USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 5
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WILLIAM L. RUNYAN.
Of that class of citizens upon which Danville's security is founded is Will- iam L. Runyan, who for the past ten years has been successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance business here. A native of southern Indiana, he was born at Charlestown, September 26, 1854, and on the paternal side is of Eng- lish and Irish descent, while his maternal ancestors were of German origin. The family has ever been a patriotic and loyal one and he had three uncles who fought for the preservation of the Union during the Civil war.
His father, James C. Runyan, was born at Steubenville, Ohio, but during his boyhood removed to Indiana with his father Isaac Runyan. Both were mechanics by occupation and the former was married in the Hoosier state to Miss Harriet Coons, a native of Indiana, and there he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life. In their family were ten children, of whom our subject is the eldest, and all are still living except Edgar, who was accidentally shot in June, 1909. The youngest is now thirty-five years of age. Besides William L., his brother, D. H. Runyan, also lives in Danville.
The educational advantages of William L. Runyan were very rneager, but he attended the country schools of Indiana to a limited extent. At an early age, however, he commenced work and has since provided for his own support, thus leaving him little time to attend school. However, he devoted much of his leisure time to study, his evenings and Sundays being spent in this way, and he became very proficient in bookkeeping. Throughout life he has ever been
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a student and a close observer of men and events, so that today he is one of the best posted men of the community. At the age of thirteen years he went to Douglas county, Illinois, where he worked on a farm for four years. He was next employed as clerk and bookkeeper in a general store at Oakland, Illi- nois, and in 1881 came to Danville, accepting a position as bookkeeper in the office of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. He was next employed as sec- retary and paymaster of the Kellyville Coal Company for five years and at the end of that time was appointed special examiner for the Illinois insurance de- partment under Governor Tanner, holding that responsible position for four years. For the past ten years, however, he has been engaged in the real-estate business in Danville and has also represented, fire, accident and life insurance companies. Success has attended his efforts along this line and he has written a large amount of insurance of all kinds.
On the 2d of December, 1875, at Hindsboro, Illinois, Mr. Runyan was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Sears, also a native of Indiana, who dur- ing her childhood accompanied her parents, Enoch and Margaret Sears, on their removal to this state. This union has been blessed by two children, namely: Charles F., now an attorney of Muskogee, Oklahoma; and Daisy, now the wife of J. E. Leaverton, an attorney of Grand Junction, Colorado.
Mr. Runyan affiliates with several fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Pythias, and has taken a very active and influential part in pub- lic affairs. Although never an office-seeker, he has been called upon to fill several prominent positions and on the republican ticket was elected alderman, serving as a member of the city council in 1890 and 1891. In 1896 he was chosen mayor of Danville and never were the reins of city government in more capable hands. During the two years that he filled that office the city building was erected without the issuing of bonds and he succeeded in having many use- ful and valuable improvements made that have materially promoted the inter- ests of the city. He is a man of more than ordinary ability and the position he occupies in business, political and social circles is due entirely to his own un- aided efforts, for he started out in life for himself at at early age and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources for advancement.
R. C. PARKS.
R. C. Parks, a wide-awake and energetic young business man of Danville, was born in this city on the 25th of September, 1876. His father, Thomas S. Parks, is a native of Marysville, Ohio, his birth occurring August 24, 1845. It was in 1870 that he came to Danville and become identified with its business interests as cashier of the Second National Bank, in which capacity he served of a number of years. In 1888, however, he removed to Washington, D. C., where he was connected with the treasury department for some years and later with the war department. He was married in Danville, May 5, 1875, to Miss Clara Carnahan, a native of Indiana, who came to this city during her girl- hood with her parents, her father being General R. H. Carnahan, who held
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the rank of brigadier general during the Civil war. There were two children born of this union: R. C., of this review; and Margaretta.
R. C. Parks began his education in the public schools of Danville and after the removal of the family to Washington, D. C., attended the high school there. In 1893 he returned to Danville and entered the employ of the Ike Stern Clothing Company, remaining with that concern for ten years. He was next connected with W. M. Bridgett in the loan business and since 1909 has been engaged in the same line on his own account, dealing in farm mortgages and securities, and in connection with J. G. Supple is operating the South Oakwood Coal Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He also operates the Illinois Cigar Stores Company and is regarded as one of the most progressive, industrious and energetic young business men of the city. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given stalwart support to the republi- can party. Social and genial by nature, he is very popular both in business and social circles.
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HERMAS COOK.
Hermas Cook, whose demise occurred in Georgetown on the 9th of Feb- ruary, 1910, spent his entire life at that place and was widely recognized as a most substantial and respected citizen. He took a prominent part in public af- fairs and was serving as justice of the peace at the time of his death, having held that office for about twelve years. His birth occurred on the 21st of April, 1860, his father being Thomas E. Cook, one of the oldest settlers of Vermilion county and now a resident of Georgetown.
