History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 89

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940

USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 89

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Mrs. Miller took up her residence in Danville in 1890. She remembers that there were three street car lines in operation at the time and the cars were drawn by mules. The city was illuminated at night by electric lights on towers and when the family moved to No. 916 Walnut street, they found themselves in the extreme northern limit of the city. She has lived to witness many in- novations and improvements in Danville and during her life in this city has gained many friends by her sympathetic disposition and generous attitude to- ward all good works. The world is in need of men and women of intelligence and culture who will assist in smoothing the rough ways and making life happier for those who carry its burdens. To this class belongs the lady whose name stands at the head of this review.

DOUGLAS D. GILMAN.

In the field of insurance as well as banking, with which he was formerly connected, Douglas D. Gilman has made a creditable name for himself, his work in this connection standing in evidence of his ability, keen discernment and unfaltering enterprise. Moreover, where the best interests of the city are involved he is always found, his influence being given on the side of progress and improvement, justice and truth. Covington, Indiana, claims him among her native sons, his birth having there occurred on the IIth of October, 1858. The father, too, was a native of Covington and was of English lineage. He learned and followed the cabinet maker's trade, manufacturing spinning wheels and other articles of household furniture. He wedded Mary Harbert, whose

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birthplace was a short distance north of Covington, Indiana. She was of Dutch lineage, a representative of one of the early families in the vicinity of Covington.

Both parents are now deceased, Douglas D. Gilman being left an orphan at the age of fourteen years, at which time the responsibilities of life devolved upon him. In fact he had earned his living from the age of eight years, for at that time his father died. His first work was picking berries for the farm- ers when a child at twenty-five cent per day. He carried them two miles to the town of Perrysville and was obliged to row across the river. He attended the district school for about three months in the year, his education, however, being extremely limited. His knowledge has been obtained through his own personal efforts and practical experience but he has been a keen observer of men and measures and possesses, moreover, a retentive memory. He worked as a farm hand until twenty years of age and during that period, eagerly read the newspapers and magazines, thus adding largely to his education. He has ever been fond of reading, devoting his leisure hours thereto and in this way he has gained much valuable information. When he ceased to engage in farm labor he located at Bismarck, Illinois, where he entered the employ of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, becoming assistant operator and agent of that place. He remained in the railroad service until 1889, when he accepted the position of assistant postmaster under Charles W. War- ner, filling the position for four years. He next became connected with the Hamilton-Cunningham Bank as assistant cashier and remained with that in- stitution for sixteen years, his ability and worth constantly increasing, so that he contributed in large measure to the successful management of the instituti- tion. On account of ill health, however, he was obliged to resign his position in the bank. In the meantime he had organized an insurance agency, with office in the Hamilton-Cunningham Bank building, and since his retirement from active connection with the bank he has devoted his entire time to the in- surance business, in which he has met with substantial success. He had be- come widely known during his banking experience, so that an extensive acquaintance helped him in the establishment of an insurance business which has constantly grown in volume and importance.

On the 20th of October, 1880, in Hoopeston, Mr. Gilman was married to Miss Lucinda Whitsett, a native of Vermilion county and a daughter of John Whitsett, an early settler of this locality. Her father is now deceased, while her mother lives in Riverton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Gilman have become parents of three children. Mary Gertrude, born at Gessie, Indiana, is the wife of William J. Ward, postal clerk for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad, residing in the Englewood district of Chicago. Suie W., born in Hoopeston, is now a teacher in the Lincoln school. Charles D., born in Hoopeston in June, 1888, is engaged in mechanical lines and in dealing in automobiles in Chicago.

Mr. Gilman and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs also to Star Lodge, No. 709, A. F. & A. M., and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he is a republican and was formerly central committeman for a number of years but in later years has taken no active part in politics. He was, however, city treasurer of Hoopeston, in

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which connection he proved a most capable and efficient officer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished in life. Starting out for himself at an early age of eight years and working first at a salary of twenty-five cents per day, he has gradually advanced in business circles, winning not only a substantial return for his labors, but also an untarnished name. His life has ever measured up to a high standard of manhood and honorable purpose and the years have brought him a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his ac- quaintance.

VICTOR LESEURE.

In the record of those who have shaped the history of Danville and Ver- milion county definite consideration should be paid to Victor Leseure, who for many years was closely associated with business interests here. His name for twenty-eight years has been upon the roll of Danville's honored dead, but through that period his memory has been enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. A native of France, he was born in Nancy in the year 1813, his parents being Pierre and Anne (Desiree) Le Seure, who were also natives of that country, the father there engaging in manufacturing. He resided in France until 1833, when he determined to seek the opportunities offered by the new world and with his family sailed for America, taking up his abode near Covington, Kentucky, where he lived for a number of years. He after- wards became a resident of Clark county, Illinois, where he also spent several years, removing thence to Vermilion county. Upon a farm south of Danville in Danville township he took up his abode and to its further development and improvement he devoted his remaining days, both he and his wife living on that farm until called to their final rest. Of their children some died in France and Edward is the only one now living.

