USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 77
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working for M. M. Wright, with whom he continued for five years. He also accepted a steamship agency in that city, and by this means made as much as fifty dollars per month, in addition to his regular salary. Upon his arrival in Fairmount, in 1883, he became identified with the grain business, and has since continued to devote his attention to that line of activity. He purchased the John Dougherty flour mill, which he conducted until 1896, when it was de- stroyed by fire. Undaunted, however, by this mishap, which only served as a spur to greater effort on his part, he erected his present mill on the site of the old one, which he has since operated in connection with his elevator. He also became the owner of a mill and elevator at Catlin, Illinois, and for a number of years was busily engaged in the operation of these two large plants, the business of which, under his wise direction and careful management, reached extensive proportions. He still owns and operates the Fairmount mill, although he has since disposed of the plant at Catlin to his son-in-law, I. K. Barley. He has not permitted his grain interests, however, to monopolize his entire time, but has extended his efforts into other fields, and now also owns and operates a blacksmith shop in Fairmount, which is proving most successful. He was one of the organizers of the electric light plant of Fremont and has been president of that institution since its inception, and his various business connections, wisely managed, are proving sources of a most substantial and gratifying profit. The excellent business ability which he has manifested in the conduct of his va- rious interests, and the honorable and progressive methods which he has fol- lowed, have won him classification among Fairmount's most representative busi- ness men, and he justly deserves the high place to which he has attained in com- mercial circles here. He is the owner of several residence properties in the city, and his own home is one of the handsomest houses in Fairmount.
In Danville, Illinois, Mr. Benson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Ellison, who was born in Sweden, October 15, 1846. Her parents passed their entire lives in that country, and she has one sister yet living in Sweden. By her marriage to Mr. Benson she became the mother of four children, as fol- lows: Alvina, who was born June 22, 1879, and is now the wife of I. K. Barley, of Catlin; Emily, born February 5, 1882, who resides at home; and Lilly, born on the 24th of September, 1885, who wedded Dr. O. W. Allison, also of Catlin. The youngest child, Clarence, whose birth occurred August 10, 1887, passed away when but fourteen months old.
Mr. Benson's religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, while fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he casts an independent ballot, supporting those men and measures which in his opinion are best adapted to conserve public welfare, and although his has been a life of continuous activity along business lines, nevertheless, he has yet found time to participate in those matters which are of vital importance to the community, and has been a leader in many progressive and important projects. For about twelve years he served as a member of the town council, and something of his standing among his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that he was elected to that body before he had been in this country long enough to talk in the English language. He it was who instituted the movement for building brick sidewalks in Fairmount-a decided improvement over the old
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board walks-and in every movement calculated to promote the city's develop- ment and prosperity he has ever been found in the front ranks. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens of Fairmount, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit. Although born across the water, he is thoroughly Ameri- can in thought and feeling. Of a strong and rugged nature, he has happily com- bined in his life the resolution, perseverance and reliability, so characteristic of his nation, with the livelier spirit of progress and enterprise which dominates the new world-a combination which has not only gained him a prominent place in business circles but which speaks for citizenship of the highest type. Nor can his success in life be measured in terms of financial profit alone, for he has won at the same time the unqualified respect and regard of his fellowmen, which far exceeds in value any material gain which might crown his efforts.
CASPER J. LANGLEY.
Casper J. Langley, one of the most prominent and prosperous agriculturists of Vermilion county, is the owner of a valuable farm of four hundred and eighty-four acres in Danville township and makes his home on section 36. His birth occurred in this county in 1835, his parents being Nathaniel and Margaret (Houltshouser) Langley, both of whom were natives of Nelson county, Kentucky. The father was born in the year 1788. In 1826 he came to this county with his wife and here they reared their family of four children. They were num- bered among the earliest residents of this part of the state and deserve classifi- cation with those honored pioneers whose labors proved such an important factor in the development and upbuilding of an unsettled region.
Casper J. Langley received his education in the district schools of Ver- milion county and in early life also became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Throughout his entire business career he has given his undivided attention to farming and has found it a very profitable as well a congenial occupation, being now the owner of four hundred and eighty-four acres of rich and productive land in Danville township. He has ever kept pace with the most advanced methods of agriculture and has long been numbered among the leading and successful citizens of his native county.
In 1865 Mr. Langley was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Anderson, a native of New York. She was taken to Indiana at an early day and obtained her education in the district schools of Vermilion county, that state. It was also in the Hoosier state that she met and married Casper J. Langley. Their union was blessed with nine children, namely: Mrs. Leona Gibson, Mrs. Nora Mead, Mrs. Maggie Gouty, Mrs. Hortense Gouty, Laura, Roscoe, Joseph, Bessie and Blaine.
Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Langley supports the men and measures of the republican party but aside from exercising his right of franchise he has taken no active part in politics. Generous and charitable in disposition, the poor and needy never seek his aid in vain, nor is his support
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withheld from any movement or measure calculated to promote the general welfare. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable. Having so long resided with the borders of his county, he is largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present and can relate many interesting incidents of the early days.
JOSEPH T. CLARK.
For almost thirty years Joseph T. Clark has been identified with the business interests of Danville and today, in partnership with Willard C. Lane, is engaged in the shoe business, conducting what is known as the Golden Rule store at 24-26 North Vermilion street. He was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 4th of August, 1857, and is a son of Elijah H. and Martha N. (Copner) Clark, both natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Indiana in early life. The father was born in Rockingham county, October 5, 1811, of English extraction and the mother of Scotch descent. On coming to America his ancestors first located near Harrisonburg, Virginia. Elijah H. Clark died in Montgomery county, Indiana, September 22, 1874, and his wife who was born November 25, 1833, passed away April 13, 1860.
Reared in the county of his nativity, Joseph T. Clark obtained his early education in the district schools there and for three years after laying aside his text-books was employed on a farm in Montgomery county, Indiana. At the end of that time, however, he began studying law under the direction of John W. Copner, of Covington, Indiana, remaining with him two years, after which he passed the required examination and was admitted to the bar, but ill health necessitated a change and he decided to turn his attention to mercantile pursuits. Accordingly in 1882 he came to Danville and entered the employ of R. A. Short & Company, dealers in dry goods, then located on West Main street. He con- tinued in their service for a period of three years, after which he entered the Golden Rule store, located on East Main street, where he remained about seven years, and during the following decade was with J. W. Allison in the dry-goods business on North Vermilion street. He was with the Emery Dry Goods Com- pany until September, 1900, when, in partnership with Willard C. Lane, he bought the Golden Rule store, which they have since conducted. They carry a large and well selected line of shoes and in living up to the name which they have adopted have built up an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing.
It was on the 5th of January, 1886, in Bloomington, Illinois, that Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Hartson, a daughter of Thomas D. Hartson, of that city, and they have become the parents of two children, namely : Guy, born February 27, 1892; and Howard, born January 12, 1898. The birth of both occurred in Danville.
Mr. Clark is an earnest and consistent member of the First Church of Christ and is prominently identified with the Knights of Pythias, having held all of the
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
offices in that lodge. In politics he is an ardent supporter of the democratic party but has never cared for official preferment. He is a farsighted, progres- sive business man, whose methods have ever been above reproach, and he has won his success along lines which bear close investigation and scrutiny, for he has never sacrificed the interests of others to further his own prosperity.
HENRY F. DEPKE.
Henry F. Depke, conducting an extensive bottling business at No. 8 Jack- son street in Danville, was born near Homewood, Cook county, Illinois, on the 2Ist of January, 1857. His parents, Henry and Sophia (Breamer) Depke, both of whom were natives of Germany, emigrated to the United States at an early day. After landing in this country the father worked as foreman on a planta- tion in New Orleans for several years. About 1850 he wedded Miss Sophia Breamer, then a resident of Cook county, Illinois. Following that important event in his life he entered a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government and took up his abode thereon, devoting his attention to its cultivation and improvement throughout his active career. He passed away on the 26th of June, 1888, being survived for more than two decades by his wife, who was called to her final rest on the 10th of March, 1910.
Unto them were born eleven children, as follows: John F., who died on the 26th of October, 1903; William H., who passed away in February, 1909; Mary, who died when six years of age; Henry F., of this review; Caroline, who passed away in early life; George, whose demise occurred when he was a young man of twenty; Richard, who is married and acts as justice of the peace at Danville; Sophia, who died when twenty-seven years of age; Charles, who is engaged in business at No. II Jackson street; Frederick, who passed away in early life; and Minnie, who died in infancy.
Henry F. Depke remained under the parental roof until twenty-six years of age and then worked for his brother for four years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business on his own account as a wholesale dealer, repre- senting the Finley Brewing Company of Toledo, Ohio, with which concern he has thus been connected almost continuously to the present time. His estab- lishment is located at No. 8 Jackson street in Danville, and he is extensively engaged in the bottling business, handling all kinds of soft drinks. He is the owner of six fine properties in Danville and also has a twenty-acre tract of very valuable land near the city. He is now acting as president of the Germania Building Association, having served as vice president for many years and suc- ceeding to the presidency on the death of Gottlieb Maier.
