USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 83
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY
the world has, indeed, moved and we are living in the midst of so many bless- ings that we have become almost insensible to their presence.
Such are the ideas suggested by a consideration of the opportunities of William J. Sandusky, whose name appears at the head of this review, as com- pared with those possessed by the earlier members of the family, who assisted so materially in the upbuilding of central Illinois. The father of our subject, Josiah S. Sandusky, was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, September 11, 1837. He early gained acquaintance with the hardships attendant upon the settle- ment of a new country and as the years passed became himself one of the instrumentalities in the wonderful transformation, fortunately living until he abundantly enjoyed the advantages that modern conditions supply.
The Sandusky family is of Polish origin, the name originally having been spelled Sodowsky. The founder of the family in America was of noble an- cestry and was banished from his native land on account of his efforts in be- half of liberty for his suffering countrymen. Attracted westward, he came to America in 1856 and was here married to a sister of Governor Inslip, of the colony of Virginia, but some years later, after the close of the Revolutionary war, was murdered through mistake as to his identity by Indians in northern Ohio, who had been imposed upon by white men and took revenge on the first member of the race they met, killing one of their best friends. The bay of Sandusky and also the city of Sandusky, Ohio, took their name from this brave pioneer. The grandparents of our subject on his father's side were Abraham and Jane (McDowell) Sandusky, both natives of Bourbon county, Kentucky, the former born March 29, 1793, and the latter December 16, 1792. They emigrated with five children to Illinois in 1837 and the original cabin that sheltered the pioneer family stood near the spot now occupied by the beautiful and commodious family home which was erected by the father of our subject in 1872. Eight children blessed their union: Harvey, Elizabeth, Agnes, William, Abraham, Euphemia, Jane and Josiah. Harvey retained the original spelling of the family name-Sodowsky-all other members of the family adopting the Americanized style.
Josiah Sandusky, the youngest of the children, became owner of a farm inherited from his father and added to it as the years passed until his place comprised more than one thousand acres and was known as one of the most valuable landed possessions in this part of the state. For many years he was in partnership with his brother Abraham in farming and stock raising and he become a leading breeder of fine stock and fast horses, buyers coming to visit his herds from all parts of the United States. As the years passed he gathered a fine library and became an unusually well informed man, although possessing limited opportunities of education in his youthful days, and he will long be remembered as a true gentleman and a man who never departed from the path of rectitude and honor. He was called from earthly scenes February 13, 1901, at the age of sixty-four years, and his remains were deposited by loving hands in their last resting place in Sandusky cemetery in the region where he had spent his life and where he accomplished a noble mission and established a reputa- tion based upon the best qualities of American citizenship that will endure as a monument to his memory. On December 18, 1873, he was married to Miss
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Susan Moreland, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Hedges) Moreland, who were both of English ancestry. Five children were born to the union, three of whom are living: Pearl, born January 27, 1878; Abraham J., October 2, 1883; and William J., our subject.
Born on the home farm May 27, 1888, William J. Sandusky was educated in the district schools and the Danville high school, later taking an agricultural course at the University of Illinois. Returning home, he assumed the man- agement of the family estate, which now comprises about twelve hundred and fifty acres of land and is one of the most complete farm properties in this part of the country.
On June 20, 1909, Mr. Sandusky was married to Miss Pearl Burk, the accomplished daughter of William and Martha (Snyder) Burk, of Danville, and they have one child, Jane Sandusky, born August 31, 1910. Mr. San- dusky is socially identified with the Phi Alpha Delta, a Greek college fra- ternity, and is in sympathy with the principles of the republican party, although he has strong prohibition tendencies, having observed the evil effects of al- coholic liquors. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and at the beginning of his active career possessed opportunities of usefulness that few can claim even under the most favoring conditions. As a representative of a prominent family he has many well wishers who have every reason to prophesy that he will prove a worthy successor to a long line of noted an- cestry.
SAMUEL A. JENKINS.
