USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 16
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Samuel ly Greer, a native of Ohio, was elected county judge in 1801. He came to Decatur in 1854. being admitted to the bar in 1802.
Thomas Lee, a native of County Limer- ick, Ireland, came to America in 1855. He graduated from the Springfield high school, studied law in Decatur with S. F. Murphy, and in August, 180g. was admitted to the har,
Charles A_ Emerson was born in Ken- ticky, but came to Illinois in 1850. He gradnatel from the Albany Law School in 1800. The same year he began the practice of law in Decatur, being a member of the firm of Crea. Ewing & Walker.
K. Eldridge, a native of Indiana Gute to Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1856, Grad- nating from Furcka College in 1800, he re- moved to Decatur in May, 1820, and became a member of the Macon County Bar.
1. 1. Walker, a native of Ohio, cime to Illinois in 1861. He graduated from the Bloomington Law School in 1875. this being
catur in 1870, he formed a partnership with Thomas Lee, later entering the firm of Crea. Ewing & Walker.
Judge Anthony Thornton was born in Kentucky in 1815. He graduated from the Miam College in Ohio in 1835. He studied law at Paris, Kentucky, and was granted his heense by the Court of Appeals in 18.30.
In 1837 be removed to Shelby County, Illinois. He was appointed a member of the Constitutional Convention of Himon in 1848. In 1850 he was elected to the state Legislature. In 1804 Mr. Thornton was elected to the Thirty ninth Congress, In Inly, 1870, he was elected to the Supreme Court of this state and served until the first Monday in June, 1873, when he re- signed. He removed to Decatur in 1879.
James T. Whitley, born in Macon county, Illinois, March 19. 18;1. Ilis primary edu- cation was acquired in the public schools of Nevada, Missouri. After completing the ward and high school curriculum at this place he completed a course at the Kansas State Normal College at Ft. Scott, grad- mating in 1880. He began reading law in 1Set with Buckingham & Schroll, being ad- mitted to the bar in August, 1803.
Marshall C. Griffin was born and reared in Argente He finished the public school course in Argenta in 1888. Graduating from the Indiana State Normal School in 1891, he taught school in Sangamon and in Oakley for several years during which time he pushed the study of law, being ad- mitted to the bar in November, 1807. In 1898 he entered the office of Ice & Lc Forger Three years later he went into Intsiness for hinself.
James M. Grav was born in Fayette conn- ty June 1. 1862. After finishing the coun- try school and high school course he grad- nated from the Indiana State Normal School Valparaiso, receiving the degrees of B. S.
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and L.L. B. In 1890 he located in Decatur for the practice of law. lle is now a mem- ber of the state Legislature, having been twice elected to that position from the Twenty-eighth senatorial district.
W. E. Redmon was born on a farm in Jasper county, where he grew to manhood. He attended the country schools and later the Normal University at Carbondale, Il- linois. He taught school in Cumberland, Richland and Jasper counties, at the same time pursuing the study of law, being ad- mitted to the bar in March, 1888. After practicing four years in Logan county he located in Decatur in 1893. He was elected to the states attorneyship in November, 1900, which office he now holds.
1. R. Mills was born September 5. 1853, and reared on a farm near Magnolia, Put- nam county, Illinois, acquiring his prelim- inary education in the country schools. He graduated from the Lincoln University in 1876. He went to Chicago and pursued the study of law three years, being admitted to the bar at Chicago in 1879, and during the same year he established a law office in Decatur. He served as city attorney from 1886 to 1889, was appointed state attorney by the board of supervisors, to fill the unex- pired term of E. P. Vail, who was elected circuit judge in 1888. He served in this capacity until 1900. In May, 1901, Mr. Mills was appointed internal revenue collector, which office he now fills. Mr. Mills is a member of the board of managers of the Millikin University. For eighteen years he has been in partnership with his brother, A. 11. Mills, under the firm name of Mills Brothers.
John A. Montgomery is a native of Ohio and was educated in Philadelphia. He graduated from the law department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, in 1900. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of law in Decatur.
