USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 23
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GEORGE SIMES.
George Sims, who is engaged in general farm- ing on section 30, Rountree township, was born in Banffshire, Scotland, November 27. 1848, his parents being William and Ann ( Broady) Sims, who in the year 1851 bade adieu to the land of the heather and crossed the Atlantic to the new world. They located in Pennsyl- vania, whence they afterward removed to Clin- ton county, Illinois, and in 1867 they arrived in Montgomery county, where they spent their remaining days, both passing away in Roun- tree township. Mrs. Sims died in 1885, at the age of sixty-three years, and Mr. Sims passed away in 1828, at the age of fifty-six years.
George Sims, whose name introduces this record, was a young lad when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, hav- ing been but two years of age when brought by his parents to the United States. He pursued his education in the public schools of Clinton
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county and was reared to farm life. early be- coming familiar with the various duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of twenty-one years he began farm- ing on his own account and he now owns two hundred and twenty acres of fine land, all of which is well improved. This farm is the visi- ble evidence of his life of industry and thrift, for it has come to him as the result of his energy, careful management and good business and executive ability. He has labored earnest- ly as the years have gone by and is now one of the substantial residents of his connnunity.
On the 12th of October. 1893, Mr. Sims was united in marriage to Miss Florence Colvin, a daugliter of James and Rachel (Davis) Colvin, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Indiana. Mr. Colvin came to the United States when fifteen years of age and established his home in Indiana, where he followed the cabinet maker's trade. In 1812 he came to Montgomery county, locating near Butler, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1901, at the age of eighty years. Ilis wife departed this life in 1875. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sims have been horn five children: Lil- lie. Nellie, Dewey, Cora and Lora. Mr. and Mrs. Sims hold membership with the Presby- terian church and he gives his political support to the Republican party, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his undi- vided attention to his business affairs.
HIRAM C. CUNDIFF.
Iliram (. Cundiff, who is conducting a livery stable in Coffeen, is one of the native sons of Montgomery county, his birth having occurred in Fillmore township on the 11th of April, 18₺1. llis father, William Cundiff, was born in Kentucky, while the mother of our subject was a native of South Carolina. William Cundiff arrived in Montgomery county during the period of its early settlement and develop- ment and assisted in opening up this region to civilization. He particularly aided in re- claiming the wild land for cultivation and be- came an extensive farmer, owning six hundred and sixty acres. which he made very productive,
owing to the care and labor which he bestowed upon his fields. Hle was also extensively en- gaged in raising stock and always had high- grade animals upon his farm. Ilis worth as a citizen and business man were widely ac- knowledged and made him one of the valued residents of this portion of the state. His death occurred in 1862, and he is now sur- vived by only two of his thirteen children.
Hiram C. Cundiff was reared in Montgomery county and is indebted to its public school sys- tem for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. He started out in life on his own account when twenty-three years of age, hav- ing by this time gained practical experience in the work of the farm in its various depart- ments. He began farming and stock-raising on his own account, cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and having good grades of cattle, horses and hogs. He pur- chased a farm of one Imindred and sixty acres in Fillmore township and then removed to Hillsboro, where he lived for a short time. Soon afterward, however, he bought a farm lying in Fillmore and East Fork townships. For twen- ty-one years. however, he has made his home in Coffeen. He built the first house in the town and conducted a hotel for a number of years. When the first passenger train ran through the town it stopped here and the passengers took dinner at Mr. Cundiff's home. He now owns two houses in the town and is proprietor of a livery stable which he is con- dueting. He also built the first livery stable in Witt. Hle made all of the improvements upon his farms, assisting materially in developing the county, and in his business life has so managed his affairs as to receive a good financial return.
In 1863 Mr. Cundiff was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Knight, a daughter of Joseph Knight, and they became the parents of four children, but Alma B. died at the age of twen- ty-three years, being accidentally killed by the train in Hillsboro in June, 1894. Those still liv- ing are: Mary Ellen, the wife of Milton Salli- day, of Litchfield: Dora. the wife of Rainey Mathewson, of Coffeen: and Charles, who is married and lives in Coffeen.
Mrs. Cundiff belongs to the Free Methodist church, while Mr. Cundiff is identified with the
MR. AND MRS. H. C. CUNDIFF
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Modern Woodmen camp. lle votes with the Democracy and is interested in the success of his party, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. Having always lived in Mont- gomery county, he has a wide acquaintance within its borders, and that many who have known him from early boyhood are numbered among his stanchest friends is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright ca- reer.
JAMES P. BANDY.
