USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 92
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
marriage to Miss Henrietta Butler, of Bonnie- ville, Kentucky. Three children have been born of this union: Pansy E .. Rose A. and Daisy 1. The Doctor is a member of Maroa Lodge. No. 314, I. O. O. F., and in the line of his profession he is connected with the Chi- cago Veterinary College and Association and was formerly a member of the Chicago Veteri- nary Medical Association.
DR. CHARLES JONES.
Dr. Charles Jones, a well known veterinary surgeon and breeder of fine horses, making his home in Macon, Illinois, was born on the 12th of July, 1852, in Muscatine county, Iowa, between Atalissa and West Liberty. Ilis parents were Peter and Martha (Allen) Jones, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respec- tively. He received a good common school education in this state and passed the state board examination on the 30th of December, 1892, qualifying him to practice veterinary sur- gery, to which profession he now devotes the greater part of his time and attention.
Dr. Jones began his business career as a farmer upon his father's land and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits from 1876 until 1889, when he established himself in the practice of his profession at Macon, being the oldest veterinary in continuous service in that village. His practice now extends from Nian- tic through the surrounding counties, north, cast. south and west. The Doctor is also in- terested in breeding horses, the first stallion that he owned being Henry Pickrell, No. 4165. which he purchased in 1882. He is now a member of the well known firm of Jones & Payne, breeders of roadster and draft horses, owning several fine stallions, including Bashaw Chief 50, Joe Scot. Belford Chief, Lepento, and King Jones. The firm also raises thor- oughbred Partridge Cochin chickens and have both chickens and eggs for sale.
At Taylorville, Christian county, Illinois. Dr.
Jones was united in marriage to Miss Arella llall, a daughter of John A. Hall, who was one of the early settlers of that county. Four children blessed this union, but two died in infancy. Those still living are Della, now the wife of W. A. Owen, of Decatur, by whom she has two children; and Mrs. Otis Daniels, of Macon. She also has two children.
In his political affiliations Dr. Jones is a stalwart Democrat, and socially he is a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also belongs to the State Veterinary Asso- ciation and is a progressive member of the profession to which he belongs. As a business man he is reliable, energetic and successful and he stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.
WILLIAM A. WALLACE.
William A. Wallace, of Decatur township, is to-day one of the most successful dealers in fine horses in this section of the state. Suc- cess is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from con- tinued labor, and the man who thus accom- plishes his purpose usually becomes an im- portant factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. Wallace has at- tained a prominent place among the representa- tive men of Macon county.
He was born in Mount Zion township, this county, on the 2d of October, 1868, and is a son of A. J. and Mary E. (Gulick) Wallace. The family came to this state from Missouri and the father is now engaged in the station- ery business in Decatur. The mother of our subject died when he was only four years and a half old, leaving two children, the other being Victoria, now the wife of Dr. Hemala, of Onarga, Illinois.
During his boyhood and youth William A. Wallace attended the public schools of this
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county and early became interested in choice stock, which he handled on his father's farm east of the city of Decatur. At the age of twenty years he had developed a special pref- crence for fine horses and in 1888 began rais- ing the same. In 1801 he removed to his pres- ent location north of the city. lle is now en- gaged in buying trotting horses of the coach type and training and educating them for the high class trade. These he has furnished to such people as Mrs. Potter Palmer, of Chi- cago; Ilarokl and Stanley McCormick : Wat- son Blair: P. A. Valentine : Ogden Armour ; Edwin D. Butler; Russell Harding. of the Iron Mountain Railway; Messrs. Brown, of the Brown Shoe Company ; and many leading horse fanciers of St. Louis. Mr. Wallace has trained and soll more high grade horses than any similar dealer in central Illinois beyond doubt. He attends personally to all buying and gives the business the careful supervision that it requires. He has been an expert judge at the State Fair on light horses.
On the 22d of October. 1889. Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Miss Lilly Klett, a daughter of John Klett, of Decatur, and to them has been born one child, William J. As a business man Mr. Wallace stands deservedly high and is very popular among his associates and many friends throughout his native county.
