USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 16
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M. F. Toberman was married on the 5th of December, 1889, to Miss Laura Cress, a daugh- ter of Eli and Sallie ( Holzehouser) Cress. Her father was a native of Cabarrus county, North Carolina. born in 1826, and his death occurred in 1896, when he was seventy years of age. His wife, who was born in Rowan county, North Carolina, died in June, 1892, at the age of seventy-four years. They came to Illinois in 1855, settling in Fillmore township, Mont- gomery county, where Mr. Cress became exten- sively engaged in farming. conducting a busi- ness that brought to him a gratifying income. He was very progressive and energetic and his careful management proved one of the strong elements in his success. Unto Mr. and Mrs. ('ress were born twelve children, of whom nine are living, namely: A. J., who is a resident of Oklahoma ; G. H .; Mrs. L. S. Sanders, of Fill- more: F. L., of Oklahoma: (. II .. of New York : T. W., a resident of Fillmore township : Mrs. S. M. Harp, who is living in Farmers- ville, Illinois; P. W., who is located in Fill- more township; and Mrs. Toberman. Mrs. Toberman was born and reared in Montgomery county and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, of whom three are liv- ing: Macon, Maurice, and Marvin. The sic-
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ond child, Muriel, died at the age of nine years and the youngest, Murry, died at the age of three years. The parents hold membership in the United Baptist church and in his fraternal atlifiation Mr. Toberman is a Woodman and is also connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Fillmore, while his wife belongs to the Court of Honor. Ile exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never sought or desired of- tice, although he was highway commissioner for two terms. He has preferred to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, in which he is now meeting with very creditable and desirable success.
JACOB HAALLER.
Jacob Italfer. who carries on general farm- ing on section 27, Nokomis township, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1834, and is a son of Henry and Sarah Haller, The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1805, and the mother's birth occurred in New Jersey. Henry flaller was reared in the Keystone state and became a farmer there. Subsequently he re- moved to Ohio, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1845, when he came to Illinois, settling in East Fork township among its carly residents. There he secured a tract of land and in due course of lime became an extensive farmer and stock-raiser on a large scale. He was a man of energy and was recognized as one of the leading representatives of agricultural interests in his distriet. In community affairs he was also deeply interested and in pioneer days assisted materially in the early develop- ment of the county. Unto him and his wife were born six children who are yet living and one child died in infaney. The father died in 1875 and the mother passed away in 1843.
Jacob llaller was reared in Ohio until ten years of age, when he accompanied his father on his removal to Illinois. lle attended school in East Fork township, becoming a student in one of the old-fashioned schoolhouses built of logs and seated with slab benches. while the re- moval of a log from one side of the room served
to let in light for the building. Jacob Haller remained in Illinois for eight years and then with his brother went to California, traveling with an ox team in 1852. There he engaged in mining for gold for four years and made good wages. fle also farmed there for eleven years. Ile returned to Illinois in 1864 and set- tled in Audubon township. He then purchased the home place where he now lives after selling his property in Audubon township. The pur- chase which he made when he returned to Illi- nois covered more than four hundred acres. He built a house and barn, made some of the im- provements upon his land and now has a well developed property. He raises both grain and stock. having high grades of horses, cattle and hogs upon his place, and his wife raises a great many chickens. Great changes have occurred in farming methods during the time of his residence here. When he arrived in the county there were many deer and great flocks of prairie chickens were to be seen. This portion of the state was largely unsettled and there were no near markets so that the family had to drive hogs to St. Louis, it requiring six days to make the trip. The neighbors often went together on such trips so that it did not cost them much to go to St. Louis, and there the price of a dol- lar and a half or one dollar and seventy-five cents per hundred was paid for the hogs after they were butchered.
