USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 63
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the city have been largely attributable to his efforts and cooperation. He was chosen mayor of the city and in the discharge of his official duties looked be- yond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and the opportunities of the future. He thus labored for permanent good and his efforts have been rewarded. Every movement for the general welfare has received his endorse- ment and his cooperation has been of a most substantial and effective character. Continuing successfully the management of his business interests, Mr. Hony- well made two subdivisions to Hoopeston and has always controlled the sale of this property. He assisted in the organization of the sugar and canning factories of this city, expending five thousand dollars to promote those industries without receiving return therefrom. Judicious investment in property has made him the owner of nearly one thousand acres of land adjoining Hoopeston and the improvements which he made upon it not only caused its rise in value but also advanced realty of others throughout this community. He became one of the founders of the National Bank of Watseka and as one of its directors has aided in shaping its managerial policy. His real-estate holdings include much land in various sections of the country, including Florida, and he frequently spends the cold winter seasons in the south. He now has about three thousand acres in Iroquois, Vermilion, Cook, Lake and Scott counties of Illinois and in Lake and Marion counties of Florida. He owns the hotel at Higiana Springs, In- diana, and an elegant summer home at Lake Bluff, north of Chicago, in addi- tion to his palatial residence in Hoopeston, and he likewise has investments in Cuba.
Interested in literature from an early age he has ever been a wide and thoughtful reader and in the field of authorship his name has also become prominent. In his younger days he wrote and staged several plays in which he also took part. At one time he was greatly interested in the Pittman system of phonetic printing and shorthand. He was editorially associated with An- drews and Boyle in 1848 and in the Anglo-Saxon, a New York city newspaper, advocating the phonetic reform and printed wholly in the new type advocated. He has written an exhaustive treatise on language, embracing all of its depart- ments from elementary phonetics to rhetoric and logic-eleven volumes in all. All those questions which have vitally touched the interests of society have received his consideration and he has ever been continuously in touch with progressive movements. He remained a stanch supporter of the republican party until 1884, when, feeling that the cause of temperance was a paramount issue. he joined the prohibition party.
Mr. Honywell has been withal a man of most social and genial nature, at- tractive personality and of kindly and considerate spirit. He has ever found pleasure in dispensing the hospitality of his home to his many friends. He was married in Schuyler county, New York, April 3, 1851, to Miss Cornelia, daughter of Dr. Anson Andrews. She was born at Sodus Bay on Lake On- tario in 1829 and lived there and in Yates county, New York, until her mar- riage. Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Honywell: Estella, the wife of John C. Cromer ; Florence Andrews, the wife of A. H. Trego, of Hoopes- ton ; Lillie Amelia, the wife of Dr. Thomas Allen Beal, a Methodist clergyman ;
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and Sarah Eliza, the wife of Dr. A. M. Earl, of Hoopeston. The mother of these children passed away April 6, 1904.
Of Mr. Honywell it has been said: "He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. Courteous, kindly and affable, those who know him personally have for him a warm regard and what he has done for the development of this part of the state cannot be over- estimated. While he has controlled extensive and important private business interests which have continually enhanced his individual prosperity, he has at the same time promoted the general welfare and the public success. There are few men who occupy as exalted a position in the regard of their fellow towns- men and citizens as does Alba Honywell, not because of his splendid success. though that would entitle him to consideration for it has been achieved honor- ably and it has also been of financial benefit to the community, indirectly, but because of his sterling qualities of manhood, because of his deep interest in the oppressed, because of his hatred of vice and his love of all that is good, because of his sympathy for his fellowmen who labor under many of the hardships of the existing conditions of life. His time, thought and effort have ever been given to the amelioration of such conditions and for this reason he deserves the gratitude of his fellowmen." His life has received the Shakespearian crown "the blest accompaniments of age-honor, riches, troops of friends."
WILLIAM S. HELMICK.
William S. Helmick, who is now so capably and satisfactorily serving as sheriff of Vermilion county, was born on the 3d of May, 1866, near Danville, in Oakwood township, a son of T. A. and Malena (Porter) Helmick. During his early life the family removed to Kansas, where they spent about six years, and in that state he began his education, which was completed in the schools of Danville. His first employment was at herding cattle and for some time he worked upon a farm in Illinois. At a very early age Mr. Helmick became actively identified with political affairs and has exerted a wide influence in local politics as a supporter of the republican party. He received the first appoint- ment as rural mail carrier at Fithian, in which place he conducted a livery stable for a short time, but for several years has filled various official positions, which have required his entire time and attention. For four years he was con- stable in Oakwood township and was president of the school board there for some time. When elected sheriff he removed to Danville and has since dis- charged the duties of that office in a most capable and satisfactory manner.
