USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 63
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
JESSE R. HENAARD.
Jesse R. Henard, now deceased, was a farmer whose prosperous business career enabled him to spend his last days quietly at his home in Decatur in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Hawkins county in eastern Tennessee. His parents, James and Mary (Tucker) Henard, were also natives of that state and the father was a farmer and stockman who
carried on business there throughout his active life. He died in May, 1868, at the age of fifty-six years, and was long survived by his widow, who passed away in June, 1900, at the age of seventy-two years. The paternal grandfather of our subject also bore the name of James and was a lifelong resident of Tennessee. Unto James and Mary (Tucker) Henard were born five chil- dren, all of whom are now living with ex- ception of our subject, namely: Jesse R .; Martha J., the widow of John Birchfickl; Lewis C .: Robert: and Elizabeth, the widow of William Howe.
In his boyhood days Jesse R. Henard be- came familiar with the work incident to the development and improvement of the home farm. His educational privileges were some- what meager, although he pursued his stud- ies in subscription schools conducted in log houses in his home neighborhood. Like his father before him he early manifested a preference for working with horses and dealing in stock and it was because of his excellent judgment concerning horses and his ability in caring for them that he largely won success. At the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations that he might defend his loved southland, enlisting in the Confeder- ate army as a member of the Twenty-ninth Tennessee Infantry, which regiment was assigned to the department at Nashville and was located in that portion of the state until the city was evacuated. Mr. Henard was afterward with the Thirty-first Ten- nessee Cavalry until the close of the war in 1865. He then returned to his home in Ten- nessee, but found that portion of the state the scene of desolation. The contending armies had marched back and forth across the country, leaving desolation and destruc- tion in their path. Mr. Ilenard then de- cided to seek a home elsewhere and came to the north, arriving in Union county, Illinois, on the Ist of May, 1865.
550
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
There he suffered so severely with ague that he decided to seek another location and in .August of the same year he arrived in Decatur, having at that time a cash capital of about six dollars. It was necessary that he find immediate employment nor did he rebel against fate, but was willing to do anything that would earn him an honest living. Ile sought and obtained a position as a farm hand near Forsyth, Macon county, and he continued to work in that capacity for three years. In the spring of 1868 he was married and then took up his abode upon a tract of rented land in Hickory Point township. For nine years he culti- vated land belonging to others and during that time lived economically. As the result of his care in expenditures and his unflag- ging industry in his work he accumulated some capital and with this made arrange- ments for the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Whitmore township, for which he paid forty dollars per acre. His money was sufficient to meet one-half of this amount and in the course of a com- paratively short time he was enabled to dis- charge the entire indebtedness. He brought his farm up to a very high state of cultiva- tion and when he resolved to retire from further business cares he sold the property in 1900 for twenty thousand dollars, re- moving then to the city of Decatur, where he occupied a very comfortable residence at No. 1509 North Main street. Through- out the time he resided on his farm he en- gaged in stock-raising, making a specialty of dealing in horses. He would buy horses and feed them until they met with a ready sale. It was to this department of his busi ness that he owed his greatest prosperity. Hle handled both farm and draft horses. He chd not engage in breeding to any extent. but bought horses from dealers and by ju- dicious care placed them in a condition to command a good sale on the market. He also held a horse sale at the time he dis-
posed of his farm in 1900 and this brought to him a sum of thirty-two hundred and ninety-seven dollars. A short time prior to his death he purchased a half section of the finest farming land to be found in Christian county, Illinois, and the property returned to him a good income.
