Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 84

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228

USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 84

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29, 1858, was married December 25, 1881, to O. B. Edgett, living at Moscow, Idaho, and they had six children : Clarence E., Nettie E., Harold, Ruth, Mamie and one who died in in- fancy. Ruth A., born September 21, 1860. married Edwin Langstaff, of Osage City, Kan- sas, and they had four children, Frank, Harry. Florence and Mamie, who died in infancy. liarry E., born October 30, 1866, lives in Seal- tle. Washington. He married Mary Tibbetts and had four children : Florence, who died in infancy : Kenneth, Alden and an infant. John A., born October 16, 1868, lives at Salem, Ore- gon. He married Amie Barnes and has two children, Waklo and Harry.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden have been born six children: Nellie E., born November 28, 1877. was married July 25, 1900, to JJames Norris, a son of William and Hannah ( York , Norris, and died May 2, 1901; Franklin B. born December 17, 1878, died of appendicitis September 24, 1890, when twelve years of age: Ada L., born February 7, 1880, Sadie. born September 24, 1882, Mary M., born November 1. 1887, and Ruth E., born November 14, 1901, are all at home. The family is one of promi- nence in the community and Mr. Chittenden is regarded as one of the representative agricul- turists of Adams county. The work of de- velopment and improvement here which was begun by his grandfather and carried on by his father he yet follows in accordance with modern ideas of progress.

WILLIAM E. GILLILAND. M. D.

Dr. William E. Gilliland, for thirty-five years engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Coatsburg, was born in Morgan county, Illinois, January 1, 1833, and is a representative of one of the oldest families of the state, his father, William P. Gilliland, having arrived here in 1827. lle was born in Shelby county, Ken- tueky, in 1805, and died at a very advanced age, passing away in 1898. Upon his arrival in this state he established his home in Morgan county, where he followed the occupation of farming. Ile was a tanner by trade, but usually devoted his energies to agricultural pursnit. He served in the Black Hawk war in 1832 and in other ways was actively associated with the early history of the state. He came to Adams county in 1841, locating in Mendon township, where he opened up and operated a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres, upon which he spent his re-

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maining days. In polities he was a democrat and held various township offices, and he was a member and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. His influence on the public life of the community was beneficial and he is numbered among the honored early pioneer resi- dents of the state. Ile married Letitia Curry, a daughter of John Curry, who removed from Shelby county, Kentucky, to Illinois in 1827. setthing m Morgan county. Mrs. Gilliland was born in Shelby county in 1508 and died in 1890. By her marriage she had become the mother of nine children, of whom five are living.

Dr. Gilliland was a public school student in his early boyhood days, but his literary educa- tion was largely acquired through self-culture. Ile worked upon the farm until after he had at- tained his majority and learned the value of in- dustry and enterprise in all departments of business activity. Desiring to enter professional life. he read medicine in the office of Dr. Joel W. Bonney, of Columbus, Adams county, having re- moved to this county with his parents when a youth of nine years. In the fall of 1868 he en- tered the St. Louis Medical College and re- ceived a physician's and surgeon's diploma in 1870. after which he entered upon practice in Coatsburg, where he has since remained. meeting with signal success in his professional labors. HIe is now the loved family physician in many a household. where he has ministered to the sick and suffering for many years, his courage and cheery presence in the sick room well supple- menting the remedial agencies he administers.

Dr. Gilliland was married. in 1854. to Miss Sarah E. Mover, a daughter of Henry and Anna Moyer. of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. She was born in that county in 1836. They cele- brated their fiftieth wedding anniversary March 22. 1904, having for a half century traveled life's journey together as man and wife. their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years have gone by. They have become the parents of five children : Annie L., wife of W. S. Gray, a clerk in the Chicago grain inspection department ; John O. and Henry L .. both deceased : Minnie MI .. wife of W. T. Elliott, a salesman of Madison, Wisconsin : and William M .. a mechanical en- gineer of Hancock. Michigan.

Dr. Gilliland is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fol- lows, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In polities he is a democrat and was a member of the board of supervisors from Honey Creek township for one year. Pro- fessionally a member of the Adams County Medical Society and of the State Medical So- ciety, he has kept informed concerning the de- velopments in medical science, thus rendering his labors of increased vale to his fellowmen.

and both professionally and personally he oc- eupies an enviable position in public regard.