On the 8th of February, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hel- mick and Mrs. Nora J. Plotner, a daughter of Daniel H. and Deborah (Can- non) Harrison, and to them have been born five children, namely: Wilma, who is now attending school; Josephine, who is four years of age; and Jesse, Alva and Etta, who are all three deceased.
Mr. Helmick's religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he is prominently identified with a number of social
W. S. HELMICK
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orders, belonging to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Eagles and the Turners. Social and genial by nature, he makes many friends and to these qualities may largely be attributed his success in public life.
ERNEST X. LE SEURE.
Among the native citizens of Danville who have become important factors in her business development is Ernest X. Le Seure, who was born in this city on the 24th of March, 1864, a son of Prosper and Harriet (Crane) Le Seure, honored early settlers of Vermilion county. His father was born in Nancy, France, May 26, 1820, a son of Pierre and Anne Le Seure, who brought their family to America when Prosper was about ten years of age. They first lo- cated in Philadelphia where they remained a short time and then removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. Subsequently the father purchased an estate in southern In- diana where he reared his children, giving them good educational advantages in the English language. When a young man Prosper Le Seure came to Dan- ville where he was soon joined by his brother and together they engaged in general merchandising under the firm name of V. & P. Le Seure, conducting a large and profitable business. In 1867 Prosper Le Seure sold his interest in the store and later embarked in the lumber business in connection with George Yeomans, but eventually disposed of his interests to his son-in-law, J. G. Shedd. In 1883, in connection with others, he organized the State Bank of which he was vice president for some years but eventually retired in 1889 and in the spring of 1892 removed to Los Angeles, California, where he lived retired. He was visit- ing his children, however, in Danville when he passed away, November 23, 1897. He was an active member of the Presbyterian church and gave liberally to church and charitable work. He was twice married and by his first union had three children, two of whom are yet living, Helen L., now the wife of J. G. Shedd, who was superintendent of schools in Danville for many years, and Oscar, a prominent surgeon of Detroit, Michigan. His wife having died in 1858, Mr. Le Seure was again married in 1863, his second union being with Miss Harriet Crane of Danville, by whom he had one son, Ernest X. of this review.
During his boyhood and youth Ernest X. Le Seure attended the common and high schools of Danville and in 1882 went to Europe where he spent two years in travel and study in France and Germany. Returning to his native land, he became identified with the banking business in 1884, accepting the positiont of bookkeeper in the State Bank, in order to become thoroughly familiar with every department of the business. It was not long before he was made as- sistant cashier and subsequently was promoted to the position of cashier, in which capacity he served until the Ist of January, 1891, when he entered the Second National Bank of Danville as assistant cashier. He filled that position until 1894 when he was made general manager of the Danville Gas, Electric Light & Street Railway Company, with which he was connected until they sold
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out to eastern capitalists in the fall of 1900. Mr. Le Seure then purchased the interests of R. D. McDonald and J. S. McFerren in the State Bank, becoming its president on the Ist of December of that year. On the Ist of January, 1901, however, he reorganized the bank, transforming it into the Danville Na- tional Bank, of which he has since been president and the principal stockholder. Almost his entire life has been devoted to the banking business, with which he became thoroughly familiar when a young man, and under his able administration the Danville National Bank has become one of the solid financial institutions of this section of Illinois. Its policy has ever been such as to com- mend it to the public and its officers are men of known reliability and trust- worthiness.
On the 9th of June, 1891, Mr. Le Seure was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Frances Cannon, a daughter of Hon. Joseph G. Cannon, and they have two children, Virginia and Helen. Since attaining his majority Mr. Le Seure has affiliated with the republican party and has always taken an active part in political affairs.
JOHN NUGENT.
John Nugent, who has resided within the borders of Vermilion county for forty-six consecutive years, has lived practically retired during the past decade, having won a handsome competence as an agriculturist. He is the owner of one hundred and ninety-six acres of valuable land, one hundred and four acres thereof being in section 1, Catlin township, while the remainder lies in Vance township, where he makes his home. His birth occurred in Indiana on the 21st of October, 1837, his parents being Charles and Mary (Pugh) Nugent, who were born, reared and married in Shelby county, Kentucky. In 1828 they removed to Parke county, Indiana, and several years later took up their abode in Knox county, where they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives.
John Nugent was reared to manhood under the parental roof and pursued his studies in the common schools. His educational advantages were limited, how- ever, for he attended school only during the three or four winter months when his services were not required on the home farm. In 1860 he came to Illinois, locating in McLean county, where he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, first cultivating rented land for two or three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land but a year later sold his claim. The year 1864 witnessed his arrival in Vermilion
county and here he has made his home continuously since, first purchasing and locating on a farm of forty-eight acres one mile north of Fairmount in Vance township. At the end of four years he disposed of the property and bought eighty acres of his present farm on section 34, Vance township. As his financial resources increased he made additional purchase from time to time until his holdings now embrace one hundred and ninety-six acres of rich and arable land, one hundred and four acres thereof being in section I, Catlin township. Throughout his active business career he has been engaged in diversified farming,
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winning success as the result of his well directed industry and capable manage- ment. During the past ten years, however, he has not been actively identified with agricultural interests, renting his land to his son, Charles W., and his son- in-law, William H. McBroom.