Victor Leseure acquired his education in his native country and was a young man of about twenty years when the family sailed for the United States. In the different localities in which they lived Victor Leseure assisted his father in the development and improvement of the home farm, and after com- ing to Vermilion county turned his attention to commercial pursuits, becoming proprietor of a dry-goods store in Danville, which he conducted successfully for several years. Later he turned his attention to other pursuits, becoming a partner in the Danville Gas Works, the management and control of which claimed his further attention until his demise. In all of his business affairs he manifested keen discrimination and a spirit of enterprise that enabled him to utilize every opportunity to the best advantage. Moreover, his commercial integrity was never a matter of question for in every business relation his methods and his policy were such as would bear closest investigation and scrutiny.

It was after coming to Vermilion county that Mr. Leseure was married to Miss Caroline B. McDonald, who died in the year 1872. Five children were

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born of that union: Catherine, now the wife of Charles T. Yeemans, of Dan- ville; C. Frank, who married Jennie Sidell, of this city and is now deceased ; Louise, the wife of W. K. Palmer, of New Rochelle, New York; Minnette, the wife of Thomas Elliott, of Danville; and Caroline, who died in childhood. Having lost his wife Mr. Leseure was again married in 1879, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Mary J. (Smith) McDonald, a sister-in-law of his first wife. Mrs. Leseure is a native of Virginia and a daughter of David and Susan (Hunsicker) Smith, who were also natives of the Old Dominion. On leaving the south they made their way to Vermilion county, Indiana, and settled upon a farm near Perrysville, Mr. Smith being recognized as one of the active, influential and highly respected citizens of that community up to the time of his death. His sons, J. F., William P., David and Thomas H. were all en- gaged in merchandising there for many years, the firm being conducted by them for over half a century. They thus took an active and important part in public progress by promoting the business activity of the community.

The death of Mr. Leseure occurred on the 9th of August, 1882, and was the occassion of deep and widespread regret, for he' not only had firm hold upon the affections of his family but had also established himself in the high regard of many friends. He gave his political support to the republican party and ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but had no ambition for office, preferring always to concentrate his interests upon his business affairs, which enabled him to leave his family in comfortable circum- stances. Mrs. Leseure still makes her home in Danville and holds member- ship in the Presbyterian church here. She derives a substantial income from good property investments left her by her husband. When called to his final rest Mr. Leseure had been a resident of this city for thirty-one years and throughout that period his life was in harmony with principles that constitute the basic elements of honorable and upright manhood.

J. G. CLARK.

J. G. Clark, who for thirty-eight years has been a resident of Vermilion county, identified for a considerable period with farming interests but now well known as the president of the First National Bank of Georgetown, was born in North Carolina on the 2nd of May, 1836. He was a son a son of Samuel Clark, who was born, reared and married in the same state, the lady of his chose being Miss Hussy. They continued to reside in North Carolina until 1840, when they removed westward to Indiana, settling upon the frontier. J. G. Clark was then only about four years of age. His educa- tion was acquired in the Hoosier state and he there resided until 1872, when he came to Illinois and settled upon a tract of land near Ridge Farm. For a number of years thereafter his attenion was given to general agricultural pursuits but in 1886 he left the farm and for the past ten years has lived in Georgetown. While agricultural and financial interests have largely claimed his attention, he was by profession a dentist, and following his marriage en-

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tered upon active practice in Covington, Indiana. He had suceeded in build- ing up a good business there when impaired health caused him to leave the office and enter upon some occupation which would keep him in the outdoor life. He therefore began farming near Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he re- mained for some time. He afterward located for practice of dentistry in Thorn- town, Indiana, but subsequently again followed farming. He came to Vermilion- county in the early 'zos and took up his abode upon a farm in Elwood town- ship, which he developed and improved for some time. On leaving the farm he settled at Vermilion Grove, where he lived for five years, at the end of which time he became the president of the First National Bank of George- town, with which institution he has since been closely associated.

Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Mary Holaday, a daughter of William Holaday, who was born in North Carolina and in the paternal line traced his ancestry back to the Penn colony. He too became one of the early residents of Vermilion county, establishing his home here when his daughter Mary was a young girl. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born two sons and a daughter: Oliver P., who is cashier of the First National Bank at George- town; S. Murray, attorney at law who is now serving as assistant district at- torney for the eastern district of Illinois and lives in Danville; and Emma, the wife of Professor C. E. Cosand, of Wichita, Kansas.

