USA > Illinois > Christian County > Past and present of Christian County, Illinois > Part 27
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PAST AND PRESENT
GEORGE V. PENWELL.
For many years George W. Penwell made his home in Pana and was prominently identified with her upbuikling and prosper- ity. especially along commercial and indus- trial lines. He is a man of superior busi- ness ability and sound judgment and has won that prosperity which is the merited reward of honorable effort. As a citizen he was always thoroughly interested in what- ever tended to promote the welfare of the community in which he resided.
Mr. Penwell was born in Laporte, In- diana, on the 6th of February, 1846, and came to Pana in January, 1869. He was first clerk and afterward manager of a store owned by Kleeman Goldstein of Shelbyville, Illinois, and in 1870, in partnership with Benjamin Goldstein, purchased the branch store belonging to his employer at Pana. The firm finally became George V. Penwell & Sons and so exists to-day. As his finan- cial resources increased Mr. Penwell extend- ed his efforts to various fields of business, all of which he successfully operated. In connection with Messrs. Kitchell & Over- holt he organized a coal mining company and sunk a shaft to the coal vein in March, 1888. In December of the same year he bought the interests of his associates in this enterprise and called the property the Penwell mine, under which name it has since been worked. His sons becoming interested in the busi- ness the company was incorporated on the 4th of January, 1904, as the Penwell Coal Mining Company with the following of- ficers : George V. Penwell, president ; Claude T. Penwell, vice president ; and War- ren Penwell, secretary and treasurer.
In 1893 Mr. Penwell of this review re- moved to Chicago and from that point has since superintended his invested interests, which have become extensive and valuable.
He assisted in organizing the Citizen's Building & Loan Association of Pana, of which he was treasurer for sixteen years. He is still connected with the store of George V. Penwell & Sons at Pana and the Penwell & Klar Mercantile Company, of Hillsboro, Illinois, and is also interested in iron mining in Michigan.
On May 21, 1867, Mr. Penwell was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Warren and to them were born four children, of whom three are still living, namely: Warren, whose sketch follows this, is the oldest. Orville E., who married Eva Brown, is manager of the store of George V. Penwell & Sons at Pana, is treasurer of the Citizens' Building & Loan Association of the same place, and a director of the Penwell & Klar Mercantile Company of Hillsboro. Max H .. who married Florence Perryman and has two children, Bruce and Kenneth, is con- nected with the store at Pana, being a mem- ber of the firm. Mrs. Isabel Warren Pen- well died March 31, 1873, and Mr. Penwell was married in May. 1874, to Myra Tutt, by whom he had one son, Claude Tutt Pen- well, now superintendent of the mines at Pana.
Mr. Penwell is a self-made man. He came to Pana practically empty-handed and has been one of the leading factors in the upbuilding of the town, controlling business enterprises of magnitude that have largely promoted public prosperity as well as ad- vanced his individual success. His business methods have been straightforward and his wealth has been won through the utiliza- tion of opportunities and through the exer- cise of his native talents and acquired abil- ity. He has always given his political sup- port to the Republican party but has never consented to hold office, save that of presi- dent of the school board.
Gebenwell
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WARREN PENWELL.
Warren Penwell, a coal operator living in Pana, is managing important and extensive business interests which are of value to the community as well as to the owners because of their promotion of commercial and in- dustrial activity, whereon the prosperity of any town or city depends. The name of Penwell has long figured prominently in the trade annals of this part of the state and because of his active connection with vari- ous important enterprises Warren Penwell has become a leading citizen of Christian county.
A native son of Pana, he was born Feb- ruary 6, 1869, a son of George V. and Isabel (Warren) Penwell. He acquired his early education in the schools of Pana and pur- sued a business course in Springfield, Illi- nois, after which he matriculated in Black- burn University, at Carlinville, this state, therein continuing his studies for one year. Upon his return to Pana he entered his fath- er's office in April, 1889, and has since been connected with the coal mining interests. When his father removed to Chicago he took charge of the mine and has since been its manager in connection with his brother, Claude T. The business has been incor- porated under the firm style of the Penwell Coal Mining Company with George V. Pen- well as president : Claude T. Penwell, vice- - president and superintendent of the mine; and Warren Penwell, secretary and treas- urer. Our subject also has charge of the office. Three hundred men are now given employment in the mines. There is a large annual output, in connection with which much business has to be transacted in plac- ing the product on the market.
