Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois, Part 45

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 988

USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 45

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Meridith is well known and popular in social circles. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, since 1889 and is now affiliated with Macon Lodge, No. 8, A. F. & A. M. ; and with Decatur Chapter, No. 111, O. E. S. He likewise has mem- bership relations with the Modern Wood- men of America and the Benevolent Pro- tective Order of Elks, and in public affairs he has been quite prominent, serving for six years as a member of the city council of Decatur. He has, however, never been an active politician in the sense of office seek- ing. His time is largely taken up with his business affairs and he regards the pursuits

of private life as abundantly worthy of his best efforts.

On the 24th of August, 1903, Mr. Meri- dith was united in marriage to Miss Belle Wheeler, of Decatur, a daughter of J. L. Wheeler, of this city.

DENNIS W. PORTER, M. D.

Dr. Dennis W. Porter, who successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Blue Mound for several years, was a man whose worth and ability gained him success, honor and public confidence. lle enjoyed the well-earned distinction of being what the world calls a self-made man, and an analyza- tion of his character reveals the fact that enterprise, perseverance and well-directed effort were the essential features in his prosperity.

The Doctor was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 25th of April, 1844, and was a son of William Wilson Porter, who was a cabinet-maker of Belmont county, where he spent his entire life. Our subject and a sister were the only ones of the family to come to Illinois, the latter being Mrs. Sophia Sanders, now a resident of Pawnee, Illinois, Two brothers are residents of Kansas. The Doctor received his early edu- cation in the common schools of his native county, and while only a boy came to Illi- nois, locating first at Centralia, where he at- tended college for a few years. He then decided to enter the medical profession, but had no money with which to pursue his studies. Going to Pawnee he worked at the blacksmith's trade for five years and also taught in the country schools near there for about two years. During that time he managed to save enough money to take a medical course and then entered Rush Med- ical College, Chicago, where he was gradu- ated in the class of 1878 and received his degree.

390

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

On leaving that institution Dr. Porter went to Stonington, Christian county, Illi- nois, where he first hung out his shingle and engaged in practice there for eight years. In the meantime he was married at Stonington to Miss Lillian C. Wetzel, who was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, a daughter of B. Frank and Sarah (Hartwell) Wetzel. It was about 1859 that her father settled in Christian county, where he en- gaged in farming for many years, but is now living a retired life with his son in Mowea- qua, Illinois. His wife is deceased. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Porter were born three chil- dren, namely: Hattie, who died in in- fancy ; Cyrus, who resides with his mother · and is clerking for the Scovill Company, of Decatur ; and George Glenn, also at home.

After his marriage Dr. Porter continued to engage in the practice of his profession at Stonington until 1886, when he went still farther west and settled in Grant, Nebraska, where he was in practice for four years and a half. On his return to Illinois at the end of that period he took up his residence in the village of Blue Mound, Macon county, making his home there until the early part of 1901, when he was taken ill and retired from professional life. He removed to Decatur and there spent his last days, dying on the 23d of October, 1901. In his profession he met with excellent success, having a comprehensive knowledge of the science of medicine and its application to the needs of suffering humanity, and he built up a large practice at Blue Mound. Ile stood high in the esteem of his profes- sional brethren and was an honored mem- ber of the State Medical Board of Spring- field, Illinois, and of the Macon County Med- ical Society.

In his social relations the Doctor was a member of the Masonic fraternity, the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, all at Blue Mound. He always took a very active in-

terest in politics and was unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party. He held the office of town clerk in Stoning- ton for a few years and was also mayor of Blue Mound for a time. In all the relations of life he was found truc to any trust re- posed in him and was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Blue Mound, to which his wife also belonged during their residence there, but she now holds membership in Grace Methodist Epis- copal church of Decatur. She and her chil- dren reside at No. 1036 West Wood street, where they have a nice home. She is an estimable lady of many sterling qualities and has a large circle of friends in the com- munity.

JOHN S. CHILDS.

