USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 46
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In his youth Joseph Mills was inured to the labors of the home farm, where he worked until he reached the age of seven- teen, when he began learning the carpen- ter's trade. After serving a four years' ap- prenticeship he was employed for some time as a journeyman and through a long period was connected with the building interests. In 1853 Mr. Mills left his old home in New Jersey and came to the west, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Decatur, whose business enterprise, activity and keen dis- cernment were laying the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of the city. For a half century he has now made his home here. He first purchased property on the corner where the Syndicate block now stands and became connected with the business interests here as a contractor and
builder. His thorough understanding of the trade, his excellent workmanship and his faithfulness to the terms of a contract soon secured him a liberal patronage and he continued to conduct a profitable busi- ness in that line until 1878, when he aban- doned that work in order to engage in a kindred industry, becoming a partner of W. B. Hary in the lumber business. Mr. Hary had been his former partner in contracting for a number of years before they went into the lumber business. This connection was maintained until the death of Mr. Hary in 1886, when Mr. Mills purchased his in- terest from the estate. On the Ist of Janu- ary, 1891, the business was incorporated, a stock company being formed under the firm name of the Mills Lumber Company, with Joseph Mills as the president ; Jacob Willis, secretary and treasurer: and Albert Good- man, manager. The business of the com- pany has steadily increased and its sales now annually reach a large figure. They deal extensively in all kinds of lumber. handling everything needed in their line for the construction of public or private build- ings. The business policy inaugurated by Mr. Mills at the outset of his career has ever been maintained. The work is carried on systematically and success has been won along the line of time-tried maxims.
Ere leaving the east Mr. Mills was united in marriage on the 22d of May, 1848, to Miss Eliza Lansing, whose parents were Benjamin and Anna (Hill) Lansing, the former a native of New York and the latter of New Jersey. Five children were born of this union, but only one is now living : Anna, who married John W. Shellabarger, of Salina, Kansas, and had five children but only two are now living, Edgar and Edith. Another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mills was Emma, who became the wife of Sig- mund Schulof and died leaving a daughter, Pearl, now the wife of William Wittke, of New York city, and the mother of a little
DR. O. F. PARKER
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daughter. The other members of the Mills family were Josephine, Stella and Coriene. The wife and mother, who was a consistent and devoted member of the Baptist church, passed away on the 2d of March, 1886, at the age of fifty-nine years, and on the ist of January, 1888, Mr. Mills was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mrs. Sini Taylor, the widow of Frank Taylor, and a daughter of Lars Larson, who was a native of Denmark. The family home is an at- tractive residence on North Main street, in addition to which Mr. Mills owns other val- uable city property.
In his political views he was originally a Republican, supporting that party from 1856 until 1872. He then voted for Horace Greeley and since that time has affiliated with the Democracy. For six years he served as alderman of Decatur from the first ward and has been assistant super- visor, but has preferred to perform his du- ties rather as a private citizen than as an official. He belongs to Decatur Lodge, No. 65. 1. O. O. F., and in the fraternity as well . as in business and social circles is held in the highest regard. The character and posi- tion of Mr. Mills illustrates most happily for the purpose of this work, the fact that if a young man be possessed of the proper attributes of mind and heart he can unaided attain to a position of unmistakable prece- dence and gain for himself a place among the men who are foremost factors in shap ing the business history of their various communities. His career proves that the only true success in life is that which is ac- complished by personal effort and consecu- tive industry. It proves that the road to success is open to all young men who have the courage to tread its pathway, and the life record of such men should serve as in- spiration to the young of this and future generations, and teach by incontrovertible facts that success is ambition's answer.
OSCAR F. PARKER, M. D.
Few men were more prominent or more widely known in the enterprising city of Decatur than Dr. O. F. Parker during the thirty-three years of his residence here. 1le was an important factor in business circles and his popularity was well deserved as in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabated energy and industry that never flagged. He was public spirited and thoroughly interested in whatever tended to promote the moral, social and material welfare of the city.
The Doctor was born in Peru, New York, on the 7th of November, 1818, a son of Dr. Francis and Sarah Parker. His father, who was also a physician, was engaged in prac- tice at Parishville, New York, for many years, and both he and his wife died there. Our subject acquired his literary education in the common schools of his native place, and having decided to enter the medical pro- fession, he became a student at Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of 1851. llc then joined his father at Parishville, St. Lawrence county, New York, and together they engaged in practice at that place until our subject came west. In the meantime he was married in 1856 to Miss Calista L. Flanders, also a native of the Empire state, born in Lawrence, St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1832. Her father, Samuel Flanders, was a millwright by trade and from New York removed to Ohio, where he built a number of mills throughout the state, making his home there until his death. To Dr. and Mrs. Parker was born but one child : Winnie, now the wife of Virgil IIos- tetler, of Decatur.