James P. Bandy, who is successfully en- gaged in farming in North Litchfield township, was born December 30, 1845, in Macon county, Tennessee, his parents being Wesley and Pris- cilla (Ozbun) Bandy, also natives of Tennes- see. The father was of French descent and both the paternal and the maternal great-grand- fathers were Revolutionary soldiers, serving under General Washington. The paternal great-grandfather served with Washington for seven years and fourteen days and the maternal great-grandfather was a member of the army for almost as long a period. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Bandy served in the Crete war in Florida and in the south. His daugh- ter, Mrs. Bandy, often saw AAndrew Jackson pass by her father's home, which was situated on the regularly traveled road.
Wesley Bandy remained a resident of Ten- nessee until 1851, when he removed to Greene county. Illinois, where he resided for three years, and in 1854 he came to Montgomery county, settling a half mile northeast of where his son, James P. Bandy, the subject of this sketch, now resides. He was accompanied on his trip to this state by four of his children. He purchased sixty-three aeres of land at five dollars per acre and at the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred and thirty aeres. He arrived just after the Big Four Rail- road had been laid from Alton to Litchfield and there were six houses in what is now the largest city of the county. He took an active interest in what was accomplished as the coun- ty merged from pioneer conditions to take its
place among the leading counties of the com- monwealth and he always bore his full share in the work of public progress. He died April 28, 1901, at the age of eighty-three years, and his wife passed away May 5, 1901, at the age of eighty-five, their remains being interred in Honey Bond cemetery of Montgomery coun- ty. Mr. Bandy was always an advocate of Democratie principles. llis wife was a Meth- odist in religious faith and both enjoyed the esteem of many friends. They had nine chil- dren: Elizabeth, who is the widow of J. S. Bowles, and resides at. Honey Bend ; John F., who died in 1822; James P .; B. W., who mar- ried Kemmie Blackwelder and is living in North Litchfield township; Margaret, the widow of James T. Gordon, and a resident of Litchfield : Lucy J., who married Bird Briggs, but both are now deceased, her death having occurred in 1882. since which time her son Fred P. Briggs has lived with James P. Bandy : and three children who died in infancy.
In taking up the personal history of James P. Bandy, we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Montgomery county. In early life he was brought to this state and has since been deeply interested in what has been accomplished here along all lines of progress and substantial development. He was married in December, 1894, to Lucy R. Shawn, a daughter of John K. and Catherine (Adkinson) Shawn, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Ten- nessee. The father died when Mrs. Bandy was quite young, passing away in 1877. ITis widow still survives and is now the wife of Robert Briggs, of North Litchfield. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shawn were born ten children: Wil- liam, who died in infancy; Thomas, who died and was buried in California when twenty-one years of age: Fannie, who is the widow of Thomas Nevins and resides in Litchfield : James M., who married Anna Clanton and since her death makes his home with his mother: George M .. who wedded Mary Vine- vard and died in April, 1901. being survived by his wife and six children, his widow now living at Fort Smith. Arkansas: Joseph C., who married Flora Sawyer and is a farmer at Sitka, Oklahoma : Eugene, who died at the age
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of thirteen years; Riley, who died at the age festing in his chosen work a knowledge that has of five years ; John W., who died in childhood : and Lucy R.
James P. Bandy began farming for his father in 1810 and they continued in agricultural pur- suits together until the father's death. The son is now the owner of one hundred and six- ty-three and a third acres of well improved land and carries on general farming with good suc- cess. In his political views he is a Democrat and religiously his wife is connected with the Baptist church at New Hope. Their home has been blessed with three children: Lester W., horn June 28. 1896; Joseph P., born June 4, 1902; and Jesse F., born October 30, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Bandy have many friends in this locality who will receive with pleasure this record of their lives.
RICHARD F. BENNETT, M. D.
Dr. Richard F. Bennett, engaged in the prac- tice of medicine and surgery in Litchfield. hav- ing much more than local reputation as an able member of the profession, is a native of Shelby county. Illinois, his birth having occurred upon a farm there October 2. 1839, Ilis parents were William B. and Lavina Bennett, who afforded their son such advantages and privileges as they could. especially in the line of education. le attended the common schools and afterward the Moultrie County Seminary and when but sey- enteen years of age he began teaching in his native county, following this pursuit in order that he might obtain the means to continue his own education and prepare for a successful business career. For three years he followed teaching and then entered upon a previously conceived plan to study medicine. He read diligently and persistently, completing his course by graduation from the medical school of Cincinnati with the class of 1861. ITis pro- fessional career has been one of continuous progression, reading and investigation keeping him in touch with the progress that is continu- ally being made by the members of the medical fraternity. He has ever been conscientious in the performance of his professional duties, diagnosing his cases with great care and mani-
classed him with the leading representatives of the calling in southern Illinois. He has prac- ticed almost continuously in Litchfield since 1862, save when various professional duties have called him into other parts of the state.
