USA > Illinois > Montgomery County > Past and present of Montgomery County, Illinois > Part 5
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPA
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older farmer might well envy, and undoubt- edly greater success awaits him in the future.
WILLIAM S. CRESS.
William S. Cress was born on the farm where he now lives in Butler Grove township. his natal day being February 11, 1848. Ilis father. Jacob Cress, was born in Indiana in 1818. and the grandfather, Jacob Cress, Sr., was a native of North Carolina, whence he started overland in 1812, but on reaching In- diana he settled there, remaining in that state for a year. Ilis son Jacob was born there in the spring of 1818 and soon afterward the family came to Montgomery county, Illinois, settling in Butler Grove township. His grand- father entered land from the goverment on section 35 and upon the place built a log cabin. lle then began the development of a farm, breaking the prairie preparatory to the tilling of the soil and in due course of time gathering rich harvests as the result of his labors. Hle was interested in the Lutheran church and contributed to its support. His death of oe- curred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-six years. In the family were eight children, two sons and six daughters.
Jacob Cress, Jr., was reared upon the old family homestead in Butler Grove township and remained with his parents until the time of his marriage, which occurred on the 23d of January. 1840. Miss Helena Scherer becoming his wife. She was born in Virginia in 1818 and was the daughter of Rev. Daniel Scherer, one of the pioneer Lutheran ministers of this section of the country. After their marriage the young couple located upon the farm where William Cress now resides and the husband erected a log cabin where a beautiful and com. modious residence now stands. The pioneer home, however, contained but one room and Jacob Cress built their first table. He brought his bride to his home on horseback and there lived in true pioneer style for some time, but as the years advanced they were enabled to add many of the comforts and conveniences of the time to their place. In this county
Jacob Cross died at the age of eighty-six years and his wife has also passed away.
William S. Cress was reared to farm life upon the old family homestead and attended the common schools, but later he had the ad- vantage of a course in the Illinois State Uni- versity under the auspices of the Lutheran church. He spent three years in that institu- tion and at the age of twenty-four began teach- ing school, being employed in several district and high schools, while at one time he was principal of the schools of Butler. From 1873 until 1845, inclusive, he was the teacher in the school which was removed from Springfield to Carthage, Illinois, becoming Carthage College. He was assistant to the chair of mathematics in that institution for three years and in 1876-7 he taught in the Butler school. On the ex- piration of that period he went to Hillsboro, where he and his brothers were engaged in the agricultural implement business for four years. They then sold out and William S. Cress later spent a year in St. Louis and Kansas City. He afterward went to Wichita, Kansas, where he was connected with an agricultural implement house for four years. Later he went to Port- land. Oregon, where he was engaged in the real-estate business for five years, returning thence to Wichita, where he again entered into business relations with the house with which he had formerly been connected. Owing to the death of his younger brother he returned to Montgomery county and took charge of the old home place, thus relieving his father of its care.
On the 4th of January, 1900, Mr. Cress was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Schopf. of Wichita, Kansas, and they have two chil- dren : John B., three years of age; and Marie L., about two years old. There are seven hun- dred and fifty-five acres of land in the home farm and the entire amount is under the per- sonal supervision of Mr. Cress, whose practical training at farm labor in early years makes him an agriculturist whose ability is widely recog- nized. lle is extensively engaged in the rais- ing of horses, cattle. hogs and sheep and now has a flock of four hundred head of n.erino sheep. In community interests he takes an active and helpful part and in 1902 served as
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
W. S. CRESS
MRS. W. S. CRESS
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trustee of Butler Grove township. He is a member of the Fraternal Aid Association and Insurance Society; he gives his political al- legiance to the Democracy and is a member of the Lutheran church. lle has had a varied business experience and has a wide ae- quaintance, and in the different localities in which he has resided for any length of time he has made warm friends because of his relia- bility, social, genial nature and his recognition of worth in others.