On the 3Ist of August, 1882, at Georgetown, Mr. Cook was united in mar- riage to Miss Louisa J. Haworth, who was born at that place on the 6th of No- vember, 1860, her parents being Benjamin and Rebecca A. (Cotton) Haworth, natives of Wayne county, Indiana. The father's natal day was April 11, 1828, while the mother's birth occurred on the 30th of September, 1830. Their marriage took place at Centerville, Indiana, on the 25th of December, 1849. In 1850 Benjamin Haworth came to Georgetown, Illinois, and here carried on farming and stock-raising continuously and successfully until February, 1910, since which time he has lived retired in Indiana.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook were born six children, the record of whom is as follows: Horace O., whose natal day was June 4, 1884, is now employed in the Cook implement and harness store at Georgetown. He married Emily A. Butler and has one child, Wright B. He succeeded his father to the office of justice of the peace and also acts as city clerk and notary public. Herbert T., who was born December 15, 1886, is now a veterinary surgeon of Macon, Illinois. Russell B., whose birth occurred October 31, 1889, follows the pro- fession of school teaching. Ruth E., born July 18, 1892, is a graduate of the Georgetown high school. Rachel G., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 21st of October, 1894, is a student of the Georgetown high school, Rhoda P., who was born October 31, 1898, attends the Georgetown grammar
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school. The different members of the family all belong to the Friends church at Georgetown.
For thirty years Mr. Cook was engaged in the harness and implement busi- ness at Georgetown. In his political views he was a republican and for about twelve years he capably served as justice of the peace, holding that office at the time of his death. He also served as a member of the board of education in Georgetown for six or seven years. His upright and honorable life won him the respect and esteem of those with whom he came in contact and his demise was sincerely mourned by all who knew him.
COLONEL MARTIN J. BARGER.
The name of Colonel Martin J. Barger is well known as that of one who has figured prominently in public affairs and is now governor of the Soldiers Home at Danville. A native of Vermilion county, he was born in Newell township on the IIth of February, 1846, his parents being William J. and Elizabeth (Rudy) Barger. The father died when he was quite young and his mother subsequently remarried, after which he left home and apprenticed himself to the shoemaker's trade which he learned.
Although only sixteen years of age it was his desire to enter the service soon after the opening of the Civil war, but he was quite small and delicate, of girlish appearance. At that time the physique of a volunteer was closely scrutinized as the supply of men was greater than the demand. But he re- solved to enter the service if possible and applied to Captain Thomas Mckib- ben, who was then recruiting Company B of the Twenty-fifth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry at Danville. The captain, however, laughed him to scorn and told him that he did not want boys but men to fight, at the same time pointing to some stalwart specimens who were standing by. This, however, did not, affect Mr. Barger's military ardor and in the early spring of 1862, when some of the Davison and Myers boys of the same regiment were home on a furlough, he determined to enter the service if possible. When his friends again started to the front he went with them and on reaching Danville applied to be mus- tered into the service in the hope of saving transportation expenses. Failing in this, he went to Springfield, but was again rejected. He then proceeded with his companions to St. Louis but there met the same fate and also at Rolla, Missouri. This point was the end of railroad travel, but a squad of conva- lescents were forming there to move forward to join their commands and Mr. Barger stated his case to the commanding officer, requesting permission to join them and to be furnished rations. When they reached Springfield, Missouri, he renewed his effort with the same result but continued with the squad to Forsythe, Missouri, where he joined the Twenty-fifth Illinois Regiment. He was dressed in civilian's clothing and before he found the command he was arrested and taken before Siegel's provost marshal but on explaining himself was released. He next made application to Captain Wall of Company B but was told that it was no use as he would die in a few days. By this time he
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hardly knew what to do but finally decided to follow the army and be a sol- dier, if for nothing else than to triumph over all opposers. He was furnished arms, equipment and an outfit of clothing. About a week later the army started for Batesville, Arkansas, and the first day he kept up with his regiment but the second day did not get into camp with his command and on the third day did not arrive until late at night, while the fourth day he entirely lost sight of the army. Having some money, he purchased his meals along the route, camping out at night and moving forward every day. Wayworn, weary and almost fainting from fatigue, at length he came into camp at Batesville about an hour after the command had arrived, not having been seen for nearly a week, and was supposed to have been either captured or dead. The cheers of the boys arose to greet him and signalize his triumph. After that he kept abreast of the best among them. The army next moved to Cape Girardeau where, after a time, it was paid off and the captain asked him if he wanted pay. "If you think I will make a soldier," was the answer. "Oh, you'll do," replied the captain. Taking the cash and having signed the pay roll, he was legally a soldier, his hopes were realized and his triumph complete. Old sol- diers know the meaning of "sand" and "grit" but few have seen a better ex- hibition of it. He was in Mississippi during the summer of 1862 and marched to Louisville under General Buell and was present at the battle of Perryville but did not engage. However, he took part in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga, being wounded and taken prisoner at the latter place. At the end of ten days, however, he was released on parole and was not in active service until the following summer while on the Atlanta campaign. He re- mained with his regiment until exchanged but not doing duty. He fought his last battle at Jonesboro and was present at the subsequent battles of Frank- lin and Nashville. The term of service of his regiment having expired, the recruits were mustered out with the rest at General Stanley's headquarters and he was discharged in March, 1865. His wounds had incapacitated him for hard labor.