DAVID HENSITIE.
Although not an old resident of Macon county. David Henshie was well known in Decatur, where he made his home for ten years prior to his death. He was, however, an early settler of Christian county, having located there in 1855. His carly home was in Ohio, for he was born in Medina county, that state, on the 11th of September. 1826, his parents being Henry and Mary (Brouse) Henshie. In early life the father engaged in teaching school and later turned his atten- tion to farming, which occupation he con-
tinued to follow in Ohio throughout the re- mainder of his life. After his death his widow came west and settled in Blue Mound town- ship, Macon county, where some of her chil- dren are still living. Here she made her home until called to her final rest.
Reared in his native state, David Henshie received a good common-school education, at- tending at first and when quite young the schools taught by his father in Stark county, and subsequently the public schools, and after laying aside his textbooks he opened a wagon shop of his own, which he conducted for ten years. In 1875 he was married to Mrs. Martha ( Brodess ) Thompson.
Coming west in 1855. Mr. Henshie located near Grove City in Mount Auburn township, Christian county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm and to its cultivation and improvement he devoted his energies for thirty-seven years. lle erected thereon a good house and made many other improvements, but finally sold the place in 1802 and purchased a farm of two hundred and fifteen acres near Morrisonville, that same county. He never lived on the lat- ter place, however, but on selling his first farm in 1892 removed to Decatur, where he pur- chased a lot and built the nice residence now occupied by his widow at No. 1104 North Col- lege street. Throughout the remainder of his life he lived retired. On coming to this state he was in limited circumstances, but his tire- less energy, industry and perseverance brought to him a well merited success and he was able to leave his wife in comfortable circumstances. Besides the city home the estate comprises the farm of two hundred and fifteen acres near Morrisonville and another farm of eighty acres near Stonington in Christian county.
Politically Mr. Henshie was unswerving in his allegiance to the Democratic party and its principles, but he was never a politician in the sense of office seeking, although he held sev- eral township offices in Christian county and his public duties were always faithfully and satisfactorily performed. Fraternally he was
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Mount Auburn, and at one time was also connected with the Masonic order. Both he and his wife held membership in the First Methodist Epis- copal church of Decatur. He always took great interest in church work, as does also his wife, and at his death, which occurred October 12, 1902, the community realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen. He left many friends to mourn his loss and he was held in the highest regard by all who knew him.
WILLIAM JOHNSTON.
William Johnston, who is now living a re- tired life in Macon, Illinois, has the distinc- tion of having won the proud American title of a self-made man and his successful struggle with adverse circumstances in early life shows what can be accomplished by industry, econ- omy and good management. He was born in Ireland on the 28th of January, 1841, but the same year was brought to America by his parents, John and Mary ( Dukey) Johnston, who settled in Coshocton county, Ohio. For five years the father was engaged in operating a rented farm and then bought twenty acres of land, which he began to clear and improve, but shortly after locating thereon he burst a blood vessel in lifting and died from the effects of the same in 1847. His wife survived him for many years. dying in 1863. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, but only three of the number are now living, namely : Jolın, a retired farmer living in Assumption, Illinois : William, of this review; and Mar- garet, wife of George Oxley, a farmer of Coshocton county. Ohio.
His father having died during his boyhood, William Johnston was early called upon to as- sist his mother in the support of the family and for fifteen years he worked as a farm hand. He then commenced farming on his own ac- count and continued to follow that pursuit throughout the greater part of his active busi-
ness life. Before leaving Ohio, he was mar- ried in Licking county, that state, October 28,. 1868, to Miss Carrie A. Connard, a daughter of C. M. Connard, of Utica, Ohio, and to them were born three children : Mary E., the wife of Ira S. Keogy, a retired farmer living in Decatur ; Phoebe L., wife of E. O. Willoughby, a farmer of South Macon township; and Allie, wife of O. N. Walker, a grain dealer of Assumption, Illinois.
