USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 64
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Rocella J. Stearns was educated in the common schools and at the Homer high school. She grew up in the genial atmosphere of a peaceful home and on January 31, 1875, was happily married to Thomas B. Craig, a native of Ohio, who came to Vermilion county as a young man early in the '70s. For many years Mr. Craig has been identified with agricultural interests and is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of his township. He is a life- long democrat and after reaching his majority served as assessor and collector of Homer township, Champaign county. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Craig: Dale, a farmer of Vance township, who is married and is a mem-
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ber of the Masonic fraternity; Scott, Claude, Maud, Grover, Mabel, Thomas B. Jr., and Alta J., all of whom are at home. Mrs. Craig is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and socially is a leader in the locality, be- ing a lady of fine intellectual ability and of many excellent qualities of mind and heart. She is the owner of about three hundred acres of the old family home- stead and lives in a handsome country residence, which is one of the attractive features of the landscape. She has inherited many of the excellent character- istics of her worthy parents and has a host of friends throughout the region where she has been known during her entire life.
T. A. HABEL.
T. A. Habel, engaged in the manufacture and sale of tile at Henning, is thus connected with one of the leading productive industries of the enterprising little town in which he is now located. Long experience in this line of business has made him thoroughly familiar with the best methods of manufacturing tile, and he has been quick to introduce new methods that have improved the quality, so that he has placed upon the market a product that has found a ready sale. In other connections also he is known as one of the alert and enterprising business men and progressive citizens of Henning. His birth occurred in Sunman, In- diana, February 24, 1861, his parents being Andrew and Margaret (Coonz) Habel. His parents, natives of Germany, sought the opportunities of the new world and settled near Cincinnati, Ohio, but afterward removed to Rossville, Illinois, where both passed away, their remains being interred in the Rossville cemetery.
T. A. Habel, of this review, pursued his early education in the schools of Sunman and afterward attended school in Valparaiso, Indiana. He began the manufacture of tile in Potomac twenty-six years ago and subsequently removed to Rossville, where he continued in business until coming to Henning, where he established the tile factory that he has since successfully operated. He now has a well equipped plant, manufacturing tile of various kinds and his product is readily sold, for the qaulity is good and his prices are reasonable.
A quarter of a century ago Mr. Habel was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Dingle, a daughter of Edward and Martha Dingle, who are now residents of Rossville, Illinois. Unto this marriage were born three children: George, twenty-two years of age; Harold, twenty years of age, who is attending school in Denver, Colorado; and Ray, who is a member of the navy. Mr. Habel lost his first wife and in 1901 he was married to Miss Carrie Dodson. Their children are: Inez, seven years of age, now in school; and Lela, four years of age.
Mr. Habel is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Woodmen Camp and he also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. These associations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the principles that govern his conduct. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability and his loyalty to the best interests
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of the community, have elected him to the office of collector of taxes and he was also appointed assessor of real estate. He has been elected mayor of the city, in which connection he has given a public-spirited and businesslike administra- tion, working earnesly for the best interests of the city which is now his home. He stands for progress, whether in public life or in the conduct of his private business interests, and his life has at all times been actuated by principles that have caused his record to conform to the highest standards of honorable man- hood.
JOHN R. MOORE.
John R. Moore, filling the position of deputy county clerk, with office in Danville, has been a resident of this city since the Ist of February, 1893. Systematic, methodical and accurate, the duties of his position are capably per- formed and he has won high commendation in his official service. He is a son of Rufus S. Moore, who through living upon a farm in Blount township is now retired from active business. His place is situated on the west side of the Chicago road, about ten miles north of Danville. He was born in Ohio and is a son of Lester Moore, who came from Connecticut and was the founder of the family in the west.
Rufus S. Moore was educated in the Buckeye state and when a young boy started earning his own living. For some time he was a page in the Ohio legis- lature, but when a young man made his way westward to Chicago, where he was connected with his brother in the match business. While thus engaged a very severe explosion occurred in the factory and as the result thereof Mr. Moore was an invalid for a number of years. He then returned to Ohio, but afterward again came to Illinois in the '40s. He was a wagonmaker by trade and finally settled in Attica, Indiana, but afterward came to Danville, where he conducted manufacturing interests for a time. Later he purchased a farm and turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. After a useful and well spent life he passed away June 15, 1910, in his eighty-fourth year.
On the Ist of January, 1856, Rufus S. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Filena Rowley, a representative of a prominent family of this part of the state, and unto them were born seven children, of whom five are now living, William R., Albert S., Emma R., U. Elmer and John R.
