USA > Illinois > Christian County > Past and present of Christian County, Illinois > Part 46
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views and social life in his community. lu whatever relation we find him he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly extended him.
HARRY TRAVIS.
Harry Travis, who is now successfully engaged in general farming on section 12. Locust township, was born in Decatur, Illi- nois, on the 21st of June, 1859, his parents being Presley and Jane Travis, the former a native of this state and the latter of Ten- nessee. In 1870 the father brought his fam- ily to Christian county, but is now living a retired life in the village of Niantic, Macon county, Illinois. He was born in 1827.
Much of the boyhood of our subject was passed in the city of his birth and to its public schools he is indebted for the educa- uon which he enjoyed. At the age of sev- enteen years he commenced working on a farm by the month and was thus employed until he reached the age of twenty-six. when he bought forty acres of land in Mosquito township, which together with the forty acres owned by his wife made a good farm of eighty acres. This he successfully oper- ated until 1901, when he sold the place and removed to his present farm, which is a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He has re- cently erected a nice modern five-room cot- tage and has otherwise improved his prop- erty, making it a very desirable farm. It is pleasantly located about three and three- quarters miles northeast of Owaneco.
Desiring a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Travis chose Miss Ida M. Pollard, a daughter of George F. Pollard, who was a native of Harrison county, Ken- tucky, and their marriage, which was cele- brated in 1885, has been blessed by five chil-
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dren: Fred, Robb. Madge, Irene and Lena Mae. The family hold membership in the Church of Christ and stand high socially in the community where they reside. In his social relations Mr. Travis is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Owan- eco and in politics is identified with the Democratic party.
A. N. WARNER.
.A. N. Warner, one of the honored early settlers of Rosamond township, where he is now engaged in farming on section 25, was born October 27. 1843, in Hinsdale, Berk- shire county. Massachusetts, his parents being Benjamin E. and Rebecca (Parsons) Warner, natives of Connecticut and Massa- chusetts, respectively. He traces his ances- try back to Seth Warner, of Revolutionary times. The father of our subject was born June 20, 1810, and was reared on a farm but later learned the cabinetmaker's trade and engaged in that business at Hinsdale, Massachusetts for several years. Deciding to come west he removed to Christian county, Illinois, in 1856 and settled on a farm in Rosamond township, erecting one of the first houses in that locality, it being now the property of H. Graham. Here his wife died in 1865, but he is still living, being now over ninety-three years of age, and makes his home with his son, Charles B. Warner, in Vermont. In his family were six children, three sons and three daughters, and the sons all reached maturity.
The first thirteen years of his life A. N. Warner spent on a farm in his native county and in the schools of Hinsdale he began his education. In 1856 he accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Christian county. Illinois, and here grew to manhood, making
his home in Rosamond township ever since. He was married at Rosemond, September 20. 1865, to Miss Caroline Keep, a native of Illinois, and to them have been born six chil- (Iren, those still living being Nelson, who married Miss MeDonald and lives in Bur- lington, Vermont ; Mary, now a trained nurse of that city: Earl, at home with his parents : Charles Benjamin, who is married and also lives in Vermont ; and Clara N., at home.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. War- ner began farming on his own account and from 1865 to 1870 had charge of the home farm belonging to his father. He is now living on section 25, Rosamond township. and is successfully engaged in general farm- ing. During his long residence in this county he has become widely and favorably known and has made many warm friends who esteem him highly for his genuine worth.
JOSEPH DE WOLF.
Joseph De Wolf, proprietor of a general store in Assumption, was born in Delaware county. Ohio. November 7. 1843, his par- ents being Chauncey and Elizabeth ( Rhoades) De Wolf. The father, who was born in Waybrook, Massachusetts, in 1800, died in 1877. at the age of seventy-seven years, and the mother, who was born in Woodstock. Virginia. in 1819, died in 1895. at the age of seventy-five years. His ances- tors first located in New York and later mingled with the Puritan stock of Massa- chusetts. Mr. De Wolf was a farmer by occupation and on the old homestead reared his family of thirteen children. Nine of the number reached years of maturity and seven are now living.
