USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 61
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sound judgment made him well fitted for leadership. His endorsement of any public measure or project insured a large following for it was well known that he had the best interests of the community at heart. The Danville of to- day largely stands as a monument to his enterprise and his public-spirit.
On the 29th of January, 1874, Mr. Forbes was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hessy, a daughter of William and Catharine A. (Cannady) Hes- sey, who for many years conducted a general store here and made his home in Danville until his death, which occurred December 4, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes became the parents of two daughters, Cordelia Catharine and Caroline Chester. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Forbes married Joseph Gibson English and still makes her home in Danville.
The family attend the Episcopal church, of which Mr. Forbes was a mem- ber, and in his political views he was an independent democrat. He had deep sympathy for all who needed assistance-a sympathy that had tangible mani- festation in ready and generous aid. He was a friend to all classes and al- though he became one of the wealthy men of the city he never allowed the ac- cumulation of wealth to affect in any way his attitude to those less fortunate. He was extremely active, accomplished what he undertook, and as the years passed on firmly established himself in the regard and good-will of his fellow citizens.
PHILEMON SPICER SCONCE.
The life record of Philemon Spicer Sconce was never marked by exciting events or sensational chapters, but there is in his history much that is worthy of contemplation and much that may be emulated, for he was ever loyal to duty, discharging faithfully the tasks that came daily to his hand. Vermilion county numbered him among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Brookspoint, March 22, 1835. He was a son of John L. Sconce, who came from Kentucky to Illinois in pioneer times when the work of development and progress seemed scarcely begun. He settled upon a farm near Brookspoint and with character- istic energy began the cultivation of his land, which in due time he converted into good fields. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Spicer) Sconce, re- mained upon that farm until called to their final rest.
Upon the old homestead Philemon S. Sconce was reared and in the country schools he acquired his education. He shared with the family in all of the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life and he lived to witness the remarkable changes wrought by time and men as the country became more thickly settled and the advantages of the older east were introduced. From early boyhood he fol- lowed the plow and soon became acquainted with the best time for getting in the crops and the best methods of caring for the fields. In the late summer and autumn he made a hand in the harvest fields and naturally when he started out in life on his own account he followed the occupation to which he had been reared. Throughout his entire life he carried on general farming and stock- raising and became the owner of a valuable property, equipped with all modern
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conveniences and accessories. He also raised good grades of stock and this proved a profitable feature in his business, so that in course of time he gained a handsome competence through his well directed labors.
Mr. Sconce was married in Vermilion county, August 31, 1887, to Miss Kate Noone, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States with her brother, Patrick Noone, also a native of the Emerald isle. The father was never a resident of Vermilion county but after his death the mother made her home here. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sconce were born six children, of whom four are yet living: Helen, Mary, Katie and Philemon Spicer, all of whom are yet in school.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Sconce was a republican and took a very active part in all of the affairs of the township, doing everything in his power to promote public progress and to further the best interests. of the community. He passed away December 21, 1896, when sixty-one years of age, having spent his entire life in this county, where his many good qualities won for him the kindly regard of all who knew him. He was faithful in citizenship, loyal in friendship and devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, his best traits of character being ever reserved for his own home and fireside.
ISAAC R. SMITH, JR.
The man who starts out at seventeen years of age and by diligence and economy makes his own way in the world and gains a recognized position in society, has attained a measure of success; if he becomes the owner of a well developed farm in one of the richest farming communities of Illinois he is to be congratulated; but if he does all this by honest and straightforward methods he has certainly accomplished a noble object and presents an example worthy of imitation. Such a man is the one whose name stands at the head of this review.
Isaac R. Smith, Jr., was born on the farm on which he now lives, July 29, 1862, and is the son of David R. and Lydia (McNiece) Smith, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. The father came to Vermilion county at an early day and was here married, engaging in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1902. He became the owner of a well de- veloped farm of sixty acres and was a man of high standing in the community. The mother is now living with our subject. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Alfred, Pleasant, Isaac R., and Allan, who died at the age of eight months.
The subject of this review was reared upon the home farm and received his early education in the district schools. Even as a boy he was ambitious and energetic and at seventeen years of age he started out for himself. He rented land, conducting his operations with such ability that in a few years he was able to buy a small tract, to which he has added as his means increased, until at the present time he is the owner of a highly improved farm, consisting of two hundred and sixty acres of the choicest land in Vermilion county. It re-
I. R. SMITH, JR., AND FAMILY
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quired many years of toil and self-denial, but the object of his ambition has in an important degree been realized and the family home is a large and attractive residence, the surroundings conveying the impression of good taste and a well applied prosperity.
