USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 31
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Both Mr. and Mrs. Frank were members of the St. James Catholic church and he be- longed to St. James Society here. Industry was perhaps his most marked characteris- tic. He was a very hard working man, lived economically and thus year by year he added to his possessions until he was enabled to leave to his family a comfortable competence. He died July 5. 1902, his loss being a great blow to his wife and children and also to many who had given him their warm friendship and regard. He was very well known in the city where he had resided
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for thirty-five years and he had watched with interest the developing of Decatur, noting its growth as the years passed by. His widow now owns a nice residence at No. 303 South Water street, where she and her daughter reside, and in addition to this she has the business block at No. 317 East Main street and also other valuable prop- erty in the city.
GEORGE S. LYON.
The name of Lyon has long been closely and honorably interwoven with the history of the lumber business in Decatur and the gentleman whose name introduces this record was the founder of the enterprise which now bears the name of the G. S. Lyon & Sons Lumber & Manufacturing Company. For many years he was a prom- inent and honored resident of Decatur as well as one of its leading business men.
Mr. Lyon was born in Orange, New Jer- sey, on the 7th of May, 1832, and was one of a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters. Both his parents and grand- parents were natives of Jersey, the family being an old one in that state. Ilis paternal grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812 and with other events of importance representatives of the name have been ac- tively connected. The parents of our sub- ject both died in 1877. the father closing his eyes in death only a few hours after the mother passed away.
In his early youth George S. Lyon learned the carpenter's trade. In his twen- ty-fourth year he resolved to try his fortune in the west, having heard favorable reports of its excellent business openings and trade opportunities. Arriving in Decatur in 1856, he purchased property here and continued to make his home thereon throughout his remaining days. For four years he was en- gaged in carpenter work in this city and
then began contracting and building on his own account. As the years passed he ex- tended his efforts into a kindred line of business-the operation of a planing mill and the purchase and sale of lumber. Hc then abandoned his original trade in order to devote his entire time and energies to the lumber business and as the years passed built up a very extensive patronage. He was the head of the firm of Lyon, Gibson & Company, which existed for a number of years and was then succeeded by that of Lyon & Armstrong. At length he pur- chased Mr. Armstrong's interest and, asso- ciating his sons, Fred and Clyde, in part- nership with him, the firm style of G. S. Lyon & Sons Lumber & Manufacturing Company was assumed. Later the business was incorporated under that name. George S. Lyon long continued an active factor in the successful control of the enterprise np to the time of his death and had a wide acquaintance in business circles, where he was known for his honor and strict integrity that won for him the highest regard and un- qualified confidence of his fellow men.
On the 3d of July, 1857, Mr. Lyon was united in marriage to Miss Susan Ann Scott, of La Salle, Illinois. She was born on the 22d of February. 1836, in Steuben county, New York, and after her marriage accompanied her husband to Decatur, where she spent her remaining days. She was one of ten children and was the last of the family to pass away. Mr. Lyon's death oc- cnrred March 20, 1899, and his wife sur- vived him until the 11th of January, 1903, when she, too, was called to her final home. Both were earnest members of the Univer- salist church and took a great interest in its work and growth. Mr. Lyon served as one of the trustees of the church and was also active and prominent in Celestial Lodge No. 186, I. O. O. F .: Decatur Encampment No. 37: and Canton Decatur, No. 19, Patri- archs Militant. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lyon
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possessed many traits of character which endeared them to their friends and won for them the respect of those with whom they were associated, and in business circles Mr. Lyon gained for himself a most creditable position. From a humble place in the indus- trial world he worked his way steadily up- ward until he controlled an enterprise of magnitude that brought to him very credit- able profit and at the same time was of value to the community through promoting com- mercial activity. At all times he was public spirited and progressive and was a citizen whose loyalty to the best interests of the county, state and nation was ever above question.
