USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 42
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the thoughts of our best writers has not only made him an intelligent man, but an entertaining and interesting conversationalist as well. ยท
E M. ALVERSON, M. D., the popular and only physician of Stonington, has been suc- cessfully engaged in practice at this point for a period of about fourteen years. lle numbers a great many friends and patrons in this commu- nity who hold him in high esteem. Ile is a na- tive of Schuyler County, Mo., where his birth oc- curred August 27, 1851. He is the eldest child of L. M. and Margaret (Gates) Alverson. Of their family of five sons and three daughters. only four still survive. M. D. is engaged in farming near Armstrong, Mo .: P. Il. is also a farmer of Mis- souri; and Mary became the wife of William Ros- well, an agriculturist of Missouri.
The father of the Doctor, L. M. Alverson, was born in Madison County, Ky., and was taken by his parents when quite young to Howard County, Mo., where he grew up on his father's farm. He remained at home until he was of age, being given a common-school education. After his marriage he removed to Schuyler County, Mo., where he engaged in farming for a few years, later returning to lloward County, where he still resides. He is greatly interested in politics, using his influence in support of the Democratic party. His ancestors were from Scotland, while those of his wife were natives of England. She was also a native of Kentucky, and is still living.
The early years of Dr. Alverson were passed on his father's farm in Missouri, where he attended the common schools until nineteen years of age. Ile then engaged in teaching in the district schools for two years, after which he for a year pursued higher studies in the State Normal School at Kirksville, Mo. After teaching for three years longer in order to obtain sufficient means to pur- sue the study of medicine, the Doctor entered the
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Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, from which institution he was graduated in 1879. Hle at once located in Stonington, and has continued in prac- tice up to the present time, and as he is the only physician in the town, has the field all to himself.
On the 4th of October, 1881, Dr. Aiverson wed- ded Miss Amelia Weiser, of Stonington. They have had four daughters, namely: Grace, Eva, Maud and Verna. The mother is a member of the German Reformed Church, and is a lady who is universally beloved.
Like his father before him, the Doctor supports the Democratic party, and is an active worker in the ranks. For a number of years he has been a member of the Democratie Central Committee, representing Stonington Township. For two terms he served as Supervisor of the township, and has been City Clerk for about live years. He is inter- ested in educational matters, as he has always been from early years, and has acted as School Director. Fraternally, he is associated with the Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 695, of Stonington. Hle is examining physician, and a member of Camp No. 334, M. W. A., of the same place. Ile is a Notary Public, and also writes up fire insurance. During his residence here the Doctor has made many friends, and is very popular. He is a self- made man, having acquired his medical education and success in professional life by earnest en- deavor and perseverance.
OHN N. NELMS. M. D., who has been en- gaged in the practice of medicine in Tay- lorville since August, 1889, was born in Grimes County, Tex., October 6, 1856, and at the age of four years went to Illinois with his parents, the family settling in Christian County. ITis father, James D. Nelms, is a carpenter, and for many years has followed that trade, and is now residing in Edinburgh, lle is a native of Kentucky, and first came to Christian County in 1830 with his father, Thomas Nelms, who for some time fol-
lowed farming near Mt. Zion, Ill., and was killed by a tree falling upon him. In 1852 James Nelms went to Texas, where he remained until 1860. As before stated, he and his wife are now living in Edinburgh. She bore the maiden name of Sallie L. Neely, and is a native of Tennessee.
The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until eighteen years of age. Since that time he has earned his own livelihood, and what- ever success he has achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts. Ile acquired his education in the district schools, and by private study. In 1878 he began teaching school, and followed that profession in Christian and Macon Counties for ten years, being employed at Blue Mound, Palmer, Owaneco, Stonington, and in the district schools. For one year he read law, and while engaged in teaching began the study of medicine with the firm of Toby & Harvey, of Blue Mound. In the terms of 1888 and 1889 he was a student in the medical department of the University of Wooster, at Cleveland, Ohio, and was graduated from that institution on the 24th of July of the latter year, with the degree of M. D.