On August 24, 1892, Mr. Smith was happily united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Coe, who was born February 10, 1857, and is a daughter of Edward G. and Sarah (Wiseman) Coe, both of whom were born in West Virginia. Mr. Coe came to this state, settling near Ridge Farm, where he conducted operations in agriculture and live stock for many years, and was called from earthly cares March 4, 1901, being at that time the owner of one of the valuable farms of the neighborhood, comprising two hundred and sixty acres. Mrs. Coe died in 1866. There were nine children in their family, of whom the four now living are: Lafayette; Louisa, the wife of Owen Canaday; Emma, the wife of Mr. Enslow, of Chicago; and Sarah M., the wife of our subject. Those deceased are : Virginia, Oralee, Tennessee, Jane, and one child who died in infancy. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, two of whom are living: Sher- man E., born September 16, 1895; and Arthur R., born February 10, 1901.
Mr. Smith is an earnest upholder of the principles of the republican party, as he believes that those principles best insure the prosperity and continuance of popular government. He and his wife are affiliated with the Presbyterian church and are active workers in that organization. Their home is without question the abode of that peace and comfort, which is a proof of congeniality and right living. As a farmer Mr. Smith has greatly prospered and as a citizen he is respected not only for his business ability but for his upright personal character.
C. H. EVANS, M. D.
Dr. C. H. Evans, who has won an enviable reputation as a skilled and able representative of the medical profession in Danville, was born in Danville town- ship, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 31st of July, 1875, his parents being Sam- uel F. and Helen E. (Jones) Evans. The father, whose birth occurred in Parke county, Indiana, passed away on the 9th of November, 1909. The mother lived here throughout her entire life except three and one-half years spent in the West in search of health. She passed away August 4, 1910. She was connected with the old Starr family. Her father owned considerable land southeast of Dan- ville, and the property which constitutes the present site of the Soldiers Home was in possession of her uncle Dennis Olehy, in the early days.
Dr. C. H. Evans obtained his education in the public schools of Danville and then took up the profession of teaching, being an instructor in the public schools of Vermilion county for nine years. Wishing to become a member of the medical profession, he entered the Illinois Medical College of Chicago in 1900 and was graduated therefrom in March, 1905. After receiving his degree he practiced in the western metropolis for six months but since September, 1905, has resided continuously in Danville and has won a gratifying patronage. He did not cease
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to be a student when he left college, but by reading and investigation has broad- ened his knowledge and promoted his efficiency, also keeping in touch with the onward march of the profession through the interchange of ideas in the Ver- milion County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the Amer- ican Medical Association. He has likewise been connected with Lakeview Hos- pital. His fraternal relations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and Unity Lodge, No. 344, A. F. & A. M., of Perrysville, Indiana. In the county where practically his entire life has been spent he is well known as a successful young physician and esteemed citizen.
ROBERT R. RODMAN.
Robert R. Rodman is serving for the second term as city attorney of Hoopes- ton, in which connection he is doing much to sustain the reputation which this enterprising little city has long borne for morality and strict enforcement of the law. He does not fear to risk his political possibilities by the faithful per- formance of duty in behalf of law and order and that he has the support of the best citizens is indicated in the fact of his reelection. Vermilion county may be proud to number him among her native sons. His birth occurred in Grant town- ship, September 16, 1883.
His father, Samuel A. Rodman, was a resident farmer of Grant township, long numbered among the respected and valued citizens of the community. He married Josephine Nelson and unto them were born nine children, of whom seven are yet living. William, a native of this county and now railway mail clerk residing in St. Paul, is also a landowner in Canada and North Dakota. He served as a member of the Fifty-second Iowa Infantry during the Spanish- American war and married Miss Louise Davis; Hattie, also a native of this county, is at home with her parents; Harry, who married Della Newbern, is a farmer residing at Luverne, Minnesota ; Oscar is deceased; Frank, who wedded Mary Burnison, follows agricultural pursuits near Alpena, South Dakota; Nellie is at home; Walter follows farming on the old home place in Grant township. He attended the State University, from which he received a certificate, and is an expert judge of horses.