On the 18th of February, 1868, Mr. He- nard was united in marriage to Miss Caro- line Lanham, one of the pioneer settlers and members of the Lanham family of San- gamon county. Unto this union were born the following named : Minnie, now the wife of Robert J. Long, who is residing near Maroa, this county ; Josie, the wife of Harry Stroah, of Hickory Point township; Be- atrice, who is the wife of J. D. Long, of Peoria, Illinois; and Lucretia, the wife of J. C. Birchfield, of Hickory Point township. In his political affiliations Mr. Henard was a Democrat, but never sought or desired official preferment to any great extent, al- though he served for several terms as high- way commissioner of his township. He had just reason to feel a pride in a successful career which was the outcome of foresight and good judgment. Leaving the south as a Confederate sollier he soon won the re- spect and recognition of his neighbors by his integrity and upright dealing, and they accorded him admiration and regard by . reason of his prosperous business career and his genuine worth of character. After a useful and well spent life Mr. Henard died September 15, 1903, and was laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery.
JAMES H. RECORD.
James 11. Record, an honored veteran of the Civil war, now identified with agricul- tural interests in Macon county, makes his home near the city of Decatur. He was born upon a farm in Pendleton county, Ken- tucky, June 4, 1841, and belongs to a family
581
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
that originated in England. The first to come to America settled in New Jersey at an early day. The family name was origin- ally spelled Records. John Record, our subject's paternal grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, and in early manhood mar- ried a Miss Stewart, who was also a native of the Keystone state. Subsequently he removed to Mason county, Kentucky, where he resided for a number of years, and then went to Pendleton county, that state. It was his son William S. Record who became the father of our subject. Reared in Ken- tucky, William S. Record was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Said and for a time carried on agricultural pursuits in Pendleton county, where his wife died on the 17th of November, 1842. He subse- quently married her sister, Martha Said, and in 1857 brought his family to Illinois, establishing his home on a farm in Coles county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in the year 1869. His second wife passed away August 29, 1864.
James II. Record is one of the four chil- dren born of the first marriage. His sis- ter Orpha now resides in Oklahoma, but the others are deceased. Ile was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period, working in the fields from the time of the early spring planting until crops were harvested in the autumn. llis early educational advantages were those afforded by the subscription schools of Kentucky and later he attended the public schools of Coles county, Illinois, for two winters.
Mr. Record continued on the home farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, feeling that his duty was to his coun- try, he offered his services and donned the blue uniform, becoming a member of Com- pany C, Fifty-fourth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, under command of Colonel G. M. Mitchell. The regiment was first ordered to western Tennessee under General Grant
and in the spring of 1863 entered upon the siege of Vicksburg, being thus engaged until the fall of the city. The troops were then ordered south on the river and the Fif- ty-fourth Illinois was attached to the Seventh Army Corps, Trans-Mississippi Department, with which it participated in many battles and during a part of the time was also on garrison duty. Mr. Record served faithfully until the ist of November, 1865. Ile was always at his post, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or to the firing line, and after the cessation of hostilities he was mustered out and ordered to Camp Butler, in Springfield, Illinois, where he was paid and received an honor- able discharge. lle then returned to Charleston, Illinois, where he had some business interests.
In 1878, however, Mr. Record came to Macon county, Illinois, locating in Long Creek township, where he was engaged in general farming for eight or nine years. Throughout his business career he has been identified with agricultural pursuits, this being the source of his income, and his work has ever been conducted along pro- gressive lines, showing that he is in touch with the most improved methods of farm- ing.
On the 21st of February, 1867, Mr. Record was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Swope, of Charleston, a daughter of Solo- mon Swope, who died in Ross county, Ohio, when she was only two years and a half old. Iler mother bore the maiden name of Minerva Divens. Mrs. Record was born in Ross county, Ohio, July 17, 1846, and was six years of age when she removed to Charleston, Illinois, with her step-father, D. C. Ambler, who became a noted poli- tician of Coles county. For a time after his marriage Mr. Record was connected with mercantile business in Charleston. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, as follows: Nellie, born January 25, 1868,
589
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
is with her parents. John A., born June 26, 1870, had the advantages of a common- school .education and for four years was a student at the Lincoln University in Lin- coln, Illinois, and one year at Brown's Business College in Decatur. He is now en- gaged in the broom-corn brokerage business in Arcola, Illinois. He married Marguerite Dimond, of that place, and they have one child, Grace, born June 3, 1901. Carrie, born September 2, 1874, was graduated with honors at the Decatur high school in 1894, and was also graduated at the State Nor- mal School. She then engaged in teaching in the public schools of Macon county until her death, which occurred on the 20th of September, 1901. Charles F., born April 23, 1878, was graduated at the Decatur high school in 1897, and is now preparing for the ministry in Millikin University, of Decatur, where he will complete his course in 1905. Grace, born May 15, 1881, was graduated at the Decatur high school in 1899, and is now at home with her parents. Clarence, born May 20, 1884, died October 8, 1893. Pearl A., born August 23. 1886, completed the high school course in Decatur with the class of 1903.