JOHN E. WALL.

John E. Wall, a member of the law firm of Wilson & Wall of Quiney, was born in this city, February 21, 1864. His father, Edmund Wall, is a native of Cumberland county, Maryland, and is now living in Quincy at the age of seventy years, filling a position as bookkeeper. He came to Illinois in 1847. establishing his home in this city, where he has now lived for fifty-seven years. Ile is a member of the Catholic church and was formerly a democrat in his political views. Hle twice represented the fifth ward on the city council and at one time was sergeant of the Quincy police force. He is always active in support of progressive publie measures and is one of the honored pioneer residents of Quincy, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. Ilis wife, who was born in Quiney, in 1838, bore the maiden name of Catherine Gaffney. Her father, John Gaffney, was one of the victims of the memorable cholera epidemic of 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Wall were the parents of nine chil- dren, of whom seven are vet living: John E. : James D .. a mail carrier; Lenore. a librarian ; Joseph W .. secretary of the Gardner Governor Company: George A., cashier of the Gardner Governor Company: Thomas FI .. a machinist : and Kate, wife of Neff Wells, an engineer in charge of the water works at Great Bend, Kan- sas.

At the usual age lohn E. Wall began his edu- cation in the public schools of Quincy and after putting aside his text-books he worked at job printing, but he regarded this merely as an initial step in his career. Desirions of becoming a member of the bar he attended the night ses- sions of the law department of Chaddock Col- lege and after thorough preliminary preparation successfully passed the required examination which seeured his admission to the bar in 1894. lle then went to Salt Lake City, where he re- mained for about nine months. Ile afterward spent some time in the law office of Akers & Petri, and in the summer of 1895 he formed a partnership with Frank Penick, that relation- ship being maintained until the 1st of December, 1896. when he entered into partnership with George II. Wilson, with whom he has since been associated in practice. At that time Mr. Wilson was elected states attorney and Mr. Wall acted as his assistant. Before the formation of the partnership both men were candidates for the

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office, but Mr. Wall was defeated. The acquaint- ance thus formed. however, resulted in their partnership. They have seenred a desirable clientage, and their legal business has reached good proportions. Mr. Wall has won his posi- tion through earnest effort. He has a strong, logical mind, keen in its power of analysis, and he prepares himself with great thoroughness be- fore he enters upon the trial of a ease.

Mr. Wall was married October 10, 1899, to Isabel P. Conley a daughter of William and Jeannette (MeLaughlin) Conley. She was born in Quiney, February 8, 1871, is a member of the Congregational church and is well known in social circles of the city. Mr. Wall belongs to the Masonic lodge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias fra- ternity. He is also a member of the Quincy Bar Association and in his political views is a staneh republican.

MASON C. VARNIER.

Mason C. Varnier, a retired farmer living in Ursa, is a native of Illinois, his birth having ocenrred in Gallatin county on the 22d of June. 1828, his parents being Adin and JJane M. ( Craw- ford) Varnier. The father was born in Vir- ginia, while the mother was a native of Mercer county, Kentucky. His death occurred in Gal- latin county, Illinois, in 1832, and Mrs. Varnier came to Adams county with her family of small children, the same year. In 1837 she married David Dunlap and they purchased a farm on seetion 7, Ursa township, making it their home from 1851 until 1855. They then removed to Clayton, Illinois, where they resided for about five years, after which they settled in Cass county, Missouri, where they spent their re- maining days.

Mason C. Varnier remained with his mother and step-father until he was twenty years of age and during that time he obtained a good common-school education and also received prae- tieal training in farm work. Between the age of twenty and twenty-three years, he was employed as a farm hand and at the time of his marriage he purchased forty aeres of land on section 12. Ursa township, to which he afterward added from time to time, as his financial resources increased, until he was the owner of one hun- dred and eighty-seven acres of rich arable land. lIe continued to eultivate his farm, raising good crops, until Angust. 1895, when he sold his place and removed to Ursa, where he built a beautiful home. He has since sold all of his land and has invested in property in Ursa and also owns two residences in Boulder, Colorado.