Robert R. Rodman, reared upon the old homestead farm, pursued his early education in the district schools of Grant township and afterward entered the Hoopeston high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903, when twenty years of age. Determining upon a professional career, he took up the study of law at the University of Illinois and was graduated with the class of 1906. Following his graduation he came to Hoopeston, where he entered upon active practice and in 1907 was elected city attorney. So capably did he fill the office that on the expiration of his two years' term he was reelected and is therefore the present incumbent. His work for the strict enforcement of the law has won the commendation of all those who have regard for the fair name of Hoopeston. He regards his oath of office as something sacred and obligatory. At a recent date he was concerned in an attempt to suppress law-
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lessness among those who do not regard the liquor laws as binding. It seems that J. Frank Snively and others had induced two boys to fix up a so-called "club room" and therein gambling and drinking were the principal features of entertainment. There was no light in the room from outside, this being fur- nished by electric bulbs, and entrance and exit to the rooms were by an out- side stairway at the rear of the building. City authorities became suspicious of the place and the city marshal, two of the aldermen and City Attorney Rod- man planned to suppress the evil that was there going on. A hole was drilled through the brick wall of the basement and this furnished evidence of the char- acter of the place. Money was seen to change hands over the gambling table and liquors were in constant use. At length a raid was made upon the place with the results that arrests and fines followed. It is the intention of the authorities of Hoopeston to permit no such lawlessness being carried on and City Attorney Rodman will push matters to the limit if tangible evidence is furnished him. He is an earnest and discriminating student of the law and is making substantial progress in his chosen profession, so that there is no hesitancy in predicting for him a successful future. Aside from his law practice he is a stockholder in the Hoopeston National Bank.
On the 16th of June, 1910, Mr. Rodman was married in Wellington, Illinois, to Miss Lillian H. McIntyre, a native of Canada, born at St. Johns, New Bruns- wick, July 26, 1884, and a daughter of James McIntyre. The young couple are socially prominent in the city, where they have many friends. In politics Mr. Rodman is a republican and an earnest worker in the party. His military ex- perience has been with Company B of the Third Regiment, Illinois National Guard, of which he served as corporal for one year and three months. He be- longs to the Modern Woodmen of America, is in thorough sympathy with the projects of the Commercial Club for the upbuilding and improvement of Hoopes- ton and as a member takes an active part in the work of the organization. He also belongs to the Vermilion County Bar Association and is a member of the honorary law fraternity of the University of Illinois. He attends the Presby- terian church and as a young man has made a creditable record, showing that he is fearless and courageous in support of his honest convictions and in the performance of his duties. Such a man deserves to prosper and should receive the support of the public in this connection.
GEORGE McROALES.
George McRoales, conducting a well appointed blacksmith shop in Danville, was born in Vigo county, Indiana, on the 24th of March, 1866, his parents being Hiram C. and Sarah (Guess) McRoales, natives of Virginia. They came to- Illinois at an early day, settling in Fayette county, where the father followed general agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest in 1878. The death of the mother occurred about 1877. Unto them were born eight children but only two survive, namely: Lida, the wife of Frank Buckmaster, of Decatur, Illinois; and George, of this review.
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The latter, who was left an orphan when in his thirteenth year, was thus thrown upon his own resources at a tender age. Securing employment as a farm hand, he worked by the month for three years, receiving eighty-five dollars for his services during the entire period. When a youth of seventeen he became an ยท apprentice in a blacksmith shop, receiving a wage of fifty dollars for the first year and one hundred dollars for the second year. His apprenticeship covered a term of four years and each twelve months his salary was increased by fifty dollars. After having mastered the trade he was able to command the regular wage of a blacksmith and was employed at that occupation for a few years. He then opened a shop of his own at Miller, Nebraska, and conducted the same for three years. At the expiration of that period he returned to his old home in Danville, Illinois, and, buying the Minning blacksmith shop, has here remained in business continuously since. He now furnishes employment to two workmen and enjoys a large and gratifying patronage.
On the 29th of August, 1899, Mr. McRoales was joined in wedlock to Miss Maggie Parish, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Sutton) Parish, who were natives of Kentucky and passed away in Indiana. They had four children, of whom Mrs. McRoales is the only survivor.
Mr. McRoales has always supported the men and measures of the republican . party but has not cared for office. His fraternal relations are with Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 254, at Danville, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. He has ever been diligent and industrious, and the word fail has had no place in his vocabulary. His life, in all of its various relations, has been of such character as to command the respect and esteem of those with whom he has been asso- ciated.
GEORGE W. MCCRACKEN.
George W. McCracken, an enterprising and prosperous business man of Dan- ville, is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of davenports, couches, rockers and mattresses of all kinds and has built up an excellent trade which extends over four states of the union. He was born in Wailesboro, Indiana, on the 23d of February, 1862, and on the paternal side is descended from a good old Scotch family that was founded in America during the colonial days and was represented in the Revolutionary war. His maternal ancestors were of Welsh origin and on coming to the new world first located in Pennsylvania, removing thence to Kentucky about the time Daniel Boone settled in that state. His parents are Marion and Elizabeth Jane (Whalen) McCracken, who are still living. In the spring of 1877 they came to Illinois and located in Vermilion county, but at the end of ten years returned to Indiana where they now reside. Throughout his active business life the father followed farming but is now living retired.