.A stanch Republican in his political views, Mr. Record is unfaltering.in his ad- vocacy of the principles of the party. For six years he served as supervisor of Decatur township and for one year was chairman of the board. Hle belongs to Coeur de Lion Lodge, No. 17, K. P .; Dunham Post, No. 141, G. A. R .; and to the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows. His wife belongs to the Woman's Relief Corps and the family hold membership in the Cumberland Pres- byterian church. They are well known in Decatur and it is with pleasure that we present our readers their life record.
GEORGE CONOVER.
Maroa, was twenty years ago a bookkeeper working on a small salary. His life record stands in exemplification of what can be ac- complished by men of energy and determina- tion in a land where opportunity is open to all. He has never waited Micawber-like for things to turn up, but has made his opportunity where none seemed to exist and by a utilization of the advantages at hand has progressed to a position prominent among the leading men of the city. Various interests have profited by his labors and wise counsel and he is especially well known in banking circles.
In Shelby county, Ohio, on the 6th of June, 1855, George Conover was born. His father, Tyler Conover, was one of a family of six children. He was born in New Jersey, became a farmer by occupation and was married in Ohio to Miss Hester Ann Bond, a native of that state. In 1858 he came to Illinois with his family and settled on a farm in Logan county, where he remained until 1865, when he removed to Maroa. Here he built a steam flouring-mill and operated it successfully until 1880, when he retired from active business, spending his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former toil. His wife died in 1874 and he was again married in 1876, his second union being with Miss Susan Henry. His death occurred in July, 1895, and Maroa was thus called upon to mourn the loss of one of its citizens whose efforts in her behalf had been helpful and beneficial, while his labors in business had brought to him very gratifying results.
George Conover is the youngest in a family of six children and was three years of age when his parents came to this state. He ac- quired his education in Macon county and after his school life was ended he took up the duties of manhood as a factor in the business world. He became weighmaster and bookkeeper in the elevator of Emery & Compton, filling that position for three years, after which, from 1880 until 1887. he was bookkeeper for C. F.
George Conover, now one of the most prominent and prosperous business men of . Emery, engaged in the real estate business.
BRICE I. STERRETT
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
Watching his opportunity for investment he eventually became a prominent factor in busi- ness circles in the city. He became a partner in the C. F. Emery & Company banking busi- ness in 1887, which in 1888 was consolidated with the banking business of Crocker & Com- pany, the latter name being retained by the new firm. In February, 1889, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Conover purchased Mr. Emery's in- terest and have since been associated in the control and ownership of the institution. Mr. Conover very largely manages the bank, while Mr. Crocker attends to outside interests. Gradually Mr. Conover has expanded his business affairs and is now associated with en- terprises of importance to the business life and prosperity of the city. He has an interest in the electric light plant and owns one-fifth of the stock of the Maroa Manufacturing Company, which manufactures the "boss car loader ", which is now largely used in con- nection with elevators in loading the grain into cars. He is also the owner of a furniture store in Maroa, which is managed by Mr. Rammel, and he has a small interest in the Crocker Elevator Company, while the banking firm of Conover & Crocker owns the Maroa Dry Goods Store. At one time Mr. Conover owned two hundred and forty acres of land in South Dakota, which he traded for land in Jowa and afterward exchanged the latter for land in Minnesota. His home is one of the beautiful residences of Maroa.
