USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 85
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Daniels were born three children. Alice is the wife of William K. Johnson, who resides upon a farm near Armstrong, Vermilion county, and unto them have been born three children-Harper, Thomas Griffith and Inez. Charles M. wedded Mamie Henshaw and with their two daughters, Charline and Miriam, they now reside in Los Angeles, California. Laura, the youngest, is deceased. The home of Mr. Daniels is a beautiful residence at No. 410 North Franklin street and he also owns the building at No. III Vermilion street occu- pied by J. D. Brosman, from which he receives a good rental.
Politically Mr. Daniels is a democrat. He served as school director while living in the country, but otherwise has not sought to figure in connection with public affairs other than through his business interests. He is a member of the Woodmen camp of Danville and the Odd Fellows lodge and he also belongs to
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the Methodist church, serving as a member of its official board for fifty years and at all times guiding his life in accordance with its principles. He has traveled quite extensively, seeing most points of interest in his own country and visiting Alaska as well. He has never faltered in the performance of any duty whether of a public or private character and has long since proven himself a worthy and valued citizen of Vermilion county, his labors constituting an element in the work of general progress and improvement.
ARTHUR H. JEFFERS.
That the life history of Arthur H. Jeffers is a record of success is due to the persistent effort and intelligently directed industry which he has displayed through the years of his connection with agricultural interests in Vermilion county. A native of this county, he was born August 1, 1877, a son of Philip and Elmira (Dye) Jeffers, who were born in Ohio and came to Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1855. The father, who engaged in farming here for a number of years, still survives, but the mother passed away in February, 1909. In this county they reared their family, consisting of seven children, five of whom are yet living.
Fortunate in having his lines cast among the wholesome conditions and health- ful environment of the farm, Arthur H. Jeffers grew up amid the busy activi- ties of rural life and early became a factor in that life as he assumed the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. Under the direction of his father he learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and integrity, and as the years passed he gained a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the various branches of agriculture. He remained at home until attaining man's estate, when, deciding to enter the business world on his own account, he chose the occupation to which he had been reared as a life vocation. His independent career was begun as a renter, in which capacity he operated a farm for nine years, and then he purchased his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated upon sections 9 and 15, Catlin township, upon which he has since made his home. Besides his home place he operates a rented farm of three hundred acres, and in addition to general farming he engages in the raising and feeding of stock, making a specialty of Poland China hogs. He handles a very good grade, and the quality of his product insures him high prices and ready sale upon the market. Thus his time is fully occupied with his business interests, and to the fact that he has never felt any inclination to direct his attention into other channels, but has concentrated his energies upon his agricutural pursuits, is doubtless due in large measure the success which he now enjoys.
On Christmas Day, of 1901, Mr. Jeffers was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Curtis, whose birth occurred in Vermilion county. She is a daughter of F. M. and Mary (Bogger) Curtis, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermilion county. The parents are still living, as are also their four children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers were born two children but Merle H., the elder, is the only one now living, the other having passed away in infancy.
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The Methodist Episcopal church finds in Mr. and Mrs. Jeffers most exemplary members, for they have ever sought to govern themselves according to its pre- cepts and teachings. Having passed their entire lives within the borders.of Ver- milion county, both are well known here where they are held in the highest re- gard and esteem. Mr. Jeffers has voted with the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never sought nor desired office as the reward for party fealty. Preeminently a home man, he has pre- ferred the companionship of his family to outside interests, and yet he has at- tained a high place among his fellow citizens who honor him in large measure no less for the success which he has attained in agricultural circles than for his many excellent traits of character.
WILLIAM H. GARDNER.
William H. Gardner, whose Christian character was such as to command confidence and respect wherever he was known, was born in Otsego county, New York, March 10, 1832, and his life covered the intervening years to the 6th of March, 1906, when he was called to his final rest. His parents were Potter and Mary (Thurston) Gardner, natives of New York, where the father followed farming. The son, William H. Gardner, pursued his education in the public schools of the Empire state and spent his early life on the old homestead farm, where his experiences were such as usually fall to the lot of farm lads. His training developed the traits of industry and honesty and he came to recognize the fact that diligence and perseverance are the only qualities that constitute a substantial foundation for success. In the summer seasons he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm and in the winter months engaged in teaching school. He remained in the Empire state until he reached the age of twenty- four years and in 1856 he moved westward, settling in Woodford county, Illinois, where both he and his wife engaged in teaching, Mrs. Gardner even conducting classes in her own home before a schoolhouse was built. Following his arrival in the middle west Mr. Gardner taught school in the winter months and followed farming in the summer seasons. He displayed pronounced ability as an educator, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge he had acquired. In time he was made superintendent of schools, filling that position acceptably for six years. He afterward took up his abode in Butler township, near East Lynn, in 1875 and remained upon that farm for seventeen years, during which period he carefully and systematically tilled his fields, which rendered him ready returns in substantial harvests. He then removed to Harvey in 1892 and there remained for ten years. He also spent a year and a half in Rensselaer, Indiana, after which he came to Hoopeston and from 1903 until his death lived retired in this city. His former success had made it unnecessary for him to again resort to labor for a livelihood, for his investments and his capital were such as to provide him a goodly annual income.