On the 8th of April, 1880, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Yockey, who was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., and is a daugh- ter of John and Lydia (Banghman) Yockey, of Stonington Township. They have a daughter, Luella Pearl, now a' maiden of ten summers; they also lost one child, Minnie Irene, who died at the age of fourteen months.
Immediately following his graduation, Dr. Nelms located in Taylorville, where he has since engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. Although quite young in his chosen work, he has already gained a reputation which many an older prac- titioner might well envy. Several very difficult cases have come under his care, and have been successfully treated. Ile is a member and Sec- retary of the Central Illinois District Medical So- ciety, having held that position since April, 1893, and is also a member of the State Medical Society. He takes an active and prominent part in these organizations, and has been a frequent contributor to medical journals, especially to the Cleveland Medical Gazette. Socially, he belongs to Mystic
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Lodge No. 64, K. P., has been Keeper of the Rec- ords and Seals and is now Vice-Chancellor. In polities, he is a supporter of the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in its success and growth. The Doctor is a pleasant, genial gentle- man, very popular, and has a host of friends throughout the community.
B ENJAMIN FRANKLIN CARPER is one of the most prominent and enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Christian County. He resides on section 23, Rose- mond Township, where he owns two hundred and thirty-four acres of valuable land. In return for the care and labor he bestows upon it, it yields to him a golden tribute, for much of it is highly cultivated. Ile makes a specialty of the breeding of fine Jersey cattle, horses and sheep. Upon his farm may be found seven head of Jersey cows, one hundred and forty head of Shropshire sheep, and eight fine Percheron horses. No man has done more to advance the grade of stock in this community than our subject, and no finer speci- mens of stock can be shown in Illinois than may be found on his place.
Mr. Carper was born in Upshur County, W. Va., January 7, 1849. His paternal grandfather, Abram Carper, a native of Pennsylvania, was of German descent, and was a hatter by trade. Daniel Car- per, the father, was born in West Virginia, and became an extensive farmer. He married Sarah J. Squires, a native of the same State, and a daugh- ter of Asa Squires, an agriculturist, who was born in Maryland.
Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of five sons and one daughter who graced the union of his parents. His early education was acquired in the district school, and he after- ward attended Morgantown University. Ile en- gaged in merchandising in Buckhannon, W. Va., winch was his first business venture. After two
years he sold out, and in 1869 he came to Chris- tian County, locating in Rosemond Township. where he purchased a farm. In February, 1871, he married Amelia Ilutton, who died leaving a daughter, Amelia, who is now with her grand- mother in West Virginia. For his second wife Mr. Carper chose Clarissa Childs, who died leav- ing two children, Daniel and Clara. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Carper was Catherine B. Cowgill, daughter of Alfred and Sarah Cowgill.
In 1884. Mr. Carper went to Rockford, Mich., where for three years he engaged in the manu- facture of paper. He then returned to his pres- ent home and has since extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, meeting with good success in his undertakings. In politics, he is a supporter of Democratic principles, and socially belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America of Rosemond. He also belongs to the Congrega- tional Church. His home, a commodious and beautiful two-story frame dwelling, is the best residence in Rosemond. Mr. Carper has made his way in life unaided by financial assistance, and from a humble position has worked his way up- ward to one of wealth and affluence. Ilis busi- ness career has been a profitable and prosperous one. and for his success he certainly deserves much credit. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the com- munity and its upbuilding.
G EORGE HUTCHINSON, a well-known mer- chant and the efficient Mayor of Assump- tion, is numbered among the leading and influential citizens of this place. and well deserves representation in the history of his adopted county. It is with pleasure that we add his sketch to those of other men of prominence in this community. Mr. Ilutchinson is a native of Canada. lle was born in Phillipsburg, Province of Quebec, Canada,
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in 1844, and is a son of William Hutchinson, who is supposed to have been killed in the Rocky Mountains while on his way to California, in 1849.