For many years Mr. Clark was a leading member of the Friends church at Vermilion Grove and was one of the founders of the Friends Academy there. His deep interest in the religious organization with which he is connected has been manifest in helpful support and in close conformity to its teachings. His life has been an active and useful one and, although to some extent diffi- culties and obstacles have barred his path, he has made continuous and con- secutive progress and is now one of the honored residents of Georgetown, while in financial circles he enjoys an unassailable reputation.

JOSIAH RUSK.

The life record of Josiah Rusk is not only written in the terms of success but also in the terms of enterprise and honor, for while he has attained pros- perity, becoming one of the extensive landowners of this part of the state, he has also been ever mindful of his obligations to his fellowmen and his influence has ever been on the side of justice and truth.

He was born in Fountain county, Indiana, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Cook) Rusk. The Rusk family is of Irish lineage, while the Cook family comes from Baltimore, Maryland. The parents of Mr. Rusk, on removing to Ohio, settled near Franklin, now Carlisle. The father was a pioneer farmer of that locality and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until he re- moved to Fountain county, Indiana. The Rusk family was prominently rep- resented in the Union army during the Civil war by David and James Rusk, while Edward Rusk was a soldier in the Confederate ranks.

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Spending his youthful days in his native state, Josiah Rusk attended the district schools through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the crops. At length he inherited a part of the old homestead and subsequently purchased many acres more, adding to his holdings by reason of his economy and industry. His practical methods of developing his farm resulted in the harvesting of good crops annually and for his products he found a ready sale on the market. In 1889 he left Indiana and came to Hoopeston, having purchased considerable farm land in this locality. Upon his. removal here he retired from active work and leased some of his land to tenants but divided much of it among his children. He had become the owner of twelve hundred acres, constituting a very valuable property, and he also owns considerable real estate in the city. His judgment concerning the worth of property has been found most sound and his investments have brought to him a substantial return.

Mr. Rusk married Miss Miranda Brown, a daughter of Jacob and Susan Brown, the former a farmer of Jay county, Indiana. In 1910 Mr. Rusk was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in June of that year. She had gained many friends during her residence in Hoopeston, for she possessed sterling qualities of heart and mind. The children of this marriage are: Jacob B. and Mrs. Sarah S. Dempster, both now deceased; John, who is engaged in the automobile business in Hoopeston; Albert, a farmer residing in Ligonier, Indiana; Ellen, the wife of Charles B. Reynolds, of Carbondale, Illinois; and Miranda, the wife of Carl Mathis, of Spokane, Washington.

Mr. Rusk was reared in the faith of the Christian church but in 1890 be- came a member of the Christian Science church and has taken an active part in its welfare and upbuilding, contributing generously to its support. His · stalwart advocacy of the temperance cause is indicated in his allegiance to the prohibition party. He is fond of music, is a lover of home and is devoted to his friends. His record is that of a self-made man and his history is one which should serve as a source of encouragement to others, indicating what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. He has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way and by his business ability and perseverance has come into important relations with the agricul- tural interests of this section of the country.

JAMES STEELE CATHERWOOD.

A permanent resident of Hoopeston since 1882, the activities of James Steele Catherwood have contributed to the upbuilding of the city as well as to his individual success. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 12th of April, 1845, a son of James and Lydia (Tussey) Catherwood. The father was of Irish lineage. He died in 1854, but was long survived by his wife, who passed away in March, 1898. She was born in Pennsylvania, May 18, 1804, and came of German ancestry. The district schools afforded their son James

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Steele his early educational privileges and later he spent one year as a student in the Concordville (Pa.) Academy, putting aside his text-books at the age of twenty-two years to become an active factor in business circles. In early manhood he was employed for a year as clerk in a country store in Christian county, Illinois, after which he went to Kansas, residing at different times in Saline, McPherson and Ellsworth counties, where he herded cattle between the years 1869 and 1874, spending five years as a cowboy upon the open plains of the west, during which period he had many exciting experiences. There is something in that life, when the individual is thrown upon his own resources, that brings out the real nature and develops that which is substantial .and worth while.

For three years after his return from Kansas Mr. Catherwood was a travel- ing salesman and then, embarking in business on his own account, he purchased a country store in Fairfield, Howard county, Indiana, which he conducted for about two years. He then removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he opened a grocery store, of which he was proprietor for three years, removing in 1882 to' Hoopeston, where he accepted employment with his brother, A. T. Cather- wood, as bookkeeper. He thus became connected with the grain and elevator business, in which he continued until April, 1885, when he was appointed post- master of Hoopeston during President Cleveland's administration. While fill- ing that position, the duties of which he discharged most capably, promptly and efficiently, he formed a partnership with Charles A. Allen for the conduct of a brokerage and real-estate business, the business relation between them being maintained until 1890. In that year he entered into partnership relations with Dale Wallace under the firm style of Wallace & Catherwood, real-estate brokers, and has thus been connected with the business interests of Hoopeston to the present time. They incorporated under the name of the Wallace & Cather- wood Company, of which Mr. Catherwood is vice president and treasurer. He was also one of the organizers of the North Vermilion Loan & Savings Com- pany, of which he has been secretary for twenty-three years, or since its organ- ization. Success has attended his efforts as the years have passed by, his in- telligent direction of his interests resulting in the attainment of a substantial and creditable measure of prosperity. He is today the owner of a large num- ber of buildings in the city and has a half interest in a four hundred acre farm about six miles from Hoopeston.