It was on the 16th of October, 1855, that Mr. Gardner was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary E. French, a daughter of James and Cynthia (Baker)
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French, of Norwich, New York, the former a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner became the parents of two sons who are yet living: Bert O., a resident of Los Angeles, California; and Frank J., of Hoopeston.
Mr. Gardner was preeminently a man of domestic tastes and regarded no per- sonal sacrifice or effort on his part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. He was also interested in the welfare of the community at large and for many years served as county supervisor in Ver- milion and Woodford counties. He was also several times supervisor of Butler township and his personal popularity is indicated in the fact that he was elected on the democratic ticket in a republican township. He was chosen school treas- urer in Harvey, which position he resigned on removing from that place. In 1870 he joined the Baptist church at Panola, Woodford county, and took an ac- tive part in its work. He assisted liberally toward the erection of new churches in Panola, East Lynn, Harvey and Hoopeston and was regarded as a pillar of the church in all the different localities in which he made his home. After coming to Hoopeston he joined the First Baptist church, served as deacon and was for many years Sunday school superintendent at Harvey. Whatever he could do to advance the interests of the church was cheerfully, willingly and quickly done. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the organization found him an exemplary representative. In fact he was loyal to every cause which he espoused and his support of any measure had its root in a desire for the public welfare. His influence was a potent force for good and his life record constitutes an example well worthy of emulation.
CLARK S. JONES.
Clark S. Jones, who has been actively and successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, resides on a farm in section 12, Danville township. His birth occurred in Vermilion county, Illinois, in 1868, his parents being Edward P. and Mary E. (Villers) Jones, the former likewise a native of this county and the latter of Ohio. Edward P. Jones, who was born in the year 1830, obtained his education in the district schools of Ver- milion county and after completing his studies took up the work of the fields. Farming claimed his undivided attention throughout his active business career and he met with a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings. Any move- ment or measure calculated to advance the general welfare has ever found in him a stanch and helpful champion, and he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaint- ance in the county which has always been his home.
Clark S. Jones, who was one of a family of six children, began his education in the district schools of this county and afterward attended the Danville Semi- nary for two years, while subsequently he spent a similar period at Valparaiso University. After returning to this county he located on a farm on section 12, Danville township, where he has since carried on his agricultural interests with marked success, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden harvests as a re- ward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them.
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As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, Mr. Jones chose Miss Lillian S. Smith, of Vermilion county, Indiana, who was educated at Perrys- ville, that state. Unto them were born two children, Carl S. and Winifred. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in 1906, her death being the occa- sion of deep and widespread regret.
Mr. Jones has ever proven a most loyal and public-spirited citizen, doing every- thing in his power to promote the best interests of the people at large. As he has lived in this county throughout practically his entire life, he has an extensive acquaintance here and his friends know him as an enterprising agriculturist and a man of genuine worth.
GRANT W. GOODWINE.
Among the general farmers of Vermilion county Grant W. Goodwine, of Potomac, occupies a prominent place, belonging as he does to one of the lead- ing families of the county and being the owner of one of the finest farms in this part of the state. Mr. Goodwine was born in Vermilion county, August 7, 1879, and is a son of John W. and Arminda (Sperry) Goodwine, and grandson of Erastus and Ruth (Reese) Sperry. The maternal grandfather was a native of Ohio and came to this county with his parents and lived in Blount township, where he died May 14, 1852, being then thirty-two years of age. The grand- mother was born near Indianapolis and they were married in 1840. They had five children, three of whom are now living: Wallace, a merchant of Muncie, Indiana; Arminda, the mother of our subject; and Amanda, the wife of S. B. Deamude, of this county.
Grant W. Goodwine was reared under the protective care of a loving father and mother and was educated in the common schools. Having grown up in the atmosphere of the farm, he became thoroughly familiar with its various labors and at eighteen years of age he began farming in Pilot township, where he con- tinued with marked success until five years ago, since which time he has resided in Potomac. He and his mother are the owners of nine hundred and fifty acres of land, which is ultimately to become the property of the son. The farm is one of the finest in the county and is supplied with every convenience for carry -. ing forward all operations pertaining to agriculture and the raising of live stock.