Samuel A. Jenkins, a prosperous and well known farmer of Newell township, Vermilion county, who is a native of this county, has spent his entire life here. He was born August 13, 1864, a son of Richard M. and Lucinda (Mullen) Jenkins, who came from Ohio to this state in 1863 and settled in this county. The father was a good farmer and became the owner of a highly cultivated place of two hundred and eighteen acres, upon which he lived, enjoying the prosperity which usually comes to one who performs his duty faithfully, until his death, which occurred January 22, 1902. The mother departed this life October 28, 1899, greatly mourned by her family and many friends in this por- tion of the county. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins five children : John F., a sketch of whom appears in this work; Elnora; Clara Dell, who died in infancy; Samuel, the subject of this review; and Alice.
Samuel A. Jenkins grew up upon the farm and gained his education in the district school, where he was an apt pupil, even in his early years giving evidence of an ability which has since manifested itself in carrying out the practical duties of life. He lived with his parents until their death and has since made his home with his sister at the old homestead. In addition, however, to the operation of this farm, he has acquired seventy-five acres of land adjoining, which he has himself improved and which is one of the valuable tracts of farm- ing land in the township. Mr. Jenkins is not only a thorough agriculturist but he also understands stock-raising and marketing and all the details that con-
S. A. JENKINS
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tribute toward the life of a successful farmer, fully awake to the improvements of the age and occupying a high standing in the community.
Mr. Jenkins has never married. From the time he cast his first ballot he has been identified with the republican party, believing that its principles are best adapted for free institutions and also that it is the party which best repre- sents the spirit of progress which is abroad all over the world, especially in a great republic. He has never been a candidate for the honors of party office, but for four years he acted as constable of the township, performing the duties of the position with the same interest and zeal that he bestows upon his own private affairs. Mr. Jenkins is a member of one of the stanch families of Ver- milion county whose name has always been a synonym for industry, integrity and right living. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen and has well earned the confidence and esteem not only of the people of his own township but of the well disposed citizens in the county.
ANDREW C. DANIEL.
Throughout Danville and Vermilion county Andrew C. Daniel is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life was so varied in its activity and so honorable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects, that it became an integral part of the history of the city. In no sense a man in public life, he nevertheless exerted an immeasurable influence in the city of his residence by the extent and importance of his business interests, by his unfeigned cordiality and charming personality that made him a favorite in social circles and by his generous support of those measures which he believed would be of benefit to the individual and to the community at large.
A native of New York, Mr. Daniel was born in Mooresville March 26, 1835, the schools of the Empire state affording him his educational privileges. That he early became cognizant of the value of industry and integrity as factors in a successful business career is evidenced by the results which he achieved in later years. When a young man he came to Danville with the firm of Kirkland Brothers, mine operators, and remained with them for sev- eral years. Later he was associated with Roswell Smith, a former owner of the Century Magazine. Afterward he organized the Ellsworth Coal Company., His keen insight enabled him to see business openings and to look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. He eagerly grasped every opportunity for legitimate and honorable advancement, and his business career was therefore marked by continuous and admirable progress. After being associated for some time with the development of mining interests in this region he became a partner of the late W. P. Cannon in organizing the local street railway system and also the Electric Light & Gas Company, which later disposed of its plant and stock to the Mckinley system. His efforts in both directions constituted a valuable element in the city's growth and upbuild- ing. As opportunity offered, he made judicious investments in real estate, and his interests in city property became extensive. He was the owner of the
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Daniel block and other valuable realty which returned to him an excellent in- come during the last twelve years of his life, in which he lived retired save for the management of his property.
Mr. Daniel was married in Danville, in 1865, to Miss Jane C. Palmer, a daughter of Levin T. Palmer, who came to Illinois from Long Island, New York. Unto them was born a daughter, now Mrs. A. R. Samuel.