D. L. Bunn is a native of McLean coun-
ty, Illinois. In 1844 he, with his parents, removed to Macon county. His education was completed in Lombard College, Gales- burg. In 1855. on coming to Decatur, he secured a position in the public schools of the city which he held until 1859. He read law with J. S. Post and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1862. In the same year he was appointed states attorney by Rich- ard Yates, father of the present governor, serving under that appointment two years. In 1864 he was elected state's attorney and served four years. At the beginning of the Civil war he was appointed collector of in- ternal revenue by Abraham Lincoln.
Edwin Park, a native of New York, came to Bellville in 1856. He was admitted to the bar at Bellville the same year he came to Illinois, but taught school several years before entering upon his practice. After coming 'to Decatur he was engaged as teacher in its public schools for four years and was then elected superintendent of the Macon county schools, filling that office from 1863 to 1809. In 1870 he took up the practice of law, continuing until 1876 when he formed a partnership with D. L. Bunn which still exists.
(). W. Smith was born and grew to man- hood in Jasper county, Illinois. After com- pleting the country school course he took up the profession of teaching. During the intervals of his teaching he attended Mc- Kendree College at Lebanon, from which he graduated in June. 1891, in the law de- partment. He practiced law in Newton two years before coming to Decatur. He was elected county judge in 1902, which office he now holds.
J. R. Fitzgerald was born in Moultrie county, Illinois. He received his early edu- cation in the schools of Bethany, from which he graduated in 1890, after which he attended Lincoln University and also the University of Illinois. He read law with W. G. Cochran, and completed his law
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course in the University of Michigan, grad nating in 1805. He then came to Decatur and entered the law office of Mills Brothers. with whom he remained until May, 18%. after which he formed a partnership with 1 .. A. Vills.
James J. Finn located in Decatur in 1871. Fifteen years ago he was appointed master m chancery, having just been succeeded by " Il Black He has recently formed a partnership with Mexander MeIntosh for the practice of law.
John c. Lee is a native of Macon county. His early education was acquired in the Macon county schools, later attending the Indiana State Normal School at Valparaiso. He taught school a few years after which be read law with Fing. Mehrmald & l.e forget, being admitted to the bar in 1992. He formed a partnership with ( (. ) .- Jorgee which contuned five years, at the expiration of this time a partnership with David Hutchinson Recently he has formed a partnership with his brother. Morris lec.
William 6. Johns was born in Ohio, but when two years old his parents removed to Matt county, and in 1853 located in the city of Decatoir He was educated in the De cator schools as I am the University of Mich gan. from which he graduated in them and from the Albany, New York. School of Law m 1820. He was admitted to the bar of Vous York in 1820, and to the bar of What i September of the same year, at once enter Ing that has chosen profession in this city In 18 he was elected states attorney. le also served as state senator from 148; to 1801 In 100g he was elected circuit judge asneeded Judge ET. Val, which offer he Low holds
1. H. Shelley was born in Marod towne ship of this county and educated in the schools of this city. graduating from the Decatur high school in 1883 He graduated from the law department of the University of Minnesota in this and was admitted to
the bar of finns in the same yet He a member of the law firm of Shelley Brother -.
11.1. Shelley was born in Marea town- Shop and educated in this city, graduating from the Decatur high school in isSo. After reading law both m Decatur and in St. Tous he was admitted to the bar of Illinois 1 1805. He is a member of the law firm of Shelley Brothers
1. ¿ Putten was born m cass counts, Ilino. In 1803 his parents moved to Macon county. He attended the country Schools later the Wesleyan University at Bloomington and Ann Arbor, Michigan. graduating from the latter in 1875. In the Same year Mr. Gutten located in Decatur and began the practice of law He is a member of the firm of Gutten & Roby. Frank C. Koby is a native of Decatur. After completing the curriculumne of the De catur schools he attended Harvard College from which he holds a degree le prac need several years in Chicago before locat ing permanently in Decatur. He is a mem ber of the fire of Ontten & Koly.
1. 1! Mills was born in Putnam county. Hamon, October 5. 1821. In his boy hood he Attended the country schools, later entering the Lincoln University, fron which he graduated m 1875. receiving the degree of 1 1. Two years later at the termination of a post graduate courses he added the de- gree of A. M. For two years he remained :- destructor in his alma mater The next three years were spent as superintendent of the Waverly schools, in Morgan county. During this time he also read law, being ad- mittel to the bar i ISS1. In the same year be formed a partnership with his brother Ile K Mills, the first name being Mille Brothers From LESS to tomi he Was a att states attorney for Macen county.