Coming to Illinois in 1872 Mr. Johnston located near Macon in Macon county, where hie operated rented farms for ten years and then bought eighty acres a half mile northwest of Macon. There was not a tree or a bush upon the place, it being prairie land, and the only improvement was a small house, which he remodeled. He planted trees, which are now very large and furnish a fine shade around his country home. He also set out an orchard, did a large amount of tiling and' placed his land under a high state of cultivation. For fourteen years he continued to engage in the cultivation of his land and then removed to Macon, where he carried on business as an implement dealer for six years, selling out on the ist of January. 1903, to W. H. Brooks & Son. He now lives a retired life, enjoying a well earned rest and the competence which he has secured through his own well directed efforts. Four years ago he purchased a small house in Macon, but has recently erected a modern and commodious residence, which is surrounded by a fine large lawn and shade trees.
Politically Mr. Johnston is a strong Republi- can and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as commissioner of highways in Macon for nine years ; school director in the country for eighteen years: and pathmaster twelve years. Fraternally he is a member of Macon Lodge, No. 467, F. & A. M. He is an exceedingly strong and healthy man for one of his age and up to within two years ago he was never ill for a day in his life. He is a self-educated as well as a self-made man, hav-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
ing paid his way while attending the common schools of Coshocton county, Ohio, by grinding tanbark. Throughout life he has labored early and late to make for himself and family a home and he deserves great credit for the success he has achieved.
FRED SPITTLER.
Fred Spittler, who is a successful gardener, conducting a large and constantly growing business in Decatur, was born in Baden, Ger- many, in 1873, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine Spittler, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. In the year 1888 they left that country and with their children came 10 the new workl, arriving in Decatur on the 2d of May of that year. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that calling throughout his business career. ' Ile died in 1891 at the age of fifty-four years and his widow still survives him. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are liv- ing, the sister of our subject being Carrie, the wife of John Madden, who is living in Mis- souri.
The subject of this review was a lad of fifteen years at the time of the emigration and in order to provide for his own support he entered the employ of Theodore Steiner, a gardener, with whom he remained for five years, gaining an excellent knowledge of the business both in principle and detail. His practical work enabled him to conduct his own business successfully when in 1894 he started out on his own account at his present location at No. 538 South Peake street. Here he has fine gardens with adjoining hot houses, there being fourteen thousand square feet under glass. He has recently enlarged his plant in order to meet the growing demands of his trade and has introduced a hot water system. He raises from four to five crops in his hot houses between October and May and in the summer seasons produces excellent products
in his gardens, their quality, size and flavor en- abling him to find a ready sale on the market. He is indeed the leader in his line and has attained recognition as such throughout this part of the state. He makes a study of the soil and its adaptation to the needs of various plants and he is always enriching and pre- paring the soil by the judicious use of elements necessary for the production of various veg- etables and plants. Ile buys supplies in New York and Chicago and by reason of this hic is able to raise the largest amount possible from a given amount of soil. He is thoroughly qualified for his work, continually broadening his knowledge concerning his chosen pursuits and his opinions are regarded as anthority in this section of the state concerning everything connected with gardening. Recently he has purchased a fine farm in Decatur township, comprising eighty-two acres, and has placed this under a very high state of cultivation for the production of choice fruits.
Mr. Spittler is very enterprising and with quick recognition of the business possibilities of the new world he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now one of the leading German-American citizens of Macon county, who in his undertakings has prospered and who by his diligence, enterprise and honorable efforts, has won for himself a creditable posi- tion in the business workl. He is a member of the German Aid Society and also of the Turin Society.
WILLIAM B. NEWELL.
William B. Newell, who is now living a re- tired life in Decatur, was born in Fulton county, Ohio, near the city of Cincinnati, on the 14th of August, 1843. His paternal grand- father was Richard Newell, a soldier of the Mexican war. His parents were Richard A. and Jane (Wilson) Newell, the former a na- tive of Ohio, born in 1800, while the latter's birth occurred in the Buckeye state in 1805.
