USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 86
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
800
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
the floor space there, he made his gun store a separate enterprise, locating it on Merchant street and afterward on Prairie street, where he continued in the trade until 1897, when he sold out in that line. The growth of the man- ufacturing interests also necessitated the re- moval of the plumbing business to other quar- ters, which was done in 1887, the new place of the plumbing enterprise being on the south side of East Main street. This was incorpo- rated in 1891 under the name of The H. Mnel- ler Plumbing & Heating Company, and moved to 247 North Main street, where a building was erected for that business, but was sold in 1896.
More and more Mr. Mueller centered his interest upon his manufacturing plant and the disposal of its products, and in 1893 this busi- ness was incorporated, while two years later, in order to provide more commodious quar- ters, he erected the brick building now occu- pied by the Mueller Company, at the corner of Cerro Gordo and College streets. These statements but suggest the growth of a busi- ness now unequalled in extent and importance in the city of Decatur. It furnishes employ- ment to five hundred workmen and its output goes to every part of the civilized world. Mr. Mueller placed upon the market many other . inventions in conection with plumbing, the conveying of water and work of that char- acter, among the most notable being the water pressure regulator. He was continually study- ing to bring work of that character to a higher grade of perfection through implements and devices of greater utility, and that he suc- ceeded is a matter of industrial history of the country. He adopted his initials H-M as his trade mark and upon the millions of pieces of brass goods which are annually shipped to all parts of this country and abroad that dis- tinctive mark of Decatur's greatest industry is seen.
Mr. Mueller's last work, in the line of in- vention, was in connection with automobiles. For several years he worked in the hope of
perfecting such a machine. About 1895 he purchased in Germany an automobile known as the Benz motor wagon, one of the first used in this country, and it attracted much atten- tion throughout leading cities of the United States wherever shown. This Mr. Mueller rebuilt and materially improved, but he de- sired still greater perfection and shortly prior to his death he completed what he believed to be a practical gasoline engine for the use of automobiles, and it was while experimenting with that that the accident occurred which terminated his early career. Five or six years before his was one of only two machines which successfully competed in an automobile race in Chicago. One day while experimenting upon the engine he had devised, he filled his reservoir with gasoline and some of the liquid ran upon his clothing. A few moments later lie lighted a cigar and the gases arising from his clothing ignited and he was fatally burned, on the 14th of February, before the flames could be extinguished, death resulting on the Ist of March, 1900.
Mr. Mueller's home life had been a most happy and congenial one. While in Chicago, in 1856, he had married Miss Frederica Bern- hardt, also a native of the fatherland. in which a part of her girlhood was passed. For forty- four years they traveled life's journey together and the relation which existed between them was an ideal one. They became the parents of nine children and the seven still living are all residents of Decatur, namely: Henry, Phillip, Fred B., Robert, Adolph, Oscar and Mrs. Frank Cruikshank. To his children Mr. Mueller was both adviser and friend, and as his sons became old enough he admitted them to a share in his business interests and trained them for its responsible duties. All six of his sons were associated with him in the H. Muel- ler Manufacturing Company, and there were at different times three other Mueller companies, all incorporated, and in all the members of the family were the only stockholders. In her way the mother's influence has been no less
-01
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
potent. Her interest centering in her family, she has put forth every effort in her power to make her home attractive to her children with the result that the sons, now practical men of business, entertain for her the greatest veneration and filial regard and each one in sentiment, if not in words, has echoed the speech of a distinguished statesman who, in speaking of his mother, said: "She is the first lady of the land."
Aside from his home relations H. Mueller was widely known for his charity and benevo- lence. His were generous deeds, quietly and unostentatiously performed. for he never sought praise for what he did for his fellow- men. He voted with the Democracy and in the early days he was a member of the volun- teer fire department of Decatur, and in his late years greatly enjoyed meeting his old com- rades of that organization. Movements for the benefit of the city and the promotion of its welfare never sought his co-operation in vain, but outside of the family circle there was no place where Mr. Mueller was so greatly loved and respected as in his place of business. His justice, leading to reasonable hours and good pay, and the kindly interest which he took in his fellow men were the secret of this. An employe said of him: "He worked in the ma- chine shop with his men and was in closer touch with his employcs than any man I ever knew. I think he never said a disagrecable word and I have known him for many years to be always the same." No need of a monu- ment of granite or stone to perpetuate his memory, for he lives enshrined in the hearts of all who came into close touch with him and most of all was he dear to his employes and his family, where his true life was best known.
