USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 28
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assisted in its growth and while helping to up- build the city he has also made for himself an enviable reputacion by his activity and steady perseverance. His life history illustrates in a marked degree what may be accomplished by well directed effort and strict business princi- ples.
JOIN FATH.
John Fath, living in East Fork township, is identified with agricultural pursuits and has also been a representative of educational in- terests in Montgomery county. He was born in Perry county, Missouri, in 1841, a son of Leonard and Margaret Fath. As the name in- dicates the family is of German origin and the father was born on the river Rhine, spending his boyhood days in the vicinity of that far- famed water course. Attracted by the business opportunities of the new world, however, he came to America on attaining his majority, making his way to St. Louis, Missouri. He soon afterward located in Perry county, Mis- souri, where he resided until 1864, when he came to Montgomery county. Prior to this time he had engaged in blacksmithing, but upon his removal to East Fork township, Montgomery county, Illinois, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a section of land, upon a part of which his son John now resides. He labored earnestly and energetically as a farmer and for some years had the capable assistance of his son.
John Fath arrived in Montgomery county in March, 1865, at which time he began farming with his father. He had taught school in Mis- souri when nineteen years of age and he fol- lowed that profession through twenty-two con- secutive winter terms and also taught to some extent in the summer months. lIe has thus been closely and helpfully connected with the educational interests of East Fork township, Montgomery county, and he made an excellent reputation as a teacher, for he has the ability to impart readily, clearly and concisely to oth- ers the knowledge that he has acquired. He always studied to introduce advanced eduea- tional methods and at the same time made his
school of a practical character. Through much of the summer his attention was given to farin labor in connection with his father and the un- faltering energy and enterprise of the younger proved a valued supplement to the experience of the father. After the father's death the home farm was divided and Mr. Fath of this review is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, of which eighty acres is a part of that place. Ile raises both stock and grain and he has fine farm animals, while on his place are seen good crops of the various cereals best adapted to the soil and climate,
In 1860 occurred the marriage of Mr. Fath and Miss Martha Mary Nugent, a daughter of John Il. and Ruth Nugent. They had ten children, of whom eight are living: Medora, who is married and resides in Hillsboro; Luke A., who is married and resides on the old home- stead; Charles E., who is married and makes his home in Hillsboro; Laura A., who is mar- ried and resides in the county seat : Florence Mande; Ethel Irene; Guy L .; and Eugene L. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and their influence is over found on the side of progress, improvement and right. Mr. Fath gives his political allegiance to the Democracy, of which his father was also a sup- porter, and he has been called to public office, serving his fellow citizens as circuit elerk. The publie trust reposed in him has never been be- trayed in the slightest degree and in all life's relations he has been found as an honorable, upright gentleman worthy of the regard and good will of his fellow men.
N. B. ALLEN.
N. B. Allen is a wide-awake and progressive business man dealing in hardware, imple- ments, furniture and undertaking goods in Fillmore and while there have been no ex- eiting chapters in his life history it yet con- tains elements of interest because he is a rep- resentative American citizen, energetic and en- terprising in business and interested in the publie welfare to the extent of giving hearty co-operation to many measures for the general good. He was born in Minnesota, January 10,
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1866, his parents being L. C. and Alice D. (Bliss) Allen. He was but two years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Mont- gomery county, the home being established in Fillmore. He attended school in Fillmore township and for a year was a student in the academy at Hillsboro. He also spent two and a half years in the college at Carthage, Illinois, conducted under the auspices of the Lutheran church, and was thus well qualified by edu- cational training to meet the responsible duties of a business career.
On putting aside his text books he came to Fillmore and entered the general store which had been opened by his father in 1883. He has since been identified with the business and now carries a large and well selected stock of hard- ware, farm implements and furniture, making his purchases with a view of meeting the varied tastes represented by the town and coun- try trade. He also conducts an undertaking business. In his career as a merchant he has met with a gratifying measure of success which is accorded him in recognition of his straight- forward, honorable methods and his earnest pur- pose to ably conduct a good store. This is the second largest business house in Fillmore. In addition to owning and conducting a store Mr. Allen is identified with agricultural interests, having three hundred acres of land in Mont- gomery and Fayette counties. He employs a man by the year to conduct his farm and he keeps upon his place good grades of cattle and hogs and feeds considerable stock to sell, which adds materially to his annual income. He is also one of the owners of the Fillinore Bank.
In 1889 Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Anna Downs, a daughter of B. F. Downs. She is an estimable lady, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in social circles occupies an enviable po- sition. Mr. Allen votes with the Democracy and has served as justice of the peace and as town clerk, filling these positions in a credit- able manner, his official service being character- ized by promptness and fidelity. Anything calculated to benefit the town elicits his atten- tion and support and he has borne a helpful part in community interests. His life record will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny
and during his long residence in Montgomery county he has gained the warm friendship of many with whom social and business relations has brought him in contact.
