USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 98
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SAMUEL T. WEBB.
Samuel T. Webb became a resident of Macon county in 1873 and continued to re- side within its borders until his life's labors were ended in death. The salient features in his career and his strong traits of char-
acter were such as made him a leading and highly respected citizen of his community and it was therefore with the deepest re- gret that his many friends learned of his demise. He was a native of Fairfield coun- ty, Ohio, born on the 27th of July, 1834, his parents being Garrett and Verlinda ( Bright) Webb, both of whom were natives of Ohio. His father engaged in farming in Fairfield county during the greater part of his life and both he and his wife passed away there.
Samuel T. Webb was the only one of the family that ever came to Macon county. Ile pursued his education in the common schools of his native county and was reared on the old family homestead, carly gaining accurate knowledge of farming methods and of agricultural life in all of its departments. Ile was married in Fairfield county, Ohio, to Miss Harriet Wilson, whose birth oc- curred in Fairfield county on the 16th of March, 1837, and who was a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Bobst) Wilson, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Philadelphia. Removing to Fairfield county, Ohio, her father was there engaged in farming until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he removed to Morgan county, Missouri, there making his home for a few years. He afterward lived with his chil- dren until he was called to his final rest. Throughout his active business career his attention was devoted to agricultural pur- suits. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Webb was blessed with a family of ten children, of whom six are now living. Clinton and Creighton were twins and the former now resides in the village of Macon, Illinois, where he is engaged in general merchan- dise and in the drug business, being a prom- inent and enterprising man of that town. Creighton is a salesman in the store of James W. Race, of Decatur. Francis is a traveling salesman, also residing in Decatur. Charles yet makes his home in this city.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
Burton is employed by the firm of Linn & Scruggs of Decatur. Clara May is at home with her mother. Those who have passed away are Robert, James, Mary, Lillian and one that died in infancy.
At the time of his marriage Samuel T. Webb took up his abode upon a farm in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he resided un- til 1873, when he removed to the middle west, establishing his home in Macon county, Illinois. Here he leased a farm situated about two and a half miles east of the village of Macon in Macon township and' at once began its improvement and cultivation. He was engaged in general farming there for several years, but when his health became impaired he removed to the village of Macon, where he resided until his death. He passed away May 30, 1889, at the age of fifty-five years, respected by all who knew him. His widow later re- moved to Decatur and purchased her pres- ent home at No. 274 West Wood street, where she and her daughter now reside. Mr. Webb was a very successful farmer careful in all his business undertakings, sys- tematic in his work and energetic and en- terprising. As the years passed by he har- vested good crops and found a ready sale upon the market for his products, thus an- nually adding to his income. Both he and his wife were Methodists in religious faith and she now holds membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church in Decatur. In his political views he was an earnest Re- publican, but never sought or held office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs. In everything re- lating to the general welfare he was pro- gressive and took a deep interest in move- ments for the public good. His life was quietly passed and yet his history contains many lessons that are worthy of emtila- tion for he was ever upright and honorable and lived at peace with his fellow men.
ANDREW J. DUNSTON.
Andrew J. Dunston was born April 9, 1852, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the third in a family of twelve children, nine of whom are now living. His father, George Dunston, was of English lineage, and was born on the 2d of March, 1818, in Lincolnshire, England. He was a youth of twelve years when, in 1830, he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, land- ing in Canada. He afterward made his home in Michigan, subsequently lived in Ohio and in 1856 became a resident of Illinois. By oc- cupation he was a farmer, following that voca- tion throughout his business career. He was quite successful as an agriculturist. In 1869 he removed to Carleton, Missouri, where he spent his remaining days, his death there oc- curring June 7, 1889. while his wife died on the 30th of July, 1874. He wedded Mary Jane Grimes, who was of Irish extraction, and they became the parents of the following named: Jacob and Harriet, now deceased ; Andrew J .; Emily; Frank; Horace Greeley ; Fannie; George; Harvey; Laura; Olive; and Sarah, who has likewise passed away.
