USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 57
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P. D. Spooner acquired his education in the common schools of Lowell, Ohio, and of Blue Mound. Illinois. Hle left school in 1882 and began in the newspaper business in Blue Mound, while later he went to Pal- myra, where for three years he was con- nected with a drug store. He then returned
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to this place and purchased the Independent, which he edited and published for three years, selling out on the expiration of that period to the firm of Gepford & McElroy. On leaving the journalistic field Mr. Spooner went to Palmyra, but after a year spent in conducting a meat market there he re- turned to Blue Mound and entered the post- office in September, 1897. He has since been connected with its administration and is a worthy public official.
On the 14th of July, 1887, occurred the marriage of Mr. Spooner and Miss Hattie W. Wood, a daughter of George and Sarah (Hodge) Wood, of Macon county. She was educated in the schools of Blue Mound and is a most estimable lady. Six children were born of this union: Helen D., born September 10. 1888; Ilarold W., July 6, 1890; John R., May 12, 1892; Robert Whip- ple, February II, 1894; Eleanor Mabel, August 30, 1900; and a baby girl, unnamed, July 26, 1903.
In his political affiliations Mr. Spooner is a Republican and fraternally he is con- nected with the Fraternal Army of America. His wife also belongs to that organization, to the Eastern Star and the Rebecca Lodge, her father having been a charter member of the Odd Fellows Society here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Spooner are well known in Blue Mound and enjoy the friendship of many people because of their upright lives, social dispositions and genial qualities.
DAVID KRETZER.
At an early period in the development of Macon county David Kretzer, now de- ceased, became one of the residents of De- catur and was actively identified with its building interests, becoming a leading and important factor in the early improvement and development of the city. Because of his excellent workmanship and his straight-
forward honorable dealings he secured a liberal patronage and was widely known for his sterling traits of character and his business integrity.
Ile was a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred in that state on the 21st of October, 1818. Ilis parents were both natives of Germany and on leaving the fatherland they crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Maryland in carly life. There they lived for several years, during which time their son David was born. Af- terward they took up their abode upon a farm near Dayton, Ohio, where they spent their remaining days, both dying on the old homestead there. Mr. Kretzer devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits and thus provided a good living for his family.
In taking up the personal history of David Kretzer we present to our readers the life record of one well worthy of representa- tion among the leading men who have been connected with business affairs in Decatur. He acquired his education in the common schools of Maryland and after his parents' removal to Ohio he, too, went to that state and purchased a farm near Dayton, carrying on the work of tilling the soil for a few years. Subsequently he disposed of his property there and removed to Miami coun- ty, Ohio, where he again engaged in farm- ing for a few years. He next went to Darke county, Ohio, and once more settled upon a farm on which his labors wrought many changes in the way of improvements.
Mr. Kretzer was first married in Ohio to Aliss Elizabeth Ullery, who died in Cov- ington, that state, leaving one son, Joseph, who is now a resident of Arcolo, Illinois, and is engaged in farming. For his second wife Mr. Kretzer chose Miss Jemima Housse, the wedding being celebrated on the 4th of March, 1856. She was born in Darke county, Ohio, January 28, 1832, a daughter of Isaac and Tacey (Briggs)
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Ilousse, who were natives of Darke county, where they always lived, the father devoting his energies to farming and also carrying on the milling business, for he owned and operated a mill near his home. Both he and his wife passed away in Darke county. U'nto the second marriage of Mr. Kretzer seven children were born, namely: Ed- ward C., who is now a carpenter living in St. Clair county, Illinois ; Ellen, the widow of Henry Mondabaugh, of Dayton, Ohio; Ruth Belle, who is the wife of Ewing Hunt, and is living in Leroy, Illinois; Benjamin Franklin, a land speculator located in Fort Worth, Texas; Ceora, of Danville, Illinois; David. C., who is a prominent practicing physician of Fort Madison, Iowa ; and Lucy, who resides at home with her mother.
