USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 60
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
ship and his labors furthered many move- ments for the good of the county. In 1849 he was married to Miss Abigail Wales, who in her girlhood days came with her parents from Ferrisburg. Vermont, to Illinois. She was a daughter of Charles and Flathea Wales and her grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Roodhouse was a lady of most kind and gracious spirit. quiet and womanly, with the natural refine- ment and culture that is manifest in consid- eration and helpfulness to others. Benja- min Roodhouse died September 8. 1893. re- spected by all who knew him, and his wife passed away November 2. 1808. Her influ-
554
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
ence was like the fragrance of the modest violet, unobtrusive yet far-reaching, sweet- ening and purifying all the atmosphere.
Charles B. Roodhouse, reared under the parental roof, attended the common schools and the Carrollton high school and through- out his entire life he has followed farming, manifesting that enterprise, close application and unfaltering energy without which there is no success. In 1865 he removed with his parents from the farm on which he was born to a farm two and a half miles north of Car- rollton, and there he lived until 1885, when he returned to the old homestead, his eldest sister acting as his housekeeper. There he lived until 1893, when he removed to White Hall, where he still resides and from this point he superintends his farming interests, having rich and arable land, which under his practical system of cultivation is very pro- ductive and yields him a good financial re- turn annually.
In the year in which he left the farm Mr. Roodhouse was married to Miss Abbie Tun- ison, at White Hall, April 19, 1893. Their respective parents were early neighbors and they had been acquaintances from their school days. They have become the parents of four children : Henry B., Charles E., Rus- sell WV. and Ernest T .. all at home.
Mr. Roodhouse is a member of the Mod- ern Woodmen camp and was at one time affiliated with the Knights of Honor. His political support has always been given to the Republican party, but he is without per- sonal political aspiration, preferring to give hi- undivided attention to the supervision of his business interests. A resident of the county throughout his entire life, the fact that he is uniformly respected is an indica- tion of an upright career.
Ella M. Roodhouse, sister of Charles B.
Roodhouse, was born May 1, 1852, and died November 29, 1900. Her whole life was de- voted to her brothers and sisters, she giving almost her entire time to the care of her mother's family of nine children, to whom she was most devoted, counting no personal sacrifice on her part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of those near and dear to her. She left behind her a memory most precious to the members of the household.
W. E. DRESSEL, D. O.
Dr. W. E. Dressel, who is engaged in the practice of osteopathy in Carrollton and has been very successful in introducing this com- paratively new method of cure into Greene county, was born in Kane, this county, on the 13th of May, 1880, a son of Joseph Dres- sel, who resides in Kane at the present time. There at the usual age Dr. Dressel began his education as a public-school student and when he had mastered the elementary branches of learning he entered the Jersey- ville high school. He prepared for his pro- fession in the College of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Missouri, from which institution he was graduated with the class of June, 1901, and while pursuing his studies there he received special instruction from Dr. Still, who is the founder of the science and of whom Dr. Dressel was a special favorite. He was thus particularly fortunate in his equipment for his chosen calling, and after his graduation he opened an office in Kane. where he spent six months, removing then to Carrollton. He established his office in the Kergher building on the south side of the square and has since enjoyed a successful
DR W I. DRESSEL.
557
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
and constantly growing practice. He is the only osteopath in the county and his skill in the treatment of disease is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts. Dr. Dressel is also interested in agricultural pursuits, owning one hundred and sixty acres of rich farm land adjoining Fayette, in this county.
Dr. Dressel is a member of the Anchor Society, a college fraternity, and he also be- came a member of the Elks Lodge. No. 464. at Kirksville, Missouri; and the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 72, of the same place. He is a young man of exemplary habits, of social nature, genial disposition and high principles, and in his native county he stands high socially, while professionally he is win- ning an enviable position and gratifying suc- cess. The Doctor has at present in his office the only X-ray machine in the county and it is one of the finest in the state.