On the 10th of June, 1884, Mr. Depke was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Sieferman, a daughter of Anselm and Agatha (Kreutzberg) Sieferman, both of whom were natives of Germany. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States at an early day, first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they remained until 1868, which year witnessed their arrival in Danville, Illinois. Here the father suc- cessfully carried on business as a cigar manufacturer until 1900, when he re-
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tired from active life, spending his remaining days in well earned ease. At the time of his death, which occurred in Danville on the 7th of February, 1909, he was the owner of the Tremont Hotel and also of a fine residence in this city. His widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Depke are the parents of two children, as follows: George A., who was born on the 22d of April, 1885; and Edwin C., whose natal day was March 12, 1888.
In politics Mr. Depke is independent, preferring to exercise his right of fran- chise as his judgment dictates. He has served as assistant supervisor for three years and is widely recognized as a most public-spirited and enterprising citizen. He is a Lutheran in religious faith. Mr. Depke attributes his success in large measure to the cooperation and assistance of his estimable wife, who has proved a cheerful helpmate as well as companion to him. He has made steady progress as the years have gone by and has achieved a measure of prosperity which is most creditable. Moreover, his business methods have ever been honorable and reliable, winning for him the respect and good will of his fellowmen.
WILBUR P. CRAIG.
Wilbur P. Craig, now so efficiently serving as assistant cashier of the Dan- ville National Bank, is one of Vermilion county's native sons, born on a farm near Newtown, October 25, 1874. His father, Asbury Craig, is a farmer by occupation and is still living, but his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Etta Palmer, died in 1906. His paternal grandparents came to Vermil- ion county from Kentucky about 1830 and were among the first settlers of the community where they located, living upon a farm there until their death. In their family were nine children, but Robert and Van are now deceased. Those still living are: Asbury, the father of our subject; Elizabeth, the wife of A. B. Tilton, of Champaign, Illinois; Milton, a resident of Danville; Martha, the wife of John Cork; William, also a resident of Danville; John, a farmer of Ver- milion county ; and Jennie, now the widow of Charles Baum and a resident of Arizona. Our subject's maternal grandfather was the first merchant tailor of Danville, his shop being located on the present site of the Palmer National Bank.
Wilbur P. Craig was reared on the home farm and obtained his early educa- tion in the district schools, and on starting out in life for himself followed agricultural pursuits for some time and also engaged in school teaching. On his removal to Danville he was employed as clerk in the woolen mills for a time, and in 1899 entered the Danville National Bank, serving first as bookkeeper and now as assistant cashier. He gradually worked his way upward to his present responsible position, winning the confidence of those over him and the good will and friendship of all with whom he has come in contact.
On the 30th of June, 1897, in this county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Craig and Miss Lulu Johnson, a daughter of George W. and Mary J. John- son. On the maternal side her grandmother was among the first settlers of Ver- milion county and the family is an old and honored one. Prior to her mar-
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riage Mrs. Craig lived on a farm and successfully engaged in teaching school for a time. She has become the mother of four children, namely: Palmer, born March 28, 1898; Rolland, born January 6, 1902; Harold, born October 22, 1904; and Mary, born January 29, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Craig are members of the Kimber Methodist Episcopal church and he also belongs to the Knights of Py- thias fraternity. His political support is given the democratic party, but he has never been an aspirant for office.
F. L. DRAPER.
F. L. Draper, a forceful and able member of the bar of Danville, his native city, was born November 30, 1868, and is a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Vermilion county, his grandfather, Abraham Draper, having located here when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. He bore his share in the task of upbuilding the county and the work was further promoted by his son, A. I. Draper, who was born in this county and for many years was a prominent dry-goods merchant in Danville, conducting his store for three decades. For the past few years he has been engaged in the real estate business and is still classed with the valued citizens here. He married Sarah A. Partlow, a daughter of Reuben Partlow, one of the pioneer residents of the county and one of the founders of the Methodist church in Danville. Mrs. Draper departed this life in 1898, leaving two sons, F. L. and Oscar Draper.
In the public schools of this city the former pursued his education and after putting aside his text-books was connected with his father's dry goods business for five years. But thinking to find professional practice more congenial, he took up the study of law in the office of J. B. Mann and was admitted to the bar in 1890. He then began practice in this city and has since won for himself a creditable place at the Vermilion county bar. He served as judge of the county court for one year, having been appointed to fill out the unexpired term of S. Murray Clark. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profes- sion, the careful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all details of his cases have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. His arguments have elicited warm commendation not only from his associates at the bar but also from the bench.