Our subject eame to the United States when a lad of twelve years, and was reared on a farm in Vermont, being early inured to hard labor. In early life he attended the common schools, and his education was completed in the High School of New St. Albans, Vt. Ile then worked as a farm hand in the Green Mountain State until, when a young man of twenty-five, he came Westward to Illinois, in 1869, and took up his residence in Assumption, then a small village of about four hundred inhabitants. For some years he was em- ployed as a salesman, but in 1876 embarked in business for himself as a dealer in groceries and restaurant-keeper. His store he has sinee car- ried on, and it is now well stocked with every- thing found in a first-class establishment of the kind. On account of his straightforward and honorable dealings, his courteous treatment and his desire to please his customers, he has built up a good trade.
In 1870, Mr. Hutchinson was united in marriage with Miss Siloma llall, a native of Ohio, who came to Illinois in early girlhood and was reared and educated in Christian County. By their union have been born six children: William R., who is married and resides in Assumption; John F., Mary, Lulu, Myrtle and Florence Belinda. The family is widely known throughout the commun- ity, and its members rank high in social circles.
Mr. Hutchinson has voted with the Democratie party since attaming his majority, and is a warm advocate of its principles, He takes quite an active part in politics and bas held a number of local positions of honor and trust. Ile was first elected City Marshal, and served in that office for five consceutive years. Hle has also been Col- leetor and Constable, and is now serving his third term in the office of Mayor of Assumption. In whatever position he has been elected he has proved a eapable and efficient officer, prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties. By many elections his fellow-townsmen have manifested their trust in him, and it has never been betrayed.
Mr. Hutchinson is a member of the Odd Fellows' society and is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Pana Chapter No. 115, R. A. M., of Pana. HIe has represented the Blue Lodge in the Grand Lodge. Ilis wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He started out in life empty-handed, but though he had no capital he was ambitious and energetie and determined to win success. A wish to succeed and well-directed efforts are all that are necessary to gain success, and as Mr. IIntehinson possessed these he has worked his way upward to a position of affluence. Ile and his estimable wife well deserve the high regard in which they are held throughout the community, and it is with pleasure that we present to our readers this record of their lives.
NDREW T. MICHAELS, who holds the position of freight agent on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad at Pana, claims Mary- land as the State of his nativity. He was born in Frederick County, May 28, 1841, and is a son of Samuel A. and Sarah A. (Jenkins) Michaels, who were also natives of the same State. The paternal grandfather also bore the name of An- drew Michaels. lle was born in Maryland, and was of German parentage. Throughout his life he followed agricultural pursuits, and died on his farm in his native State at the age of seventy- seven. The maternal grandfather, Theodore Jen- kins, was of Irish lineage, and he too was a Mary- land farmer.
Samuel Michaels, however, followed other pur- suits. He served as freight and ticket agent for the Illinois Central Railroad for many years, and was then on the Indianapolis & St. Louis Railroad, now the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis, at St. Mary's, Ind., where he died in the year 1891, at the age of seventy-one. Ilis wife passed away in 1887, at the age of sixty-eight. Both were members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Michaels served as Constable in Virginia, and was
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Justice of the Peace in St. Mary's. Of their five sons and eight daughters, ten are now living: Our subject, and Aloysius S., Mary, Anna, Regina, Daniel T., Joseph P., Cecelia (wife of Charles Hagen, of St. Mary's, Ind.), Margaret and William A. The eldest brother is a wealthy farmer of Assumption. Daniel T. is ex-Sheriff of Christian County and resides in Taylorville, where he owns considerable real estate and is engaged in the manufacture of pressed brick. Joseph P. is an engineer on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad and resides in Pana. William A. is a general mer- chant of St. Mary's, Ind. Three sisters, Mary, Regina and Margaret, are Sisters of Providence in St. Mary's Institute, of St. Mary's Ind.
Our subject spent the first fifteen years of his life in the three States of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In 1856, he removed to Stephen- son County, Ill., with his parents, and worked on a section of the Illinois Central Railroad for a short time. In June, 1859, he was appointed freight and ticket agent at Eleroy, on the Illinois Central, which position he filled about sixteen months, when he came to Christian County, and joined his parents in Assumption, whither they had removed a few months previous. There he did the work in the freight and ticket office, while his father, who was the regularly appointed agent, attended to his landed interests.
