USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 24
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Ile first accepted a position as salesman and thus served until 1841, when, desiring to enter professional life, he took up the study of law and devoted two years to the mastery of the principles of jurisprudence. In 1842 he was admitted to the bar before Judge Treat and then went to Scotland county, Missouri, where he spent one win- ter. At the end of that time, however, he returned to Decatur and entered into part- nership with Judge Charles Emerson and afterward became associated in the prose- cution of his profession with Judge Kirby Benedict, who later was appointed district judge of New Mexico. In 1860 Mr. Gorin was chosen to the office of city clerk and
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attorney, acting in that capacity for four years. He had also been justice of the peace and had been retained either as coun- sel for the prosecution or defense in many important cases which had been tried in the courts of this district. His last law partner was Judge Arthur Gallagher, with whom he was associated in the practice of law until 1861, when he became identified with the banking interests of that city. In that year the banking firm of Millikin & Oder was established and Mr. Gorin became its cashier, discharging his duties in that con- nection in addition to the work which he performed in the office of city clerk and attorney. The thoroughness and close ap- plication which characterized all his busi- ness career were manifested in the bank and he soon became master of the work in its various departments. After four years he was admitted to a partnership and he con- tinned to act as cashier until 1881, when he withdrew from the Millikin Bank and be- came the senior partner of the firm of Gorin & Bills. These gentlemen engaged in pri- vate banking and in dealing in real estate and loans, their association being main- tained for two years. At the end of that time Mr. Gorin was instrumental in estab- lishing the bank of Gorin & Dawson, of which he became the president, successfully controlling the affairs of the institution for several years, when he sold out to L. B. Casner. . \ vear later this institution was merged into the Citizens' National Bank, of which Mr. Gorin became an incorporator and the first president, but after a year he disposed of his interests and from 1892 up to the time of his demise lived retired from further business cares. For thirty years he was an active factor in financial circles of Decatur and was instrumental in founding two of the leading banking institutions of the city. He was a man of keen foresight, of quick recognition of opportunities and of marked adaptability in using the means
at hand for the desired ends. Over the record of his business career there falls no shadow of wrong, for throughout his entire life he maintained an unassailable reputa- tion, never taking advantage of the necessi- ties of his fellow men in any business trans- action.
On the Ist of April, 1845, in Decatur, Mr. Gorin was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor D. Fawcett, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Faw- cett. They became the parents of six chil- dren: Mary Emma, who is now the wife of C. V. Middleton, a resident of Dallas, Texas; Orville B., the vice-president of the Millikin National Bank of Decatur; Ida E., the wife of W. C. Armstrong, of this city; Jerome C., a business man of New York city ; Mattie A., who is living in Decatur; and Henry Gladden, who is now in Minne- apolis, Minnesota.
Mr. Gorin was a man of kindly spirit, deep sympathy and keen insight into the methods of men. His nature was one of helpfulness and thus it was that the Ma- sonic fraternity appealed strongly to him, for it is based upon brotherly kindness and charity. On the 18th of October, 1841, he was initiated in Macon Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., and for a number of years prior to his death was the oldest and most honored member of that organization. For seven consecutive years he served as master of the local lodge, retiring from that office when elected grand master of the state. He like- wise belonged to Macon Chapter, R. A. MI., of which he served as high priest, and in Beaumanoir Commandery, No. 9. K. T., he acted as eminent commander. His name was inscribed high on the roll of eminent Masons in Illinois and in 1867-8 he served as grand master of the grand lodge of this state. In April, 1866, he attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Consistory of Chicago and for many years he was an active worker in the ranks of
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Masonry, realizing its efficiency in advanc- ing the standard of human conduct and promulgating principles which are for the benefit of the race. He became the founder of the commandery in Olney, Illinois, on the 19th of January, 1865, and it was named Gorin Commandery in his honor. There was a three days' session during which nineteen Masons were created Knights Templar.
