USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 16
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In June, 1856, our subject was married in New York to Miss Johanna Helenberg, who was born and reared in Brunswick, Germany. She was en-
gaged to our subject at the time of his leaving the Fatherland, and according to agreement came to New York to meet him, where they were married. Four daughters have blessed this union. Louisa is the wife of James Locke, a substantial farmer of this county; Mary is the wife of L. V. Patton, a farmer who is now carrying on the Reulecke farm; Emma became the wife of Samuel Michael, of Shelby County; and Maggie is Mrs. Frank Good- house, her husband being engaged in farming in Shelby County. Mr. and Mrs. Reulecke have also eight grandchildren.
In regard to the question of politics, our sub- ject is a Democrat. His first Presidential ballot was cast in 1856 for James Buchanan and he has never failed to vote for Democratic nominees for the Presidency since that time. He has served as Highway Commissioner, but has preferred to de- vote his attention mainly to his farm and business interests. With his wife he was a member of the Lutheran Church in Germany, but now attends the Presbyterian Church. During his long resi- dence in Illinois, he has witnessed vast changes and has been a factor in her progress and devel- opment. As a man and citizen he is highly re- spected in this and adjoining counties and has the good-will of one and all.
C HARLES M. MEREDITH, a grocer of Tay- lorville, is one of Illinois' native sons, for he was born in Sangamon County, on the 23d of July, 1839. His paternal grandfather, Solomon Meredith, was one of the pioneer settlers of that county. Ile was a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. Both he and his wife spent their last days in Sangamon County. They reared a large family, one of whom, Davis Mere- dith, became the father of our subject. He was born in Ohio, and when a young man came to Illinois, in 1835, locating in Sangamon County, nine miles south of Springfield, where he is still living. Ile was a soldier in the Black Hawk War.
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Upon the old home farm, where he and his wife still reside, all of their children were born. He is now the oldest settler living in Sangamon County. Mrs. Meredith bore the maiden name of Mary Newcomer. She too is a native of the Buckeye State, as was her father. Christopher Newcomer, who came with his family to Illinois in an early day. and died in Sangamon County.
The Meredith family numbered seven children, three sons and four daughters, and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of Death. Susan is now the wife of Drury Jones; Charles is the second in order of birth; Mary J. is the wife of J. R. Kincaid; Sarah is the wife of L. R. Hed- rick: Christopher Columbus, Osborn and Fannie are the younger members.
We now take up the personal history of the gentleman whose name heads this record. The days of his boyhood and youth were spent in the usual manner of farmer lads upon the old home- stead in Sangamon County. During the winter season he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and in the summer months aided in the labors of the field, giving his father the benefit of his services until the war broke out, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlist- ing in Company E, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, in which he served two years and eight months. lle participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Guntown and Jackson, and a number of other engagements, being always found at his post of duty.
On the 8th of March, 1861, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Meredith and Miss Laura, daugh- ter of Ozias Wagner. Four children were born unto them, a son and three daughters, but Minnie and Charles, the eldest and the youngest of the family. are now deceased. Those still living are Mary and Ida.
When Mr. Meredith returned from the army, he resumed farming in Sangamon County, where for a number of years he continued agricultural pur- suits. In 1868, he came to Christian County, and for one year followed farming. Ile then took up his residence in Taylorville, and during the suc- ceeding five years was in the employ of Ilatch & Anderson, dealers in agricultural implements. IIe
then embarked in the clothing business in company with Charles Dean, but this venture proved a failure, and during the succeeding nine years he was employed as a salesman in the clothing-house of Samuel H. Mossler. On the expiration of that period he formed a partnership, in 1888, with J. C. Hunter, and they opened a grocery store, under the firm name of Hunter & Meredith. They have since successfully engaged in business and are now enjoying a good trade.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Meredith is con- nected with the Republican party. Socially, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows' fraternity. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Meredith takes a com- mendable interest in all public affairs calculated to benefit or upbuild the community, and is a pro- gressive citizen, who is alike trne to his country in times of peace as in times of war.
