History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 92

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 92


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John Brady, Jr., the father of John C. Brady, was born in Danville township, February 1, 1837, and the old homestead, which was his birthplace, is still in his


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possession and from its rental he derives a good income. He is now living in retirement at No. 1124 North Logan avenue, in Danville, having accumulated a handsome competence by his capable management and judicious investments. He remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here and the primitive style of living necessitated by the distance from the centers of older civilization. He acquired his education in the pioneer school which was held in one of the old time log schoolhouses with its rude benches for seats. He continued upon the old homestead until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, in July, 1862, he answered his country's call and enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty- fifth Illinois Infantry, taking part in all of the important engagements in which the company participated, including Sherman's campaign from Chat- tanooga to Atlanta and the march to the sea. After being mustered out in 1865 he returned to the old homestead and again took up the work of farm- ing, which he followed continuously until 1883, when he removed with his family to Tilton. After making his home in that village for several years he took up his abode in Danville, where he now resides.


John Brady, Jr., was married in February, 1859, to Miss Mary Conlin, a native of the state of New York, and unto them were born ten children, of whom four are now living: Margaret, John C., Charles N. and Edith. The mother was born August 1, 1839, on what is now Broadway, New York city, and there resided with her parents for several years, thence going to New Orleansy where they lived for a few years before coming to Illinois to make their home. Mrs. John Brady, Jr., has a brother and two sisters living and they have all done their part toward shaping the history of Vermilion county.


John C. Brady, whose name introduces this record, acquired a country school education and then began work in a grocery store at Tilton, Illinois. In 1892, deciding to follow commercial pursuits, he went to Lexington, Ken- tucky, where he pursued a business course in the Kentucky University. After completing his education he accepted a position as bookkeeper for Bookwalter Brothers, lumber manufacturers, of Farmer City, Kentucky, from which posi- tion he resigned to become paymaster for the Columbia Rolling Chair Com- pany, which had a concession at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chi- cago. At the close of the exposition he returned to Danville and became con- nected with the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis, Missouri, as man- ager and buyer for their general store at Mission Field, Illinois.


While living there Mr. Brady became acquainted with and married Miss Eva Estelle Speakman, the wedding being celebrated September 23, 1896. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Speakman, who resided on a farm near Danville, and her death occurred April 25, 1899. On the 10th of January, 1906, Mr. Brady was again married, the second union being with Mrs. Sadie B. Armour, of Danville, a daughter of Mrs. Lucinda Boston. She was born April 10, 1879, on a farm near Homer, Illinois, and when she was about seven years of age her parents removed to Indiana. After residing there for several years they returned to Illinois, her father, John W. Boston, dying soon after- ward. Her mother, Mrs. Lucinda Boston, is still living and makes her home most of the time with her daughter, Mrs. Brady.


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After the death of his first wife in 1899, Mr. Brady resigned his position at Mission Field to accept a position with M. W. Wright & Company, mer- chant millers of Danville, and it is with these mills that he is now employed as manager. Since becoming connected with the enterprise he has held his posi- tion under three different companies: M. W. Wright & Company; the Ameri- can Hominy Company; and the present owners, the Charles Herenden Milling Company, of Chicago. He is interested in no other business in Danville other than with the grain and milling business, devoting all of his time to this par- ticular work, in which connection he has built up an extensive trade.


At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Brady joined the Odd Fellows lodge at Tilton and has since continued his membership in this order, being now affiliated with Danville Lodge, No. 69, of which he is past grand. He is also a member of the Danville encampment of Odd Fellows and of the Daughters of Rebekah, and belongs to the Danville lodge of Elks. In 1901 Mr. Brady enlisted in Battery A of the Artillery Battalion of the Illinois National Guard, and he was later appointed commissary sergeant by Major Oscar P. Yeager, commander of the battalion, to serve on the battalion staff. On the 3d of March, 1903, Governor Richard Yates commissioned Mr. Brady as quartermaster of the Artillery Battalion, Illinois National Guard with a rank of first lieutenant; which position he still retains. He has always been a democrat but has never taken an active part in politics. He is, however, well known in military circles and is regarded as a prominent representative of the Odd Fellows Society of Danville, while in business life he has made for himself a creditable position.


