USA > Illinois > Christian County > Past and present of Christian County, Illinois > Part 35
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On leaving Springfield Judge Potts took up his abode in Taylorville and opening an office had not long to await a good clientele. No dreary noviate lay before him, for al- most at once he demonstrated his ability in such a way as to gain a fair share of the legal business of the district. It is said that he has as many if not more clients than any lawyer in central Illinois, and yet he has not acquired wealth as rapidly as many. The law is his profession, and while he has the laudable ambition to win success and thus provide well for his family, he is, as every true lawyer should be, the exponent of jus- tice and the conservator of the rights and liberties of the people. Many times he has been known not only to take charge of. a case in which he expected no pecuniary re- ward, but also to personally supply the costs
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for the suit. He never enters upon a case unless he has firm belief in the justice of his client's suit. and it is customary for him to advise all clients and friends of his to settle their controversies outside of court if pos- sible. AA contemporary publication in speak- ing of this characteristic of the Judge said : This was conspicuously noticeable during the late troubles at Pana. When called on by the miners for legal advice Judge Potts said : "Boys, keep out of court, if possible." And he left with them for Pana, where he addressed a large mass meeting of excited and indignant citizens, who were ready for any emergency and if left to their own in- clinations would have precipitated troubles requiring almost endless litigation and large attorney fees. The Judge saw and knew this. However, instead of talking for his own financial interest he addressed them calmly, cautiously and with such force and power as to carry them with him to a peace- able solution of the question, winning for himself a lasting place in the heart of every miner and laboring man in Illinois.
The legal ability and loyalty in citizenship of Judge Potts won him the nomination for judge of the probate court of Christian county and he was a candidate at the time of the inauguration of the Spanish-AAmeri- can war. The blood of valiant soldiers flowed in his veins and his own patriotic spirit being aroused he at once resigned the nomination, tendered his services to Gov- ernor Tanner and assisted to recruit the regi- ment commanded by Bluford Wilson. He was elected major of the first battalion, but in the meantime the central committee had determined not to accept his resignation of the nomination and although it was expected he would leave for the scene of hostilities at any moment he was elected probate judge, and served his term.
Judge Potts was united in marriage in 1895 to Miss Wilhelmina R. Grunewaldt, a daughter of Otto Grunewaldt, one of the leading business men of Springfield. The young couple have many warm friends in Taylorville and the surrounding district and he is widely and favorably known through- out the state on account of the prominent part he has taken in political circles and be- cause of his marked ability in his profes- sion. Soon after his election to the bench of the probate court he was elected the presi- dent of the Illinois County and Probate Judges' Association-a fact which indicates his standing with the profession. He is yet a young man and has attained distinction that a man of twice his years might well envy. This is due to his inherent force of character, his improvement of opportunity, his strong purpose, his unfaltering fidelity to principle and his allegiance to the public good.
HENRY C. BOLLINGER.
Henry C. Bollinger, one of the enterpris- ing farmers of Stonington township, living on section 15, is a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred fourteen miles from Baltimore in Baltimore county, on the 3Ist of July. 1857. His parents were Ephraim and Mary Ann ( Strewig) Bollinger, both of whom were natives of Maryland. The father was a millwright and carpenter and in 1869 removed to Illinois, where he was connected with building operations as a con- tractor. He also engaged in farming to some extent and he erected all of the build- ings upon the old home place. Being an excellent workman, his services were con- tinually in demand as a carpenter and he thus, provided a good living for his family. He was killed in Stonington while crossing
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the Wabash Railroad tracks by a fast train his removal to Illinois settled in Christian January 18, 1893, and his wife survived him until 1899, when she was also called to her final rest.