P. J. HERMAN, M. D.
The medical profession of Montgomery county finds a capable, conscientious and worthy representative in Dr. P. J. Herman, who has been practicing within its borders for nearly a half century. A native son of Illi- nois. he was born near Chatham, Sangamon county, on the 22d of December, 1833, and comes of German ancestry, the family having been established in North Carolina in early colonial days. David Herman. the grand- father, was there born, and David H. Herman, the father, was also a native of that state. horn in 1805. About 1810 David Herman re- moved with his family to Kentucky, settling in Grant county, where his son, David H. Hler- man. grew to manhood. He was married there to Sarah Mitts. a native of that state and a daughter of Jacob Mitts, also one of the early residents of Kentucky of German ancestry. Mr. Herman removed to illinois in 1830, establish- ing his home in Sangamon county when it was largely an unimproved district. the greater part of the land being still in possession of the gov- ernment. while the work of progress and im- provement was scarcely begun. He located near Chatham, where he entered a traet of land and opened up a farm, which he continued to make his home for more than sixty years. There he reared his family and lived an active. useful and honorable life, proving a valued citizen of the community from which he was ealled by death in 1891. Ilis wife had de- parted this life ahout ten years before.
Dr. Herman is one of a family of six sons and three daughters that were reared to adult
age upon the old family homestead, and of these three sons and one daughter are yet liv- ing. Like the others of the family, he re- mained under the parental roof through the period of his boyhood and youth. His com- mon school advantages were supplemented by a course of study in the high school at Spring- field, and he entered upon preparation for his profession in Chatham as a student in the office of Dr. N. Wright, one of the old practi- tioners of Sangamon county. Ite began read- ing medicine in 1855 and pursued his first course of lectures in Rush Medical College in 1858-59. Before this time he had engaged in teaching in Sangamon county, but he regarded this merely as an initiatory step to other pro- fessional labor. After completing his first course of lectures he came to Montgomery county and entered upon the practice of medi- cine here. In 1862 he went to Chicago and completed a medical course in Rush Medieal College, in which he was graduated with the class of 1863. Again locating in Raymond, he not only practiced medicine and surgery, but also conducted a drug store, in which he com- pounded his own medicines. His practice called him to many points over a wide area and he built up a large and successful business. He is now the oldest practitioner in this part of the county and has long maintained a foremost position in the ranks of the fraternity. ile belongs to the Montgomery County Medical Society, and continued reading and investiga- tion have kept him thoroughly informed con- cerning the advancement made by the profes- sion. He now largely confines himself to office practice, and in as far as possible is put- ting aside professional labors.
Dr. Herman was married April 14. 1863. to Miss Eliza A. Neal, a native of Sangamon connty, who was reared in Montgomery coon- ty. Her father. Elijah B. Neal, formerly of Kentucky, became a resident of Sangamon county, Illinois. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Herman have been born four children, who are yet liv- ing: Julia .A., the wife of Frank Hl. Schafer. of Nokomis: Hattie L .. who occupies a posi- tion in a mercantile establishment in Ray- mond: Flora Belle, the wife of William 1. Ray, of Chicago: and Blanche May, the wife
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of Stephen O. Seward, of Montgomery coun- ty. They also lost their first child, Frances Ellen, who died in early womanhood.
Politically Dr. Herman is a Democrat, who cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce and his last ballot for William Jennings Bryan. He has never had time to seek or till publie office, although he served as presi- dent of the village board for three terms and also as village trustee. He has ever been a warm friend of the cause of education, and while serving on the school board has put forth effective effort for the upbuilding of the schools and the raising of the standard of edu- cation in Raymond. He is a Royal Arch Mason and was one of the organizers of the Masonic lodge at Raymond, of which he served as master for a number of terms, while at the present time he is again filling that position. lle has likewise represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state on three different oe- casions. He belonged to Hillsboro chapter, but was afterward dimitted. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Herman has resided in this section of Illinois throughout his entire life, and for nearly fifty years has been identified with the growth, development and prosperity of Raymond and Montgomery county. Few have so long resided in this district as has Dr. Her- man, and none have a wider or more favorable acquaintance. He is always an honored at- tendant at the old settlers' pienies of Sanga- mon and of Montgomery counties, and he is well known in central Illinois as a man who is entitled to the highest regard and respect by reason of an upright life, as well as su- perior professional skill that has rendered his lifework of the utmost benefit and value to his fellow men.