OHN O. ROLLINS was born in Hamblen County, Tenn., May 22, 1856, and removed with his parents to Kentucky when he was a lad of ten years. For about fifteen years he has been a resident of Christian County, and since coming here has acquired a desirable farm and a comfortable fortune. His pleasant home is located on section 23, Stonington Township.
George Rollins, the father of our subject, was born in the eastern part of Tennessee, and there passed his boyhood and youth. On arriving at a suitable age he married Miss Eveline Phillips, who was also born and reared to maturity in the same State. They became the parents of eight children, two of whom are deceased, and our subject is third in order of birth. The parents are still living, industrious and respected citizens of Okla- Loma Territory.
As previously stated, the early years of John O. Rollins were passed under his parents' roof in Tennessee, where his birth occurred. Ile after-
,
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wards located for some time in Kentucky, and on reaching his majority started out to make his own way in the world. In June, 1879, he arrived in Taylorville and went to work at whatever he could find to do in order to make an honest livelihood. On the 11th of. December, 1882, he wedded Miss Mary E. Brauer, of Cass County, a lady of German descent. They have been blessed with a family of four sons, namely: Will- iam L., Elmer, Clarence and Roy.
Our subjeet was brought up by his father to be a patriotie and true citizen of this glorious land, and has ever felt the responsibility of each and every man in matters pertaining to the public welfare, which he has endeavored to promote. His father was in the service during the Mexican War for about one year. In polities, Mr. Rollins is identified with the Democratie party. llis wife holds membership with the Lutheran Church, and lie, fraternally, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ils farm, on which he is en- gaged in stock-raising and general farming, com- prises two hundred and forty acres of arable and fertile land. Ile has made many improvements on the place, and has a commodious and attractive home. He is a self-made man to the fullest extent of the word, and has acquired a fortune in half the time taken by men of less enterprise and business ability.
E WITT C. WILLEY is one of the pro- gressive farmers of May Township, and makes his home on section 5. He was born October 30, 1831, in Hamilton Coun- ty, Ohio, being the third in a family of eleven chil- dren, comprising eight sons and three daughters. His parents were Israel and Arthenia (Stevenson) Willey. The eldest child, Stephen, died in this county; Allen died in childhood; De Witt C. is our subject; Horace is now deceased; Israel is a min- ister of the Methodist denomination, and is now located at Belle Plaine, Kan .; Alga is a dealer in
implements in Nebraska; Winfield S. is engaged in farming in Kansas, as is also the next younger, Frank; Sarah Jane and Lucy are deceased; and Ann Eliza, who became the wife of Jolin Cather- wood, is a resident of California.
The father of our subject, Israel Willey, was a native of Stonington, Mass., born in 1808. 1Ie re- moved to Ohio with his parents when quite young, and, emigrating to Christian County in 1844, he entered a traet of land, which he engaged in culti- vating until he was called from this life, Dec- ember 10, 1873. Ile was of French and English extraetion, and his father, who bore the Christian name of Jude, was a patriot in the War of 1812. The father was a distant relative of De Witt Clin- ton, one of the early Governors of the Empire State. Our subject's mother, who was also of French and English extraction, was born in IIamil- ton County, Ohio, and died in this county in 1863.
The early life of De Witt C. Willey was passed at his birthplace, where he was given practical training in carrying on a farm. There were very few schools at that early day in this locality, but he made the most of his opportunities and is now a man of good education. When he became of age he purchased the farm where he still resides. At that time it was unimproved prairie land. He has placed it under good cultivation, and waving fields of grain are the result of his care and labor. The farm comprises one hundred and sixty-nine acres of fertile and desirable land, and the owner is numbered among the leading farmers of the township.
In the year 1856, Mr. Willey was united in marriage with Miss Mary Black, a native of San- gamon County, Ill. Unto this worthy couple has been born a family of nine children. Three of the number died in infancy. . John Andrew is a far- mer of this county; Hattie became the wife of John David, who owns and operates a farm in Christian County; Henrietta wedded Newton Brown, a resident of Taylorville; Horace Lincoln also makes his home in the same place; and the two younger, Raymond and Frank, are still resid- ing with their parents on the homestead.