In his political affiliations in carly life Mr. Gorin was a Whig and upon the disso- lution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, which he sup- ported for many years. In his last years, however, he gave his political allegiance to the Prohibition party, for he was a man of strong temperance principles and believed it the duty of Christian people to put down the evils of intemperance. In 1856 he was elected upon the ticket of the then new Republican party to serve in the state legis- lature and represented his district in the house during the succeeding session. While acting in that capacity he was made dis- bursing agent of the Fort Ridgely wagon road, which was being built for the govern- ment from St. Paul and Fort Ridgely to the Missouri river. While thus engaged Mr. Gorin had an office in St. Paul for about a year, at the end of which time the project was abandoned.
Through all and above all things else in life was noticeable his devotion to the cause of Christianity. Through a long period he was an active member of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church of Decatur and dur- ing almost the entire period of his con- nection therewith he was one of its office
holders. Deeply interested in Sunday- school work he realized how important is the early Christian instruction of the young that character may be developed upon a firm and sure foundation. He thus labored untiringly in behalf of the Sunday-school and served as the president of the state
Sunday-School Association. He was also a member of the executive committee and for ten years was the president of the Coun- ty Sunday-School Association. In the Young Men's Christian Association he was an active worker and no cause tending to elevate mankind sought his aid in vain. In all his work he was ably assisted by his estimable wife, who was indeed a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life's journey. She died in 1894 and his death occurred on the Ist of September, 1897. Ilis was a noble manhood, consistent with all manly principles, with public-spirited citizenship, with honor in business and loy- alty in friendship and in social circles. He attained to almost the age of eighty years and when he passed away expressions of regret were heard on every hand, for many felt that they had sustained a personal be- reavement and the city an irreparable loss. Hle possessed to a full measure all the fine and ennobling qualities which endear man to man, and his integrity, kindness and up- right principles were a constant source of inspiration to his family and his friends.
ROBERT D. WILSON.
There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which was universally accorded Robert D. Wilson, but through a long connection with the his- tory of Macon county his was an unblem- ished character. With him success in life was reached by his sterling qualities of mind and of heart true to every manly prin- ciple. He never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right be- tween his fellow men and himself and he never swerved from the path of duty and at the close of his career his friends passed favorable judgment upon him and mourned his death because they had respected and loved him.
Robert D. Wilson was certainly one of
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the best known men of Macon county for almost his entire life was here spent, the family having settled here in 1830. Mr. Wil- son was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, in 1829 and was a son of Robert and Sarah (Lindsey) Wilson, both of whom were na- tives of North Carolina, whence they re- moved to Tennessee and after living in that state for a short time they came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon county in 1829. There his father engaged in farming for one year and in 1830 came to Macon county, settling in Mount Zion township, where he built a log cabin-one of the pioneer homes of the county, in which hardships and trials were endured and yet in which the foundation for a comfortable competence was laid. There he lived throughout his remaining days. carrying on general farming, and his wife also died on the old homestead there. Of their children only two are now living: James A., a resident of Decatur, and Sarah, who is the wife of John Davidson and re- sides in Mount Zion township.