Andrew J. Dunston of this review obtained his early education in one of the primitive log schoolhouses of Illinois known as the old Green school, in Adams county. this state. 1Ie put aside his text books at the age of fifteen years and began earning his own living by working as a farm hand, in which capacity he was employed for two years. At the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to the trade of horse-shoeing under Edward Cassiday, of Quincy, Illinois, serving for a term of three years. In 1872 he came to Macon county, settling in Decatur, where he worked for others for two years and then in 1874 opened a shop of his own on North Jackson street. In 1882 he bought a lot and built a shop at No. 336 East Prairie street, where he con- tinued in business until 1892, when he re- moved to 136 South Franklin street. building there his present shop. Here he has remained continuously since and he is the only shoer
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
of race horses in Decatur. He has followed this branch of the business since 1874 and has received a liberal patronage, doing this im- portant work in a most capable manner.
On the 20th of July, 1876. in St. Louis, Mis- souri, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dunston and Miss Martha Crowfoot, a native of South Bend, Indiana. They have two chil- dren : George W. and Frank G. The former married Helen Schroeder, a native of Decatur. and they have a daughter, Sarah Jane Dun- ston. George Dunston holds a responsible business position in connection with the Standard Oil Company. He possesses su- perior musical talent and ability, having studied under Francis Fisher Powers and George Ellis-Holmes and was graduated with Signor Marescalchi. He is a graduate of the high school of Decatur and other institutions and is a gentleman of scholarly attainments. He is also regarded as one of the finest vo- calists in Decatur, and his musical talent ren- ders him a favorite in social circles, where he contributes much to the general enjoyment. The younger son is a partner of his father. carrying on business under the firm style of A. J. Dunston & Son. He married Miss Myrtle Hogue, August 27, 1903, of Mattoon, Illinois.
Mr. Dunston of this review owns a pleasant residence at No. 304 East Wood street. In polities he is independent and has never sought or desired office. His entire attention has been given to his business affairs and his capability in the line of his pursuit has re- sulted in bringing to him a very desirable competence.
JOHN W. FLETCHER.
John W. Fletcher, who is engaged in the dairy business, was born in Christian county, Illinois, near the town of Mount Auburn, De- cember 2. 1847. his parents being Griffin T. and Martha (Churchill) Fletcher. His pa- ternal grandfather was James Fletcher. a
native of Kentucky, and his last days were spent in Decatur. Griffin T. Fletcher was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, and at an carly period in the development and improve- ment of Illinois came to this state. He en- tered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government in Christian county in 1831 and there improved a farm, upon which he made his home until 1855. In that year he re- moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, where he became the owner of four hundred acres of land, which he cultivated successfully until 1872. That year witnessed his arrival in De- catur township, Macon county, Illinois, where he spent his remaining days. While at Mount Auburn, in company with A. D. Northcutt, he purchased and sold stock, both cattle and hogs, driving them in large numbers to the St. Louis market. This was at an early day before the advent of the railroads and Abraham Lincoln assisted these gentlemen in driving their stock on three different trips. In his farming and stock-dealing operations Mr. Fletcher became Very prosperous, securing a good profit as the result of his investments and labors. In his political affairs he was an earnest Democrat and he belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He was also a member of the Christian church in which he took a very active part. He served for some years as one of its eklers and his fine voice made him a valued addition to the mu- sical circles of the church. Ile was united in marriage on the 16th of June, 1833, to Miss Martha Churchill, a daughter of John Churchill, who was born in Maysville, Ken- tucky, and at an early day came to Illinois, settling in Sangamon county, whence he re- moved to Macon county in 1872. MIr. Fletcher, who was born in 1810, passed away September 6, 1883, and his wife died on the 2d of January, 1896. They were the parents of the following named chiklren: Thomas, Mary, Jane, Rhoda E., David C., James L., John W., Willis, Abel P. and Martha Joseph- ine. Thomas, Willis and Jane are now de- ceased.