W. 1. BLACK.
Not many men who are active and successful in the business world have assistance at the beginning of their careers. The greater ma- jority of those who depend upon their own re- sources improve their opportunities and advance to success by reason of their energy and inherent force of character. Such a one is Mr. Black, who follows farming in East Fork township. Fle was born about three miles east of his present residence in 1834, his parents being J. B. and Mary G. ( McCaslin) Black. His father was born in Humphrey county, Ten- nessee, was there reared and in that locality followed the occupation of farming for some time. In 1830, however, he arrived in Illinois, settling in Bond county, where he remained until 1833, when he took up his abode in East Fork township, Montgomery county. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which was entirely unimproved, but with char- acteristic energy he began the development of a farm and made his home thereon until the spring of 1856. Then he removed to Donnell- son, where he remained until 1865. when he took up his abode in Litchfield, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1876. The county thus lost one of its pioneer residents, for he located in this section of the state when the work of progress and improvement had been scarcely begun. Much of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated. and where are now seen flourishing towns and villages then grew the wild prairie grasses. In the family were four children, of whom three are living.
W. A. Black spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads. working in the fields and meadows through the summer months, while in the remainder of the year he attended school in Bond county and later for a short time in East Fork township, this county. Since attaining his majority he has been dependent upon his own resources for an
J. B. BLACK
MRS. SARAH J. (BLACK) HUTCHINSON IT. A. BLACK T. G. BLACK
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that he has possessed and enjoyed, and his life has been characterized by diligence and perse- verance. After his marriage he started for him- self by purchasing the old family homestead in 1856. He lived thereon for one year and then, selling that place, removed to Hillsboro and afterward to Irving, Illinois. In the latter place he was engaged in merchandising, but subsequently he returned to Hillsboro, where he conducted a livery stable. At a later date he purchased his present home, first becoming the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, the greater part of which lies within the borders of Montgomery county, and upon this he is engaged in general farming and stock- raising. He has seen the entire prairie settled. There were few houses when he arrived in Illi- nois, the country being wild and unimproved. He has also seen all the railroads built and the modern improvements introduced, including the telegraph and telephone. Equally remark- able changes have been noted in farm methods and especially in the kinds of machinery used in the development of the fields. Mr. Black has kept apace with modern progress and is to- day one of the leading agriculturists of his community.
In September, 1855, occurred the marriage of Mr. Black and Miss S. E. Whitledge, and unto them were born six children, of whom three are living: Florence Etta, the wife of Benton Bendure, who resides in Oklahoma; and Margaret and J. A., at home. In 1868 Mr. Black was again married, his second union being with Eveline Foster, who was born in Greenville, Illinois, and was reared in Bond county. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Foster, both of whom came from Ver- mont to Illinois as early settlers of Bond county, establishing their home there in 1838. The ancestry of her mother's people can be traced back through eight hundred years. Mrs. Foster bore the maiden name of Elizabeth C. Norton. and is a representative of the Norton family of which Mme. Nordica, the famous singer, was related. Mr. and Mrs. Black had six children, of whom three are living: D. H. R., Lura A. and Albert F. The parents are worthy Christian people. belonging to the Cum- berland Presbyterian church at Donnellson,
and Mr. Black is a Demoerat in his political views. He has ever been fearless in advocating his own opinions, yet never bitterly aggressive and his influence has ever been given on the side of right, progress, reform and improve- ment.
OTIS CLINTON COLBY, D. M. D.
Dr. Otis Clinton Colby, who is successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry in ITills- boro, his large patronage being indicative of his high standing in public regard, was born upon a farm near Zanesville, Illinois, on the 8th of November, 1814, his parents being Joel and Emma Colby. The mother was a daughter of Jefferson Davis and a native of Walshville, Illinois. The father spent his early life as a teacher and afterward engaged in agricultural pursuits, thus providing for his family for many years. He followed educational work in Greene county and in Zanesville, being thus associated with the intellectual development of the state for ten years. IIe also lived in Montgomery county for about twenty-nine years, teaching about five years of that time, and then gave his entire attention to agricultural pur- suits. For about twelve years prior to his death, however, he lived a retired life in Litch- field and he passed away in Sullivan, Florida, on the 17th of December, 1893. His widow still resides in Litchfield at the age of forty- seven years. In the family are four sons and two daughters, who are yet living. and the family home is at No. 802 Union avenue. Those who still survive are William Walter, Oliver Roy, Edgar Elmer. Bertha Alma, Letha Lea and Otis C.
