USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 66
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three hundred acres, situated about two and a half miles south of the court house. For a considerable period he then devoted his time and energies to developing the farm and added to it modern equipments and the latest improved machinery. Subsequently he retired, putting aside the more active duties of life. He has to some extent engaged in the real-estate business since locating in Danville and is the owner of good property not only in this city but also in the south and west. He is likewise interested in copper mining and his various holdings bring to him a good revenue annually.
On the 22d of March, 1872, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Matilda A. Smith, and unto them have been born five children, of whom two died in childhood. Those living are: Carrie, now the wife of Albert Shults; Roberta, a graduate of the Danville high school; and Hiram E., who is also a graduate of the Dan- ville high school and is now pursuing the medical course in the Northwestern University at Chicago.
Mr. Ross is entitled to wear the Grand Army button from the fact that he is a veteran of the Civil war. He responded to the country's call for troops in 1862 and served nearly two years as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, of which company his brother James T. was also a member, being in the service for three years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has guided his life according to its teachings. His record measures up to the full standard of honorable manhood and those who know him recognize in him a citizen whose loyalty to the public welfare has never been questioned, while his integrity and honor in the private affairs of life are matters familiar to all with whom he has been associated.
JOHN W. PAYNE.
John W. Payne, the owner of two hundred and ten acres of valuable land in Love township, devotes his time and energies to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising with excellent results. His birth occurred in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of June, 1848, his parents being John and Mary A. (Eshelman) Payne, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. In 1854 they removed to Maryland, continuing to reside in that state throughout the remainder of their lives. Their union was blessed with three children, all of whom are yet living.
John W. Payne acquired a common-school education in his youthful years and remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-two. The year 1870 witnessed his arrival in Vermilion county, Illinois, and here he first worked as a farm hand for some years. Subsequently he devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm for two years, on the expiration of which period he purchased forty-four acres of land on section 14, Love township. At the end of two years he disposed of the property and removed to Maryland, where he made his home for two years. Returning to this county, he bought a tract of sixty acres of land and was busily engaged in its cultivation for twelve years.
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He then sold thirty acres thereof and purchased the farm on which he now resides. His landed holdings embrace two hundred and ten acres in Love town- ship and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a well merited measure of success. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and this branch of his business adds materially to his income.
Mr. Payne has been twice married. On the IIth of September, 1881, he wedded Miss Laura Sanders, a native of Vermilion county, who passed away here in 1887. Unto them were born four children, namely: John B. and Henry E., both residents of this county; and A. E. and Franklin, both of whom are deceased. In 1888 Mr. Payne was again married, his second union being with Miss Minnie Owens, a native of Carroll county, Maryland, and a daughter of Dr. John H. and Amanda E. (Wickard) Owens, who were also born in that state. By his second wife Mr. Payne had nine children, as follows: Fulton O .; Charles E .; Donna B. and Mary A., both of whom have passed away ; Roy A .; Ida Ruth ; Freda Irene; Julie Pearl; and Clara W.
Politically Mr. Payne is a stanch advocate and supporter of the principles of the republican party. He has served as commissioner for a period of eleven years and has also acted in the capacity of school director. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Ridge Farm. He serves as an elder in the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a devoted mem- ber. His life has been well spent and those who know him entertain for him warm regard by reason of the fact that he has made good use of his oppor- tunities and has always been fair and honorable in his relations with his fellow- men.
CHARLES MAIER.
Charles Maier, who is now at the head of a successful and growing business, has spent his entire life in Danville, his birth here occurring on the 5th of Novem- ber, 1873. His father, Gottlieb Maier, was a native of Germany, born in Wit- tenberg, April 28, 1840, and was reared and educated in the schools of his native land. He there learned the tanner's trade, at which he continued to work until coming to the United States in 1866, when he located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Subsequently he spent some time at various places in Ohio, his attention being devoted to his trade. While a resident of Loudonville, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Schauweker, a native of Alsace, now a province of Germany, who was brought to America by her parents during her infancy. In the summer of 1873 they came to Danville, where Mr. Maier embarked in busi- ness as a dealer in hides and leather on East Main street, but ten years later he removed to West Main street, carrying on business there until his death, which occurred on the 24th of April, 1910. He had long survived his wife, who passed away in Danville in 1884. A democrat in politics, he took a very active and in- fluential part in public affairs and was called upon to serve as alderman of the second and fourth wards for three terms. He also filled the office of highway commissioner and in 1907 was the candidate for mayor on the democratic ticket.
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As a business man he was enterprising, industrious and persevering and to these characteristics may be attributed his success. He was prominent both in political and social circles, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Turners. In his family were five children, namely: Emma, now the wife of John Nungesser, of Danville; Cora, the wife of Albert Goetz, of Chicago; Charles, of this review; Gus, a resident of Schenectady, New York; and Frank, who died in 1893 at the age of seventeen years.