Mr. Haller started in life with little capital and he has always been a man of industry and enterprise, so that his success is the legitimate reward of his own labor. He has worked hard. every day finding him in the fields or attending to other labor of the farm, and he also attri- butes his success in part to the able and willing assistance of his estimable wife. He is one of the largest corn raisers of this part of the state and his farm presents a splendid appear- ance, neatness and thrift characterizing every portion of it. He has also become identified with financial interests in the county, having assisted in organizing the National Bank of Nokomis, of which he has been a director from the beginning. Only two of the original stock- holders are still connected with the institution.
In 1859 Mr. Haller was united in marriage to Miss Ann Abrahamson, who was reared in
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Norway. They are the parents of nine chil- dren, six of whom are living: Catharine, the wife of Dr. G. S. Easterday, of California ; Caroline, the wife of David Best, who resides near Nokomis; Nancy Ann, at home; Eugene. who is living near Nokomis; Milton, at home; and Camilla, the wife of L. M. Melntyre, a resident of Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Haller hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Nokomis and he belongs to the Masonic lodge in that town. For many years he voted the Democratic ticket, but in recent years has given his support to the Prohibition party, being a strong advocate of the temperance cause. He has served as col- lector of Audubon township, but has never been active in search for public office, preferring to discharge his public duties as a private citizen. lle has intimate knowledge of pioneer experi- ences in this county and also of the frontier life during the early mining days in California and has taken commendable interest in ad- vancement which has been made here and in other sections of the country. He feels a local pride in what Montgomery county has accom- plished and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the pres- ent with its modern progressiveness.
FRANCIS MARION ENTREKIN. M. D.
Dr. Francis Marion Entrekin, whose capa- bility as a medical practitioner is demonstrated by the liberal patronage accorded him. was born March 5. 1844, in Clinton county, Illinois. and is a son of Asa and Eliza Entrekin. The father, who was born in Kentucky, on remov- ing to Illinois casi in his lot with the early settlers of Clinton county. Accompanied by his wife, he traveled in a wagon drawn by oxen in the primitive manner of the times. There were only a few cabins in Clinton county and in one of these Mr. Entrekin and his family took up their abode. They had to go eighteen miles in order to purchase something to eat. Finally Mr. Entrekin secured a farm and in connection with the cultivation of his land he also conducted a carpenter and blacksmith shop. He made all of the implements that
were used in that locality and conducted a suc- cessful business, which made him one of the leading men of his community. Prospering in his undertakings he made judicious invest- ments in real estate and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1860, was the owner of one thousand acres of land. He had borne a very helpful and important part in the early development and substantial improvement of his adopted county and his loss in the com- munity was the occasion of deep regret.
Francis M. Entrekin acquired his early edu- cation in the schools of Clinton county and afterward attended Shurtleff College of Alton, Illinois, thus acquiring a good education. Sub- sequently he engaged in teaching school for nine winters and through experience and in- vestigation he constantly broadened his knowl- edge. Later he entered upon a course of study in the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Keokuk, łowa, and was graduated with the class of 1878. Locating for practice in Bond county, Illinois, he there remained for eight years and on the expiration of that period came to Coffeen, where he has since been classed with the successful practitioners of Montgomery county. Fully realizing the importance of the profession and the responsibility which devolves upon him, he is very careful and accurate in the diagnosis of a case and his efforts have proved a potent factor in the restoration of health in this locality. Jle is a member of the Mont- gomery County Medical Society. the Fayette County Medical Society and the Illinois State Medical Society and by reading and study he is constantly adding to his knowledge concerning the best methods of medical and surgical prac- tice.
In 1865 occurred the marriage of Francis Marion Entrekin and Miss Lucretia A. Cole, and unto them were born four children: Ida, Jessie, Ruby and Eunice. The wife and moth- er died in 1892. her death being deeply regret- ted by many friends. Dr. Entrekin was again married in 1899, his second union being with Rosa A. Wilson, and they have a pleasant home in Coffeen. the hospitality of which is greatly enjoyed by their neighbors and social acquaint- ances.
