USA > Illinois > Christian County > Past and present of Christian County, Illinois > Part 28
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JOSEPH T. LAMBERT.
Joseph Theophile Lambert is now filling the position of mayor of Assumption and is one of its most prominent and progressive citizens. As a merchant he has been actively identified with business circles here for many years, and moreover he was an occupant of the first house erected in the town, it hav- ing been built by his father. From the very beginning of the town therefore he has been a witness of its growth and has ever been deeply interested in its welfare, a fact which is evident in his progressive administration as chief executive of the city.
Mr. Lambert was born at Port Levi, Som-
erset, Canada, July 12, 1852, a son of Ben- jamin and Felicite (Deverenes) Lambert, who were also natives of Canada. The father was a carpenter and followed his trade in the employ of the Richelieu & Ontario Navigation Company. In March, 1857, he came to Christian county, Illinois, and in June of the same year his family came with a colony that made their way to Tolomo and thence to the present site of Assumption. There was nothing here at the time but the railroad warehouse and for a few days the colony were sheltered in that. Mr. Lambert, being a carpenter, erected the first house in the town and it is still standing on Sam- uel street. His wife had learned the English language in Canada but was the only one of the emigrants who could speak it. How- ever they were a resolute people who had come to this new district to make homes, and they founded an enterprising town which stands as a monument to their labors and perpetuates their memory. The father of our subject continued to follow his trade until 1860, when he removed to a farm in Assumption township and there he died in August, 1861. The mother passed away about 1889, at the age of seventy-four years. In the early days of Assumption their home was the place of entertainment for all tray- elers. All products were hauled to the Tay- lorville market, but as the years passed the pioneer conditions were replaced by those of an advanced civilization. In the family were twelve children, eight of whom reached mature years, while five are yet living, name- ly : Mrs. Bridget Ostel, of Carlinville, Illi- nois ; Davis, who is married and is foreman of a large wagon manufactory at Kankakee, Illinois ; Cassimire, who is married and lives in Donaldson, Louisiana, where he owns a large sugar plantation and is doing an exten- sive business ; and Joseph T.
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The last named pursued his education in the district schools and in the high school of Assumption, and while pursuing his edu- cation he was also employed in a store for seven months. He then entered the store of A. Cazalett as a clerk and also boarded with him and after the establishment of the firm of Cazalett & Lacharite he continued as a salesman in their establishment and assisted in the growth of the business by his loyalty to his employers' interests. In the spring of 1876 he joined a Mr. Ophir in the gro- cery business, being thus associated for eight months, at the end of which time he bought out his former employer, Mr. Lacharite, and the firm of Cazalett & Lambert continued the business until 1880, in which year the present firm of Lacharite & Lambert became owner of the store, which they have since carried on with excellent success. The store occupies two floors of a large and well lighted brick building, and they carry an extensive and well selected line of dry goods and groceries. Their trade is a paying one for their business methods are honorable and they have therefore secured an extensive patronage.
Mr. Lambert has been twice married. In 1875, in Assumption, he wedded Ann Louisa Griffith, who died in 1895, leaving two sons that are yet living. Rolland is married and is a bookkeeper in the Illinois State Bank ; and Sydney is attending school. Cora, aged twenty, and Mabel, aged seventeen years, died within four months of each other. For his second wife Mr. Lambert chose Emma A. Hoover, of Indiana, and they were mar- ried in 1897. They now have a daughter, Florence.
Mr. Lambert is recognized as a leader in public affairs here and his loyalty in citizen- ship and his progressive ideas well qualify him to take a prominent place in public life.
He served as alderman for two years, was for three years a member of the school board and in the spring of 1903 he was elected on a citizens' ticket to the office of mayor. The best element in Assumption, desiring a clean, businesslike administration, gave him its sup- port and he is now the incumbent in the highest office within the gift of his fellow citizens of Assumption and his course is one which demonstrates that he is well worthy the confidence and trust reposed in him. In national politics he is a Republican. Mr. Lambert is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Assumption and also belongs to the Fraternal Army. He is like- wise a charter member of Tecumseh Lodge, 1. O. O. F., of which he is now treasurer and he has been a representative to the grand lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America in Springfield. In all life's relations he is reliable and honorable and his salient char- acteristics are such as command respect and beget confidence in every land and clime.