For one-third of a century John S. Childs was a representative of the agricultural in- terests of Macon county and since 1890 he has lived retired in Decatur, the competence which he acquired in former years being sufficient to supply him with all of the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life. His rest is well merited for his business career was ever straightforward and he was always honorable in his dealings with his fellow men. Mr. Childs is a native of Burlington county, New Jersey, born on the 5th of De- cember, 1829, his parents being Joshua and Ann (Wilkins) Childs. The family is of English lineage and the ancestors were Quakers or Friends in religious faith. At an early day representatives of the name became residents of Pennsylvania and John Childs the grandfather of our subject, was born in that state near the city of Phila- delphia. He lived, however, for a number of years in New Jersey and it was there that Joshua Childs was born, reared and made his home throughout his entire life. After arriving at years of maturity he

391

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

wedded Miss Ann Wilkins, who was also born and died in New Jersey. He passed away in the prime of life, leaving a widow and a large family of sons and daughters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Childs were consistent Christians and members of the Baptist church.

As Mrs. Childs was left in limited finan- cial circumstances it became necessary that the children should be separated and dif- ferent members of the household went to live with various families in New Jersey. John S. Childs, whose name introduces this review, made his home with his grandfather for a time and attended the little Quaker schoolhouse on the hill, which still stands and was in use up to a few years ago. His educational privileges, however, were very limited for it became necessary that he pro- vide for his own support and at an early age he began learning the carpenter's trade. An important and valuable factor in shaping his carcer was the instruction which he re- ceived in the little Quaker meetinghouse near his home. The building was a historic one erected in 1777 and thus it stood as a mute reminder of the events of more than a century. On completing the carpenter's trade, which he learned under the direction of Ilenry Satterthwait, a Quaker, Mr. Childs sought employment and on looking about for a favorable location he determined to follow the advice of Horace Greeley and "go west."

It was in November, 1851, that Mr. Childs arrived in Logansport, Indiana, where for a few months he worked at his trade. He then removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, but after a brief period came to Illinois. In the fall of the same year, however, Mr. Childs went to St. Louis, Missouri, and thence to Springfield, Illinois, where he entered the service of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company as a bridge carpenter. It was during his residence in the capital city that

he became acquainted with Miss Cathrine F. Brown, of Springfield, a daughter of Re- son D. and Rachel (Ernest) Brown, who were natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Illinois. Mr. Childs sought the hand of the young lady in marriage and on the 9th of November, 1854, they were united in the holy bonds of wedlock. Mrs. Childs was born and reared in Sangamon county and for almost a half century has traveled life's journey with her husband, sharing with him the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all.

After his marriage Mr. Childs took up his abode upon a farm near Pleasant Plains and there resided until 1857, when he came to Macon county and purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land near Warrens- burg. This was a tract of raw prairie, en- tirely unimproved. Not a furrow had been turned or a rod of fence built and there were no buildings upon the place. His knowl- edge of carpentering now stood him in good stead for he erected a small house, after which he commenced to cultivate and de- velop his land. He also early turned his attention to the raising of hogs and it was in this line of business activity that Mr. Childs largely acquired his comfortable for- tune. He found this a profitable source of income and as his means accumulated he purchased more logs and also added to his farm until he was the possessor of six hun- dred and forty acres of valuable land. An- mually he raised from one to five car-loads of hogs and became known as one of the lead- ing representatives of this department of farm work in Macon and surrounding coun- ties. Ile also engaged in the raising of horses and cattle and in his farm work was very progressive, using the latest improved machinery and doing everything to facili- tate his labors and make his place of greater value. He kept apace with the universal progress along agricultural lines and con-

392

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

tinued to reside upon his farm for a third of a century, yearly adding to his income through indefatigable labor, careful man- agement and honorable business methods. He yet owns his farm property and fre- quently drives from the city to his country place, supervising its interests.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Childs has been blessed with nine children: Leona L., who is now the wife of Louis Stoakey, of Harristown, Illinois; Noah H., of Decatur ; John D., of Decatur; Dr. Timothy S., who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in this city; Annis, who is the wife of Dr. Howard Batchelder, of Omaha, Nebraska; Charles L., who has just resigned the posi- tion of superintendent of the Bartonville Insane Asylum; Hattie E., who is book- keeper, for the Faries Manufacturing Com- pany: Jessie, who died in her eighteenth year; and Edna E., at home. The family home is an attractive and commodious dwelling at No. 535 Prairie avenue, which is one of the principal residence streets of the city. In addition to this property his possessions comprise three finely culti- vated farms which are rented, bringing to him a good income annually.

