USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > Portrait and biographical album of Vermilion county, Illinois, containing sketches of prominent citizens of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States, Volume I > Part 38
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AMES IIAYS. Here and there upon the dusty highway of life we come across an individual plentifully moistened with the dew of human kindness. and of this class Mr. Ilays is a shining light. All his neighbors testify to his generosity and hospitality. he being one who is ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, never asking or expecting any re- turn. Ile has a comfortable homestead, compris- ing a good farm on section 14 in Vance Town-hip, where he pursues the even tenor of his way, letting the world wag as it will and striving to do good as he has opportunity.
In referring to the parental history of Mr. Hays, we find that his father. Benjamin Hays. was a native of Fayette County. Ohio, and born March 5. 1809. The paternal grandparents were natives of Kentucky, and two uncles of our subject served
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in the War of 1812. one receiving an honorable wound in the leg, from which he recovered.
Benjamin Ilays, in 1829, was married to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, in Fayette County, Ohio. where he operated as a farmer and trader, and so- journed there with his family about forty years. Then, emigrating to Illinois. he settled on 320 seres of land in the vicinity of Sydney. Champaign County, 200 aeres of which he brought to a fine state of cultivation. The journey hither was made overland, in 1850, with teams. the travelers being thirteen days on the road. The family included nine children, of whom only three are living. James being the eldest of these. The others are Mrs. Martha Humes, of Sidney. and Mrs. Maggie Harding, of San Francisco, Cal. The mother died on the 9th of Angust, 1870.
After the death of his wife, Benjamin Hays broke up housekeeping, sold his farm and pur- chased property in Sidney, Ill. Later, he went to Ohio on a visit, which he prolonged about six years. Upon returning to Illinois. he took up his abode with his son. our subject, with whom he has since lived, and is now in his eightieth year. He rides about the farm on horseback every day, looks after the stock, and is in splendid health, playing his violin and daneing with much of the grace and agility of his earlier years. He is a great lover of the equine race, and has owned some valuable horseflesh, among which was "Buck Elk," a Ken- tueky raeer of phenomenal speed, and -Cherokee," a very fine animal which he purchased of Thomas Eads.
The subject of this sketeh was the second child of his parents, and was born Dec. 10, 1830. in the same honse in Fayette County, Ohio, wherein his honored father first opened his eyes to the light of day. Ile received a practical education in the common school. mostly under one teacher, David Eastman, who died about fourteen years ago. He made his home with his father on the farm. assum- ing many of the responsibilities. until twenty-two years of age, when he began the business of life for himself by breaking prairie with seven yoke of oxen. In the winter of 1852-53 he fed 100 head of eattle for Hendrickson & Cowling. In the spring of 1853, April 16, he started with these
- cattle on foot for New York City, where he ar- rived safely on the 11th of July. The head steer of the herd was led by Henry White. of Cham- paign. This errand executed, Mlr. Hays returned home, and in due time started with another lot of cattle from Parish's Grove, near LaFayette, Ind .. driving them through to Lancaster, l'a., and being 105 days on the road. Upon returning home, he engaged in a store at Old Homer for two years, and in the meantime shipped a load of eattle to Chicago for his father. Afterward he handled eon- siderable stock for other parties. Ile assisted in removing the first house from Old Homer to the present town. and all this time watched the growth and development of Central Illinois with that abid- ing interest which is only felt by the intelligent and thoughtful citizen.
The 6th of May. 1858, witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Mary E., daughter of .I. M. Cnster and sister of Mrs. Aaron Dalbey. These were the only girls in the Custer family. Mrs. Hays was born Oet. 10, 1838. in Fayette County. Ohio, and was ten years old when she came with her parents to Illinois. She received her education in both States. and grew np a very attractive young woman, with a large amount of practical good sense. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hays lived in Sidney two years, removing to their present home in 1861.
The neat and well-regulated farm of our subject bears very little resemblance to the uneultivated traet of land upon which he and his young wife settled upon coming to this county. It was then an open prairie. unfeneed and without buildings. Although making no pretentious to elegance. they live comfortably, and probably enjoy more solid happiness than many who make a greater dis- play in the world. The five children born to MIr. and Mrs. Hays are all living. The eldest. Dollie E., is the wife of George T. Poage. a merchant at Prairie View, and they have two children; Mattie E. married Amos C. Ilarden, who is now deceased. is the mother of one child, and lives three miles west of Fairmount; William S., Ella and John M. remain at home with their parents.