GEORGE RITSCHER.
In every community there are found men who by reason of their inherent force of character, their ability, devotion to the pub- lic good and well known probity become lead- ers in public life and exert a strong and beneficial influence in public affairs. Such a man is George Ritscher, who is president of the village board of Owaneco, and is an active business man, engaged in dealing in grain and lumber.
A native of Germany, he was born on the 27th of October, 1858, and is a son of Charles and Maria Ritscher, who were also natives of that country. The father came to Taylorville, Illinois, with his family in 1874 and spent his remaining days in Chris-
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tian county, passing away in 1892. His wife's death occurred in the year 1872.
George Ritscher attended the public schools of the fatherland until thirteen years of age when he began working at the cabinet- maker's trade. He was employed in that way in Germany until 1874, when at the age of sixteen years he came with the family to the new world. He benefited by the change for he found in the business condi- tions of the growing west the opportunities he sought for advancement. After being employed at wagon-making in Taylorville for three months, he went to St. Louis, Mis- souri, where he clerked in a grocery store, remaining in that city for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Tay- lorville and secured employment in the Ritscher & Lenhart wagon and carriage shop, with which he was connected until 1884. He next located in Stonington, and joined J. W. Boyle as a dealer in farm ma- chinery, wagons and carriages, continuing the partnership until 1895, when he sold out to Mr. Boyle and came to Owaneco. Here he aided in forming the firm of Ritscher Brothers, dealers in grain and lumber, and for seven years they were associated in busi- ness, at the end of which time Mr. Ritscher purchased his brother's inerest and has since been alone in business. He makes large pur- chases and shipments of grain and also con- ducts a lumber yard, selling to local patrons, who find him a straighforward, enterprising business man, careful, watchful of his own interests, yet never taking advantage of his fellow men in any trade transaction. He is also a stockholder in The Metzger-Hill Com- pany, doing a commission business in Cin- cinnati, Ohio.
In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ritscher and Miss Sarah R. Daigh, a daugh- ter of William Daigh, one of the pioneer
residents of Christian county. They have three children, two sons and a daughter, Emmet, Neta and Herbert. They occupy a pleasant home in Owaneco, which is the property of Mr. Ritscher. He is a member of the Lutheran church, his wife of the Re- formed church. His political support is given the Republican party and upon that ticket he has been elected to several local offices. He served as town clerk of Ston- ington for five years and has been a trustee of the board of Owaneco since the incor- poration of the village, while at the present writing he is serving as its president. His aid and cooperation are never sought in vain in behalf of beneficial public measures and his influence is ever on the side of right, jusice and improvement.
ANDREW D. BALSLEY, D. V. S.
Andrew D. Balsley, who is successfully engaged in the practice of veterinary sur- gery in Morrisonville, was born in Mont- gomery county, Illinois, July 1, 1873, and is a son of John and Sarah E. Balsley, repre- sentatives of old Virginian families. On the paternal side his ancestors came from Holland, while his mother's people were of Scotch and Irish descent, though both fam- ilies were founded in this country during the early part of the seventeenth century. Our subject's father was born in Virginia and throughout his active business life was extensively engaged in farming and cattle dealing, owning and operating between five and six hundred acres of valuable farming land. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his father, who was also a tiller of the soil, reached the extreme old age of one hundred and two years.
Dr. Balsley, of this review, was reared up- on his father's farm and received his educa-
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tion in the public schools of his native coun- ty. After leaving school he began the study of veterinary surgery with Dr. Osborn, of Montgomery county, and in three years be- came thoroughly competent to practice. Since then he has devoted his entire time and attention to his profession and has met with marked success in practice wherever he has gone. In 1900 he came to Morrison- ville, where he at first met with competition but as he soon gained most of the practice he has had the entire field to himself for the past three years. His skill and ability have become widely recognized and he now re- ceives calls from twelve to eighteen miles in every direction around Morrisonville. Purchasing three lots in the city he has erected thereon a neat and substantial resi- dence and is now building a hospital stable, where he can treat all chronic diseases of horses to much better advantage than at their homes.