GEORGE N. ALLEN.
George N. Allen, one of the most progressive residents of East Fork township, following farming on section 5, was born in that town- ship. April 29, 1858, a son of Robert and Ilarriet ( Ohmart) Allen. His father was born in North Carolina, spent the days of his
boyhood and youth there and came to Mont- gomery county when twenty-one years of age, settling in East Fork township. Pioneer con- ditions existed here at that early period. Much of the land was still in possession of the gov- ernment, having not been reclaimed for the purpose of civilization. Mr. Allen, however, took an active part in developing this portion of the state and was recognized as one of the leading men of his community, doing much to promote social, religious and political inter- ests, as well as the material development of Montgomery county. His life was actuated by high and honorable purpose and principles, and he commanded the respect and good will of all who knew him. He died August 1, 1891. leaving two sons. William A. and George N.
George N. Allen was reared upon the old family homestead, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the win- ter seasons he attended the public schools and acquired a fair practical English education. He started ont in life for himself when eighteen years of age. ITis father was then in poor health and gave to him the manage- ment of the farm, which he conducted as his father's partner. He also purchased a tract of land about the same time, incurring an in- debtedness in order to do this, but within a short period he discharged the obligation. Later he removed to the vicinity of Donnellson, where he resided for four years, but through- out that period he continued as overscer of his father's farm. After his father's death he settled upon the home place, where he now re- sides. IIe has added to this farm from time to time and is today the owner of a valuable property of four hundred and thirty-six acres in East Fork township. Much of his land is under a high state of cultivation, and he an- nnally harvests good crops. For about ten years he has engaged in shipping stock, and this has added materially to his income. for he is an excellent judge of farm animals and thus is enabled to make purchases and sales which yield a good profit. He has become well known as a stock-raiser, and he also han- dles a good breed of cattle, which he feeds for the market. He has made a close study of how
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to import stock in the best way and in the shortest time, and his knowledge is compre- hensive and practical. At this writing, in 1904, he owns a herd of registered Ohio Improved Chester White hogs, and he now has about sev- enty hogs eligible to be registered. He has also handled many sheep. He and his brother had very little in boyhood and worked on a threshing machine for fifty cents per day, but as time passed, through industry and economy Mr. Allen gradually worked his way upward financially, and is today the possessor of a very valuable farm and is also one of the stock- holders and directors of the First National Bank at Hillsboro. He and his brother also own nine hundred and sixty-five acres of land in Arkansas. a part of which is covered with timber, while the remainder is devoted to cot- ton raising.
In November. 1882. Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Zilphia Wilson, a daughter of George Wilson, and unto them have been born seven children, all of whom are living: Orin K., who is now attending the State Nor- mal School at Charleston, Illinois: Cullen F .; Robert W .; William F. : Charlotte; Mary : and Dorothy. All of the children are at home. Mrs. Allen belongs to the Methodist church and Mr. Allen holds membership relations with the Masonic fraternity, being made a Mason at Don- nellson in 1890, and with the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks. He keeps well informed on the political questions and issues of the day, votes with the Democracy and has filled the office of assessor, but would never consent to occupy other official positions, preferring to give his time and energies to his business af- fairs. He, however. takes a deep and active interest in everything pertaining to the wel- fare of his township and is the champion of many measures that have resulted in the pub- lic good. He has been a delegate to the state and congressional conventions and a member of the federal court at Hillsboro. He is an advocate of gravel roads for the county and of graded township schools instead of the dis- triet schools, and he was instrumental in se- curing the establishment of the rural mail de- livery along its present route. His ideas, while
always progressive, are at the same time practi- cal, and his efforts have proved very beneficial to the county, and he has also conducted his business affairs so as to win most gratifying and honorable success.
