Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois, Part 82

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 82

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a dressmaker and travels most of the time, but makes her home with her parents.

In the fall of 1899 Mr. Magee built his present fine residence at No. 1595 North Water street, where he and his family are now liv- ing. He has been honored with a number of public positions, having served as deputy sheriff for two years, as assistant supervisor for six years and as tax collector for one year. He has always taken an active interest in politics as every true American citizen should do and he votes with the Republican party as its platform embodies his ideas con- cerning the best forms of government. His social relations connect him with the Grand Army Post of Decatur and the Masonic fra- ternity in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church of Whitmore township. While recognized as one of the well-to-do and leading citizens of Decatur he is also a self-made man for with- out special pecuniary or family advantages in his youth he started out in early manhood to make his own way in the world and over- coming all obstacles and difficulties by per- sistence of purpose and indomitable industry he has steadily worked his way upward to success.

JAMES IL. ALEXANDER.

and from there to Indiana in 1828, making the journey by team. He secured a tract of goverment land and engaged in farming there until 1842, when he removed to St. Clair county, Illinois, with his family and household goods in a prairie schooner. He died near Belleville, that county, in May, 1847, honored and respected by all who knew him. Ile was a Presbyterian in religious faith and a Democrat in politics. A quite promi- nent and influential man of his community, he was called upon to serve as county judge during his early residence in Indiana. Ilis estimable wife, who was also a member of the Presbyterian church, died in Decatur in 1868. In their family were ten children, of whom nine reached years of maturity.

Our subject is the seventh in order of birth in this family and the only one now living. He was educated in an old log school house but was only able to attend school for about three months during the year until fifteen. The school was conducted on the subscription plan and only the common branches were taught. During his minority he remained at home with his mother, giving her the benefit of his labors, and in April. 1854. accompan- ied her on her removal to Macon county. Illi- nois. Hle and his brother took charge of the farm which she purchased on section 31, Whitmore township, and operated it together until 1856. when our subject purchased his brother's interest. Here he continued to re- side and is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-two acres, which he cultivated for many years but now leaves the operation of the land to younger hands, while he practi- cally lives retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest.

One of Whitmore township's most promi- nent and honored citizens is James H. Alex- ander, who for almost half a century has been identified with the agricultural interests of Macon county and has borne his part in the upbuilding and development of this section of the state. He was born on the 20th of October, 1831, near Franklin. Johnson county, On the 17th of October, 1860, Mr. Alex- ander married Miss Sarah A. Griffen, who was born in St. Clair county, Illinois, March 17. 1836, and was a daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Foulkes Shepherd) Griffen, natives of New York and pioneers of St. Clair Indiana, a son of James R. and Rebecca (Gay) Alexander. The father was a native of North Carolina, born in 1797, and was of Irish de- scent, while the mother's birth occurred in Virginia in 17944. When quite young the father removed with his parents to Tennessee county, Illinois. Three children blessed this

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union, namely: Joseph, a musician, who is now with the Andrews Opera Company; Ed- gar, a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ; and Ottie, wife of William Hays, who now operates her father's farm. They have three children. Mrs. Alexander, who was a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her, departed this life on the 15th of January, 1893, and was laid to rest in the Decatur cemetery.

The Republican party finds in Mr. Alex- ander a stanch supporter of its principles but he has never cared for the honors or emolu- ments of public office, though he has served as commissioner of highways. He is a mem- ber of the Old Settlers Association and has many interesting reminiscences of pioneer days. The first winter after coming to Illinois the Alexander family, consisting of parents and ten children, lived in a one room log cabin with a loft above, and they under- went all of the hardships and trials incident to life on the frontier. In the work of public improvement our subject has taken an active part and has contributed liberally of his means to the building of churches and school houses in his locality. Success has attended his ef- forts toward securing a competence and be- sides his home farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres in Whitmore township, he has a half section just across the way in Hick- ory Point township. In the improvement of these places he has materially aided in the ad- vancement of the county, and is accounted one of the most useful and valued citizens of his community, as well as a man honored and respected by all who know him.