During his boyhood and youth Charles Maier pursued his education in the public schools of Danville and on laying aside his text-books joined his father in the leather business in 1891. He continued to assist in carrying on the enterprise until his father's death, when he assumed control and is now at the head of the business, with which he had previously become thoroughly familiar. He is wide- awake and thoroughly up-to-date in his methods and already occupies an enviable position among the prosperous business men of the city. Fraternally he is iden- tified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
HERBERT S. GUY.
The business interests of Danville find an enterprising and progressive representative in Herbert S. Guy, who is now successfully engaged in the ab- stract business here. A native of Vermilion county, he was born in Hoopes- ton, on the 18th of July, 1875, and is a son of Charles V. and Ellen E. (Bales) Guy. The father, who was also engaged in the abstract businss for some years, was born in Ohio, June 25, 1848, and came to this county about 1850, here spending the remainer of his life. He died on the 23d of February, 1904, but the mother, who was a native of Georgetown, Illinois, is still living and now makes her home at 426 Oak street, Danville.
Herbert S. Guy obtained his preliminary education in the public shools of this county and after attending the Danville high school entered the State Normal University, where he pursued his studies for some time. He was also a student at the Illinois Wesleyan University and was graduated from the lat- ter institution in 1897 with the degree of LL. B. As an attorney at law he be- gan practice in Danville in 1897, but at the end of a year accepted a position with the Danville Democrat, continuing in their office for about two years. Since then he has devoted his entire time and attention to the abstract business and has so conducted his affairs as to gain desirable success. He has become an expert in this line and has established a very large and satisfactory business.
In Danville, November 23, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Guy and Miss Marie Dragoo, a daughter of Charles Dragoo, who was one of the pioneers of Douglas county, Illinois, and now a resident of Camargo. One child has been born to them, Charles Victor Herbert, whose birth occurred April 23, 1903. At national elections Mr. Guy usually supports the men and measures of the democratic party but votes independently at local elections, supporting the candidates whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices. He is a worthy
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member of the First Church of Christ and in his social relations is identified with the Tribe of Ben Hur, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. He also holds membership in the One Hundred Thousand Club and belongs to the Lincoln Baseball League. He is a great lover of all out- door sports and during his college days was quite an athlete, participating in all the games, and since his graduation his interest in all manly sports has never flagged. That his life has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanchest friends and admirers, and he well merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held.
WILLIAM E. RUSSELL.
The success that has crowned the efforts of William E. Russell has come to him through his own well directed efforts. He was born in Danville on the 5th of February, 1867, and is a son of Albert Bradley and Samantha (Graves) Russell, both of English descent and representatives of old New England families whose members participated in the Revolutionary war. His paternal grandfather was among the prominent early settlers of Vermilion county and was for a time in charge of the land office in Danville. He came to this city from Connecticut and in subsequent years served as grand master of the Ma- sonic Lodge of Danville. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Green Graves, was also an honored pioneer of this county and was a farmer by occupation. Albert Bradley Russell, our subject's father, was born in Danville on the 8th of April, 1836, and here spent his entire life, passing away February 16, 1910. His widow is still living and continues to make her home in Danville.
The public schools of Danville afforded William E. Russell his early educa- tional privileges and his business training was begun as an employe in the woolen mills of this city, which he entered at the age of about fourteen years and remained for about a year. His next employment was with Benjamin Davies in the retail grocery business, but at the end of a year he commenced learning the carriage painting trade with the Danville Buggy Company and con- tinued to follow that occupation for about ten years. At the end of that period he embarked in business on his own account as a carriage and wagon painter, his son Louis A. Russell, succeeding to the business, which he still carries on as a sign painter. About fifteen years ago Mr. Russell turned his attention to real-estate operations and since 1904 has devoted his entire time and atten- tion to that business, handling a large amount of property both of his own and for other parties. He now has a large clientele and has bought and sold land in many of the states of the Union. He is thoroughly familiar with real-estate values, and, being well posted, has so conducted his business as to gain sub- stantial profit in his transactions.
Mr. Russell was married on the 8th of June, 1886, to Miss Emma Brasier, a daughter of Wesley and Angeline Brasier, who for thirty-five years were residents of Danville. Her father is now deceased but her mother is still
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living. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have become the parents of three children, namely : Louis A., born February 4, 1887; Frank G., born October II, 1888, and now in the employ of the American Bank at Danville; and Harry W., born March 19, 1892.