In his political views Mr. Willey is a stanch Republican, and has always taken a great deal of
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interest in political matters. Ile is a public-spirited citizen, and uses his influence for the promotion of all enterprises calculated to benefit the neigli- borhood in which he dwells and the community at large. He has served as one of the School Directors in May Township, and is a firm advo- eate of good schools and teachers. Religiously, he holds membership with the Methodist Church, and as a man is upright and honorable at all times.
ILLIAM EUGENE HAYWARD, Mayor of Pana. It affords the compilers of this work much pleasure to present to their readers a brief sketch of a gentleman and of a family whose interests are so prominently identi- fied with the early growth and advancement of Christian County. The Hayward family in this country originated during the misty period of Colonial history, and various branches from the parent stem are now found in several States, and in many instanees men of the name have exerted a substantial influence in advancing civilization. There is a natural sturdiness of manhood and re- finement of character found in numbers of those who have borne the name, so that to one familiar with the family history they have certain charac- teristics easily recognizable as belonging to them. There appears a natural reticence in individuals bearing the name, which often prevents them from reaching those publie positions of honor so frequently obtained by other men of less abihty. There is also a marked steadfastness of purpose in them, which rarely fails to carry to a successful issue any venture undertaken; and a natural ten- dency of mind for matters of advanced intellectual thought. It is also noticeable that the family has furnished a large quota of finely educated men. In the early days of Harvard University one of its famed gradnates was Beza Hayward, the grand- father of our subject. Ile embraced the ministry, but did not make that his life work, having
preferences for a political career. For years he held the responsible position of Register of Deeds in Plymouth, Mass., and later he became a repre- sentative of the people of his district in the Upper House of the General Assembly. Entirely at home in debate, his abilities especially fitted him for forensie battle, and he is remembered as a man of brilliant intellect and one not easily conquered in the discussion of public questions. Ile was a leader of men, his abilities and training giving him a power and eloquence that made him well known in whatever field his lot was cast. He died at Plymouth at the advanced age of seventy-eight years.
John S. Hayward, father of our subject, inherited many of the family traits and became a man of wealth and influence in this and adjoining eoun- ties of Illinois. He was an extensive land operator and one of the representative men of the Prairie State. His birth occurred at Bridgewater, Mass., in 1803. Further mention of him is found on an- other page of this work. He married Harriet F. Comstock, and of their family of six children, our subject is one of three who arrived at years of maturity. John Augustus and Harriet are both deceased, and our subject is the only one now surviving.
The education of W. E. Hayward was acquired in the public schools at Hillsboro, and was supple- mented by a course at Antioch College, in Ohio, and the Williston Seminary, in Easthampton, Mass. The outbreak of the war coming before his college course was completed, he, at the age of nineteen, enlisted in Battery I, Second Illinois Artillery, in which he became Second Lieutenant and did val- iant service with his brigade for two years. In 1865, he became Captain of Company F, Second Regiment United States Volunteers, with which command he operated until the close of the war. Ilis father having large interests in Pana, he then located here, and soon embarked in the banking and real-estate business, which he condueted with unvarying success until 1878, when he discontinued his banking business and has since devoted his attention more particularly to real estate and loans. As will be seen by reference to his father's sketeli, large landed properties had been obtained,
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and the improvement of these demanded much of his time. His interests in real estate extend over various States, including Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, and his management has resulted most satisfactorily.
Mr. Hayward was married November 26, 1868, to Miss Clara M. Turnbolt. Of six children born to them, Beza T., Lucian P., Clara T. and Eugenia are deceased. Susan L. and Evadne, two lovely and charming little girls, are the joy of their parents' home. The Hayward residence is a beau- tiful roomy briek structure, standing conveniently near the business centre of Pana, and is widely known as the abode of hospitality and refinement.