After his marriage the Doctor continued his residence in Parishville, New York, until 1865, when he came to Decatur, Illinois, and began practice here with Dr. Josiah Brown. Two years later the partnership was dissolved and Dr. Parker embarked in
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in the drug business, opening a store. on East Main street, near Water street, which he conducted until failing health caused his retirement from business. He died in this city on the 16th of December, 1897, honored and respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Parker is still living in Decatur, where she owns a large and beautiful residence at No. 341 West Macon street, and her daughter resides with her.
In early life the Doctor was a Whig in politics, and after the dissolution of that party joined the Republican ranks. While living in New York he became a member of the Masonic fraternity, but never united with any of the lodges after coming to De- catur. In citizenship he was loyal, in friendship faithful, and in his family he was known as a devoted husband and father. Throughout his entire life he commanded the respect of his fellow-men by reason of his genuine worth, and his loss was deeply mourned throughout the community.
CHARLES HAYS.
One of the leading and representative cit- izens of Hickory Point township is the gentleman whose name introduces this re- view. Throughout his active business life he has followed farming with good success and is to-day the owner of a well improved and valuable place on section 26. His en- tire life has been passed in this township, his birth occurring September 27, 1859, on the old homestead, which is on section 23 on the Bloomington road, where his brother Frank now resides.
John R. Hays, the father of our subject, was born on a farm in Wayne county, In- diana, September 5, 1830, and was one of a family of eight children, whose parents were John and Rebecca (Hadley) Hays. Our subject's grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent.
His children were Ebenezer; Nancy ; John R. : Rebecca, wife of Alexander Brett ; Ben- jamin; Cynthia, wife of Isaac Skillman, of Oregon ; William ; and Thompson H.
John R. Hays was only four years old when the family removed from the county of his nativity to Vermilion county, Illinois, locating near Danville. A year later they went to Piatt county, and in 1841 came to Macon county, taking up their residence on section 26, Hickory Point township, where our subject now resides. This farm was improved by the grandfather, who, in con- nection with general farming, was quite extensively engaged in stock raising. The father of our subject was a lad of eleven years when he settled here and amid pio- neer scenes he grew to manhood. The near- est school house was then northwest of De- catur, two miles and a half distant from his home. but a few years later another was erected in Hickory Point township a mile and a half away. Although his educational advantages were limited he became a well informed man through reading, experience and observation. He remained on the home place until twenty-seven years of age, when his father gave him eighty acres of land and he started out in life for himself. Being industrious, energetic and progressive, he met with marked success in his farming operations and added to his property from time to time until he had six hundred acres of choice land, well improved and under excellent cultivation. He always took a deep interest in public affairs and most ef- ficiently filled the offices of school director, township collector and county supervisor. On the 26th of March. 1857. he was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Montgomery, a daughter of William F. and Amelia (Su- ver) Montgomery, and unto them were born four children, as follows: Charles, of this review; William, also a resident of Macon county; Frank, who lives on his father's old homestead in Hickory Point
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township; and Cynthia, who died .April 15, 1872. The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and wherever known its members are held in high regard. The father passed away March 24, 1900, and the mother is still living. They were both honored and respected by all who knew them.
Charles Hays was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys, aiding in the work of field and meadow and pursuing his studies in the district school. Since attaining to man's estate he has fol- lowed farming and is now living on the place where his grandfather located on com- ing to this country in 1841. He has two hundred acres of rich and arable land and the well tilled fields and the neat and thrifty appearance of the farm testify to the super- vision of a careful and painstaking owner.
In 1889 Mr. Hays led to the marriage altar Miss Elizabeth Landis, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and Amanda (Reeser) Landis, of Bearsdale, and four children bless their union, namely : Ed- win, Robert, and Ora and Oma, twins. Mr. Ilays casts his ballot for the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he has served as school director in his dis- trict. He is public spirited and progressive and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.
MARTIN V. LONERGAN, M. D.
Dr. Martin V. Lonergan, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Decatur, is known as a successful and skillful physi- cian and surgeon, one who has given years of thought and painstaking preparation to his profession and who is thoroughly quali- fied for its practice. Nature endowed him with the elements necessary for success as a practitioner for he is sympathetic, pa-
tient and thoughtful and in the hour of ex- tremity cool and courageous. Though his practice engrosses much of his attention he still finds time to keep in touch with the advancement made by the profession and avails himself of every development in remedial agencies.