Mr Michaels was married November 23, 1863, to Mrs. Adelaide A. Williams, daughter of II. B. and Olive (Little) Ilighee, of New York, who were then residents of Michigan. Four children have been born of this union, two sons and two dangh- ters, namely: Sarah Frankie; Emma Leota, wife of George W. Corman, who is now clerking in Be- ment, Ill .; Andrew Lee and Freddie E. The father of this family was reared in the Catholic faith, and his wife holds membership with the Presbyterian Church. Socially, he is connected with Mound Lodge No. 222, A. F. & A. M., of Taylorville, and in politics he is a Democrat.
From Assumption Mr. Michaels removed to Taylorville, and was freight and ticket agent for the Springfield & Illinois Southeastern Railroad Company, now the Ohio & Mississippi, where he remained until 1877. In that year he came to
Pana and took charge of the freight office for the same road. This position he has filled continu- ously since, a high testimonial in favor of his faithfulness, fidelity and prompt discharge of duty.
AMES RILEY ANDERSON is connected with one of Taylorville's leading industries, being a partner in the Anderson Brothers Brick and Tile Factory, and manager of the south yard. Ile has carried on business along this line for fifteen years, or since 1878, when, in connection with his brothers, he began operations on a small scale. The products of their factory meeting the popular idea of what such articles should be, they have succeeded in building up what is now a very large trade. They own two extensive yards, furnish employment to many hands, and are now at the head of one of the most prominent business interests of Christian County.
The subject of this sketch was born in Greene County, Ind., March 26, 1856. His grandfather, William Anderson, was a native of Kentucky, and from there emigrated to the Hoosier State, where his son, William Anderson, the father of our sub- ject, was born and reared. Having arrived at years of maturity, he married Miss Nancy Turner, a native of Indiana, as was also her father. Six children were born of this union, all sons: Cyrus; William T., now deceased; Arch; Samuel: James R .; and Charles T., also deceased. When a young man the father of this family engaged in elerking, and also acted as steamboat pilot on White River. It was in 1858 that he came to Illinois, and located twelve miles south of Pana with his wife and six children. Ilis death occurred shortly afterward, but his wife still survives him. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which Mr. Anderson also belonged.
James R. Anderson, whose name heads this record, was a babe of only two years when his pa- rents came to Illinois. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in this county. When a
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lad of ten summers, he came with his mother and the family to Taylorville, where he hassince made his home. His education was acquired in its pub- lie schools, and his history has been identified with that of the community.
The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. An- derson was in her maidenhood Miss Mary A. Brown, daughter of J. W. and Rebecca (Cather- wood) Brown. The marriage ceremony was per- formed on the 21st of March, 1883, and their un- ion has been blessed with a family of five children, four of whom are yet living: Ralph, Bessie, Roscoe and Essie. Eva, the third child, died at the age of four years.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are num- bered among the most highly respected citizens of this community. In polities, he is a supporter of Republican principles. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-two aeres, south of Tay- lorville, which yields to him a good ineome, be- sides his own residenee in the city, and the one in which his mother resides. The Anderson Broth- ers are among the most prominent business men of the community, and may truly be ealled self- made men, for their father died when they were quite young, and they started out in life empty- handed, so that the success that has crowned their efforts is but the result of their own achievements.
OIIN M. COLEMAN, deceased, was born on the 31st of January, 1816, in Virginia, where the first fifteen years of his life were passed. On the expiration of that period his home was changed to the West, where he lived for many years. Ile first made a location in Indiana, and became a prominent and influential citizen of the community in which he resided. Ile served as Sheriff of Owen County and filled other official po- sitions with eredit to himself and to the satisfac- tion of his constituents. While living in the
Iloosier State, he was twice married, and became the father of two children. His daughter, Mrs. Samuel Clark, is now living near AAssumption, in Christian County.