Dr. Bennett is well known in political cir- eles as a stalwart Republican, being long recog- nized as a leader of his party in his community. He has given the same earnest thought toward understanding the political questions, issues and conditions of the day that has characterized his professional career and largely has a states- man's grasp of affairs. In the spring of 1871 he received the party nomination for alderman in Litchfield and although living in a Demo- cratic ward received a majority that was at once large and complimentary, indicating his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by those who knew him best. Elected for a second term, he proved during his in- cumbeney in the office his deep interest in com- munity affairs by the loyal support which he gave to further progressive measures that had for their object the substantial upbuilding and improvement of the city. So popular and ef- ficient did he prove as a member of the council that he was then nominated for mayor and again he received the public endorsement, he- ing chosen for the office by successive elections until he had served as chief executive of Litch- field for five consecutive terms. His adminis- tration was over business-like, he managing the affairs of his office with due regard to the interests of the citizens at large. For almost a quarter of a century he has been a member of the school board of Litchfield and the canse of education has found in him a warm friend who has put forth effective effort in employing competent teachers and raising the standard of the public schools. In 1888 he received the Republican nomination for state senator in the thirteenth Ilinois district and although the Democratie victory was a foregone conclusion he, nevertheless, made a strong canvass and re- duced the usual Democratie majority more than one-half. Subsequently he was elected a state committeeman from the eighteenth congres- sional district and served in that capacity for four years. He has always been urged to be-
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come a congressional candidate, but has re- to enter upon the active practice of medicine fused, preferring to remain in the active prac- tice of his profession. Further political honors came to him in connection with his profession.
In January, 1897. he was appointed a trustee of the Incurable Insane Hospital at Peoria and in January, 1898, he resigned to accept a posi- tion on the state board of health, of which he was the treasurer for two years. In October, 1900, he was appointed superintendent of the Illinois Southern Hospital for the Insane at Anna, Illinois, the appointment coming to him from Governor Tanner without his solicitation. He tried to decline this, but was strongly urged to accept by the Governor, who was a warm personal friend, and he ultimately decided to enter upon his duties there, which position he filled until the latter part of 1903, This is one of the best institutions of the kind in the state and under the capable control of Dr. Ben- nett and his four assistants excellent improve- ments were made in the institution and in the methods of caring for the unfortunate ones there. Since his retirement from the office he has largely devoted his time to rest and recrea- tion, spending considerable time in visiting his son, Dr. 1I. F. Bennett, in Chicago. He has financial interests in Litchfield, having for more than a decade been president of the Oil City Building & Loan Association and the pro- moter of other important commercial and in- dustrial concerns here.
In the year of his graduation from medical college Dr. Bennett was married to Miss Eliza- beth J. Storm. of Shelby county, Illinois, and unto them have been born a son and daughter. The former, Dr. Il. F. Bennett. of Chicago, was graduated from a medical college of that city in 1894 and immediately afterward began prac- tice there. At the completion of his college course he successfully passed a competitive ex- amination whereby he was appointed to the position of interne in the Cook County ilos- pital and after serving for a year and a half in that capacity he was made a member of the visiting staff of the institution and has been connected therewith for the past six years. fle is also professor of orthopadie surgery in Ben- nett Medical College, but in October of the pres- ent year ( 1904) he expects to come to Litchfield
with his father. His nine years' experience in connection with the Cook County Hospital as well as the duties of a good private practice in Chicago have well qualified him for his chosen life work and his services will prove invaluable in this community. The daughter, Mario Bennett, is a graduate of the North- western University at Evanston, Illinois, with the class of June, 1899.
Dr. Bennett has varions fraternal relations in Litchfield, being a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias lodges and the Modern Woodmen camp. After some months of rest and recreation he has recently resumed the practice of his profession in Litch- field, commanding a patronage which indicates the consensus of public opinion in regard to his superior professional skill. lle has a wide acquaintance among prominent physicians and the noted political leaders of the state and has gained the friendship and warm regard of many of the leading men of Illinois.
W. H. CASSELBERRY.
W. Il. Casselberry, who is one of the owners of the electric light plant at Nokomis and an active energetic business man, was born near Bellevue, Illinois, in 1860, and is a son of Charles and Louisa Casselberry. llis father was born in Indiana in 1815, spent his youth there and afterward removed to Illinois, set- tling near Belleville, where he carried on gen- eral farming. In 1866 he came to Mont- gomery county, taking up his abode near Hills- boro, where he purchased a tract of land. he- coming one of the extensive farmers of that locality. ilis attention was largely given to the raising of grain. In politics he was a Democrat, but he never sought office. Being a man of quiet demeanor and reserved disposi- tion he never sought to figure in any light be- fre the public. He died in 1883, while his wife passed away in 1822. They were the parents of nine children, of whom eight are now living.