Mr. Russell holds membership in the Third Church of Christ and is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has sought success in legitimate lines of trade wherein he has given evidence of sound judgment, keen sagacity and unfaltering diligence. Moreover, his business integrity has ever been above question and he has proved himself a wise and successful business man as well as a genial, honorable and highly respected gentleman.
ROSCOE P. DONOVAN, M. D.
Dr. Roscoe P. Donovan is meeting with a high degree of success in the prac- tice of medicine at 'Alvin. He is yet a young man but this seems no bar to his ability nor to the success which he has attained. He has been a close and dis- criminating student of the science of medicine and his correct application of its principles is manifest in the excellent results which follow his professional labors.
A native son of Illinois, he was born at La Place on the 3d of January, 1885, his parents being J. D. and Narcissus (Driskell) Donovan. The father is a na- tive of Kentucky, his birth having occurred at Antioch, where he pursued his early education in the public schools. He afterward engaged in teaching for sev- eral years but ambitious to advance along intellectual lines, he entered the Louis- ville University at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated on the completion of the regular course in medicine. Having thus qualified for prac- tice, he entered upon the active work of the profession and at the time of the Civil war he went to the front as a surgeon. He is now practicing in Loving- ton, Illinois, and his ability is indicated in the extensive patronage accorded him. Unto him and his wife have been born nine sons and two daughters, as follows: Mrs. W. R. Lee, of Lovington, Illinois, aged forty-six years; Miss Lora Donovan, who died in 1893, of typhoid fever, at the age of sixteen years ; Dr. J. H. Donovan, of Windsor, aged forty-four years; Z. A. Donovan, an attorney of Decatur, aged forty-two years; Dr. C. J. Donovan, of Waynesville, aged forty years; Dr. H. V. Donovan, of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, aged thirty-eight years; Dr. O. P. Donovan, of Oreano, Illinois, aged thirty-two years; Dr. W. P. Donovan, of Rantoul, aged thirty years; Dr. Sam Donovan, of Dewey, aged twenty-seven years; Dr. Roscoe P., of Alvin, aged twenty-five years; and Loyd Donovan, of Lovington, aged twenty-two years. The parents have given to each of their children musical training along with their medical education.
Dr. Roscoe P. Donovan, who is next to the youngest of this family, began his education in the schools of Lovington, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school. Later he went to St. Louis when seven- teen years of age and there studied until graduated from the St. Louis College
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of Physicians and Surgeons with the class of 1906. His preparation for the medi- cal profession was thorough and comprehensive and he entered upon practice at Loogootee, Illinois, well qualified for the onerous duties which devolve upon the physician and surgeon. He continued at that point for a year and a half and then removed to Bondville, Illinois, where he remained for sixteen months. At the end of that time he came to Alvin and has been very successful in estab- lishing himself in his professional work here. He is careful in the diagnosis of his cases and keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in all that pertains to the practice of medicine. Anything that tends to bring to man the key to the com- plex mystery which we call life is of interest to him and his work in this connec- tion is proving satisfactory to the many who retain his professional services.
On the 20th of June, 1907, Dr. Donovan was married to Miss Ora Schlack, a daughter of J. E. and Rosa Schlack, of Windsor, Illinois. They are prominent socially, the hospitality of the best homes of Alvin being cordially extended them. Dr. Donovan belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife are members of the Christian church.
CHARLES E. JONES.
Charles E. Jones, a prosperous citizen and representative agriculturist of . Vance township, there owns and operates an excellent farm of one hundred and ninety-five acres. His birth occurred in Dubuque, Iowa, on the 9th of No- vember, 1853, his parents being William Raper H. and Penninnah (Coon) Jones, who were born, reared and married in Ohio. The father, being of a roving dis- position, lived at different places for some years after his marriage, spending the time principally in Illinois. The property which is now in possession of his son, George T. Jones, and which is situated near Conkeytown, Vermilion county, was the eleventh farm which William R. H. Jones owned and is the place where his demise occurred. He made his money largely through speculation in farm lands, being a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment. On the 17th of March, 1891, when about seventy-one years of age, he was called to his final rest. His wife passed away at the age of fifty-four years. He read broadly and thought deeply, keeping well informed on all current topics. He was a lifelong subscriber of Harper's publications and similar papers. His political allegiance was unfalteringly given to the republican party and, though not an office seeker, he became an influential factor in its local ranks. Both he and his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives were in consis- tent harmony with their professions.
Charles E. Jones was reared under the parental roof and attended the com- mon schools in the acquirement of an education. Subsequently he taught for six months in his own district, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowl- edge that he had acquired. On abandoning educational interests he became iden- tified with agricultural pursuits, beginning the operation of a rented farm when twenty-two years of age. At the end of two years, in 1877, he purchased one hundred and fifty-three acres of his present place in Vance township, where he
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has made his home continuously since with the exception of one year's residence in Danville. His holdings at the present time include his home farm of one hundred and ninety-five acres, a quarter section of land in Michigan and five residence properties in Danville. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and respected citizens of the community.