On the 27th of December, 1877, in Hoopeston, Mr. Catherwood was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hartwell, who already was becoming recognized among publishers as a writer of promise and who afterward attained national distinction as a novelist and especially as a writer of romances having to do with the early history of the middle west. Extended mention of Mrs. Cather- wood is made on another page of this volume. They became the parents of a son, who died in infancy, and a daughter, Hazel, who was born November 7, 1884.

Two years before he attained his majority Mr. Catherwood joined the Union army, enlisting as a member of Company E., One Hundred and Forty-Fifth Illinois Infantry, in April, 1864. He served for six months with that command, being engaged on duty in Missouri most of the time. He is a prominent mem-

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ber of the Commercial Club of Hoopeston, of which he was formerly president, and he attends the Universalist church.

While business interests have made heavy demand upon his time and en- ergies. Mr. Catherwood has yet found opportunity for recreation in an annual outing among the northern lakes, where he has ample opportunity to indulge his love of fishing. He is today recognized as one of the strong and forceful business men of Hoopeston, whose initiative spirit and executive ability have found expression in the upbuilding of extensive business interests.

PROSPER LESEURE.

The name of Prosper Leseure is on the list of Danville's honored dead. He was for many years prominently connected with the business interests of the city wherein his intelligently directed effort won him substantial success. He is perhaps best remembered, however, because of his many kindly acts and his ready and generous aid to those in need of assistance. It has been said "It is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life that the blessings chieflly come which make the world better, sweeter, happier, but from the countless lowly ministries of the everydays; the little faithfulnesses that fill long years." It was the kindly acts and the word of encouragement which Mr. Leseure spoke that gave him the firm hold which he had upon the affection of his fellow towns- men.

A native of France, Prosper Laseure was born in Nancy, on the 26th of May, 1820, and his parents, Pierre and Anne Le Seure, were also natives of that place. He was ten years of age when the family crossed the Atlantic to the New World and for a brief period resided in Philadelphia. Subsequently the father took his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, and afterward to an estate in southern Indiana, where he lived the life of a country gentleman. It was on this estate that the children grew to manhood and womanhood and here they were instructed in the branches of English learning.

Amid the environment of a cultured home Prosper Leseure spent his youthful days and when yet a young man came to Danville, where he was soon joined by his brother, with whom he embarked in business under the firm style of V. & P. Leseure, conducting a large general mercantile store, which proved a profitable undertaking from the beginning. As the years passed their business in- creased and they enlarged their stock to meet the growing demands of the trade. For a long period theirs was regarded as one of the leading general stores of the time but in 1868 the partnership was dissolved and for a period Prosper Leseure engaged in no business. Later he formed a partnership with Geo. Yeomans and conducted an extensive lumber yard but eventually disposed of his interests to his son-in-law, J. G. Shedd. He also became a prominent factor in financial circles of the city, becoming one of the organizers of the State Bank of Danville, of which he was chosen vice president, con- tinuing in that position for a number of years, or until he retired from active business in 1889. In the spring of 1892 he removed to California and lived re-

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tired in Los Angeles to the time of his death, which, however, occurred in Dan- ville on the 23d of November, 1897, when he was visiting his children in this city.

Mr. Leseure was twice married and there were three children of the first union, of whom they yet survive: Helen L., who is the widow of J. G. Shedd, for many years superintendent of the Danville schools; and Oscar, a prominent surgeon of Detroit, Michigan. The wife and mother having passed away in 1858, Mr. Leseure was again married in 1863, when Miss Harriet Crane, of Danville, became his wife. The only child of this marriage is Ernest X. Le Seure, president of the Danville National Bank.

Mr. Leseure took little part in public affairs as a politician yet was never remiss in the duties of citizenship and his cooperation and aid were freely given in support of projects for the public good. In the field of charity and philanthropy, however, he was an untiring, yet most unostentatious worker. He gave freely where assistance was needed, yet there were few outside the recipients of his bounty who knew aught of his charity. He never mentioned it himself, his generosity being prompted by a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowmen and a deep sympathy for those who were suffering from an untoward fate. The Presbyterian church found him one of its most active, devoted and helpful members and his life was the exponent of his Christian belief. It was with the deepest regret the people learned of his death. Dan- ville citizens had long known and honored him and the circle of his friends here was coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

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History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 89

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 940

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940