W. IT. Casselberry was reared in Montgomery county and is indebted to its publie-school sys-
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tem for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He began farming with his father and con- tinned to engage in agricultural pursuits until about December, 1901, when he removed to Nokomis. lle had cultivated three hundred acres of land and was largely engaged in the raising of cattle for the market. Most of the grain which he produced was fed to his stock. Although he entered upon his business career with no capital he is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farming land-a fact which indicates his business abil- ity, careful management and indefatigable in- industry. Upon his removal to Nokomis he engaged in the electric lighting business in con- nection with J. H. Crickenberger and they are still partners in this enterprise. The plant was incorporated in 1894 by George Bliss and R. E. Cornelius and they do a business in commercial, street and residence lighting, having a well equipped plant. In fact theirs is one of the best of the kind to be found in Montgomery county and has been continuously operated with a break of only fifteen minutes in five years. They give excellent service to their patrons and their business is continually increasing. Mr. Casselberry purchased a half interest in the plant with Mr. Crickenberger and they have since been associated in its operation. He also derives a good income from his farm, which he now rents. It is one of the best improved farm- ing properties in Montgomery county. he hav- ing spent much time and money in its develop- ment, and upon the place is a fine residence which was erected at a cost of four thousand dollars.
In August, 1886, Mr. Casselberry was mar- ried to Miss Rosella Gray, a daughter of I. N. Gray, of Nokomis, who was reared in this county. They became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom four are living, namely: Ros- ella, Ruth Ann, Agnes Kittie and Josephine, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Casselberry hold membership in the Baptist church and he is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Masons and the Woodmen of Nokomis. while his po- litical allegiance is given to the Democracy. He purchased a residence in Nokomis on his re- moval to the town and the home is noted for its generous hospitality, which is freely extended
to the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Cassel- berry.
OLIVER LEWEY.
Prominent among the honored early settlers of Montgomery county was numbered Oliver Lewey, who was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, June 16, 1813, and was reared upon a farm in that state. Although he never served an apprenticeship to either trade he became proficient as a shoemaker and carpenter. When a young man he left North Carolina for Illi- nois and on reaching Montgomery county he entered from the government the tract of land on which his son Christopher was born. It comprised ninety acres, wild and unimproved, and with characteristic energy he began to de- velop the fields.
Mr. Lewey married Miss Jane Stephenson, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of William Stephenson, one of the early settlers of Mont- gomery county. They became the parents of seven children, namely : William, now de- ceased: Albert, who lives on the home farm; Mary, wife of John Grassell, of Butler Grove township; Christopher C., a farmer of Hills- boro township; Mattie, wife of Rufus Paden, of Hillsboro township: and two who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewey began their domestic life upon the original claim which he had secured in Hillsboro township. but about 1860 removed to another farm, upon which he spent his remaining days. He was successful in busi- ness affairs, developing a valuable property and deriving a good income from his crops. His political support was given the Republican party and he was a man of many good qualities which won the respect of those with whom he was associated. His death occurred in 1886, while his wife passed away in 1872.
CHRISTOPHER C. LEWEY.
Christopher C. Lewey has spent his entire life in Montgomery county, identified with agri- cultural pursuits throughout the years of his
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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MR. AND MRS. OLIVER LEWEY
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manhood, and his industry has formed the basis of very desirable and gratifying success. llis birth occurred December 10, 1855, on section 28. Hillsboro township. Ilis father was Oliver Lewey, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume.
The boyhood days of Christopher C. Lewey passed in the usual manner of farmer lads. in attendance on the district schools and in farm work, for he early became familiar with the labor of field and meadow. He has never sought to change his occupation but has always engaged in the tilling of the soil, and has found it a profitable source of income, because he has labored diligently and persistently. The farm which he now occupies has been his home since he was five years of age, with the exception of eleven months spent in Hillsboro, and he has one hundred and seventy acres in his home place and eighty acres on section 25. of the same township. He carries on general farming and stock-raising, and his farm is located on the Greenville and Jacksonville road, three miles south and one mile west of Hillsboro.
Mr. Lewey was married April 4, 1883. lo Miss Mary Blackimrn, of Litchfield township. a daughter of Jabez and Mary ( Smith) Black- burn. Her father was born in England. No- vember 2. 1823, and was brought to America by his parents in 1831. After two years spent in New York they removed to St. Louis, where they also remained for two years. In 1853 they came to Montgomery county, settling in Litchfield, and in 1866 took up their abode in Hillsboro township, where Mr. Blackburn followed farming for a number of years. ITis last years, however, were spent in retirement from labor in Hillsboro, where he died Jan- mary 5, 1895. His wife, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, May 1, 1830, is living with our subject.
In his political views Mr. Lewey is a Re- publican but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with well merited success. He belongs to the Mutual Pro- tective League and he and his wife are mom- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church in Hillsboro. In that city and in their home lo- cality they have many friends. won by those
sterling traits of character which everywhere command respect and confidence.
RICHARD LEE WILTON.
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