Mrs. Hays and most of her children are mem- bers in good standing of the Cumberland Presby-
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terian Church, and Mr. IL., although not identified with any religious organization, has a full belief in the doctrines of the Christian religion. He main- tains a lively interest in polities. and keeps himself well posted in regard to those questions of inter- est to every intelligent citizen. Upon becoming a voting eitizen, he identified himself with the Demo- eratie party, but in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln had steal his way to Washington for fear of assas- sination, Mr. Hays said to himself, "James, this party is not your right place." Since that time he has been a decided Republican. He is a strong temperance man, never having used ardent spirits, and steadily opposes their manufacture. Aside from serving as a Road Overseer in 1864, he has steadily declined beeoming an office-holder. Socially, he belongs to Homer Lodge No. 199. A. F. & A. M., being the oldest member but one. entering the lodge after its formation, and in this he officiated only as Tyler, although he might have held all the other offices.
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ILES ODLE. This gentleman is one of the most prominent and best known citizens in the northeastern part of this county. Ile was born in Warren County. Ind., Dee. 26, 1841, and was brought up to farming, receiving in his boyhood such education as could be obtained in the common schools of his native place. Ilis parents were Nathan B. and Frances ( Watkins) Odle, the father a farmer in the place where his son was born. Our subjeet remained quietly at the home farm until the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, when he offered his services to his country and enlisted, while still under age, on June 3, 1861, in Company A., 15th Indiana In- fantry, commanded by Col. D. G. Wagner and on the 14th of the same month, was mustered into the United States service at Lafayette, Ind. For over three years the young soldier did valiant service in his country's cause. His regiment was first en- guged in active duty in West Virginia and three months after being mustered in, was in the battle of Cheat Mountain, W. Va , on Sept. 12, 1861, and on Oct. 3, following, was engaged at Greenbrier
Springs, W. Va .. both being Federal successes. In November, 1861. the 15th Indiana was transferred to the army of the Ohio, under Gen. Buell. Nelson's division, and here Mr. Odle took a part in several general engagements. Ile was in the great battle of Shiloh. Tenn., begun on April 6, 1862. his regi- ment taking part on the second day. when the hardest fighting was done, Buell arriving on the 7th in time to reinforce Grant's troops. Ile was under fire at the siege of Corinth, Miss., and after the evacuation of that place. went East with his regiment to Decatur, Ala., and later from there to Tuscumbia, Tenn .. and was in all the toilsome marches and maneuvers. undertaken to prevent the return of the rebel. Gen. Bragg to Kentucky. Finally the Union army fell back on Nashville, Tenn., and from that point were sent to Louisville, Ky. The first open battle between the opposing forces fighting for the possession of Kentucky was fought at Perryville on Oct. 8. 1862, and in that the 15th Indiana were active participants. They were then returned to Nashville, where they stayed uuntil Dec. 26, 1862, when they were hurried to the front, and were engaged on the last day of the year on the hotly contested field of Stone River. The following year they were all through the Tul- lahoma campaign, and were afterwards engaged at the battle of Chickamanga on Sept. 19. and in the great fight at Mission Ridge, they were a part of the army that marched to the relief of Knoxville, when it was beleaguered by the enemy, and succeeding that were in many minor battles and skirmishes. The 15th Indiana, were no holiday soldiers, but during their entire term of service, were actively engaged, marching and fighting, and in all their trials, hardships. battles, and skirmishes. Mr. Odle bore himself as a brave and gallant soldier. Ilis term of service having expired, he was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 30th of June, 1864. Returning then to the pursuits of peace Mr. Odle engaged in farming in his native county, in which he remained until he decided to make his home in Vermilion County, Ill. He bought 120 acres of land on seetion 3 in Grant Township, now a part of his homestead, and to that place removed in March 1871. and there his home has since been. To this property he has added by subsequent purchase,
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having now a fine farm of 190 acres, all thoroughly improved and cultivated with a good house and farm buildings, and worth probably about $18.000. In addition to this Mr. Odle is the owner of a farm of 320 aeres in Holt County. Neb., and of other real estate, and personal property, and all has been acquired by his own energy, industry. and fore- sight. fle is a man of keen business judgment, and his success is the legitimate reward of his close attention to his own affairs.