L. V. TIILL.
L. V. Ilill, who is filling the position of prosecuting attorney at Hillsboro, is one of the younger representatives of the Montgom- ery county bar. but his years seem no obstacle in his success, which has been of a most de- sirable character. He seems to have been en- dowed by nature with the peculiar qualifications that combine to make a successful lawyer. He is patiently persevering, possesses an analytical mind and one that is readily receptive and re- tentive of the fundamental principles and in- tricacies of the law. Ile applies himself with great thoroughness to the mastery of his case, is fearless in its alvocacy, is quick to com- prehend subtle problems and logical in his conclusions and thus he has won for himself an enviable position as a representative of the legal fraternity.
Mr. Hill is a son of Isaac and Mary (Sears) Hill. His father, now residing in Joplin, Mis- souri, was born in Fayette county, Illinois, and in early manhood followed the occupation of farming. About 1888, however, he turned his attention to the lumher business and he is now extensively interested in zine mines near Joplin. Missouri. Through marked enterprise and keen discrimination in business affairs he has become one of the substantial citizens of the community in which he makes his home. His political allegiance is given to the Democ- racy. He married Mary Sears, also a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas and Joicey ( Alexander) Sears, who removed to Missouri during the childhood of their daughter, re- maining for several years in that state. Mr. Sears was a farmer by occupation. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born five children, of whom four are yet living, the second. Lonisa, hav- ing passed away. Those who still survive are L. V .. of this review : Jesse, who is a stockman of Fillmore township. Montgomery county ;
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Lona, who married Fred Hendrix and resides near her parents; and Nora, who married Houston King and is also living near Joplin, Missouri.
L. V. Hill acquired his early education in the village of Fillmore and afterward attended the Alexander school of that locality. On put- ting aside his text books he engaged in the lumber business at Fillmore in connection with his father, remaining there until 1892, when he removed to Hillsboro. In the meantime he had devoted a year to the reading of law, and in May, 1892, he entered the law office of How- ett & Jett, with whom he continued his read- ing until the fall of 1899, when he was ad- mitted to the bar. He at once began to prac- tico at Hillsboro, where he has met with very desirable success, securing a clientage of a dis- tinatively representative character. In 1900 he was elected to the office of states attorney of Montgomery county and in the spring of 190+ he successfully prosecuted the work of a mur- der case in which the culprit was given the full extent of the law. His has been a remark- able career in the prosecution of important cases and during his term as attorney has prose- cuted three murder cases in this county and his presentation of a case indicates thorough prep- aration, a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and his logical de- ductions. He has gained high rank among his professional brethren by hard work and by evidencing his ability to fill the position with which the people have intrusted him. Aside from his law practice he is interested in the Hillsboro Electrie Railway Company and with his father has large interests in zine mines at Joplin. Missouri. In connection with four others he laid ont the park subdivision to Hills- boro, recently incorporated within the limits of the city. He has been watchful of every sign pointing to progress and advancement in the community, has endorsed all measures for the general good and has given hearty co-opera- tion to many movements which have tended toward material benefit to Hillsboro.
In 1895 Mr. Ilill was united in marriage to Miss Josie Williams, a native of Fillmore town- ship, and a daughter of Webster and Katherine Williams. Her father is a harnessmaker of
Fillmore. One child was born of this mar- riage, Harold, but his death occurred when he was but four months old. Mr. Hill is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen camp and the Knights of the Maccabe s and his political allegiance is given to the Democracy.
HENRY H. WARNSING.
Henry H. Warnsing, who devotes his time and energies to auctioneering and general farming. lives on section 28, Rountree town- ship. He is a representative of the worthy class of citizens that Germany has furnished to Montgomery county, his birth having oc- curred in Hanover, Germany, on the 1st of December. 1841. He was left an orphan when only a year old and at the age of seven he accompanied his grandparents on their emigra- tion to the United States, the family home being established in Madison county, Illinois.
