USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 79
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After the close of hostilities, in 1865, William H. Taylor came to Danville and began working at the trade of saddle-making, continuing in that business in the employ of others until 1870, when he began the manufacture of saddles and harness on his own account. He continued in that line until 1876, when he retired from business to enter the public service as chief of the Danville fire department, having organized the first fire department of this city. Already he had had some connection with official duties for in 1871 he had been elected alderman of the fourth ward and in 1873, having removed to the second ward, was elected to represent that portion of the city in the council. He was then made chief of the fire department, in which connection he served for four years.
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After two years' service on the police force he resumed work at the saddler's trade, in which he was engaged for four years, while subsequently he was ap- pointed captain of the chemical engine and so continued for a year. He was next made chief of the fire department under W. L. Runyan, under whom he oc- cupied the position for two years, while for nine years he held the office under Kimbraugh. For twelve years Mr. Taylor has been a member of the police force and is today its oldest member both in years and point of service. In fact, he is probably the oldest police officer on active duty in this part of the country. He is affectionately termed "Uncle Billie" by the other members of the force and is recognized as one of Danville's prominent citizens.
In August, 1852, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Catherine Hill, and they became parents of one child, Laura, who married George E. Giddings, of Dan- ville, and died August 10, 1891, leaving a daughter, Caroline, who is now the wife of Edward Rea, of Urbana, Illinois. The death of Mrs. Taylor occurred in 1855 and in 1858 Mr. Taylor wedded Mary R. Smith, of Farmer City, De Witt county, Illinois, who died January 14, 1909. There were four children born of this marriage: Luella T., the widow of Ewing A. Coombs, who was a newspaper man of Omaha, Nebraska; Will S., connected with the Signal Block System of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad; Mrs. Fannie McDonald, a widow who has three children-Jim, Robert and William T .; and Mrs. Maud L. Norman, a widow living in San Francisco, California.
Mr. Taylor has always given his political support to the republican party .. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Sixty-two years ago he joined the Methodist church, but later transferred his membership to the present connection. He is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic and for fourteen years has been chaplain of the post, officiating at every funeral of a post comrade who has passed away. He was no more loyal as a soldier of the Civil war than he is in days of peace, his patriotism being one of his marked characteristics while his devotion to duty none question.
CHARLES KLAGE.
Charles Klage, now serving as captain in the Danville fire department, was born in this city on the 5th of July, 1879, of German parentage. His father, William Klage, was born and reared in Germany and there married Miss Chris- tina Volene, also a native of that country, where they continued to make their home until 1872, which year witnessed their arrival in America. On reaching the shores of the new world they came at once to Danville, where they have since made their home, the father being engaged in coal mining. In their family are eight children, namely: Mary, now the wife of Robert Swift, a resident of Danville; Emma, the wife of Louis Bremmer, also of Danville; Minnie, the wife of Albert Hacher, of this city; John, who married Lena Gasser and lives in Covington, Indiana; Charles, of this review; Frederick, who married Beulah Douglas and resides in Danville; 'Augusta, the wife of Herman Brown, of Dan- ville; and Otto, who is still with his parents.
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Charles Klage obtained his education in the public schools of his native city, where he continued his studies until sixteen years old. He was then appren- ticed to learn the tinner's trade with E. H. Brandt, of Danville, for whom he worked for three years, who was then employed as a journeyman tinner for a period of fourteen years. On the 13th of May, 1909, he joined the Danville fire department and has since been promoted to captain of No. 5. Brave and fearless, he is well fitted for the position he now holds and in the discharge of his duties has given the utmost satisfaction.
Mr. Klage was married in Danville in 1901 to Miss Minnie Barth, a daugh- ter of Ernest and Minnie Barth, who came to Danville at an early day and are still residents of this city. This union has been blessed by two children : Albert, born June 17, 1903; and Helen, born May 28, 1906. Religiously Mr. Klage is connected with the German Lutheran church and politically is identified with the democratic party, but he has never sought or desired office. He is one of the representative citizens of Danville and is a man held in high esteem by all who know him.