The last named was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the labors necessary to keep the soil in good condition and gather rich crops. He acquired his early education in the district schools of the neighborhood and through the summer months worked on the farm. His early educational privileges were supplemented by a course of study in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, in which he subsequently pursued a commercial course and was graduated in 1892. On the Ist of February, 1893, he accepted a position in the office of the county clerk, being appointed deputy, in which connection he has since served.
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On the 30th of January, 1895, John R. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Ashworth, and they have two children: Miriam and Edward, now both in school. Mr. Moore belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World and the Red Men, while his father is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Methodist Episcopal church. The name of Moore as borne by father and son has long been an honored one in this locality. Both have stood for good citizenship and for that which is most progressive in community affairs, and all who know them speak of them commendably.
CHARLES M. CESSNA.
Charles M. Cessna, one of the successful agriculturists and live-stock men of Vermilion county, was born in Champaign county, Illinois, January 20, 1869. He is the son of William Cessna, a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he was born November 7, 1822. The father moved with his parents to Ohio and grew up in Trumbull, later Mahoning county. There he learned the tanner's trade and also became a brick and stone mason. He lived in Stark county, Ohio, and Marshall county, Indiana, until 1868, when he removed to Champaign county, Illinois, and finally settled in Vermilion county, where he became one of its foremost farmers. Mr. Cessna was twice married, his first wife being Sarah Jane Hawkins, of Stark county, Ohio, who was called away September 15, 1864. She was the mother of five children: John W., Sarah Amelia, Ella, Martin and William L. D. On January 29, 1865, Mr. Cessna was married to Mrs. Lucina (Martin) Melser, who was the mother of two children by her first husband. Three children resulted from her second marriage: Rosa I., Charles M., and Mary M. William Cessna retired from active farm- ing in 1905 and removed to Homer, where he continued until his death, May 25, 1908, at the age of eighty-six years. He was an honorable, industrious and pro- gressive citizen, a kind husband and father, and a man who through life in- spired many to strive for financial independence by the same means by which he accomplished it-through self-denial and wise management. The beloved wife and mother is still living and resides in Homer.
The subject of this review was reared on the home farm, where he obtained a thorough training in all the details of agriculture and stock-raising. He re- ceived his book education at a neighboring district school. After laying aside his books, he devoted his entire attention to the farm and at twenty years of age the home farm of three hundred and twenty acres was turned over to his management. He continued to operate it until 1901, devoting a great deal of attention to the breeding and raising of live-stock, in which he was signally successful. In 1901 he removed to Homer and began as a live-stock buyer, conducting his operations upon an extensive scale for nine years and scquiring a reputation as one of the best buyers in this part of the state. In the spring of 1910 he returned to the farm, of which there was originally one hundred and twenty acres but which had now grown to two hundred and forty acres and
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had been provided with a handsome and commodious residence and all the facil- ities recognized by the up-to-date farmer. This beautiful farm Mr. Cessna has traded for a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Clark county, Ohio, located near Springfield, the county seat, and is said to be one of the best improved properties in that county and to contain the finest farm residence in the Buckeye state. Mr. Cessna will occupy his new home in the spring of 1911. His proposed departure from the region, where he has lived so long and where he has been so favorably known, is greatly regretted by the entire community.
On the 10th of February, 1892, Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to Miss Stella Witherspoon, of Vance township, this county, a daughter of William P. Witherspoon, now a resident of Patoka, Indiana. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cessna : Charles R., Esther L., Florence E. and William H,. all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Cessna is an earnest supporter of the principles of the republican party and has served in a number of responsible public positions, among which may be named that of drainage commissioner of his district for the past six years. He has also served as a member of the board of education of Homer, and a member of the board of aldermen, in the latter capacity being largely instru- mental in securing the paving of the streets of Homer. He is a member of Brilliant Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Homer; the Masonic fraternity; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are identified with the Meth- odist Episcopal church and are among the foremost in all movements of the church or community that tend to make easier the way or lighten the cares of those less fortunate than themselves. Mr. Cessna enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of many friends and acquaintances and is known as a man of unusual energy, perseverance and ability, who generally accomplishes what he sets out to do and is alway governed by a high sense of honor in his dealings with his fellowmen.
WILLIAM S. DILLON.