H. C. Bollinger began his education in the district schools of Maryland and was about twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Illinois. Here he also attended school to some extent, but through the months of summer his attention was given to farming work as he assisted his father in the operation of the homestead farm. When twenty-one years of age he started out in life on his own account, rent- ing forty acres of land. His excellent busi- ness ability and capable management won him success during the first year and so en- couraged him that in the second year he rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he operated for two years. In that time he managed to save considerable money, which he invested in eighty acres of raw land and to this at a later date he added a tract of twenty acres. This constitutes his present farm, which is a good property, well improved with modern equipments. He has erected all of the buildings upon his place, has divided the farm into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, has se- cured modern farming implements and ma- chinery in order to facilitate his work and . in fact has a place supplied with splendid ac- cessories and conveniences. His is alto- gether one of the best improved farms in this portion of the county and the owner is classed with the most progressive agricul- turists here.
On the 22d of March, 1883, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Bollinger and Miss Keziah Coffey, a daughter of Newton and Martha (Vermillion) Coffey, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father was a minister of the gospel and on
county, where he continued his pastoral work, preaching in many districts of this county. His influence was far-reaching and beneficial and proved a potent element in the moral development of the community. He died of heart trouble when on the train on his way to Iowa in 1890. His widow still survives, making her home in Iowa. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger has been blessed with four children: Mary E., born January 2, 1884: Jessie E., born December 3. 1886; Henry E., February 4, 1890; and Willis M., born October 22, 1891. All the children are still under the parental roof and their parents have every reason to be proud of them. The family are members of the Reformed church of Stonington, Illi- nois, and our subject and his wife hold a very enviable position in the regard of many friends.
FLORIN NEU.
One of the most enterprising and ener- getic business men of Pana is Florin. Neu, the senior member of the firm of F. Neu & Son, proprietors of an up-to-date grocery at the corner of Third and South Locust streets. He was born in Prussia, Germany, July 17, 1833. a son of Henry and Kath- arine Neu. in whose family were five chil- dren, those still living being Florin; Jacob, a resident of Springfield, Illinois ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Neu. Peter and Emma are de- ceased, both having died in Baltimore, Maryland, where the death of the parents also occurred.
In his native land Florin Neu grew to manhood and was educated in the public schools of Germany. For two years and a half he served in the Prussian army and be- fore coming to the new world learned the blacksmith's trade. It was in 1856 that he
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emigrated to America and made his home in Baltimore, Maryland, there working at his trade for four years. In 1860 he came to Christian county. Illinois, and settled at Pana, which was then a small village. Here lie engaged in blacksmithing for a number of years, having a shop of his own. In 1875, on his retirement from that occupa- tion, he embarked in the grocery business in a small way, but as his trade increased he enlarged his stock and in 1892 erected a substantial block, known as the Neu block, where he now does an extensive business. His son Harry has been admitted to a part- nership in the enterprise and the firm of F. Neu & Son is now numbered among the leading grocers of the city. At the age of fourteen years Harry began to aid in the store and it was not long ere he had thor- oughly mastered the business in all its de- tails.
On the 17th of March, 1868, Mr. Neu was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Ott. She was born in Baden, Germany. January 6. 1846, and was about seven years of age when, in 1853, she came to the United States with her parents, F. S. and Anna Mary ( Brecht) Ott. the trip being made on a sailing vessel. The family first located in Cincinnati, Ohio, but in 1857 came to Chris- tian county. Illinois. Mr. Ott secured a po- sition as watchman at the depot in Pana and made his home at this place until called to his final rest in 1890. His wife died in 1888. Mrs. Neu is their only child. She was educated in the first school house erected in Pana. it being located on Commercial alley. and her teacher was Miss Bull. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Neu have been born nine chil- dren, namely: Harry, who is in business with his father ; Flora, at home; Clara, who is a graduate of the Pana high school and has pursued a business course at Decatur ;
Jennie, also a high school graduate ; Lilly. who after completing the high school course attended the state normal and is now suc- cessfully engaged in teaching; Walter, who died at the age of eleven months ; Gertrude, who died at the age of six years; Caroline, who died at the age of three and a half years ; Edmond, who is now a student in the high school and is making a special study of history. The family is one of prominence in Pana, its members being widely and fa- vorably known. For about a third of a cen- tury Mr. and Mrs. Neu have resided at their present home and its hospitable doors are ever open to their many friends. They are members of the German Evangelical church and Mr. Neu is also connected with the An- cient Order of United Workmen, His suc- cess in life is due entirely to his own well directed efforts and he commands the re- spect and confidence of all with whom he is brought in contact, either in business or so- cial life.