Mr. and Mrs. Hayward have traveled exten- sively, and every country and every elime has contributed not only to their general information and culture, but has supplied many articles of virtu and beauty for the elevation and adorn- ment of their pleasant home. Being devoted to masterpieces in art and literature, elegant volumes of the standard poets, historians, philosophers and novelists are found on the shelves of their library, which is one of the finest and most elaborate pri- vate collections in central Illinois. Here are found the best thoughts of the ablest men, and human nature, as depicted by the pens of the brightest writers, in the " Les Miserables" of Victor Ilugo, or the no less interesting study of the " Wandering Jew," by Eugene Sue. To one absorbed in living with these men who have painted in brilliant colors all phases of human life, this library would be a never-failing source of enjoy- ment. The studios of the most famous painters have contributed in finest reproductions of their choicest gems, and almost every first-class art pub- lication in America is found on these shelves. To no less a degree have other lines of art furnished beautiful productions-in artistie and valuable vases from domestic and foreign artists, in exquisite and intricate hammered brass from Benares, and deeply engraven shells from the best workmen of Italy. One noticeable and beautiful gem, a mas- ter-piece of marble, is the bust of a handsome woman, chizeled with such naturalness and delicacy that the beholder expects each moment to see the bosom heave. It comes from an Italian sculptor,
and stands upon a pedestal of delicate Mexican onyx, the whole making a work of art that leaves a sense of lasting pleasure.
While selecting works of art for the adornment of his home, Mr. Hayward has not neglected the beautiful and far more wonderful works of nature, the greatest artist of all. Ile has extensive cabi- nets filled with choicest gems, well illustrating all the various stages of geological formations, especi- ally those wherein Nature as a painter and design- er most distinctly shows. Ilaving ample means to supply all desires of his mind, Mr. Hayward has not hoarded his wealth, but has poured it out with a lavish land to secure those things that contribute so much toward the elevation and advancement of humanity. Ile has gathered these rare gems around him not to appease the base vanity of a shallow mind, but to gratify an innate love of the beautiful and ennobling, and to exert an influence on the lives of those around him that no other expenditure of wealth would secure. Ile has been ably seeonded in these tastes by his estimable wife, whose gracious presence adds a charm to the home eirele which rounds out and completes a most interesting family.
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C IIARLES GREB is one of the German-born citizens of Christian County, and has been no small factor in her development and present prosperity. His farm is located on see- tions 5 and 16, Stonington Township. The birth of our subject occurred in Ilessen, Germany, Oe- tober 24, 1853. His father, John Greb, was born and reared to manhood in Germany, where he married Miss Katie Pope. After the death of his wife he crossed the broad Atlantic to try his for- tune in the United States, and made a settlement in Cass County, Ill. There his remaining years were passed, and there he died at a good old age.
In the family of six children, Charles Greb was the second-born. He acquired a good education in his native land, and made his own livelihood from the time lie was sixteen years of age. lle
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was twenty years old when he left his native land, and on his arrival in New York he went to work at the carpenter's trade, which he had mastered in Germany. He continued to reside in the Eastern metropolis for about three years, when he set his face Westward and arrived in Cass County, Ill., in 1876. Four years later he came to Christian County, where he has since made his home.
In the same year in which Mr. Greb settled in this county, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Brauer, who was born and grew to womanhood in Cass County. Her parents, how- ever, were natives of Germany, and became respected settlers of Cass County. The union of our subject and wife has been blessed with two bright children, John F. and Alice.
The beautiful and fertile farm of Mr. Greb consists of two hundred acres located on section 16. He also owns another good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on seetion 5, of Stoning- ton Township. In politics, he is identified with the Democratic party, and fraternally is associ- ated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Both himself and wife are members of the Luther- an Church, and rank high in the friendship and esteem of all who know them. The many broad acres now owned by our subject have been ac- quired in a very few years, but it is owing to the unusual energy, industry and business ability which are his native characteristics. In addition to the farm owned by him, his good wife, besides giving him great assistance and loving counsel, has brought him an inheritance of two hundred acres from her father's estate.
G EORGE R. VALENTINE, who is engaged in farming on section 20, of Taylorville Township, is one of the native sons of this county, where he was born June 4, 1860. He is a son of George W. and Mary M. (Clark) Valentine, early and respected settlers of this community. The father was born October 14, 1818, in what was
then the Territory of Illinois, near Greenville, Bond County, and has lived here ever since. IIIs father and mother were natives of South Carolina, who removed to Tennessee, where they were mar- ried, and later came to Illinois, in 1817.