REV. NATHAN M. BAKER.

William D. and Marilla Baker, both natives of North Carolina, and the paternal grand- parents of our subject were also natives of that state. The maternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and uncles of our subject were defenders of their country in the war of 1812. Rev. Baker comes of Scotch and Irish ancestry and back of him is a family record creditable and honorable. It was in the year 1828 that his parents came to Macon county, Illinois, first settling in what is now South Wheatland township, while later they took up their abode in Long Creek town- ship, where in 1829 the father and an uncle built the first two houses within its borders. The former was a member of the first grand jury organized in Macon county and was closely associated with other early events of importance that left their impress upon the development and improvement of this section of the state. In the family of William D. Baker were six children, four sons and two daughters, but two of the number have now passed away. One brother of our subject re- sides at Hillsboro, Illinois, and the sisters are Mrs. Dennis and Mrs. Smith, of Decatur. The former is the widow of Andrew Dennis and resides at 820 North Union street, while the latter is the widow of William C. Smith and is living at No. 810 North Union street.

Rev. Nathan M. Baker first attended school near North Fork church and later was a student in the academy at Mount Zion. In his boyhood days he assisted his father on the home farm, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields and when yet a young man he entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, becoming one of the cir- cuit riders in this county. He traveled over a radius of two hundred miles in two weeks and thus covered about five thousand miles was engaged in teaching and preaching and when the second call came for volunteers he was one of the first to enlist, becoming a mem- ber of Company C of the One Hundred and

Rev. Nathan M. Baker, a retired minister ' a year. When the Civil war broke out he of Decatur and one whose influence has been of no restricted order in his efforts to benefit mankind, was born in Macon county on the 22d of October. 1837. His parents were

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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. He went into camp with his company and regiment on the 15th of August, 1862, and while still in camp he was promoted to the position of chaplain. After a short time the command proceeded to Memphis, Tennessee, and thence to Vicks- burg. Rev. Baker served through the Vicks- burg campaign and was with General Sher- man in the Army of the Tennessee. He heard the booming of cannons and the rattle of musketry at the battle of Lookout Mount- ain and was present at the battle of Mission- ary Ridge. On account of illness he resigned his position as chaplain and received his final discharge in 1864, having served for two years.

Rev. Baker then came to Macon county and after a number of years he, in 1894. removed to Lincoln, Illinois, where he served as in- structor in astronomy and physics in the Lin- coln University for three years. He then, in 1899, returned to Decatur, where he has since lived, now occupying a beautiful home at No. 1010 North Union street. He has retired from active church work as a minister, but is yet a devout member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, to which his family also belong.

It was in the fall of 1864 that Rev. Baker was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah E. Price, of South Wheat- land township and of the six children born unto them four are now living, namely : Flor- enec F., the wife of W. T. Burrill, a contract- ing engineer for the Minneapolis Steel Com- pany at Seattle, Washington ; Mary Ellen. who is living at Marshall, Missouri, and is a teacher and librarian in the Missouri Valley College at that place ; Emma L. and Clara M., at home.

Rev. Baker is a member of the Veteran's Association and also of Tom White Post, G. A. R., at Mount Zion. He has ever been a firm believer in Republican principles, but has never been active in political work. He is one of Macon county's native sons and can remnem-

ber many interesting incidents concerning the early days here. His memory goes back to the time when there were two stores in De- catur and many of the now thriving towns and villages of the county had not then sprung into existence. In those pioneer days he lis- tened to Abraham Lincoln as he argued sev- eral law cases in the old brick courthouse that stood in what is now the business district of the city, Judge Treat and Judge Davis being then the circuit judges. He also remembers hearing Stephen A. Douglas speak in an old warehouse on the Illinois Central Railroad, the building being filled with sacks of wheat on which sat the audience. Wolves were numerous in the county and Rev. Baker's father had some exciting adventures with those animals. Deer were also plentiful and often went across the prairies in droves. Pioneer conditions existed on every hand and the work of improvement and progress has resulted from the efforts of such worthy pio- neer families as that of which our subject is a representative. In control of his business affairs and investments Rev. Baker has ac- ·cumulated considerable property and now has an elegant home and other real estate in this city and also a hne farm in Long Creek town- ship.