RALPH METCALF.
Honored and respected by all, the busi- ness record of Ralph Metcalf is such as any man might be proud to possess, for through out his entire identification with financial interests in Greene county he has com- manded the unqualified confidence of the bus- iness community, never making an engage ment that he has not met or incurred an obli- gation that he has not filled. The position which he occupies to-day as a financier and business man is creditable alike to himself and the community which he represents. Ile has for twenty years been closely associated with banking interests in Greenfield and it was in this locality that he first opened his eyes to the light of day. his birth having oc-
curred four miles east of Greenfield! In Ma- coupin county, Illinois, on the 8th of Decem- ber. 1861. lle is a son of Richard J. Met- calf, and a brother ot Hon. George B. Met- calf and of E. K. Metcalf, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
His youth was passed in the city of Greenfield, its schools affording him his ed- ucational privileges, and he advanced through successive grades until he became a high-school student and finished the course there by graduation with the class of 1880. After completing his studies he engagel in teaching school for three years, spending two winters in Macoupin county, while for one term he was a teacher in Greene county. He then accepted a position in the bank ( 1 Metcalf & Johnson, becoming the first cash- ier of that institution, which position he filled until the bank sold out to the firm of Shef- field & Company. Mr. Metcalf became a stockholder in the Sheffield Bank, with which he has been continuously connected since the sale of the firm of Metcalf & Johnson. His identification therewith dates from 1891 and he is thus closely associated with financial interests of the county, capably assisting in controlling the affairs of the institution. In addition to banking he has extended his ef- forts to the field of real-estate operation, purchasing and improving considerable farm property in Greene county.
On the 8th of October, 1884. Mr. Met- calf was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Rives, a daughter of Judge J. H. Rives, one of the prominent farmers and business men of Greenfield, now deceased. Her father died at his home on the farm June 24. 1904. He was an extensive landowner and left a large estate, of which by the terms of the will Mr Metcalf bec ime one of the executors and he is now settling up the estate
28
558
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
In his political views Ralph Metcalf is a Republican, firm and unfaltering in his sup- port of the principles of the party. He served for fifteen years as school treasurer in Rubicon township and has also been city treasurer, yet has never been active in seek- ing public office, nor has he desired such a reward for party fealty.
Mr. Metcalf purchased a plat of eight or nine acres of ground in the north part of Greenfield, upon which he erected an attrac- tive and commodious residence, built in mod- ern style of architecture. It is indeed one of the most pleasing homes of Greenfield and it is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have two children, Merrill B., who is now a student in the Culver Mili- tary Academy at Culver, Indiana ; and Mary E., who is attending the Greenfield high school.
The parents hold membership relations with the Greenfield Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Metcalf is one of its official members, now serving as church treasurer. His liberal contribution to the building fund at the time of the erection of the new house of worship showed his deep interest in the cause. He is also a member of the Masoni- fraternity, belonging to the lodge and chap- ter at Greenfield and to the commandery at Carrollton, thereby becoming a Knight Templar Mason. He served as master of Greenfield lodge for five years and as high priest of the chapter for three years and has represented each respectively in the grand lodge and in the grand chapter. Ile has given his financial, material and moral sup- port to other enterprises calculated to bene- fit his community. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry for- ward to successful completion whatever he
is associated with. He has earned for him- self an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men.
JACOB DOHM.
The farming interests of Greene county find a worthy representative in Jacob Dohm, whose capably conducted agricultural inter- ests class him with the enterprising farmers of Rockbridge township. There he has a valuable and well improved tract of land, conveniently and pleasantly situated about two miles south of Greenfield. His home is an attractive residence in the city of Greenfield and from that place he superin- tends his agricultural interests.