George W. Valentine was married September 2, 1845, in Christian County, Ill., to Miss Mary M. Clark, who was born in 1825, in the same county, and of their union were born fourteen children, as follows: Cordelia S., born in December, 1846; Cyrena A., in 1848; Hannah F., in 1849, who is de- ceased; William E., born in 1851; James C., in 1853; L. L., in 1855; Emma L., in 1857; George R., in June 1860; Mary Bell, in 1861; Albert H. and Lizzie I. (twins), in 1863; Jennie P., in 1865, who is deceased; Martha H., born in 1867; and Eddie, U., in 1869.
The subject of this sketch received a practical training in carrying on a farm, and remained with his parents, assisting in operating the old home- stead, until he was twenty-four years old. Hle re- ceived a good common-school and business educa- tion, thus fitting him for the practical duties of life. In 1884 he located on his present farm, which com- prises one hundred and twenty acres, and has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which he has met with good success. Ile is con- sidered one of the enterprising and progressive young farmers of the township, and he uses mod- ern and practical methods in conducting his farm work.
On the Ist of May, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Valentine and Miss Lula Slater, daughter of Dr. and Sarah (Stockwell) Slater, who are well known in this community. Three children have been born to our subject and wife, Lyman G., Maria and Hiram. The father of Mrs. Valen- tine has been engaged in the practice of his pro- fession for many years in Taylorville.
Our subject is active in the ranks of the Repub- lican party and is greatly interested in its success. He and his estimable wife hold membership in the Methodist Church, and are active in the work of that denomination. Mr. Valentine is a man who is known to be just and honorable, and is entirely worthy of the high regard and confidence which is accorded him by his friends and neighbors.
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S ILAS W. CULP has been engaged in the drug business in Morrisonville since 1882, having resided here since 1876, and for the last six years has also been proprietor and publisher of the Morrisonville Times, a weekly independent newspaper, which has an extensive local circulation and is ably conducted. In 1889 Mr. Culp also engaged in the jewelry business, and is still carrying on the three distinct enter- prises.
Our subjeet is a son of Jacob W. and Eliza (Brancli) Culp, natives of Ohio. Ile is one of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. eight of whom are yet living, two having died in infancy, and Martha, the fourth in order of birth, and formerly the wife of Horace Kilton, of Tupper's Plains, Ohio, is also now deceased. The others in order of birth are as follows: Maria, wife of Lewis Worthen, of Arkansas; Silas W., who was born April 22, 1845, in Meigs County, Ohio; Phobe, wife of Henry , Runge, of Nokomis, Ill .; Mary, wife of John Anderson, a resident of Monticello; Caroline and Calvin, who reside in Nokomis; Douglas, of Sioux Falls, S. Dak .; and Lowis, of Nokomis.
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Our subject's paternal grandfather, Adam Culp, who was of German parentage, was a native of Pennsylvania, but removed to Ohio. where he fol- lowed farming. Hle lived to be sixty-three years of age, and reared a family of sixteen children. The maternal grandfather, Cyrus Branch, who was also a farmer, was born in Massachusetts, and at- tained a good old age in his Ohio home. Jacob W. Culp was for many years engaged in farming near Nokomis, Ill. Hle came to this State from Ohio in the fall of 1865, locating on the farm where he still resides near the town of Nokomis. His wife died in 1880, at the age of fifty-seven years. Both parents have been for many years members of the Christian Church.
Silas W. Culp, whose name heads this sketeh, was reared to manhood in Meigs County, Ohio, there receiving a good education. Hle pursued his higher studies in Blackburg University, at Carlinville, graduating from that institution of learning in 1873. For nine successive years he engaged in teaching school successfully, and after-
ward embarked in the drug business in Morrison- ville, coming here in 1876. As a business man he has met with good sueccss, and merits the ex- tensive patronage which he receives on account of his correct methods and honorable manner of con- ducting his affairs.
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