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
L'pon the home farm under the parental roof John W. Fletcher spent the days of his boy- hood. His educational privileges were some- what limited because of the primitive condition of the schools of that time and because his services were needed upon the home farm. He was married in Knox county, Illinois, and then engaged in farming from 1872 until 1882. On the expiration of that period he removed to Decatur, where he turned his attention to the dairy business and is now the oldest repre- sentative of this line of activity in the city. He started upon his business career without capital, but now has a comfortable home in the midst of attractive surroundings and he takes a just pride in keeping up his place in every particular. His has been a strenuous life and his diligence and enterprise have formed the foundation of his very desirable success.
On the IIth of May, 1870, Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss Emma Clevenger, a daughter of David and Eliza (Taylor ) Clev- enger. Her father was born in Ohio near Circleville and was a miller by trade. In 1853 he removed with his family to Bureau county, Illinois, at which time Mrs. Fletcher was about six months old. In that county he resided for eight years and then went to Knox county, this state, establishing his home in Abingdon. He died June 7, 1866, at the age of forty-nine years. His religious faith was that of the Christian church and his political belief was in accord with the principles of the Republican party. He had good knowledge of general business and was a broad reader, gaining ex- tended information of many subjects. He mar- ried Miss Eliza Ann Taylor on the 15th of March, 1842. She was born in Pennsylvania and in her early girlhood days went with her parents, William and Betsey Taylor, to Ohio and afterward removed to Knox county, Illi- nois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher were born five children : Daisy, who is the wife of E. S. Gray; Theron W .: Estella, who died at the age of twenty-three years ; Griffin Taylor ; and
Minnie E., the widow of Dr. J. E. Ludea, of Crowley, Louisiana.
Mr. Fletcher holds membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Masonic fraternity. He was made a Mason in 1894 and is a member of Macon Lodge, No. 8, of Decatur, while his wife and daughter Estella belong to Chapter No. III, Order of the Eastern Star. He belongs to the Christian church and has led a life that has reflected credit upon the church and secret societies which he represents. His business relations have been all that is honorable be- tween his fellow men and himself and the suc- cess he has achieved is attributable entirely to his own efforts, for without financial aid at the beginning of his career he has worked his way upward to the plane of affluence.
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WASHINGTON S. SMITH.
Washington S. Smith, a well known grain dealer of Mount Zion, Illinois, was born in Bath county, Kentucky, September 27, 1850, and is a son of Benjamin and Frances (Stoner) Smith, who were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. It was in 1857 that the family came to Illinois and located in Decatur. The parents removed to Mount Zion in 1890, and there the father died in De- cember, 1901, at the ripe old age of eighty- three years, and the mother passed away in June, 1902, at the age of seventy-nine. They had eight children, all of whom are still living, namely: Wheeden C., a resident of Decatur ; Mary E., wife of Robert N. Henderson ; Mi- nerva MI., wife of E. O. Humphrey, of Chi- cago; Washington S., of this sketch; Maria R., of Decatur; Nannie S., wife of O. M. Scott, of South Wheatland township, Macon county ; Anna R., wife of H. N. Greene, of La Place, Illinois ; and J. Davis, of Decatur.
Washington S. Smith had but limited educa- tional advantages during his boyhood, attend- ing the subscription schools for only a short
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
time, but his training at farm work was not so meager. He remained under the parental roof until 1881, when he commenced operating a farmi and was engaged in farming and stock- raising exclusively until July, 1900, when he purchased the grain business of J. A. Roney, of Hervey City, Illinois. A year later he pur- chased of George B. Spitler of Mount Zion a grain elevator and coal business and at the end of another year acquired through pur- chase the elevator and grain business of George E. Davidson at Prairie Hall, Illinois, so that he is now the owner of three good elevators in Macon county and is one of its largest grain dealers. Mr. Smith handles both corn and oats and ships his grain to Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Terre Haute and many southern points.