ANDREW HOSCH.
Andrew Hosch is known as one of the successful farmers of Vermilion county having for nearly fifty years been a resident of this county and has contributed through the energy and perseverance which he in- herited from worthy ancestors to its development. He was born in Germany, October 10, 1831, and is a son of John and Margaret Hosch, who were natives of the fatherland and came to America about 1860, living with their son until their death. The mother was called to her repose about four years after the family settled in Vermilion county. The father survived for many years and departed this life in 1890.
Andrew Hosch was educated in his native country and was twenty-nine years of age when he bade his old friends and associates farewell and went aboard a ship to face his destiny among strangers. He was brave-hearted and he has never regretted that he sought under the stars and stripes a liberty and an opportunity such as cannot be found in old and long settled countries of Europe. In 1863 Mr. Hosch bought a farm in the immediate region of Dan- ville, which he has operated with such ability that today he owns a highly im- proved farm of one hundred and ninety acres adjoining the city limits and pro- vided with a handsome residence and all the facilities that accord with the most improved farm methods.
In 1864 Mr. Hosch was united in marriage to Miss Katie Linnie, who was also born in Germany. This union was blessed by one child, Jacob, now living in Newell township, but the mother was taken with a fatal illness within less than a year after the birth of her son and her place in the household was left vacant. Mr. Hosch was a second time married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Koch, a daughter of Matthew and Katherine (Keinot) Koch, who came to America from Wittenberg, Germany. The father died in 1875, but
ANDREW HOSCH
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the mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of our review. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Koch, five of whom are now liv- ing, in addition to Mrs. Hosch: William; Edward; Charles; Christine, now Mrs. Nicholas Dietz, of Newell township; and Barbara who became the wife of George Krouse, now deceased. Eight children came to brighten the house- hold of Mr. and Mrs. Hosch: Andrew, who married Emus Ost and lives in Danville; August, who married Mary Jenncks and also lives in Danville; Annie, now Mrs. Charles Schlorff, of Newell township; John, who died November 3, 1894; Katherine, now Mrs. Frank Saddler, of Villa Grove, Illinois; Frederick, residing at home; Margaret, the wife of Herman Manteubel; and Emma, who is living at home. The children were all reared to habits of industry, of which their parents were worthy exemplars, and were given the advantages of a good common-school education.
The members of the family are all affiliated with the German Methodist church and are intelligent and helpful workers in anything they undertake. Mr. Hosch has devoted his attention principally to personal interests rather than to politics or outside affairs. He has attained unusual success as a farmer by diligence and close application, although good judgment has assisted in a very important degree, as without this faculty continued advancement in any calling would be impossible. Mr. Hosch many years ago sought in the American re- public a home and the comforts of life and he has found them. He is happy in the possession of a competence and in the evening of a long career, he en- joys the love of his children, the respect of his acquaintances and the rest he has so well earned.
WILLIAM F. RIEKER.
William F. Rieker is one of Danville's representative citizens, now serving as captain of No. 4 company of the fire department. He was born in this city on the 7th of February, 1878, and is a son of John C. and Katherine (Joh) Rieker, both natives of Germany. The father came to the new world in early life and in 1867 took up his residence in Danville, where for many years he was successfully engaged in business as a contractor. It was in Baltimore, Mary- land, that he was married, his wife having come to the United States with her parents in 1855 when only three years old. Unto them were born four children who reached years of maturity, three sons and one daughter, namely: William F., of this review; Charles ; Louis ; and Katherine.
After completing his education in the public schools of Danville William F. Rieker worked for his father in the contracting business for some time. In 1901 he opened a grocery store on South Gilbert street, which he still owns but which is now managed by his brother Louis. In 1903 he was appointed a mem- ber of the fire department and served as fireman for two years, after which he retired and again turned his attention to the grocery business. In 1908 he was reappointed as captain of No. 4 company and has since filled that position in a most creditable and acceptable manner. In politics he is an ardent democrat
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and is a recognized leader of the party in the second ward. In 1898 he enlisted as a member of Battery A and served throughout the Spanish-American war, being stationed at Porto Rico and elsewhere. Although still a young man he has. already gained for himself an enviable position in public affairs and is widely and favorably known throughout this his native city.