Henry Il. Warnsing was educated largely in Germany, having no instruction in the English tongue, save that he attended an evening school. At the age of sixteen years he began learning the marble-cutter's trade in Edwards- ville, Illinois, where he was employed until 1864. when in the month of August he on- listed in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-fourth Ilinois Volunteer Infantry. He served for eleven months and on the expiration of that period was discharged at Camp Butler in July, 1865, for the war had ended and the country no longer needed his aid. He after- ward resumed farm work, being employed by the month in Madison county. After two and a half years he resolved to engage in farming on his own account and, renting a tract of land in Montgomery county, he took up his abode thereon in 1820. Ile continued renting until 1873, and during that period prospered in his work so that in the latter year he was enabled to purchase forty acres of land, constituting the nucleus of his present extensive and val- nable landed possessions. As opportunity has increased he has made judicious purebases of other land and now owns about seven hundred
IL. H. WARNSING AND FAMILY
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aeres in Montgomery county. the greater part in Rountree township. He has placed most of the improvements upon the farm where he now lives and he has here a very attractive place equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. The buildings and fonces are kept in good repair, the fields are well tilled and everything about the place indicates the careful supervison of an enterprising owner. He is also agent for the Home Mutual Insur- ance Company and he has been an auctioneer for the last thirty-one years, the firm of Warn- sing & Son being the leading auctioneers of this section of the state.
On the 24th of February. 1821, Mr. Warn- sing was united in marriage to Miss Londa M. Weller, a daughter of Jacob and C. Weller, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Warnsing have become the parents of eight children : John, who died at the age of two years : Wil- liam, who died at the age of a year and a half : Fred, who died at the age of nine months; Robert B .: Daniel J., of Rountree township; Martin Luther, who is also living in this township: Fred Il. and Lena L .. both at home.
The parents are members of the English Lutheran church and Mr. Warnsing is con- nected with Cunningham Post. G. A. R. Rec- ognized as one of the influential men of his township whose interest in the public affairs is of an unselfish and patriotic nature, he has been called upon to fill many of the township offices, perhaps serving to a greater extent in such a way than any other man of the town- ship. lle is now school treasurer and in this office as in all others that he has filled he has discharged his duties with notable prompt- ness and fidelity. He is a man of genuine worth, true to every trust reposed in him. and the sterling traits of his character have gained hin warm friendship in Montgomery county.
WILLIAM SIMS.
William Sims, for many years identified with agricultural interests in Montgomery county, but now living a retired life in Raymond, is of Scotch birth and parentage. He was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, May 12, 1845, a
son of William and Ann ( Breody) Sims, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The fa- ther's birth occurred in Aberdeenshire in 1821 and in 1850 he emigrated to the new world in company with his family, locating in Bucks county. Pennsylvania, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in farming. In 185; he soll that property and came to Illinois, settling in Clinton county, where he purchased raw land and opened up a farm, residing there- on for a number of years. Later he came to Montgomery county and purchased a farm near Ilillsboro, where he spent the last years of his life, passing away there on the 9th of June, 1818. Throughout his entire business career he carried on agricultural pursuits and as the result of his activity and perseverance he was enabled to provide a comfortable living for his family. He possessed many excellent traits of character which endeared him to those with whom he came in contact and won for him the confidence and good will of all with whom he was associated. His wife survived him sev- eral years, dying March 26, 1885. In their family were six sons and two daughters. of whom one daughter died in infancy and another at the age of about five years, while five of the sons are yet living.
William Sims grew to manhood upon the old homestead farm and remained with his father until he had attained his majority, as- sisting in the labors of field and meadow as his age and strength permitted. His ednea- tional privileges were those afforded by the common schools. He was married in Clinton county, August 6. 1866. to Miss Julia Ash- lock, who was born at Belleville, Illinois, and is a daughter of Robert Ashlock, a cabinet- maker and one of the carly settlers of the state living in St. Clair county.
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