WALLER PRITCHETT.
Waller Pritchett is one of the leading busi- ness men of Niantic and is rapidly working his way to a foremost position among the promi-
nent financiers of the county. He is now giving his time and attention to the banking business and, being a man of sound judg- ment, keen discrimination and good executive ability, is bringing success to the concern with which he is connected. The success of the bank is certainly due in a large measure to him and through it he has promoted the welfare of the town.
Mr. Pritchett was born in the central part of Kentucky on the 27th of July, 1861, and is a representative of an old and prominent fam- ily of that state, the first to locate there being his great-grandparents and also his grand- parents, who were from Virginia. In 1895 a family reunion was held at Madisonville, Ilop- kins county, Kentucky, where the great-grand- parents located on their removal to that state, and there were five hundred present. Since then reunions have been held every year on the last Thursday in August at Halls Grove near Niantic, Illinois. The family came orig- inally from Germany. Our subject's parents, James W. and Sarah J. (Ingles) Pritchett, were born in Kentucky and continued to make their home there until the fall of 1864, when they came to Macon county. Illinois, and set- tled in Niantic township, where the father en- gaged in farming until called to his final rest in 1886. The mother is still living and now resides in the village of Niantic. Of the nine children born to them three died in infancy, those still living being as follows: William, who makes his home in Decatur, married Hen- rietta Milligan, of Mount Auburn, Illinois, and has one daughter. Lena: Horace, who follows farming in Niantic township, married Amanda Turner, of this county, and has five children, James W .. Ella, Charles W., Elmer and Elsic; Charles, who is engaged in the hardware business in Latham, Illinois, married Anna Nottelmann and has one child: Arthur is a hardware dealer of Niantic; Mary E. is the wife of J. A. Cussins who is conducting a general store in Niantic and also has charge of the Macon county telephone exchange at that
302
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY
place, and they have five children, Pearl, Mabel, J. H., Laura and Ruth ; Waller, of this review, and Arthur complete the family.
Waller Pritchett was only three years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county and he procured his education in the Niantic schools. After com- pleting his education he engaged in the gro- cery business at that place for four years and on his retirement became connected with his brother Arthur in the hardware business, in which he is still interested. He also has a half interest in the Bank of Niantic in partnership with George Well. A wide-awake, energetic business man, he has prospered in his under- takings and to-day occupies an enviable posi- tion in business circles. He has a beautiful home in Niantic and besides his town property he owns some fine farming land near the vil- lage.
In January, 1891, Mr. Pritchett was united in marriage to Miss Effie Gepford, of Harris- town. From this county her parents removed to Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchett have had two children, Carl Willard and Helen. Helen died at the age of seven years. They are mem- bers of the Christian church of Niantic and our subject is also connected with the Camp of Modern Woodmen at that place. In politics he is a Democrat. While as a prosperous business man he has given close attention to his private affairs, he has never forgotten or ignored the bond of common interest which should unite the people of every community and he has always been ready to promote prog- ress in every line. Genial and pleasant in manner he makes many friends and is popu- lar in social as well as business circles.
CHARLES ADAMS.
For a third of a century Charles Adams was identified with the railroad interests of Illinois and was one of the most popular en- gineers on the Wabash road running out of
Decatur. On first coming to this state in 1850 he located in Centralia and entered the em- ploy of the Illinois Central Railroad when that company did their switching in the railroad yards with oxen. He witnessed almost the entire development of the railroad interests of this state.