1thị00 1 Nelson was born in White county, Tennessee, June 4. 1824 Remain Ng ni the county of his bath until coming
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
to Decatur in 1857, his education was ac- quired in subscription schools. At the age of sixteen he began the study of law with: his father. In August, 1844, he was ad- mitted to the bar in his native state. In 1857 he opened a law office in Decatur and has ever since been an active practitioner. He was appointed a member of the Consti- tutional Committee for the revision of the statutes ; was also elected a member of the Twenty-seventh General Assembly of Il- linois, which convened immediately after the adoption of the Constitution of 1870. He was elected circuit judge of the Four- teenth circuit in June, 1877. filling the office one term. He was, in 1886, elected county judge, serving in that capacity during eight years.
Felix B. Tait was born in Macon county November 29, 1850. He attended the dis- trict schools until maturity, when he en- tered the Normal University at Normal, Illinois, from which he graduated in 1873. He was a teacher in Woodstock Seminary the year following his graduation. On his return to Decatur he took up the study of law with Smith & Clokey, being admitted to the bar in 1876. He was associated with John A. Brown for the practice of law but on account of failing health he abandoned the practice in 1880, turning his attention to the manufacture of check-rowers and corn- planters.
years he engaged in teaching. In the spring of 1865 he drove a span of horses to De- catur, where he has since resided. For a mitmber of years he was connected with the newspapers of Decatur. Being admitted to the bar in 1875 he entered into a partner- ship with F. B. Tait for the practice of law. In 1875 he was appointed master in chan- cery of Macon county by Judge C. B. Smith. This position he held for fifteen years.
Henry P. Page was a native of Massa- chusetts, spending the first thirteen years of his life in the state of his birth and in its public schools, where he acquired his pri- mary education. After removing to Michi- gan he became a student at Ann Arbor in the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1883. Immediately afterward he came to Decatur and taught in the De- catur high school for four years. While teaching he pursued the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1887. Mr. Page was a member of the law firm of Outten & Page.
Josiah MI. Clokey is a native of Ohio who in 1860 came to Aledo. Mercer county, Il- linois. He read law in Springfield, Ohio, and attended law lectures at the University of Michigan, being admitted to the bar in March, 1868. In September, 1873, he be- came a member of the Macon County Bar. J. C. Hostetler is a native of Indiana, coming to Decatur in 1857. He graduated from Union College, New York, in the class of 1871. He read law with Eden & Odor in this place and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He formed a partnership with E. K. Eldridge for the practice of law.
John A. Brown was born July 32, 1843, in Abington, Massachusetts. . At an early age he removed with his parents to Vermont, then to Ohio, where he remained until 1857. In that year he came to Hannibal, Missouri, Albert G. Webber is of German extrac- tion, being a native of Wurtemburg, and coming to America in 1863. IIc read law four years at Keokuk, Iowa, and was ad- mitted to the bar in 1879. He has since practiced his profession in Decatur. where he completed his education in the public schools. He started out for himself at the age of sixteen. Later he was em- ployed as ticket agent for the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railway at Chillicothe, Missouri. He was thus employed when the war broke D. C. Corley received his education at the Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Il- out. In 1861 he resigned his position and went to Jacksonville, Illinois, where for four linois, from which he holds a diploma of
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graduation. For a time he read law in Shel- byville afterward completing his reading with A. B. Bunn of this place. Ile was ad mitted to the bar in June, 1800, and has since practiced in Decatur.
Harvey Pasen became a resident of De- catur in 1802. He is a graduate of the lim- versity of Michigan, class of 1871. He was admitted to the bar on his diploma. Soon after he opened an office in Decatur and has since been a regular practitioner of this place.
Charles M. Borchers was born in Lock ville, Fairfield county, Ohio, November 18, INM). After completing the schools of Ma- con county he took up the profession of teaching, which he pursued for eight years. while at the same time he at his leisure studiously applied himself to the study of law, being admitted to the bar in February, 1807. The greater part of the last year, pre- vious to his admittance to the bar, he read in the office of A. G. Webber. During the last six years he has practiced at the Macon county bar.