Mr. Conover has been twice married. On the ist of February. 1883. he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sanderson, a daughter of Alexander and Ann ( Dent ) Sanderson. Two children were born of that marriage: Bessie May and Charles Sanderson. The mother died June 4. 1800, and on the 28th of June, 1802, Mr. Conover was again married. his second union being with Miss Christine Sanderson, a sister of his first wife. There are two children by this marriage: Mary Frances, born August 12, 1804: and George William, born March 15, 1901. Mrs. Conover
is a member of the Episcopal church while Mr. Conover belongs to the Christian church. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his political views he is a Republican, but the honors and emolu- ments of office have little attraction for him, as he prefers to devote his time and attention to his business interests. His affairs are so well regulated, the business so systematized and his work carried on with such energy that success seems to be the natural sequence of his labors and he stands to-day among the strongest representatives of commercial activ- ity in Maroa.
BRICE I. STERRETT.
On the roll of those who have conferred distinction upon the legal fraternity of De- catur appears the name of Brice I. Sterrett, who was recognized as one of the leading members of the bar of Macon county. Ile came to this city in 1867 and here died on the 24th of February, 1901. Pennsylvania was the state of his nativity, his birth hav- ing occurred in Cumberland county, on the oth of August. 1844. Ilis parents, David and Mary Ann ( Byerly) Sterrett, were also natives of that state and at an carly day they came to the west, but later returned to Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming and also conducted a gristmill. Later, however, he once more went to the west and this time settled in Decatur, where he lived retired for a few years. He next re- moved to Taylorville, where both he and his wife resided until they were called to the home beyond, Mr. Sterrett passing away on the 3Ist of October, 1878, while his wife died December 15, 1879.
When a small boy Brice I. Sterrett be- came a student in the schools of Carlisle. Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies from 1850 until 1857. Hle then entered the preparatory depart-
28
586
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
ment of the Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois, continuing his studies there in the year 1860-1861. He next entered Dickin- son College of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1867. winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts 011 the completion of a law course. With broad general knowledge he took up the study of law, spending a short time in that way in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He then came to the west and located in Decatur, where he became a law student in the office and un- der the direction of Judge Charles Emerson. In order to supply the funds necessary for the continuance of his legal studies he en- gaged in teaching in the common schools of Macon county for two terms. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois before the supreme court of the state in 1868 and then began his law practice in Decatur, where he soon won recognition as a young man of marked ability, of earnest purpose and of thorough preparation in the law. He pre- pared all of his cases with great precision and after extended research was well quali- fied to uphold his cause and position. He was also pension agent in Decatur for many years. Eventually on account of ill healthi. he was obliged to give up general law prac- tice. after which he devoted his attention to ligliter work, such as collecting and other kindred branches usually performed by the members of the legal fraternity. He thus lived a more retired life until his deathi.
On the 21st of October, 1879, Mr. Sterrett was united in marriage with Miss Clarissa Cline, a native of Lewisberry, York county. Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Foster) Cline, who were likewise natives of York county, where they always lived. The father was a farmer and mill man and there he and his wife re- mained until the tide of life ebbed away. There came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sterrett but one child, Mary C., who now resides with her mother and is a teacher
in the public schools of Monticello, Illi- nois. It was in 1901 that the wife and daughter were called upon to mourn the loss of the husband and father, whose death occurred on the 24th of February of that year. He had held no offices in the city nor had he sought public notoriety of any character beyond his profession. He was very successful in his law practice here and became a well-to-do citizen, the public recognizing his genuine worth and capa- bility. He was a man of strong mind, of marked individuality, of resolute will and of honorable purpose. He gave his political support to the Democracy in early life and later became a stanch Republican. For a long period he held membership in the Presbyterian church of this city and in that faith passed from this life. Mrs. Sterrett is also a devoted member of the Presby- terian church. She has a fine residence at No. 717 West Prairie avenue, where she and her daughter reside and she also owns other residence property in the city, which was purchased by her husband who built upon and improved all. His interest cen- tered in his family and it was a matter of great satisfaction to him that he could leave his wife and daughter in comfortable finan- cial circumstances. He also left to them the priceless inheritance of an untarnished name and of a memory that is honored by all wlio knew him.