In 1881 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Ulery, a daughter of Eli and Mary Ulery, and to them have been born four children, as follows: Gladys, Sidney M., Guy U. and Paul S. Socially Mr. Smith is a mem- ber of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 300, I. O. O. F., with which he has been connected since 1880, and he affiliates with the Democratic party. In former years he took quite an active and prominent part in political affairs ; was a member of the board of supervisors from 1885 until 1890 and chairman of that important body in 1889 and 1890. In the fall of the latter year he was elected to the general as- sembly and re-elected in 1892. On the expira- tion of his term of office he concluded to retire from active politics and give his entire time to his business interests, which he finds much more congenial to his tastes than politics.
JAMES D. VAN GUNDY.
James D. Van Gundy is a retired farmer re- siding at No. 995 West Marietta street in De- catur. He was born in Scott county, Illinois, on the 26th of September, 1855, a son of John and Sarah (Seobey) Van Gundy, who were
also natives of Scott county, where the father carried on farming until 1873, at which time he removed to Macon county, purchasing a farm in Milam township. There he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1896, when he removed to Decatur and has since lived a re- tired life save that he has some financial in- terests and is now the vice president of the Macon County Telephone Company. He is a prominent and well known citizen of Decatur and with his family resides at No. 1357 North Water street. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy were born nine children, of whom seven are now living.
At the usual age James D. Van Gundy be- gan his education as a student in the public schools of his native county and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he put aside his text books and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Scott county. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Miss Frances E. Cowle, their marriage being celebrated in Shel- by county, Illinois. The lady is a native of Madison county, this state, born on the 12th of September, 1853, and is a daughter of Daniel and Rosa Anna (Fanning) Cowle, the former born on the Isle of Man, while the latter was a native of New Jersey. For a number of years they resided in Madison coun- ty, Illinois, where the father engaged in farm- ing and in 1865 they removed to Shelby coun- ty, this state, where Mr. Cowle carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife also died in the same county.
After his marriage Mr. Van Gundy engaged in farming in Shelby county for a year and then removed to Moweaqua, Illinois, where he was engaged in the manufacture of tile for a year. He next took up his abode in Kansas, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for one year. On the expiration of one year he returned to his native state and settled in Milam township, Macon county, purchasing a traet of land in section 13. With character- istic energy he began its cultivation and de-
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
velopment and continued there to engage in general farming until 1903, when he removed to the city of Decatur in order that he might live a retired life here. He still owns, how- ever, a farm of two hundred acres of valuable land in Milam township and the rental there- from brings him a good income. He is also the owner of a nice residence at No. 995 West Marietta street, where he and his family are living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy have been born two children: Charles E., who is employed by the Weare Manufacturing Com- pany of Decatur; and Florence Lillian, at home. The Van Gundy family is a prominent and well known one in Macon county and the subject of this review has a wide acquaintance and the esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but has never sought or de- sired office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success.
RUDOLPH H. SCHROEDER.
Rudolph H. Schroeder, now engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 15. Illini township, was born on the 3d of May, 1856, in Milford, Massachusetts, about twenty miles from Boston, and is a son of Rudolph Max and Mary (Hagely) Schroeder. During his boyhood he accompanied his parents on their removal to Monroe, Wisconsin, where the father conducted the first shoe shop in the place. There our subject attended school until twelve years of age, working in a pop factory at fifty cents per day during his vacations, and while in school taking care of a drayman's horses, wagon and barn, for which service he received two dollars and a half per week. After leaving school he served a three years' apprenticeship to the tinner's trade with Ja- cob Schuler and was given three dollars per week.
