Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 95

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1222

USA > Illinois > McLean County > Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 95

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William E. Stevens received a fair education in the common schools, and remained with his par- ents until the opening of the Rebellion. He then enlisted as a Union soldier, in June, 1861, as a member of Co. D, 8th Mo. Vol. Inf., and remained in the service three years and one month. With his comrades he participated in the battles of Ft. Henry, Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, and the further engagements of that campaign, and at the expedition along Deer Creek was taken pris- oner, on the 22d of March, 1863, being paroled in April following. Before being taken by the en- emy, however, he had personally captured the son of Senator Clark, of the Confederacy, a native of Mississippi, whom Gen. Sherman held as hostage until our hero was paroled. On the 9th of October following his parole, young Stevens reported for duty at Memphis, and joined his comrades in the march to Chattanooga, where he arrived two days before the battle of Mission Ridge. He partiei- pated in this, and then with his regiment followed the Tennessee Valley to Knoxville for the purpose of relieving Gen. Burnside, after which they re- turned and went into winter quarters at Larkins- ville, Ala. In May following they started for Georgia, and subsequently participated in the en- gagements at Ringgold, Resaea, Buzzard's Roost, Kingston, Dallas, New Hope Church and Big Shanty. This practically wound up the military career of our subject, and on the 13th of May, 1864, with his comrades he started for home. He had the pleasure likewise of eseorting his prisoner, George Seott, who was one of the Confederates that captured him March 22, 1863, from Big

Shanty to Nashville, Tenn., and derived great satis- faetion from this episode of his war experience. After his discharge at St. Louis, on the 4th of July, 1864, Mr. Stevens returned to Bloomington, and, as heretofore stated, engaged in the lumber busi- ness.

In 1868 William E. Stevens was united in mar- riage with Miss Annie B. White, who was born in Ohio, and was the danghter of David C. and La- vina White, natives of Ohio and Maine respectively. Of this union there were born six children-Graee L., Olive L., Guy T., Cora L., Florenee L. and William E. Their residenee is located at No. 903 West Mulberry street, where they are enjoying all the eomforts of life and the society and friendship of numbers of friends. Politically Mr. Stevens uniformly votes the Republican tieket, and socially is a member in good standing of the G. A. R.

C HARLES F. W. SCHMIDT, who simply signs his name William Schmidt, became a resident of Bloomington Township in 1854, first locating in the city, and purchased property which is the present site of the C. & A. R. R. shops. He built the first house west of this road, and started a hotel, which he operated sueeessfully during the construction of the road. Later he sold the property to good advantage, and after thirteen years took possession of his present homestcad, which is located just outside the eity limits, on West Market street. Here he established a vine- yard, and built up a beautiful home, which is upon a rise of ground and commands a fine view of the eity of Bloomington. The surrounding scenery can seareely be equaled in any part of MeLean County, and certainly not excelled. The dwelling is of modern style of architecture, and the beauti- ful grounds arc interspersed with choiee shade trees and shrubbery. The grape arbors combine beauty with utility, and the entire premises bears evidenees of refined taste and abundant means. The flower- gardens are most tastefully laid out and well kept, and there are artificial waterfalls and islands. The whole forms one of the most attractive spots in this locality. Since purchasing this valuable piece

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of property. Mr. Schmidt has turned his attention mainly to the growing of grapes and flowers, the procceds of which yield him a handsome income, Hc manufactures a fine grade of wines, which he usually disposes of in the local markets. The homestead includes twelve acres, and the natural water facilities add greatly to its beauty and valuc.

The subject of our sketch is one of the repre- sentatives of that nationality which has contributed so much toward the development of the West. He was born in Hanover, Germany, Dec. 15, 1819. His father, Christian Schmidt, was a butcher, and lived and died in the place where his son was born. Our subject learned the trade of a tanner in his native country, and later went to the Province of Silesia, in Prussia. Here he became acquainted with Miss Julia Miller, and they were united in marriage in 1847. They lived in the vicinity of his wife's former home for six years. where Mr. Schmidt was occupied at his trade. In 1854 he resolved to emigrate to the New World. They first located in the city of Chicago, whence they came to Bloomington, where Mr. Schmidt started a tannery, but only operated it a short time.