In 1903 Mr. Goodwine was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Lee, of Ross- ville, this county, and one child was born to them, Harold Fremont, who makes. his home with his grandmother, Arminda Goodwine. By the visitation of death the household was deprived of the wife and mother in 1904 and four years later, in 1908, Mr. Goodwine was again married, the lady of his choice being Frances Amelia Price. One child has come to bless this union : Lee Ruth, who was born July 18, 1910.
Since reaching his majority Mr. Goodwine has been a supporter of the re- publican party, voting for those men and measures that he considers most im- portant in subserving the interests of the country. He and his wife are con -. sistent members of the Christian church and are active supporters of all good.
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works in which the church or the community is interested. While Mr. Good- wine is just fairly stated in his career as a leading business man in his part of the county, his friends have confident expectations that he will exert a great influence for the upbuilding of this region. As a citizen he is justly held in high esteem and as a representative of an honored family no record of the county would be complete without his name.
JAMES HART.
A period of thirty-eight years spent in Jamaica township, Vermilion county, has made James Hart well known to the residents of this district, among whom he is recognized as one of the most progressive and prosperous farmers and representative citizens of the community. Born on the farm which is yet his home, on the 24th of June, 1872, he is a son of Michael and Rosa (Kelly) Hart, natives of Ireland, the former's birth occurring in County Belfast and the latter's in County Connaught. Extended mention of them is given in con- nection with the sketch of John E. Hart.
Upon the home farm James Hart was reared to manhood, no event of special importance coming to vary the routine of life for him during the period of his boyhood and youth. He attended the common schools near his home in the pursuit of an education, and later profited by a commercial course in the Danville Business College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1894. Thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties that come with business life, he returned to the homestead and was there identified with his father and brother, John E. Hart, in cooperative farming, which relation was maintained until the death of the father in 1905. At that time he inherited eighty acres of the homestead, as did also his brother, and the remaining five hundred and eighty acres of the father's estate were divided equally between the sons at the death of the mother, who was to retain the use of it through- out her lifetime. Thus James Hart is operating two hundred and ninety acres of land in connection with his home farm of eighty acres, and his efforts are proving resultant forces in the acquirement of a prosperity which ranks him among the substantial and prosperous agriculturists of Jamaica township. The early practical experience received on the old home farm under the direction of his father, supplemented by thorough commercial training, served as an excellent foundation upon which he has subsequently builded a successful ca- reer, and with the passing of the years, prosperity has come to him as the direct and well merited reward of earnest labor -and unfaltering diligence, so that he is now ranked among the substantial and successful agriculturists of his section of the county.
On the 6th of November, 1895, Mr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kelly, of Danville, a daughter of William Kelly, now deceased. Unto this union were born seven children; but two, Kelly E. and Rosalie, have now passed away. Those surviving are William J., Lola R., Everett, Teresa and Helen E. The parents hold membership in the Catholic church and the high
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place which they occupy in the regard and esteem of all who know them, has its root in their many excellent traits of character.
Although one of the salient features in the success of Mr. Hart has been his close application to business, his personal affairs demanding almost his en- tire time and attention, he has, nevertheless, never been too busy for partici- pation in those things which are matters of interest to all true American citi- zens. His standing in the local ranks of the democratic party is indicated by the fact that several times he has represented his township as central commit- teeman, and he is now serving in the capacity of a member of the school board, educational interests finding in him a stanch champion. In every instance he has served his community to the best of his ability, and his interest in the public welfare has never been questioned. The substantial qualities which he has manifested in both his business and public life have gained for him a promi- nent position among the representative citizens of Jamaica township, and yet his success in life is measured not less by the high place which he has won in the respect, confidence and good will of all who know him than by reason of the honorable and manly principles which have ever governed his private life.
MRS. ANN M. ROSS.
Mrs. Ann M. Ross, who lives upon a beautiful farm in Grant township and is highly esteemed throughout the entire region on account of her praiseworthy qualities, is a native of Grant county, Indiana, where she was born in 1856. She is a daughter of Thomas Tribbey, a native of Clarksville, Clinton county, Ohio, who came to Vermilion county after the close of the Civil war, about 1867, and here he engaged as a farmer and upon his retirement removed to the village of Hoopeston, where he departed this life in 1901. Mr. Tribbey was a man of upright character and a sincere believer in the Christian religion, being identi- fied for many years with the Methodist Episcopal church. The mother of our subject was before her marriage Priscilla Ann Ward and was born in North Carolina. Eight children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tribbey, seven of whom are now living: Elizabeth; Ann M .; Belle; George; Mary; Sadie, now Mrs. James Wallace; and William.
