USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 76
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On the 13th of October, 1887, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Susan Pendergrast, a daughter of Patrick and Laura (Albert) Pendergrast. Their children are nine in number, namely: Thomas, who married Ethel Case; Fern, a graduate of the common schools; Edwin, who has also completed his course in the public schools; Austin, Minnie, Leo, Donovan and George, all at- tending school; and Ray, deceased.
Mr. Smith and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He is widely known in the county where his entire life has been spent, and that his
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record has ever been a creditable one is indicated by the fact that those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time are numbered among his stanchest friends. He early came to a realization of the fact that "There is no excellence without labor," and that "There is no royal road to wealth." There- fore he put forth earnest and unremitting effort, accomplishing the tasks to which he set himself by reason of his unfaltering application and determined purpose. The rewards of labor are sure and thus in due course of time he gained a place among the more prosperous farmers of the county.
AUGUST FAULSTICH.
While of foreign birth August Faulstich has spent the greater part of his life in Danville and has been identified in many ways with its interests, never failing to give hearty cooperation to any project in which the welfare of the city has been involved. He was born in Fulda, central Germany, April 1, 1853, his parents being Peter and Mary (Holman) Faulstich. Reared in his native land, he was given good educational advantages and at an early day learned the trade of a brick layer. He was only nineteen years old when he left Germany with a boy companion and crossed the Atlantic to America. As his companion had a relative living in Danville, Illinois, they came to this city, arriving here on the 15th of June, 1872. Mr. Faulstich's first employment was with the Paris & Danville Railroad in track laying and general work, and for twenty-one years he was engaged in various capacities with the Wabash, the Evansville, Terre Haute & Cedar. Rapids and the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroads. He was in the employ of the last named road for about nineteen years and held the posi- tion of general foreman of the car department. Honest and industrious, he gained the confidence of his employers and was regarded as one of the most trusted men in the service. In 1893, on his retirement from that position, he embarked in the grocery business on the corner of Main and Buchanan streets. Here he erected a fine store building at a time when that section of the city was but sparsely settled, but his judgment in locating there proved good and today it is one of the best and most populous thoroughfares and business centers of Danville.
Mr. Faulstich recalls that on coming to Danville the population of the city was less than four thousand and around his present location there were but few houses, but all this has gradually been changed and he is now in the center of one of the most thriving and prosperous districts of the city. Besides his town property he owns a valuable farm of eighty-eight acres on the outskirts of the city and is enjoying a handsome competence, which is certainly well deserved.
In 1875 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Faulstich and Miss Meme Farher, also a native of Germany, who in girlhood came to Vermilion county with her parents, August and Elizabeth (Schroeder) Farher, who became hon- ored and respected citizens of Danville. Her mother belonged to the Schroeder family that has given to this city some of its best and most honored citizens. To Mr. and Mrs. Faulstich were born seven children who are still living and
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have become a credit to their parents, showing the result of their careful train- ing. In order of birth they are as follows: Anton, who is now con- nected with his father in the grocery business; Mrs. Annie Welch; August; Clara; Helen; Gertrude; and Victoria. The family are communicants of the German Catholic church and have a host of friends throughout the city.
Mr. Faulstich is independent in politics but has taken quite an active part in public affairs, always voting for the best man irrespective of party. In 1909 he was elected alderman of the third ward on the citizens ticket, an honor un- sought by him, but he believes it the duty of every good citizen to take his part in public affairs and to faithfully discharge any duty devolving upon him with- out hope of pecuniary reward. His life has ever been such as to cominend him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in con- tact either in business or social life.
KELLY C. TRIMMELL.