Jacob Dohm was born near Carrollton in Greene county, on the 29th of August, 1841. His father, Jacob Dohm, Sr., was a native of Germany, in which country he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, coming to America when a young man. For a few years he remained a resident of Ohio and then returned to Germany, where he was married to Miss Margaret Keller, a na- tive of that country. About 1838 he located in Greene county, Illinois, and continued one of its residents until his death, which oc- curred about 1845. His widow afterward married Peter Achenbach, one of the old time residents and extensive landowners of Greene county.
Jacob Dohm was reared to manhood in this county and remained with his step-fa- ther until twenty-one years of age, when he began working for him by the month,
559
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
being thus employed for three years. In perous farmers and stock ragers of Greene 1864. however, he put aside all business and personal consideration in order that he might respond to his country's call for aid. enlisting in 1864 as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-third Ilinois Infantry, with which he was associated for ninety days, doing active service at Rock Island in guarding prisoners there.
When the war was over and the coun- try no longer needed his services, Mr. Dohm returned to Greene county and was soon afterward married. It was on the 15th of November, 1866, that he wedded Miss Lou- isa M. L. Brentle, a native of Germany, in which country she spent her girlhood days. After their marriage the young couple lo- cated on a farm near Greenfield, Mr. Dohm devoting his energies to the cultivation of a tract of eighty acres of timber land. He at once began to clear away the trees and place the farm in a cultivable condition. He built a log house, in which he lived for several years, and after he had cleared all of the land he purchased more land and kept add- ing to his place as his financial resources wouldl permit until he had four hundred and sixty acres all in one body. The good build- ings which he erected. together with the cul- tivation which he placed upon the farm. made his labors notable in the production of a well improved farm property and he con- tinued to reside thereon until 1890. when he sold his farm and purchased another place. comprising one hundred and sixty-five acres. Upon this he has built a nice house, barn. sheds and cow stable, in fact, has made per manent improvements that are in keeping with the most progressive ideas of modern agriculture. In addition to the cultivation of the fields he has engaged in trading. feed ing and shipping stock and is one of the pri-
county. In 1800 he removed to Greenfield where he built a nice residence and there he makes his home while giving his personal supervision to his farming interests. Ile also owns another place north of the town which is also well equipped with good buikdl- ings. Ilis success is all the more remark- able from the fact that he started out in life empty-handed, having no capital save strong purpose and a laudable determination to win success. He saved four hundred dollars through working by the month for three years and this he invested in making his first purchase of land.
While living upon that farm Mr. Dohm was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. There were seven children by that marriage, of whom four are living: Mag- gie, the wife of E. E. Burrows, of Green- field: Anna, the wife of Ernest W. Wilhite. of Greenfield ; Jacob L., who is carrying on the home farm; and Mary, who is with her father. For his second wife Mr. Dohm chose Miss Mary Brown, a native of Macou- pin county. She is a lady of education and culture and was an accomplished music teacher prior to her marriage. This wife died about 1892. On the 22d of July. 1904. Mr. Dohm was married in Greenfieldl to Mrs. Mary C. Piper, a widow who was a daughter of R. C. Fisher, represented else where in this work. Mrs. Dohm was d teacher in the Greenfield schools for a mmm ber of years prior to her marriage.
In his political views, which have been evolved through earnest consideration of the questions and issues of the day. Mr. Dohm has become a stanch Republican He was elected and served on the school board or sixteen years and has been president of the district but otherwise he has hever sought
560
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
or desired office. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is now senior past com- mander of the post at Greenfield, having oc- cupied the position for several years. Real- izing that in America labor is king he has placed his dependence not upon any fortunate combination of circumstances, but upon con- secutive, earnest labor and as the result of his diligence and energetic efforts he is to- day numbered among the more successful agriculturists of Greene county.