Mr. and Mrs. S. have become the parents of nine children, of whom only four are living, two daugh- ters and two sons. The family are regular attend- ants of the Lutheran Church. Our subject, in foriner years was a strong Abolitionist, and at the timc of the organization of the Republican party, worked earnestly for its maintenance and support. He cudorses its principles now fully as warmly as in former years, and uniformly casts his vote with the party of his choicc. He is one of the most use- ful and highly respected citizens of this communi- ty, and his home largely contributes to the attract- iveness of Bloomington Township.

W ILLIAM DAVIDSON. In presenting this biographieal notice of the career of one of the Icading men of McLean County, and a gentleman who is thoroughly representative of its progressive element, we decm it our duty to first briefly advert to the life story of those from whom he draws his origin. He was born in Westmorc-

land County, Pa., June 22, 1818, and is the son of Robert and Janc (Rccd) Davidson, natives of Chester County, Pa. The former was born March 27, 1789, and at about the age of forty years be- came a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He joined that denomination in the county of his nativity, and according to the custom of the coun- try he, like others, would occasionally take a dramı. The Rev. Simon Lock, who officiated as minister of the congregation with which our subject's father united, received him into the church on probation, the presiding elder remarking: "Take his name, and if he don't hold out the devil will take him back." The devil never got him again, for from that time forward he was a strong temperance man, and energetically labored in the cause of the Mas- ter. He was a bright and shining light in that congregation, of which he became one of the Elders, and is remembercd by many for the great change which conversion brought upon his life. His wife, our subject's mother, was born in 1790, and bc- came a member of the Baptist Church. When on her deathbed she requested her husband to promise that he would abstain forever from the use of in- toxicating liquors, which promise he made and which led to his conversion, and after receiving the promise the good wife calmly closed her eyes in death, the year of her demise being 1825. They were the parents of cight children-William died in infancy; Lydia, Asa, Margaret, James, William of this notice, Solomon and Rutan.

William Davidson, who is a farmer by vocation and also a blacksmith by trade, is pleasantly loca- ted on his fine place on section 13, Dry Grove Township. He was united in marriage, March 14, 1839, with Miss Mary Morton, a distant relative of Gov. Morton, of Indiana. She was born ncar Wheeling, Va., and dicd Dec. 6, 1874, in Illinois, leaving to our subject seven children: Margaret, who is the widow of Henry Tracey, and lives in Davis County, Neb .; Alcinous, who residcs .in Minneapolis; Lydia, wife of George Snedaker; Rob- crt M. in San Jose; Loretta became the wife of C. Gillespie; Sarah I., and Cornelia A. Loretta, Cor- nelia A. and Sarah I. are deccased. The second marriage of our subject was with Mrs. Julia (Ward) Holmes, and the date of their marriage Aug. 8,

William Davidson

Abner N Dodson

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MOLEAN COUNTY.

1878. She was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1821, and is the daughter of Elijah and Amanda (Philley) Ward, natives of that State and Vermont respectively. Her father died in Febru- ary, 1879, aged eighty-four, and her mother de- parted this life in 1866, when in her sixty-fourth year. Eight children were born of this union- Norman L., Juliana, Julia, wife of our subject; Emily J., Darwin E., Ira D., Frederick .C. and Mary Matilda.

William Davidson came to this State in 1854, and locating in this county, purchased 240 acres of land, the same being that on which he is at present residing. During the intervening years he, has lived on this place, and has labored hard and econ- omised and succeeded in bringing his land to a high state of cultivation, and has placed upon it good and substantial improvements. IIc has licld the various offices of his township, and in religion has held fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was fourteen years of age. He has tried to live an upright, Christian life, and none can point to any act of dishonesty in its his- tory. He has occupied the position of Steward of the congregation to which he belongs, and has also been an earnest laborer in the Sunday-school. Ilis good wife, who united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when she was twelve years old, was Superintendent of the Sunday-school for a number of years. In politics Mr. Davidson is a stanch Republican, but is inclined to cast his vote for Prohibition whenever opportunity affords.

A portrait of Mr. Davidson is shown in conncc- tion with this sketelı.