Returning to Illinois, Colonel Barger has since devoted much of his time to agricultural pursuits. He was married on the 19th of April, 1868, to Miss Mary A. Steward, who died August 16, 1870, leaving one son, Walter L. R., and on the 25th of September, 1873, the Colonel was united in marriage with Miss Margaret W. Richie, who passed away March 30, 1881. The chil- dren born of this union were: Anna M., Samuel B. and John W. For his third wife Colonel Barger married Miss Laura Belle Leonard of Blount town- ship, Vermilion county, and of this union one daughter was born, Helen B., who is now a student in the University of Chicago, class of 1911. His son Walter is engaged in the insurance business, while Samuel is now a furniture manufacturer in Murphy, North Carolina; John is engaged in the furniture business in Danville; and Anna M. is the wife of Robert Martin, an expert accountant, residing in Chicago.
Colonel Barger is a practical and successful farmer and is today the owner of three fine farms in southern Illinois, which he has developed from the for- est. In politics he is an uncompromising republican and has always taken a very prominent and influential part in public affairs. In 1888 he was elected
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circuit clerk and recorder of Vermilion county and so acceptably did he fill that office that he was reelected for four successive terms of four years each. In 1901, however, he resigned that position to accept the appointment of treas- urer of the Soldiers Home in Danville. In July, 1909, he was made governor of that institution and never have its affairs been more capably managed, for he is a man of good business and executive ability, energetic and progressive, and takes an active interest in his old army comrades. The present member- ship of the home is three thousand and sixty-six, including those absent on furloughs, etc. The officers of the institution are: Martin J. Barger, govern- or; Walter L. Kelley, treasurer; D. C. Jones, surgeon; E. W. Eldridge, quar- termaster; John W. Newlon, commissary of subsistance; T. A. Parker, Prot- estant chaplain; and Thomas H. Kinsella, Catholic chaplain. The colonel is a Methodist in his religious faith, holding some views similar to those of the Society of Friends. He is a man who has faithfully discharged every duty imposed upon him, has met fully the obligations and responsibilities of life, and has won for himself an honorable position in business, social and politi- cal circles.
W. J. WEBB, M. D.
Dr. W. J. Webb, who is now successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in Danville, is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth occur- ring in Bureau county on the 13th of July, 1859. His father, John J. Webb, was born in Pennsylvania and was a young man on his removal from that state to Bureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1887 at the age of sixty-four years. In early manhood he married Miss Catherine C. Nagle, also a native of Pennsyl- vania.
During the boyhood of our subject the family removed to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he pursued his education in the public schools and later engaged in teaching in that county for six years. In 1881 he commenced the study of medicine and three years later was graduated from the Columbus Medical Col- lege at Columbus, Ohio, after which he was engaged in practice in Martinton, Iroquois county, for eighteen years. In 1900 he turned his attention to oste- opathy and was graduated from the school at Kirksville, Missouri, the follow- ing year. He commenced the practice of his profession at Cairo, Illinois, where he remained until coming to Danville in April, 1906. Here he has since practiced both osteopathy and the regular school of medicine and during his short residence here has met with most excellent success, having already built up a good practice.
On the 4th of March, 1887, in Iroquois county, Dr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Emily Trieschel, a native of Germany, and to them have been born three children, namely: Glendora, Hilda and Pearl. He and his wife hold membership in the First Church of Christ and have already made many warm friends since coming to Danville. He is also prominently identified with
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the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge at Martinton and the chap- ter, council and commandery at Watseka, Iroquois county. He affiliates with other social and fraternal orders, including the Benevolent and Protective Or- der of Elks, and is a man who commands the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact either in social or business life.
WATTS FINLEY.
A man loyal in friendship, faithful in citizenship and honorable in all busi- ness relations passed away when Watts Finley was called to his final home on the 25th of November, 1907. He was then seventy-four years of age and practically his entire life had been passed in Vermilion county, so that he was among its oldest residents, having been a witness of its growth and develop- ment through more than the Psalmist's allotted span of life of three score years and ten. He saw the broad prairies claimed and converted into productive farms, he saw the founding of towns and the building of cities, and witnessed . the growth of the county as it became settled by a prosperous and contented people. In all the work of progress he was an active participant and his well spent life, which would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, gained him the unqualified respect and honor of his fellowmen.