The death of Mr. Daniel occurred on the IIth of October, 1907. He was always independent in politics, supporting the candidates whom he thought best qualified for office without regard to party affiliation. In his fraternal relations he was a Mason and attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He was greatly interested in schools and for several years served on the board of education, during which time he did all in his power to perfect the system of public instruction and make the schools of the city a force in character building as well as in the business life of the children who were soon to take their places as factors in the workaday world. He attended the Presbyterian church and his life was exemplary in all that he did. His record conformed to the strictest principles of business honor and his success was never attained by the sacrifice of others' interests. He was known and honored for his genuine worth, for his progres- siveness in citizenship, his loyalty in friendship and his devotion to his family.
JOSIAH SANDUSKY.
Among the prominent farmers and successful stockmen of Vermilion county probably none were better known than Josiah Sandusky, who for many years was actively identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state. His entire life was passed in this county, his birth occurring in Car- roll township, September II, 1837, his parents being Abraham and Jane San- dusky. The family was founded in America by Sodowsky, a Polish exile of noble birth, proud spirit and lofty patriotism, who came to this country in 1730 and settled in Virginia. Unable longer to tolerate the despotic rule of Russia, he became the leader in a rebellion against the czar and when de- feated, but not subdued, he came to America. Later he married the daughter of a wealthy planter named Inskip, of the colony of Virginia, and his son, Cap- tain James Sodowsky, joined Count Pulaski's Polish regiment of American volun- teers during the war of the Revolution. He was married in Hardy county, Virginia, in 1782, to Miss Mary Ball Brown, a direct descendant of Mary Ball, the mother of George Washington, and removed to Kentucky the same year. At his death he left six children, namely: Andrew, Thomas, Mrs. Sarah Parker, Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. For many years the father of James San- dusky was employed as a trader with the Indians on Lake Erie, and the town and bay where the city of Sandusky now stands took their name from him. He was later killed by the red men.
The name of Sandusky is derived from the word Out-Sand-Ouke, mean- ing clear water or Sa-Dusti, meaning large body of water. It has been va-
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riously spelled by members of the family-Sodowsky, Sanduski and Sandusky -but the original spelling was Sodowsky, as used by the first American an- cestor, Jacob Sodowsky. His sons, James and Jacob Sandusky, removed from Virginia to Kentucky in 1773, shortly before the invasion of Daniel Boone, and later James settled in Bourbon county, that state, the family clearing large tracts of land in different sections of the country, while his two sons, Isaac and Abraham, subsequently came to Vermilion county, Illinois. Our subject's great-grandfather, Jacob Sodowsky, also joined the continental army during the war for independence and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. Subse- quent generations took part in the war of 1812, and the family has ever been a patriotic and loyal one, known for their strong traits of character, good common sense and loyal citizenship.
Abraham Sandusky, the father of our subject, was born March 29, 1793, in Kentucky, and in early manhood married Jane McDowel, who was born De- cember 16, 1792, and died in 1865, while his death occurred in 1866. They be- came the parents of the following children: Harvey, Elizabeth, Polly, Agnes, William, Abraham, Euphemia, Jane and Josiah, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Abraham, who with his brother William became a promi- nent farmer and stockman of Carroll township, Vermilion county, Illinois. Most of this family took the name of Sandusky, but Harvey retained the ancestral spelling of Sodowsky.
During his boyhood Josiah Sandusky attended the district school near his home and later through reading, observation and experience became a well in- formed man. He was particularly fond of reading and possessed a retentive memory. Throughout his business career he carried on general farming and . stock-raising and remained at home until his father's death, which occurred when he was about twenty-nine years of age. Subsequently he formed a partnership with his brother Abraham, which connection continued for many years. He in- herited some land from his father's estate and, prospering in his farming opera- tions, he added to his property as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of one thousand acres of very valuable and productive land in this section of the state. He devoted considerable attention to the raising of stock and at the time of his demise possessed one of the largest herds of duchess cattle in the world. Stock dealers came to him from all parts of the United States and Canada not only to buy his cattle but also horses, for he was one of the lead- ing breeders of fast stock, both running and trotting, in this part of the country. At a sale which was held subsequent to his death his horses brought about five thousand dollars, while the sale of his cattle returned to the family ten thousand and seven hundred dollars. He did much to improve the grade of stock in this portion of the state and thereby materially advanced prices. In the management of his affairs he was careful, systematic and methodical, and above all he was strictly honest in every trade transaction. He became one of the owners of the Indianola Fair Association and did everything in his power to promote the in- terests of agriculturists.