After the death of Mr. Lyon the business was incorporated with Clyde R. Lyon as president : Fred C. Lyon, vice president ; John B. Robinson, treasurer ; and James C. Sullivan, secretary. The plant, mill and lumber yard covers several acres and the building is especially well equipped for the conduct of the business, being supplied with steam power and furnished with the most approved and modern machinery for carry- ing on the work along progressive lines. Employment is given to a large force of workmen and the company maintains most just and considerate relations with those who are in their service. Honesty and fair dealing have ever been the policy of the house and the methods which were insti- tuted by the founder have been carried on by his successors.
In June, 1802, Clyde R. Lyon was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Bryant, of Chicago, a daughter of Charles Bryant. Like his father he has become a prominent business man of Decatur and his career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strict- est principles of honor and integrity.
FRANK P. TOWNE.
Frank P. Towne, the popular postmaster of Ilarristown and a well known merchant of that place, was born on the 6th of Nov- ember, 1858, in Danvers, Massachusetts, and is a son of Daniel and Paulina (Fer- guson) Towne, the former also a native of Danvers and the latter of Maine. The father was a farmer by occupation and con- tinted to make his home in his native place throughout life. Politically he was a stanch Republican. The Towne family originated in England and the ancestry can be traced back to the seventeenth century.
During his boyhood and youth Frank P. Towne attended school in Danvers, Massa- chusetts, until seventeen years of age and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Coming to Illinois in 1875. he first located in Harristown, but was after- ward engaged in farming in Champaign county, Illinois, for a short time, and then returned to Harristown, where he clerked for his brother, C. A. Towne, in the grocery business. Subsequently he was employed as telegraph operator and station agent for the Wabash Railroad at Sangamon, Illi- nois, and held a similar position at. Wyckles and also at Harristown for a short time.
In 1888 Mr. Towne was united in mar- riage to Miss Cora Eyman, who was born in Illini township, Macon county, Illinois, in 1868, and is a daughter of James M. Ey- man, who is now living a retired life in Harristown, having in early life engaged in farming with good success. Mrs. Towne's mother, who bore the maiden name of Nar- cissa Fuller, was a native of Indiana, and died in January, 1902. Of the four children born to our subject and his wife three are now deceased, the only one living being Letha, who is now attending the James Mill- ikin University at Decatur.
AIr. Towne was first appointed post- master of Harristown under President Har- rison's administration and so acceptably
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did he fill the office that he was re-appointed under President Mckinley and is still serv- ing in a most efficient manner. He also served as town clerk for a short time. Socially he is quite prominent, being an honored member of Summit Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; State Center Lodge, K. P., No. 631 ; and Harristown Camp, M. W. A. He is one of the leading and representative citi- zens of his community and is held in high regard by all who know him.
E. H. THOMAS, M. D.
Those who meet Dr. Thomas in political circles and see the energy which he en- thuses into his political work and note the deep interest which he takes in the success of the principles which he advocates would think that he devotes his entire attention to political labors; those who see him in the sick room, giving thought and earnest at- tention to the case, speaking a cheery and encouraging word to the patient and giving minute and careful directions to the at- tendants, would judge that his entire time was devoted to his profession-but herein lies the secret of his success. It is his abil- ity to enter heartily into any work at hand and to concentrate his energies during the needed time for the accomplishment of any purpose that has made him both a leading physician and a successful political leader in Macon county. He maintains his resi- dence in Argenta, but has a very wide and favorable acquaintance throughout this por- tion of the state.
The Doctor was born in Yonkers, New York, in 1859. Ilis father, George Thomas, was a native of London, England, and came to America in 1838, settling in the state of New York, where he engaged in merchan- dising. In the family were nine children, of whom the Doctor is the fifth in order of birth and the only one living in Illinois.