Kelly C. Trimmell is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres in Oakwood township, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision and practical, progressive methods. A native of Oak- wood township, Mr. Trimmell was born September 3, 1867, the youngest of the two children born unto Paris and Sarah J. (Cork) Trimmell, who were natives of Vermilion county, Illinois, and England respectively. His paternal grandparents were William and Sarah Trimmell, pioneers of Vermilion county. Our subject's mother came to America with her parents when two years of age, the family arriving in Ohio in 1836. They remained there for a year, during which time Mrs. Cork died, and in 1837 Mr. Cork came to Vermilion county, Illinois, settling on a farm which he continued to cultivate throughout his re- maining days, his death occurring May 8, 1886. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Paris Trimmell was celebrated in Vermilion county, after which they began their domestic life upon a farm that remained their home until they were called to their final rest, the mother of our subject passing away in October, 1868, and the father in June, 1877. Their children were: Jennie, now the wife of E. W. Vanallen, of Ohio; and Kelly C. By his second marriage the father had a daughter, Gertrude, who died at the age of twenty years.
Kelly C. Trimmell was reared upon the old homestead and remained with his parents until their death, being left an orphan at the age of ten years. He then lived with his grandfather until eighteen years of age, when he began farming on a small tract of land given him by his grandfather. He still owns that prop- erty but has added to it from time to time until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of well improved land in Oakwood township. He has also handled stock and both branches of his business are proving profitable be- cause capably conducted, his labors being directed by intelligence and industry.
On the Ist of January, 1900, Mr. Trimmell was married to Miss Grace B. Young, a daughter of William A. and Anna (Ligett) Young, natives of Ver- milion county, who have lived in Illinois most of their lives but for a few years
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were in Tennessee and Indiana. The father died in July, 1901, but the mother is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Trimmell. Their fam- ily numbered four children: Charlie, a resident of Indiana; Frank, who is liv- ing in Marion, Indiana; William, of California; and Mrs. Trimmell. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Trimmell have been born five children, but the eldest died in infancy. The others are: William P., born March 17, 1903; Ruth M., born September 17, 1905; John K., born January 24, 1908; and Dorothy G., born May 8, 1910.
That Mr. Trimmell's position is not an equivocal one on the subject of tem- perance is indicated by the strong support which he gives to the prohibition party. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Oakwood and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His influence is always found on the side of right and progress and he has labored efficiently and earnestly for the public welfare as well as for individual success.
CONDE E. BISHOP.
Conde E. Bishop, who has won his advancement through capable and faith- ful service, is now a passenger conductor on the Wabash Railroad and since February 5, 1896, has made his home in Danville, his run being between this city and St. Louis, Missouri. He was born in Tipton, Indiana, October 7, 1862, and is a son of Conde and Alice (Green) Bishop. The father was born in Rochester, New York, was educated in the Empire state, and in his native city learned the carpenter's trade. He left the east when a young man and went to Indiana where he took up the line of work to which he had been reared, eventu- ally becoming a contractor. In that connection he erected large buildings which are now standing as monuments to his thrift and handiwork. His remaining days were passed in Tipton and when he was called to his final rest his grave was made in a cemetery there. His widow, who still survives him although she has been an invalid for a number of years, now makes her home in Toledo, Ohio. Her father, John Green, was one of the earliest settlers of Tipton county and was a prominent and able judge of the circuit court who figured as one of the leading members of the bar of the state. He also represented his district in the legislature for a number of years and that he occupied an eminent position in the public life of the state is indicated by the fact that a bust of him has been placed over the main entrance of the court house,-a gift from the county.
In his youthful days Conde E. Bishop, whose name introduces this record, accompanied his parents on their removal to Huntington, Indiana, where he at- tended school for about five years. He afterward went to La Fayette, Indiana, where he remained in school until about sixteen years of age. He then entered the service of the Wabash Railroad Company, being employed at checking bag- gage for a year and a half. Later he engaged in selling tickets for about five years but preferred the more active service of the operative department and became brakesman on a freight train, continuing in that position for two years and five months. He afterward spent seven and a half years as a freight con- ductor and subsequently was made conductor on a passenger train. According
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as his business has made it desirable he has lived in Springfield, Champaign and Danville, Illinois, making his home in the last named city since the 5th of February, 1896. His run is from Danville to St. Louis, Missouri, and he is one of the trusted employes of the road which he has represented for almost a third of a century.
