History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 52

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940


USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 52


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Joseph Gibson English was a young lad when his parents removed to Perrys- ville, where he pursued his education in one of the old time log schoolhouses, and at the age of fourteen years started out in life on his own account. He


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secured employment with the firm of Taylor & Linton, general merchants of La Fayette, Indiana, with whom he remained for five years. No union scale of labor was then in vogue and he had to begin work in the early morning and continue until his tasks were completed long after dark. On market days, which occurred thrice a week, he arose between three and four o'clock in the morning and swept the store and prepared it for the reception of the Dunkard customers. While thus employed he obtained a good knowledge of merchan- dising, which constituted the basis of his success when he later embarked in business on his own account. His services were requited by his board and clothing, as it was not the custom to pay wages at that day to one of his years. After five years spent with his first employers he obtained a position as clerk in a general store in Perrysville, where he was paid forty dollars per month. When three years had passed he found himself in possession of four hundred dollars, which he had saved from his earnings, and with this capital he mar- ried and established a home of his own, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Hicks, a native of Perrysville and of New England descent.


In 1844 Mr. English became a partner of his father-in-law, George H. Hicks, in a mercantile enterprise under the name of Hicks & English. They carried dry-goods, groceries, produce and grain and soon built up a good business. Merchandise was purchased and sold on credit of twelve months and the prod- ucts of the central Mississippi valley were transported to market in New Or- leans by way of the river route. The marketable products of Indiana and Illi- nois were sent down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and it was thus that the firm of Hicks & English shipped their wheat, corn, pork and other commodities to New Orleans on flatboats, Mr. English frequently acting as oarsman.


In 1853 Mr. English sold his store in Perrysville and removed to Danville, Illinois, where he entered into partnership with John L. Tincher under the firm name of Tincher & English. This was profitably conducted until 1856, when the firm became the assignees of the Stock Security Bank, a wild cat institution that failed in the widespread financial panic of 1856-7. At that time the firm of Tincher & English disposed of their store in order that they might devote their entire attention to the bank and its interests. While thus engaged they greatly extended the scope of their activities to include the brokerage and ex- change business that developed finally into a private banking enterprise. They were among the first to seek a charter and organize a national bank following the passage of the national bank bill in February, 1863. They established the First National Bank of Danville, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, Mr. English serving as its president from its inception until July, 1899, when he resigned. In 1872, after the death of Mr. Tincher, the capital stock was in- creased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars and in the meantime the surplus had become over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. From time to time Mr. English extended his efforts into other fields, becoming one of the heaviest real-estate dealers in this section. He made large investment in farm property and several additions to the city were platted by him. For more than a quarter of a century he served on the directorate of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad and many other enterprises felt the stimulus of his energy, sound judgment and keen business discrimination.


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In 1864 Mrs. English passed away. By her marriage she had become the mother of seven children: George; Charles L., who is now the president of the First National Bank of Danville; Harriet, the widow of W. D. Lindsey, of Danville; Irene J., the widow of George W. Partlow, of Danville; John T .; Annie Martha, the deceased wife of Tabor Mathers of Jacksonville; and Ed- ward. On April 12, 1865, Mr. English was again married, his second union being with Maria L. Partlow, who died twenty-one years later, September 16, 1886. Their children were J. C., of Kansas City, Missouri, cashier of the Trad- ers National Bank; and Otis Hardy, who died in infancy. On the 14th of June, 1899, Mr. English was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary E. Forbes, a native of Danville. She was the widow of Thomas C. Forbes and a daughter of William Hessey, a pioneer resident of this county.


Mr. English was prominent in the public life of the community and was honored with election to the mayoralty, being the second temperance mayor of Danville. In 1872 he became a member of the first board of equalization of the state, yet he was not a politician in the usually accepted sense of the term. For years he was a member of the library board and was one of the original mem- bers of the board of Spring Hill cemetery, being its last survivor. On attaining his majority he joined the ranks of the democratic party and gave to it his sup- port until 1862, when, at variance with the peace plank in its platform, for he believed in the active prosecution of the war for the preservation of the Union, he became a republican. In 1863 he had charge of the subscription list for fill- ing the quota of men for the army from Danville and the county.


For almost a half century Mr. English held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, contributed generously to its support and took a helpful part in its work, serving as a member of its board of trustees while for fifteen years he was Sunday school superintendent. In 1872 he was elected by the lay delegates of the Illinois conference as a delegate to the general conference of the church held in Brooklyn and later served in a similar capacity. For many years he was a trustee of the Wesleyan University of Bloomington. The death of Mr. English occurred January 17, 1910. He was termed by those who knew him a man of distinct ability, whose character was above the shadow of re- proach. No trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree and his success was so worthily won that the most envious could not grudge him his prosperity.