E. W. CASS.


E. W. Cass, president of the Danville Lumber Company, is a worthy repre- sentative of the business interests of the city. He is one of Vermilion county's native sons, his birth occurring here, March 19, 1880, and he belongs to an old and honored pioneer family, being a grandson of James Cass, who came here at an early day from Dayton, Ohio, and by occupation was a farmer. Our subject's father, Riley Cass, was born near Fithian, this county, and de- voted his early life to agricultural pursuits, but about fourteen years ago he embarked in the lumber business in Danville as a member of the firm of Cass & Swisher. Business was carried on under that style for six years and at the end of that time the Danville Lumber Company was organized, with Riley Cass as vice president. He served in that capacity until his retirement from business in 1908, and in April of the following year he passed away. He had married Anna Matticks, a native of Danville and a daughter of Jesse Matticks, who was also one of the prominent old settlers of this region. A more ex- tended sketch of the parents appears elsewhere in this volume.


Reared under the parental roof, E. W. Cass obtained a good practiqcal educa- tion in the public schools and later was fitted for a business career by a course in the Danville Business College. Since leaving school he has devoted his en-


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tire time and attention to the lumber business and was one of the organizers of the Danville Lumber Company, of which he became president and is still filling that office. The success of the company is due in large measure to his energetic and untiring efforts, for he is a wide-awake business man, of known reliability.


Mr. Cass was married October 7, 1903, to Miss Mary Woody, a native of Homer, Illinois, who died on the 2d of December, 1909, leaving a little daugh- ter, Catherine, whose birth occurred February 5, 1907. In his social relations Mr. Cass is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Although still a young man he today occupies an enviable position in business circles and is regarded as one of the most successful and influential citizens of the community.


WILLIAM CREIGHTON.


William Creighton, a well known farmer of Middle Fork township, Ver- milion county, is numbered among the sons of pioneers and represents the third generation of a sturdy line extending from the war of the Revolution to the present time. He has been a resident of Vermilion county since his child- hood and has been a witness of many of the changes that have been wrought in Illinois and other states since the Civil war.


He was born in Cumberland, Ohio, December 4, 1859, a son of Isaac L. and C. M. (Cary) Creighton. He is a descendant of Scottish ancestry, the founder of the family in this country having arrived on these shores previous to the Revolutionary war. He came to this state with his parents when he was seven years of age and was reared on the old homestead and educated in the district schools. Under his father he gained a practical knowledge of farm- ing operations; was early taught habits of industry; and has always been a conscientious worker. By self-denial and concentration on the various duties of the farm in the course of years he accumulated property which enabled him to live in comfort. He continued at home until he was twenty-five years of age, when he began for himself by renting a farm which he conducted with good results for six years. At the end of this time he purchased the farm in Middle Fork township where he now lives, consisting of eighty acres on section 17, which he has brought to a fine state of development. He is also the owner of eighty acres on section 9 of the same township and is recognized as one of the thorough agriculturists of his region.


On March 26, 1885, Mr. Creighton was united in marriage to Miss Olive J. Warren, a native of Ross township, Vermilion county, and a daughter of William and Mary J. (Wisett) Warren, who were both natives of Indiana. She was one of a family of fourteen children, eleven of whom are now living. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Creighton, three of whom are living. Hazel, born July 24, 1889, who is a graduate of the Danville high school and is now the wife of George Furrow, of Pilot township; Harold; and Ruth.


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Mr. Creighton and his children were called upon to mourn the departure of the wife and mother, who was summond from earthly cares March 1, 1909, and was summoned from earthly cares March 1, 1909, and was laid to rest in Armstrong cemetery.