In the public schools of his native city Dr. Thomas acquired his early education and later attended the State Normal School, at Albany, New York, where his literary course was completed. Having determined to engage in the practice of medicine as a life work he then began preparation for this calling as a student in the University of Col- umbia, in New York city, and was graduated with the class of 1883. Returning to Yonk- ers he opened an office and remained in practice there for a few years, after which hie determined to locate in the west and in 1891 came to Argenta, where he has since remained. After two years he built a drug store, which he now owns and conducts, having his office in the rear of his store. His business in mercantile lines is profit- able and his patronage as a practitioner is gratifying, indicating the high degree of confidence reposed in him by the public. He also owns the building occupied by the hardware store in Argenta and has a good residence property. His practice is large, and reading and study keep him in touch with the advanced thought of the day.
In 1884 Dr. Thomas was united in mar- riage to Miss Estella Castle, a native of 11- bany, New York, in which city her father engaged in the printing business. Unto the Doctor and his wife have been born five children : George, Harry, Charles, Edward and Mary E.
The Doctor is a very prominent Mason, having attained the Royal Arch degree of the York rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias lodge. He is now a member of the board of trustees of the Asy- lum for the Incurable Insane, near Peoria, Illinois. In politics he has always been a stanch and active Republican, taking a most earnest interest in the work of the party and doing all in his power to secure the adoption of its principles. He has served
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as justice of the peace and was school di- rector for twelve years. He put forth strong effort to secure better schools and has al- ways been a warm friend of the cause of education, doing all in his power to raise its standard in this locality. The Doctor was a member of the steering committee for Richard Yates during his campaign for gov- ernor and he also managed John G. Keller's campaign, which indicates his influence and activity in political circles. A man of strong character, of great enthusiasm and of in- tense interest in whatever he undertakes, Dr. Thomas carries forward to successful completion whatever he begins and is a power in political, commercial and pro- fessional circles in Macon county.
GEORGE F. HOSTETLER.
George F. Hostetler was a representa- tive of one of the old and prominent fam- ilies of Macon county and because of this and because of personal characteristics which entitle him to distinctive mention in this volume, we present the record of his life to our readers. He claimed Indiana as his native state, his birth having oc- curred in Orange county on the 26th of March, 1823. His parents were John and Katie (Huffstetter) Hostetler, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indi- ana. Leaving the south, the father removed to Orange county, Indiana, where he en- gaged in farming for a few years and then came to Illinois, settling in Macon county. Ile purchased a farm in Decatur township and continued to engage in the cultivation of the fields until after the death of his wife, when he removed to Texas, where his own death occurred three years later.
In the common schools of Indiana and of Illinois George F. Hostetler acquired his education, mastering the branches of learn- ing usually taught in such institutions.
When his own education was completed he began teaching school in Macon county near Decatur and afterward assisted his father upon the home farm until his mar- riage, early gaining practical experience concerning farm work by reason of the aid which he rendered to his father in the months of vacation. In the year 1860 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Harriet E. Hes- ser, a native of Springfield, Illinois, and a daughter of Armstead and Harriet (Evans) Hesser, both of whom were natives of Vir- ginia, whence they came to Macon county, Illinois, at a very early period in its devel- opment. Subsequently they resided at Springfield, Illinois, and later removed to Taylorville, this state, where both the father and mother died.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hostetler was blessed with seven children: Harry F., who married Cora Kyte, and resides in Omaha, Nebraska, being a traveling sales- man for an implement house of that city ; Katie May, the wife of William Vowell, who is engaged in the livery business in Decatur; John B .. who married Maggie Le Forgee, and is an artist of Davenport, Iowa : David F., foreman of the Lyon Plan- ing Mill of Decatur, who married Maude Williams and has two children: Dyphne A., who was born December 29, 1891, and David Ulmont, born November 30, 1893; Eugene F., who married Ella Clothier and is a machinist residing in Davenport, Iowa ; Gus L., who married Ora Curtis and is now an artist living in Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Roger H., who resides in New York city, where he is a designer in a wholesale dress- making house.