BNER N. DODSON, one of the most suc- cessful farmers and stock-raisers of Money Creek Township, and whose portrait ac- companies this sketch, is one of a family of ten children, of whom William N. and Martha (Kinnan) Dodson were the parents. In addition to his farm dutics, and the attention which he pays to the raising of stock, he is the Justice of the Peace of his township and gives satisfaction in the ad- ministration of justice. The father of our subject

was born in Wayne County, Ky., and his wife was a native of New Jersey. After their marriage the old folk settled in Champaign County, Ohio, where the father followed farming until his emigration to this State, and his settlement in this county, which event occurred in 1847. He located on section 33, Money Creek Township, and there lived until his death, which took place in March, 1863. His good wife also died in that township, Dec. 21, 1880. Of their ten children, four were sons and six daughters. The record of them is as follows : Margaretta, Mary, Martha, Esther A., Elizabeth, Emida, Joseph, Ab- ner N., William R. and Daniel D. Margaretta married William Halterman and at the time of her decease was a resident of Towanda Township; Mary is the wife of Jacob Moats, and they are liv- ing in Money Crcek Township; Martha and Lewis Sailor were united in marriage and have their home in Hudson Township; Esther is the wife of F. A. Bishop, a farmer of Moncy Creek Township; Eliza- beth became the wife of James Allen and they live at Chillicothe, Mo .; Emida was united in marriage with Rev. Andrew Yeakle and they are living in Kansas; Joseph also lives in that State; William R. has his home in the Indian Territory, and Danicl D., who was a soldier in the late Civil War, having cnlisted in Co. B, 94th Ill. Vol. Inf., died Sept. 8, 1863, while in the service of his country, and his body is buried in the Soldiers' Cemetery at Mcm- phis, Tenn., and the monument erccted to his mem- ory is at Bloomington, Ill.

The subject of this notice was born in Cham- paign County, Ohio, Dcc. 27, 1827. He was reared to farm labor and has given his attention to that calling, and the raising of stock thus far in life. He came to this county in 1847, and has made it his home until the present time, and is widely and favorably known throughout the entire county as a reputable, well-to-do farmer. He is the owner of 400 acres of rich and productive land on sections 19 and 20, upon which he has good buildings, and where he is inceting with signal success in liis calling.

Mr. Dodson was married in Money Crcek Town- ship, Sept. 3, 1850, to Miss Anis Busick, daughter of Nathaniel and Cynthia (Stretch) Busick, natives of Ohio. They emigrated from their native State to this county and settled in Money Creck Township,

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MCLEAN COUNTY.

where they lived until their death, that of the for- mer occurring in 1847, and the latter Jan. 19, 1883. Mrs. Dodson was the eldest of her parents' chil- dren, and was born near Lafayette, Ind., Jan. 22, 1831, and by her union with our subject thirteen children have been born. The record of this family is as follows: Madison P., Maria, William, Ellen, Jesse, Henry, Annie, Jennie, Daniel, Frank, Abner, Della and Nettie. Madison P. died in Money Creek Township, March 1, 1869; Maria is the wife of Lafayette Timmons and they are living in Ford County, Ill .; William married Miss Mary L. Will- ard and died in Money Creek Township, Sept. 6, 1882; Ellen is the wife of Samuel Johnson, a far- mer of Money Creek Township; Jesse also lives in that township; Henry died in infancy, and the re- maining children resideat home.

Mr. Dodson was elected Justiee of the Peace in 1874, and has held that office continuously until the present time. He has held the office of Road Commissioner, and in politics is a stanch Repub- licau. He and his wife are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Although a Republican, as stated, Mr. Dodson is strongly inclined toward Prohibition, and hopes the day will come when none shall be licensed to sell intoxicating liquors. Mr. D., as above mentioned, is a gentleman widely known as a first-class citizen, is benevolent and kind as a neighbor, an indulgent father and husband, and is entitled to and possesses the confidence of his neighbors and friends.

ESSE BARKER, a native of Yorkshire, En- gland, became a citizen of the United States when about twenty-six years of age, and took up his abode at once in this county, of which he has been a resident since that time. He was reared to farming pursuits, which he has fol- lowed all his life, and has now a good homestead of 160 acres of land, supplied with all necessary and substantial farm buildings. His present possessions are the results of his own industry, while his in- tegrity and honesty have served to establish him in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mr. Barker was born in about 1830, and is the

son of William and Mary Barker, who spent their lives in their native England. Their twelve chil- dren included five sons and seven daughters, of whom the subject of this history was the youngest, Upon coming to this country, Mr. B. proceeded di- rectly westward, and selected his location in this county, where lie first purchased eighty acres of land in Old Town Township, which he occupied about seventeen years. He purchased his present farm in the spring of 1883.