In his political views Mr. Childs was long a Democrat and voted for the men and measures of that party, but on the nomina- tion of William Jennings Bryan upon a free silver platform he decided to cast his ballot for the Republican candidate and voted twice for Major Mckinley. In the year 1866 he was elected supervisor of Illini township and for five years acted in that capacity. Otherwise he has never been ac- tive in politics as an officeholder. preferring to give his time and attention to his busi- ness affairs, which have been so capably managed that his industry, frugality and sound judgment have brought to him a good property which will supply him with many comforts through the evening of life.

JUERGEN H. NOTTELMANN.

For the past eight years J. H. Nottelmann has been identified with the business in- terests of Warrensburg as a dealer in lum- ber, sash, doors, blinds, lath, shingles, paints and oils, in partnership with his father un- der the firm style of H. Nottelmann & Son. A young man of superior executive ability and sound judgment, he already occupies a good position in the business world, and has a fine prospect of reaching the topmost round of the ladder of prosperity.

A native of Macon county, Mr. Nottel- mann was born in Niantic, on the 13th of December, 1872, and is a son of Herman and Anna (Jacobsen) Nottelmann, both na- tives of Germany. When a young man the father emigrated to the new world and for several years made his home in Chicago, where he was employed as head clerk in the domestic department for Charles Gossage & Company. In the fall of 1871 his residence and all his belongings were destroyed in the great Chicago fire, and the following March came to Macon county, making his home in Niantic ever since. During that entire time he has been engaged in general merchandising at that place and is regarded as one of the leading business men of the county. His family numbers seven chil- dren. three sons and four daughters: Au- gusta, now the wife of J. Frank Beall, a grain dealer of Niantic ; one who died in in- fancy; Juergen H., of this review: Anna, wife of Charles Pritchett, who is engaged in the hardware and undertaking business at Latham ; Henning H., who married Della Culp and is a lumber dealer of Latham ; Dora, at home ; and John B., who is a grad- nate of Brown's Business College of Deca- tur and is now employed as stenographer for the Illinois Central Railroad at Chi- cago.

Juergen H. Nottelmann pursued his edu- cation in the public schools of Niantic and the Springfield Business College, where he

J. C. BOYCE

395

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

was graduated in 1894. He began his busi- ness career as a clerk in his father's store, and after leaving college continued in that position until 1896, when in partnership with his father he opened a lumberyard at Warrensburg under the firm name of Il. Nottelmann & Son. They still carry on the business and under the able management of our subject they are meeting with marked success in the undertaking.

On the 17th of March, 1899, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Nottelmann and Miss Emma B. Albert, who was born in Warrensburg and completed her education in the common and high schools of Deca- tur. Her parents are Martin and Eldorado (Norman) Albert, natives of Ohio. Our subject and his wife now have a little daugh- ter, .Agnes E., born January 27, 1902.

Socially Mr. Nottelmann affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he is also a member of Hoo Hoo Lumber Association, which holds its meetings on the 9th day of the ninth month each year. In religious views he is liberal and in poli- tics is independent. He has never cared for official honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs and having prospered he is to-day the owner of some residence property and business lots in Warrensburg besides his lumber yard. Ile is quite popular in both business and social circles, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

J. C. BOYCE.

J. C. Boyce is one of the leading citizens of Mount Zion, where he is carrying on an extensive business as a dealer in grain, lum- ber and builders' hardware. Upon the com- mercial activity of any community depends its prosperity and the men who are recog- nized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of important business enter-

prises. Mr. Boyce is a man of broad capa- bilities and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he under- takes.