After his marriage George F. Hostetler engaged in teaching school for one year. He then removed to Decatur and he and his two brothers established a book store on Merchant street, where he continued in business for six years. He then removed to Mount Zion township, where he engaged in
Samuel Gerber
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farming until his death. In his business affairs he was diligent, persevering and determined and was always a very hard- working man, meeting with a fair degree of success in his undertakings. Ilis death oc- curred on the 26th of March, 1881, and thus ended an upright life. He had always lived at peace with his fellow men and enjoyed their confidence and regard in an unusual degree. He was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity of Decatur and his political support was given to the Democ- racy for he had firm faith in the princi- ples of the party and in their ultimate tri- umph in citizenship. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church of Decatur and for a long time he served as one of its elders. He left to his family the record of an untarnished name for at all times his life was in consistent harmony with his professions. After his death Mrs. Hostet- ler removed to Decatur in order to educate her children and has since resided in this city. She owns a good home at No. 1318 North College street, where she is living with her son, David, and his family. The llostetler family is a prominent one in Macon county and its members enjoy the merited regard of many friends.
SAMUEL GERBER.
A splendid type of the self-made man is Samuel Gerber, the well known banker of Argenta. His life history illustrates what it is possible to accomplish in a land where opportunity is open to all and where merit wins its just reward. Ile started out upon his business career empty-handed, but working diligently and untiringly he has steadily advanced until his possessions are now gratifying and valuable and his name is a substantial one on commercial paper. Argenta's business activity has been largely promoted through his efforts, and his work
in other directions for the city's benefit has been far-reaching and beneficial.
Mfr. Gerber is a native of Ohio, born Sep- tember 27, 1835. His parents were Peter and May Gerber. The father was born in Switzerland and in 1830 came to this coun- try, hoping that he might thereby benefit his financial condition. Settling in Ohio he followed cabinetmaking for four or five years, after which he established his home in Shelby county, Ohio, and opened up a farm there, devoting his attention to the care and cultivation of the fields from De- cember, 1836, up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1878. He became a well known agriculturist of the community and was widely and favorably known because of his sterling worth.
To a limited extent Samuel Gerber at- tended the public schools of Ohio but his knowledge has been acquired largely through experience, observation and read- ing, and thus he has gained many valuable lessons which have proved of practical use in his business career. He started out for himself when twenty-one years of age and after engaging in teaching school for two terms he began operating his father's farm in Ohio. Subsequently he removed to near where Oreana now stands and securing a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres continued to operate this rented farm until his labors had brought to him sufficient capital to enable him to buy a farm of his own. His first purchase consisted of forty acres in Whitmore township and from time to time he added to his property until he now owns four hundred and seventy acres of land in this locality and a section in southern Illinois, which is devoted to stock- raising. From 1866 until 1875 he was en- gaged in raising hogs and in this way he really made his start. He afterward en gaged in the cultivation of wheat and later made horse-raising his specialty. In the various departments of agricultural work
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to which he has given his attention he has inet with success because he has worked with a strong purpose and unfaltering en- ergy.
In 1882 he came to Argenta and estab- lished a general store, which he conducted for three years. Hle then traded that prop- erty and in connection with J. W. Brown he erected a building and opened a bank in Argenta. This they successfully conducted until 1892, when Mr. Brown died, and the present firm of Gerber & Son was then formed. The safe conservative business policy which was inaugurated by the bank has always been followed and has been the basis of the success which has attended the institution. The bank also owns the Ar- genta telephone system, which operates three hundred and seventy-five telephones and to the upbuilding of this enterprise Samuel Gerber gives considerable atten- tion. He erected a large brick store build- ing which is now occupied by W. T. J. Cooper and he also owns a nice residence in Argenta.
On the 12th of December, 1856, Mr. Ger- ber was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hillbrant, and unto them have been born six children, of whom four are yet living : Elizabeth, Peter E., S. N. and Mary M. Their second and third daughters, Annie and Maggie, have passed away. Mrs. Ger- ber holds membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church. She has been a faith- ful companion and helpmate to her husband on the journey of life and is held in high re- gard by many friends. Mr. Gerber belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he votes with the Republican party. On its ticket he was elected to the offices of supervisor, commissioner and assessor, and in the discharge of his official duties has been found most reliable and prompt. In all his undertakings he has been successful and through all has sustained an unassail-
able reputation which makes him one of the leading and representative men of his adopted county.