On the 18th of December, 1873, Mr. Sandusky married Miss Susan Margaret Moreland, a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, who was educated at St.
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Mary's School near Terre Haute, Indiana, and was a very bright, intelligent woman. Her parents were Thomas and Catherine (Hedges) Moreland, also natives of Kentucky, and on the paternal side she is of Scotch-Irish descent. Her great-grandfather, William Moreland, settled in Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary war and from that state his son William removed to Kentucky, where he married Margaret Whaley. They made their home in Morelandville, Fayette county, about twelve miles from Lexington on the Paris and Lexington pike. The village was named in his honor and the Masonic lodge of that place also bears his name. William Moreland and his wife were the parents of three sons and a daughter, of whom Thomas Moreland, the father of Mrs. Sandusky, was the third in order of birth. He engaged in breeding and dealing in fine horses in Kentucky and later, on account of ill health, came to Illinois, settling in Carroll townshinp, Vermilion county, in 1857. Here he died in 1864. In Bourbon county, Kentucky, he had married Miss Catherine Hedges, a daughter of Peter Hedges, a native of Virginia. The Hedges family was connected with the nobility of England, being descended from Sir Charles Hedges, who was prominent in the court of Queen Elizabeth. The first of the name to come to American was Joseph Hedges, who was disinherited by his father for marrying outside of the nobility, but he was true to the woman whom he loved and wedded, a merchant's daughter. He brought his bride to the new world, settling with the Virginia colony at Jamestown. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moreland were born nine children, four of whom are now living, namely: Susan M., the widow of Josiah Sandusky ; Fannie Z., who makes her home with her elder sister; John T., of Columbia, Missouri; and Kate, the wife of Charles Cooper, of Greencastle, Indiana. The father of these children passed away in January, 1864, and the mother, who long survived him, died in August, 1897, at the age of sixty-nine years.
The republican party found in Mr. Sandusky a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples but he never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, prefer- ring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests and to his family. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 13th of Feb- rury, 1901, and was laid to rest in the Sandusky cemetery in Carroll township. He is still survived by his wife, who ever proved to him a true helpmate and companion. He was a man devoted to his home and family, and he possessed those characteristics that won the friendship and lasting regard of those with whom he was brought in contact.
Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sandusky the oldest, a daughter, died in infancy and the third, a son, also died in infancy. Pearl, the second child, was born January 22, 1878, and was married on the 29th of October, 1902, to Forrest Fisher Pyne, of Los Angeles, California, who died on the 24th of June, 1903. He was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1872, and after com- pleting his education at a college in Iowa was engaged in the piano business in California, owning two stores there. His father was an inventor and helped to install several flourmills throughout this county. Abraham H. Sandusky, the fourth of the family, who was born October 2, 1882, and is now living in Cali- fornia, was married on the 4th of October, 1906, to Miss Suzanne Reynolds, of
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Whittier, that state, who was born in Indiana, September 28, 1884. William J., born May 27, 1888, completes the family. He was married June 20, 1909, to Miss Pearl Burk, whose birth occurred near Potomac, Illinois, October 4, 1889. They have one child, James, born August 31, 1910. The family has become prominent in the various communities where its representatives have resided and those living in Vermilion county are held in the highest estem.
COMMODORE PERRY BROWN.