On the 12th of October, 1895, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Lavanche Lee Rennick. The Rennick family is from Wisconsin. Her parents were Robert and Matilda (Coyne) Rennick. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bishop has been born a daughter, Alice Conde, whose birth occurred September 15, 1903.
Mr. Bishop is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, council, commandery and the Lodge of Perfection. He is also connected with the Elks and the Order of Railway Conductors, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Presbyterian church and the activity which he manifests in church affairs, giv- ing his aid and cooperation at all times to the organized efforts which are put forth for the growth and upbuilding of the church.
JOHN W. SMALLEY.
An eminent jurist once said, "Some people succeed because of talent, some through the influence of friends, some by luck, but the great majority by com- mencing life without a shilling." The fact that success is attainable without the advantages of wealth or influence or fortunate circumstances is one of the most encouraging things in this world, for each individual feels that the opportunity for advancement is, at least in a measure, his. Mr. Smalley belongs to the class whose financial resources at the outset were limited, but gradually he has worked his way upward in the business world and is now prospering as the proprietor of the Model Laundry with factory and offices on North Walnut street. He was born October 15, 1873, in Higginsville, Illinois, a son of John H. and Rhoda (Snyder) Smalley. The father engaged in merchandising in Danville for a number of years, coming to this city when a man of mature years. He is now engaged in the real-estate business here and is widely and favorably known in that connection. His family numbered three children, his daughters being Emma and Lottie Smalley.
The youngest of the family is John W. Smalley of this review, who ac- quired his education in the public schools of Danville, pursuing his studies to the age of eighteen when he began working in a laundry. He thoroughly mas- tered the business, becoming familiar with it in principal and detail and about eight years ago he opened a laundry of his own, starting, however, on a small scale. By good management, reasonable prices, excellent workmanship and fair dealing he has built up the business to its present gratifying proportions, keep- ing it always up to a high standard.
On the 6th of August, 1907, Mr. Smalley was married to Miss Julia Belle Learnard, a daughter of Albert and Mary Jane (Le Neve) Learnard. In Dan- ville they have a wide acquaintance and many friends and they are known as
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consistent members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Smalley is very prominent in fraternal organizations, holding membership with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Men, the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Legion. His friends recognize that his good qualities are many and he is numbered among the public- spirited citizens, for his interests center in those things wherein the welfare and progress of the community are involved.
THOMAS NOONE.
Thomas Noone, a liveryman of Danville, where he has made his home since 1899, was born in Ireland in 1881. His father, Frank Noone, also a native of that country, was born about 1830 and continued to reside on the Emerald isle until his death, which occurred in 1885. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eleanor Nestor, was born in Ireland in 1835. They were the parents of ten children : Mary, the wife of James Costello, who is living in Ireland; Patrick, who married Bridget Cunniff and is a resident of Danville; Hugh, also of this city ; Frank, who wedded Mary Quinn and is still living in Ireland; Kittie, the wife of Philip Sconce, of Vermilion county; Nora, deceased; John, who mar- ried Minnie Olehy and makes his home in Danville; Margaret, the wife of a Mr. Hansen, of Chicago; Bridget, deceased; and Thomas.
The last named spent the greater part of his youth in his native land, being a young man of eighteen years when he sailed from Ireland to the new world. He had acquired his education in the schools of his native country and, actuated by a commendable ambition to win success through the improvement of the bet- ter opportunities offered in America, he made his way to this country and took up his abode in Danville in 1899. Here he turned his attention to the livery business and later in partnership with Ed Bolton engaged in the undertaking business at No. 734 East Main street. At the end of the first year, however, he sold his interest to Mr. Bolton. In 1907, in association with Dan O'Brien, he purchased John Noone's interest in the livery business at No. 728 East Main street and continued there for a year and a half, after which he sold out to Herman Cook. He now occupies the new building that his brother erected at No. 736 East Main street. He has a good livery barn and is accorded a liberal patronage so that his business is being attended with gratifying success.