Mr. Adams was a native of Lynn, Massa- chusetts, born July 17, 1829. and was a son of Ezekiel and Mary (Carter) Adams, who spent their entire lives in the old Bay state. Our subject had a brother who came with him to the west but is now deceased. Charles Adams attended the common schools of Mas- sachusetts, but at the age of fourteen he laid aside his text books and went to sea, six years being spent before the mast, during which time he made one trip around the world. At the age of twenty he returned to Lynn, Massa- chusetts, and obtained employment as a shoe- maker in one of the large shoe factories of that place.
While there Mr. Adams was united in mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth Swan, who was born in Marble Head, Massachusetts, on the 29th of January, 1831. Her father, Thomas Swan, was a retail dealer in boots and shoes at Mar- ble Head and Lynn, and died at the latter place. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Adams were born nine children, as follows: John, deceased; Thomas, who is general master mechanic for the Cotton Belt Railroad and is a resident of Pine Bluff, Arkansas ; Sophia, wife of William Cherry, who makes his home in Texas; Ade- laide, now deceased: Grace, wife of Henry Burkett, of Springfield. Illinois; Laura, wife of Charles Huff, of Boston, Massachusetts ; Frank, an engineer living in West Superior, Wisconsin : Hattie, wife of Edgar W. Brown and a resident of Connecticut: and Alfred, who is now living in North Dakota.
After his marriage Mr. Adams continued to follow: shoemaking in Lynn, Massachusetts, until 1860, when he removed to Centralia, Il- linois, as previously stated and accepted a posi- tion as engineer on the Illinois Central Rail-
508
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
road. He was with that company and the Wabash Railroad there until 1863, when he was transferred to Decatur. For several years he was an engineer on the former road, and in the same capacity was in both the freight and passenger service on the Wabash Railroad, running between Decatur and St. Louis until a wreck in the early part of 1893. Ile then retired from the road and spent the remainder of his life in case and quiet at his pleasant home in Decatur. Here he died on the 10th of September, 1901, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and by his ballot supported the men and measures of the Republican party. His life was honorable and upright and he won and retained the confidence and esteem of those with whom he was brought in contact.
Mrs. Adams has a nice home at No. 857 North Clayton street, where she has resided for thirty-six years, and also owns property at 1045 East Marietta street. Her grand- daughter, Miss Grace Hoff, resided with her until the latter's death in September, 1903. Mrs. Adams belongs to the Baptist church of Decatur and is held in high regard by all who know her, her many admirable traits of mind and heart having gained for her a large circle of friends.
JAMES L. GRAY. M. D.
For several years during the evening of his life Dr. Gray resided in the city of Decatur and previous to that time was a resident of the village of Macon, where he located about 1859. He was, therefore, one of the carly settlers of the county and well does he deserve representation in this volume because of his active connection with the work that is so valuable to mankind. Many accord to the medical profession the highest place in the world's activities and Dr. Gray was one who was ever faithful to the duties of his profes- sion, exerting his efforts in the utmost to re-
store to man his most cherished possession -- health.
The Doctor was born in North Carolina, on the 7th of July, 1832, his parents being Joseph and Gertrude Gray, both of whom were na- tives of the Old North state. The father was a minister in the Presbyterian church and at an early day removed to Ilinois, settling in Monmouth, where he engaged in preaching for many years. He was one of the pioneers in gospel work in that locality and established the First Presbyterian church in the city where he made his home, building the church with his own means. His wife died during their residence in Monmouth and he afterward re- moved to Greene county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. Ile was there married to Mrs. Sallie Capps and in Greene county he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. There were five children born of the first mar- riage, namely: James L., our subject ; Ed- ward: Howard; William ; and John, who also came to this county but now lives in Kansas.