Among Vermilion county's native sons who in the years of manhood have become active factors in advancing her substantial development is William S. Dillon, now so efficiently serving as county surveyor. He was born in George- town, on the 26th of April, 1868, and is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family, his grandfather being Luke Dillon, who came here at an early day. His father, George Dillon, was also a native of Georgetown and in early life followed the occupation of farming. When the Civil war broke out he put aside all personal interests, however, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and during his service was wounded. After the war he served as circuit clerk and recorder for twelve years and was also a member of the board of supervisors and justice of the peace in Danville for a number of years. It will thus be seen that he took a very active and promi- nent part in public affairs and at his death, which occurred in 1891, the com- munity realized that it had lost a valued citizen. In early manhood he married
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Miss Desdemona Martin, who was also born in Georgetown, and they became the parents of eight children, six of whom are living, our subject being the third in order of birth. More extended mention of the family is made on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of the father, George Dillon.
Being only a year old on the removal of his parents to Danville, William S. Dillon was reared and educated in this city, attending the public schools and later working in the postoffice for some time. On resigning that position he went to Central America in 1892, spending five years in Nicaragua. At the end of that time he returned to Danville and has since made his home in this city. On the 7th of December, 1908, he was elected county surveyor, which position he was well qualified to fill, having fitted himself for such work by private study and previous experience in surveying and civil engineering for a number of railroads. He still holds that position and has discharged the duties thereof in a most satisfactory and capable manner.
In 1902 Mr. Dillon was united in marriage to Miss Florence Jenkins, a native of Missouri, and they have become the parents of two daughters, Sophia and Teresita. 'Almost his entire life has been passed in this county and he has gained an extensive circle of friends, who entertain for him high regard, while he en- joys the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
ROY D. SMITH.
Roy D. Smith, a prosperous and energetic young farmer of Love township, is the owner of one hundred and fourteen acres of rich and productive land on sections 15 and 22. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Vermilion county and his parents were I. D. and Melissa (Glick) Smith. The father was a son of George and Elizabeth (Hester) Smith, who came to this county at an early day and here spent the remainder of their lives. On the 2d of October, 1883, in Vermilion county, I. D. Smith wedded Miss Melissa Glick, whose natal day was February 4, 1860. Her parents, Aaron and Lucinda (Brenklinder) Glick, came to this county in 1869 and here continued to reside until called to their final rest. Their children were nine in number, Mrs. Melissa Smith being the youngest. Following his marriage I. D. Smith purchased the farm on which his widow and son Roy still reside, being actively and successfully engaged in its operation until the time of his demise, which occurred on the 12th of October, 1894. His remains were interred in the Yankee Point cemetery and in his pass- ing the community lost one of its most substantial and esteemed citizens. His widow yet resides on the old homestead farm, owning one hundred acres thereof. She enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance here, having won the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has come in contact. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, as follows: Jesse E., who is mentioned on another page of this work; Roy D., of this review; and one who died in in- fancy.
Roy D. Smith was reared on the home farm and early gained practical knowl- edge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He now owns
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one hundred and fourteen acres of land on sections 15 and 22, Love township, and operates a part of his mother's farm in connection with his own. His labors in the fields are annually rewarded by bounteous harvests of golden grain and he well deserves recognition among the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of the community.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Smith chose Miss 'Almeda M. Newland, who is likewise a native of Vermilion county and whose parents still survive, residing on a farm in Elwood township, this county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith have always lived within the borders of Vermilion county and the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them.
HOWARD PUGH.
Howard Pugh, who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pur- suits throughout his entire business career, owns one hundred and ten acres of rich and arable land on sections 35 and 36, Love township. His birth occurred on the farm where he now resides, his natal day being January 24, 1869. His parents, Granville and Lydia (Thompson) Pugh, were natives of Ohio and In- diana respectively. The father was but a little lad of six years when brought to this county in 1830, coming down the Ohio river on a flatboat and landing at Eugene, Indiana. With the exception of one year's residence in Iowa he made his home here throughout the remainder of his life, following the pursuits of farming and stock-raising as a means of livelihood. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while his religious faith was indicated by his mem- bershp in the Friends church. His demise, which occurred on the 28th of April, 1898, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained many friends during the long years of his residence here. His widow, who still sur- vives, is now in the seventy-fifth years of her age and makes her home at Ridge Farm, Vermilion county. Their children were eight in number, seven of whom are yet living.
Howard Pugh remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he took up the profession of teaching, acting as an instructor for three years. Since abandoning educational interests he has given his time and energies exclusively to general agricultural pursuits and in association with his wife now owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres on sections 35 and 36, Love township. He has brought the place under a high state of cultivation and improvement and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
On the 19th of September, 1894, Mr. Pugh was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Lee Long, who was born in this county on the 16th of September, 1872, her parents being Levi F. and Martha J. (Keene) Long. The father's birth occurred in Vermilion county, while the mother was a native of Parke county, Indiana. Their marriage was celebrated in this county. Levi F. Long spent his entire life on the farm where he was born, passing away in December, 1905, and being laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery. In politics he was a stalwart Jack-
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sonian democrat. His wife was called to her final rest in January, 1899, her remains being likewise interred in the Bethel cemetery. Unto them were born eleven children, six of whom are yet living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pugh have been born five children, namely: Cloyd L., whose natal day was June 28, 1895 ; Ralph L., whose birth occurred on the 26th of June, 1902; Granville T., who was born on the 9th of January, 1904; Martha J., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 12th of September, 1906; and Mildred Grace, who was born January 24, 1908, and passed away on the 25th of January, 1908.