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For some years after their marriage they con- tinued to reside in Ohio and in 1856 they started westward, establishing their home in Decatur, Illinois. llere the father resided until his death, which occurred in 1897. For several years he had filled the office of super- visor and was also the superintendent of the poor farm. Ilis official duties were discharged with conscientious fidelity and promptness and he made for himself a creditable record as a man worthy of trust and confidence. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church and lived in harmony with their professions as followers of that de- nomination. Of their family of nine children five reached years of maturity, namely : Wil- liam B. ; Catherine, who is the wife of William Hatch, of Dallas, Texas : John L .; James, who is now a resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois ; and Richard A., who is living in Clinton, this state.
William B. Newell was a youth of thirteen years when he left the state of his nativity and came with his parents to Illinois. He continued huis studies in the schools of De- catur. completed his course in the high school and when he put aside his textbooks to learn the more difficult lessons in the school of ex- perience he received his first instruction as a salesman in a grocery store. He was thus em- ployed for several years, after which he learned telegraphy and was then in the service of the Wabash & Great Western Railroad for a period of seventeen years, occupying various positions at Decatur and at Danville, Illinois. Mr. Newell next entered the employ of Or- lando Powers, a boot and shoe merchant of Decatur, with whom he remained for two years, when he became manager of the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company in this city. He acted in that capacity for thirteen years, giving entire satisfaction to the large corporation which he represented, but on the expiration of that period he determined to once more engage in trade on his own account and embarked in the grocery business under the
firm style of Newell Brothers. He was thus in partnership for four years, after which he sold out and has since lived retired.
In 1867 Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Miss Mary McDaniel, a resident of Decatur and a daughter of Elizabeth McDaniel, who is residing in Macon, Missouri. Their home has been blessed with five children : Clarence, who is now living in St. Louis, Missouri ; Howard, at Decatur; Arthur, who is engaged in the grocery business in this city; Paul, of Lancaster, Ohio; and Florence, who is a stu- dent in the Decatur high school. The family home is on West Wood street. Mr. Newell is a member of the First Baptist church and his interest has been in entire sympathy with church work and with the development of the city along lines proving of good to the general public. His business career is without a stain and at all times he has been faithful to the trust reposed in him, while he has also gained the competence that now enables him to live retired.
JAMES T. WARD.
This genial and affable gentleman is well known throughout Illinois and has a particu- larly large acquaintance in Chicago and in St. Lonis, gained through the conduct of his busi- ness interests. He is an auctioneer of live stock and is certainly one of the best known men in this line of business in the central Mississippi valley.
Mr. Ward was born in Christian county, Illinois, March 31, 1858, his parents being Robert and Nancy (Abernathy ) Ward, both of whom were natives of Ohio, the father's birth having occurred in Ross county, while the mother's birth occurred in Champaign county. In the year 1847 they left the Buckeye state and removed to Christian county, Illi- nois, where the father had a tract of land and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was identified with agricultural interests
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
there until 1876, when he came to Macon county, where he has since continued to make his home.
The boyhood days of James Ward were spent upon the home farm and in his early youth he attended the district schools, while later he studied at Blue Mound. Ile began earning his own living by serving as a clerk in a store at Blue Mound, being there employed for five years. He has always, however, been fond of live stock and at the end of that time he began buying and selling horses, continu- ing his dealing in this way for five years. In 1888 he entered upon his work as an auctioneer and his capability in this direction soon led to demands for his services in all parts of the state. Ile has confined his attention exclui- sively to stock sales and more especially to the sale of horses. He spends a part of his time in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is employed by the firm of Campbell & Reed, extensive dealers in horses, carrying on a business that perhaps exceeds any other firm in the central states. In that city Mr. Ward has made a wonderful record, having sold as high as seven hundred and thirty-eight horses in a single day-an amount of business exceeding that of any other auctioneer. Ile has also con- ducted many of the large sales in Chicago and in the line of his business has been called as far east as Buffalo, New York. Constant de- mands are made upon his time so that he has very little leisure, indeed. As an auctioneer he sustains a wide reputation and in this line of activity has gained a very comfortable com- petence.