Joseph De Wolf. the fourth in order of
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birth, pursued his education in the public schools of Ohio, where he won a scholar- ship entitling him to a course in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College. This he attended and was thereby fitted for the prac- tical and responsible duties of a business career. In early life he became imbued with the desire to enter mercantile affairs and never lost sight of that object. After enter- ing upon his business career he traveled throughout western Ohio as a representa- tive of a mercantile house. Later, however. he was employed as rodman with a survey- ing party and for two years was connected with civil engineering in the extension of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He re- mained with that corporation until the completion of its line and was an expert employe, although he never pursued a course of study in engineering. He worked under General Deitzler, with headquarters at Law- rence, Kansas. He was afterward con- nected with the Northwestern Railroad Company under Major Howe until 1871, the year of the great Chicago fire. In that year he came to Illinois on a visit and was so well pleased with the city of Assumption and its future prospects that he resolved to make his home in this city.
In the meantime, however, Mr. De Wolf had had considerable military as well as his surveying experience. For eighteen months he was a member of the Ohio State Militia and in August, 1862, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in response to his country's need as a member of Company H. Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain D. H. Straub, and for seventeen months he was with that command. With his regiment he participated in all the en- gagements around Petersburg. The first battle in which he took part was that of the Wilderness and he was under fire almost
continuously for twenty-one days. He took part in sixteen different battles and skir- mishes and after the close of the war re- ceived an honorable discharge on the 21st of July. 1865.
After coming to Assumption in 1872 Mr. De Wolf became the owner of a farm in this portion of the state, but his life has been largely devoted to mercantile interests. He was, however, an insurance adjuster for the Home Insurance Company of New York for eight years. On the Ist of August. 1894, his present business was established. He was at first located in a one-story frame building, where he began dealing in flour and feed. From this modest beginning he has extended his field of labor, branching out in other directions from time to time until he has to-day one of the popular mer- cantile establishments of Assumption. His place of business is known as the A. T. C. store, in which he carries a select stock of staple and fancy groceries, queensware, no- tions and men's furnishing goods. He em- ploys Frank M. Gandy as manager of this establishment. From time to time he moved his place of business northward and thus for- tunately escaped the great fires which at different times have largely devastated the business district further south. For six years he has been in his present location, occupying a large brick building. In addi- tion to this he owns two stores on Second South street, where he deals in feed. produce and poultry. This is an important and prof- itable branch of his business. He buys large quantities of the country produce, packing and shipping the same and thus furnishing an excellent market for the farmers, while at the same time the enterprise is proving a good source of remuneration to him.
At Towerhill, Shelby county, Illinois, Mr. De Wolf was united in marriage to
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Miss Louisa Wolf, a daughter of Peter Wolf. of Page county, lowa. She was born in Greene county, Indiana, and by her mar- riage has become the mother of two daugh- ters, Lillie, who is now residing in Los An- geles. California : and AAllie, who died when about seventeen years of age.
Mr. De Wolf owns town property, incluid- ing his pleasant residence on Samuel street near St. Mary's church. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and for nine- teen years has been a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political support to the Prohibition party, two facts in his rec- ord which indicate an honorable. upright and temperate life. He has served as justice of the peace for eight years, has been asses- sor of Assumption township for three years and notary public for twenty years. At the outset of his career he had no special family or pecuniary advantages to assist him, but the strength of his character was manifest in his strong determination, close attention to his business duties and his earnest and laudable desire for advancement. Gradually he has progressed and the prosperity which should ever crown honorable. persistent ef- fort is to-day his.
CORNELIUS DRAKE.
In financial circles Cornelius Drake is well known as a man of utmost reliability as well as of business activity. He was born October 23. 1854, in Wadsworth, Ohio, a son of Hiram H. and Margaret E. Drake. His father, a native of Pennsyl- vania. learned the blacksmith's trade in early life in the place of his nativity and afterward removed to Ohio, where he con- tinned to reside until 1877, when he came
to Illinois. He then turned his attention to farming, settling near Grove City, where he owned and operated eighty acres of land. continuing its cultivation until his life's la- bors were ended in death in March. 1898.