Dr. Entrekin belongs to the Modern Wood-
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DR. F. M. ENTREKIN
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TELINOIS
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men camp and is a charter member of the professional assistance. He belonged to the Knights of Pythias lodge of Coffeen. He votes with the Democracy and in his religions faith is a Baptist, holding membership relations with the church of that denomination in the village in which he makes his home. In a profession where success depends upon individual merit and where advancement comes as the result of broad and comprehensive information and its correct application to the needs of suffering humanity he has won an enviable reputation and is enjoying a practice of considerable ex- tent and importance.
SAMUEL T. ROBINSON. B. S.
Professor Samuel T. Robinson, who for a number of years has occupied a prominent posi- tion in connection with public education in Illi- nois. and is now superintendent of the schools of Hillsboro, was born at Ilartford, Saline county, Illinois, in 1866. He is descended from English ancestry, representatives of the name having emigrated from the merrie isle to Vir- ginia about the elose of the seventeenth century and at a later date one branch of the family removed to Mississippi, where early in the nine- teenth century the grandfather opened an ex- tensive plantation near the state capital, Jack- son, which was operated by the family till the invasion of the south by the Union army. when their slaves were freed, and plantation build- ings destroyed. Soon thereafter most of the family moved to Illinois. one aunt still living in Jackson. Ilis father, Michael D. Robinson, was born in Mississippi and at the close of his college course went to Keokuk. lowa, to at- tend medical lectures, where he completed his course in 1858. locating at Harrisburg, Illinois. Saline county. In that county he spent his life, devoting his time to his chosen profession and the management of his farm. During the period of the Civil war he erected a temporary hospital at Stone Fort. Saline county. Illinois, and there administered to the soldiers as they came home from the front. He was very loyal to the Union cause and he possessed, moreover, a broad humanitarian spirit that prompted him to give generous aid to those who needed his
Baptist church, took an active and helpful part in its work and was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he was a Democrat. Hle married Amanda Spencer, a daughter of Dr. Thomas H. and Martha ( Barks- dale) Spencer. Her father came to Illinois at an early day from Virginia and her mother from Tennessee. The Spencer family is of English lineage. Mrs. Robinson was born in Illinois in 1842 and is a member of the Baptist church. Dr. Robinson passed away in 1889 in the fifty-third year of his age. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children: Iva, the wife of Dr. M. D. Empson, of Hartford, Illinois; William, who is engaged in railroad work in De Soto, Missouri : Samuel T., of this review : Gertrude, the wife of Judge Albert G. Abney. of Harrisburg. Illinois; Lorene May, Thomas Il. and Charles A .. all deceased.
In the public schools Samuel T. Robinson acquired his early education, which was sup- plemented by study in the Southern Illinois State Normal University at Carbondale, Illi- nois. Ile entered that institution in 1889 and was graduated on the completion of the scien- tific course with the class of 1896. During this period he engaged in teaching through the win- ter months. In the fall succeeding his gradua- tion he accepted the position of superintendent of the public schools of Benton. Franklin coun- ty, Illinois, where he remained for three years and in the fall of 1899 he came to Hillsboro as superintendent of the publis schools here, since which time he has acted in that capacity. In the spring of 1900 he returned to Ewing Col- lege and was graduated, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science. He has three schools un- der his charge, including twelve rooms in ad- dition to the high school, in which four teach- ers are employed. A pupil graduating from the public schools of Hillsboro may enter the State University and all normal schools without fur- ther examination. Under the guidance of Pro- fessor Robinson excellent advancement has been made. for he keeps in touch with the modern spirit of the times and has introduced many improved and practical methods, which have been of great value in advancing the high stan- dard of the schools here. IFe is a member of
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the National Educational Association, has been a member of the Southern Illinois Teachers' As- sociation for the past ten years and of the State Teachers' Association for six years. Hle is likewise a stockholder in the Galatia Coal Com- pany in Saline county and is one of the mem- bers of the Pan-American Exploration Com- pany with mines in Old Mexico. Professor Robinson is identified with the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities and he belongs to the Baptist church. His reputation in edu- cational cireles places him with the leading representatives of this great department of pro- fessional activity in southern and central Illi- nois and his zeal and interest in the work have resulted in much benefit to his community.