In the common schools like the other members of the family. Robert D. Wilson pursued his education. He was reared amid frontier surroundings and his mind bore the impress of the early history of the county, when lands were uncultivated and the work of improvement and progress was scarcely begun. He continued to assist in the work of the home farm until the time of his mar- riage. He wedded Miss Mary Outten, a native of Cass county, Illinois, and a daugh- ter of Purnell S. and Rachel (Berry) Out- ten, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. In the year 1843 they removed to Cass county, Illinois, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits for ten years and in 1853 he came to Macon county, settling on a farm in Mount Zion township near the Wilson homestead. There he lived, devoting his energies to the care and cultivation of the land until old age began to creep on, when he took up his
abode in the village of Mount Zion, there living retired for a few years. He then moved to Decatur, making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson until called to his final rest at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. His wife had died when Mrs. Wil- son was but seven years of age and he after- ward wedded Miss Mary Ross, of Cass county, Illinois, whose death occurred in Mount Zion township, Macon county. There were four children by the first union, but two are deceased, those living being W. C., an attorney residing in Decatur, and Mary, who became the wife of Robert D. Wilson. The only child of the second mar- riage was George T. Outten, who died at the age of thirty-three years.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson was blessed with eight children: Julia, the wife of Henry A. Trangliber, who resides in Spokane. Washington ; Robert Purnell, who died in youth : Anna. the wife of D. M. Riber, who is living in Decatur, Illinois; James D., who married Maude Ogle and lives on the old homestead in Mount Zion township ; Oscar W., who is engaged in the . real estate business in Decatur : Archie, who died in May, 1903: Alva G., who resides with his mother and is a partner in the firm of Akers & Wilson, prominent furniture dealers, conducting a large store in Deca- tur ; and Ella M., the wife of Dr. John Mil- ler, a physician of Decatur.
After his marriage Robert D. Wilson lo- cated upon a farm in Mount Zion township. where he carried on agricultural pursuits until after the Civil war was inaugurated. On the 9th of August, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois In- fantry under Colonel N. W. Tupper. The regiment was organized at Camp Macon and on the 8th of November went to Mem- phis, Tennessee, where with his company Mr. Wilson participated in the battles of Vicksburg. Chickasaw Bayou. Arkansas Post and Youngs Point. The regiment
Charles Adlai Ewing
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worked on Grant's canal all during the win- ter and the boys suffered much from sick- ness there. On the joth of June. 1863. in the assault on Vicksburg, Mr. Wilson was shot through the right arm and lay in the hospital for two weeks. He was then grant- ed a furlough, which he spent at home, but soon he rejoined his regiment at Camp Sher- man. Vicksburg, when there were but three of his company remaining there, the others having been taken prisoners. He was after- ward in the battles of Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and Dallas and was with Sherman on the march to the sea. On one occasion he was severely wounded by the concussion of a torpedo, a piece of which struck his heel. After Lee's surrender the regiment went to Washington and par- ticipated in the grand review in the capital city, where wave after wave of bayonet- crested blue passed by the reviewing stand. At Springfield, Illinois, Mr. Wilson was mustered out, receiving an honorable dis- charge on the 7th of June, 1865.
Returning to his home Mr. Wilson re- sumed farming and engaged in the tilling of the soil in Mount Zion township until 1886, when on account of ill health he removed with his family to Decatur, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred Jann- ary 30, 1901. Ile hekdl several minor offices in the township, but was never an aspirant for political preferment. In politics he was a Republican. He belonged to Thomas White Post, G. A. R., of Mount Zion, and thus maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the First Meth- odist Episcopal church and Mrs. Wilson is still deeply interested in its work. She re- sides in a fine residence at No. 960 Cleve- land avenue, in Riverside. It is one of the most attractive homes in that part of the city and was built by her husband.
Through almost his entire life Mr. Wil- son resided in Macon county and he had a
very wide acquaintance here. He was brave in the face of danger, fearless in the defense of his honest convictions, straightforward in all his dealings and in all life's relations was an honorable gentleman, his sterling traits endearing him to his many friends as well as to his immediate family. As a pioneer citizen, as a veteran soldier and as one of the most respected residents of Ma- con county, he is well deserving of mention in this volume. It was in his home, how- ever, that his best nature shone forth, his kindly spirit being most strongly manifested in his relations with wife and children.
CHARLES ADLAI EWING.
Charles Adlai Ewing was born Novem- ber 3. 1846, in Morganfieldt, Kentucky, the son of Fielding N. and Sarah Ann (Powers) Ewing. The family removed to Blooming- ton, Illinois, in 1849, to Chicago in 1859, and to Decatur in 1864. Mr. Ewing was one of the pupils at the Chicago University during his residence there, was graduated from Princeton in 1867, and from the Al- bany Law School in 1870. Ile immediately began the practice of his profession in Decatur.
