USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 54
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93
-540
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
chased the newspaper plant in Sidell and for four years followed teaching in connection with his editorial duties. He still owns the Sidell Journal and con- ducts the paper in accordance with the most modern and progressive ideas of journalism. On the 4th of February, 1908, he was appointed postmaster of Sidell, taking charge of the office on the Ist of March following, since which time he has proven a most efficient incumbent in the position.
On the 4th of August, 1886, Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lucas, of Douglas county, Illinois, by whom he has three children, namely : Ernest C., second lieutenant in the United States marine corps, who is now located in Washington, D. C .; Lulu Hazel, a graduate of the Sidell high school, who is now a sophomore in the University of Illinois; and Genevieve, who is a student in the Sidell high school. On the 5th of January, 1907, at Danville, Ernest C. Williams enlisted in the marine corps as a private and in November, 1908, passed his examination for promotion, being appointed second lieutenant on the 4th of February, 1909. He carried a gun for only two months and did actual duty, while at the end of six months he was made a corporal and within a year had become a sergeant. In two years' time he had received his commis- sion as second lieutenant, winning the tenth highest grade in a class of two hun- dred and ten, two hundred and four of whom were college graduates and only four of whom were from the ranks. He had left high school when sixteen years of age and worked in his father's newspaper office until the time of his enlist- ment. At present he is stationed at the Washington navy yard.
Mr. Williams is a republican in politics and a well known worker in the local ranks of the party, having repeatedly served as central committeeman. Fraternally he is identified with Sidell Lodge, No. 798, A. F. & 'A'. M .; Sidell Lodge, No. 225, I. O. O. F .; and the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife belong to the Christian church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. He is a representative of that class of men whose history will ever be of interest-men who have made their own way in the world, depending upon their own resources and working upward by reason of force of character and determined and laudable ambition.
HAMILTON C. FINLEY.
Hamilton C. Finley, numbered among the most enterprising, far-sighted and successful business men of Hoopeston, where he is now engaged in the grain trade, is also mayor of the city and as its chief executive officer is actuated by spirit of unfaltering loyalty and devotion to the public welfare. The high regard entertained for him by his fellowmen has its root in his sterling qualities of char- acter which find expression in his reliability in business as well as his progressive- ness in citizenship.
Mr. Finley was born in Benton county, Indiana, September 13, 1857. His father, Robert Finley, was born near Belfast, Ireland, and was of Scotch-Irish lineage. He came to America in 1850, settling first in Indianapolis, after which he removed to Benton county, Indiana, where he lived until 1880. In that year
541
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
he took up his abode on a farm near Hoopeston and devoted ten years to gen- eral agricultural pursuits. He then left the farm and lived retired in Hoopeston until called to the home beyond. His death occured November 16, 1908. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Berley, also came of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They were married in Ireland and the death of Mrs. Finley occurred in Hoopeston about 1890. In their family were fourteen children, of whom seven are yet living.
The common schools of his native county afforded Hamilton C. Finley his early educational privileges, while later he spent six months in the high school at Oxford, but put aside his text-books at the age of sixteen years. He after- ward worked upon his father's farm and for other farmers in the neighborhood until twenty-seven years of age, but he felt that the life was a restricted one, giving him little opportunity for advancement, and in August, 1884, he came to Hoopeston, where he engaged in the meat business, for during his life upon the farm he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to undertake this venture. He conducted a meat market for five years, securing a fair measure of success, but at the end of that time he sold out and turned his attention to the purchase and shipment of live stock. He made his purchases in Hoopeston and the sur- rounding country and shipped to Chicago and Buffalo, New York. He was also identified with that business for five years. In 1891 he extended his efforts to the grain trade, with which he became connected at Hoopeston and at Cheney- ville, operating under the name of the Cheneyville Elevator Company at the latter place and the Farmers Elevator Company at Hoopeston. He became sec- retary and manager of the Cheneyville company and president of the Farmers Elevator Company. In 1896 the former company dissolved and in 1905 the Farmers Elevator Company was merged with the Illinois Lumber, Grain & Coal Company, of which Mr. Finley is the president and manager. This company is conducting an extensive and satisfactory business, handling lumber, grain, lime and coal. They are among the foremost representatives of these lines of trade not only in Hoopeston but in this section of the state, having secured an exten- sive patronage which makes their undertaking a very profitable one. In 1898 Mr. Finley also engaged in general contracting, his operations, extending to all parts of the state, while in Hoopeston he has paved more than two-thirds of the streets. His splendid business ability is manifest in his successful conduct of these various enterprises. He is a man of resolute spirit and what he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. He possessed unfaltering energy and allows no obstacle or difficulty to brook his path if such can be overcome by determination and honorable purpose.