A native of Vermont, he was born in Poultney, Rutland county, that state, on the 26th of February, 1848. His father, Henry Boyce, was a Canadian by birth, and in carly manhood married Miss Amelia Bethel, who was born in Scotland. After living for some years in Vermont, they removed to New York state, where the father died, in 1881, at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother, in the fall of 1891, at the age of seventy years. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living, but our subject, who is the sixth in order of birth, is the only one of the family living in the west.

J. C. Boyce grew to manhood in the Em- pire state and soon after attaining his ma- jority learned the carpenter's trade. On coming to Illinois he first located in Chi- cago. January 3, 1872, but it was not long before he went to Arcola, where he worked at his trade for a short time. He then re- turned to Chicago and was variously em- ployed in that city as a carpenter and con- tractor until he entered the service of the Vandalia Railroad, erecting the first grain elevator for that company in 1873. He con- tinued to work at his trade for some years, building principally houses.

At midnight, July 4, 1873, Mr. Boyce ar- rived in Mount Zion and here he began deal- ing in grain, coal, lumber and builders' hard- ware, in partnership with John Scott, in- vesting six hundred dollars in the enter- prise. This connection continued from the ist of April. 1886, until October 12. 1889, when our subject bought Mr. Scott's inter- est in the business and has since extended his operations. The business was started in a very small way, the office of the company being only twelve feet square. It was later enlarged to eighteen by twenty feet, and

396

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

subsequently the present buildings were erected in 1890, consisting of a store room, elevator and lumber sheds. Under the man- agement of our subject the business has now reached extensive proportions, bringing him a good income. He has just built an ele- vator calculated to hold thirty thousand bushels of shelled grain.

In 1880 Mr. Boyce married Miss Eliza- beth Gibb, a native of Scotland, who came to this country with her parents when only six years old. Her father was John Gibb, a representative of a noted Scottish family. Religiously Mr. Boyce is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and social- ly is connected with Ionic Lodge, No. 312, F. & A. M., of Decatur, having been made a Mason in that city in 1898, and he also belongs to Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, I. O. O. F., of Mount Zion.

He is a representative of that class of citizens who, while advancing individual success, also promote the public welfare. He stands high in business circles as a man of progressive ideas and known reliability, and he merits the confidence so freely accorded him.

WILLIAM HAMSHER.

In a history of Macon county, past and present, it is incumbent that we make nien- tion of William Hamsher, for lie was one of the early settlers of Decatur, and as one of its pioneers he should certainly find rep- resentation in this volume. Great changes have occurred here since the time of his arrival. A little log building constituted the courthouse in Macon county and there were many log cabins in the embryo city when he established his home in Illinois. He was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, born on the 5th of October, 1824. Ilis parents always made their home in the east and there passed away many years ago. There were several children in

the family, however, who came to the west and located in Decatur, and four of the fam- ily are now living, namely: Barnett K., who is now secretary for the Herald-De- spatch Company and manager of the Herald Printing and Stationery Company ; Samuel WV., who holds the position of janitor in the postoffice at Decatur ; Mrs. Williams, of Decatur; and Mrs. Samuel Rotz, of Penn- sylvania.

Like the other members of the family, William Hamsher received only a common- school education. In early manhood he wedded Miss Sophia Bear, the marriage be- ing celebrated in his native state. The lady was also a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and belonged to a family that has many representatives in Decatur at the present time. Her death, however, oc- curred on the 8th of February, 1879, and the two children of that marriage, Daniel F. and Susanna M., are also deceased.