Although always a farmer, Mr. Odle has been a a snecessful merchant as well. The store in Che- neyville, in this township, was his property, and on Dec. 1, 1886, he took it into his own possession. and under his own immediate care and direction he successfully carried on mercantile business there until May 1889, when he exchanged it for a West- ern farm.
The subject of this sketch has been twiee mar- ried-first on Aug. 30. 1866 to Miss Susan Hunter. who was born Nov. 25, 1847 and died May 17, 1870, leaving two children, Ella Florence, born Sept. 17, 1867, and Anna Ross, Oct. 18, 1869. The first wife's parents are both living in Warren County, Ind., at the advanced age of seventy years.
Mr. Odle was on Jan. 12, 1872, united in mar- riage with Sarah E. Hunter, born Jan. 22, 1850. His present wife was a danghter of John Hunter, a farmer of Warren County, Ind. He was a native of Scotland, and eame to this country when eighteen years old. in the year 1836. . Ile staid in the city of New York for a couple of years, and then emigrated to Warren County, Ind., of which he was a very early settler. There he adopted the vocation of a farmer. He died Nov. 18, 1880, when nearly sixty-three years of age. Hle was a well-informed man and took considerable in- terest in public affairs, but never held office. In polities he was a staunch Republican, and through the Civil War an ardent supporter of the Govern- ment. He was married in Warren County, Jan. 13, 1842, to Miss Jane Montgomery, a native of Ken- tneky, born April 22, 1820. They had eight chil- dren, of whom five are now living. Mrs. Hunter lives with her different children but her home is with Mrs. Odle.
Mr. and Mrs. Odle have five children, as follows:
Hattie Letitia, born Feb. 21, 1874; John Lindsay. Aug. 3, 1875; Miles Sherman. Nov. 2. 1878; Na. than W., Nov. 2. 1880, and Franees J., Nov. 3. 1883.
Mr. Odle is a man of mark and influence, in the community in which he lives, and his sound judg- ment leads his advice to be sought by his neigh- bors in business affairs. From comparatively hum- ble beginnings, he has raised himself to the position he now occupies. and the competence he has ae- quired he is justly entitled to. For a number of years he has been a School Trustee in Grant Town- ship, and from 1885 to 1889, was Justice of the Peace: He is a member of Ilarmon Post No. 115. G. A. R., of Hoopeston, and in politics is a stauach adherent of the Republican party in all State and National affairs.
RIN M. DANIEL is extensively identified with the agricultural interests of Vermilion County, and is one of its most enterprising. energetie and able farmers. He has a fine farm on section 20, Danville Township, comprising sixty acres, pleasantly located on the Georgetown Road. two and one-half miles from the court-house. He also leases a large tract of land from the coal com- pany, and has 1,000 acres under his personal super- vision, and in addition has the contract to fur- nish timber to the Grape Creek and Consolidated Coal Company.
Mr. Daniel was born June 19, 1842, in Moores- ville, Delaware Co., N.Y., and is a son of Aaron Burr Daniel, a native of the same place. who was in turn a son of Mathew Daniel. The latter was a native of Scotland who came to America when a young man, and so far as known, is the only mem- ber of his family that came to this country. Ile located in the wilderness at Mooresville, buying a tract of timbered land, from which he cleared a farm and resided there some years. Ile then sold that place, and removing to Deposit about 1840. bought a farm there on which he made his home till death claimed him. The maiden name of his wife was Eunice Sturgis, who is thought to have
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been a native of New York State, and her last days were also passed on the homestead in Deposit. The father of our subject was reared and married in his native county, and then bought a farm one mile from Deposit, located partly in Delaware and partly in Broome County. He resided there till 1870, prosperously prosecuting his calling, and then came to Vermilion County, where he is now passing the deelining years of a busy, honorable life. He has been twice married, and is the father of twelve children, seven by the first marriage and five by the second.