HENRY FRIEDMEYER.
Henry Friedmeyer, who has extensive landed possessions in Montgomery county and is now living a retired life in llillsboro, was born in Germany in 1829, a son of Bernhard Fried- meyer, who was likewise a native of that coun- try. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to the United States in 1844, but afterward returned to his native land, where he and his wife now lie buried. They had ten children, of whom four are still living.
In the public schools of Germany Henry Friedmeyer acquired his education, and in the fall of 1844. when fifteen years of age, came to the United States with his father, the family home being established in St. Louis. He had assisted his father in farm work in Germany, but in the United States became identified with mercantile interests and for fifteen years was connected with commercial affairs in St. Louis. In the spring of 1863 he removed to Mont- gomery county and began farming in Roun- tree township, where he lived for twenty-three years. Here he secured a small traet of land and with characteristic energy began its de- velopment. Raising good erops, which found a ready sale on the market, he was afterward enabled to add to his original purchase and accumulated three hundred and sixty-five aeres of land in Rountree township and one hun- dred and forty-six acres in Irving township,
making five hundred and eleven acres in all. Hle devoted his energies to the cultivation of the fields until 1885, when he retired from the farm and has since made his home in Hills- boro, enjoying the fruits of his former toil, while the income from his property is sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and many of the comforts and luxuries of life.
On the ith of March, 1856, Mr. Friedmeyer was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Welge, a daughter of Christian Welge, who, leaving his native country, established his home in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1845. Five years later he located in Montgomery county, Illinois, settling in Butler Grove township. He there owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, and upon the farm which he occupied and improved he and his wife, Mrs. Sophia ( Myer ) Welge, spent their remaining days. They were the parents of ten children, but only two are living, Mrs. Fried- meyer and llenry. The former was born in Brunswick, Germany, June 4, 1830, and when a maiden of fifteen summers was brought to America by her parents. Here she married Mr. Friedmeyer. They had four children : Louise Emily, the wife of Albert Frickey; Henry C., deceased ; Wilhelmina Etta, deceased ; and John G., an attorney at law of Springfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Friedmeyer hold membership with the Lutheran church, and he votes with the Republican party. He has served as justice of the peace and was supervisor from Roun- tree township for six terms. His publie duties were capably performed and in earlier years he figured quite prominently in local polities. The success of his life is due to no inherited fortune or to advantageous circumstances, but is en- tirely due to his steady application, studious habits, tireless industry and sterling integrity.
LUKE C. WEBER.
Luke C. Weber, whose farming interests con- meet him with the leading agriculturists of Rountree township, makes his home on section 25. 1le is also serving as supervisor of his township. He was born in Germany, October 23, 1857. his parents being Cornelius and Anke (Kramer) Weber, both of whom are natives
MR. AND MRS. HENRY FRIEDMEYER
LIBRARY OF THE POWERCITY OF ILLINOIS
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of the fatherland, the former born on the 24th of September, 1830, and the latter on the 31st of October, 1834. They came to the United States in 1826 and located in Rountree town- ship, where the father is still engaged in farm- ing, his home being on section 24.
In the public schools of Germany Luke C. Weber began his early education, which he con- tinued in the schools of Montgomery county af- ter the emigration of the family to the new world. He arrived in the United States in 1875 and, establishing his home in Rountree township, worked by the month as a farm hand for two years. Ile afterward worked with his father for one year and on the expiration of that period he rented a farm. He continued to cultivate rented land in Montgomery and Chris- tian counties for five years and in 1884, with the capital which he had saved from his earn- ings he purchased one hundred and fifteen acres of land in Rountree township. In 1901 he bought sixty acres in Nokomis township and now has a valuable property. Ile placed all of the improvements upon his farm, including the house and barns, the fences and trees. He feeds good grades of shorthorn cattle and also good horses and his stock-raising and dealing inter- ests as well as the grain raising department of his business return to him a good income.