Dr. Lonergan was born on the 4th of Feb- ruary, 1852, a native of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. As the name indicates the family is of Irish lineage. The father, Michael Lonergan, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, and learned the carpenter's trade there ere his emigration to the new world. When a young man, however, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and es- tablished his home in Philadelphia. There he met and married Miss Margaret Dona- hne, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who had come with her parents to this country. The year 1856 witnessed the removal of Michael Lonergan and his family from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Set- tling in Jacksonville, he there followed carpentering until 1870, when he disposed of his business and property interests there and invested his money in a farm in San- gamon county, devoting his remaining days to agricultural pursuits and to the enjoy- ment of the quiet life of the farm. He died in 1888 at the age of seventy years and his widow still resides on the old homestead. Both were communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. Lonergan gave his political support to the Democracy, for he believed its platform contained the best elements of good government. Unto this worthy couple were born six children: Martin ; John, who resides upon the old home farm ; Maurice ; Maggie ; and two who have passed away.
When Dr. Lonergan was but four years of age he came with his parents to Illinois and pursued his education in the public schools of Jacksonville until he reached the age of fourteen. He then entered upon his
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business career by becoming an employe in a store of that city, but later he continued his studies in the Whipple Academy and subsequently prepared for the duties of bus- iness life by a course in Brown's Com- mercial College. He worked in the store during the day, attending school at night. The elemental strength of his char- acter was thus manifested and gave promise of a successful future, because success is more often the result of strong purpose and close application than of any other elements. With educational work Dr. Lon- ergan was also connected for some time, having for five years engaged in teaching in Sangamon county. It was his desire, however, to become a member of the med- ical fraternity and he began reading in the office of Dr. David Prince, of Jacksonville, ere he discontinued his work as a member of the teacher's profession. Later he pur- sued a course of lectures in the Long Island Hospital College in Brooklyn and was next a student in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. He also took a post-graduate course in the Chicago Poly- clinic in 1888 and in 1894 in the New York Polyclinic and the same year served as house physician in the Mothers and Babies Hospital, New York. The money for his collegiate course he earned through his own labors and when his capital became ex- hausted he again accepted a position as a school teacher in order to gain the funds necessary for the completion of his course in medicine. He was graduated in 1877 and through the influence of his roommate, J. A. Dawson, he located at Casner, Illinois, in March, 1878, there opening an office.
One of his first patients was Mrs. Will- iam Wilson, who subsequently became his mother-in-law. Becoming acquainted with the daughter, Mary, he sought her hand in marriage, and on the 14th of November, 1878, the wedding ceremony was solemn- ized. She was born and reared in Mount
Zion township, Macon tounty, and by her marriage became the mother of four chil- dren, of whom two are now living: Ellis C. and Bertha May. The first-born, Bertie, died at the age of only four years, and John Al. died at seventeen years of age.
The first wife, Mary, died on the 14th anniversary of their marriage, November 14, 1901, and the Doctor was again mar- ried November 27, 1902, to Mary E. Dres- back.
In his professional career Dr. Lonergan has been quite successful. He continued a partner of Dr. Dawson until November, 1883, and since that time has practiced alone. He owns a good drug store and has a liberal patronage in that line as well as in medical practice. He continued to make his home in Casner until 1895, when he came to Decatur and has since been active in the practice of his profession in this city. He keeps thoroughly informed concerning the advancement made by the profession and has long since demonstrated his skill in handling intricate cases. Socially he is a member of Ionic Lodge, No. 312, A. F. & A. M .; Macon Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M .; and Decatur Council, No. 21, R. & S. M., all of this city. He was likewise a member of Casner Lodge, No. 463, I. O. O. F., of which he served as noble grand. He is also a member of the Macon County Medical So- ciety ; the Illinois State Medical and the American Medical Association.
The Doctor is a firm believer in the cause of temperance and does everything in his power for the suppression of the use of in- toxicants. Ile manifests his principles in this by his ballot, voting for the Prohibition party, with which he has been allied since age gave to him the right of franchise. He and his wife hold membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian church and he is a man of broad humanitarian principles. whose influence has always been on the side of right and justice. He believes that the
CHARLES LEWIS
MRS. CHARLES LEWIS
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
most important work of man is the develop- ment of honorable character and has ever used his influence in behalf of the promotion of moral progress in the communities in which he has lived.
CHARLES LEWIS.
Charles Lewis, one of the leading citizens of Hickory Point township, who is suc- cessfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, was born in Warwickshire, England, on the 27th of November, 1832, a son of William and Ann (Clark) Lewis, who spent their entire lives in that country. Of their eight children those still living are: Isaac, who still makes his home in England ; Charles, of this review; George, a wealthy resident of England; and Thomas, who is now living in Missouri.
Our subject's carly advantages were very meager, and since the age of fourteen years he has been dependent upon his own re- sources for a livelihood. He worked hard during his boyhood at various occupations, being employed on farms a part of the time and also at brick and tile making.