During his boyhood George W. McCracken's educational privileges were lim- ited. He was able to go only as far as the sixth grade in the Terre Haute schools. He has supplemented the knowledge there acquired, however, by attendance at
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night school and by home study, so that he is today a well informed man. On starting out in life for himself he worked at day labor, putting in all his spare time after working hours in reading and study. For four years he was thus em- ployed and at the end of that time, deciding to learn a trade, he began an ap- prenticeship as an upholsterer, at the age of seventeen years. For eleven years he was employed by Henry M. Kimball at No. 37 North Vermilion street, in whose shop he became thoroughly familiar with every department of the up- holstering business. At the end of that time he purchased his employer's estab- lishment and for two years carried on the business in connection with a partner, but since 1891 has been sole owner of the establishment which he conducted at No. 37 North Vermilion street for several months. His increasing business de- manding larger quarters, he then removed to Nos. 20-24 North Franklin street, where he has now carried on the business for the past eight years. He is today the largest manufacturer in his line in Vermilion county and among the largest in the state, his specialties being davenports, couches, rockers and mattresses of all grades. He now employs on an average of from twenty to fifty hands and ships his products throughout the states of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.
It was on the 2d of January, 1887, in Danville, that Mr. McCracken was united in marriage to Miss Ann Laura Johnson, a native of Thorntown, Indiana, and a daughter of Dr. William Johnson of that place. Her parents are both now deceased. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McCracken are: Hazel L., now the wife of William H. O'Neil, who is superintendent of a department in her father's factory and a resident of Danville ; Ruth A. and Esther S., both at home.
The family hold membership in Emanuel Presbyterian church and Mr. Mc- Cracken affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, having served as trustee of his camp for twenty-two years. His political support is given to the men and measures of the republican party, but he has never desired official preferment. Starting in his present busi- ness with a cash capital of only one hundred and fifty dollars, the success that he has achieved seems most remarkable. He is, however, a very energetic and progressive business man and to these qualities and his untiring industry may be attributed his success. He is thoroughly reliable in all transactions and has become both widely and favorably known in business circles.
E. H. PERKINS.
E. H. Perkins, who is busily engaged in the operation of a farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres on section 2, Grant township, is numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of the community. His birth occurred in Hocking county, Ohio, on the 25th of September, 1866, his parents being A. F. and Mary L. (Marston) Perkins, who were natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively. They came to Vermilion county, Illinois, about the year 1863 and were married here. Following that important event in his life A. F. Perkins removed to Cass county, Iowa, where he owned and operated a farm for one year. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the prop-
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erty and returned to Illinois, purchasing a farm in Iroquois county and mak- ing his home thereon for ten years. He then sold the place and bought the farm which is now being operated by our subject, continuing to reside thereon throughout the remainder of his life. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and, though not an office seeker, he was widely recognized as a most loyal and public-spirited citizen. He was called to his final rest on the 28th of March, 1906, passing away in the faith of the Universalist church. His widow still survives and now makes her home with her son, E. H., who was the only child of their marriage.
E. H. Perkins was reared under the parental roof and obtained a good prac- tical education in the common schools. He was married at the age of twenty- three years and then took charge of the old homestead farm of one hundred and thirty-two acres on section 2, Grant township, where he has carried on general agricultural pursuits to the present time. The place in its neat and thrifty appearance gives evidence of his careful supervision and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
On the 18th of December, 1889, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Hunt, who was born in New Jersey on the 7th of September, 1865, her parents being Edward and Elizabeth (Clark) Hunt, likewise natives of New Jersey. They removed to Indiana in 1867, spending the remainder of their lives on a farm in that state. They reared a family of seven children, four of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have two children, namely : Mary Ethel, who is a graduate of the Hoopeston high school; and Charles Almon.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Perkins has sup- ported republican men and measures but has not sought office as a reward for his party fealty. Both he and his wife belong to the Universalist church and their lives are in harmony with its teachings. They occupy an enviable posi- tion in the esteem of their neighbors and friends and are widely known through- out the community.
GRANT MARTIN.
Among the native citizens of Vermilion county representing the second gen- eration of the same family born in this county is Grant Martin, a general mer- chant of Vermilion Grove, Elwood township. He is a young man but has made a commendable start and, being possessed of ambition to forge ahead in the world and a goodly amount of energy and common sense, the outlook in his favor is very bright. A fair start is half the battle and perseverance and patience, both of which he possesses, will go a long way toward the attainment of the de- sired goal. Mr. Martin was born May 16, 1871, and is a son of Henry and Miranda (Gepheart) Martin, both of whom are now deceased. There were eight children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, six of whom are still living.
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