USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 50
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On the 14th of September, 1876, Judge Kimbrough was united in mar- riage to Miss Julia C. Tincher, a daughter of John L. Tincher of Danville, who was one of the founders of the First National Bank and a partner of J. G. English in the banking business. At one time he was one of the leading busi- ness men of this city and was also prominent in political affairs, serving as a member of the state senate when he died in Springfield, in 1871. The only child born to Judge and Mrs. Kimbrough was Robert, who died in 1886, at the age of nine years.
For many years Judge Kimbrough has been recognized as one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Danville and he has been honored with several official positions, the duties of which he has most creditably discharged. He is now serving as a member of the library board and the state board of education, having filled the latter position since 1893. He is also president of the Spring Hill Cemetery Association and for nine years was a member of
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the local board of eduation in Danville. In 1882 and again in 1884 he was elected to the state legislature, being a member of the thirty-third and thirty- fourth general assemblies, and was called upon to serve as chairman of the judiciary committee while the department and practice committee was made up for him. In 1897 he was elected mayor of Danville on the reform ticket and during his administration accomplished what he said he would do, but refused to become a candidate for reelection. He was a delegate to the national demo- cratic conventions of 1888 and 1892 and to the gold democratic convention of 1896.
Fraternally he has attained the Knights Templar degree in the Masonic order and is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His has been a conspicuously successful career. Endowed by nature with high intellectual qualities, to which were added the discipline and embellishment of culture, his is a most attractive personality. He is today undoubtedly one of the most prominent members of the bar in this section of the state, receiving from the entire legal profession that honor and respect which is accorded only in recognition of superior personal and professional merits. He is particularly alive to the interests and vital questions of the day whether of a professional, political or business nature, and his labors and efforts have been of a most practical character while at the same time he works toward high ideals.
SAMUEL A. RODMAN.
Samuel A. Rodman, a prosperous and esteemed resident of Grant township, owns and operates a well improved farm comprising a quarter section of land. His birth occurred in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 4th of November, 1842, his parents being Scamon and Eliza (Wolfe) Rodman, who were natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and Virginia respectively. Their marriage was celebrated in the Buckeye state. The father removed to Ohio in the year 1820 and entered twelve hundred acres of timber land. He erected a log cabin with clapboard roof and puncheon floor and continued to reside on his farm there until 1851, when he journeyed westward to McLean county, Illinois. There he purchased a partly improved farm of two hundred acres, paying seventeen hundred and fifty dollars for the property. On that place he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Scamon Rodman was a republican in his political views and a native worker in the local ranks of the party. He was an admirer and friend of Abraham Lincoln. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Methodist Protestant church. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, nine of whom are yet living.
Samuel A. Rodman supplemented his preliminary education by a college course and remained at home until he joined the Union army in 1862, becom- ing a member of Company D, Ninety-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the Red River expedition and many other hotly contested engagements and also accompanied Sherman on a portion of his march to the sea. After being
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mustered out at Galveston, Texas, he returned to his home in McLean county, Illinois, remaining with his father until the time of his marriage in 1867. Sub- sequently he operated a rented farm for three years and then acted as a rail- road agent for a similar period. In 1876 he came to Vermilion county, Illinois, purchasing and locating upon a farm of eighty acres in the southern part of Grant township, whereon he made his home for three years. On the expira- tion of that period he sold the property and bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which has remained his place of abode continuously since. The many substantial improvements which now adorn the property all stand as monuments to his industry, thrift and enterprise. He likewise owns a quarter section of land in Jerauld county, South Dakota, which is under a high state of cultivation. He also owns some city property in Hoopeston and has long been numbered among the prosperous and representative residents of the com- munity. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with excellent results by reason of his well directed energy and capable business management.
On the 13th of October, 1867, Mr. Rodman was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Nelson, who was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1848, her par- ents being James E. and Mary Jane (Boslaw) Nelson, natives of New York and Wisconsin respectively. They reared a family of ten children and passed away in the state of Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rodman have been born nine children, namely: Hattie, who is still at home; William S., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who is in the mail service; Harry S., who follows farming in Minne- sota; Nellie, likewise at home; Oscar O., who was born on the 9th of August, 1878, and died on the 4th of November, 1909, leaving a widow and one son, Donald; Frank L., living in South Dakota; Robert R., a practicing attorney of Hoopeston; Walter W., who is likewise yet under the parental roof; and one who died in infancy.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Rodman has loyally supported the men and measures of the republican party. He has held several township positions and has always proved a most capable and trust- worthy public official. The period of his residence in Vermilion county covers a third of a century and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders, enjoying the confidence and trust of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.
GEORGE PARTLOW.