The subject of this review was educated in the district schools and grew up under the sheltering care of a kindly home. In 1887, she was united in mar- riage to Nelson Ellsworth Ross, who was born in Ohio, August 31, 1842, and in 1860 came to Vermilion county, where he engaged in farming and by diligence and economy became the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres, also being identified with several important business enterprises. Upon the organization of the Farmers Grain Company he was selected as its president, serving until the time of his death. He was a man of great public spirit and, while he did not possess aspirations to hold political office, he dis- charged with special ability the duties of several official positions in his town- ship, being also president of the board of commissioners for many years. He was a man of fine social qualities, liberal in the support of all public or private
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enterprises that aimed to advance the permanent interests of the region, and his departure from a useful career was regarded as a heavy loss not only to his family but to the entire community. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross, one of whom, John Thomas, is now living at Hoopeston.
Mrs. Ross is an active member of the United Brethren church, whose tenets she receives as expressive of the divine word. She has always aimed to be true to her church and to her responsibilities and the world is better for her presence. She is a woman of broad sympathies and generous spirit and has many warm friends in Vermilion county, where for more than forty years she has made her home.
ABEL W. PAYNE.
To Abel W. Payne, a farmer, and also for some years justice of the peace of Newell township, belongs the honor of having been the third man to enlist in the army from Vermilion county in response to President Lincoln's call for volunteers to put down the rebellion. Three times he enlisted during the war, and it is doubtful whether any soldier of the Union attempted more con- scientiously to perform his duty.
He was born in Vermilion county in 1841 and is a son of J. and Verletta (O'Neal) Payne. The parents were both natives of Indiana and came to this state in 1832, settling on a farm in Vermilion county, where they continued until the death of the mother. The father went to Texas in 1849 and there remained for six years, at the end of which time he returned to Illinois and married as his second wife Priscilla Beasley, a native of Illinois. He took up his residence in Danville, where he met his death in a political riot in 1863. Mrs. Payne died shortly afterward, leaving two children: J. B., now in the insurance business at Potomac, this state; and Hattie, now Mrs. J. M. Barrows. The subject of this review was the sixth of seven children born to J. Payne by his first wife, the names of the others being: William O., Alonzo G. and Malinda, all deceased; Permelia, Addison C., deceased, and George, who died in infancy.
Until his mother's death Abel W. Payne continued with his parents. He had then arrived at the age of nine years, and from that time he has provided for himself. Up to the period of the Civil war he worked by the month among the farmers of the neighborhood. In 1861 he enlisted in Company C, Twelfth Illinois Volunteers, under Captain Samuel Frazier. At the close of the term of enlistment, which was for three months, Private Payne reenlisted in Con- pany K, Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, under Captain Charles Black, for a period of three years, but at the end of eight months was discharged on ac- count of disability after participating in the battle of Pea Ridge. However, he quickly recovered and again enlisted, serving now in the Sixteenth Regiment of Illinois Cavalry under Captain Wolcott. At the battle of Jonesville, Vir- ginia, he and a number of companions were taken prisoners by the Confederates and confined at Andersonville prison, Georgia. At the close of the war he re-
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ceived his honorable discharge, and in view of the sufferings through which he passed and the injuries he received in defense of his country, he was some years ago awarded a pension of twenty-four dollars per month. Returning home in 1865, Mr. Payne began to work in the coal mines at Danville, where he con- tinued for fifteen years. He then rented land, which he cultivated until 1890, when he bought a farm of twenty acres, which he has since operated. He also owns a valuable property in Bismarck.
On October 10, 1865, Mr. Payne was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Balser, a native of Indiana. One child, Thomas L., who is now living at Tilton, this county, was born to them. In 1890 Mr. Payne again married, the lady of his choice being Mrs. E. A. Payne, the widow of his brother and a native of Albany, New York. She has one daughter by her former husband, Hettie, now the wife of Nicholas Baty, of Bismarck.
Mr. Payne has been throughout life an active supporter of the republican party, and he is at the present time serving as justice of the peace in his dis- trict. He is a believer in the Christian religion, and is identified with that branch of Christianity which is represented by the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a self-made man and by perseverance and attention to duties from day to day he has attained the honorable position which he holds in his township, as a man who always does as he promises, who is true to his friends, and who is ever ready to do anything in his power to advance the permanent welfare of his neighborhood.
WILLIAM D. DARLEY.
William D. Darley, identified with farming interests in Vermilion county since 1876 and the owner of his present farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres in Sidell township since 1894, was born in Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, January 24, 1852, and comes of English ancestry. His parents, Daw- son and Bessie (Smith) Darley, were both natives of Yorkshire, England, where their youthful days were spent and their marriage was celebrated. Soon afterward they decided to try their fortune in the United States and took up their abode in Morgan county, Illinois, where Mrs. Darley passed away when her son William was only a week old. The father afterward married Miss Sarah Dodsworth and made his home in Morgan county up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was sixty-five years of age.
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