Cornelius Drake pursued his early edu- cation in the public schools and was after- ward a student in the Mennonite College at Wadsworth, Ohio. Entering upon his busi- ness career as a teacher. he followed that profession for four years and then became connected with mercantile life as a salesman in the employ of the firm of Chamberlain & Barnes of Taylorville, with whom he re- mained for a year and a half. He then began business on his own account. entering into partnership with O. Z. Housley, as a general merchant at Grove City. Later they established a bank at that place, which they still own. In 1893 Mr. Drake came to Ston- ington, where he again embarked in mer- chandising and also became actively inter- ested in banking. At a later date he dis- posed of his store, but has continued to con- duct the bank under the firm name of Hous- ley & Drake. This is a private banking in- stitution which was organized in 1893 and is now the oldest, largest and strongest financial concern of the town. He is like- wise a silent partner in the store of Sands. Miller & Company of Stonington. He acts as cashier at the bank and the success of this institution is largely attributable to his ef- forts and keen business discernment.
On the 30th of September. 1880, was cel- ebrated the marriage of Mr. Drake and Miss Estella Sadler. of Grove City. Illinois, and five children have been born to them, of whom four are now living: Ada. Ila. and Elmo and Waldo, twins. All are still under the parental roof. Mrs. Drake's parents, Samuel J. and Mary ( Coover) Sadler, were both born near Bourneville, Ohio, and soon
CORNELIUS DRAKE
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CHRISTIAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
after their marriage came to Illinois, locat- ing on a farm near Grove City in Christian county, where the father spent the remain- der of his life with the exception of four years, when he resided in Springfield. He died in 1885 and a few years later his wife removed to Stonington, where her death oc- curred in November, 1891. In politics Mr. Sadler was a Republican and in religious belief was a Methodist, being an active member of that church for many years and serving as steward and trustee of the same. He was also connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his family were ten chil- dren, of whom seven are still living, namely ; Estella, wife of our subject : Flora, a resi- dent of Stonington; Lena, widow of Irwin Drake and a resident of Stonington : Carrie, wife of A. B. Kirk, of Grove City; Wilbur A., who also makes his home in Grove City : Melvin S., who is living in the same place : and Frank P., an attorney of Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Drake hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and con- tribute generously to its support. He is the clerk of the Modern Woodmen Camp at Stonington, is the worthy treasurer of the Court of Honor, captain of the Fraternal Army, treasurer of the Royal Circle and be- longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. In politics he is a Republican and was elected mayor of Stonington for two terms ; for four terms he served on the town board; and while living in Grove City he filled the position of postmaster under Presi- dent Garfield. He has been active in every- thing pertaining to the public good and progress of Stonington and at the same time has carried forward his business affairs in a manner that shows marked energy, dili- gence and business sagacity. Prosperity has attended his labors and although he began
life without family or pecuniary advantages to aid him he is now one of the substantial residents of Christian county.
H. M. LANGLEY.
H. M. Langley, of Taylorville, was born April 12, 1851, in Taylorville township, his parents being Robert Preston and Minerva Ann ( Pittman) Langley. The father was a native of Christian county, Kentucky, born in the year 1812, and came on horseback to this county, casting in his lot with early pio- neer settlers. The year of his arrival was 1831, at which date there had been little clone in the way of improvement" and up- building. He purchased land here and lived on it for more than fifty years. As time advanced he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of over five hundred acres, constituting a very valuable and de- sirable property. He was a successful farmer, a self-made man and was prominent in the early days of the county's develop- ment, assisting materially in the work of general improvement. He died in the year 1893 and his wife, surviving him about four years, passed away in 1897. They left three sons, the brothers of our subject being Moses D. Langley, who is living in Taylor- ville township; and Rufus D., a resident of Wamego, Kansas.