In the meantime Mr. Finley has filled various local offices. In the spring of 1890 he was elected tax collector of Hoopeston and of the township, filling the · position for two years. He was member of the school board for twelve years, from 1892 until 1904, and is the present mayor of Hoopeston, having been elected in 1909 for a two years' term. His administration of the office has helped to make Hoopeston the model city that it is today. Throughout the period of his residence here his influence has always been a factor on the side of progress and improvement and in the administration of financial duties he has brought to bear the same careful and enterprising spirit which he has manifested in the
542
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
conduct of his private interests. While a democrat in politics he cannot be said to be a politician in the usually accepted sense of the term. He has filled public offices from the sense of duty and his loyalty therein stands as an unques- tioned fact in his career.
On the 7th of December, 1884, Mr. Finley was married to Miss Jenette Atkinson, a daughter of Harvey Atkinson, and a native of Ohio. They have one child, Fay, born January 8, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Finley hold membership in the Universalist church and for twenty-eight years he has been a faithful member of the Masonic fraternity. He is identified with the Commercial Club of Hoopeston and in his life there has ever been maintained an even balance be- tween his business and his public activities, his acts and his motives. His is indeed an honorable and creditable record, for he started out in life empty- handed and has depended upon his own resources for advancement. His progress is due to the fact that he has made wise use of his opportunities, not fearing that laborious attention to detail which is so necessary to success in any field.
WILLIAM T. PANKEY.
William T. Pankey, a worthy and successful representative of the profes- sional interests of Vermilion county, has been engaged in the practice of law in Danville since 1900. He claims Illinois as his native state, his birth occur- ring in Greene county on the 24th of November, 1862. His father was Thomas L. Pankey, who was a farmer by occupation, but when the Civil war broke out he laid aside all personal interests and enlisted in the army, being in the ser- vice for three years. He was a member of the Ninety-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry and died while home on a furlough at the early age of twenty-six years. He, too, was a native of Greene county, Illinois, but the mother of our subject was born in Alabama. The Pankey family is of French origin and was founded in America by the Huguenots who, on account of religious per- secution, came to America about 1700. They landed in New York but later went south and the grandfather of our subject was born in North Carolina. In 1820 he came to Illinois and settled in Greene county, at which time there was only one person living between their home and the settlements north of the Sangamon river to Alton. The state at that time was divided into only five counties and the region round about was an unbroken wilderness. With its development and upbuilding the family has now been actively identified for al- most a century.
During his boyhood, William T. Pankey attended the common schools of Greene and Macoupin counties and later entered the Lincoln University, from which he was graduated in 1886 with the degree of Ph. B., and he has since secured the degree of Ph. M., from his alma mater. Choosing the legal pro- fession as his life work, he studied toward that end and on his admission to the bar, located in Palmyra, where he was engaged in general practice for sev- eral years. He then removed to Watseka, this 'state, where he followed his
543
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
profession from 1890 to 1900 and then came to Danville, which has since been the scene of his labors. Here he has built up a large and lucrative practice and is now numbered among the prominent attorneys of the city.