In 1898 Dr. Balsley was united in mar- riage to Miss Cornelia McReynolds, and to them have been born three children: Ma- rion Andrew, Milferd G., and Milton Der- ward. Socially the Doctor is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern American of Morrisonville, and during his residence in that city has made a host of warm friends.
BENJAMIN A. TURNER.
Among the native sons of Christian coun- ty who have won success and occupy an en- viable and prominent position in business circles, is Benjamin A. Turner, who is now engaged in banking at Edinburg. His salient characteristics are determination, diligence and keen sagacity and upon these he has builded his prosperity, winning high and well merited measure of success. He is a
son of John L. Turner, a highly respected citizen of Taylorville. The birth of our sub- ject occurred in Taylorville on the 23d of July, 1868, and he was educated in the pub- lic schools, continuing his studies until he was graduated in the high school with the class of 1886. He then further prepared for the practical and responsible duties of life by pursuing a commercial course in the Jacksonville Business College, in which he was graduated in 1887. On completing his studies there he came to Edinburg, where he entered the employ of George P. Harring- ton, a banker with whom he continued until Mr. Harrington's suspension of business in 1893. In April, 1894. Mr. Turner organ- ized a bank of his own in Edinburg and has since conducted it, meeting with a much greater measure of success even than he an- ticipated. He now has a very large patron- age and the bank is recognized as one of the reliable financial concerns of this part of the state. He maintains a sound con- servative policy that has won public confi- dence and at the same time his methods are progressive. He also has a half interest in the grain firm of Firey Brothers & Turner, doing a general grain business and operating an elevator at Edinburg and also one at Roby, Illinois. His property interests in- chude the bank building and the implement house of Firey Brothers on the west side. The bank proper consists of two rooms and is supplied with modern fixtures, fire proof vault, burglar proof safe and safety deposit boxes. In connection with the bank Mr. Turner has a commodious and fine resi- cence.
On the 24th of June, 1890, Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Lydia B. Swigert, a daughter of John F. Swigert, a retired farmer of Edinburg. They have three sons: Homer Amos, who was born
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June 8, 1891; Ellis Keith, born September 24, 1894; and John Benjamin, born July 26, 1898. Mr. Turner has served as town- ship school treasurer since 1894 and has been a notary public since 1890. He is a ยท member of Electric Lodge, No. 505, K. P., is connected with the Modern Woodmen and with the Fraternal Army of Loyal Ameri- cans. He is a typical American citizen, wide- awake, alert and enterprising, carrying for- ward to successful completion whatever he undertakes and making opportunity for ad- vancement if none seems to exist. Thus he is continually working his way upward and already he has attained a very creditable and enviable position in the business circles of Christian county.
GEORGE W. ADAMS.
Prominent among the business men of Moweaqua is numbered George W. Adams, who has been a resident of Christian coun- ty throughout life, his present home being just over the line from Shelby county. All his interests from boyhood have been closely associated with this locality and no man in the community is better known. He las a well established business as a dealer in wag- ons, carriages, and farm machinery and is one of the leading auctioneers in this part of the country.
Mr. Adams was born in Christian county, May II, 1858, and is a son of Hon. Joseph Adams, who was for many years one of the most prominent and distinguished citizens of this locality, his home being in Prairieton township. He was a native of Kentucky, born in 1833, and was only three years of age when brought to Christian county. Here he grew to manhood and as a life work followed farming. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called
him to public office and he served his dis- trict in the state legislature in the winter of 1881, being one of the memorable one hun- dred and one. He also occupied nearly all of the local offices within the gift of the people, serving as supervisor of Prairieton township for twenty years and as school trustee for thirty-four years. After a use- ful and well spent life he died on the Itth of February, 1903. In 1856 he married Nancy Widick.