In the common schools of Monmouth, Illi- nois, Dr. James L. Gray acquired his early education and afterward attended school in Greene county, this state, where he also took up the study of medicine. His choice of a life work fell upon the healing art. He be- lieved it would prove a congenial as well as profitable occupation and thought he might be of benefit to his fellow men by following this calling. After his preliminary reading he went to Chicago, where he matriculated in the Rush Medical College, and afterward received his certificate to practice. Dr. Gray first located in Greenfield. Illinois, and there he engaged in teaching school for a short time, following which he opened his office and entered upon his chosen calling. He later took up his abode in the village of Greenfield, where he and his brother Howard engaged in conducting a drug store for several years, while he also devoted much of his time to the work of his profession. Ile remained there until 1859, when he estab-
804
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
lished his home in the village of Macon, Ma- con county, where he practiced continuously until 1880, when his health became impaired and he removed to Benson. Illinois. There he engaged in the dry goods and notions business for a few years and at the end of that time he came to Decatur and spent his remaining days in retirement from further business cares, en- joying a rest which he had truly earned and richly deserved. He possessed skill and zeal in his practice and by reading and investiga- tion kept thoroughly informed concerning the progress and discoveries made by the medical fraternity. Because of his cheery manner and helpful disposition his presence was like a ray of sunshine in the sick room and this undoubt- edly proved a strong element in his success.
Dr. Gray was first married in Greene coun- ty, Illinois, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary A. Twyman, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Dr. J. T. and Matilda (Robert- son ) Twyman, both of whom were natives of Kentucky where the mother died. The father lived in Macon county for a short time, whence he removed to Springfield, Illinois, there spending his remaining days. Dr. Gray was called to mourn the loss of his first wife in 1866 and he later married Miss Julia A. Twy- man, a sister of his first wife. There were two children by the first marriage: Howard L., who wedded Nora E. Owens, of Kentucky, and now lives in California ; and Arthur, who died in infancy. Unto Dr. James L. and Julia (Twyman) Gray was born one son, Fred W., who is now a clerk in the postoffice of Decatur and resides with his mother.
At the time of the Civil war the Doctor offered his services to the government in de- fense of the Union, being most loyal in his advocacy of the cause which he espoused. He joined the army as a surgeon and for three years was at the front, faithfully doing his duty whether it called him into the thickest of the fight or stationed him on the lonely picket line. He was never injured or ill dur- ing his entire service and at length was hon-
orably discharged. He always espoused the Republican party, which stood as the defender of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war, and he held several local offices in the village of Macon. He belonged to the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows in Decatur and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Macon, while his widow belongs to the Christian church of Decatur. With her son she now resides at her pleasant home at No. 555 East Herkimer street. The Doctor continued in the active practice of his profes- sion until he was forced to abandon it on ac- count of ill health. His last years were spent in retirement from labor in Decatur and here he passed away on the 19th of July, 1896. His life was one of exceptional activity and useful- ness and was characterized by the most un- swerving integrity and honor. He left to his family an example well worthy of emulation and his life history might well be compared to a clear, limpid stream, wherein you can see the form and color of the pebbles at the bot- tom and through whose meandering course no sediment appears.
J. L. STOUTENBOROUGH.
This well known farmer of Maroa town- ship was born in the neighboring county of De Witt, on the 14th of September, 1856, and is a son of Garrett and Margaret Stouten- borough, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. He received a good practical education in the public schools of his native county and for one term attended busi- ness college at Lebanon, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one he commenced farming on his own account and operated the old home place in De Witt county until 1885. when he removed to the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Maroa township, Macon county, where he now resides, it being a part of his father's land. Our subject erected thereon a good house and barn, set out all the trees, and has
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
converted the tract into a well improved farm. In addition to the raising of the grain best adapted to the soil and climate of this section of the state, hie raises horses, cattle and hogs, and is meeting with good success in business affairs. He has invented and patented a gate, known as the King tilting gate, which he has had on exhibition at several state fairs and which is becoming very popular.
Mr. Stontenborough was married in 1881 to Miss Luella Miller, a daughter of W. C. Miller, of Barnett township, De Witt county, and to them were born six children, as fol- lows: Ralph. who died at the age of ten years; William A. and Garrett Earl, twins; Fannie; Ifelen; and Robert. The children are now attending high school in Maroa and are still at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Stoutenborough are active and promi- nent members of the Christian church at Maroa, in which he is serving as deacon, and they are held in the highest regard by all who know them. In his political views Mr. Stout- enborough is an ardent Republican.