In 1867, Mr. Coleman left his home in Indiana and came to Illinois. From that year until 1874, he made his home in South Fork Township, Chris- tian County. On the 1Ith of September, 1867, in Decatur, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Lydia J. Vandeveer widow of Charles Vandeveer, who was a cousin of II. M. Vandeveer. His parents were George and Jennie (Spears) Vandeveer. Charles was born March 1. 1816, in Orange County, Ind., and on the same day the birth of his cousin, the Judge, occurred. He came to Christian County with his parents in 1829, be- ing at that time about fourteen years of age. The family settled in South Fork Township, where the father spent the remainder of his life. HIis children were Charles, Henry, Aaron and Joel, but all are now deceased.
Charles Vandeveer and Lydia J. Hill were mar- ried December 12, 1852. Ile followed farming for some time, and then removed to Pana, where he died April 1. 1865. After his death, Mrs. Van- deveer returned to the farm. Her parents, John and Elizabeth (Reed) Hill, located in Sangamon County in 1836, and the following year removed to what is now Christian County, settling in Bear Creek Township, near Palmer. Her parents died at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Coleman, the father passing away September 25, 1863, while his wife died on the 5th of February of the same year. Mrs. Coleman was the seventh in order of birth in their family of ten children, but she has only two brothers now living: John Tilford. of Bear Creek Township; and William, a resident of Sangamon County.
For a number of years after his marriage, Mr. Coleman followed farming, but during the last years of his life he lived retired. He was a public- spirited and progressive citizen and manifested a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he made his home. Those who knew him esteemed him highly for his many exeellencies of character and sterling worth. He passed away Angust 14, 1889,
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and his loss was mourned by many friends. Mrs. Coleman now makes her home in Taylorville, and her niece Mattie, daughter of Newton D. Ilill, is now living with her. She is a member of the Christian Church, a most estimable lady, and a worthy representative of one of the honored pio- neer families of Christian County.
AMES L. HUFMAN, who carries on gen- eral farming and stock-raising on section 28, Pana Township, claims Missouri as the State of his nativity. Ile was born in the city of St. Louis, May 2, 1825. His father, Sam- uel Ilufman, was a native of Jefferson County. Va., and in 1820 emigrated Westward to St. Louis. HIe married Matilda Jones, who was also born in the Old Dominion. Removing to New Orleans, he there spent his last days, and his wife died in St. Clair County, Ill., at the age of sixty-five. Their family numbered only two children, and the younger son died in early childhood.
The subject of this sketch, who is the only sur- vivor of the family, spent the first twelve years of his life in his native city, and then accompanied his mother on her removal to St. Clair County. Ill. They located on a farm of raw prairie land. twenty-fonr miles from Belleville, where our sub- jeet worked by the month for $8. Saving his money, he was at length enabled to purchase some wild land for himself, and began farming in his own interest. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the place, but his la- bors soon transformed the undeveloped,tract into rich and fertile fields. For eighteen years he lived upon that place and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits. Selling out in 1866, he then came to Christian County, and purchased the farm on which he now resides. It was also unimproved, and the arduous toil of developing a new farm he underwent again. There were no buildings, and he erected a small house, 14x18 feet, into which he at once moved. To this he has since added, until
he now has a fine two-story frame residence, val- ued at $3,000. In 1885, he erected a large barn, 108x68 feet, at a cost of 81,500. This is covered with an iron roof. The farm is six hundred acres in extent, and is a valuable and desirable tract. Mr. Hlufman now rents the greater part of it while he lives retired. His wife also owns eighty acres in Pana Township.
Our subject was married January 22, 1850, to Catherine Beedle, who was born in St. Clair County, Ill. They became the parents of nine children, but only five are now living: Angeline, wife of James Woodsides, of Pana; Esther, Emma, Joseph and Alonzo, who are still at home. Those who have passed away are James, Matilda, Nancy and George.
Mr. Hufman exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He is truly a self-made man. All the education he acquired was obtained through his own efforts, he earning the money with which he paid his tuition. He got his start in life by working as a farm hand at $8 per month. From that humble beginning he has risen to a position among Christian County's most substantial citizens, and of his success he may justly be proud. The key of his success is work. Hle has labored with untiring zeal, and his indus- try, perseverance and determination have brought him a handsome competence.
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