Mr. Kretzer continued to make his home in Darke county, Ohio, until 1855, and then came to Illinois, establishing his home in Decatur. Here he began work at the car- penter's trade and as a contractor and build- er erected many of the first buildings in this city, his excellent workmanship causing his services to be sought by the newcomers who located in Decatur and built for them- selves homes and business houses here. For several years Mr. Kretzer continued to work at his trade and was accorded a lib- eral patronage by the public. When his financial resources had increased and made him the possessor of considerable capital he made investment in a farm comprising two hundred and twenty-five acres of land in Harristown township, Macon county, and removing to that place, he devoted his time and energies to its cultivation and im- provement. Ilis labors soon wrought a marked transformation in its appearance. He placed the fields under a high state of cultivation and each autumn reaped abund- ant harvests. Ile also erected splendid buildings and secured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the farm work. Everything about his place was neat and
thrifty in appearance and he became recog- nized as one of the leading agriculturists of his locality.
In matters of citizenship he was progress- ive, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his community. In his political views he was a Democrat, but was never an aspirant for office. Both he and his wife were members of the Chris- tian church in Harristown township and took a very deep interest in church work, doing all in their power for the extension of its influence and contributing liberally to its support. He passed away November 30. 1884, and in a review of his completed life record one finds many elements that are worthy of commendation and of emulation. He started out in life empty handed, but possessed resolution and courage and would brook no obstacles that could be overcome by persistent and honorable labor. Gradu- ally he thus worked his way upward until he became one of the substantial farmers of the community and he left to his family a good name as well as a comfortable com- petence. After her husband's death Mrs. Kretzer removed to Decatur and now re- sides at No. 1236 North Main street, where she has recently erected a fine large resi- dence. She also owns the old homestead of two hundred and twenty-five acres in Harristown township and the income there- from supplies her with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
GUSTAVE E. DUKER.
The name at once suggests a power in the world of trade in Decatur and only two years have passed since Gustave F. Duker established his home in this city. He has become recognized as one of its most pro- gressive and enterprising merchants, con- ducting his business affairs along lines that prove not only a benefit to himself but are
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instrumental in the commercial expansion of the city. Ile is now the proprietor of the store conducted under the name of the Empire Shoe Company and has in two years achieved a success which is indicative of the possession of splendid business ca- pacity and executive force.
Mr. Duker was born on the 5th of Jan- uary, 1864, in the city of Quincy, Illinois, his parents being Theodore and Elizabeth Duker. His father was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, not far from the border of France, and in his boyhood days was brought to America by his parents, the family home being established at Quincy, Illinois. Since that time Theodore Duker has resided in that city and has become one of its wealthiest and most prominent bus- iness men. His wife was a native of Aus- tria and of noble birth. She, too, was brought to the new world by her parents in her childhood days and became a resident of Quincy, where in due time she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Duker and there resided until she was called to her final rest. Twelve children were born unto this worthy couple, seven sons and five daughters, and with one exception all are yet living.
Gustave F. Duker began his education in St. Boniface parochial school in Quincy and later attended St. Francis College in the same city. When his literary education was completed he pursued a commercial course in the Gem City Business College in that city, and thus entered upon his bus- iness career well prepared to meet its re- sponsible and arduous duties. He began work for C. Wand, of Quincy, in whose em- ploy he remained for fourteen years, and this fact is certainly indicative of his fidelity, ability and trustworthiness. At the end of that time he accepted a position with E. I. Martin Dry Goods Company of Quincy, remaining with that firm for four years, when he resigned in order to enter upon a similar business relation with the firm of
J. Kespohl & Company of Quincy. When three years with that house had elapsed he removed to Hurdland, Missouri, where he began business on his own account, con- ducting a general store for a little more than three years. Returning to Quincy he was in business in his native city for a short period and then came to Decatur in May, 1901, establishing his store here at No. 118 East Prairie street. A year later he removed to No. 114 North Water street, where he is still conducting business under the name of the Empire Shoe Company. He has one of the largest and best equipped shoe stores in the county, carrying a well selected stock of goods and having an ex- tensive and growing patronage. He is very energetic and by strict adherence to the ethics of commercial life and by straight- forward dealing he has gained a patronage which is indeed gratifying.