Mr. Creighton is affiliated with the democratic party but has never sought political preferment, his attention being occupied mainly by his own private affairs. He is recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists who have won their way by attention to their work and the application of sound prin- ciples which almost invariably produce gratifying results. By many years of industry he has gained the respect of his neighbors and he has the satis- faction of knowing that the farm which he has so well developed will now provide liberally and yield a handsome revenue to its fortunate owner.


GEORGE R. CATLETT.


To some men one talent is given but occasionally men are met with who have several talents and they appear to be equally successful in whatever they undertake. To the latter class belongs George R. Catlett, banker, farmer and business man of Fairmount, a native of Vermilion county, who has been mak- ing rapid strides in the financial and business world and is recognized as one of the energetic and progressive men of the county.


He was born August 23, 1864, and is a son of Hiram H. and Lorinda (Roudebush) Catlett, the former a native of Charlottesville, Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. The Catlett family is one of the well known pioneer families of Vermilion county, its progenitors being natives of Virginia, where one of the early men of the family owned the land on which the University of Vir- ginia now stands. Lawrence T. Catlett, the grandfather of our subject, was married to Sally Harmon and they lived in Charlottesville until 1828. He was educated for the law but not liking the profession after a short experience at the bar, he abandoned it for the saddler's trade. He lived at Bloomingburg, Ohio, from 1835 to 1846, but he possessed pioneer instincts and on October 18, 1846, arrived in Vermilion county with his family, where he engaged in farm- ing with a large degree of success. He died July 7, 1861, and his wife departed this life January 10, 1871. They were the parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls. He was a profoundly religious man and was noted for his generosity and unselfish life.


Hiram H. Catlett, the father of our subject, was born at Charlottesville, Virginia, October 21, 1823, and came to this county with his parents at twenty- two years of age. He and his brother Harold became highly successful as agriculturists and stock-raisers and acquired fifteen hundred acres of land, upon which there grazed a fine herd of live stock. Hiram H. Catlett departed this life in 1903' and his wife was called to her final rest April 30, 1910. Six children blessed their union. At the time of his death Mr. Catlett was the owner of six hundred acres of land in Vance township and a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Nebraska. He was a man of unusual energy


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and intelligence and by a life of fair and honorable dealing won the respect of all who knew him. He was an adherent of the Baptist church, a denomination with which the family for several generations has been identified, and in poli- tics he favored the democratic party, although he had strong prohibition tendencies. He was essentially a leader and was fearless and self-reliant in anything he undertook, but he never sought to advance his own interests at the expense of others.


George R. Catlett was reared in a well conducted home and was educated in the public schools, later matriculating in the State University of Mississippi, where he continued for two years. He completed his collegiate education at Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana, and upon leaving college devoted his at- tention to the farm. In his twenty-first year, his father recognizing the in- terest which he had displayed in various operations of agriculture and stock- raising, presented him with a farm of one hundred and six acres, to which he devoted his attention, also associating with his father for six years in an ex- tensive cattle-feeding business, handling as many as two hundred head of cattle in a year and delivering them at the highest prices. He continued in various farming operations until 1906, since which time he has made his home at Fair- mount. In 1905 Mr. Catlett purchased the interest of C. F. Iles in the bank- ing business of Iles & White, the name of the firm being changed to Catlett & White. By the application of sound and progressive methods the business of the firm has grown to handsome proportions and it is known as one of the substantial and prosperous financial concerns of eastern Illinois. In 1908 Mr. Catlett purchased a grain elevator at Fairmount, which had been the property of C. F. Crow, and he has since operated this elevator with a success that at- tends his efforts in any direction to which he devotes his attention. He is at present the owner of a well improved farm of two hundred and fifty acres north of Fairmount and the owner of a half interest in two hundred and forty acres of land south of the town, both properties being in Vance township. He also owns two residences in Fairmount and a half interest in a bank building. At the present time he is renting his farming land, as his attention is devoted mainly to the banking and grain business.