On the roll of Vermilion county's honored dead is the name of George Partlow, who has for many years identified with the business interests of Dan- ville. He was born in this city in 1846 and was a son of John Milton Partlow. Reared here, he was indebted to the Danville public schools for the early edu- cational privileges he enjoyed and on starting out in life for himself accepted a clerkship in the dry-goods store of W. I. Mann, which then stood on West Main street. During his connection with that establishment he gained a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and became thoroughly familiar with busi-
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ness methods. He next accepted a position in the store of Joseph Goldsmith and on leaving there became deputy circuit clerk under A. S. Hawes. He served in that capacity for four years, his duties being most faithfully and conscientiously discharged, and at the end of that time formed a partnership with the late W. H. Johns in the real-estate and insurance business. Although this was his first experience along this line he always had a special liking for such work and his wide acquaintance proved of great assistance to him when he embarked in this business. After Mr. Johns' death he became connected with Charles Hacker and together they carried on real-estate operations and also engaged in the insurance business up to the time that Mr. Partlow passed away on the 31st of July, 1905. He devoted considerable attention to the writ- ing of live-stock insurance and in this way became well known to the farmers throughout the surrounding country, and it is probable that no man in the community had a wider circle of friends or acquaintances than he.
Mr. Partlow was married in Danville to Miss Irene English, a daughter of Hon. J. G. English, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, and they became the parents of four children, as follows: Mrs. Benjamin Taylor, now a resident of Catlin, Illinois; Joseph, who makes his home in Chicago; Frank; and Nellie.
During the dark days of the Civil war Mr. Partlow manifested his patriot- ism and loyalty by entering the service and remaining at the front for three years. He returned home with an enviable war record and was later a promi- nent member of Kenesaw Post, No. 77, G. A. R. He was a devoted husband and father and found his greatest pleasure at his own fireside, surrounded by his wife and children. His death was widely and deeply mourned, for he had the confidence and respect of all with whom he was brought in contact.
JOHN SLOAN.
The farming and stock-raising interests of Grant township find a worthy representative in John Sloan, who owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land on section 16. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 5th of August, 1850, his parents being Henry and Katherine Sloan, who spent their entire lives in that country. They had seven children, all of whom make their home in Ireland with the exception of our subject and his brother Michael, who is a resident of Ohio.
John Sloan was afforded the advantages of a good common-school educa- tion and spent the first twenty-two years of his life on the Emerald isle. In 1872 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, first locating in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a common laborer until 1877. In that year he came to Illinois, purchasing and locating on a farm of eighty acres in Iroquois county, where he made his home for twenty-one years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, Grant township, Vermilion county, in the operation of which he has since been actively engaged. He has erected a fine residence
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thereon and has also put up outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, for in connection with the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock. Both branches of his business return to him a gratfying an- nual income and he has long been numbered among the successful and enter- prising agriculturists of the community.
In 1878, in Hoopeston, Illinois, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage to Miss Rose Sloan, who, though of the same name, is not a relative. She was born in the north of Ireland on the 15th of February, 1853, her parents being John and Rose Sloan, both of whom passed away in that country. They had a family of eight children, five of whom are yet living. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children, as follows: Catherine M., who is the wife of William Snyder and resides at Rankin, Illinois; John H., at home; Mary Ellen, who is a graduate of Greer College and now follows the profession of teaching; Rose Agnes, likewise a graduate of that institution, who is also engaged in teaching school; and Elizabeth A., who is still pursuing her studies.
Mr. Sloan is a democrat in politics and has capably served in the position of school director. He and his family belong to the Catholic church at Hoopes- ton. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization has gained a comfortable competence. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers a third of a century and the sterling traits of his character are well known to his fellow townsmen, the great majority of whom number him as a friend.
HANES GARLAUGH.
Hanes Garlaugh, late of Sidell, who was called from earthly scenes March 13, 1910, was recognized as one of the most progressive farmers of Vermilion county and a man whose life and services reflected in an eminent degree those virtues which most contribute to the growth and permanency of society. His career presents valuable lessons for any ambitious young man and his success as an agriculturist should be an incentive to others to persevere in a work that has large rewards for those who are capable of exercising patience, industry and good judgment.
Mr. Garlaugh was born near Dayton, Ohio, February 17, 1853, a son of Jacob and Ann Elizabeth Garlaugh, both of whom were of Teutonic ancestry. Mrs. Garlaugh was the mother of thirteen children, three of whom died in in- fancy. The eldest son lost his life in the Civil war, in 1865, the death of our subject being the first that occurred among the nine remaining brothers and sisters during a period that extended over forty-five years. They were Lydia Ann, Edward E., Taylor, Mary Jane and Martha E., twins, Harriet V., Jacob L., Sarah B. and Hanes.