George W. Adams received a good prac- tical education in the schools of Blooming- ton and Decatur, and when not in school gave his father the benefit of his labors dur- ing his minority. At the age of twenty-one he took charge of a part of the home farm and in connection with its cultivation en- gaged in stock-raising, carrying on that work until his removal to Moweaqua in 1892. For six years thereafter he engaged in buying and shipping stock and then embarked in his present business, as a dealer in wagons, carriages and farm machinery. He is also interested in buying and selling horses and as an auctioneer his services are often in demand. Success has attended his well di- rected efforts and besides his village prop- erty he now owns a good farm of one hun- dred and eighty acres on section II, Prairie- ton township.
On the 6th of October, 1884, Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Essie Ayers, a daughter of Martin Ayers, one of the leading business men of Moweaqua, and to them have been born three children: Glen, now a clerk in the Review office at Decatur ; Ralph and Ruth, both at home. The mother and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Adams is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. His political support is given the Demo-
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cratic party, and for four years he served as supervisor of Prairieton township. He is a man of genuine worth and stands high in the community where he has so long made his home. Those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends and no citizen of Moweaqua is more highly respected.
JOHN BOND RICKS.
The student of history does not need to carry his investigations far into the annals of Christian county ere he learns of the im- portant part which the Ricks family has taken in the improvement and development of this section of the state. In both the pa- ternal and maternal lines the Ricks family is of English origin and the ancestors of the subject of this review came to America prior to the Revolutionary war, establishing homes in the Carolinas. Richard Ricks, the paternal grandfather, was a soldier of the Revolution, valiantly espousing the cause of the colonists and rendering effective aid to- ward securing the independence of the na- tion. At a later date the family removed to Kentucky, where William Skinner Ricks, the father of John Bond Ricks, was born. He resided in that state until 1835, when he came to Christian county. Illinois, set- tling in Bear Creek township, on section 34. town1 12, range 3. west. He had purchased land there of his brother-in -. law, Thomas P. Bond. He afterward entered large tracts of land in other parts of the township and county and devoted his at- tention to agricultural pursuits for many years. He remained upon his farm until he had reached an advanced age. when he re- moved to Hillsboro, Illinois, and subsequent- ly took up his abode near Springfield, where he died on the 7th of March, 1873. He was
a very prominent and influential man in his locality, especially during the early period in the history of the county. He was largely instrumental in having Christian county set off from adjoining districts and organized, and was chosen the first sheriff of the coun- ty, after which he was re-elected for a sec- ond term. In 1844 he was called upon to represent his district in the state legislature and while a member of that body he was the roommate and intimate friend of Lyman Trumbull. His sagacity and public spirit made him the champion of many measures for the general good and he left the impress of his individuality upon much of the legis- lation of that period which has proven of material benefit to the commonwealth. He married Miss Margaret U. Bond, who died in 1865. By this marriage there were eleven children : Richard W., Martha. Elizabeth, Myra, John Bond, Quintus, Marcella, Nan- cy, William T., Margaret and Newell Doug- las, all of whom are now deceased. In 1867 Mr. Ricks wedded Edith Gibson, of Ken- tucky, and unto this union was born one child, Thrace, who is now living in Ken- tucky.
John Bond Ricks, the fifth of the family. was born in Trigg county, Kentucky, on the 4th of November, 1833. and was therefore only about a year and a half old at the time of the removal of his parents to Illinois. He attended the country schools of Christian county, receiving such instruction as they afforded at that time, and he also spent one term in the seminary in Mechanicsburg, Sangamon county. Subsequent to that time he entered the McKendree College at Leban- on, Illinois, where he pursued his studies for ' two terms. Upon his return home he en- gaged in the stock business and became the most extensive dealer and shipper in the county. He was always enterprising and
JUDGE J. B. RICKS
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CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
industrions, and his strong determination also proved a salient feature in his very suc- cessful career. He continued in business until 1873, and through his capable manage- ment and marked energy won a splendid competence.