OLIVER L. STUART.
The subject of this sketch is not only one of the most highly respected citizens of Whitmore township, but is also a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county. Throughout life .he has made his home here and is now living in honorable retirement upon his farm of eighty acres in section 14, Whitmore town- ship. He was born in the city of Decatur in a log house which stood on the site of J. L. Drake's present place of business, his natal day being September 15, 1833. His parents were David H. and Sarah (Florey) Stuart, both natives of Virginia, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. In early life the father was engaged in teaming from Tennessee to the far east with four and six horse wagons, the wagons be- ing of the old Virginia style. For some years he continued to follow that business and then came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Macon county. He first entered a forty acre tract of timber and another forty acres of prairie on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 13. Whitmore township, and later bought the farm of eighty acres where our subject now resides. Throughout the remainder of his life he de- voted his attention to the improvement and cultivation of his farm. In 1856 he was accidentally drowned at the old Ray bridge north and east of Decatur while on his way home. His wife survived him many years and passed away in her seventy-fourth year. This worthy couple were the parents of six children, three of whom died in infancy, those still living being Oliver L., our sub- ject ; John T., who is living on the old home- stead on section 13. Whitmore township; and Mary, wife of Ed Kile, of Decatur.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
The boyhood of Oliver L. Stuart was passed amid pioneer surroundings and his early education was obtained in a little log schoolhouse with its primitive furniture. though for a short time he subsequently at- tended the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, which was then a mere vil- lage. He well remembers when the houses were lighted only by candles, which were either dipped or molded at home. He has seen the old wooden mold board plows used and the first that he used was the single shovel plow. He has cut his grain with a reap hook and later with a cradle, and after- ward became the possessor of a reaper run by horse power, which was considered ex- tremely fine at that time.
After leaving school Mr. Stuart engaged in teaching in this county for three months but with this exception his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. At the time of his marriage he located upon his present farm, which had been broken but otherwise unimproved. Most of the coun- try round about was either covered with ponds or sloughs or was regular swamp land. and it took much labor to convert it into the well cultivated farms which we now find in this region. Mr. Stuart labored early and late to make his farm one of the best and it is to-day worth one hundred dol- lars per acre, although the purchase price was only four dollars per acre.
On the ist of June, 1854, Mr. Stuart was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kile. a sister of his brother-in-law, Ed Kile, and a daughter of Josiah W. and Mary (Clark) Kile, natives of Ohio and New Jersey, re- spectively. About 1850 her parents came to Macon county, Illinois, and settled in Friends Creek township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stuart were born seven children, the oldest of whom died in infancy; Mattie is now the wife of Albert C. Scott; Bertha Luella married Thomas Draper and died of typhoid fever at the age of twenty-eight
years : Jessie F. is the wife of William H. Smith, a hardware merchant of Argenta; Mary B. is the wife of William M. Lakin, of Champaign county, Illinois; Alta G. is the wife of Martin Corbett, of Pana, Illi- nois; and Carrie HI. is at home with her parents. Mr. Stuart has provided his daughters with good educational advantages and all have been successful and popular teachers. Hle has twelve grandchildren living and one deceased.
Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, Mr. Stuart has affili- ated with the Republican party, and for a number of years he filled the offices of town clerk, school director and school trustee in a most efficient manner. Ilis father sup- ported the Whig party. Religiously both our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and helped to organize the church at Wesley Chapel, with which they at first held membership, but they now belong to the church at Argenta, and it is safe to say that no couple in the community is held in higher regard than Mr. and Mrs. Stuart. He is a prominent member of the Old Settlers' Association and annually attends its reunions, which are very pleasant occasions. Here are gathered the pioneers of the county, who laid the foundation for its present prosperity. Through the long years of his residence here Mr. Stuart has become widely known and his many excellent traits of character have gained him the high regard of his many friends.
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