Orin M. Daniel of this brief biographical review was edneated in the public schools of his native town, and from his father received a sound, prac- tical training in agricultural pursuits. He re- mained under the parental roof till he was twenty- one, and then in the pride of a vigorous, self-reli- ant manhood, he came West to try life in the Prairie State, rightly thinking that its rich soil offered many indueements for one who intended at some time to become a farmer. He came to Danville, but did not at first enter upon his career as a farmer but was employed by his uncles in the coal business. Ile subsequently engaged on the Illinois Central Railway in some capacity for two years. At the expiration of that time he returned to his native New York, and was engaged in farm- ing and other kinds of work in that part of the country till 1872. In that year he came back to Illinois and obtained employment with the Ells- worth Coal Company. remaining with them five years. Since first coming here he had wisely saved his money, and at the expiration of that time had enough to invest in a good farm and so bought the one where he now resides. It is well tilled, is sup- plied with substantial, conveniently arranged build- ings and all kinds of machinery for conducting agriculture in the best possible manner, and it is indeed a model farm. We have referred to his other interests in the first part of this sketch.
In June 2, 1868, Mr. Daniel took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Jane Thompson, who has proved to him a veritable helpinate, and he is indebted to her for aiding him to become prosper- ons. She was born in Delhi, Delaware Co .. N. Y., May 8, 1841, to Robert and Nellie (Shaw) Thomp-
son. The pleasant household of our subject and his wife is completed by the five children born to them: Orin, Alvin, Walter F., Perry, Ellie.
Mr. Daniel is a busy man, devoting his time to his many and varied interests. and while so doing has done much to promote the material prosperity of his township and county. He is prompt and systematie in his work and knows how to conduct it so as to produce the best results financially. He and his wife are esteemed members of the Presby- terian Church, contribute liberally to its support, and are always active in advancing all charitable and benevolent objects. In politics Mr. Daniel is a decided Democrat. Socially he is a member of Vermilion Camp, No. 244 M. W. A.
R ET BEN JACK. Notary Publie and engaged in the insurance business at Fairmount. is a man of note in his community, possessing good business capacities and making for himself the record of an honest man and a good citizen. He was born in Carroll County, Ind., March 19, 1840, and was the eldest child of Silas S. and Bashaba (Elmore) Jack who were both na- tives of Ohio, and the mother belonging to the So- ciety of Friends. They left their native State in their youth and were married in Tippecanoe County, Ind., in 1837.
The parents of our subject remained residents of Indiana until April, 1860, then came to this county and located in Fairmount. Only three of their children lived to mature years, viz: two daugh- ters and Reuben. our subject. During the pro- gress of the Civil War the father enlisted in Com- pany E, 73d Illinois Infantry in August, 1862 and was given the post of Orderly Sergeant. He soon afterward contracted a fatal disease and died in the hospital at St. Louis on the 11th of September following. The mother survived her husband over twenty years, remaining a widow, and died in Jan- uary, 1883.
Our subject acquired his education in the com- mon school of his native State and when approach- ing manhood learned the trade of a shoemaker
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which he has followed continuously until quite re- cently. He remained at home with his parents until after the outbreak of the Rebellion and en- listed in the same company and at the same time with his father. He was first made a Corporal and later promoted to a Sergeant. He served three years and engaged in all the marches and battles in which his regiment participated, being at Stone River, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and all the bai- tles of the Atlanta campaign, including Franklin and Nashville. Aside from the natural effects of hard- ship and exposure on his constitution. and a slight affection of his eyes, he escaped uninjured. being neither wounded or taken prisoner. He was under the command of Gen. George II. Thomas, Phil Sheridan, Granger, Rosecrans, Sherman, O. O. Howard and Grant. at the time when JJames A. Garfield was Adjutant General of Roseeran's army. He received his honorable discharge with his regi- ment in June, 1865. Like thousands of others who were willing to offer up their lives as a sacri. fice to their country, he was content in knowing that he had done his whole duty. standing his his ground during the enemy's fire and bearing with fortitude and patience the vicissitudes of a soldier's life.
Upon retiring from the army Mr. Jack resumed work at his trade and on the 9th of August, 1865, was married in Fairmount to Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel Shroyer. This lady was born in Indiana and departed this life in Fairmount, Feb. 20, 1869, leaving no children. Our subject contracted a second matrimonial alliance June 15, 1870, with Miss Frances, daughter of Charles Rufing, of Del- phi, Ind. Mrs. Frances Jack departed this life March 7, 1871, without children.