Mr. Noone was married in 1910 to Miss Mame Sweeney, a daughter of Patrick Sweeney, who was born in Ireland in 1850 and came to Vermilion county in 1880. He is now engaged in the coal business in Tilton, this county. After arriving in America he wedded Miss Mary McCarty, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, but was brought to the United States when only two years of age. She died in Danville in 1904. Her family numbered ten chil- dren: Julia and Catherine, who are living with their father; John, who mar- ried Pearl Boggs and resides in Peoria; Mame, who is a twin sister of John and the wife of Mr. Noone; Edward, Margaret and Aurelia, all yet at home.
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Three are deceased. Mrs. Noone was educated at St. Joseph's Academy of the Woods and at St. Mary's Academy of Danville.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Noone are members of the Catholic church and frater- nally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, with the Foresters and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has never felt any occasion to regret his determination to come to the United States, for here he has found the business opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has won a gratifying measure of success.
GEORGE MASON WRIGHT.
That Danville offers good opportunities to her residents is proven by the fact that many of the men now engaged successfully in business here are num- bered among her native sons. Such is the case with George Mason Wright, whose birth occurred in this city May 4, 1870, and who is now engaged in the manufacture of ice under the name of the Danville Artificial Ice Company. His enterprise has become one of considerable proportions, returning to the owner a gratifying prosperity.
Mason M. Wright, the father, was born in Worthington, Ohio, December 15, 1832, and his parents were Potter and Teressa Wright. The ancestral history is traced back to Rhode Island, in which state Potter Wright was born, remov- ing thence to Ohio at an early period in the development of the Buckeye state. For many years members of his family remained as prominent and influential citizens of that community. They were advocates of the Episcopal faith and were loyal to all those interests which promote upright manhood and honorable citizenship. Both Potter and Teresa Wright passed away in Worthington, Ohio, in which city their marriage had been celebrated.
Mason M. Wright remained upon the home farm until twenty-one or twenty- two years of age, and then went to Noblesville, where he carried on merchandis- ing for a few years. He was afterward for some years a resident of Marys- ville, Illinois, and later of Higginsville, in which place he owned and conducted a dry-goods store. Disposing of his interests there in 1868, he came to Dan- ville and in partnership with John C. Short conducted a private banking busi- ness for two or three years. He next purchased a mill owned by Mr. Hander- son, and carried on the business under the name of the Danville Mills. His keen business discernment, initiative spirit and unfaltering enterprise were mani- fest in the successful conduct of that venture and, extending his activities into other fields, he also built hominy mills which he carried on until his death, the business constituting a source of general as well as of individual prosperity in that it furnished employment to a number of workmen. The output found ready sale in the home market and was also shipped quite extensively. As the years passed Mr. Wright became interested in real estate and was the owner of con- siderable property.
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Politically Mason M. Wright was a republican but the honors and emolu- ments of office had no attraction for him. He preferred that his time and at- tention should be given to his business and to his home interests, and no man was more devoted to the welfare of his family. His happiness centered there and he found no greater joy than in ministering to the welfare of wife and chil- dren. His life record, viewed in its entirety, is that of one who held to high ideals yet followed practical methods in their attainment, winning at once both success and an honored name.
Mason M. Wright was married September 19, 1865, to Mrs. 'Anna E. Forbes, a native of Newark, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Margaret (Davis) Robinson, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. In the year 1850 the Robinson family came to Danville where the father died the following year. In the family were four daughters and a son, including Mrs. Wright, who by her marriage became the mother of three children, George M., Gene- vieve M. and Judson M., all of Danville.
The first named, well known in this city where his entire life has been passed, entered the public schools at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades until, putting aside his text-books, he entered business life in connection with the milling enterprise that his father had established. Following his father's death he took charge of the mill which he conducted for some time, after which he purchased the business that he is now conducting under the name of the Dan- ville Artificial Ice Company. In this field of manufacture he is meeting with success, the output of his plant finding ready and increasing sale. He has already proven in his business career that he possesses those qualities which are essential elements in success, while his initiative spirit has enabled him to broaden his interests and thereby promote his prosperity.