E. W. FENITY, M. D.
Dr. E. W. Fennity, who in the practice of medicine and surgery has given evidence of ability that well entitles him to the exten- sive patronage which he now receives, was born in Kane, Greene county, in March, 1861, his parents being Dr. Peter and Helen (Cory) Fenity, who are represented else- where in this volume. Our subject acquired his early education in the public schools of his native town, pursued a preparatory course in Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, Illinois, and subsequently matriculated in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, where he pursued a three years' course of study. lle then entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, and was graduated with the class of 1885. Whether carly environment, inherited ten- dencies or natural predilection had most to (1, with influencing him in his choice of a life work it is impossible to determine, but it is an incontrovertible fact that Dr. Fenity chose a calling for which he is well fitted
He was president and valedictorian of his class in the university and after careful preparation for practice he returned to . Greene county, opening an office at Rock- bridge, where he remained for about eight- een months. He then removed to Fayette, where he continued in practice for three years. In the spring of 1890, following his father's death, he located in Kane to take charge of his father's practice and has since made his home in this place, enjoying an extensive and lucrative patronage. He is a genial practitioner, having a broad and com- prehensive knowledge of the science of medi- cine. During the summer of 1884 he served for a term of six months in the United States Marine Hospital at St. Louis-a most val- uable experience for a young physician, as he frequently had charge of the institution during that time. Reading and investiga- tion have continually broadened his knowl- edge and increased his efficiency, and the profession as well as the public acknowledge his ability and accord him a prominent place in the ranks of the most skilled and success- ful members of the medical fraternity in Greene county.
In March, 1887, Dr. Fenity was married to Miss Alice Williams, a native of Rock- bridge, Illinois, and a daughter of Louis F. Williams, one of the prominent and re- spected pioneer citizens of Greene county. Five children grace this marriage: Carl L., Earl C., May, Nettie and Paul.
While in Shurtleff College Dr. Fenity became a member of the Alpha Zeta and be- longed to the Gnothantii at Knox College. lle was the winner of a prize offered by the Women's Christian Temperance Union for the best essay upon the effect of alcohol on the human system. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and has been promi-
563
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
nent in community affairs in Greene county. Ile served as a member of the village board of Kane for seven consecutive years and was secretary of the Democratic central committee for two years. Dr. Fenity has a wide acquaintance in the county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his efforts as to gain recogni- tion as a successful physician and leading citizen.
C. G. EDWARDS.
C. G. Edwards is one of the most popular as well as one of the most enterprising farm- ers of Greene county. His property interests comprise five hundred and thirty acres, con- stituting a well improved farm, and in con- clucting his business affairs he manifests the progressive spirit of the modern agricultur- ist. He was born in Rubicon township. Greene county, near the city of Greenfield. June 3. 1854. Ilis father, David 11. Ed- wards, was a native of Vermont. born in 1824, and was a son of David S. Edwards, also a native of the Green Mountain state. With his family the grand father removed to Illinois in 1827 and was one of the early settlers of Greene county, establishing his home near Greenfield in 1828. He entered a tract of land from the government and at once began opening up a farm. transform- ing the wild prairie land into richly culti- vated fields.
David H. Edwards came to Illinois with his parents when only three years old and was reared upon the old home farm near Greenfield. He married Josephine Jordan, a native of this county, and the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm. Mr. Edwards continuing to engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his remain
ing days. He died in 1874. while lus first wife died in 1854. and later he married agam.
C. G. Edwards, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Rubicon town ship on the old homestead farm. lle re- ceived good educational advantages in the schools of Greenfield and under his father's directions was trained to farm work. assist ing in the development of the old home place until twenty-three years of age. He then went to White Hall, where for seven months he was employed in a lumberyard and at the end of that time he purchased a lumberyard in Greenfield, where he conducted business with successs until 1885. being one of the enterprising merchants of that place. He then sold his lumber business and located on the farm where he now resides, since which time he has given his attention to the cul tivation of the soil and to the raising and fattening of stock. He makes a specialty of hogs and sheep, which he feeds and fattens for the market. He has on his farm a large. neat and substantial frame residence to- gether with gool barns and outbuildings. and everything about the place is kept in substantial repair.