Mr. Penwell is a young man of resource- ful business ability and in addition to his mining operations he is now the president
of the Paddock Lumber Company; one of the directors of the Pana Building & Loan Association; is treasurer of the Pana & Christian County Telephone Company; and is also treasurer of the Pana Fair Associa- tion.
On the 14th of June, 1898, Mr. Penwell was united in marriage to Miss Lora Hay- ward, a daughter of J. A. Hayward. She was reared and educated in Pana and at Mrs. May Wright Sewall's school, Indi- anapolis, Indiana, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Isabel and Ione Hayward. Mrs. Penwell is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Pen- well is connected with the Modern Wood- men Camp and the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Pana. In politics he is a Repub- lican, giving an unfaltering support to the principles of the party, and he has filled some local offices, having served as city treasurer from 1893 until 1895 and as mayor of Pana from 1897 until 1899. During his adminis- tration and through his efforts the first brick street-paving was done. In business circles he occupies an enviable position, not only on account of the success he has achieved, but also because of the honorable straightfor- ward business policy he has ever followed. It is true that he entered upon a business al- ready established but in controlling and en- larging this he has displayed excellent ex- ecutive force and keen discernment and his policy is such as neither seeks nor requires disguise.
B. F. WINTERS.
B. F. Winters has spent his entire life in Christian county and is now actively en- gaged in merchandising in Stonington as proprietor of a grocery and hardware store. While there have been no exciting chapters
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in his history there are lessons which will appeal to the man who recognizes the force of energy, industry and integrity in the af- fairs of life, for it has been due to these ele- ments in his character that Mr. Winters has won his success and become one of the lead- ing representatives of the business circles of his adopted city.
Mr. Winters was born April 14. 1860, in Taylorville and is a son of Benjamin and Jane Winters. His father, a native of Penn- sylvania, was born on the 8th of January, 1822, and died on the 5th of November. 1870, in the city of Taylorville. He arrived in Christian county in 1858 and established the Independent Press, which was one of the first newspapers ever published in Christian county. This he conducted until his death. The printing press used was the one on which the first edition of the Missouri Re- public was printed and which would to-day be worth a great deal of money because of its historic value, had it been preserved, but Mr. Winters, of this review, assisted in cut- ting it up for kindling wood when it was re- placed by a more modern machine. Bėnja- min Winters was very active in all public affairs, promoting the welfare of the county along material, intellectual and moral lines and to the Democratic party he gave an un- faltering support. In his famly were three daughters, two of whom reside in Christian county.
B. F. Winters, the only son of the house- hold, obtained his preliminary education in the schools of Taylorville and started out to make his own way in the world at the age of thirteen. He wa's first employed upon a farm and in 1881 he came to Stonington, where he secured a position in connection with the elevator, spending two and a half years in this way. For eight years he worked in a drug store and then, resuming
agricultural pursuits, was engaged in the operation of a rented farm near Stonington for three years. On the expiration of that period he embarked in business on his own account, having acquired the necessary capi- tal through untiring labor and careful man- agement. He opened a grocery and hard- ware store in the building now occupied by the Slaughter store and in 1899 he pur- chased the building in which he is now con- ducting his enterprise, carrying a large and well selected stock of groceries, queensware and hardware. He has made a close study of the demands of the public and by reason of his earnest desire to please his patrons and his honorable dealing he has secured a very liberal and gratifying patronage. In addition to his store he owns some land in Stonington and recently he has purchased eighty acres of land in Kansas.