J. H. SOLLIDAY.
J. H. Solliday, now deceased, was for long years a farmer of Christian county and through his well directed business efforts he attained success. He also gained the warm regard of the public which is ever given in recognition of an honorable, upright career. He was born in Bucks county, Pennsyl- vania, on the toth of March, 1837, and was a son of Jacob G. and Mary Solliday, who on leaving the Keystone state removed to Ohio. At a later day they became residents of Illinois, but subsequently returned to Pennsylvania, where their last days were passed.
Mr. Solliday of this review acquired his education in the public and high schools of Ohio and entered upon his business career as a bookkeeper and salesman in a store in
J. H. SOLLIDAY
-
MRS. J. H. SOLLIDAY ELIAS HOLBEN
ANGELINE GRAGG
MRS. THOMAS E. GRAGG
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Seville, that state. Later he was employed in a similar capacity in Wadsworth, Ohio. for three years. In early manhood, desiring a companion and helpmate for life's journey. he was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Holben, a daughter of Elias and Margaret Holben. Her father was born in New York and her mother's birth occurred in Pennsyl- vania. Coming to Illinois he spent his last days in this state, dying January 4, 1904. at Taylorville, and was buried in Grove City cemetery. His wife died and was buried in Ohio.
Mrs. Solliday was born in Ohio, March 27, 1840, and her marriage was celebrated on the 16th of November. 1860. In the spring of the following year the young couple started for Illinois. Eventually they reached Illiopolis, this state, from which place they had to walk to Mount Auburn. They established their home near Grove City and Mr. Solliday, during the early period of his residence in Illinois, assisted his father in paying for his farm. after which he pur- chased for himself a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in Stonington town- ship, Christian county. Later he added forty acres' more and afterward an addi- tional tract of eighty acres. When he started out upon an independent business career here he had nothing but a horse and this died not long afterward. As the years advanced, however, he prospered in his un- dertakings for he allowed no difficulty or obstacle to discourage him and worked his way upward, his industry and perseverance at length meeting gratifying success. The home farm now comprises two hundred and eighty acres of very fine land. all of which is well improved.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Solliday were born the following children : Rollen E., who was a graduate of the Gem City Business Col-
lege at Quincy, Illinois, and died at the age of twenty-three years; Victorine, who mar- ried J. D. Hackenberg in 1885 and is now living in May township, where her husband is engaged in farming and stock-raising : Ella H., who in 1893 became the wife of T. E. Gregg, the present postmaster of Ston- ington: Edson P., who died at the age of six months: Eben O., who died at the age of nine months; R. J., who was married in 1894 to May Simpson, a daughter of John Simpson of Rosamond township, and is en- gaged in buying and selling stock and man- aging the home farm near Stonington : M. H .. who is a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. Pennsyl- vania, and is now the leading physician of Owaneco, Illinois; and Angelene M., who in 1900 became the wife of Dr. W. J. Sal- ing, of Stonington.
Mr. Solliday was a Democrat in his po- litical affiliations and took a very prominent and active part in local affairs, holding many township offices. For twenty-three years he served as commissioner of his township and was in office at the time of his death. He died July 12, 1890, respected by all who knew him for his had been an honorable and upright character. Mrs. Solliday still survives her husband and she and her chil- dren are all members of the Reformed church. She owns in Stonington a nice modern residence of eight rooms situated upon a lawn covering a half block of ground. To her husband she was ever a faithful companion and assistant on life's journey and the relation which existed be- tween them was a most congenial one.
CYRUS AA. POTTS.