On the 15th of October, 1885. Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Riggs. of Mason City, Illinois, a daughter of James Il. Riggs. They now have one son, Robert Lyle Ward. The family home is a neat and substantial residence at No. 747 West Prairie avenue, Decatur. Mr. Ward is a member of the Woodmen of America, is a gentleman of fine physique and splendid personal appear- ance, and very cordial and affable in manner.
CHARLES LUDWIG.
Although Charles Ludwig resided in De- catur or Macon county but one year he became well known to the business men of the city and was held in the highest esteem by all. He was a native of Illinois, born near Spring- field, Sangamon county, on the 6th of Febru- ary. 1862, and was a son of John and Eliza- beth Ludwig. Throughout life his father has engaged in agricultural pursuits and is now operating a farm near Roodhouse, this state.
There our subject was reared and educated in mtich the usual manner of farmer boys, at- tending the country schools near Roodhouse. On the completion of his education he as- sisted his father on the home farm until he was married, December 27. 1803, 10 Miss Fan- nie E. Matthews, who was also born in Sanga- mon county, a daughter of William Oliver and Mary E. ( Lamb) Matthews. Her father followed farming in Sangamon county until 1897, when he removed to Decatur and has since lived retired, although he still owns his farm in Sangamon county. His present home is near his daughter on West Green street. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children, namely: Opal M., who died at the age of three months; Leland Earl and Lela Mearl, twins, residing with their mother.
After his marriage Mr. Ludwig located on a farm near Roodhouse. Illinois, where he was engaged in general farming for four years, and on selling his place in November, 1898, re- moved to Decatur, where he engaged in team- ing for one year. In August, 1800, he re- moved to Sangamon county, locating on a farm eleven miles southeast of Springfield. and to the cultivation of that place he devoted his time and energies until called to his final rest on the 2d of November, 1901. He was a very industrious, energetic and enterprising farmer and met with good success in his under- takings. As he was upright and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men he had their entire confidence and respect and was held in high regard by all who knew him.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
Fraternally Mr. Ludwig was a member of the Modern Woodmen in Sangamon county, and religiously was connected with the Baptist church of Roodhouse, to which his estimable wife also belonged. After her husband's deathı she returned to Decatur and purchased her present comfortable home at 1171 West Green street. She also owns another residence at No. 1034 West Green street and has other property. During her short residence here she has made many warm friends and is well liked by all who have the pleasure of hier acquaintance.
WILLIAM T. DOWNING.
Among the important industries of Macon county stock-raising occupies a prominent place and it is to this occupation that William T. Downing now devotes his energies, being the proprietor of the Evergreen Stock Farm. Ilis beautiful suburban home is located just outside the northern limits of Decatur and has all the improvements and conveniences of the average city residence.
Mr. Downing was born in Circleville, Ohio, August 17, 1854, a son of Thomas and Mar- garet A. (Dawson) Downing. The father, who was a contractor, spent his early life in Ohio, but about thirty-five years ago came to Macon county, Illinois, where he passed his remaining years, dying here in 1891, at the age of seventy-six. His wife did not long sur- vive him. The Downings were originally from Delaware.
Our subject received a good practical edu- cation in the public schools and early mani- fested an interest in stock-raising. He began the business on his own account at the age of twenty-six years, though he had previously carried on operations along that line in con- nection with his father. He now makes a specialty of the most popular standard bred horses and has been very successful with his racers, these being his pride for the past twenty-five years. He buys and sells consid-
erable stock and prosperity has attended his efforts thus far in life, making him quite well- to-do. In business affairs he is prompt, ener- getic and notably reliable and he has the confi- dence and respect of all who know him. As a mere boy he entered the service of the Wabash Railroad Company and held the posi- tions of baggageman and conductor before he was twenty years of age, but since that time his attention has been wholly devoted to his farming and stock-raising interests. His home and all its surroundings are modern and up-to- date in appointments and his is one of the finest locations in Decatur township. Socially Mr. Downing is an honored member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
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