FRED G. CHESLEY.
Fred G. Chesley, one of Danville's bright and promising young business men, passed away on the 10th of November, 1908, widely and deeply mourned. He- was born in Chicago, May 13, 1884, and was given excellent educational advan- tages, attending the Lake Forest Academy, from which he graduated, and Pur- due University, at West La Fayette, Indiana, although he did not graduate from the latter institution. He became a popular member of several college fraterni- ties and, having taken a course in mechanical engineering, he entered the ser- vice of the Danville Foundry & Machine Company on leaving college. Here he- worked his way up from the very bottom and was making rapid advancement when his death occurred.
Mr. Chesley was married on the 17th of September, 1908, in Danville, to Miss Winifred Hess, who seven weeks later was called upon to mourn the death of her husband. They made their home at No. 509 North Franklin street and were surrounded by a large circle of friends. Although not a member Mr. Ches- ley attended the Presbyterian church and was a young man of great promise, who gained the friendship and high regard of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. Mrs. Chesley was born in Danville, March 15, 1888, and after her graduation from the high school of this city, she attended' St. Mary's of the Woods at Terre Haute, Indiana. . She is now living with her mother at No. 1116 Sheridan Drive, where they have erected a beautiful bun -. galow with all modern appointments.
J. G. SUPPLE.
J. G. Supple, a popular and enterprising resident of Danville, is the junior - member of the firm of Powers & Supple, dealers in lime, cement and all kinds. of builders' materials and supplies. His birth occurred in Big Rapids, Michigan, on the 18th of September, 1885, his parents being John and Florence (Lamo- reaux) Supple, likewise natives of the Wolverine state. The father, a well" known railroad man, was connected with the Chicago & West Michigan Rail- road for a number of years or until his arrival in Danville. Here he has rep- resented the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad as commercial agent for many years.
J. G. Supple, who was the eldest of five children, obtained his education in" the grammar and high schools of Danville and after putting aside his text-
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books remained in the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad for several years. Subsequently he entered the service of the Illinois Traction Company in the freight traffic department. In 1908 he embarked in business on his own account as a partner of J. F. Powers, and the firm of Powers & Supple has since conducted a successful enterprise as dealers in lime, cement and all kinds of builders' materials and supplies. He is likewise the president of the South Oakwood Coal Company and is widely recognized as one of the substan- tial and progressive young business men of Danville.
On the 8th of June, 1910, Mr. Supple was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Lindley, a native of Urbana, Illinois, born September 3, 1884, and a daughter of W. W. and Anna Lindley. Her father is postmaster of Urbana. Fraternally Mr. Supple is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His many good qualities, his social manner, his genial disposition and his cor- diality have won him a large circle of friends.
ARTHUR WORRELL.
Arthur Worrell, who for the past seven years has had charge of the Armour & Company plant at Danville and during that time has succeeded in building up a large and profitable business, is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth occurring in Kankakee county, April 11, 1872. His father, John Hazard Worrell, spent his entire life in Kankakee county, his time and attention being largely given to farming, stock raising and stock dealing. After a useful and well spent life he passed aawy on the 4th of March, 1893. As a republican he took a very active and influential part in public affairs and for a period of eighteen years represented Bourbonnais township as supervisor. His father was a South Caro- linan by birth and was of Scotch-Irish extraction. In early manhood John H. Worrell married Miss Ellen Francelia Dixon, who is still living on the old home place in Kankakee county. Her parents were of English and Scotch descent.