In 1897 Mr. Draper was united in marriage to Miss Eva McCarty. His social connections are with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks and other societies. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise, and he is active in its ranks. He served as a member of the city council in 1905 and 1906 and is now serving for the third term as school trustee. He was also appointed United States commissioner on the Ist of May, 1909, so that he is the present incumbent of that office. His record stands in contra- distinction to the old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his
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own country," for in the city where he was born and reared Mr. Draper has won for himself a creditable position at the bar. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to correctly apply its principles make him an effective and suc- cessful advocate.
BEN G. SIEBERT.
On the roster of county officials in Vermilion county appears the name of Ben G. Siebert, who is now capably serving as circuit clerk, having been elected to that position in 1908. His birth occurred in New York city on the 26th of January, 1883, his parents being John and Katherine Siebert, also natives of New York state. He was left an orphan at a tender age and came to this county when a lad of nine years. In the acquirement of an education he attended the schools here and also pursued a course in the Valparaiso Business College, thus fitting himself for office work. In 1900 he became deputy sheriff and ably dis- charged the duties devolving upon him in that connection until 1908, when he was honored by election to the office of circuit clerk as the republican candidate.
On the 26th of January, 1910, Mr. Seibert was united in marriage to Miss Edna Blackford, a native of Vermilion county and a daughter of James Black- ford, a native of Vermilion county and a daughter of James Blackford, an old and respected resident of Danville. Fraternally Mr. Siebert is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen and the Eagles. Mr. and Mrs. Siebert reside in Danville, where they have a host of warm friends.
ARTHUR F. JOHNSTON.
Arthur F. Johnston, who for the past eight years has conducted a black- smith shop at No. 31 South Vermilion street in Danville, enjoys a substantial and gratifying patronage in this connection. His birth occurred in Jefferson county, Illinois, on the 5th of July, 1878, his parents being J. A. and Margaret C. (Daniels) Johnston, who were natives of Tennessee and Illinois respec- tively. They were married in the latter state and subsequently located on a farm near Mount Vernon, Jefferson county, the father devoting his attention to its operation until 1901. The mother had passed away in 1887 but the children all remained on the old homestead farm with their father until they were married. J. A. Johnston now leases the homestead property and is engaged in the elevator and sawmill business at Bonnie, Illinois. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, namely: Lillian, Dell, Belle, Arthur F., Agustavus A., Virgil L., Oliver L. and two daughters who died in infancy.
Arthur F. Johnston attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and also pursued a business course by correspondence. He re-
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mained at home until twenty-one years of age and then rented a tract of land, giving his attention to its cultivation for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold his personal property and came to Danville, Illinois, entering the service of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as a blacksmith. At the end of six months he secured employment in a coal mine and general repair shop, there working at his trade until 1902. In that year he embarked in busi- ness as a blacksmith on his own account, purchasing a shop at No. 31 South Vermilion street, where he has remained continuously since, having won a liberal patronage.
On the 25th of December, 1898, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Cora Lynch, a native of Jefferson county, Illinois, and a daughter of John W. and Mary J. (Hayes) Lynch, who were likewise born in that county. Mrs. Johnston was the second in order of birth in a family of six children, the others being as follows: Nora, Gilbert, Duke, Bessie and Lela. Our subject and his wife have three children: Bessie V., whose natal day was July 3, 1901 ; John R., whose birth occurred April 1, 1904; and Lila F., who was born on the 4th of February, 1910.
In politics Mr. Johnston is a stanch republican but his aspirations have not been in the line of office holding. His religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Presbyterian church and he is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to lodge No. 38 at Danville. Although still a young man, he has already won a creditable measure of success in his chosen trade and is socially popular as well, his unfailing courtesy and unfeigned cor- diality having gained him many friends.
L. M. BLACK.
L. M. Black, whose entire life has been spent on the farm where he now resides, is widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of Catlin township. His birth occurred on the IIth of July, 1870, his parents being S. W. and Margaret J. (Graves) Black, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Danville township, Vermilion county, Illinois. The father was brought to Illinois by his parents when but three years of age, the family home being established in Vermilion county. In 1852 he purchased a farm in this county for three dollars per acre and the property has remained his home almost continuously since. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyteran church. He is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, having been identified therewith for many years. Both he and his wife still survive and enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance here. Unto them were born eight children, four of whom are yet living, namely: James G., who is a resident of Casey, Illinois; Ernest G., living in Georgetown, Illinois; Mary E., the wife of Joseph Smith, of Ridge Farm, Illinois; and L. M., of this review.
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