USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 46
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For a time Mr. Vidler served as Assistant Conn- ty Treasurer, serving for three years in that ca- pacity under William J. Jordan, of Pana, and for
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two years with A. G. Barnes, a banker of Taylor- ville. On the expiration of that period he re- turned to Pana, and opened an insurance office, which he conducted until earnestly solicited by the Directors of the First National Bank to become assistant Cashier and book-keeper of the concern. For two years he held that position, and in Jan- uary, 1891. he was made cashier. Ile is a wide- awake and energetie young business man, full of life and activity, and the bank finds in him a trustworthy and efficient employe.
E LIAS P. SANDERS, who is engaged in gen- eral merchandising in Pana, is one of her honored pioneers, and his name is insepar- ably connected with her history from the begin- ning of her existence. He well deserves represen- tation in this volume, and it is with pleasure that we present his life record to our readers. He was born in Montgomery County, Ill .. May 31. 1833, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Powell) San- ders, who were natives of Kentucky. His pater- nal grandfather, John Sanders, was born in North Carolina, and in an early day emigrated to Ken- tueky, becoming one of its pioneers. There he spent his remaining days, his death occurring at the advanced age of ninety. The maternal grand- father was also born in North Carolina, and re- moved to Kentucky when the Indians were far more numerous than the white settlers. Ile fol- lowed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, and died in Illinois while visiting relatives, at the age of one hundred years.
In 1826, John Sanders left the State of his na- tivity and settled in Montgomery County, Ill., when it was still inhabited by the redmen, and when buffalo and deer could still be seen on the prairie. He served as a soldier in the Black Hawk War. In 1861 he removed to Pana, where he passed away in 1864. at the age of sixty-six. Ilis wife survived him until September, 1892, and died in her eighty-ninth year. He was a member
of the Lutheran Church in early life, but after- ward both he and his wife became members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their family num- bered twelve children, eight sons and four daugh- ters: Alvin, Elza, John, Ervin, Elizabeth (wife of E. Whitten), Elias P., Jefferson, Robert, Jane (wife of James Brown), Rebecca ( wife of John Boss), Finley and Leuvina.
Mr. Sanders whose name heads this record was reared among the wild scenes of frontier life and was early inured to the ardnous labors of enltivat- ing and improving a farm. In 1853, when a young man of twenty years, he cast in his lot with the early settlers of Christian County, and has here sinee made his home, with the exception of three years when he was steward or supply agent for the army and navy, with headquarters at Mound City. Ile began his education in his na- tive county, and his primary privileges were sup- plemented by study in Shurtleff College, of Alton. During those early days Mr. Sanders graded for the railway, and was Superintendent of Construc- tion on the Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis Rail- road between Litchfield and Ilillsboro, in 1853. He engaged in selling goods to the pioneers in Mont- gomery County, and after his arrival in Pana car- ried on general merchandising for four years. IIe then established the Central Illinois Democrat, which he edited for a year. About that time he shipped a stock of dry goods to Memphis, Tenn., but the war broke out and he did not unload his goods, shipping them back to Mound City, where he carried on business during the war. Subse- quently, he bought a steamboat, and while run- ning on the river made his home in Pulaski County, Ill., having there purchased land of John A. McClernand, Gov. French and Gen. Rollins.
No male settler of Pana who resided here at the time of Mr. Sanders' arrival now survives. In fact, he was one of the earliest settlers and helped to bury the first man who died in this locality. Mr. Sanders built the first brick house in Pana, and dug the first cellar. He once owned the block on which the court house now stands, using it for a park, which he kept full of deer. Ile served as the first express agent of Pana, and had the first money safe in the place. From the beginning he
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has been prominently identified with all its growth and upbuilding, and its progress and prosperity are due in no small degree to his untiring efforts in its behalf.