ISAAC F. PHARO.

Isaac F. Pharo, who is general foreman of the Wabash telegraph construction depart- ment. was born in the city of Philadelphia, March 27. 1846, and is a son of Joel H. and Eunice ( Bishop) Pharo, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. In his parent's fam- ily were four children, of whom he is the eldest. The others are Joseph A., of Oak- land, California ; Mrs. Annie E. Hyde, of San Francisco, California : and James E., who is also a resident of San Francisco. The mother died on the 11th of June. 1902.

The educational privileges which Isaac F. Pharo received were very limited for he left

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the schools at the age of seven years and went to sea, entering the merchants' service. He continued as a sailor until 1861, when the war having begun he enlisted as a musician in Company F, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania In- fantry, with which he served for three years, participating in numerous engagements. ()n the expiration of his first term he re-enlisted. becoming a member of Company C, Third Regiment of the United States Veteran Volun- teers for one year and about 1866 he was honorably discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois.

Mr. Pharo then again went to sea and later turned his attention to mining in California. Subsequently he engaged in telegraph con- struction work and in this capacity he has been employed by various corporations and in many parts of the Union. He has practically worked from coast to coast, having stretched wires almost across the continent. He is an expert mechanic in this line, thoroughly un- derstanding the work in every department and his service is valuable because so faith- fully executed. During his travels he has met with many experiences which if written in detail would form a most interesting vol- ume. Possessing an observing eye and reten- tive memory he has stored his mind with many interesting incidents as he has visited various parts of the country and he has also gathered many interesting relies, including beautiful shells and a fine collection of miner- als, and he also possesses relics from the South Sea Islands and various parts of the globe, which he has visited on his different voyages. He has now one of the best private collections of minerals from the copper, silver and gold regions to be seen, many of the uni- versities being unable to show such a display. He also has a magnificent collection of Indian arrows, some of which are of rare design. He also has an Indian totem, which was plowed up on West Main street in Decatur just east of his home, and is a charm or a signet of authority to those carrying messages. He also possesses a number of relics of the Span-

ish-American war and likewise from other wars of this country. Mr. Pharo is a natur- alist and although his school privileges were limited he has by reading, study and inves- tigation constantly broadened his knowledge until he is to-day a man of scientific attain- ments. A great lover of beauty, this element is very noticeable in his finest collections and in the arrangement and care of his curios. In 1881 he ceased traveling in various parts of the country, confining his attention to the line of the Wabash Railroad. In that year he ac- cepted the position of general foreman of the telegraph construction for this road and in 1885 he took up his abode permanently in Macon county.

Mr. Pharo has been twice married. He first wedded Annie Cisco Schrivers, of Phila- delphia, the wedding taking place in that city in 1865. By this union there were born three children : Annie, Florence and Joseph, but all are now deceased. In Decatur on the 18th of February, 1895. Mr. Pharo was again mar- ried, his second union being with Mrs. Han- naretta Perry, the widow of Robert L. Perry, late general roadmaster of the Wabash Railroad. Her maiden name was Dunham and she is a daughter of Dayton Dunham, whose birth occurred in Essex county, New Jersey. November 12, 1814. He was a son of Henry Dunham, a tailor, and removed to the Empire state and afterward to Richmond, Indiana, where he died at the age of sixty years. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Ellison and by their marriage she be- came the mother of eleven children, Dayton Dunham being the last survivor of the fam- ily. In 1836 he emigrated to Macon county, Illinois, at which time all was wild and un- improved. most of the towns which are now thriving, enterprising cities having not then been established, and Decatur was but a small hamlet. While a young man he learned the hatter's trade in Indiana and followed that in Decatur at the same time carrying on farm- ing. On the 9th of July, 1837, he married

CHARLES COUNAGHAN

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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.