His birth occurred in the neighboring state of Indiana on the 4th of Novem- ber, 1833, the place of his nativity being near Lawrenceburg in Ripley county. His parents, David and Nancy (Miller) Finley, were natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respectively. For some years they made their home near the Miami river in Indiana and in 1834 took up their abode on what is now the site of Catlin in Vermilion county. Only two years before the Black Hawk war had occurred and there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy in this part of the state. Deer were still seen in considerable numbers and all kinds of wild game was to be had in abundance. There were no railroads and remote from the older centers of civilization the pioneers of Vermilion county bore many harships and privations such as are common upon the frontier. How- ever, the parents of Mr. Finley took active part in the early development and upbuilding of the county, the father continuing a factor in agricultural progress here until his death, which occurred in 1853, when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife died at the age of sixty-six years, there being only three days difference in the time of their deaths, which occurred in the month of August.
Watts Finley was the youngest of a family of seventeen children, including two pairs of twins. All have now passed from this life but for many years representatives of the name bore an active and helpful part in the work of general improvement in Vermilion county. He was but six months old when the family took up their abode on a tract of land south of Danville and there he continued to assist in the operation of the old home farm until the death of his parents. In the little log schoolhouse he began his education and later pur- sued his studies in a frame building that was used both for church and school
Trails Finley
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purposes. Only the winter months were given to school work, for in the spring it was necessary that he assist in the work of the farm, his labors in the fields continuing through the seasons of plowing, planting and harvesting. In the spring of 1855 in company with his brother, Miller T. Finley, and his sister Nancy, afterward the wife of Captain Fraser, he removed to a farm upon which he lived with his brother for four years. The same spring he purchased a tract of land in Grant township of two hundred and forty acres and took up his abode thereon at the time of his marriage.
It was on the 17th of April, 1859, that he wedded Miss Margaret P. Davis, who was born April 16, 1834, in Ohio, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amaziah Davis, who were pioneer residents of this county, where the mother reached the very advanced age of ninety-one years. Mr. and Mrs. Finley at the time of their marriage established their home upon the Grant township farm although at that time it was an unimproved property. It was necessary that he break the sod before crops could be put in and he performed all the arduous work of developing new land. The evidences of his labor, however, were soon seen in the highly cultivated fields which brought forth good harvests. His wife proved a faithful and capable assistant and helpmate to him and they traveled life's journey happily together for a number of years but at length Mrs. Finley suffered from mental disease and during the last five years of her life was in a hospital at Kankakee, where she passed away early in 1895. They had three children, of whom Mary and Charles are yet living. The former is the wife of A. M. Honeywell, of Hoopeston, and her children are Elbert, Helen, Margaret and Marie. Charles R. Finley wedded Addie Reece and his children are Marion, Margaret and Watts. Charles R. Finley is now engaged in the operation of the home farm. On the 3d of November, 1895, Mr. Finley was again married, his second union being with Leah M. Hamilton, a daughter of Andrew and Susan (Summers) Hamilton, whose parents were natives of Adams county, Ohio, whence they removed to Indiana, where her father followed farming. Both are now deceased.
Mr. Finley was for many years closely associated with the agricultural de- velopment of Vermilion county, carrying on general farming and stock-raising. The years brought him prosperity as the reward of his close application and honorable labor, and as his financial resources increased he invested in land un- til his holdings embraced seven hundred and forty acres on sections 24 and 25, Grant township. At length he retired from active business life and in 1892 established his home at Fairbury, Livingston county, Illinois, but after four years removed to Hoopeston, where his remaining days were passed.
. A contemporary biographer said of him ere his death: "In his business af- fairs he has been very successful and all that he possesses is the reward of his own enterprise and labor. He certainly deserves great credit for what he has accomplished and his life should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others. In politics he has always been a republican, interested in the success of the party but has never been an office seeker. Both of his wives were members of the Methodist church and he has been a liberal contributor to church work and to other interests which he believes will prove of value to the com- munity. Mr. Finley is one of the oldest residents of this section of Illinois.
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Continuously connected with its development and improvement, he has watched its progress from pioneer times and has taken an active and helpful interest in much that has pertained to the general good and to the substantial upbuilding of Vermilion county."
In his political views Mr. Finley was a republican and was recognized as a public-spirited citizen, whose cooperation could be counted upon to further the movements which he deemed essential to the public welfare. He loved music, enjoyed the companionship of his friends, was of a social disposition and delighted in extending the hospitality of his home to his associates. He lived to see remarkable changes here. The old haunts of the deer became the feeding ground of domestic animals, while game was replaced by the farm yard fowls and the wild prairie grasses gave way before waving fields of grain. For many years he was closely associated with the active work of development and remained throughout his life an esteemed and loved resident of Vermilion county.
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