Mr. Sanders was married April 23, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, daughter of James and Jane (Powell) Fletcher, natives of Kentucky. Six chil- dren were born unto them, four sons and two daughters, of whom Fletcher and Harry died in early childhood. Frank married Miss Maggie Loyd, by whom he has two children, Clyde and Bertha, and is now occupying the position of salesman with the firm of Barrett & Barrett, of Cincago. Rose, Will and Zella are the other mem- bers of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have been active workers in its interests. He was Class-leader and Steward for many years, and is now serving as Trustee. Socially, he belongs to Adair Lodge No. 334, I. O. O. F. In politics, he is a Democrat, and for four years filled the of- fice of Justice of the Peace. From a financial standpoint, his life has also been successful. Ile now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Shelby and Fayette Counties, and has a good home and other city property in Pana.
$ AMUEL F. WINTERS, one of the well- known citizens of Pana Township, resid- ing on section 20, where he owns and op- erates a good farm, has been a resident of the community for a quarter of a century, hav- ing located here in the year 1867. Since that time many changes have taken place in the coun- ty, and the work of development and progres- sion has been steadily carried forward. He always bears his part in everything tending to promote the best interests of the community, and is there- fore recognized as a valued citizen.
Mr. Winters was born in Seott County, Ill., near Winchester, September 27, 1811, and comes of ,
an old Virginian family. ITis grandfather, Rev. Nathan Winters, was a native of Virginia and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Ile became one of the pioneer settlers of what is now St. Clair County, Ill., coming to this State when it was yet a Territory. Ile entered land and began the de- velopment of a farm, but after a time removed to North Missouri, which was also then a Territory. There he again secured Government land and de- voted huis energies to agricultural pursuits. He was a preacher of the Baptist Church, and a very prominent man of his day. He took a great de- light in the chase, especially in fox-hunting. His death, the result of an injury on horseback, oc- curred when he was seventy-eight years of age.
Joshua C. Winters, father of our subject, was born in what is now St. Clair County, Ill., during the territorial days of the State, and after his mar- riage removed to Scott County, where he located on a farm. lle served as a Lieutenant in the Mexican War, and during the late war he became a member of the Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, of which he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. He first raised a company in Illinois, and then joined the Ninth Missouri Infantry, but was afterwards made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifty-Ninth Reg- unent of Illinois Volunteers, as above stated. Af- ter three years' service he resigned and returned to Greene County, IH., where he resumed farming. In 1883, he removed to Whitehall, where he is now living a retired life. Ile supports the Re- publican party and at one time took quite a prom. inent part in polities, holding many offices.
The Winters family numbers seven sons: Frank M., now of Whitehall, Ill .; Samuel F., of this sketch; G. L., an attorney of Trenton, Mo .; Solon, of Assumption; Josiah, Josephus and Byron, all of Whitehall.
The subject of this sketch was reared in Morgan and Scott Counties, and continued to give his fa- ther the benefit of his services until the war broke out, when, in 1861, he enlisted and was assigned to Company A, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, with which he remained for two and a-half years, par- tieipating in many important battles, among oth- ers that of Shiloh. Ile was then discharged at Bul- wer, Tenn., but re-enlisted the same year in Com-
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pany A. One Hundred and Thirty-third Infantry, as a private. lle continued with that command until mustered out in 1864. He was a faithful and valiant soldier. The country has cause to grate- fully remember her boys in blue who defended the Union and placed the United States of America in the foremost rank among the countries of the world.
Mr. Winters came to Christian County in 1864, and at once turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. March 25, 1867, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Laura F., daughter of Harrison and Martha (Kirgan) Day, and a native of Carrollton, Greene County, Ill., born April 1, 1849. They began their domestie life upon a farm in Pana Township, which has since been their residence, and their home has been blessed with the presence of four sons and one daughter: Byron N., Forest D. M., Jessie E., Sydney F. and Colonel Logan.
Mr. Winters carries on general farming, owning one hundred and eighty-one aeres of rich land, which is all under a high state of cultivation and in return for his care and labor yields to him a good income. In addition he also engages in auc- tioneering. Hle is a man of good business abil- ity and has met with success in his undertakings. In polities, he is a Republican and is now serving as Assistant Supervisor of Pana Township. So- cially, he is a member of Pope Post No. 411, G. A. R., of Pana, and is a member of the Pana Protective Association. A valiant defender of his country, a faithful citizen in times of peace, and a practical and progressive agriculturist, he well deserves representation in this volume.