Mr. Barker was married to Miss Martha Thomp- son, in Old Town Township, a native of his own country, born in about 1838. They became the parents of nine children, of whom six are liviug, namely, Mary, Lizzie, Ella, William, Richard and Christian. Mary became the wife of Cyrus Perry, and resides in Blue Mound Township; Lizzie mar- ried James Larry, of Blue Mound Township.

G EORGE M. HEFNER, deceased, was a far- mer of this county and a resident of Money Creek Township. He was the son of Peter and Betsey (Flesher) Hefner, the former of whom has a sketch elsewhere in this work. George M. Hefner was born in Money Creck Township, Jan. 17, 1846, and made that his home during life. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and followed that calling during all his years on earth, meeting with more than ordinary suceess and having before him a bright future when called by the Master to that better home, July 5, 1877.

At the date of the demise of our subject he was owner of 320 acres of valuable land, which he left to his family free of incumbrance. He was a gentleman possessed of more than ordinary energy, and good sound judgment, and who had within him a heart full to overflow with love for his fellowmen and charity for all. He was married in Chenca Township, this county, Aug. 25, 1866, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of George and Rosanna (Ambrose) Durham, natives of Virginia. The parents were married in their native State and there lived until the death of the father, in August, 1846. The mother came to this eounty in the fall of 1865, and departed this life in Chenoa Township, Dee. 25,

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McLEAN COUNTY.

1867. Three sons and three daughters were born of their union, of whom Mrs. Hefner was the young. est. She was born in West Virginia Jan. 9, 1846, and coming to this county with her mother in 1865, lived with her until her marriage with our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Hefner became the parents of four children-Cora, Charles P., Rosa N. and Stella B. Cora is the wife of Dauiel Bishop, a farmer of Money Creek Township. Mrs. Hefner is the owner of 160 acres of valuable land in Money Creek Township, and possessed of practical information sufficient to conduct her farm advantageously. Religiously she is a member of the United Brethren Church, and respected for her sterling worth aud many Christian virtues.

Mr. Hefner was a soldier in the late Civil War, having enlisted in the 94th Illinois Infantry, and served his country faithfully and well during the en- tire struggle. He escaped unhurt and returning from the field of conflict, settled down on his farm in Money Creek Townsliip, where he lived and labored until his death.

h UDSON BURR, one of the oldest eitizeus of Bloomington, and a prominent member of the bar of that city, is widely and favorably known throughout MeLean County for his natural talents and excellent business capacity. Added to this, he is a gentleman of fine personal appearance and gives to the practice that dignity and ease of manner whieli at onee stamp him as one born in the higher walks of life. Mr. Burr first opened his eyes to the light in the New En- gland hills, having been born in Litchfield County, Conn., Jan. 23, 1830. His father, Rufus Burr, was a native of the same State, where the first repre- sentative of the family in this country settled. The father of our subject was a farmer of moderate means. His birth occurred in December, 1800, and he was married in his native county on the 9th of May, 1827, to Miss Ann S., the daughter of Barzillai Hudson. After marriage they settled in Torringford, Coun., where they lived until the death of the father, which occurred in 1863. Mrs. Burr then removed to a point on the Hudson

River, where slie spent the remainder of her days, dying in 1878. Of their family of nine ehildren, five still survive, three being residents of Bloom- ington.

Hudson Burr was the second eliild born to his par- ents and passed his boyhood days in his native State. His primary education was conducted in the publie schools, and after becoming of suitable age he entered Yale College, where he pursued a thorough course of study and graduated in 1853. He then entered the law office of Henry S. Barber of Woleott, Coun., where he remained until 1854. We next hear of liim in Bloomington, where he continued his studies until 1858, when he was ad- mitted to the bar, and soon afterward became a partner of Maj. Packard and they operated together until 1862. The Civil War being then in progress, our subjeet enlisted in the army, becoming Adju- tant of the 94th Illinois Regiment and was detailed for duty on the frontier, until the summer of 1863. The regiment was then transferred to the Army of the Potomae, our subject remaining with it until 1864, when on account of ill-health he was com- pelled to resign. During his military experience he distinguished himself for bravery and faitlıful- ness, and served as Adjutant General with the rank of Captain. He took part in the battle of Prairie Grove and was at the siege and capture of Vicks- burg, in July, 1863. While in the army of the Potomac, serving along the Roanoke River, Capt. Burr during one of the fierce engagements in that locality, narrowly escaped being captured by the rebels, and only his strategy and bravery saved him from falling into their elutches. On the battle- field, as in private life, he distinguished himself . for his sound judgment and equable bearing in times of danger and disaster.