With the hope of bettering his financial condition Mr. Lewis came to America in the fall of 1864 and spent the first winter in Vermont. Before leaving England he borrowed fifty dollars from his brother William, then living in Vermont, to help pay his expenses to the new world. In 1865 the year of President Lincoln's assassina- tion-he came to Macon county, in company with his wife and four children and his brother William's wife and their four chil- dren. They made the trip west by way of Buffalo, New York, and Logansport, Indi- ana. Through some mistake they were put on the wrong train at the latter place and taken to a station seven miles out of their way. As Mr. Lewis was entirely unfa- miliar with this part of the country he was
at a loss to know what to do, but a kind- hearted man came to his assistance with a wagon and conveyed the women and chil- dren as far as the Wabash trestle work. Our subject then carried the children across and led the women to a place of safety. As he did not know at what minute a train might appear, this was an experience never to be forgotten.
Arriving in Macon county he first settled in Decatur township, where he lived in a shanty for about two years, and then re- moved to Ilickory Point township, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick. making the brick for the house of John Hanks, a relative of President Lincoln, and receiving in exchange eleven acres of land on section 33, which forms a part of his present farm. In later years this. caused considerable trouble in his securing a title to the land. Mr. Lewis also made the first tile ever manufactured in the county and was among the first to drain the land. They brought the machinery for his tile factory from England. As the years have passed he has steadily prospered in his business af- fairs and is to-day the owner of a fine stock farm of three hundred and thirty-one acres of choice land in Hickory Point township. The pasturage is good and all the grain that he raises he feeds to his stock, having two hundred and fifty head of Shropshire sheep and thirty-five head of cattle.
Before leaving England Mr. Lewis was married in the town of Coventry to Miss Emma Jane Betts, who was also a native of Warwickshire, and died in Macon coun- ty, Illinois, in 1868, leaving five small chil- dren. One child born to them died in Eng lan. The others are as follows: George, a successful farmer of Austin township, this county, married Sarah Kirkpatrick, and has four children, one of whom is Mrs. Nellie Belford, who has five children; Mary Jane is the wife of John Bear, and has three chil- dren : Fannie is the wife of Ira Parrish, of
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Harristown township, and has two children ; Charles married Kate Cheker, by whom he has three children, and they live on his father's farm; Emma is the wife of Gus Parrish, of Mount Auburn, Christian coun- ty, and they have two children. As will be seen, Mr. Lewis has fourteen grand- children and five great-grandchildren.
On the Ioth of October, 1871, Mr. Lewis was again married, his second union being with Miss Catharine Hastie, who was born in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, November 22, 1828, a daughter of Adam and Margaret (Tait) Hastie, who both died in Scotland. Mrs. Lewis is the youngest of their nine children and the only one living with the exception of her brother Robert, a resident of California. Another brother, William, died in this county and was buried in Boil- ing Springs cemetery, Hickory Point town- ship. Emigrating to America in 1866 she came to Macon county, Illinois, with her brother-in-law, Andrew Myers, and a niece. She has been to her husband a faithful com- panion and helpmate and carefully reared his children. By her aid and encourage- ment she has materially assisted him in se- curing a home and competence and she cer- tainly deserves much credit for what she has done. She takes much pleasure in her flow- ers which adorn the front yard and add much to the beauty and attractive appear- ance of the place. She presides with gra- cious dignity over her home, which is a com- fortable brick residence, noted for its hos- pitality and good cheer.
Sinee casting his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, Mr. Lewis has supported the Republican party and its non- inees. Ile was reared an Episcopalian, but he and his wife now attend the First Pres- byterian church of Decatur, in which she holds membership. She is an active worker in the cause of Christianity and the children were reared amid good influences. Mr. Lewis belongs to that class of men whom
the world terms self-made, for coming to this country empty-handed, he has con- quered all the obstacles in the path to suc- cess, and has not only secured a comfortable competence but has gained the good will and friendship of those with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life
J. M. PERSINGER.
For a third of a century J. M. Persinger was a leading business man of Maroa, and the commercial interests of the town were well represented by him. He located here at an early day in the development of Maroa and the growth of his business kept pace with the growth of the city, the years bring- ing to him a large patronage, which was well merited by reason of his energy, his honorable methods and his straightforward dealings with his fellow men. When called to his final rest he left behind him an honor- able record and his memory is yet cherished and revered by many who knew him.
Mr. Persinger was born in Shelby county, Ohio, in 1837, and upon the home farm was reared, early becoming familiar with the labor of field and meadow, and thus forming habits of industry. When seventeen years of age he began teaching school and fol- lowed that profession until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he became a inember of the bodyguard of John C. Fremont. This company, however, was disbanded, and returning home Mr. Persinger enlisted as a member of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry under Colonel Sweeny. He participated in eighteen battles, but was never wounded nor ill in the hospital. He rendered valua- ble service to his country as a brave and loyal soldier and on being mustered out he returned to Sidney, Ohio. He then again engaged in teaching school for a year or two.
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