Charles A. Ewing, Jr., was born in De- catur. April 18, 1878. Ile graduated at Lake Forest Academy at Lake Forest, then at- tended Princeton for a time, after which he entered the law department of the Wes- leyan University at Bloomington, Ilinois, at the same time reading with James Ew- ing of Bloomington. Ile was admitted to the bar May ;. 1903. He is associated with William G. Mccullough for the practice of law.
William G. Mccullough was born on a farm near Waynesville, DeWitt county, 11- linois, graduating from the Wesleyan U'ni- versity in foot and from the law depart- ment in 1903. He was admitted to the bar May ;. 1903. In September he associated himself with Charles A. Ewing for the prac- tice of law.
primary education in the country schools, after which he graduated from the Val parauso Normal of Indiana m IS). Ile read law with Thomas Lee in Decatur and was admitted to the bar in 1800. He practiced law in Omaha and in Pender, Nebraska, for a time, but has recently formed a partner ship with his brother, John (, Lee, in the practice of laws.
k. 11. Roby was born in New Hampshire and came to Illinois in 1858, first locating at Salem, in Marion county, where he studied law with Bryon & Shaffer. Com ing to Decatur in 18, he continued the study of law with Tupper & Nelson, being admitted to the bar m 1802. After Mr. Tupper's withdrawal from the firm Mr. Roby remained as a partner of Mr. Nel- son's. Mr. Roby is at present engaged in the banking business, being the president of the Decatur National Bank.
Edward P. Vail was born in this state. read law at Rushvilke in 1808-9. being ad- mitted to the bar in 1870. He practiced seven years in Rushville, during four years of which he was state's attorney of Schuy - ler county. In 1877 he located in Macon county, and in 1880 he was elected circuit judge, which place he held until 1903. After the close of his extended term of office he removed to Chicago, where he is now pur sing the practice of law.
William Il. Black was born in Chicago. Illinois lle was educated in the common schools of Champaign county, afterward pursuing a select literary course in Chad- wick College at Quincy, Illinois, and the Weaksan University of Bloomington. He graduated from the law department of the Wesleyan University in June, 1802. He came to Decatur June 18 of the sante year for the practice of his profession. Hle was elected chairman of the Macon County Republican Central Committee in
Maurice Lee, born August 23, 1865. in Sangamon county, Illinois, received his 102. He was appointed master in chan
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cery of Macon county October 5, 1903, by the circuit judge, W. C. Johns.
James S. Baldwin was born September 14. 1874. After completing the common school course he entered the New Albany high school, from which he graduated in 1893. lle graduated from the law depart- ment of the University of Michigan in 1890. He located in Decatur January, 1897, in partnership with Edward Wilson for the practice of law. In September, 1897, he withdrew from the firm and practiced alone until October 1, 1898, when he formed a partnership with Frank Ewing until Janu- ary 1, 1903. when this firm was dissolved. Since then he has been alone. He is at present secretary of the Macon County Re- publican Central Committee.
Louis A. Mills was born October 15, 1864, in Magnolia, Putnam county, Illinois. He was educated in the common schools of Putnam county, the high school of Deca- tur and Lincoln University. He read law with Mills Brothers, being admitted in May, 1800. He remained with Mills Brothers three years after he was admitted. The three years following this he was a member of the Columbia Manufacturing Company of Decatur. In May, 1896, he formed a partnership with J. R. Fitzgerald for the practice of law, of which firm he is now a member.
Robert E. Gray was born August 29, 1860, on a farm in Fayette county, near Ramsey, Illinois. He completed the com- mon schools of his county, also the high school at Ramsey, later attending the Southern Normal at Carbondale. He taught school one year after which he took a course at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which he grad- nated in 1891. He next read law with Farmer & Brown of Vandalia, four years after which he took a law course in the same school. He was admitted to the bar in 1896 immediately establishing an office in Decatur for the practice of law.
W. Nay Boggess was born February 20, 1873. in Marion county, West Virginia, and educated at the West Virginia Academy and the Decatur high school. He read law with the law firm of Mills Brothers of this city and was admitted to the bar May 3, 1894, at once entering upon the practice of his profession.
John J. Hogan was born near Mt. Zion, Illinois, in Macon county, April 19, 1875. He obtained his literary education in the University of Notre Dame and his legal education in the Northwestern University. graduating from the latter in 1896, at which time he was admitted to the bar and prac- ticed in Chicago two years. In 1898, on coming to Decatur, he formed a partner- ship with W. E. Redmon. When Mr. Red- mon was elected state's attorney in 1900 Mr. Hogan became assistant state's attor- ney, which position he now holds.