EDWARD ALLMAN.
After years of active labor, mostly devoted to farming. Edward Allman is now living a retired life in the city of Decatur, enjoying a well earned rest and the fruits of his former toil. He is a native of County Kerry, Ireland. and a son of John Allman, who spent his en- tire life in that country. He still has one brother and a sister living, these being James L., a prominent citizen of Monticello, and
587
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
Mrs. Edward S. Stout, also a resident of Piatt county.
Edward Allman spent the first thirteen years of his life in his native land and then came to the United States, landing in New York city. whence he made his way to Ohio, where he spent two years. At the end of that time he proceeded westward and settled in Monticello, Illinois. In partnership with his brothers, James L. and John Allman, he took up a tract of wild prairie land in Monticello township, Piatt county, which at that time was covered with ponds and sloughs, but by draining and cultivation they converted the place into a well improved farm. At that carly day deer, wild geese and other game was plentiful and furnished the carly settlers with many a meal. The farm machinery then in use was very primitive and the first corn which Mr. Allman helped to cultivate was with a single shovel plow. while he cut grain with a cradle. Upon their place the brothers erected a small frame house, which was later replaced by a more commodious and modern residence and all of the improved machinery and conveniences were added to their farm.
When his adopted country became involved in civil war, Edward Allman laid aside all per- sonal interests and was one of the first to enlist from Piatt county, becoming a private of Company E, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was at first under the command of Colonel Snell and when he resigned under the command of Colonel Lowery, who was killed in the battle of Frank- lin. The captain of Company E was John W. Wood. Mr. Allman went into camp at Camp Butler, and from there was sent south with his regiment. The first engagement in which he participated was with Morgan in Kentucky and after his capture in Ohio re- turned to Kentucky. Our subject later took part in the battles of Nashville and Campbell Station, the siege of Knoxville, the battle of Peach Tree Creek, the siege of .At- lanta and the battles of Jonesboro and New-
bern, North Carolina, besides several other en- gagements of less importance. After three years of valiant and meritorious service on southern battlefields, he was honorably dis- charged in 1865 and returned to his home in Piatt county.
After leaving the army Mr. Allman con- tinned to engage in general farming and stock-raising with his brother, James L., for some years. He worked by the month for some time after coming to l'iatt county, but about 1868 started out in life for himself. His first purchase consisted of a tract of virgin soil, upon which he laid about five miles of tiling, and also erected thereon a good set of farm buildings. He is still the owner of a good farm of two hundred and forty acres in Monticello township, where he was success- fully engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, and gave considerable attention to the stock business, which he found quite profitable. In 1892, on account of ill health, he rented his farm and has since lived retired. He has twice crossed the ocean to visit his native land and also went west in the search of health, having traveled quite extensively over this country for that purpose. Since 1892 he has made his home in Decatur and now has a beautiful residence at No. 1006 East Lincoln avenue, surrounded by well-kept lawns. His housekeeper is his niece, Miss Maggie C. Allman, a daughter of John and Nora (Cronin) Allman, both now deceased.
By his ballot Mr. Allman supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is a devout member of the Catholic church and has helped to organize the churches at Tolono, Champaign, Ivesdale and Bement, but is now connected with St. Patrick's church of Decatur. He well remembers seeing the first Catholic missionary that ever came to Piatt county and he has borne an active and prom- inent part in the moral and material develop- ment of this section of the state. He is one of the self-made men of the community, his suc- cess in life being due entirely to his own well
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.