In 1851 Mr. Varnier was married to Achsah S. Robertson, a daughter of Cyrus Robertson, of Indiana, who was killed by the explosion of a. thresher a short time before the marriage of his daughter. Mrs. Varnier was born May 14, 1833, and became the mother of two children. David E .. the elder, was born August 22. 1852, married Miss Elizabeth MeLaughlin and they reside in Ursa with their family of five children, four sons and one daughter. The second child died in infancy on the 26th of September, 1854, and MIr. Varnier lost his wife on the same day. He was married again to Miss Emily Taylor, a daughter of Adam and Barbara Taylor, who, at the time of her marriage, were living on section 7, Ursa township. Mrs. Emily Varnier was born July 5, 1838, and by this marriage there were four children, namely: Martina, who was born JJuly 21, 1859, and is the widow of John S. Warfield, residing with her children in Ursa; Cyrus E., of Louisiana, Missouri, who was born November 14. 1863, and married Miss Paulina Campbell, of Pike county, Missouri; Vinnie, who was born September 30, 1870, and died April 12, 1895; and James B., who was born November 14, 1876, and is living at home.

Mr. Varnier is a republican in his political views and has always been deeply interested in the success of the party, but he has never sought or desired office. Ile is a valued member of Marcelline lodge, No. 127, I. O. O. F., and be- longs to the Golden Leaf lodge, Daughters of Rebekah. He likewise holds membership with Ursa camp, No. 995, M. W. A .; and Rosewood camp, No. 582, Royal Neighbors. IIe and his wife enjoy the unqualified respect and esteem of all who know them. He has now reached the seventy-seventh mile-stone on life's journey and his has been an honorable and upright career, characterized by activity in business, fidelity in citizenship and trustworthiness in his social relations.

RT. REV. M. EDWARD FAWCETT.

Rt. Rev. M. Edward Fawcett. bishop of the diocese of Quiney, was born near Hartford, lowa, November 1, 1865. His father, William Fawcett, was born in Canada and coming to the United States when seventeen years of age located in Iowa. He was of English desceni. lle became a minister of the Methodist Episco- pal body and for many years labored earnestly for the npbuilding of his denomination in the middle west. lle married Sarah Houghton. who was a native of the state of New York and was deseended from Puritan ancestry. Their only child who reached mature years is Bishop

BISHOP M. E. FAWCETT

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Faweett of Quiney. The father died in 1901. at the age of sixty years, and the mother's death occurred on the 3d of April, 1883.

Bishop Fawcett began his education in the public schools and continned his studies in the Northwestern University, which he entered in 1883. He was graduated from the Upper lowa University. at Fayette, in 1886, and completing a post-graduate course in 1893, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred upon him. Becoming identified with the ministry of the Methodist body. he remained an active repre- sentative of its elergy until 1896, in which year, being then a resident of Elgin, he joined the ecclesiatical body, known in law as the Episcopal church, wherein he was ordained deaeon May 20. 1897, while on the 15th of De- çember, of the same year he was ordained to the priesthood. both ordinations being vonduet- ed by the bishop of Chicago. On the 20th of May. 1903, while serving as rector at St. Bar- tholomew's church in Chicago, he was elected bishop of Quincy, by the diocesan convention. then in session at Galesburg, and was conse- rrated in St. Bartholomew's church, in Chi- cago, Jannary 20, 1904. Immediately after- ward be removed to Quincy and was enthroned in the cathederal on the Feast of the Purifica- tion, Febrnray 2, 1904.

Bishop Fawcett was married, November 3. 1887. to Esther L. Fanl, of Chicago, and they have one child, Althea Suzanne. In his politi- val views Bishop Fawcett is independent. He belongs to the Phi Delta Theta. is a Mason and also holds membership relations with the Uni- versity Club of Chicago and the Columbia Yacht Club, finding needed rest and recreation from the ardnous labor and responsibilities of his position, in the social companionship. It would be tantological in this connection to enter upon any series of statements as show- ing him to be a man of scholarly attainments and broad general culture, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this re- view in the account of his promotion in the church Ilis broad humanitarian spirit and ready sympathy have also made him a man of intuence and of effective labor, and have won for him the respect of all men.

JAMES R. GUTHRIE.