Brice I. Sterrett was born in Pennsyl- vania and secured his literary education at Dickenson College. Carlisle, from which school he graduated in the class of 1867. In the same year he took up the study of law at Carlisle, but a few months after he came to Decatur where he continued his studies with the firm of Emerson & Smith, being admitted to the bar in August, 1868.
David Hutchinson was brought up at Andover. Massachusetts, and prepared for college at Philips' University of that place, graduating from the Albany Law School of that place May 15. 1877. On July 25 of the same year he came to Decatur, when he be- gan the practice of law in Macon county.
Robert P. Vail was born November 13, 1877, at Frederick, Illinois. After securing his primary education in the Decatur schools he attended Harvard College. He then entered his father's law office as a law student, where he remained for four years. During these four years of reading he held the position of court stenographer of Macon county. He was admitted to the bar in
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PAST AND PRESENT DE MARIN COUNTY
May. 1002. since which time he has been ist. He was elected city attorney add be- engaged in the practice of law in this city. catur May 1, 1808, and re-elected May
John B. Moffett was born and reared in Macon county. After completing his pri- mary education he attended the Lincoln University and the University of Illinois, where he secured his literary education. Later he attended the law department of the Wesleyan University at Bloomington and the Albany Law School at Albany, New York, graduating from the latter in 1884. and admitted to the bar in 1885. Frem INS5 to 1802 he was located in Dodge City, Kansas, and from 1892 to 1897 was in King- tisher, Oklahoma. While there he served as prosecuting attorney one term. He opened an office in Decatur in 1848 where he is now located.
1.dmund S. McDonald was born in Wood county, West Virginia, September 2, 1851. He was educated in the common schools of Macon County, Illinois, obtaining his liter ary education in the Northwestern Uni- versity at Evanston, Ilmois. He read law three years with Nelson & Roby and 110 scars with Crea & long, being admitted to the bar in the Centermal class of 1870. He opened an office in Decatur in 1828 for the practice of law. He has since practiced comuniously in this city. He was elected enty attorney in 1880 and reflected in 1801. Serving two terms. In 1802 he was ad- mitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the l'mted States, m which he has since had a good practice.
Clement ( Walters was born near Lafayette, Indiana, September 22, 1807. He was educated in the common schools, after which he took up teaching for several years During this period of teaching he attended Bushnell College at intervals: he also read law with Outten & Page, and later with Outten & Kober ; altogether two years read ing He was admitted to the bar June 10.
1. 1012, serving two terms. He formed a partnership with Jacob Latham October 15, 1900, which partnership still exists.
Hugh W. Housam was born March 25, 18-8, in Decatur, Illinois. After complet- ing the city schools of Decatur, graduating from the high school in June, 1805, he com- pleted a business course at Brown's Busi Hess College of Decatur in June, 1800. He studied law with Judge W ( Johns from September 1. 88, to September 1. 1001. The year following he finished the course of reading with the lon. Hugh Crea, being admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois December 0, 1902.
Douglas D. Hill was born in clark com- 13. Missouri, near Mexandria, September 5. 1800. He secured his primary education in the common schools and later enlarged upon this by attending the Valparaiso Normal of Indiana. He read law at Robinson, Ilmois, with callahan & Jones, being admitted to the bar mn 1880.
He taught school two years before enter- mg the Normal at Valparaiso, after which he taught four more years, all of which was m Crawford county, Finois, The same year in which he was admitted to the bar he became a member of the firm of May well & Hill at Robinson. This partnership continued until 1802. During his practice he served as city attorney of Robinson two Years In 1802 be located in Decatur where he has established a very successful prac
Et Leberger was born in Decatur. 11 mens, July 2. 180; He received his liter- ary education in the city schools of the cator, and completed a law course in the Northwestern University, graduating from that school in 1880. He practiced law with Mason Brothers in Chicago the year fol
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
lowing his graduation. Ile then, in 1890, associated himself with E. S. McDonald in Decatur, Illinois, for the practice of law. After dissolving this partnership he was alone for a time, when he entered into part- nership with J. C. Lee. This was after a time also dissolved, and since 1897 he has been alone in his practice.
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