In 1861 Mr. Nugent returned to the Hoosier state for his bride, being mar- ried on the 24th of February of that year to Miss Frances Collings, of Parke county, Indiana. He brought his young wife to McLean county and the follow- ing year bought his first land. Mr. and Mrs. Nugent became the parents of five children, as follows: Mary E., the wife of William H. McBroom, who operates a portion of the home farm; Jane, who gave her hand in marriage to J. G. Rice, of Sidell township, Vermilion county; Joseph S., who follows farming in Catlin township, this county; Celia A., who is the widow of W. F. Cass and resides in Sidell township, this county; and Charles W., who lives on the home farm. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 12th of December, 1890.
Politically Mr. Nugent is a stanch advocate and supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and for about thirty years he served as school trustee. He has passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten and his life has ever been such as to win and hold the regard and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact.
HARRY L. FREEMAN.
Harry L. Freeman is filling the office of deputy county treasurer. The name of Freeman has long been associated with public service in this part of the state for his father was for an extended period an active factor in official life. Harry L. Freeman was born in Fairmount, Illinois, in 1865, a son of Al- fred C. Freeman, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1833. The grandfather died when the father of our subject was about twelve years of age and the latter began clerking in a store in order to earn his own living. In 1856 he came to Illinois, settling on a farm near Fairmount, but in 1861 he became station agent and postmaster at that place, filling the position until 1866. In that year he removed to Danville to accept a position with the Wabash Railroad Company in this city, thus serving until 1873. The follow- ing year he was elected city clerk, which position he held until 1892, when he refused to continue longer as the incumbent in the office, having for eighteen years acted in that capacity-a fact which stands in unmistakable proof of his ability and fidelity. He was an expert accountant and tax man and for years his advice on such subjects was regarded as authoritative and his work on the board of review was considered indispensable. He was known as an honest, fearless man whose public and private integrity were incorruptible. In 1864, in Fairmount, Illinois, he was married to Miss Mary W. Dustin, a daughter of Sylvester and Marilla (Wells) Dustin, who came from New Hampshire at an early day. Their son, Edward Freeman, died at Green Bay, Wisconsin, De- cember 6, 1901, and the father passed away December 4, 1898.
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Harry L. Freeman, the other son of the family, was only an infant at the time of the removal to Danville, where his education was acquired as a public school student. At the age of eighteen years he secured a position in the Second National Bank, and later became connected with public service in a clerical position in the assessor's and collector's office, with which he was connected for four years. On leaving that office he turned his attention to mer- chandising at Sidell, Illinois, where he spent eleven years, and in 1899 he re- turned to Danville where he took a year's rest. The same year he was ap- pointed deputy collector of customs for the Port of Cienfuegos, Cuba, where he spent four years with the exception of six months, when he was acting col- lector at Jucaro, Cuba. On the expiration of the American occupancy of that island he returned home and for the past four years has filled the office of de- puty county treasurer. At one time he was supervisor of Sidell township and chairman of the county board. Like his father, he has an unassailable official record. He has not only been loyal in the discharge of his duties but also prompt, accurate and reliable, until the name of Freeman has come to be a synonym for capable and efficient public service in Vermilion county.
In 1885 Mr. Freeman was married to Miss Jennie W. Jackson, who was born in Indianola and in 1885 came to Danville. She was educated in the schools of this city and in the Chicago Women's College. Her father, Amos Jackson, an extensive land owner and successful stock raiser, died in 1896, after having lived in Danville since 1881. His wife, Mrs. Sarah Jackson, still sur- vives. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman now have one child, Frances L., who was born in 1891 and is a junior in the high school. They also lost a daughter, Anna J., who was born in 1887 and died in 1888. The parents are well known socially in Danville and Vermilion county, their many good qualities winning them high and enduring regard. Mr. Freeman gives his political allegiance to the republi- can party and his position is never an equivocal one where vital questions are involved. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Woodmen and is in hearty sympathy with the beneficient spirit which underlies those organ- izations. His Cuban experience constituted an interesting episode in his life. which otherwise has been passed in Vermilion county largely in the discharge of duties which have devolved upon him in connection with the public service.
CHARLES K. LANE.