H. M. Langley obtained his education in the district schools of Taylorville township, which he attended when his time was not occupied by the duties of the home farm. He early became familiar with the work of cultivating the fields and assisted his father in the operation of the home place until eighteen years of age, when he left Christian county and went to the west. For a time he was engaged in driving a stage for the government in Kansas, making his head-
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quarters at Dodge City, where he remained for five years. He went to that place before there was a single house in the town, but the west was being rapidly developed and great changes occurred before his return to Illi- nois. In 1875 he again came to Christian county and has since remained a resident of Taylorville, covering a period of twenty- eight years. He is now conducting a café in Taylorville, under the firm name of Lang- ley & Drohan. He also owns a fine farm in Taylorville township, comprising two hun- dred acres of valuable land, and from this he receives a good annual income.
In 1878 Mr. Langley was united in mar- riage to Miss Lydia A. Brents, a daughter of William Brents, who was reared near Taylorville. Unto them have been born two children, but only one is now living : Fred E .. who married Miss Sarah Caldwell. of Joplin. Missouri, and resides in Taylorville. Mr. Langley belongs to the Knights of Py- thias fraternity of Taylorville, with which he has been identified for twenty-five years. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired office. preferring to give his attention to his business affairs. He owns one of the best residences in Taylor- ville and is a public-spirited citizen, desiring the permanent growth and substantial up- building of the town.
CHARLES M. HISE.
Charles M. Hise is a leading representa- tive of the business interests of Stonington, where as a plasterer and bricklayer he is en- gaged in contracting and also conducts a livery stable. He is a man of good business and executive ability and has won success by well directed, energetic effort. A native of Christian county. he was born near Grove City. May 15. 1864. and throughout the
years of his manhood has been identified with the interests of this section of the state.
C. C. Hise, our subject's father. was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in 1831, a son of Philip and Hannah Hise. Leaving his native state at the age of sixteen years he went to Waverly, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a plasterer and bricklayer, and in 1856 he came to Christian county, Illi- nois. He first located near Grove City, but afterward removed to Stonington, where he erected a few residences, but is now living retired, being one of the oldest citizens of the town. He married Letta Howard and to them were born eight children.
During his boyhood and youth Charles M. Hise attended the public schools of Grove City and Stonington and with his father learned plastering and bricklaying, which he has since followed with good suc- cess. Since 1883 he has been a resident of Stonington and two years later, at the age of twenty-one. he commenced contracting. On the Ist of April. 1903, he purchased a livery stable which he now conducts in con- nection with his other business and besides this property he owns his own pleasant resi- dence and another house in Stonington. He is a very reliable and energetic business man and his success in life is due entirely to his own industrious efforts.
On the Ioth of July, 1888, Mr. Hise was united in marriage to Miss Lorena Weiser. a daughter of Philip Weiser, who was one of the early settlers of this section and was engaged in the grain and tile business in Stonington for many years. Unto our sub- ject and his wife were born six children. namely: Clyde : Wade: Letta, who died at the age of eight years: Homer: Guy; and Freda. Mrs. Hise is a member of the Re- formed church and is a most estimable lady. In his political views our subject is a Re-
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publican and he has been called upon to serve as collector of Stonington township. He has always been found true to every trust reposed in him and well merits the con- fidence and respect so freely accorded him.
A. D. MOORE.
A. D. Moore, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a successful farmer of Mount Auburn township, his home being on section 25, was born in Fayette county, Illinois, in September', 1846, his parents being William and Melinda (Nowland) Moore, natives of Tennessee and early settlers of the Prairie state. The mother died in 1856 and the father departed this life in 1862.
Mr. Moore, of this review, was princi- pally educated at Spanglers Switch, Illinois, and also attended school in Kansas for a time, having removed to that state in 1856. During the dark days of the Rebellion he laid aside all personal interests and in 1864 enlisted in Company L, Fifteenth Kansas Regiment. He took part in the battles of Blue River, Geckman Mill and Arkansas River and after hostilities ceased was hon- orably discharged in October, 1865. Re- turning to Kansas, he remained in that state, working by the month until 1874, when he came to Illinois. He spent two years in De- catur in the employ of others, and in 1876 came to Christian county, where he has since followed farming. He operated rented land until 1900, when he purchased one hundred and sixty-eight acres, but two years later sold that place and removed to his present farm on section 26, Mount Auburn town- ship.