Mr. Edwards was married on this farm, November 9. 188t, to Mrs, lda Hlills, a widow, who is a resident of Greene county and was born upon this place. Her father. John Rhodes, was one of the pioneers of the county and developed this farm from the primitive condition in which the land came from the hand of nature Mr and Mrs Edwards are the parents of four ch dei three of whom are still living Letta M Nellie K. and Harland Dunham. They hist ene sen. John, who died at the age of three years
Mr Edwards has always been an carnest
560
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
or desired office. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and is now senior past com- mander of the post at Greenfield, having oc- cupied the position for several years. Real- izing that in America labor is king he has placed his dependence not upon any fortunate combination of circumstances, but upon con- secutive, earnest labor and as the result of his diligence and energetic efforts he is to- day numbered among the more successful agriculturists of Greene county.
E. W. FENITY, M. D.
Dr. E. W. Fennity, who in the practice of medicine and surgery has given evidence of ability that well entitles him to the exten- sive patronage which he now receives, was born in Kane, Greene county, in March, 1861. his parents being Dr. Peter and Helen ( Cory) Fenity, who are represented else- where in this volume. Our subject acquired his early education in the public schools of his native town, pursued a preparatory course in Shurtleff College at Upper Alton, Illinois, and subsequently matriculated in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, where he pursued a three years' course of study. He then entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, and was graduated with the class of 1885. Whether carly environment, inherited ten- dencies or natural predilection had most to do with influencing him in his choice of a life work it is impossible to determine, but it is an incontrovertible fact that Dr. Fenity chose a calling for which he is well fitted.
He was president and valedictorian of his class in the university and after careful preparation for practice he returned to Greene county, opening an office at Rock- bridge, where he remained for about eight- een months. He then removed to Fayette, where he continued in practice for three years. In the spring of 1890, following his father's death, he located in Kane to take charge of his father's practice and has since made his home in this place, enjoying an extensive and lucrative patronage. He is a genial practitioner, having a broad and com- prehensive knowledge of the science of medi- cine. During the summer of 1884 he served for a term of six months in the United States Marine Hospital at St. Louis-a most val- uable experience for a young physician, as he frequently had charge of the institution during that time. Reading and investiga- tion have continually broadened his know]- edge and increased his efficiency, and the profession as well as the public acknowledge his ability and accord him a prominent place in the ranks of the most skilled and success- ful members of the medical fraternity in Greene county.
In March, 1887, Dr. Fenity was married to Miss Alice Williams, a native of Rock- bridge, Illinois, and a daughter of Louis F. Williams, one of the prominent and re- spected pioneer citizens of Greene county. Five children grace this marriage: Carl L., Earl C., May, Nettie and Paul.
While in Shurtleff College Dr. Fenity became a member of the Alpha Zeta and be- longed to the Gnothantii at Knox College. He was the winner of a prize offered by the Women's Christian Temperance Union for the best essay upon the effect of alcohol on the human system. Ile belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and has been promi-
503
PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.
nent in community affairs in Greene county. Ile served as a member of the village board of Kane for seven consecutive years and was secretary of the Democratic central committee for two years. Dr. Fenity has a wide acquaintance in the county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his efforts as to gain recogni- tion as a successful physician and leading citizen.
C. G. EDWARDS.
C. G. Edwards is one of the most popular as well as one of the most enterprising farm- ers of Greene coumy. His property interests comprise five hundred and thirty acres, con- stituting a well improved farm, and in con- ducting his business affairs he manifests the progressive spirit of the modern agricultor- ist. He was born in Rubicon township. Greene county, near the city of Greenfield, June 3. 1854. His father, David H. Ed- wards, was a native of Vermont, born in 1824, and was a son of David S. Edwards. also a native of the Green Mountain state. With his family the grandfather removed to Illinois in 1827 and was one of the early settlers of Greene county, establishing his home near Greenfield in 1828. He entered a tract of land from the government and at once began opening up a farm. transform- ing the wild prairie land into richly culti- vated fields.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.