JAMES HOLLINGER.
James Hollinger, who is one of the most prominent colored men not only of Macon county but of the state of Illinois, has resided in Decatur for the past thirty-three years, com- ing here in 1870 from Pennsylvania. He was born on the plantation of T. O. B. Carter in Fauquier county, Virginia, nine miles from Warrenton, the county seat. His parents were James H. and Elizabeth Hollinger. In 1819 there was a law that passed the general as- sembly of the state of Virginia which com- pelled all free negroes to emigrate to a free state and in 1849 when this law was enforced the father and mother of our subject were compelled to leave the Old Dominion on ac- count of having been born free. They accord- ingly went to Pennsylvania, settling in Bed- ford county, where they remained until the
time of the Civil war, when they removed to Altoona, that state, and there spent their re- maining days, their remains being interred in the cemetery at that place.
When eighteen years of age James Hol- linger began to learn the barber's trade, work- ing in Altoona for some time and afterward traveling to a considerable extent. following his pursuit in various places. At one time he was a barber on a steamboat on the Ohio river and finally he came to Decatur in 1870. He was first employed by Huston Singleton in a shop under the dry goods store of Linn & Scruggs and later he purchased his employer's interest, remaining there for nineteen years. He did a very successful business, having an extensive patronage and his gains were judi- ciously invested in real estate so that he be- came the owner of seven houses and lots. From his first location he removed to the Cen- tral block, where he remained for seven years, always enjoying a successful business and adding continually to his wealth. His next location was on East Eldorado street, where he conducted a Turkish bath establishment for several months. At the end of that time he sold out and removed to what is known as the Chenoweth building on West Main street, this building being his own property. Here he still conducts his business and he makes his home in a part of the building.
Mr. Hollinger is a member of Decatur Lodge. No. 17, F. & A. M., and was its first worshipful master when the lodge was organ- ized thirty years ago. He has made an earnest study of Masonry and because of his interest in the welfare of the order and his capability he was elected most worshipful grand master of the state of Illinois in 1880. serving in that capacity for two terms. The grand lodge was over eight hundred dollars in debt when he took the office, but by his good financiering he was able to wipe out this indebtedness within one year. He also established the wid- ows and orphans' association in connection with the fraternity and located the grand
,06
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
lodge in Springfield and had it incorporated. There was manifested a strong desire to elect Mr. llollinger for a third term, but he de- clined the honor, believing that no man should hold the office for more than two terms.
His political career began when he was eighteen years of age, at which time he was initiated into the Loyal League at Altoona, Pennsylvania. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs and is a stanch Republican known to leading men of the party throughout the state. He acted as policeman of the state senate in Springfield during the thirty-third and the thirty-fifth general assem- blies and thus he formed the acquaintance of many of the most prominent men in political circles. He has had offers to fill appointments of a similar nature, but has always refused to serve. In 1880 he was the candidate for coroner of Macon county, being nominated by the Republican county convention, being put in nomination by the Rev. Jesse H. Moore, who was then congressman from the district and who spoke on the good qualities of the colored citizens. Mr. Hollinger was the first colored man who ever ran for an office in Macon county. There were many people at that time who openly declared that they would not vote for one of his race. He was upon the ticket with Judge Greer, a candidate for county judge : W. C. Johns, for state's attor- ney; E. McClelland, for circuit clerk ; W. W. Foster, for sheriff; G. M. Wood, for treas- urer ; and George Loring, for surveyor. Con- siderable discussion arose among the people concerning the possible election of Mr. Hol- linger. IIe, however, foretold the result from the beginning. He was sent for from differ- ent parts of Macon county to come and meet the people, but declined to do this, as he said that they had no faith in his election. His own prophecy proved true and he was defeated by John Dinneen, the Democratic candidate. However, he has since been elected to public office, being chosen in 1893 for the position of assistant supervisor, at which time he led the
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.