In 1876 Mr. Moore was united in mar- riage to Miss Melinda Cook, a daughter of John Cook, who was a native of Indiana. Of the twelve children born of this union
five of the number died in infancy. The others are J. F., who is married and follows farming in Christian county; and Bryant D., Irwin, Alonzo, Mary M., Alice and Elmer, all at home.
Mr. Moore votes with the Republican party and takes deep interest in public af- fairs. He is an honored member of the Grand Army Post, No. 208, of Illiopolis, and is a man highly esteemed by all who know him.
LEO JOHNSON.
The Johnson family is very well known in Christian county, for from early pioneer days representatives of the name have been active in agricultural circles and stock-deal- ing here. Leo Johnson is the youngest of the family and was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 6th of March, 1847, his parents being Benjamin and Elizabeth (Foote) Johnson, the former a native of London, England, and the latter of County Cork, Ireland. The family numbered nine chil- dren and Leo Johnson was a babe of only eighteen months at the time of the removal of the parents to Greene county, Illinois. There he was reared upon the home farm and obtained his education in the common schools. The occupation, with which he be- came familiar in his boyhood days, he has always made his life work and has devoted a great deal of attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle, making a specialty of thor- oughbreds ; in fact he ranks, to-day, as one of the leading stock-dealers in this portion of the state and his business is of an impor- tant character and brings to him a large an- nual return.
Mr. Johnson has served as school treasu- rer for twenty-five years and has also filled other local positions, serving as supervisor,
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as highway commissioner and as collector. In politics he is a Republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day and he never falters in his allegiance to the party which he believes contains the best elements of good government. His relig- ious faith is that of the Presbyterian church.
On the 16th of November. 1876, in As- sumption township, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Moore, a daughter of J. P. and Mary ( Brauherd) Moore. She was the fourth in order of birth among their children and by her mar- riage she has become the mother of three children : Leola, now the wife of A. C. Smith, of Mattoon, Illinois, by whom she has two children, Mary Eloise and Leo, the latter named for his grandfather: Benjamin Porter, who was named for both his pater- nal and maternal grandfathers: and Robert. who is at home.
Mr. Johnson took up his abode on his present farm in 1876 and after his marriage erected a modern residence supplied with every convenience, such as is found in the city. On the 18th of January. 1899. how- ever. this desirable home was destroyed by fire and in the spring. with characteristic energy. Mr. Johnson rebuilt the place, his residence being a credit to the township, for the improvements are all of the very best. The house is supplied with comfortable and beautiful modern furniture and everything about the place is attractive, neat and thrifty in appearance. There are good barns and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest farm machinery is used in the cultivation of the home place. which comprises two hundred acres of rich land, located on section 27. Assumption township. Mr. Johnson also has one hun- dred and sixty acres on section 20. Mr.
Johnson is one of the public-spirited citizens of AAssumption township ind one of its most popular residents.
EDWIN EDMUNDS.
For many years this gentleman was suc- cessfully engaged in farming but is now practically living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He has a pleasant home on section 2, Bear Creek township, where surrounded by many comforts and luxuries he is spending his declining years in ease and quiet. His boyhood home was on the other side of the Atlantic. for he was born in Northamptonshire, England, June 24. 1845, a son of William and Mary ( Thornlow ) Edmunds, who were also na- tives of that country. The father, who was a gardener by occupation, died in 1863, and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1893.
Edwin Edmunds was reared and educated in England and at the age of fifteen years began work in a hothouse where he was em- ployed until April, 1867. Desiring to try his fortune in America, where he believed that better opportunities were afforded am- bitious and industrious young men, he came to the new world and first located in Dela- ware, where he was in the employ of ex- Governor William Ross for one year. In May, 1868, he came to Taylorville, Illinois, and soon obtained work by the month on a farm, where he remained one year. The following year he operated the D. V. Adams farm and at the end of that time purchased a team and forming a partnership with Thomas Wiggins engaged in the cultivation of rented land until 1870, when they bought their first tract, consisting of eighty acres. where Mr. Edmunds now lives. In 1880 they purchased sixty acres more and five
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