Like his father. John Bond Ricks was in- fluential in the public affairs of the county and was honored by political preferment on various occasions. His strong mentality and marked individuality rendered him a natural leader of thought and opinion and at all times his labors were actuated by unfal- tering devotion to the general good. In 1865 he was elected sheriff of Christian county, and in the following year he was nominated by acclamation for the office of representative. In November the election was held and he was chosen for the position by a handsome majority. While a member of the general assembly he served on several important committees, including the com- mittee that was appointed to investigate the conditions of the insane asylum at Jackson- ville and all other public institutions. He was also one of the committee that accepted the site for the state house and made strenu- ous effort toward placing it in its present location. In 1868 he was elected to the of- fice of circuit clerk and in 1872 was re- elected, continuing in the position until 1876. when he retired from the office as he entered it-with the confidence and good will of all. In 1882 he again represented his county in the state legislature, being elected to the thirty-third general assembly. He took an active part in the business that was transact- ed in the council chambers of the state, and liis course was ever above suspicion, being characterized by unfaltering loyalty to the general welfare. He commanded the re- spect of the members of the legislature and at home, in the county of his adoption,
where he was best known, he inspired per- sonal friendships of unusual strength and all who knew him had the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind.
On the 24th of December, 1851, Mr. Ricks was united in marriage to Miss Docia B. Haynes, a native of Kentucky, but at the time of her marriage a resident of Sanga- mon county, Illinois. Five children were born of this union : James B., Henrietta I., Laura B., Margaret E. and Quintus A. Three of the number are still living. The wife and mother died July 19, 1888, and Mr. Ricks survived her about seven years, departing this life September 7, 1895. He is classed among those who have been active in promoting the development and molding the policy of Christian county and is now numbered among its honored dead.
James B. Ricks, the eldest son of John Bond Ricks, was born near Taylorville in Bear Creek township, December 23, 1852. At the age of twelve years he accompanied his parents on their removal to the county seat, where he attended the public schools and in the year 1869 he entered the Wesley- an University at Bloomington, Illinois, where he pursued his studies until 1872. He began the study of law with Judge Andrew Simpson and John B. Jones, attorneys of Taylorville, and after successfully passing the required examination was admitted to the bar of Illinois in June. 1874. Immedi- ately afterward he entered upon the practice of law, remaining alone until 1885, when he formed a partnership with J. C. Creighton, which relation was long continued. No dreary novitiate awaited him, for he soon demonstrated his power to handle intricate legal problems and a large and growing clientage was accorded him.
On the 23d of December, 1872, Judge Ricks was united in marriage to Miss Pam-
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PAST AND PRESENT
mie L. Gettmacher, of Bloomington. Illi- nois, and unto them were born six children, three of whom are living. AAgnes is the wife of Dr. W. H. Houser, a practicing phy- sician of Taylorville, and unto them have been born two children, of whom one is liv- ing, Byron Ricks Houser. Jesse J., who was graduated at the Taylorville township high school in June, 1897, entered the Uni- versity of Michigan in the following Sep- tember, and was graduated on the comple- tion of a literary course in the class of 1901. He then entered the law department of the same university, and was graduated in 1903. He successfully passed the Illinois state bar examination and was admitted to practice in October of that year, since which time he has resided in Chicago. Glenn A., the youngest child, is also a graduate of the Taylorville high school, having completed the course at that institution in June, 1903. In September of the same year he entered the University of Michigan, where he is at present pursuing a course in civil engineer- ing.
Judge Ricks has been active and influen- tial in community affairs and his influence has also extended to the interests of the state along political and fraternal lines. He is a distinguished member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, in Illinois served as grand chancellor in 1885 and 1886, and is now a past grand chancellor. His local membership is with Mystic Lodge No. 64, K. P., in which he has passed all of the chairs. He is also a member of the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, being affili- ated with Springfield Lodge.
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