In March. 1884, was celebrated the mar- riage of B. F. Winters and Miss Mary E. Emerson, a daughter of Richard Emerson, an early settler of Christian county who in pioneer times entered land near Stonington from the government. Unto him and his wife have been born two children : Earl E., who is now a student in the high school of Taylorville; and Ethel, who is also pursuing her education here. Mr. Winters and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and in social circles occupy an en- viable position. Recently he has erected a fine residence of nine rooms on the main street of the town. It is heated by furnace, supplied with a bath room and is modern in every particular, and not the least of the charms of this home is its gracious and free- hearted hospitality. Mr. Winters' views upon the temperance question have led him to give an earnest support to the Prohibition party. He has served as tax collector and has been a member of the town board of
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CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Stonington. In public affairs he is pro- gressive, desiring the substantial upbuilding of the city along beneficial lines and has been a co-operant factor in many measures result- ing in the public good. He represents one of the old and honored pioneer families of Christian county and in this section of the state, where his entire life has been passed, he is known as a man of firm purpose, of unquestioned integrity and of marked strength of character.
PROFESSOR W. E. ANDREWS.
The name of Professor W. E. Andrews, of Taylorville, is well known in educational circles throughout the state and all who are acquainted with his work or have listened to his clear, practical and progressive ideas as advanced before county and state educa- tional associations, speak of him in terms of highest praise. He is indeed an active fac- tor in intellectual development in Christian county and Illinois. In the city where he makes his home and where his social nature is best known, he is a most popular gentle- man; the circle of his friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaint- ances.
studies, his genial nature rendered him a favorite with his fellow students. He dis- played special aptitude in mathematical work and because of this was chosen in 1884 by the board of trustees of his alma mater as assistant instructor in mathematics. For three years he engaged in teaching higher mathematics, analytical and descriptive geometry and differential and integral cal- culus. He also had charge of classes in bot- any, Cicero De Amicitia and De Senectute and Horace. In 1887 he was chosen to fill the chair of natural science as the successor of one who had occupied it for eigliteen years. Professor Andrews was then a young man of twenty-four years, but he dis- charged the duties of the new position with marked capability and occupied that chair for ten years. In 1888, because of advanced study and work in connection with his spe- cialties, he was awarded the degree of Mas- ter of Arts.
In 1894 a shrinkage in the endowment of the college made it necessary to decrease the salaries proportionately, so Professor An- drews accepted the principalship of the township high school of Taylorville. A contemporary publication, in speaking of this step in his life, said : "He was induced to accept this position because of his convic- tion that this school presents a great oppor- tunity to one who seeks a useful career." Under his principalship the corps of teach- ers has been strengthened, the enrollment continually increased, absence and tardiness reduced to a minimum, and the school has been accepted as a preparatory school by the leading state universities and the best col- leges. In addition to a large working library in natural science Professor Andrews has an extensive equipment of scientific appa- ratus and appliances and a large collection
Professor Andrews is a native of Macou- pin county, Illinois, and his early education was acquired in its public schools. This was supplemented by a study in an academy at Brighton, Illinois. There he was fortunate in being under the instruction of a learned and capable educator, who was a graduate of Dartmouth College and a former prin- cipal of the schools of Lynn, Massachusetts. His collegiate work was done in Blackburn University, from which institution he was graduated with the class of '84. He was honored with the presidency of the class and while he made marked advance in his of plants and birds. He has done much
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original investigation in the physical sci- ences and was among the first in the state to repeat Roentgen's experiments with the X-rays. In the midst of busy summers of research and study, he has twice pursued post-graduate work in Harvard University. At his first examination for a state teacher's certificate he was awarded the life certificate in Illinois. He has held a license as con- ductor of teachers' institutes in this state under the last three state superintendents, and for the past fifteen years has done most able work in different county institutes. He enrolled in the non-resident graduate depart- ment of the Illinois Wesleyan University, and in 1899, having passed the required ex- aminations, the degree of Doctor of Philos- ophy was conferred upon him. He has fre- quently contributed valuable papers to the teachers' association in Springfield and also to the Central Illinois Teachers' Association. His experience as a teacher, though extend- ing over a number of years, has embraced connection with but two schools, a fact which stands in incontrovertible evidence of his marked ability and the appreciation of his services by the public. He is a man of scholarly attainments, wide research and broad humanitarian principles. He always regards his work as worthy his best efforts. He will always be a student and is now an active member of the St. Louis Academy of Science, the National Educational Asso- ciation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Professor Andrews was married in 1887 to Miss Alberta Taggart, of Carlinville, Illi- nois, and they have two children: Virginia, a high school student; and Alberta, who is attending the graded schools. Mrs. An- drews is a member of the Woman's Club of Taylorville and is chairman of the educa- tional department. She is also a director of
the new Carnegie Library. Professor An- drews is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter of Taylorville. In the Presbyterian church he is serving as elder and for several years has been Sunday- school superintendent.