Cyrus A. Potts, who is engaged in the real estate business in Taylorville. has spent his entire life in Christian county. He is a
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son of George D. Potts and a grandson of Joel Potts. The latter was a native of Ken- tucky and became an early settler of Cass county, Illinois. Subsequently he removed to Christian county, settling in Taylorville township. in 1850. There he followed farm- ing until his death, which occurred in 1898. when he was about eighty-seven years of age, his birth having occurred in 1811. In early manhood he married Sarah E. Bliz- zard, who was born December 22, 1818. and died November 28. 1848. Their chil- dren were Mrs Maria E. Davis, Nathan C .. George D and Cyrus . 1.
George D. Potts was born July 17. 1845. in Cass county, Illinois, and obtained his education in Christian county. He has made farming his life work. and now resides on the old home place in Taylorville township. where he has carried on agricultural pur- suits for many years. He married Lenora A. Langley, a daughter of Robert P. Lang- ley. Her birth occurred in Taylorville town- ship. April 27, 1848. and she died on the 14th of August, 1876, leaving four children : William A., who resides at Pekin, Illinois ; Rufus M., who is an attorney of Taylor- ville : Cyrus A., of Taylorville ; and Demp- ster O., who is also practicing law in this city. The father was again married on the 18th of November, 1877, his second union being with Sarah E. Flinn, who was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, February 24. 1856, a daughter of William Flinn. Their children are Tony R. and Lineal O.
Cyrus \. Potts was born in Taylorville township, January 18, 1873. pursued his ed- ucation in the common schools of Taylor- ville township, and throughout his active business career has resided in this city. He followed abstracting and map work for about ten years and since 1900 has been en- gaged in the real estate business, handling
much valuable property, and negotiating many important real estate transfers. He has a thorough knowledge concerning prop- erty values in this part of the state, and secured a good clientage in his line, so that his business has now reached profitable pro- portions.
In 1897. Mr. Potts was united in mar- riage to Miss May Scarr, a daughter of Nicholas Scarr, of Monroeville, Indiana. and unto them have been born a son and daughter : Russell A. and Mary M. Mr. and Mrs. Potts are well known in Taylor- ville, and are held in very favorable regard. His political support is given the Democ- racy, and in matters of citizenship he seeks the welfare and promotion of town and county.
P. O. MILLER.
The subject of this sketch is a member of the well known firm of Miller Brothers, who are now conducting the only meat market in Morrisonville. It is one of the most com- plete and best equipped markets in the county. The firm do their own slaughter- . ing and kill on an average of seven or eight beeves and as many hogs per week. They have every facility for keeping the meat. having two large patented refrigerators holding six thousand pounds of ice, which will last them a week.
P. O. Miller was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, in 1865, and is the second of three brothers, whose parents were Jo- seph and Lucy Miller. His boyhood and youth were spent upon a farm until seven- teen years of age and his education was ac- quired in the common schools near his home. He then started out to make his own way in the world and was first engaged in clerking in Kansas. Later he worked in a grain ele- vator for three months, but not liking that
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state he returned to Illinois at the end of that time and has since resided in Morrison- ville. For several years he continued to make his home with his father, in the mean- time being employed at various occupations In I891 he embarked in the grocery busi- ness under the firm name of Miller & Clek- ner, but sold his interest a year and a half later and turned his attention to the grain trade, being employed in an elevator for five years. At the end of that time he ac- cepted a position as traveling salesman for machinery and met with most excellent, suc- cess in that undertaking, becoming second in amount of sales made among the many salesmen employed by the firm in this state. In 1900 he and his brother purchased the meat market of Dry Brothers at Morrison- ville and have since successfully carried on the business, their trade constantly increas- ing.
In June, 1893, Mr. Miller married Miss Jennie D. Herdman, a daughter of A. B. Herdman. Since attaining his majority he has affiliated with the Democratic party and has served as township treasurer for six years, still holding that office. No other man in the county has held a similar posi- tion for so many consecutive years. Mr Miller is president of the Opera House As- sociation and has charge of their building. He has served other associations in the same capacity and stands high in business circles.