On the Ist of February, 1888, Mr. Duker was united in marriage to Miss Susie Alex- ander of Quincy and unto them two chil- dren have been born: Theodore and Ken- neth. Mrs. Duker is a descendant of Alex- ander the Great, and her parents, who are now living in Quincy, are among the wealthy and distinguished residents of that city. Her grandfather was a quartermaster in the Continental Army during the Revo- lutionary war. Socially Mr. Duker is con- nected with Decatur Council, No. 577, Knights of Columbus, and he is likewise a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Decatur. Steadily pursuing his way un- deterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path he has achieved splendid success. Close application, careful study of business methods and plans to be followed, close at- tention to the details combined with an untiring energy, directed by a superior mind, these are the traits of character which have brought to him success and made him one of the foremost merchants of Decatur.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
WILLIAM T. MCLEAN, M. D.
As the oldest physician of Maroa, Dr. McLean has maintained his position in the front ranks of the medical fraternity in this part of the county by reason of his com- prehensive reading and study, whereby he has kept in touch with the progress of the times in connection with the science of medicine. A native of Kentucy, he was born in Harrison county, that state, in 1858, a son of C. A. and Lucy MeLean, who in 1865 removed to Maroa. It was therefore in the schools of this city that the Doctor acquired his preliminary education. Later he became a student in the University of Illinois in the class of 1877. With broad literary knowledge to serve as the founda- tion upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of medicine in the Rush Medical Col- lege of Chicago and was graduated with the class of 1881. Thus well equipped for his chosen profession he returned to Maroa and remained with his father for a time. In July. 1882, he removed to Warrensburg, Illinois, but in May, 1883, returned to Maroa, where he has since remained, and as the years have come and gone he has in- creased his skill and proficiency by compre- . hensive investigation into the methods of practice that have been followed and that are being introduced for the alleviation of human suffering. While never hasty in discarding the old and tried methods he is ever alert to know of new ones which will benefit mankind and his reading and re- search have made his knowledge profound and accurate. He pursued a post-graduate course of study in both New York and Chi- cago, on the eye, car, nose and throat.
At one time Dr. McLean owned a farm but afterward sold it. However, he is now interested in the farming of thirteen hundred acres of land, but does not own it. In Maroa he has a fine residence, which is indicative of the success that has crowned
his efforts in his chosen life work. In his practice he was associated with Dr. Mor- gan as a partner from 1890 until 1897, and they fitted up a splendid office with all modern improvements, which Dr. McLean now owns and occupies.
On the 16th of June, 1885, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Margaret P. Crocker, a daughter of John H. Crocker, and unto them have been born four chil- dren : John C., Franklin C., Edwin P. and Anna Louise, all of whom are attending school. The Doctor and Mrs. McLean be- long to the Presbyterian church, and fra- ternally he is connected with Maroa Lodge, No. 454, A. F. & A. M., and Maroa Lodge, No. 314, 1. O. O. F. Politically he is a Democrat and has twice served as mayor of Maroa, giving to the city a practical bus- iness-like administration that appealed to the people and won their strong endorse- ment and high encomiums. The Doctor has spent almost his entire life in Maroa, and his life history is in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for along lines of signal usefulness he has directed his labors among the people who have known him from boyhood and the com- munity accords him respect and confidence.
WILLIAM H. STARE.