JOHN WHEELER BROWN.
J. Wheeler Brown was born in North Stonington, Connecticut, September 17. 1838, being the oldest of three children. His father, John Denison Brown, was born in North Stonington, March 23, 1809, and was the oldest son of John and Sally (Denison) Brown. His ancestry, however, traces back to Lady Ann Bordell, a member of the Eng- lish nobility, who took quite a prominent part in the early settlement of this country. After arriving at years of maturity the father of 'our subject was joined in wedlock to Mary Ann Wheeler, who was the third in a family of twelve children born to Peres and Desire (Wheeler) Wheeler. Tine mother of our subject traced her ancestry back thirty-five generations through God- frey I; Henry II; Lambert of Lorain I; Charles, Duke of Lorain; Louis III, King of France; Charles III, King of France; Louis II, King of France; Charles II, King of France; Louis I, King of France ; to Em- peror Charlemagne, born in 742, A. D. The Wheelers were also connected with the Grant family, of whom General U. S. Grant was the most illustrious member. The Grants, Wheelers, Denisons and Browns were represented in the Revolutionary war.
In 1839 John Denison Brown came to Christian county and located on a farm in Stonington township which now belongs to his son J. Wheeler. Upon that place two daughters were born: Mrs. Mary Desire Forrester, who is the mother of James II.
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Forrester, now county judge, and Mrs. Dr. Mally, of Galesburg; and Mrs. Sally Ann Mulberry, who died, leaving three chil- dren : Mrs. N. D. Bond, Grace Pearl Mulberry and Frank B. Mulberry, who is now connected with J. W. Brown & Com- pany's bank at Mount Auburn. When thir- ty-two years of age John D. Brown, together with his wife, united with the Baptist church at Stonington, Illinois, and seven years later was chosen one of its deacons, in which capacity he acted until his death in 1879. He was active to the last in anything that concerned the church and its welfare. His first wife died in 1854 and two years later he married Miss N. C. Wentworth, sister of Erastus Wentworth, a missionary to China and for several years editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, published by the Methodisi Book Concern at Cincinnati. She died in 1870 and after the marriage of his daughter Sally and the death of his mother in 1877, Mr. Brown then made his home with our subject until he, too, was called away in 1879.
J. Wheeler Brown had but limited educa- tional advantages during his youth, attend- ing school only three months cach year. His first teacher was the late Judge William Hammer, who died in Decatur a few years ago, and under his instruction Mr. Brown pursued his primary studies during the win- ter of 1843-4. His best mental training, however, was received continuously from his father, who was a well educated man, taking an active interest in educational affairs, and who, in connection with Judge William S. Fink of Taylorville, was instrumental in se- curing the services of two teachers from the school of Governor Slade, of Massachusetts, Miss Burnham teaching in Stonington and Miss Holland in Taylorville for one year. Mr. Brown grew up much as other boys in
a new country, working on his father's farm and going from home but little and then only to the nearest towns. He never went any farther than Springfield until nearly grown.
On the 30th of September, 1862, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Re- becca T. Catherwood, a daughter of Joseph and Lydia Catherwood and one of a family of ten children. Four of the number, Cath- erine, Joseph, Allen and Mrs. Brown, are now deceased, the living being John, Will- iam T., Mrs. Eliza J. Bonnel, J. Steele, Lyd- ia A. and Mrs. H. Emma Powell. Mrs. Brown was born in Union county, Ohio, and when quite young removed with her parents to Guernsey county, that state, where her father died. The family afterward removed to Shelby county, Illinois, in 1857, and two years later came to Stonington, Christian county.