HENRY E. SOUTHWICK.


Henry E. Southwick, owning and operating a fine farm of two hundred and seven acres on section 6, Grant township, was born in Woodford county, Illinois, on the 2d of November, 1863. His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Joy) Southwick, were both natives of the state of New York. In the early '50s they journeyed westward, locating on a farm in Woodford county, Illinois, where they made their home until 1875. In that year they disposed of the property and came to Vermilion county, purchasing the farm which is now in possession


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of our subject. Thereon they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives, Joseph Southwick placing many substantial improvements on the farm and meeting with success in the careful conduct of his agricultural interests. He was called to his final rest in September, 1894, while his wife passed away the following year. Unto this worthy couple were born three chil- dren, namely: Merritt, of Hoopeston, Illinois; Henry E., 'of this review; and Arthur, who is a resident of Vandalia, Missouri.


Henry E. Southwick attended the common schools in pursuit of an educa- tion and remained at home until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his majority he purchased a farm in Polk county, Missouri, and was actively en- gaged in its operation for three years. On the expiration of that period he re- turned to Vermilion county and has since remained on the old homestead, now owning the property. It comprises two hundred and seven acres of rich and productive land on section 6, Grant township, and is well improved in every particular. Year after year he tills his fields, practicing the rotation of crops and cultivating his farm after the most approved methods of modern agri- culture. His labors are annually rewarded by bounteous harvests, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.


In 1895 Mr. Southwick was united in marriage to Miss Mattie M. Clements, whose birth occurred in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1864. Her parents, H. C. and S. M. (Bowlby) Clements, are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work.


When exercising his right of franchise Mr. Southwick supports the men and measures of the republican party, being thoroughly in sympathy with its principles. The cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion and he now serves as a school director. His wife is a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Southwick enjoys the unquali- fied respect and confidence of his friends and neighbors, who know him as an honorable and upright gentleman and a true and loyal citizen.


RICHARD BRUCE THOMPSON.


Richard Bruce Thompson, a substantial and respected resident of Sidell township, devotes his time and energies to the operations of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred in Elwood township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 24th of June, 1862, his parents being William C. and Martha (Golden) Thompson, who were likewise natives of this county. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers, Golden Thompson and Jacob Golden, were among the earliest settlers of Vermilion county, coming here from Ten- nessee in the late '20s or early in the '30s.


William C. Thompson, the father of our subject, made his home in Elwood township, this county, until 1881, operating a threshing machine there for eight- een years. He conducted business with two partners under the firm style of Thompson, Coryell & Reardon, which was the best known threshing concern in Elwood township. His premature demise was attributed to his arduous


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labor in this connection. In 1881 he removed to Edgar county, there passing away in 1887 at the age of fifty-three years. His wife was called to her final rest in 1897, when in the fifty-ninth year of her age. She was a devoted mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, the services of which Mr. Thompson also at- tended. Though not a member of any church, he was a consistent Christian gentleman and shaped his life in accordance with the principles of upright and honorable manhood.


Richard Bruce Thompson remained at home until the time of his marriage, attending the common schools in pursuit of an education. On the 24th of Feb- ruary, 1895, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Anna Jones, of Douglas county, Illinois, her parents being John M. and Hannah (Fields) Jones, who took up their abode in that county after leaving Adams county, Ohio. About 1900 they came to Allerton, Vermilion county, where both passed away. Following his marriage Mr. Thompson remained on the farm in Edgar county to which he had accompained his parents in 1881 and which he had rented and operated subsequent to his father's demise in 1887. This farm was the property of John M. Jones, the father-in-law of our subject. Mrs. Thompson inherited ninety acres thereof and Mr. Thompson purchased sixty acres. He continued to reside thereon until 1908, when he took up his abode on his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sidell township, Vermilion county, having bought the property in 1907. He still owns his Edgar county farm and has won a gratifying measure of success in the conduct of his agricultural in- terests. A man of good business ability and keen discernment, he has also made other investments being now a stockholder in the Allerton Creamery and in a tile and cement concern of Paris, Illinois.


Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have one child, Warren B. They are faithful mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the democracy but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identi- fied with Palermo Lodge, No. 646, I. O. O. F. His entire life has been spent in this part of the state and the circle of his friends is a wide one.


FRED L. KLEIN.


A fact to which due recognition is not always accorded is that Germany has contributed in very large measure to the development and progress of the new world. History indicates the fact that representatives of the Teutonic race have done much toward planting the seeds of civilization in America and promoting later day progress. Mr. Klein is numbered among those whose worth as a citizen and business man reflects credit both upon the land of his nativity and the land of his adoption. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, July II, 1855. His parents, Henry and Katherine (Seeger) Klein, were reared and married in Germany and never became residents of the new world. The father was a chemist and mining engineer and met with an accidental death while inspecting a mine in 1864. His wife also passed away in the same year.