In 1895, at Crawfordsville, Indiana, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Isabel Allen, who was born in 1871, a daughter of Judge James M. Allen. Her father's birth occurred in Kentucky, March 3, 1827, his parents being William and . Elizabeth Allen, who were natives of Virginia and of Scotch-Irish descent. Removing to Kentucky, William Allen there followed the occupation of farm- ing. Judge Allen took up the study of law at Rockville, Indiana, teaching and attending school by turns. He became a student in the law school at Blooming- ton, Indiana, and the thoroughness of his course there is indicated by the fact that in 1852 he was admitted to the bar. After practicing law in Rockville and in Lawrenceburg, he went to Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1863, and attained a posi- tion of distinction at the bar of that state, where he was called to the office of prosecuting attorney and also elected judge of the superior court. He was numbered among the able and distinguished jurists of that place, his success indicating his comprehensive understanding of the law and his correct applica- tion of its principles. He married Henrietta Wedding, a daughter of Judge Randolph Wedding, one of the early settlers of Randolph county, Indiana. The death of Judge Allen occurred January 1, 1892. His daughter, Isabel, was a pupil in the schools of Terre Haute until graduated from the high school with the class of 1888.
In his political views Mr. Wright is a republican, thoroughly versed upon the vital questions and issues of the day, yet content that others shall occupy
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the political offices. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and moreover occupy an enviable position in social circles. Their beautiful home at No. 1020 Vermilion street is one of the attractive resi- dences in the city, not only by reason of its fine architecture and tasteful fur- nishings but also owing to the warm-hearted hospitality there found.
OLOF C. BENSON.
Illinois numbers among her adopted sons many of foreign birth who, leav- ing home, friends and native country, sought and improved the opportunities for advancement in business lines which the new world offers to those possessed of ambition, industry and perseverance. None, however, have brought with them more substantial qualities, or have proven themselves more progressive and loyal in their support of American interests and institutions, than has Olof C. Benson during a residence in this country of almost four decades.
He is one of Sweden's contributions to the citizenship of Vermilion county, his birth occurring on the 23d of October, 1848. He is a son of Benjamin and Karna (Nelson) Olson, both natives of that country, where they spent their entire lives. The father, who was well known in Sweden for his rare musical ability, was an excellent performer on many instruments and was en- gaged as a leader of one of the national bands. He passed away in 1851, but his wife long survived him, her death occurring in 1901. Of their family of five children one, Eleanor, died in Sweden. The surviving members are: Jo- hanna, the wife of Nelse Hanson, of Sweden; Bengta, who married John Chris- tianson, of Fairmount; O. C., of this review; and Mary, who is also married and makes her home in Sweden.
The educational advantages which Olof C. Benson received during the period of his boyhood and youth were most meager, being limited to three weeks' study in the schools of his native land. He has, however, become a self-educated man, his lack of tuition being supplemented by extensive study and wide reading in his later years. Losing his father when but three years of age, he was early ยท thrown upon his own resources, and when but fourteen years old took up the task of providing for his own livelihood. His initial step in the business world was in the employ of a mill at Molmer, Sweden, where he remained until twenty-five years of age, his indefatigable effort, close application and earnest labor in the meantime winning him promotions from time to time until he be- came head miller and manager. During all these years, covering as we might say the formative period of his life, he was learning lessons concerning the value of industry, integrity and self reliance, and the habits thus formed-the char- acter of which was attested by his long continuance in the same position-had vital bearing upon his later career. It was in 1873 that he was persuaded by Andrew Anderson, who was then visiting Sweden, to try his fortunes in the new world. Crossing the Atlantic ocean, he landed at New York, but at once made his way to Danville, Illinois, in company with Mr. Anderson, and began
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