William H. Stare, now deceased, was a contractor and patternmaker in Decatur during the greater part of his life. Ilis business record was creditable and in social relations he maintained the strictest honor and integrity with his fellow men so that he was classed with the leading and highly respected citizens of his community. A native of York county, Pennsylvania, he was born on the 21st of January, 1854, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Bruaw) Stare, both of whom were natives of the
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Keystone state. The father was also a con- tractor by occupation and followed that pursuit in York county, Pennsylvania, un- til 1858. Ile then removed westward with his family and settled in Decatur, where he established a lumberyard and engaged in business. He also worked at his trade here throughout his remaining days and his wife spent her last days in Decatur.
William H. Stare acquired a good educa- tion, completing the high school course in Decatur. He was but four years of age when, with his father, he came to this city and here the days of his youth were passed in the usual manner of boys of that period, the duties of the schoolroom being alter- nated by the enjoyment of the playground. When he had put aside his text books he began to learn the contractor's trade and followed that pursuit with his father for many years. He also learned the pattern- maker's trade and followed that calling in Decatur. Another enterprise to which he turned his attention was the manufacture of tile in Cerro Gordo, Illinois, where he conducted the business for two years. On the expiration of that period, however, he returned to Decatur, where he worked at contracting and pattern-making until the time of his demise. His capability in the line of his chosen vocation, his close appli- cation and his indefatigable industry were the elements in his success that brought to him a comfortable and desirable com- petence.
On January 14, 1879, William H. Stare was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. Hoover, a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Catherine Hoover. Iler father was a farmer in Ohio throughout his entire life and there his death occurred September 30, 1861. His widow afterward came to Decatur and made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Stare
until she was called to her final rest, April 10, 1900.
In social circles in Decatur Mr. and Mrs. Stare were widely and favorably known. They had many friends who esteemed them highly for their genuine worth. In his political views Mr. Stare was an earnest Republican, but never sought or desired the rewards of office in recognition of his party fealty. He held membership in the Church of God in Decatur and took great interest in church work, doing everything in his power to extend its influence and promote the cause of Christianity. In early manhood he was made a deacon in the church and acted in that capacity up to the time of his death. He was also serving as superintendent of the Sunday-school when called to his final rest. Of the Young Men's Christian Association of Decatur he was a charter member and a director at the time of his deatlı, and was also a charter member of the Christian Endeavor Society here. His labors were effective and far-reaching in be- half of the cause of Christianity and his ex- ample is one well worthy of emulation. His wife is an earnest Christian woman, be- longing to the First Baptist church of De- catur. It was on the 5th of August, 1890, that Mr. Stare was called to his final rest, and his remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery. He had so lived that all who knew him gave him confidence and regard and Decatur numbered him among its valued citizens. llis life was indeed hon- orable, upright and useful and it is therefore with pleasure that we mention him among the representative men of the city in which he so long resided. Mrs. Stare yet makes her home in Decatur and has a fine new resi- dence at No. 874 North Main street, where she is now living. In addition to this she owns residence property at Nos. 115 and 125 East King street in Decatur, from which she receives a good income.
ANDREW DENNIS
MRS. M. L. DENNIS
W. D. BAKER
MRS. W. D. BAKER
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MANCON COUNTY
ANDREW DENNIS.
About 1850 Andrew Dennis became a resi- dent of Macon county and for long years resided here, watching the development and growth of this portion of the state and tak- ing an active interest in the work of prog- ress and improvement here. He was a na- tive of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, born on the 14th of December, 1820. Ilis parents were John and Magdeline Dennis, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Ohio in an early day. The father there turned his attention to farming and was engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. His widow afterward came to Macon county and re- sided with a daughter in Decatur until her demise.