Leaving Monroe in 1870 Mr. Schroeder
came with the family to Macon county, Illinois, and his father erected the first house in the present town of Warrensburg and to him was delivered the first goods over what is now the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Railroad, which had just been built. Our subject en- tered the employ of A. T. Little, who was then conducting a hardware and tin shop at the southeast corner of the park in Decatur, and was given ten dollars at the end of the first week although there was no stipulated salary. Later he worked by the piece and made as high as eighteen dollars per week. While in that employ he manufactured twenty-two thou- sand patented fire kindlers. During the panic of 1871 he lost his position and returned to his father's home in Warrensburg, where he worked at anything he could find to do, re- ceiving from one dollar and a half to two dol- lars per day. For a time he assisted his father in his harness shop, and in 1873 took charge of his father's farm one mile north of War- rensburg but continued to live in town and work in the shop at night. In the spring of 1881 he was made overseer of a three hundred and twenty-acre farm and boarded with Charles H. Faith, one and a quarter miles from Warrensburg, for two years. During the dull season on the farm he worked at the carpen- ter's trade for J. M. Keefer, of Warrensburg, and continued to follow that occupation until 1886. About this time he purchased five lots in the village, but during his wife's illness came very near losing his property but man- aged to save it and built thereon a nice resi- dence. now occupied by C. J. Tucker. Mr. Schroeder conducted a restaurant in Warrens- burg for a time and after his father's death had charge of the harness shop until his brother Will took possession. He then embarked in the tin manufacturing business and afterward added hardware to his stock, building the north end of the shop now occu- pied by his brother Will. He was a member of the firm of Ed White & Company, and when the firin failed he assumed a part of the debts
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
and carried on the business alone. Ile covered with corrugated iron the elevator of William Ritchie and also the one that was burned be- longing to Victor Dewein, on the site of the present elevator of Faith & Dewein. Ile also put a tin roof on the last named, soklering it ali at night and doing the entire job alone. Subsequently he was a member of the firm of Schroeder Brothers and since selling out busi- ness has been conducted under the name of Fred E. Schroeder.
For the past five seasons our subject has lived in Illini township on the farm belonging to Francis Winslow, of Decatur, and has en- gaged in general farming, operating two hun- dred and forty-seven acres of land with the assistance of his sons. He keeps a good grade of stock, including fifteen horses and colts, a number of cows, hogs and sheep. He began the sheep industry with twenty-three ewes but now has thirty and has raised fifty- seven lambs. Ile sells the latter when they are about three months old. During his five years' experience he has lost only five sheep and he derives a good income from his wool.
On the 26th of July, 1882, Mr. Schroeder married Miss Alpha Retta Akers, a daughter of O'Neill and Eliza Jane Akers. She was born, reared and educated in Woodsfield, Mon- roe county, Ohio, and in 188t came to War- rensburg to live with her annt, Mrs. Dr. Dempsey. Our subject and his wife have seven children: Manzy, born April 3. 1883 :
Earl, February, 1885; Emmett, March 1, 1887; Charley, September 26, 1889; Carrie, December 26, 1893; Max, July 26, 1896; and Catherine, December 31, 1900. She was born in one century and dressed for the first time in the next.
Mr. Schroeder is prominently identified with several civic societies. In 1880 he became a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 600, of Forsythe, and now belongs to De- catur Encampment, No. 37, I. O. O. F., De- catur Canton, No. 19, Patriarchs Militant. Ile is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors, the Ridgley Protective Association and the Rebekahs, hav- ing been a member of the Sovereign grand lodge of the last named order for fiffteen years. His wife is also a member of the Royal Neighbors and Rebekahs and takes quite an active and prominent part in the work of the latter organization. She has taken the Chevalier and Uniform degrees of the Patri- arch Militant, and is now serving her eleventh year as noble grand and captain. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Warrensburg and like her husband is highly respected and esteemed by all who know her. Mr. Schroeder was reared a Democrat and affiliated with that party for some time, but for the past ten years has voted the Repub- lican ticket. For thirteen years he has ef- ficiently filled the office of constable and has served as bailiff under three different sheriffs.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 977.358P268 C003 PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CITY OF DECATUR
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