Miss Marilla Robinson, a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth ( Hughes ) Robinson, both of whom were natives of Vermont. Unto. this union were born six sons and four daughters. as follows: Harry D., who is married and lives in Decatur; Sarah E., the widow of William Dailey ; Amos, who was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson in the Civil war: Orvis and Orrin, twins, both deceased; Car- oline E., the wife of James Bullard, of De- catur; Hannaretta, who is now Mrs. Pharo; Charles E .; Marietta, who resides on the old home where she was born; and Hartwell. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham have passed away and to their heirs they left a valuable estate. He was one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county and became one of the distin- guished and influential citizens. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company B. Eighth Illinois Infantry under Governor Oglesby and served until after the battle of Fort Donelson, in which he was seriously wounded. For three years thereafter it was necessary for him to walk on crutches. His health improving, he began gardening and followed that pursuit for a number of years, while for eleven years his wife conducted a greenhouse. In May, 1886. he sustained a paralytic stroke and September 5, 1804, he was called to his final rest. His wife died November 10. 1897, and both were buried in Greenwood cemetery, Decatur. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dunham were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their lives were in consistent harmony with their professions. True nobility of character was manifested throughout their entire careers and the world is better for their having lived. Dunham Post, No. 141. G. A. R., of which the father was a member, was named in honor and mem- ory of his son, Amos Dunham, who was one of the first soldiers from this neighborhood killed in battle.

In his political views Mr. Pharo is a stal- wart Republican and is a member of George Newell Post, G. A. R. He likewise belongs

to the Masonic fraternity, hokling member- ship in the lodge in Harrisburg, Illinois, and in Beaumanoir Commandery of Decatur. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he affiliates with the Christian Science church, being a strong believer in its faith, having had clear demonstration in his own experience, for Christian Science restored to him his eyesight. Mr. and Mrs. Pharo now reside on the old family homestead of the Dunhams that has been transferred to her sister Marietta Dunham. This land was pur- chased from the government by her grand- father, afterward it fell to his daughter, the mother of Mrs. Pharo. It was originally in a farming district, but to-day the home stands in one of the most beautiful locations in De- catur, facing the Millikin University. Around the house are magnificent shade trees and the residence is a most attractive one, its very appearance indicating its comfort and hos- pitality. It is within the memory of the old settlers, however, when deer and other wild game were killed in this district and were often seen upon the old Dunham estate. Mr. and Mrs. Pharo have many warm friends in the city and have the happy faculty of drawing them closer to them as the years passed by.

CHARLES CONNAGHAN.

For many years Charles Connaghan was one of the leading business men of Niantic. Illinois, and was widely and favorably known throughout Macon county. His carly home was on the other side of the Atlantic; he was born in Altadish, County Donegal, Ire- land, September 20, 1846, and was a son of Charles and Sarah Connaghan. During the childhood of our subject, the family removed to Scotland, where the father died ; the mother subsequently came to America to make her home with her son Charles, but died in about a month after her arrival in this country.

In the family were eight children, namely :

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Hugh, who is still living in Scotland, his home being in Glasgow; John, deceased ; Charles, of this review; James, a resident of Niantic, Illinois; Cornelius, who is now en- gaged in farming in Colorado; Rose, the widow of Thomas Burns, who lives four miles northwest of Harristown, this county; l'at- rick, also a resident of Colorado; and Joseph, of Bement, Illinois.

Charles Connaghan acquired his early edu- cation in Scotland. He was seventeen years of age when he first came to the United States. On landing in New York he re- mained in the Empire state, where he worked for a few years. Managing to save five hundred dollars, he returned to Scotland, and after a short visit again came to America, accompanied by his brother James. They traveled about considerably together, going southwest to Arkansas. They finally returned to Illinois and first worked on a farm in Illini township, this county. Later they rented land, which they operated together. After renting a few years, Charles purchased the Blackford farm in Niantic township in 1874.