On the 15th of June, 1871, he was united in marriage to Mary Giselle Palmer, of Albany, New York, and to them were born seven children : Fielding Palmer, who died at the age of one month; Mrs. Marian Ok- ham: Belle Adlai, who died at one year ; Charles Adlai, Jr. ; Giselle F. F., deceased : Emma and Engenia. Mr. Ewing was from boyhood an carnest Presbyterian and was for many years a trustee of the church, doing a great deal toward the erection of the new church building.
During the last administration of Gov- ernor Oglesby he was appointed by the governor on a commission to revise the revenue laws of the state. "This commis-
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sion, composed of some of the ablest men of the state, with the late Milton Hay as chairman, formulated a revenue code which was pronounced by the press and the think- ing public to be the best adapted to the requirements of the state of any that had ever been presented to an Illinois legisla- ture for adoption. That the legislature failed to enact the new code into law is probably the best commentary on its ex- cellence. Mr. Ewing always referred to this piece of public work with pride and satis- faction."
He was always a Democrat and from the first one of the most prominent workers of the sound money Democracy. In the con- ference in Chicago in August, 1895, in the direction of the literary bureau for the edu- cation of the voters and as the chairman of the state committee he worked early and late. During the campaign he made many speeches throughout the state, the last one being the Saturday before election at Peo- ria, where he was taken ill. He returned home and was able to be driven to the polls on election day-his fiftieth anniversary- and cast his vote. IIe was not considered seriously ill but death came to him sud- denly on the morning of November 6, 1896.
One who knew him well throughout the fifty years of his life wrote these words concerning him: "If the life of Mr. Ewing were measured by intellectual attainment, by purity of purpose, by number of friends, by acquisition of wealth, by acts of kindness and deeds of patriotism, then the fifty years just passed have been ample to round out into full measure the perfect station of manly power and beauty. From infancy to death there was ever a hallowed atmos- phere about his very presence. Cradled in the lap of a home life which was ideal in its many perfections, his youth furnished choice companionship for the young and old. Charming of manner, genuinely witty. considerate and tender, strong and coura-
geous, always honorable, loving excellence for its own sake and not for that of emu- lation. These were characteristics which be- longed to him naturally and which enabled him to move through the arena of an active professional career with calm poise and forceful accomplishment of honest and wise purpose.
" All these qualities of mind and heart were necessary to the great lawyer and the splendid citizen and Mr. Ewing possessed them in that high degree which enabled him to successfully champion individual rights and rescue an imperilled country from the most insidious and imminent danger that has threatened it since secession drove the great Douglas to proclaim that there were but two parties, namely, those for the Union and those against the Union.
" It may be that his absorbing concern for the triumph and the honor of his country in the recent election, for which triumph he lavishly gave of his time, of his money and of his eloquence, may have caused the ap- parent sacrifice of this noble life. Byron in his address to the Greeks, said 'The tomb where freedom weeps can never have been too prematurely reached by its inmate, such martyrdom is blessed indeed. What higher fortune can ambition court ?'
" The bar has lost from its ranks a great lawyer, the state a great citizen, and the country at large a stanch patriot, but the good that he accomplished is enduring and is ours to enjoy."
GEORGE W. DRURY, M. D.
Dr. George W. Drury, a successful prac- ticing physician of Decatur, was born upon a farm in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1853. his parents being George W. and Penelope (Evans) Drury. The father, a native of Ohio, came at an early day to Illinois, cast- ing in his lot with the pioneer settlers of
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Morgan county, his first home being in the vicinity of Jacksonville. There he engaged in general farming and at the close of his active business career he removed to For- syth, Macon county, where he lived retired until called to his final rest at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His wife died in the same place at the age of seventy-two years. They reared a family of six children, of whom four are now living : Josiah. a resi- dent of Clay Center, Kansas ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Harrison Duncan, of For- syth ; George W., and Charles, who makes his home in Springfield, Illinois.