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Fred L. Klein was thus left an orphan when a little lad of nine summers. He pursued his education in the schools of the fatherland and in 1872, at the age of seventeen years, came to America, settling first in Baltimore, Maryland, remaining in the east until 1878, when he became a resident of Indiana. He had served an apprenticeship to the apothecary's trade, covering a period of four years and two months. For a brief period he was employed in a drug store in Marshfield, Indiana, in 1878 and then went to Williamsport, Indiana, where he filled a position as drug clerk until 1879. In that year he arrived in Hoopeston and until 1883 was employed by W. T. Hobert, Dr. Pierce and Dr. McCaughey, who were then partners in the conduct of a retail drug store, Mr. Klein acting as manager of the business until 1883, when he removed to Iroquois county, where he engaged in farming for five years. In 1888 he went to Ambia, Indiana, where he established a retail drug business and during his residence there also served as postmaster, under appointment of President Harrison, from 1888 until 1892.


The following year Mr. Klein returned to Hoopeston and was connected with Elliot & Wilson, druggists, until 1896, when he removed to Wellington, where he conducted a drug store for Flagg Brothers for a brief period. Again he came to Hoopeston and purchased the drug stock of J. C. Malster, which business he continued until the fall of 1900, when he sold out to George E. Lester. He then went west, settling in Montana for the purpose of prospecting and mining, remaining in that section of the country until the early part of 1903. At that time he again came to Hoopeston and accepted a position with Hoffman Brothers, with whom he continued until 1906, when he again established a store of his own and today has the finest drug store in the city, dealing exclusively in drugs and druggists' sundries. His stock is large and complete in every partic- ular and the tasteful arrangement of the store and his reasonable prices are also features in his success. While in Montana he discovered a very heavy vein of corundum, a mineral used in the polishing of diamonds and with the excep- tion of diamonds is the hardest substance known. His discovery resulted in bringing to him a considerable sum of money, enabling him to establish the well appointed store in Hoopeston of which he is now proprietor.


Mr. Klein was married in this city on the 13th of April, 1882, to Miss Susan A. Rosenberger, a daughter of George W. Rosenberger and a native of Virginia but a resident of Hoopeston since early childhood. Both of her parents are liv- ing, her father being a farmer in Milford township, Iroquois county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Klein have five children: Carrie, who was born in Iroquois county, March 23, 1883; John, who was born on a farm in Iroquois county, December 19, 1885, and now serving as city treasurer of Hoopeston, to which position he was elected in April, 1910; Katherine, who was born on a farm in Iroquois county, June 21, 1888, and is now a teacher of expression at Campbell Hagerman College in Lexington, Kentucky; Thomas, born at Ambia, Indiana, August 6, 1891, and now a student in the Medico Chirurgical College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Karl, who was born in Hoopeston, June 26, 1894, and is attending the public schools.


Politically Mr. Klein is a republican and at times an active worker in the ranks of the party. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, in which


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he was reared. Coming to America in early manhood, he has since worked his way steadily upward, so that he has no occasion to regret his determination to seek a home and fortune on this side the Atlantic. Persistent labor has been the keynote of his success and he has at all times been found as a representative and reliable business man, honored and respected by all who know him.


HUGH HEATON.


On the list of honored dead of Vermilion county appears the name of Hugh Heaton, who for about two decades was closely associated with the sheep-raising in- dustry in Vermilion county, while later he lived retired in Hoopeston, spending the last few years of his life there in the enjoyment of a well earned and well merited rest. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio, April 15, 1822, his father being Isaac Heaton, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed from that state to Coshocton, Ohio. In early life he had learned and followed the cooper's trade but after going to the Buckeye state turned his attention to farming.


Hugh Heaton pursued his education in the schools of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and after completing his literary course engaged in teaching school for three years. Subsequently he studied medicine for three years under Dr. Culver, of Coshocton, Ohio, and lacked one year of graduation when he turned his atten- tion to the stock-raising business in connection with his preceptor, making a specialty of sheep. In 1864 he came to Vermilion county, bringing with him twenty-one hundred head of sheep, which he herded upon the prairies of Grant township. He found a ready market for the sale of his live stock, and as the years passed attained substantial and gratifying prosperity. He made judicious investment in property until he became the owner of nearly one thousand acres of land, but in the wide-spread financial panic of 1873 he became involved, as did thousands of others, and lost heavily. He continued in the sheep-raising industry until 1882, and during the intervening years largely retrieved his lost possessions, so that he retired from business with a handsome competence that supplied him with the necessities and comforts of life during his remaining days and enabled him to leave his family a goodly competence when he was called to his final rest.