At St. Patrick's Catholic church in De- catur Mr. Connaghan was married, March 5. 1878, to Miss Catharine Phelan. who is a daughter of Michael Phelan, of this city. Un- to Mr. and Mrs. Connaghan six children were born, namely: Robert, who now has charge of the general store at Niantic, formerly conducted by his father; Lucile, who is attending the James Millikin University, of Decatur, Illinois; Jeannette, who is teaching school ; Mary, at home; Leo, who died at the age of nearly five years ; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Connaghan and family resided on the farm until October, 1889, when they removed to the village of Niantic, where he had previ- ously opened a general store and meat market. He remained in business there until his death. which occurred on the 3d of June, 1898, at the age of fifty-two years.

Mr. Connaghan was a member of St. Ann's Catholic church of Niantic. Fraternally he was connected with the Modern Woodnien of America and politically was identified with the Democratic party. He held several local offices, and the duties of these positions were always most faithfully and satisfactorily performed. He was a good husband, a kind and loving father. Reliable in business and trustworthy in all the relations of life, he commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he came in contact, and in his death Niantic realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen.

MIR. AND MRS. MICHAEL PHELAN.

Michael Phelan and his wife, Margaret (Reid) Phelan, were born, reared and mar- ried in the County Kilkenny, Ireland, com- ing to America in 1848. They sojourned for a short time in Chicago, Milwaukee and Springfield, respectively, and settled in De- catur in 1849.

This worthy couple possessed a good share of those sturdy qualities so essential to suc- cess in those pioneer days; they had youth and strength, sterling honesty and persever- ance. Together they labored cheerfully to acquire a home. Their object was accom- plished in 1852, when they purchased a picce of land in the west part of town, which was at that time almost a wilderness. After clear- ing it of timber and brush, Mr. Phelan first built a log house of four rooms and as their circumstances permitted they enlarged this dwelling.

It was in this modest home that the first Catholic services were held in Decatur. Be- fore a house of worship was erected. mass was often celebrated there by the Rev. Father Cusick.

Mr. Phelan was one of the best known men in Decatur in those days. In business affairs he met with considerable success, accumulating

MRS. MARGARET PHELAN

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quite a good deal of property in what has been for years one of the most desirable resi- dence districts of the city.

To Mr. and Mrs. Phelan ten children were born, namely: Elizabeth and Catharine, twins, who died in infancy; Mary, who died at the age of twelve years; Ellen, who died at the age of thirty-four years; Joanna, now the wife of Jeremiah Foley, a merchant tailor of Bloomington, Illinois; John, who is now city engineer of Independence, Kansas; Cath- arine, now Mrs. Connaghan, of Niantic, Illi- nois ; James, who died at the age of five ; Mich- ael, who lives at Niantic and is now engaged in the insurance business ; and Miss Margaret, who is now a resident of Chicago.

Mrs. Phelan died July 21, 1883, her age being fifty-eight years. She was an earnest Christian woman always ready to aid the poor and needy; in her funeral sermon Father Mackin called her the mother of the church in Decatur. Her life was one of noble self- sacrifice ; her deeds of charity and unselfish- ness caused her to be universally respected ; and she was mourned by all classes of people. She was to her husband and children a de- voted wife and mother.

After her death, Mr. Phelan lived in quiet seclusion, never seeming to rally from his bereavement. His death occurred November 21, 1001, at the old family homestead on West Macon street. ITis age was eighty-six years. Together they rest, with their deceased chil- dren, in the family burying-ground in Cal- vary cemetery. Thus, tersely told, is the his- tory of one of our oldest families, represent- ing a type of good citizenship, who have con- tributed much to the growth and development of Decatur.

WILL SCHENCK.

Will Schenck is one of the public-spirit- ed citizens of Maroa to whose energy and foresight this locality is indebted for many

improvements. While, as a prosperous busi- ness man, he gives close attention to his own interests, he is a representative of that class of citizens who while advancing individual success also promote the public welfare.

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Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois, Part 82

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