On the 23rd of June, 1886, in Fairmount, Illinois, Mr. Pankey was united in marriage to Miss Eva F. Dougherty, a daughter of James M. Dougherty. Her parents were early settlers of Fairmount and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Pankey now have three children: Loyette I., who was born December 21, 1887, and is now the wife of Curtis G. Redden, an attorney of Danville; Dwight M., born July 17, 1890; and Thomas Lorton, born June 6, 1900.
At the polls Mr. Pankey usually supports the men and measures of the republican party but has never been an aspirant for political honors. He was, however, called upon to serve as master in chancery of Iroquois county, being elected to that office in 1898 for a term of two years. Religiously he holds membership in the Presbyterian church. He is a man of easy dignity, frank and · cordial in address, possessing that confidence and courage which rightly come from conscientious personal ability, a right conception of things and habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities. He is one of Dan- ville's respected and progressive citizens, well deserving of mention among the representative residents of Vermilion county.
WALTER E. WINN.
Walter E. Winn, now serving as city engineer of Danville, claims Alabama as his native state, his birth occurring in Dallas county, on the 28th of Decem- ber, 1871. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Ellerbe, died in 1879, but his father, Dr. Henry J. Winn, is still living and is today a leading physician and surgeon of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Reared and educated in the south, Walter E. Winn attended the public schools of Alabama and later the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, that state, where he pursued an engineering course and was graduated in 1892. Having received a good practical training in his chosen profession, he then took up the practice of engineering near Birmingham, Alabama, but in January, 1896, removed to St. Louis, Missouri, where he became associated with various railroads, including the Frisco, Cotton Belt and Missouri Pacific. He was prin- cipally engaged in the construction of new lines through the states and territor- ies of the southwest, but May 20, 1905, he came to Danville as superintendent of construction for Hegeler Brothers, building their zinc smelting works south of the city. In July, 1907, he opened an office in Danville as consulting engin- eer and continued to carry on business along that line until appointed city engineer by Mayor Platt on the 8th of June, 1909. He has since filled that position to the entire satisfaction of all concerned and well deserves the public trust that has been reposed in him.
On the 29th of June, 1898, in St. Louis, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Winn and Miss Emma Frances Coulter, a daughter of W. Frank and Emma Coulter, natives of New Hampshire. While living in the east the father
544
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
served as editor on the New York World for a time, but at an early day re- moved to St. Louis, where he and his wife now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Winn have four children, as follows: Frances Clare, born in St. Louis, June 6, 1899; Eliza Ellerbe, born in St. Louis, February 5. 1903; Walter Coulter, born in Danville, August 29, 1905; and Jane Van Voorhees, born in Aberdeen, Missis- sippi, May 2, 1909.
When a young man Mr. Winn served as a member of the Alabama State Militia during the years 1892 and 1894 and while in college became a member of the Beta Theta Pi, a Greek letter fraternity. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian and today is a member of the Industrial Club. Politically he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the democratic party and never with- holds his support from any enterprise which he believes will advance the moral, intellectual or material welfare of the community in which he resides. He has the gift of easily making friends and, although his residence in Danville is of short duration, he has already become widely and favorably known.
LILBURN B. ELLIS.
It has often been said that of all religious denominations the Quakers ap- proach the nearest in precept and practice to the teachings of the great Master. The simple teachings of the Friends appeal to many persons who are not moved by the more complex belief of other denominations, and the lives of many members of the Friends church are even more effective than a whole library of books or many professions of religion. . To this belief Lilburn B. Ellis, a well known farmer of Elwood township, now deceased, gave his adherence and his life was in an important degree controlled by his religious faith. He was born in Elwood township, January 29, 1864, and was a son of Henry T. and Rachel Ellis. He grew up on the farm, being required to perform many of the farm duties, and thus by the time he reached his majority he had gained a general knowledge of agricultural pursuits. He attended the district schools and later, having shown a decided inclination for study, was sent to college and thus secured an education that opened to his mind many avenues unknown to one who is restricted in his training to the common schools.