On the 24th of December, 1874, Mr. Jones was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Stearns, a daughter of Harrison Stearns, who was a prominent farmer of Oakwood township, Vermilion county, and one of the earliest settlers of this part of the state, coming to this county from Ohio by wagon in 1835. He en- tered a tract of land from the government, erected a log house and made his home therein until he had accumulated sufficient capital to build a frame structure, which remained his place of abode throughout the remainder of his life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born nine children, eight of whom are yet living, as follows: Nettie E., the wife of Coll McPherson, of Wabash county, Illinois ; Herman P., who follows farming in Vance township; Harrison H., who is a resident of Jamaica township, Vermilion county ; Penninnah A., who is the wife of Dr. J. W. O'Haver and lives in Danville, Illinois; Carrie P., who is the widow of Earl R. Baird and makes her home in Fairmount, this county ; Turner E., who operates the home farm; and Lennie A. and Marguerite, both at home.
Mr. Jones is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. For six years, however, he served as a member of the school board. He was a deacon in the Baptist church for sev- eral years and his wife is also a consistent member thereof. He is a gentleman of genial disposition and courteous manner and has other sterling qualities which command the friendship and regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.
JOSEPH F. GEDDES.
Joseph F. Geddes, who is now actively identified with the real-estate inter- ests of Danville, owes his success entirely to his own efforts. He began his business career without a dollar and has prospered through his industry and good management. His record of intelligently directed labor and carefully formu- lated plans constitutes an example that is indeed worthy of emulation. He was born in Ash Grove, Iroquois county, Illinois, on the 22d of March, 1865, and is a son of James M. and Emma Z. (Young) Geddes. The father was a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, but at an early day removed to Defiance, that state, and later to Steuben county, Indiana. It was in 1854 that he first came to Illinois and settled in Momence, but a few years later became a resident of Ash Grove, Iroquois county. A farmer by occupation, he has devoted his entire life to that pursuit. In early manhood he married Miss Emma Z. Young, who was born in Fountain county, Indiana, her father being engaged in farming near Covington, that state, for several years.
The early education of Joseph F. Geddes was supplemented by one year's study at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he completed the teacher's course, and by
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one year at Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois. He was given a thorough train- ing on the farm, but, as he did not care to engage in agricultural pursuits as a life work, he began teaching and for several years successfully followed that profession in the public schools of this state. Subsequently he was employed as a commercial traveler for some years and then turned his attention to the real- estate business, in which he is now engaged, with offices at No. 408-10 Odd Fel- lows building, in Danville.
On the 17th of February, 1895, Mr. Geddes was married in Danville to Miss Martha V. Randall, a daughter of Jonathan and Catharine C. Randall, who were engaged in farming southeast of this city. One son blessed this union, James Madison, who was born July 24, 1903, in Danville. In his political views Mr. Geddes is a stalwart republican but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and socially is connected with the One Hundred Thousand Club. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of Christ and his life is exemplary in all respects. He ever supports those interests which are calcu- lated to uplift and benefit humanity by his own high moral worth. Whatever he undertakes he accomplishes, for he possesses resolution, perseverance and re- liability and these qualities have caused him to be enrolled among the best citizens, of the county.
NEWTON H. SHIELDS.
For two years Newton H. Shields has been prominently identified with the development of Danville as a contractor and builder. He was born in Vermilion county on the 8th of March, 1868, and on the paternal side is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, his grandfather being the founder of the family in America. He set- tled in Ripley county, Indiana, and later became one of the wealthy residents of that section. John Shields, our subject's father, was born in Ohio and in early life engaged in farming, his home being south of Fairmount in Vermilion county. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 21st of January, 1887, but his wire, who bore the maiden name of Mary J. Dowers, is still living.
Newton H. Shields is indebted to the public schools of Danville for his edu- cational advantages and on putting aside his text-books he began learning the car- penter's trade with Charles Gillispie, contractor and builder, for whom he worked about three years. At the end of that time he entered the service of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company in the construction of depots and remained with that corporation for about three years. He next became interested in the planing mill business in Danville, which he carried on for about a year, and at the end of that time began contracting and building in partnership with J. N. Fairchild under the firm name of Shields & Fairchild. This connection was con- tinued for about four years and since its dissolution Mr. Shields has been alone in business. As time has passed he has become regarded as one of the leading contractors and builders of this section of the state where he has erected many residences and business houses and has also done considerable work elsewhere,
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