James R. Guthrie, living on section 22, Camp Point township, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, owns and operates a well improved tract of land of thepo hundred aeres. !Te is a native son of Adams county, his

birth having here occurred May 8, 1843. ilis father. Moses Guthrie, was born in Kentucky in 1,00 and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. When a young man be came to Illinois, settling upon a farm near Columbus, in Adams county, about 1833. He entered the land from the government and afterward bought other land until he owned over three hundred aeres. IFe was married twice, his last wife being Miss Charity Reaugh, a native of Kentucky. Here Mr. Guthrie reared his family and spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1871, while his wife passed away in 1878. He served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and was always loyal in matters of citizenship.

James R. Guthrie is the only survivor of a family of four children. He was reared in Adams county and acquired his education in Columbus and also through reading, observation and experience after attaining his majority. Ile remained with his father until the latter's death and then continued to carry on the home farm. Ile was married in Camp Point township Sep- tember 2. 1882, to Miss Myra Bates, a native of this county and a daughter of William I. Bates, who was formerly superintendent of the county farm and was one of the early settlers of this part of the state.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie located in Columbus township, where he con- tinued to engage in agricultural pursuits for several years and then purchased his present property on seetion 22, Camp Point township, having at first one Inmdred and eighty acres of land here. He built a large and substantial resi- dence, also good barns and outbuildings and greatly improved the place. He likewise ex- tended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchases until the old home place comprised two hundred and fifty neres and he owns al- together three hundred and ten acres of valuable land. In connection with general farming he erries on the raising and feedmg of hogs and is a successful agrienlturist and stockman. Tis principal cereal is corn and he annually har- vests large erops.

Mr. Guthrie was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1899, her death occurring on the 29th of August of that year. They were the parents of four children : Maud M., Myrtle Irene, Ethel R., and James Ralph. Politically Mr. Guthrie has been a life-long republican and his first presidential vote was east for General Grant in 1872. He was elected and served for a number of years on the school board, and in 1902 he was elected supervisor and became a member of the honorary county board, serving on the claims and judiciary committees. He was re-elected to same office in 1905 and takes an active part in local polities, doing all in his power

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to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge of Camp Point. His entire life has been passed in Adams county, and he is classed with its active and progressive farmers, while his busi- ness dealings have been conducted with such honor and fidelity that he commands the respect of all with whom he has been associated.

WALTER W. MILLER.

Walter W. Miller, business manager of the Quincy Whig, with which paper he became con- neeted when a young lad as carrier at a salary of two dollars per week, was born in Quiney. October 27, 1880, a son of Henry and Ennna (Eisenstein) Miller, the former a traveling salesman, now deceased. He acquired his educa- tion in the public schools of his native eity and five years before he had completed his course he began carrying papers for two dollars per week. Ile was thus employed until the early part of 1898, when he was promoted to the posi- tion of superintendent of carriers of the Quincy Whig. In May, 1899, he was promoted to circu- lation manager of the Whig, and on the 1st of January, 1902, to advertising manager and as- sistant business manager. Following the death of J. B. Ellis, manager and president of the Whig, on the 18th of March, 1903, he was made business manager, which is his present connec- tion with the paper. His career is a commentary upon itself, indicating his fidelity, business ca- pacity and unremitting diligence, whereby he has won promotion through consecutive steps until he is at the head of one of the chief de- partments of the paper, carefully superintend- ing the multiform duties which arise in connee- tion with the management of the business affairs of a leading journal.

Mr. Miller is a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd. On the 18th of May, 1903, he married Miss Heten May Dewell, of Barry, Pike county, Illinois, at MeLeansboro, this state.

JOHN HERMAN DUKER.

John Herman Duker was one of the promi- nent and well-to-do business men of Quincy and for years was closely associated with its finan- cial interests as president of the Quincy Nation- al Bank, while with its commercial life he was connected as a wholesale dealer in wine and liquor. He became one of the early settlers of this city and so directed his efforts during the years of his residence here that he won most gratifying success. Moreover he was active in

community affairs and his co-operation could always be counted upon to aid in all measures that tended to promote general progress.