In his youth George W. Drury came to Macon county, being only about five years of age when his father established his home in Maroa township, Macon county. There he was reared upon the home farm and in early life he attended what was known as the old Center Ridge school. Afterward he continued his studies in the public schools of Forsyth and then when he had acquired a good literary education he took up the study of medicine with the intention of making its practice his life work. Ile be- came a student in the Missouri Medical College, in which he was graduated in the class of 1882, after which he established his office in Forsyth, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Oreana, where he was asso- ciated with Dr. A. McBridge in the drug business for three years in connection with the practice of medicine. Coming to Deca- tur he remained for two years and during one year of that time was county physician. He afterward practiced in Forsyth for eight years, but in 1897 again came to Decatur, where he has since remained, having now a pleasant office at No. 224 North Main street. While he is well versed in the prac- tice of his profession in all departments he is now making a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the heart, lungs and kidneys. He has informed himself particularly well
along these lines and his skill is of a su- perior order. Hle now has a large private practice and he has also been medical ex- aminer for several insurance companies, in- cluding the Manhattan Life Insurance Com- pany, of which he has acted as examiner for the last three years.
In 1879 the Doctor was united in mar- riage to Miss Ruth Lehman, a daughter of Henry Lehman of Forsyth. After her death he was again married, his second union be- ing with Daisy Bixler, a daughter of An- (Irew Bixler, also of Forsyth. Fraternally he has been connected with the Knights of Pythias Lodge from the age of twenty-two years, having joined the order in Coeur de Lion Lodge of Decatur. He was instru- mental in the organization of the lodge at Oreana and later became a member of For- syth Lodge, with which he is still affiliated. His political support is generally given to the Democracy, but he votes for men rather than for party. In his profession he has steadily advanced along lines demanding strong mentality, close application and con- scientious purpose. His zeal and devotion in his work are noticeable features in his career and have contributed in large meas- ure to his success.
HENRY A. SHETTEL.
Sound judgment combined with fine abil- ity in mechanical lines has enabled the sub- ject of this biography, a well known resident of Warrensburg, Illinois, to make for him- self a place among the leading business men of that place. Here he follows black- smithing and also deals in agricultural im- plements, wagons, buggies, etc., and has built up a good trade which is constantly increasing.
Mr. Shettel was born in York, Pennsyl- vania. September 16, 1869, his parents being Daniel G. and Sarah (Jacoby) Shettel, also
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natives of that state, where their ancestors located at an early day in its history. The father was born in Conewago township, York county, in 1844, and was engaged in blacksmithing at Faustown for some time. Our subject received a good practical edu- cation in the common schools of his native place, where he was a student until he at- tained his majority, though in the meantime he had started upon his business career, working two years in a dynamite manufac- tory on the Susquehanna river near MIt. Wolf. After leaving school he assisted in the construction of the oil lines from West Virginia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, be- ing thus employed for eight months. Dur- ing the following two months he worked on his father's farm, and then went to Middle- bury, Indiana, where he spent one month.
About this time his father was killed while felling a tree and Mr. Shettel returned home and had charge of the farm for one year. It was then sold and he removed with his mother to York. Pennsylvania, where he worked in the Billmire & Small car shops for eight months first as a horseshoer and later as a car builder. In the spring of 1893 he came to Illinois and for four months was employed on a farm near Bearsdale, after which he was on Mrs. William Mont- gomery's stock farm for a few months. He next entered the employ of John Barron, a blacksmith of Warrensburg and three years later purchased the shop which he has since conducted with good success. He also deals in buggies and agricultural implements and in this branch of his business he has also prospered.
Mr. Shettel was married February 21. 1901, to Mrs. Verna (Taggart) Keister, who was born January 13, 1868, a daughter of Harrison and Margaret J. (Hanks) Tag- gart, of Illini township, where she was edu- cated in the public school. This union has been blessed with one child, Catherine, born October 6, 1902. Mr. Shettel owns a nice
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