Among the successful citizens of Vermilion county now living retired may be named Commodore Perry Brown, who occupies a beautiful home at No. 1656 North Vermilion street, Danville. He was born in Parke county, Indiana, in 1852 and received his Christian name from Commodore Perry, who in 1852-4 was successful in opening up Japan to American commerce, thus assisting largely in the progress of civilization on the Orient. The father of our subject, Will- iam Houston Brown, was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1814 and was a suc- cessful farmer. He came to Vermilion county in 1856 and settled at Ridge Farm, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in November, 1898. Lydia (Lusk) Brown, the mother of our subject, was a native of Parke county, Indiana, born in 1831. The grandfather, Samuel Brown, was the son of a Revo- tionary war patriot and served in a Pennsylvania regiment, while the mother's father, Salmon Lusk, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The latter married Mary Beard, a daughter in the family that baked and furnished the bread for the regiment in which Salmon Lusk served. Her father, John Beard, came west in the early days and was extensively interested in building gristmills. He built the first gristmill at Kankakee, Illinois, and was well known among the pioneer settlers.
The subject of this review grew up under the favoring influences of a good home and attended the district school at Ridge Farm, Illinois, and for one year was a student in Wabash College. Going to Chicago, he took a business course in one of the commercial schools of the city and also a medical course in Rush Medical College. Since arriving at manhood he has been deeply interested in medical and scientific subjects but he has never followed the practice of medicine. After leaving school he began his business career as a farmer at Murdock, Doug- las county, Illinois, and also at Ridge Farm, applying himself with such diligence that he became in a large degree independent financially. Progressive and en- ergetic in business affairs, he was not obliged to wait long years before reaping the benefits of his efforts. His farming interests at Ridge Farm assumed such favorable proportions that in 1893, on account of his wife's health, he retired from active work and has since made his home in Danville. Here he has had opportunity for reading and investigation in science and literature, at the same time possessing the advantages of society and recreation not readily available in a rural community.
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In 1885 Mr. Brown was united in marriaeg to Miss Ella Campbell, who was born at Murdock, Illinois, in 1865, a daughter of William and Sarah (Helm) Campbell. The father was born in Tennessee in 1836 and the mother in Owen county, Indiana, in 1835. One child, Oliver P., has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown. He was born in 1887 and received a good education in Dan- ville.
Mr. Brown is not affiliated with any local religious organization but he is an active member of the Masonic order and a stanch believer in its fraternal princ- ciples. Politically he is inclined to be independent, being of the opinion that a strict adherence to one party is detrimental to the best interests of the country. He votes for the man he regards as best adapted to meet the requirements of the situation and is opposed to the introduction of national politics into local affairs. He has never cared for political honors but as a patriotic citizen assists to the extent of his ability in forwarding the best interests of those with whom he is associated.
LEWIS WILLIAMS.
Lewis Williams, one of the enterprising and industrious business men of Danville, is now serving as buyer, secretary and treasurer of the Webster Grocer Company. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for his birth occurred in England, January 12, 1871, and he is of English descent. His par- ents were Richard and Elizabeth (Pike) Williams, both of whom are now de- ceased, the father having passed away in November, 1884, and the mother on the 14th of October, 1906. Having learned the plumber's trade in early life, Richard Williams followed that occupation after coming to Danville, where he located in 1874. Prior to this, however, he had spent a short time in Chicago, but the remainder of his life was passed in Danville.
To the public schools of this city Lewis Williams is indebted for the edu- cational advantages he received during his boyhod and youth. On starting out in life for himself he was first employed as clerk in a shoe store, where he remained but a short time, however. He then became connected with the Webster Gro- cer Company as a general utility boy. By taking an active interest in the busi- ness and by being prompt and reliable in the discharge of his duties, he was promoted from time to time and has filled every position known in an establish- ment of that kind. At present he is buyer, secretary and treasurer of the com- pany which enjoys a large wholesale trade and for the past twenty-two years Mr. Williams has devoted his entire time and energies to promote its success. Today he is also financially interested in the concern and the success that he has achieved in business is certainly well merited.
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