Mr. Duker was born in Aukum, Hanover, Ger- many, March 28, 1833, and was a son of Ger- hard and Elizabeth Duker, who were also natives of Hanover, where the father learned the carpen- ter's trade, following that pursuit throughout his entire life. He died in Germany and in 1847 bis widow, accompanied by her three sons, John Herman, Theodore and Henry, came to America. They landed at New Orleans, and after spending about six weeks in that city they came up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, remaining there about two months. At the end of that time they removed to Quiney, arriving here in the latter part of the year 1847.

Prior to the emigration of the family John Herman Duker had acquired a limited education in the common schools of his native land and was only a boy of fourteen years when he reached Quincy, but he was ambitions, determined and resolute. Here he began to learn the saddler's trade, which he followed for a few years in the employ of others, and then entered into partner- ship with JJohn Kuhl, opening a harness and saddlery store in Quincy. Mr. Duker continued that business until 1859, when he sold out and in partnership with his brother Theodore con- dueted a grocery store until 1871, when they turned their attention to the wholesale liquor trade. They carried on business under the firm name of JJ. H. Duker & Bro. at No. 323 Hamp- shire street, and in this new venture prospered, securing an extensive patronage. The business is still conducted under that name, the brother having the active management, while Mrs. I. II. Duker is still financially interested. In 1887 J. 11. Duker became one of the stockholders in the Quiney National Bank and was shortly after- ward elected president, continuing at the head of that reliable financial concern until his death. lle was a man of excellent business ability and executive force, capable of controlling extensive interests, for he possessed sound judgment and keen discrimination. Whatever he undertook he earried forward to sueeessful completion and his labors were crowned with a high measure of success.

In 1856 J. IL. Duker was married in Quincy to Miss Clara Elizabeth Glass, who was born in this city and is a daughter of Simon and Marga- ret (Liebig) Glass, both of whom were natives of Germany. in which country they spent their entire lives. Iler father was a blacksmith and bricklayer, and also followed other trades, and in his later life he engaged in the saloon business. There were ten children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Duker, of whom six are yet living: Simon, who now earries on the wholesale liquor business of the firm of J. II. Duker & Bro. Co., and who

196 Daher

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PAST AND PRESENT OF ADAMS COUNTY.

resides with his mother and sister in Quincy ; Anna M .. the wife of John C. Ording. a resident of Quiney: Nina M., the wife of Dr. A. J. Bliek- han. a prominent physician practicing in Quin- cy; Ilelen M., who is at home with her mother : John L., who is teller at the Quiney National Bank and resides with his mother: and Clara C., who is also at home. The members of the family are prominent in social circles in Quincy and the Duker home is justly noted for its social fune- tions. Mrs. Duker owns one of the finest resi- dences of the city. It is a palatial home built of granite and located at No. 601 Spring street. at the corner of Sixth street.

Mr. Duker died November 14. 1903. In poli- ties he was independent. although he had some preference for the democracy. Ile held a mem- bership in St. Boniface Catholic church, of which his wife and children are also communi- cants. For twenty-five years he was a member of the board of education in Quincy and was deeply interested in the development of the pub- lie school system here. He was one of the lead- ing business men of the city and also had a wide acquaintanee throughout this part of the state. His history is notable in that he arose from a humble financial position to one of affluence and his progress was due entirely to his persistent and well directed effort, for reliable business methods and unfaltering purpose.

GEORGE WELLS BURCHI, M. D.

Among the representatives of the medical fra- ternity in Quincy is munbered George Wells Burch, who in his professional career has dis- played the diligence, energy and adaptability which have been the dominant qualities in the npbuilding of the cities of the middle west. HIe was born in Warren county, Illinois, Angust 2. 1866. and is a son of Thomas J. and Louisa (Shellenberger ) Burch. Several generations of the family have been represented in America, his great-grandfather having come to the United States in 1704, at which time he settled in Vir- ginia. and later he was governor surveyor of Virginia and West Virginia. The grandfather, who was a contractor and builder. came to the west in 1831, settled in Warren county, Illinois, and was thus actively eon- nected with: building operations in that part of the state in pioneer times. Thomas J. Burch accompanied his parents to Warren county and under his father's instruction he learned the carpenter's trade and assisted in building many of the early structures in this section of Illinois.

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 84

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1228

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228