Dr. Colby acquired his education in the schools of Zanesville, Illinois, and in the high school of Litchfield. After the completion of his literary course he took up the study of telegraphy, in which he was graduated in Janesville, Wisconsin. on the 22nd of November, 1892. He then occupied the position of tele- graph operator on the Wabash Railroad for about two years, but, determining to devote his attention to professional labors he entered the office of Dr. Barefoot, of Litchfield, who di-
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reeted his studies and instructed him in the practical work of the office for one year. Later he entered the Wesleyan Dental College at Kansas City, Missouri, where he remained for a year and subsequently matriculated in the Missouri Dental College of Washington Uni- versity at St. Louis, where he was graduated on the 28th of April, 1898. On the 4th of May following. he opened his office in Hills- boro, where he has since resided, and although one of the younger members of the profession, he has gained a large patronage which is indica- tive of his skill and ability, showing that his work has been satisfactory to his many patrons. He keeps in touch with the advanced ideas of the profession with its latest improvements and has put his knowledge to the practical test in his practice in a way that has made his labor profitable.
LOUIS WOLTERS.
Lonis Wolters is a retired farmer now living in Hillsboro. He still has extensive landed possessions in Montgomery county, and his property is the visible evidence of his life of enterprise and thrift. for he came to America empty-handed and through the utilization of opportunity and by unfaltering perseverance he won the competence that now enables him to rest from further labors. Ile was born in Germany in 1822. a son of Frederick and Eliza (Van Rogge) Wolters, both of whom were na- tives of the fatherland. Mr. Wolters was a farmer by occupation and was prominent in his community, holding office under the Ger- man government. He served as mayor of his home town, also as collector of taxes, and was a soldier, serving under Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, of whom three reached years of maturity, but Henry is now deceased. The others are Frederick, who is now living a retired life in Havana, Illinois ; and Louis, of this review.
In the public schools of his native town Louis Wolters mastered the common branches of learning, but his educational privileges were somewhat limited and his knowledge has been
larg. ly self-a quired through reading, experi- ence and observation. He remained in his na- tive country until twenty-six years of age, and in 1852 was married in Hamburg to Miss Elizabeth Heitman. The following year they sailed for the new workl. They located in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Wolters worked at his trade of cabinet-making in a factory, spending five years in that city. On the expi- ration of that period he removed to Carlinville, Illinois, where he remained for seven years, conducting a general mercantile establishment. lle next took up his abode upon a farm in East Fork township, Montgomery county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1887 and then came to Hillsboro. Retiring from active business life he is now ocenpying a pleasant home and is enjoying a well-earned rest from active business pursuits. As his financial resources increased he made judicious investments in real estate, becoming the owner of valuable farming property. He now owns five hundred and eighty acres of land in East Fork and Rountree townships, and from his farms ho derives a good income.
In 1895 Mr. Wolters was called upon to monrn the loss of his wife, who died in Hills- boro on the 29th of March of that year, at the age of seventy-four. She was born at Entein, Oldenburg, Germany, and by her marriage she became the mother of four children: Hugo, who is living upon his father's farm in East Fork township: Robert, who occupies and op- erates his father's farm in Rountree town- ship: Thomas, a wagon-maker and dealer in agricultural implements at Nokomis. Illinois ; and Edward, who is also in business in No- komis.
Mr. Wolters is a member of the Lutheran church and socially is connected with the Ma- sonic Fraternity. He votes with the Republi- can party and during his residence in Hills- boro has taken an active and helpful part in community interests. He served for six years as a member of the city council and exercised his official prerogatives in support of every measure which he believed would contribute to the general good. His business career was char- acterized by unflagging diligence and perse- verance, resulting in a creditable measure of
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LOUIS WOLTERS
MRS. LOUIS WOLTERS
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prosperity. Educational, church and social in- terests owe their promotion in a degree to his aid. Seventeen years has Hillsboro been his home-years largely devoted to the public good.
ZACHARIAH ENSOR.
Zachariah Ensor, who is now practically liv- ing retired in Coffeen, but in former years was identified with agricultural interests in Mont- gomery county, was born in Maryland, March 4. 1843, his parents being Charles and Cath- erine Ensor. His father, also a native of Mary- land, followed the occupation of farming and in 1859 removed from the Atlantic coast to the interior of the country, spending several years in Montgomery county, but later he went to Fayette county, where his remaining days were passed.
Zachariah Ensor came to Illinois with his parents in 1859 when a youth of sixteen. He had in the meantime acquired his education in the public schools of Wayne county, Indiana, and when he entered upon his business career it was as a farm hand in the employ of Joshua Wilson, with whom he remained for seven years, working by the month. His long con- tinuance in the one service certainly indicates his fidelity and capability. He entered Mr. Wilson's employ in June, 1861, and there re- mained until 1869 with the exception of the period of his services in the Civil war. Hle responded to his country's call as a defender of the Union, enlisting in the Seventh Mis- souri Cavalry, which was later consolidated to the First Missouri Cavalry. He participated in some of the engagement- of the Red River expedition and was afterward with the Army of the Cumberland under General Fred Stecle in the Seventh Army Corps. He was mustered ont in September, 1865, and returned home with a creditable military record. For eight weeks he was in the hospital on account of an injury in his ankle, but on his recovery he again joined his regiment.