In politics Mr. Pugh is a stanch republican but the honors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him. He belongs to the Court of Honor and is likewise affiliated with the United Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a member. They have always lived in Vermilion county and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders, the circle of their friends being almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
SIDNEY BUHL.
Seven years after Chicago was incorporated as a city Sidney Buhl entered upon life's journey there, his birth occurring in the future metropolis of the west on the 4th of October, 1842. His youthful days were passed in Cook county, but during much of his life he has been a resident of Danville. His parents were Charles and Eliza N. (McComeghy) Buhl. The name indicates the German ancestry of the family, the grandfather of our subject having come from Ger- m'any and cast in his lot with the early settlers of Butler county, Ohio. Charles Buhl was born in Butler county, and became one of the prominent citizens of that locality. In early life he became interested in the manufacture of hats and caps and was one of the first in Chicago to engage in that business, estab- lishing a factory on the south side of Lake street, which was then the business center of the city.
Sidney Buhl began his education in the early schools of Chicago, but when he was in his eighth year his father removed with the family to a farm of seven hundred acres in Cook county, which he purchased and which remained the family home for ten years. On the expiration of that period they came to Dan- ville and the father turned his attention to general merchandising in the old Opera House block. Sidney Buhl was then about eighteen years of age and became the active assistant of his father in the management and conduct of the store, with which he was connected until after the outbreak of the Civil war. Fired with patriotism and love of country, he offered his services to the govern- ment, enlisting as a private of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. The regiment was assigned to the army of the west and he remained at the front for three years and two months, participating in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg and other important engagements which constituted turning points in the progress of the war. He served as an orderly on the staff of General Sherman and did duty at Natchez, Mississippi, and in Louisiana. Company A, to which he be-
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longed, also acted as body guard to General Grant. On the expiration of his term of service Mr. Buhl was mustered out as a sergeant and returned to Danville.
Following the close of the war Mr. Buhl became connected with the grocery business and was continuously connected with mercantile interests until his re- tirement to private life. He sought success in the legitimate lines of trade, nor feared to venture where favoring opportunity led the way. In the course of years he built up an extensive business that was to him a gratifying source of profit and permitted him about fifteen years ago, in March, 1895, to retire from active life.
On the 13th of November, 1872, Mr. Buhl was married to Miss Sarah Myers, a daughter of Eli and Anna (Kearns) Myers, who came to Illinois from the state of Pennsylvania. Their only child, Georgia, who attended school at Alton, Illi- nois, became the wife of Edward Shutts and died several years later, leaving two children, Dorothy B. and Hubert.
Mrs. Buhl is a member of the Presbyterian church and some years ago Mr. Buhl served as a member of the Roselawn board of trustees. A residence in Illinois for sixty-eight years has made him an eye witness of many of the events which have shaped the history of the state and have marked its progress. He can remember Chicago when it was a small town with comparatively little indus- trial or commercial importance. He saw Danville when it bore little appearance of the present attractive city and as the years have gone by he has rejoiced in the progress that has been made, for he believes that onward should be the watch- word in public affairs as well as in private interests.
GEORGE LEVANT HARROUN.
Although one of the younger representatives of the legal profession now practicing at the bar of Vermilion county, George Levant Harroun has already attained an enviable success in his chosen calling. He is a native of Illinois, his birth occurring in Crescent City, Iroquois county, September 13, 1878, and is a son of Frederick L. and Ella (Stockwell) Harroun, who now make their home at Watseka, Illinois. The father was born in New York but in the late '50S came to Illinois and settled in Iroquois county where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years but is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.
George Levant Harroun obtained his primary education in the schools of Onarga, Illinois, and later pursued a collegiate course at the Northwestern Uni- versity from which he was graduated in 1903. Later he entered the law depart- ment of the same institution and was graduated therefrom in 1907. It was in the following year that he opened an office in Danville and, although he has been in practice here for only a brief period, has already secured a good clientage. He has won his success by reason of close application and careful preparation, without which advancement in the law is never secured. He has continued his reading and study, familiarizing himself with principle and precedent, and has
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