Mr. Heaton was twice married. In early manhood he wedded Olivia McCoy, and unto them were born four sons and one daughter, of whom two are now living: Joseph W. Heaton, a well known clothier of Hoopeston; and Isaac L. Heaton, a resident farmer of Kansas. On the 4th of May, 1864, Mr. Heaton was married to Miss Mary R. Reece, a daughter of David W. and Nancy Wilson Reece, natives of Tennessee, who removed from that state to Indiana, where they cast in their lot among the pioneer farmers. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Heaton was blessed with five children, two daughters and three sons: Nancy, now the wife of L. H. Griffith; Alice A., at home; Dr. John A. Heaton, a practicing physician of Hoopeston; Orth W., a business man of Hoopeston ; and Reece, living in Wyoming.


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In his political views Mr. Heaton was a republican from the time of the organization of the party. He was a public-spirited man, cooperating in various measures that he regarded as of essential worth to the community. He belonged to the First Methodist church and in early life became a member of the Masonic fraternity. He enjoyed meeting with his friends, possessing a most social nature and a kind and loving disposition. To his family he was a devoted husband and father and his many good qualities were recognized by all who knew him. He died December 9, 1885, and although a quarter of a century has since come and gone, his memory is cherished by many who knew him. His business activity was a valued element in the early progress of the county, especially along agri- cultural and kindred lines, and at all times his genuine worth firmly established him in the regard of those with whom he was associated.


WILLIAM KAVANAUGH.


The enduring gratitude of all lovers of liberty is due to the soldiers who upheld the stars and stripes at the time the union of the states was threatened and by their sacrifices and sufferings the men who wore the blue not only set free three million slaves, but they established the American republic on a safe and enduring foundation, so that it is today the greatest nation the sun shines upon. Among the men who fought and suffered in the Civil war may be named William Kavanaugh, who in his earlier years was called upon to endure more than ordinary troubles but at last he established himself in a happy home, of which he is now the head.


He was born in New York city, December 25, 1846, and is of sturdy Irish parentage, a son of William and Sarah (Bloomer) Kavanaugh, who were both born on the Emerald isle. The father came to America early in the nineteenth century and followed a seafaring life, becoming captain of a vessel. He died on the seas and the mother departed this life in New York city. Three chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kavanaugh, our subject being the only one now living.


William Kavanaugh remained under the care of his mother until he was nine years of age and in 1856 came to Vermilion county, since which time he has been identified with its farming interests. He was educated in the public schools and worked on the farm, but when President Lincoln needed volunteers to assist those already in the field in the suppression of the rebellion, Mr. Kavanaugh, then eighteen years of age, enlisted in Company B, Sixty-third Indiana Regiment, to serve for three years or until the close of the war. He proved a brave and efficient soldier and participated in some of the greatest battles of the war. He was present at the second battle of Bull Run, and at the battle of Buzzard's Roost, May 10, 1864, he was dangerously wounded, so that he was sent to a hospital, where he lay for almost a year before he was sufficiently recovered to move about. He was honorably discharged and mus- tered out at Indianapolis and, laying aside his uniform and the accoutrements


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of war, he returned to Vermilion county, where he has since continued as a farmer and live-stock raiser ..


On October 8, 1879, Mr. Kavanaugh was united in marriage to Miss Lisie D. Schultz, who was born in Germany, March 2, 1859. Her father died in the old country but her mother came to America with her children in 1867 and re- mained here until her death. She was the mother of three girls. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kavanaugh has been blessed by eight children: Sarah, the wife of H. V. Moore, of South Bend, Indiana; William B., a graduate of the high school and a resident of Hoopeston; Mamie B., a graduate of Greer Col- lege; Edith, Ruth, Anna B. and Minnie B., all at home; and Julia P., deceased.


Mr. Kavanaugh has ever since arriving at manhood been a warm supporter of the republican party and for seventeen years past he has served as town- ship clerk. Socially he is identified with Harmon Post, No. 115, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has served for seventeen years as treasurer. He and his estimable wife are both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and by their public-spirit and interest in others they have attracted many friends who hold them in high esteem as worthy workers in the cause of humanity.


SAMUEL UMBANHOWAR.


Samuel Umbanhowar, who has been successfully engaged in general agri- cultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on sections 19 and 20, Grant township. His birth occurred in Champaign county, Illinois, on the 17th of July, 1848, his parents being Samuel and Juliana (Spencer) Umbanhowar, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. They came to Illinois in 1835, locating in Champaign county, where the father entered a tract of land. There he carried on farming interests throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 16th of April, 1861. His wife was called to her final rest in August, 1876. Their children were nine in number, as follows: Samuel, of this review; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Z. T. Moran and resides in Nebraska; James, who makes his home in Champaign county, Illinois; Abigail, the wife of A. C. Smith, of Livingston county, Illinois; and five who are deceased.




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