Mr. Garlaugh was educated in the public schools and grew up at home, continuing under the parental roof until he was twenty-six years of age, when he came west to Vermilion county to assist in looking after extended landed
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interests, his father having bought from John Sidell eleven hundred acres of land in this county in 1873. The subject of this review was a good farmer and made many valuable improvements on the tract. In 1891 he purchased half of the farm, his brother Taylor acquiring the other half, and he continued in agricultural and stock-raising operations, until 1904, when he built a hand- some residence in Sidell, to which he removed and where he lived until his death. He was identified with the Masonic brotherhood and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in all his connections, both public and pri- vate, showing the sincerity of his professions.
Mr. Garlaugh was thrice married. In 1883 he wedded Miss Nellie Martin, of Pilot township, this county, who was a daughter of Calvin J. and Elizabeth (Collison) Martin, both natives of Illinois and early settlers of Vermilion county. Later they removed to Kansas, where Mr. Martin died. Mrs. Martin is now living in that state and is seventy years of age. Mrs. Garlaugh was called away December 26, 1887, leaving two children, Mamie Elizabeth, who is living at home; and Ida May, deceased. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a woman of many excellent qualities.
In 1890 Mr. Garlaugh was married to Miss Ida Thomas, of Palermo, Illinois, who died six months later. In 1897 he was united in marriage to Miss Alice N. Hall, of Fairmount, this county, a daughter of Jacob H. and Ellen (McDonald) Hall, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of In- diana, where they spent a few months and then came to Fairmount. At that time the town had but eleven houses and Mr. Hall later was known as its oldest resident. He conducted a hotel in Fairmount for nearly forty years and ac- quired a wide reputation among the traveling public on account of his genial qualities. Mrs. Hall was called away in 1903 and her husband departed this life three years later. They were members of the Methodist church and had many friends in the region where they spent a large part of their lives. Mrs. Garlaugh makes her home in the handsome family residence at Sidell, where she has lived for the past six years and where she is highly esteemed for her many estimable traits of character. Mr. Garlaugh will not soon be forgotten in a community which learned to respect him for his energetic and progressive qualities, and he ranked among the prominent men in his locality. His death in the midst of a useful career was regarded as a distinct loss not only to his family and friends but to the entire community.
GEORGE N. DAVISON.
Through the steps of orderly progression George N. Davison has made con- tinuous advancement in the business world until he now occupies the honor- able position of cashier and manager of the State Bank of Allerton. His his- tory indicates clearly what may be accomplished when determination, adapta- bility and unfaltering industry are the strong characteristics of the individual. His birth occurred in Yorkshire, England, on the 16th of May, 1858, his par- ents being John N. and Jane (Foster) Davison, who were born, reared and
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married at that place. The father was there engaged in business as a lime burner, conducting an enterprise of that character for many years. When he passed away, his son, Arthur W., succeeded to the business and still conducts the same. The demise of John N. Davison occurred at Yorkshire in March, 1900, when he had attained the age of seventy-two years. His widow, who still survives, yet makes her home in Yorkshire.
George N. Davison was reared under the parental roof, attending the pub- lic schools in the acquirement of an education. When but fourteen years of age he became a butcher's apprentice, receiving as remuneration for his ser- vices only one pound (or five dollars) a year during the two years of his ap- prenticeship. Subsequently he worked as a journeyman for some seven years, on the expiration of which period he embarked in the butchering business on his own account, conducting an establishment of that character for about a year and a half.
In 1881 Mr. Davison crossed the Atlantic to the United States, coming direct to Allerton, Vermilion county, Illinois. Here he worked as a farm hand for two weeks and then went to Homer, there being employed at his trade for a year. At the end of that time he entered the general store of S. B. Ball at Homer, remaining in that gentleman's service for fourteen years. He first worked as a clerk at a wage of twenty-five dollars per month but was gradually promoted as his ability and fidelity became recognized, acting as confidential man and manager of the business at the time he left Mr. Ball's employ. Dur- ing the next two years he followed general agricultural pursuits, operating a rented farm. In 1901 he again came to Allerton, accepting a clerkship in the Allerton Cash Store. When the business was sold out a year later he remained with Mr. Allerton's successors for about three months and then once more took up his trade, having purchased the butchering business of the Cash Store at the time Mr. Allerton disposed of his interests. After conducting a butcher shop for one year he went to Louise, Texas, as cashier of the People's Bank at that place, thus gaining his first experience in the banking business. At the end of fifteen months the concern sold out and Mr. Davison returned to Aller- ton, here entering the bank of S. W. Allerton & Company in the capacity of bookkeeper. In 1907 he was made assistant cashier and in August, 1910, at the time of Mr. Burger's resignation, became cashier of the institution, hold- ing that position at the present time. He is likewise a stockholder in the State Bank of Allerton and a member of its board of directors. He has been active in his management and control of the bank and has proved a courteous, oblig- ing and capable official whose personal popularity constitutes one of the attri- butes of success for the institution.