At twenty-nine years of age Mr. Ellis took to himself a partner for life and began farming upon his own account, renting a place for four years. Hav- ing acquired by his industry and good management a small capital, he pur- chased forty acres of the George Buell farm in Elwood township, which he improved and disposed of at the close of three years, purchasing eighty acres on section 34, the same township, where he established his home. Gradually he increased his acreage until his farm comprised one hundred and forty acres and became known as one of the most productive places in the neighborhood. He erected a handsome residence and improved the farm by setting out an orchard of ten acres, now one of the finest in this part of the county. Here he planted apple, peach and plum trees, which in this region yield abundantly. He also engaged profitably in the raising and feeding of hogs and in all of
545
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
his farm operations displayed an ability that indicated thorough knowledge of his calling. He was happy in his work and always applied the best known methods, securing results which almost invariably are experienced wherever good judgment is shown.
On October 1, 1893, Mr. Ellis was happily united in marriage to Miss Effa M. Hawkins, who was born in Elwood township, January 31, 1871, and is a daughter of Joseph C. and Phoebe (Moon) Hawkins, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins came to Vermilion county previous to the Civil war and resided here for many years. The father is now living in Indiana but the mother departed this life in 1896. Sixteen children were born to them, of whom eleven are now living and are all married. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ellis: Rosalie, Francis M., deceased; Emily R., Helen, James W., Garnet, and Gertrude.
Mr. Ellis was called from earthly scenes October 31, 1909, being then forty- five years of age and in the prime of an active and useful life. His departure was the occasion of sincere regret throughout the community of which he was all his life a member and where he was most esteemed by those who were best acquainted with his many admirable qualities. His body reposes in Pilot Grove cemetery. As stated above, he was a member of the Friends church and to that denomination Mrs. Ellis has for many years been closely identified. The farm so carefully cultivated and thoroughly improved by her husband, is now her home and here the mother and children are provided with every desirable com- fort and convenience through the thoughtful care of one who never considered any inconvenience or labor too great if it would advance the welfare of his family. As an upright citizen Mr. Ellis will not soon be forgotten, but as a loving husband and father he is enshrined in the hearts that through life will always regard his memory with increasing respect and veneration.
JAMES SLOAN.
There is no life record in this volume which indicates more clearly the value of earnest, persistent effort, close application and thorough reliability than that of James Sloan, now deceased, who by the exercise of those qualities, worked his way steadily upward from a very obscure position in the business world to one of responsibility, and at the same time developed those qualities which made him a valuable servant in public office and a leader of public opinion. He was born in Joliet, Will county, Illinois, March 31, 1851, a son of Samuel and Mary (Campbell) Sloan, both of whom were born in Canada but have now departed this life. While living in his native country the father followed the occupation of farming but spent his last days in retirement in Joliet.
James Sloan was one of a family of nine children. At the usual age he entered the public schools of Joliet and therein pursued his studies to the age of fifteen years when he put aside his text-books and sought a position which would enable him to be independent of parental aid for a livelihood. He was first employed at farm labor and in May, 1868, he accepted the position of water boy
546
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
with the Chicago & Alton Railroad. For a quarter of a century he remained in railroad service, gradually working his way upward, his capability, industry and fidelity bringing him advancement from time to time until, after serving as laborer, section foreman and road master, he was made general road master. He remained with the Chicago & Alton Railroad for a short time only, and on the 24th of November, 1868, became connected with the construction of the Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville Railroad, his duties in that connection claiming his attention until June 23, 1869. He was afterward with the Indiana, Bloomington & Western, now a part of the Big Four system, entering that employ in connection with the construction work. On the completion of the road on the 19th of December, 1870, he took charge of a section as foreman and served as such until October 3, 1875, when he was made road master in charge of the Peoria division, acting in that capacity until the 15th of November, 1878. 'At the latter date he was made general road master of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, with office in Danville. He remained with that road until March 31, 1890, when he re- signed and took charge of the Clover Leaf Railroad with offices in East St. Louis, but remained with that company only until the 3d of May, 1890, when he resigned and accepted a similar position with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, between La Fayette, Indiana, and Peoria, Illinois, with headquarters at Paxton. Election to office recalled him to Danville, where his remaining days were passed.