In 1890 Mr. Catlett was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Tilton, of Cat- lin, and shortly afterward his father removed to Franklin, Indiana, and he brought his bride to the old home, where they lived for five years. At the end of that time he built a residence upon his own farm and there they continued until their removal to Fairmount. Two children have been born to them: Shirley T., now attending the State University of Illinois; and Kemp R.


Mr. Catlett is identified with the democratic party but in local affairs is not confined to party lines, often voting for the man rather than the party. Some one has said that a common-school education adds one hundred per cent to a man's efficiency, a high-school education adds two hundred per cent, while a college education increases his efficiency by four hundred per cent. Judging by the success that has attended the efforts of Mr. Catlett, a college education


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may have performed an important part in his career. However, it may be said that he possesses innate elements of capacity and character that contribute largely toward success-elements of perseverance, self-reliance and good judg- ment, without which the highest talents in the world would be unavailing. Mr. Catlett is now one of the leading men of his region and unless all signs fail, the future will witness greater victories for him than he has known to the present time.


GEORGE W. PATTERSON.


George W. Patterson, who for seven years past has been engaged in the real-estate business and as an architect in Danville, is a native of Covington, In- diana, where he was born February 2, 1871. He is a son of John W. and Margaret (Isler) Patterson, also natives of Indiana. Mr. Patterson, Sr., took up his residence in Danville about 1885 and became one of the well known contractors and architects of this city. He was the builder of the Plaza Hotel and of many of the most substantial structures of Danville and is now living retired in this city. The beloved mother departed this life in 1904. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, two are now living: George W., our subject ; and Alice, who is a teacher in the Washington school in Danville.


George W. Patterson grew up under the favorable influence of a kindly home and gained his preliminary education in the public schools of Covington. At the age of fourteen years he came to this city with his parents and entered the high school from which he later was graduated. After laying aside his school books he assisted his father in the contracting business until 1898, when he secured a clerkship in the office of the war department at Washington D. C. Five years' experience at the national capital convinced him that he should seek his destiny on his own account and not as a salaried employe of the gov- ernment. Accordingly, in 1903 he gave up his position and returned to Dan- ville, entering the real-estate business. Being a man of sound judgment and of good address, he soon acquired a standing among real-estate men and to- day is at the head of one of the flourishing offices of the kind in Danville. He has met with gratifying success and as an architect he has also gained a fine reputation. He designed and erected the Odd Fellows building and many of the fine residences and business structures, showing a talent which gives bright promise for his work along this line in years to come.


On the 16th of May, 1908, Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Helen H. Schroeder, a daughter of John C. and Johanna (Person) Schroeder, the father being the owner of the Silver Moon restaurant. Mrs. Patterson was born November 19, 1889, at Blue Island, Illinois, and has been a resident of Danville since she was two years old. She received a good education in the public schools of this city. She has one sister, Edna, who was born March 20, 1898, and is now living at home. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson has been blessed by the birth of one child, Margaret, whose natal day was April 23, 1909.


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Mr. Patterson gives his political adherence to the republican party. His attention is devoted principally to his business interests, which have grown in importance under careful management and require most of his time. He is not affiliated with any club or social organization, as he is a great lover of his family and home. He is recognized as an upright, honorable man and a progressive citizen-one who is fully worthy of the confidence and respect of the entire community.