Mr. Jack was married to his present wife, form- lerly Miss Jennie Fellows, Sept. 17, 1872 Mrs. Jennie Jack was born in Wells County, Ind., and is the daughter of George and Mary Fellows. who are now, the mother in Fairmount the father de- ceased. This union resulted in the birth of two children-George B., born June 7, 1875. and Nellie, June 26, 1884. They are a bright pair and will be given the education and advantages suited to their position in life.
Mr. Jack has been quite prominent in local af-
fairs. Ile was elected Assessor and Collector of Vance Township. in 1884, and has been re-elected each year since that time. In 1872 he was elected Township Clerk, holding the office until 1881. In 1877 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served eight years. Ile cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln and has ever continued a staunch supporter of the Republican party. As an ex-soldier he was one of the leading members of the G. A. R. at Fairmount, which has recently surrendered its char- ter. In this organization he was first an Adjutant and later a Commander. In the I. O. O. F. he is a member of Homer Lodge. No. 252, in which he is Past Grand. Ile formerly belonged to the Lodge at Fairmount in which he held all the offices, until it disbanded.
Our subject and his estimable wife are active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Jack has been an earnest Sunday-school worker for years, officiating as Superintendent of the school and Trustee of the church. A man of domestic tastes and correct habits, he makes it his aim and object to stand on the right side of all questions and give his support to those projects calculated to benefit the community, socially, morally and finan- cially. In connection with his other business already spoken of, he does some conveyaneing and represents as a Fire Insurance Agent. the Phoenix of Brooklyn, the Hartford and the _Etna. Ile is gen- tlemanly, courteous and liberal, and while not pos- sessed of great wealth manages to stand square with the world and extract a large measure of com- fort and happiness from life.
G UY SANDUSKY. The surname of this gentleman is well-known in Vermilion County as that of a pioneer family who had a share in its carly development and in promoting its later growth. The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of his sire and grandsire, who planted their homes here when the surrounding country was a wilderness, and, in doing so, pur- chance were more fortunate than they at first deemed possible, and he of whom we write is en-
James Clifton
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joying the result of their labors, as well as of his own active toil. Ile was born Feb. 5. 1854. on the old homestead on section 31. Catlin Township, that he now owns and occupies. and here he has erected a handsome residence, one of the most attractive homes in the county. lle is carrying on agricul- ture and stock-raising with great skill, and from his 300-acre farm derives a substantial income.
The parents of our subject, Josiah and Elizabeth (Sandusky) Sandusky, were natives of Bourbon County, Ky., where they married, and immediately came to this township. The father had lived in this county while a single man, having removed here with his parents as early as 1819, and he went back to Bourbon County. Ky., to marry. His father, Isaac Sandusky, had come here in the early days of its settlement, he accompanying him, and had made a claim, and before his death accumu- lated quite a little property. In 1837 the father and mother of our subject. after their marriage. settled in this county, and lived at Brook's Point some two or three years. and then Isaae Sandusky, the paternal grandfather of our subject, dying, the father was appointed administrator of the estate, and coming to Catlin Township with his family, he located southwest of Catlin Village on section 31. Ile resided with his wife on this homestead until his demise Sept. 15, 1868. she surviving him until Jan. 10, 1884. Of their eight children four lived to maturity, three sons and a daughter.
Guy Sandusky, of whom we write, was the third child of the family, and he was born and reared on the old homestead where he has spent his entire life. llis education was conducted in the common schools, and was supplemented at home by a wise training from his worthy parents, and on arriving at years of discretion he chose farming, of which he had a thorough, practical knowledge, as the pur- suit best adapted to his tastes. He has a good- sized farm that is complete in all its appointments, and is, indeed, one of the choieest places in the whole township. It is amply provided with a con- veniently arranged set of buildings for every nec- essary purpose, and with all kinds of machinery for lightening the labors of farm life. The resi- dence is one of the handsomest in the county.
Mr. Sandusky and Miss Ada M. Williamson
were united in marriage Nov. 12. 1876, and to them has come one child, Inez. Mrs. Sandusky is a daughter of Henry and Jane (Gray) William- son, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. and now residents of Linn County, Kan. Mrs. San- dusky was born about ten miles northwest of Dan- ville Oct. 15, 1858.
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