From the time that age conferred upon Mr. Sloan the right of franchise he gave unfaltering allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles contained the best elements of good government. He sought its success along legitimate lines and was recognized as one of the local party leaders. In 1884 he was elected to represent the second ward in the city council of Danville, and filled the office for two terms. Endorsement of his faithful service as alderman came to him in 1887 when he was elected mayor of the city. His term as chief executive was characterized by many needed reforms and improvements and was altogether a most businesslike and progressive administration. In April, 1893, while residing in Paxton, he was again elected mayor of Danville and returned to the city to enter upon the duties of the office, which he acceptably discharged for another term. On the 5th of December, 1894, he was appointed deputy sheriff and acted in that capacity for four years, when in 1898 he was elected sheriff for a similar period. He was prompt and fearless in the discharge of his duties and retired from offce as he had entered it-with the confidence and regard of all those citizens who hold themselves amenable to all. He was known in business circles as one of the directors of the Vermilion County Building Association.
On the 17th of September, 1873, occurred the marriage of Mr. Sloan and Miss Lucinda Stone, a native of Pekin, Tazewell county, Illinois. As the years passed they became the parents of eight children: Lucinda, who died in child- hood; Minnie, now the wife of O. D. Ehlicher, a druggist of Pekin; James, who married Frances McReynolds, of Danville, and is now engaged as one of Presi- dent Taft's bodyguard; Ellen; Henry, who married Esther Toby and is engaged in the confectionery business in Danville; Will; Lulu; and Florence.
The death of the husband and father occurred on the 20th of May, 1890, and in his passing Vermilion county mourned the loss of one whose fidelity and
547
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
progressive spirit made him a most valuable citizen. He was prominent in Masonry, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and commandery in Dan- ville, while in Chicago he was a member of Oriental Consistory and Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also held membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Odd Fellows and the Road Masters Association of Amer- ica and of the last named served as vice president for three or four terms. National advancement and local progress were both causes dear to his heart and every movement that tended to promote the welfare and upbuilding of Dan- ville received his hearty endorsement and loyal support. He made friends . wherever he went and his genial disposition and cordial spirit gained for him popularity and warm regard.
CHARLES T. YEOMANS.
Charles T. Yeomans has been actively and successfully identified with the commercial interests of Danville as a hardware merchant for almost four decades and is accounted one of the leading business men of the city. His birth oc- curred in Wyoming county, New York, on the 21st of January, 1846, his parents being the Rev. N. T. and Frances (Bush) Yeomans. The father was a minister of the Congregational church and for many years preached the gospel in west- ern New York. He came to Danville, Illinois, in 1877 but died the following year, passing away at the home of our subject at the age of sixty-seven. His wife, a native of New Hampshire, died in the state of New York in 1872.
Charles T. Yeomans obtained his education in the public schools of the Empire state and subsequently clerked for some time in a drug store of Brock- port, New York. He next spent five years as a bookkeeper in Chicago, Illinois, and in 1871 came to Danville. Here he formed a partnership with A. L. Web- ster for the conduct of a hardware store, beginning business on a small scale in the east room of his present extensive establishment on West Main street. When the partnership was dissolved in 1875 Mr. Yeomans became associated with W. E. Shedd and they conducted the enterprise with mutual pleasure and profit until the latter passed away in September, 1909. Since that time Mr. Yeomans has been the manager of the business and enjoys a large and lucra- tive trade as a dealer in hardware.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.