Reared in the county of his nativity, Arthur Worrell obtained a good prac- tical education in the public and high schools, graduating from the latter in 1892, and later he attended the Onarga Seminary at Onarga, Illinois. After leaving school he assisted his father on the farm and in the stock business and on the death of the latter took charge of affairs, operating the home place of four hundred and fifty acres for six years. He then accepted a position with Armour & Company at Aurora, Illinois, where he was employed as salesman for two years, and at the end of that period was transferred to Rock Island as manager of the branch at that place. About one year later the company placed him in charge of their plant at Quincy, Illinois, where he remained for a few months, and his removal from that place to Danville occurred in 1903. Here he was placed in charge of their plant, which at that time had been established only about a year, and under his able management the business has steadily in- creased until it has now reached large and profitable proportions. He is a man of good business ability and sound judgment and is thoroughly familiar with the enterprise with which he is now connected.
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Mr. Worrell was married at Aurora, Illinois, June 17, 1903, to Miss Bodesiel Young, a daughter of John E. and Lottie Young, who were natives of Canada. In religious faith he is a Methodist and in his fraternal relations is connected with the Masonic order, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. As a republican he takes a very active interest in political affairs but has no desire for public office. His social qualities and sterling worth make him a popular citizen and he has gained in large measure the esteem and good will of his business colleagues and associates in Danville.
CICERO LANE.
Cicero Lane is one of the prominent real-estate men of Danville. He han- dles comparatively little property in this locality, however, operating extensively in Texas, Minnesota and Indiana, with branch offices in the two first named states. He is a native of Clinton, Illinois, born August 3, 1858. His father, Jeremiah Lane, was born in Kentucky and when a little lad of six years was brought to Illinois by his parents, who cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of De Witt county, settling there upon a farm, to the cultivation and develop- ment of which the father devoted his energies for many years. Jeremiah Lane was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Lane, a native of Ohio. His death occurred in 1902, when he had reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years.
Cicero Lane was educated in the public schools of De Witt county, his boy- hood being devoted to the acquirement of an education, to the pleasures of the playground and to such duties as were assigned him by parental authority. His was the usual environment of farm life and he aided in the work of the fields until he reached the age of twenty-one years. In 1879 he began working for the Wabash Railroad Company in the capacity of telegraph operator, which posi- tion he creditably filled for some time, but finally resigned. At that time he opened a real-estate office in Sullivan, Illinois. One of the local papers in a comment on his life, a number of years later, wrote: "He was then a poor man as the tax books of 1883 will show that the full amount assessed to him in Moultrie county that year was seventy-one cents, but that was not the end. The real history of Cicero Lane was to be written in later years, for in 1898 he paid into the county and city treasury of Moultrie and other counties five hundred and thirty dollars in taxes. Since opening his real-estate office his success has been marvelous." From time to time Mr. Lane invested in property until he owned extensive tracts of choice land in Moultrie and adjoining counties. His judgment concerning the value of property seems infallible. He has, perhaps, never invested in an acre on which he has not made money. In the fall of 1895 he sold over five thousand acres of land in Buena Vista county, Iowa, the sale of which amounted to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. His business is gradually widening and deepening and while operating in Illinois property, in addition to his office in Sullivan he had branch offices at Lovington and Bement, Illinois, and Storm Lake, Iowa. Subsequently he extended his efforts as a real- estate dealer to other parts of the country and is now engaged largely in handling
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property in both the south and the north, as well as in Indiana and to some ex- tent in Illinois. While still living in Sullivan he took an active part in the public life of the community, serving for two terms as city alderman, while in 1892 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the mayor's office. It was in that year, and by his strong support, that the electric plant of that city was erected.
The year 1902 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Lane in Danville and throughout the intervening years he has been engaged in the real-estate business, in which he has been very successful. He largely handles property in other parts of the country, having extensive interests in Texas, Minnesota and Indiana, with branch offices at Houston, Texas, and one at Crookston, Minnesota. His business has grown with the development of Danville, for he has found here many investors who have made advantageous purchases through his agency. He is well informed concerning property values in the sections in which he operates and in all of his business affairs displays a spirit of marked enterprise and an aptitude for successful management.