For twenty-eight years after they were married Mr. and Mrs. Brown lived on their farm and the old homestead which his father purchased in 1839. In September, 1890, they removed to Normal, Illinois, where they spent two years, in order that the two younger children might attend the State Normal School, the two oldest having mar- ried previous to this. On the Ist of Au- gust, 1892, they became residents of Mowe- aqua, Shelby county, and in connection with the late D. P. Keller and William C. Miller. now of Decatur, Mr. Brown established the Commercial Bank, under the firm style of Miller, Brown & Keller. This institution opened its doors for business on the 2nd of December, 1892. Mr. Brown remained in Moweaqua until the Ist of May, 1896, when he came back to Blue Mound, having in con- nection with Ralph Ayers purchased the bank of J. M. Brownback & Company. About the Ist of May, 1900, he purchased his partner's interest in the bank at Blue
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Mound, and in turn sold his interest in the Commercial Bank at Moweaqua. Ile then transferred one-third of the Blue Mound bank to his son, John Arthur Brown, and the present firm of J. W. Brown & Company was established.
After the removal of the family to Blue Mound, Mr. Brown was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 2d of October, 1896, and was laid to rest in the old Stonington cemetery. Her mother, Mrs. Lydia Catherwood, died the follow- ing spring in Taylorville. She was noted for her strong religious character and up- right life. In the fall of 1867 Mrs. Brown was converted and immediately united with the Nebraska Schoolhouse Class, which at that time was an auxiliary of the Methodist Episcopal church of Moweaqua. In 1890 she transferred her membership to the church at Normal, and after the removal of the family to Moweaqua she joined the Methodist church at that place, remaining a consistent member there until her death. She took great pleasure in aiding in the work of the church to which she and her husband belonged, being especially active in the Ladies' Missionary Society, and as long as health permitted she faithfully at- tended church and worshiped at all its serv- ices. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother and her loss was very deeply felt, not only by her immediate family but by many friends throughout the county.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Mary Ann. the eldest, is now Mrs. J. Riley Anderson, and is the mother of eleven children, seven of whom are living. They reside on Mr. Anderson's farm one mile south of Taylorville, where they carry on farming on scientific principles with much pleasure and profit. As soon as qualified their children enter the high school of Tay-
lorville, where Ralph, the eldest, will gradu- ate in 1904. L. Grace, our subject's second daughter, is the wife of O. E. Briggs, who lives three miles east of Stonington in Prair- ieton township, and to them have been born five children, but one is now deceased. Mrs. Briggs has always lived in the same neigh- borhood and is a member of the old Stoning- ton Baptist church. S. Agnes is now keep- ing house for her father. She attended the Normal School for four years, and at one time held a position in the Commercial Bank of Moweaqua. She has spent much time in travel, visiting all parts of the United States, and is a member of the Eastern Star, the Daughters of the American Revolution and contemplates joining the Descendants of the Mayflower. John Arthur, our subject's only son, married Miss Cora Hubbard, of Evans- ton, Illinois, and they have one son, Tom Hubbard Brown. He is the junior mem- ber of the banking firm of J. W. Brown & Company, of Blue Mound, and also of Mount Auburn, where they have a bank, Carl D. Miller being a member of the firm and cashier, assisted by Frank B. Mulberry, a nephew of our subject. the only son of his youngest sister.
The bank of J. W. Brown & Company at Mount Auburn have new quarters, occupy- ing a fine two-story building of red pressed brick, which was built in the summer and fall of 1903, and is a credit to the town. Mr. Brown has always given his political support to the Republican party, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has held nor sought no office save township positions. While living upon his farm he was called upon by his fellow citizens to serve in a num- ber of local offices, was supervisor, assessor and justice of the peace. He also served as school director for seventeen years. In May, 1845, he became one of the charter
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members of the Sunday-school organized at Old Stonington-the first Sunday-school formed in Christian county. In November, 1850, he united with the Baptist church at that place and has held membership there- with continuously since. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason. In his business life he has prospered and in connection with his banking interests in Blue Mound and Mount Auburn he still owns six hundred acres of land in Prairieton township, Christian coun- ty-the old homestead,-and also six hun- dred acres in Stoddard county, Missouri. He was only about a year old when the fam- ily came to Illinois, and in this portion of the state he has spent almost his entire life. He is therefore well known to its citizens, and his history has been such as to win for him many friends, especially among the older people who were early settlers of this great fertile county, more dear to them per- haps for the remembrances of the priva- tions of its earlier days before roads, fences, tile ditches and the many advantages that have since sprung into existence were known.
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