Andrew Dennis began his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and con- tinued his studies in the schools of Ohio, gaining a practical knowledge which proved of benefit to him in the control of his busi- ness interests in later years. When he left school he became his father's assistant on the home farm in Ohio, and prior to this time he had rendered active service in the care and cultivation of the fields during the summer months. Ilc had a brother who came to Macon county about 1849 and. sending back favorable reports concerning this section of the country, Mr. Dennis of this review was induced to come to Illinois in 1850. Joining his brother he worked at the plasterer's trade in Decatur for a num- ber of years. He then purchased a tract of land in Decatur township and turned his attention to farming, placing his land under a high state of cultivation and raising good crops.
Mr. Dennis was united in marriage to Miss Matilda L. Baker, a native of Ruther- ford county, Tennessee, born August 28, 1824; and a daughter of William D. and Varilla (Martin) Baker, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. At the age of
fifteen years William D. Baker removed to Rutherford county, Tennessee, where he engaged in carpentering until 1828, when in company with a Mr. Davis he came to Ma- con county, Illinois. They were among the first settlers of this county. Hardly a home had been established within its borders and the work of civilization and progress had been scarcely begun. Much of the land was still in possession of the government, roads had not been laid out and only here and there was a log cabin to show that civiliza- tion had penetrated into the interior of Illi- nois. Mr. Baker and Mr. Davis settled in Long Creek township, when it was all wild prairie land and their neighbors were be- tween six and eighteen miles away. Mr. Baker made improvements upon his farm and there resided until his death, giving his time and attention to the further develop- ment of his property. Ile died in 1883 at the age of eighty-three years and twenty- eight days, having for fifty-five years been a resident of Macon county and a witness of its growth as it emerged from pioneer conditions to take its place among the lead- ing counties of the state. Mrs. Baker sur- vived her husband for about ten years and passed away in 1893, at the very advanced age of ninety-four years. The Baker fam- ily has long been a prominent and well known one of Macon county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dennis were born four children : Mag- gie, the wife of A. P. Cobb, now a Christian minister of Decatur ; Mary, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Charlie, who is employed on the Chicago News in a con- fidential capacity to Mr. Lawson and mar- ried Rachel Wilson, while after her death he wedded her sister, Nellie Wilson; and Ira, who died in infancy. The children have had the benefit of splendid educational privileges.
On taking up his abode in Decatur town- ship Andrew Dennis applied himself closely to the improvement of the property and
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
there engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended. As the result of his energy and capable management his farm became valuable, the fields yielding excel- lent crops, while good buildings and other improvements indicated the careful super- vision and progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Dennis was never an office seeker but served as county commissioner for a short time. In early life he gave his political allegiance to the Democracy and later, on account of his strong temperance principles, he became a Prohibitionist. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Epis- copal church but since her husband's death Mrs. Dennis has joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church of Decatur, in which denomination two of her brothers are minis- ters. In his business affairs Mr. Dennis was very successful and became well-to-do. He was systematic in all that he undertook and his capable management and energy resulted in bringing to him very gratifying financial return for his labor. He died March 3, 1893, and though ten years have since passed his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and who entertained for him warm regard by reason of the sterling traits of character which he pos- sessed. In December, 1895, Mrs. Dennis left the farm and removed to Decatur, al- though she still owns the rich tract of land of one hundred and forty-one acres on which she and her husband long resided. In this city she purchased her present property at No. 820 North Union street, where she is now living, her home adjoining that of her sister.
JOHN P. LEHN.
At the time of his death John P. Lehn was one of the most successful farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Illini town- ship and his possessions had been acquired through his own industrious and well di-
rected efforts. lle had won by an hon- orable, upright life an untarnished name, and the record which he left behind is one well worthy of perpetuation.
Mr. Lehn was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1838, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Waggoner) Lehn. Ilis father died about 1850 and his mother three years later, so that he was left an orphan at an early age. In the fam- ily were seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Anna, wife of Frank Chugerts; John P .; Susannah, deceased; Sylvester, a resident of Tennessee; Wilson, who makes his home in Colorado; Josiah, who is a fruit grower of Shedds, Linn county, Oregon ; and Samuel, a resident of Macon county, Illinois.
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