Upon his return from the war Mr. Ensor again entered the employ of Mr. Wilson. with whom he remained until 1869. He was then
married to Miss R. L. Shaffer and they became the parents of four children: Laura Crites, Hattie Campbell, Ollie Welge and Lyma. In 1900 Mr. Ensor was again married, his second union being with Miss Luella W. Griffin.
After his marriage Mr. Ensor continued farming for others until he was able to secure a farm of his own. lle engaged in raising grain and stock, making a specialty of horses and he placed all of the improvements upon his land, converting it into a valuable and pro- ductive tract. In September, 1888, he came to Coffeen, being one of the early citizens of the town and purchased the home which he now ocenpics. lle is practically living retired except he engages to some extent in garden- ing. Whatever snecess he has achieved is the direct result and reward of his labors, for he started out in life empty-handed. Gradually he worked his way upward, overcoming all dif- ficulties and obstacles in his path and he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence, which enables him to live in practical retire- ment from further business life. He has al- ways taken an active interest in the welfare of the town and his co-operation in its public affairs has been an element in its upbuilding. He has served on the board of health for four years, has also been president of the board and as a private citizen has contributed to the gen- eral improvement. lle votes with the Repub- lican party and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Cumber- land Presbyterian church.
J. J. BOST.
J. J. Bost is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres located in Fillmore township, but is now practically living retired, having for ten years made his home in Fillmore, where he is enjoying a well merited rest. He was iorn in Cabarrus county, North Carolina, in 1836, his parents being Jacob and Margaret (Cress) Bost. The father, also a native of the Old North state, was a farmer by occupation and on removing westward to Illinois settled a mile and a half south of where Fillmore is now
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located. He purchased his land of John J. Alexander, one of the early settlers of the county and upon his farm spent his remaining days, being one of the well known and valued agriculturists of his community.
J. J. Bost was only nine months of age at the time of his parents' removal to Ilinois and here he was reared and educated, attending the public schools. The httle temple of learn- ing was a log structure, crudely furnished and the methods of instruction were also somewhat primitive. When twenty-two years of age Mr. Bost started out in life on his own account. flis farm is splendidly improved, being equipped with many modern accessories. The house was built by his father, while J. J. Bost built the barn. In addition to general farm- ing Mr. Bost engaged in the raising of cattle on an extensive scale and he now has a herd of fine Angus cattle. He has owned many head of registered stock and in all of his deal- ings he has met with success which should ever crown persistent and honorable effort. Ile continued farming on the old homestead there for many years, his business having been in- terrupted by a period of only four years, which voars were passed in Ramsey. About ten years ago he left the farm and took up his abode in Fillmore, where he now res ides, but he still retains the ownership of his valua- ble traet of land of three hundred and sixty acres.
In October, 1852, Mr. Bost was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Sanders, a daughter of John Sanders, of this county. Her father was an early settler of the county. Ile was born in North Carolina and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Kentucky. where he was reared and educated. Ile came to Illinois about seventy-five years ago, set- tling in Fillmore township. His death of- curred in February, 1852, and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer settlers, whose ef- forts were of value in the development of the county along progressive lines. In his family were seven children, of whom two are now liv- ing. ineluding Mrs. Bost. Mr. and Mrs. Bost became the parents of six children. of whom four are now living: Mrs. Ada Richmond, Mrs. Kate Miller. J. Q. and Cada Williams.
Mrs. Bost is a member of the Lutheran church and is a most estimable lady, having proved a faithful companion and helpmate to her husband in the journey of life. Mr. Bost exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy and he has served as school director for twelve years. Long years have passed since he became a res- ident of this county and great changes have occurred owing to the efforts of the settlers who have been a class of worthy pioneers. He has taken a deep interest in everything that has been accomplished for the welfare of the community and his mind bears the impress of the early historic annals of the county. He can relate many interesting incidents concern- ing pioncer times here and remembers with pleasure many events which occurred within that period, yet no man has taken a greater part in what has been accomplished as the years have passed and as progress has wrought its effect in obliterating pioncer conditions and bringing about the more modern civilization of the present day.
WILLIAM M. RHODES.
William M. Rhodes, the owner of two valu- able farms in Montgomery county, is an en- terprising agriculturist. living on section 17. Raymond township, where he has sixty-nine acres of land that are situated about a mile from the village of Raymond. He also has two hundred and forty acres of the old Rhodes homestead, which is likewise a well improved property. His business career has been char- aeterized by admirable qualities. for in his dealings with his fellow men he is ever straightforward and honorable, and in the con- trol of his business interests he is most ener- getic and enterprising.
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