After receiving his honorable discharge from the army, Capt. Burr returned to Bloomington and formed a law partnership with Robert E. Williams, which continued for a period of nineteen years. The firm was a strong one from the start and be- came widely and favorably known throughout the State, both our subject and his partner exhibiting more than ordinary ability as attorneys and coun- selors and having a elose acquaintance with the in- trieacies of law.

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MCLEAN COUNTY.

Mr. Burr was married in his native State in De- eember, 1830, to Miss Luey, the daughter of Rob- ert Felton, Esq., of Wolcott, Conn., and they be- eame the parents of two children, Charles and Emma, the latter now Mrs. Clinton Soper, of Bloomington. Our subjeet is a regular attendant at the Second Presbyterian Church and both so- cially and in a business capacity is reekoned among the most valued citizens of MeLean County.

UGH LORMOR, one of the highly re- speeted and prominent agrieulturists of Towanda Township, residing on seetion 3, is a native of Tompkins County, N. Y., and was born Jan. 1, 1834. From the time our subjeet was two years old until he had attained the age of twelve, he lived with an unele. From the latter age until he was eighteen he was an inmate of the family of a gentleman whose business was that of a harness-maker and who also followed agricultural pursuits. The following three years he worked out by the month, and in the spring of 1855 eame to this eounty and located, determining to make it his future home. For four years he worked out by the month at farin labor and then rented a place and was engaged in farming on rented land for about seven years.

After the expiration of the date last named, our subjeet purchased the farm on which he is at present residing, which consists of 125 aeres. Loeating upon it, he industriously labored and economized and in the prosecution of his vocation has met with fair success. Mr. Lormor was married in Tomp- kins County, N. Y., March 10, 1858, to Caroline A., daughter of John and Betsey ('Tapping) Bureh, natives of York State. Her parents first settled in Tompkins County, N. Y., where her father farmed and also worked at his trade, that of a carpenter, and where both heads of the family lived until their demise. They had eight eliildren, four sons and four daughters, and Mrs. Lormor was the youngest. She was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., April 1, 1834, received a good education, and for eight years prior to her marriage was engaged in performing the duties of a teacher. She has

borne our subjeet five children, whom they have named, Jennie E., Frank B., Fred H., Bureh and Corry E. Jennie and the two youngest are de- ceased ; Frank married Miss Ida N. Anderson and they are living in Sloan, Woodbury Co., Iowa. Fred is engaged iu teaching at Hopedale, Tazewell County, this State, and is Principal of the schools at that place.

Mr. Lormor was first elected Supervisor of To- wanda Township in the spring of 1879, and held the office for four years. In 1884 he was re-elected to that position and was the incumbent of the office until the spring of 1886. He was also High- way Commissioner for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Lormor are members of the Presbyterian Church and in polities our subject votes with the Republican party.

OHN H. VREELAND, a resident of Say- brook Village, came to Illinois in 1856, and commeneed to farm on rented land. To this employment he added stock-raising, and was prospered in his operations, and in 1868 was ena- bled to purchase 100 aeres of good land, which he brought to a fine state of cultivation, and upon which he operated until 1882. He then sold out and retired to the village of Saybrook, where he has a fine residenee and is extensively engaged in the grocery trade. He is highly respected in this community for his straightforward business meth- ods and many excellent traits of character.

Mr. Vreeland was born in Bergen County, N. J., Dee. 29, 1826, and is the son of Martin J. and Jane (Terhune) Vreeland, who were also natives of that- State. The father of our subject was born Sept. 29, 1805, and remained in his native State until November, 1872, when he came to this county and spent the remainder of his days with his son, John H., the subject of our sketeh. Wlien twenty years of age the father was united in marriage with Miss Jane Terhune, who was of Seoteh and Holland par- entage. She departed this life in 1872, having been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of this marriage there were born seven children, four now living. They were John H.,

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Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 95

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 1222

Author: Chapman brothers, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1222