H. S. COPELAND.


H. S. Copeland, a prosperous farmer and business man of Potomac, Ver- milion county, was born on a farm within three miles of Potomac, May 18, 1862. He has grown up in this county and all his life has been actively identi- fied with its interests. He is a son of William H. and Rachel (Stearns) Cope- land. Grandfather Copeland came west from Ohio with his family, also bring- ing a flatboat loaded with salt, which he landed at Vincennes. He located in Middle Fork township, this county, and there spent the remainder of his life. William H. Copeland was a farmer, but in his later years associated with the subject of this review in the undertaking and furniture business at Potomac, under the title of W. H. Copeland & Son. In politics Mr. Copeland was a stanch republican and for years served on the board of supervisors, being a member of the board when the courthouse at Danville was built. He was an active member of the Baptist church and was known as a high-minded citizen and an industrious and capable man in everything that he undertook. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Copeland: Eli H., now of Potomac; A. Z., a farmer of Middle Fork township; George W., now in the hotel business at Garden City, Kansas; Nancy, the wife of W. H. Duncan, of Middle Fork township; Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. B. Chambers, whose husband is engaged in the real-estate business at Danville, Illinois; and H. S., the subject of this review.


Educated in the common schools and reared so as to become thoroughly familiar with all the duties pertaining to the farm, H. S. Copeland began his active career in the restaurant business in Potomac, in which he continued for one year. In 1887, being twenty-five years of age, he associated with one of his brothers in the furniture and undertaking business under the title of E. H. Copeland & Brother, but a year later the brother removed to Kansas and the father of the family took his place in the firm, the title becoming W. H. Copeland & Son, which remains unchanged to the present time. The business has prospered from the start and the store carries a fine stock of furniture, wall- paper, carpets, etc., and meets the demand of a wide region in this part of the county. Mr. Copeland is a man of large observation and experience and has applied to his business the principles that have proven in numberless instances to be successful. He years ago found that energy, application, persistence and good judgment are important elements in any successful business career and by example and precept he has made practical use of these ideas. His talents, however, are not limited entirely to commercial affairs as he has from youth


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been engaged in farm operations and is now the owner of a farm of three hundred and five acres in Middle Fork township and a handsome residence in Potomac.


On Christmas day, 1883, Mr. Copeland was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie A. Chambers, and immediately thereafter, she being in poor health, they went to Florida, where they remained during the winter. The following winter the condition of Mrs. Copeland's health required a second trip to Florida, but change of climate proved of no avail and she passed away from earthly scenes June 7, 1885. Mr. Copeland was again married, February 24, 1886, the lady of his choice being Miss Nettie Williams. Two children have been born to this union: Flossie, now the wife of Lee McCusker, who is en- gaged as a traveling salesman; and Rachel, living at home.


Mr. Copeland is of social characteristics and holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. He is not a member of any religious denomination but is a liberal supporter of the local churches. He has been an extensive traveler and has spent considerable time in the south hunting and fishing and otherwise enjoying outdoor diversions. He is a lover of birds and of the automobile and is a believer in rational enjoyment of life as one goes along "for we many not pass this way again."


JOSEPH H. BARNHART.


Joseph H. Barnhart, one of the leading lawyers and prominent citizens of Danville, was born in the city on the 27th of January, 1880, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth (Torrance) Barnhart. On the maternal side he is a repre- sentative of an old and honored family of Vermilion county, his grandparents having settled here in 1864, and they now lie buried in Danville cemetery. Our subject's father was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and in early life came to this state, later becoming a conductor on the Wabash Railroad, which position he filled for a period of fifteen years. He met his death on the 18th of November, 1875, at St. Charles, Missouri, the bridge giving way as the train was crossing it. This accident caused the death of quite a number of those on board. His remains were brought back to Danville for interment. Our subject's mother, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, is still living and continues to make her home in Dan- ville.


Joseph H. Barnhart, the only child of his parents, obtained his early education . in the public schools of Danville and after leaving the high school entered the law department of Columbia College at Washington, D. C., now known as George Washington University. He was graduated from that institution in the class of 1903 and in the same year began the practice of law in Danville, first being associated with R. Allen Stephens for about three years. He was next in partner- ship with George T. Buckingham for two years, but since then has been alone in practice, his office being in the Daniels building. He enjoys a large practice and is well versed in the principles of jurisprudence. He is a strong advocate with the jury, concise in his appeals before the court, and much of the success which




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