On the 5th of June, 1891, in St. John's church of New York city, Mr. Davison was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy F. Woodhouse, of London, England, whom he met on her arrival in this country. Following their mar- riage the young couple made their way direct to Homer, Illinois.
Dr. Davison is a republican in politics and a member of the town board of Allerton at the present time. Fraternally he is identified with Homer Lodge, No. 252, A. F. & A. M., while his religious faith is indicated by his member-
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ship in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he serves as treasurer and to which his wife also belongs. His life presents many creditable phases, in har- many with his professions. Ever upright and honorable, he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having worked his way steadily upward by determined and straightforward effort.
C. B. FENTON.
The name of C. B. Fenton is indelibly inscribed on the pages of Danville's history. His success was not that alone of material gain, for his progress was equally marked along the lines of intellectual development and of humantarian spirit and principle. He was interested in the welfare of his race and was a deep student of those things which have marked the progress of humanity through all the ages. At the same time he was a practical man of affairs, long associated with the business interests of Danville where his intelligently di- rected efforts brought him success. A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Fenton was born in Wesleyville in 1841. His father, Edwin V. Fenton, was a native of Ohio and was a tailor by trade. In following that pursuit he provided a good living for his family.
C. B. Fenton largely acquired his education in the schools of Conneaut, Ohio, and after completing his course was connected with business interests in that state for a number of years. He arrived in Danville on the 17th of August, 1870, removing from Paynesville, Ohio, where he had formely been con- nected with mercantile interests. On arriving in this city he purchased the store and stock of William Brown, who dealt in stoves and tinware at the corner of the square, and later he added a line of hardware. Mr. Fenton re- mained there for two years, after which he carried on his store in the Hub block for two years. In 1874 he removed to 17 East Main street and continued at the same location for thirty-six years. Since his death his daughter has conducted the business. At the time of his demise he was with one exception the oldest merchant continuing in the same line of business in Danville. Not only did he figure as one of the leading and enterprising merchants of the city but was also a factor in promoting the material growth of Danville along many other lines. He was interested in the Opera House, was one of the active factors in promoting the street car system, the electric lights and other projects which have been extremely valuable as features in Danville's upbuilding and commer- cial progress.
Mr. Fenton was a man of broad general information and carried his researches and investigation far and wide into the various specific lines of knowledge. Few men not in public life were more familiar with the political situations and questions of the day and for various magazines and the Chicago papers he wrote articles upon subjects of vital political interest. He was also the author of a volume on Coins and Currency. He possessed a fine large library and his evening hours outside of business were largely given to com-
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panionship with the master minds of all ages. He reads broadly, thought deeply and largely drew his inspiration from the authors with which he was familiar.
In Cleveland, Ohio, in 1868, Mr. Fenton was united in marriage to Miss Margaret E. Mckeon, and unto them were born three children, of whom Josephine and Grace are now living, while a daughter Willie died in 1876.
For a long period Mr. Fenton gave his political allegiance to the republican party but when his views became at variance with its platform he withdrew from active connection therewith and voted independently, keeping, however, well versed upon the issues of the day. He served as supervisor for a number of years and discharged all public duties with a sense of conscientious obliga- tion. For thirty-five years he was a member of the Masonic fraternity of Danville, joining the organization when eighteen years of age. While he did not bind himself by any creed or religious dogma, he was a friend to all the influences which uplift and benefit mankind and gave generously to the sup- port of churches and Sunday schools, recognizing their potency as factors in the material development of the individual or community. He was a man of kindly spirit, genial in manner, courteous in deportment and generous and benevolent in disposition. He took no narrow nor contracted view of life, his expanding mental powers reaching out to broader views and bringing him into touch with the universal and the enduring work of all ages. He was loved by all who knew him and no higher tribute can be paid to any man.
LAWRENCE LESTER CUNDIFF.
Lawrence Lester Cundiff, one of the well known and highly esteemed resi- dents of Sidell township, devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits, operating two hundred and eighty acres of the Cathcart estate. His birth oc- curred in Sidell township, Vermilion county, on the IIth of December, 1876, his parents being Isaac and Martha (Ross) Cundiff. The father is a native of Kentucky, while the mother was born in Sidell township, this county. Isaac Cundiff came to Vermilion county in early manhood, was here married and established his home on a farm in Sidell township. About 1883 he removed to Saunders county, Nebraska, there residing for twelve years. On the ex- piration of that period he returned to Vermilion county, locating in Sidell, where he has since been successfully engaged in business as a brick and stone mason and as a general contractor. Both he and his wife are still living, the latter being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Cundiff's frater- nal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He enjoys a wide acquaintance and is highly respected through- out the community, for his life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles.
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