After his marriage, in 1858, William Hamsher came with the balance of the Hamsher family to Macon county and es- tablished his home in the little village of Decatur. It was then a small place similar to other villages which are established on the frontier. Many of the little houses were constructed of logs and everything was primitive in character and few of the com- forts of the older east were to be enjoyed here. Mr. Hamsher opened a shop and be- gan working at the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for many years. He was thus engaged at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. His patri- otic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he en- listed in 1861 as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Sixteenth Illinois Infan- try, going to the front under the command of Colonel Boyd. The company was engaged in many battles, but Mr. Hamsher was very fortunate in that he was never in-

397

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

jured and at the expiration of his term of service he was discharged at Springfield.

Returning to his home. . Mr. Hamsher once more became connected with the in- dustrial interests of Macon county, work- ing at the wagon-maker's trade in Decatur. Ile conducted his business here until fail- ing health forced him to retire from that line of activity and he took up his abode upon a farm near Decatur. Ile resided there for only a brief period, however, and then again established his home in this city, where he lived retired until his death.

Mr. Hlamsher was married a second time in Decatur to Mrs. Mary 1. (Tweedy) Gray, a native of New York, born November 7, 1830. The lady is a daughter of Robert Tweedy, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and on coming to America settled in Can- ada. lle also resided in New York for a short time, but later removed to Montreal, Canada, where he engaged in merchandis- ing. His wife and all of his children, with the exception of Mrs. Hamsher, died in Montreal of cholera within a period of four weeks. The surviving daughter was first married to John A. Gray, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who took up his abode in Decatur at an early day and here engaged in the manufacture of cigars until his death. There was one child by that marriage : John .A., who wedded Miss Blanche Willcutt, and resides in Schaller, Iowa, where he is engaged in dealing in grain.

Mr. Hamsher was a member of the Bethel Church of God in Decatur, and his wife be- longs to the Baptist church of this city. She was left in very comfortable circum- stances and now owns a beautiful home at If6 East Main street. Mr. Hamsher ac- quired his possessions along legitimate bus- iness lines. He realized that honesty is the best policy and was ever fair and straight- forward in all his dealings with his fellow- men. No one ever spoke against his in-

tegrity and all who knew him entertained for him the highest regard. He was a member of the Grand Army Post, of De- catur, and in his political views was a Re- publican, taking an active interest in all of its work. He died May 6, 1899, and the po- sition which he held in the public regard was shown by the fact that his was one of the largest funerals ever held in the city. His friends gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to him whom they had loved and honored.

JOSEPH MILLS.

Joseph Mills, the president of the Mills Lumber Company of Decatur and thus a representative of one of the leading indus- tries of the city, occupies a position of prom- inence in business circles. His connection with this enterprise dates from 1886 and during the intervening period the success of the business may be largely attributed to him.

Mr. Mills is a native of New Jersey, his birth having occurred in Essex, Union county, on the 2d of March, 1826. He is descended from English ancestry, the fam- ily having been founded in America by rep- resentatives of the name who came from England during colonial days. Samuel Mills, the grandfather of our subject, was likewise born in New Jersey and when the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppression he joined the conti- mental army and served as a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war. While in camp his regiment was surprised by a night at- tack and during that struggle Samuel Mills was wounded by a bayonet. In times of peace he followed the occupation of farm- ing, carrying on agricultural pursuits dur- ing the greater part of his life. His death occurred when he had reached the age of

398

PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

seventy years. In his family were five chil- dren, including Stewart Mills, the father of our subject. He, too, was born in New Jersey and was reared to farm life and be- came an agriculturist. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Nancy Sutton, a daughter of Benjamin Sutton, also a resident farmer of New Jersey, while her grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Mills became the parents of five children : Mary, now de- ceased; Hannah, the widow of William Williams; Joseph, of this review ; Phoebe, the wife of Jesse Fowler: and Electa, the wife of Charles Lyon. The father died in 1868, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother long survived him, passing away at the advanced age of one hundred and four years. She remained upon the home- stead and when a centenarian could read without glasses, her eyesight seeming to be renewed in her last years. She held mem- bership with the Presbyterian church and the world was better for her having lived, for she exerted a strong influence for good in the lives of those with whom she came in contact.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois, Part 45

Author: Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 988

Author:
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 988