Charles K. Lane, a well known representative of the grocery trade, is con- ducting one of the leading establishments of the kind in the city, having an up-to-date store and carrying a large and complete line of staple and fancy groceries. A native of Vermilion county, he was born in Danville township, on the 7th of August, 1878, his parents being John K. and Katherine Elizabeth (Robinson) Lane. Throughout his active business life the father followed farming and meeting with success in his chosen occupation he is now able to live retired and enjoy a well earned rest. For fifteen years he served as road com- missioner of the county and has always borne an active and prominent part in
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public affairs. In his family were nine children, namely: Minnie, Margaret, Augustus, Jenette, Charles K., Finis, Gertrude, Ruby and Clarence. All are still living with the exception of Augustus and Clarence.
Charles K. Lane attended the public schools of Danville until he completed the work of the eighth grade, being about sixteen years of age when he laid aside his text-books. His first employment was in the dry-goods store of S. J. Barnett as general utility boy and he remained there for about one year, after which he accepted a position as driver with the Star Laundry and remained with that concern for three years. He next worked in various stores and in this way became thoroughly conversant with the grocery trade, so that, on the 8th of January, 1909, he was well qualified to embark in that business on his own account. Having saved his earnings, he thus opened a store and has since. engaged in business, it being today one of the leading grocery establishments in the city. Among his patrons are some of the most prominent and wealthy citizens of Danville and he has built up a large and lucrative business, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Lane's religious belief is manifest by his mem- bership in the First Christian church of Danville. He takes an active interest in the success of the republican party, which he supports by his ballot, but has never cared for political honors. It is as a business man that he has become best known and the success that he has achieved is the result of his own in- dustry, economy and good management, for on starting out in life for himself he was without capital and has made his own way upward to a position of prominence in business circles through his untiring efforts.
ALVIN STEARNS.
Alvin Stearns, an early pioneer of Vermilion county, who departed this life August 26, 1890, will be remembered as a citizen whom the entire community held in profound respect on account of his unsullied character and his many unselfish acts. Coming to this region when he was fifteen years of age, he grew to manhood in the county, where he passed the remaining years of his life and where he attained unusual success as a farmer and acted as administrator of estates-the latter position being one to which he was by nature remarkably well adapted. Beginning at the bottom of the ladder financially, Mr. Stearns became a man of wealth and influence, presenting in his career a striking in- stance of the results that may be accomplished by a life of rightly directed effort.
He was born on a farm in Ohio, November 28, 1815. His father, Harvey Stearns, was a native of Vermont and removed to New York, where he was married to Mary Lockwood. After their marriage they settled in Ohio, where he purchased a farm, and there lived until 1832. Believing that more favorable opportunities lay westward, Mr. Stearns came to this state and located in Ver- milion county, Illinois, becoming one of the successful farmers of this region. He died November 30, 1847, at the age of fifty-six years, and thirty years later, on August 1, 1877, Mrs. Stearns was called from earthly scenes.
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The education of Alvin Stearns was begun in a log schoolhouse in Ohio and continued at intervals after he arrived at his new home in Vermilion county. At the time of his trip westward there were no railroads and only the rudest means of conveyance was available. The early routes led through swamps where corduroy roads made of logs thrown upon the ground side by side permitted the weary traveler cautiously to proceed. Emigrants would camp at night on the bank of a running stream and much of their subsistence was procured through the use of the gun, as wild game abounded in the woods and on the prairie. It was an ideal land for the hunter, but in many localities years elapsed before the soil was brought into a condition of proper cultivation. Alvin Stearns and his brother Calvin came on foot from Ohio, driving cows, sheep and hogs with which the family could make a start in the new country. He was early inured to the work of the farm, even traveling thirty or forty miles to the mill, carrying a bag of grain behind him on his horse and return- ing with flour or corn meal. The nearest market of importance was Chicago and farmers delivered their wheat by wagon, conveying on the return trip mer- chandise for the country merchants and supplies for the family.
At twenty-two years of age Mr. Stearns was married and began on his own account in a log house on his father's farm. As time passed, by diligence and economy he accumulated capital and increased his holdings until he owned one of the finest farms in the township. He built a handsome residence and in the administration of estates gained an enviable reputation for excellent business judgment and promptness in all financial matters. Among the estates admin- istered by him were the Yount estate, the Lee, Clutter and Hardin estates and many others. He served for six years as road commissioner, for twelve years as assessor and collector, and for twenty years as school director, filling these offices with an ability that met with the general approval of the people. He was a stanch republican and for over thirty-five years was an active member of the Baptist church, in all his duties evincing an efficiency that yielded practical results for the benefit of those concerned.
On April 12, 1837, Mr. Stearns was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Lee, a daughter of William H. and Rebecca Lee, who came from Ohio to this state in 1829 and settled in Vermilion county. They were the parents of eight children, Mrs. Stearns being the eldest. She was called to her final rest Jan- uary 23, 1887, at the age of sixty-seven years, nine months and four days, and on the 26th of August, 1910, her husband passed away. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stearns: Lawson, who married Amanda Izard and is now deceased; Ersom, deceased; and Rocella J.
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