In October, 1881, Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Emma Zorger, a native of De Witt county, Illinois, whose family came from Germany in pio- neer times. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lane has been born a daughter, Cora May, an accomplished and popular young lady, who is a graduate of the Lake Forest University.
Mr. Lane is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is ever loyal to the teachings of the order. The family are members of the Christian church . and are popular in the social circles of the city. The benevolent spirit of Mr. Lane has found expression in many tangible ways. He does not selfishly hoard his wealth but on the contrary gives freely to aid those in need and to encourage public enterprises.
JOHN EVANS TUTTLE.
Through the enterprise, commercial integrity and business ability of John Evans Tuttle was built up one of the leading dry-goods establishments of Dan- ville. He was for many years recognized as one of the foremost representatives of trade relations in this city and the sterling traits which he displayed in all the relations of life gave him a hold upon the regard and affection of his fellow- men that causes his memory to be tenderly cherished by not only his family but by his friends and associates.
Mr. Tuttle was born in Attica, Indiana, June 6, 1844, and was there reared, acquiring his literary education in the public schools. Deciding to enter the medical profession, he attended lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which institution he was graduated, and on being licensed to practice opened an office in Myersville, Illinois. About 1874 he removed to Danville and shortly after gave up the practice of medicine and turned his attention to the dry-goods business, becoming a member of the firm of Tuttle & Draper, whose store was located on East Main street. Later the firm style was changed to Tuttle & Payne, which continued only one year. Mr. Tuttle carried on the dry-goods busi-
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ness for twenty-five years. He was always a very active, progressive and enter- prising business man and achieved marked success in his line of endeavor.
While a resident of Myersville, Illinois, Mr. Tuttle was married in 1869 to Miss Margaret Davison, a daughter of James Davison, who was one of the early settlers of that region and a farmer by occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle were born four children, as follows: Blanche, Jennie, Mary Maude and Jessie Rae, who are all living in a nice comfortable home erected by the father. His death occurred on the 28th of November, 1908, and his wife survived him only a few weeks, passing away on the 24th of January, 1909.
Politically Mr. Tuttle was identified with the republican party and frater- nally affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order. He was a prominent and active member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Danville and served on its official board for some time. He was a man widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state and his upright, honorable career gained for him the warm regard of those who knew him inti- mately. He was very domestic in his habits and found his greatest happiness in his home, surrounded by his family.
FRANK S. DEAMUDE.
Frank S. Deamude, who is well known as a liveryman of Potomac, was born in Pilot township, this county, October 14, 1869, and is a son of Samuel Dea- mude, a farmer of this county. He was educated according to the usual manner of farm boys, in the country schools, continuing at home until he was twenty- two years of age. From his early years he assisted in the work of the farm and became thoroughly familiar with all of its operations. He started out for him- self in 1891 by renting a farm in Blount township, which he conducted success- fully for six years. At the end of this time, being an admirer of horses and also the possessor of social qualities that have enabled him readily to make friends wherever he is known, he embarked in the livery business at Potomac. 'A't the expiration of four years he sold out his business to W. H. Sinkburn, of Danville, but at the end of thirty days bought a half-interest in the same busi- ness and after four months acquired entire ownership. Ninety days later he again sold a half interest to Mr. Sinkburn, but became sole owner again at the end of six months and at the end of another six months disposed of the business to Samuel Happenstall, of Norcross, Minnesota, and for fourteen months Mr. Deamude traveled on the road. He again became associated with Mr. Sink- burn, becoming sole owner of the business after a few months, and at length sold out to Grant Gardiner. After this he bought a feed barn at the corner of Franklin and Main streets, Danville, which he conducted for a year and sold to J. G. Lomy. He next became a partner of George McCarty in another feed barn, but after several months sold his interest to his partner and in June, 1907, with Grant Goodwin bought a barn which was being operated by W. M. Mc- Dowell. He has since bought Mr. Goodwin's interest and is now the owner of the establishment, which he conducts according to up-to-date principles and has attracted a good patronage.
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