W. M. DALBEY.
W. M. Dalbey is one of the extensive landowners of Taylorville township, having four hundred acres of land on which he raises stock for the market. To this busi- ness he has devoted his energies for a num- ber of years and his efforts have been fol- lowed with excellent results, so that he is
now one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1838, a son of Joseph and Emaline Dalbey, both of whom were natives of Vir- ginia. In the year 1826 the father removed to the Buckeye state, where both he and his wife remained until called to the home be- yond, when well advanced in years.
Mr. Dalbey, of this review, was reared in the state of his nativity and to its public school system he is indebted for the educa- tional privileges he received. He owes to his parents good training in habits of life that tend to make an upright character. In the fall of 1862 he came to Illinois, whither his brothers had preceded him. He had been a student in the district schools of Ohio until fourteen years of age and after that he gave his attention to the cattle business, buy- ing and selling stock in his native state until his removal to the west. Here he again fol- lowed this pursuit until twenty-nine years of age, when feeling that his education was not sufficient to enable him to take the place he desired in the business world he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in which he spent three years as a sttt- dent. While there he became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. On com- pleting his college work he returned to this state, where he again took up the cattle busi- - ness. Throughout his career as an active factor in agricultural circles, he has raised stock for the market and has found this a profitable source of income, because he is an excellent judge of stock and is therefore enabled to make judicious purchases and good sales. In 1872 he rented a farm in the western part of the county and continued to reside thereon until 1883, when he re- moved to his present home, where he now owns four hundred acres.
In 1875 Mr. Dalbey was united in mar-
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riage to Miss Mary Hall, who was born on the farm where they now reside. She is a daughter of Dixon Hall, who emigrated from Virginia to Christian county, Illinois. in 1835. She is also a niece of William Hall, popularly known as Uncle Billy, who was one of the earliest settlers of this por- tion of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dal- bey have been born five children : Loraine. who is a graduate of the Taylorville high school and has also been a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, is now in Chicago at- tending the Bible Training School for Mis- sions. Dwight S., who is living in Jersey- ville, Illinois, was graduated with the de- gree of Bachelor of Arts from the Illinois State University in 1902, and for one year he was a teacher in that institution. On December 23. 1903, he married Miss Vir- ginia Lewis, of Jerseyville. Mabel Hall, a graduate of the Taylorville high school, is now a freshman in the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- versity. William E. is a member of the Taylorville high school with the class of 1906. Louise, the youngest of the family. is a member of the class of 1904 in the same school.
Mr. Dalbey is an ardent advocate of the Prohibition party and its principles and does everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, but is not actively connected with the order at the present time. He is, however, an inter- ested member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his work in its behalf has been effective and beneficial. His life has long been imbued with high moral principles. which are manifested in his straightforward relations with his fellow men.
JAMES REUBEN HARRINGTON.
James Reuben Harrington, who is pro- prietor of the Electric Light & Steam Heat- ing Plant in Edinburg, one of the leading industries of the county, was born in Taylor- ville, Illinois, on the 6th of September, 1877. His father, George P. Harrington, was born in Rushville, Illinois, on the 16th of August, 1849, and when but four or five years of age removed with his parents to California where the family lived for about five years. On the expiration of that period they re- turned to Rushville and Mr. Harrington was a resident of the city of his nativity and of Lincoln, Illinois, until about the time of his marriage. He pursued his early edu- cation in the public school and later was graduated from the Lincoln University. He then entered upon a business career as a clerk in a drug store, in which he was em- ployed for about one year. On the expira- tion of that period he entered the office of the firm of Price & Wilkinson, who were engaged in the milling business in Taylor- ville, and remained with that house for about five years. In 1877 he removed to Edin- burg, where he turned his attention to the grain and banking business, in which he was engaged until overtaken by financial dis- aster in 1893. While residing in Edinburg he opened the coal shaft at the town, built the opera house, erected several other brick buildings and was largely instrumental in advancing the material upbuilding and prog- ress of his county. Prior to his failure he had interests in mining ventures ir Arizona. In 1893 he went to that state and operated his mines for some time. He has since set- tled his obligations in Edinburg and else- where. He is a man of strong character and upright purpose and enjoys the respect of his fellow-men to a high degree. He was married in early manhood to Miss
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