On the 26th of November, 1880, Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Catherine John- son, a daughter of llenry and Anna (Theen) Jolinson, of Germany, who on coming to the United States settled in Madison county, Illi- nois, where they are still living. Into Mr. and Mrs. Weber have been born five children : Anna G., now twenty years of age; Henry C., a youth of eighteen years; Lena 1., aged eleven years; Emma M .. eight years of age; and Herman C., a little lad of five summers.
Mr. and Mrs. Weber are members of St. Paul's Lutheran church and in politics he is a stalwart Republican, who keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and gives to his party an intelligent and loyal support. He was elected supervisor of Rountree town- ship in 1902 and discharged the duties so capably that in 1904 he was re-elected and is now filling the office. He has also been road commissioner and served on the school board
for nine years. His residence in this part of the state covers almost thirty years and he is uniformly known as a representative and enter- prising farmer and as a progressive citizen.
ROBERT T. HUSBAND.
Robert T. Husband, a representative of the industrial interests of Litchfield, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 15th of December, 1864, and is a son of Ezekial A. and Margaret ( Ingalls) Husband, the former a native of Philadelphia and the latter of New York. The father removed to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1843. lle was a ship-builder by trade and in St. Louis he engaged in the lumber business, becoming at one time the owner of considerable property. He saw active military service during the Civil war, being connected with the Union army for three years. His political support was given to the Republican party, which he joined upon its organization, never faltering in his support of- its. principles. He died May 30, 1903, at .the age of sixty-five years. His wife accom- panied her parents on their removal from the Empire state to Little Rock, Arkansas, prior to the Civil war and it was in that city that Mr. Husband formed her acquaintance and they were married. They became the parents of three children : Minnie D. ; Alice M., the wife of JJames II. Brown, who is engaged in the car- riage business in St. Louis : and Robert T.
In the public schools of St. Louis Robert T. Husband acquired his early education and af- terward continued his studies in Litchfield. On leaving school he entered the shops of the Litchfield Foundry & Machine Company in 1884 and there learned the machinist's trade. Subsequently he worked in different places, but afterward returned to Litchfieldt and has been again connected with the shops here for ten years. He is a practical workman with thor- ough understanding of the business and those whom he represents find his services valuable. On the 12th of October, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Husband and Miss Emma Dapper, a daughter of William and Catherine Dapper, the former a merchant tailor who con- ducted business for many years in Litchfield.
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Mrs. JInsband was born in 1844. There are two children of this marriage: Robert M. and Catherine Ferne. Mr. Ilusband belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen camp and his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. His study of the politi- cal issues and questions of the day has led him to give his support to the Republican party and he is now serving as a member of the city coun- cil from the fifth ward. Questions which af- feet the welfare of this city elicit his attention and consideration and he has withheld his sup- port from no movement or measure which has for its object public progress and substantial upbuilding.
HORACE G. WAGGONER.
In the death of Horace G. Waggoner Mont- gomery county lost one of its enterprising and highly respected young business men, one whose worth was widely acknowledged by his many friends and whose activity in agricultural and financial circles made him a valued factor in public life. He was born in Pitman township, September 5, 1856, and was a brother of John M., Henry and George B. Waggoner, who are represented elsewhere in this volume. Ile was reared upon the old homestead farm by his mother, who survives her husband and now resides in the village of Waggoner. The son was provided with good educational privileges. attending the common and higher schools of his locality, and for two or three years he was a student in the college at Carlinville, Illinois. In the home he was trained to habits of in- dustry and integrity and thus laid the founda- tion for his successful and honorable career.
On arriving at years of maturity llorace Waggoner was married in Jacksonville, Illi- mois, on the 2d of January, 1884, to Miss Sarah E. Street, whose birth occurred in Montgomery county, Illinois, the family home being in Pit- man township, where her girlhood days were passed. Her father, Wesley Street, was a na- tive of Kentucky and when a young man eame to Maconpin county, where he was married to Miss Margaret Williamson, a native of that
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