, 1864. The company
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was at first commanded by W. A. Whiting, who was succeeded by H. H. Cush- ing, while the colonel was F. T. Sherman. Mr. Pinegar was also with General Sherman on the famous march to the sea. He received an honorable discharge February 8, 1865. At Adairsville he was wounded in the left arm and the in- juries finally caused paralysis, eventually ending his life in September, 1898. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James Pinegar were born seven children: Ella, Charlie and Margaret, all deceased; Julia A., the wife of Isaac Bryant, of Farmersburg, Indiana; Ara L., the wife of Clark Thompson, of Danville; James R., deceased; and Robert F.
Robert F. Pinegar spent his youthful days in his parents' home, there re- maining until twenty-five years of age. Following his marriage he engaged in clerking in a store and then occupied a restaurant position, in which he continued for a year. He afterward carried the mail on a rural route for nine months, at the end of which time he turned his attention to the paper-hanging and paint- ing business, in which he continued for three years. He then undertook the task of building a house from the foundation up and when this was completed accepted the position of agent for the Big Four Railroad Company at Oakwood, having in his younger years learned telegraphy. He has continued in this posi- tion to the present time, never losing a day, his efficiency and faithfulness gain- ing him the entire confidence of the company while his courtesy and obliging manner made him a favorite with the patrons of the road.
On the 4th of August, 1898, Mr. Pinegar was married to Miss Myrta A. Young, who was born March 19, 1872, a daughter of John H. and Sarah (Lock- hart) Young, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Illinois. Her grandparents were Thomas H. and Eliza (Moffett) Young, natives of Kentucky who removed to Indiana in the early '20s and there entered land from the govern- ment. The farm which Thomas H. Young there developed continued to be their home throught their remaining days. Their son, John H. Young, re- mained at home until 1862, when he enlisted in the Seventy-second Indiana Regiment for service in the Civil war and participated in a number of important battles. At Chickamauga he was wounded in the left leg and left arm and at Franklin, Tennessee, was mustered out. Following his return to Indiana he engaged in clerking in a drug store and also taught school for several years. In 1869 he removed to a farm in Newell township, Virginia county, where he lived for two years, after which he spent three years in Nebraska. He then returned to Vermilion county, where he engaged in farming for E. E. Boudinot. In 1880 he formed a partnership with Mr. Bond and they established a general store at Oakwood. Ten days later Mr. Young purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business until 1897, when his store was destroyed by fire. Later he established a drug store which he is now conducting. He married Sarah L. Lockhart, a native of this county, and the daughter of Joseph and Louisa (Chandler) Lockhart, natives of Kentucky, who came to Vermilion county in 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Young became parents of five children : Nellie, who was born December 28, 1868, and died September 15, 1895; John H., who died at the age of nine months; Myrta, now Mrs. Pinegar; Charles C., who is postmaster of Oakwood; and Vera L., at home. Mr. Young is still an active
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business man of Oakwood, now sixty-six years of age, and his wife is sixty- two years of age.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pinegar has been blessed with two children : Nellie June, born June 22, 1899; and John Roberts Clark, born October 13, 1903. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Christian church and Mr. Pinegar belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Oakwood and to the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he has served for one year as village clerk. His wife was for seven years a successful teacher of Vermilion county, before her marriage. Both possess admirable characteristics which have gained for them warm and lasting regard and they are numbered among the most highly esteemed residents of Oakwood.
GEORGE E. TILTON.
Although Illinois has attracted from other states many of her most useful and enterprising citizens and not a few of her people have come from across the sea, it is also true that many of the men and women of Illinois were born within its limits and here made their permanent home. In this state they grew up and here they established themselves and by industry and good management attained the prosperity which almost invariably attends honorable efforts.
Among the number of native sons of Illinois was George E. Tilton, now deceased, who was a well known farmer of Grant township, Vermilion county. He first saw the light of day December 1, 1851, a son of Frederick and Affa K. (Horton) Tilton, the father a native of Quebec, Canada, and the mother of Habersham county, Georgia. Frederick Tilton came to Illinois at an early date and entered a large tract of land, becoming one of the successful pioneer farmers, and here he passed away. There were ten children born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tilton, six of whom are now living. The subject of the review grew up under the fostering care of a loving father and mother and was educated in the district schools. After laying his books aside he continued with his parents, being associated with his father in farming operations, in which he was very successful. He became the owner of one of the well improved farms in Grant township and attained a reputation as one of the most thorough farmers in the region. On July 21, 1908, Mr. Tilton was called from earthly scenes, at the age of fifty-six years, seven months and twenty days. His death was deeply regretted by the people of the entire region, as he had been an active and useful member of the community. The remains of this worthy citizen were interred in Red Top cemetery.
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