HOMAS OLIVER RUSSELL, proprietor of the City Mills of Pana, with which he has been connected since 1879, is a native of the Pine Tree State, his birth having occurred in Somerset County, on the 22d of July, 1835. No event of special importance occurred during his youth, which was quietly passed upon his father's
farm. When a young man of twenty-two years, he left the State of his nativity, and in 1857 emi- grated Westward to Illinois, locating in Pulaski County, in the southern part of the State. Hle had been reared in a lumber region, and became familiar with the workings of a sawmill. After his arrival in this State, he secured employment in a sawmill, and to that work devoted his energies for two years.
On the expiration of that period, Mr. Russell re- turned to Maine and was married. On the 4th of January, 1860, he wedded Miss Adeline French, a friend of his youth, who has since been his faithful companion and helpmate, sharing with him the joys and sorrows of life, its adversity and prosper- ity. They had no children of their own, but have reared an adopted daughter, Lulu, who is now a young lady of twenty-one. She has lived with them since her third year.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell began their domestic life upon a farm in Somerset County, Me., and he con- tinued its cultivation with good success until 1869, when he again sought a home in the West, locating in Pana. During the succeeding ten years of his life he was engaged at work in a sash, door and blind factory. He then invested about 82,000 in the City Mills, and in 1879 became pro- prietor of the same as a partner of Adam Miller. The plant at that time was worth about $15,000. In 1886, Mr. Russell became sole proprietor. He has since remodeled and repaired the mill, fitting it out with complete roller-process machinery, and it now has a daily capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour. The favorite brands which he manufactures are Golden Sheaf, Favorite and Gold Band. He does a merchant and general exchange business, and is now enjoying a liberal patronage, which has constantly increased from the beginning. He also deals in all kinds of grain grown in this part of the State, as well as hay, and ships to the principal markets of the country. Mr. Russell has been very successful in his undertak- ings, and nearly all of his property has been ac- quired during his residence in Pana.
Our subjeet is a stalwart supporter of the Re- publican party, but has never been an office-seeker. although for five years he served as a member of
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the School Board. He takes considerable interest in civic societies, is a Royal Arch Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the Encampment, and has at- tended the Grand Lodge of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows. In manner Mr. Russell is cordial and pleasant, and has those sterling quali- ties of character which win confidence and respect for the possessor wherever he goes.
C ASSIUS B. TRACY, a photographer of Pana, and one of the well-known and representa- tive business men, was born in Illinois, his birth having occurred near Carthage, in Hancock County, on the 31st of August, 1856. He is the only son of Ehas and Damaris ( Lemon) Tracy, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of this State. The father was a lumber-dealer, carrying on business in Carthage and Augusta for some years. He died in Independence, Kan., about 1881, at the age of fifty. His wife survives him and is now living in Denver, Colo. Like her husband, she is a member of the Christian Church. Besides our subject they had two daughters, Min- tie, and Candace, wife of Col. A. M. York, ex-Sen- ator of Kansas, now living in La Porte, Tex.
The Tracy family is of Scotch origin and was founded in America at an early day. The grand- father of our subject, George Tracy, was a native of Virginia. By occupation he was a farmer, and also a Close-Commumon Baptist preacher. Hle died in Illinois at the age of fifty years. The ma- ternal grandfather, Hardin Lemon, was a native of Kentucky and was born of Irish parentage. IIe, too, followed agricultural pursuits as a means of livelihood. Ile reached the allotted age of three- score years and ten.
The subject of this sketch resided in the county of lis nativity until sixteen years of age and there acquired the greater part of his education. His boyhood days were spent midst play and work, but when a youth of sixteen he began learning
photography, which he has since followed, making it his life labor. Ile is a young, wide-awake and ambitious man, and his business career will no doubt prove one of success. On the 6th of sep- tember, 1882, Mr. Tracy was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Davis, daughter of Duane T. and Frances A. (Dudley) Davis, who are natives of Pennsylvania but now reside in Pana. The nnion of this young couple has been blessed by two children, a son and daughter, Ralph D. and Ione T.
Socially, Mr. Tracy is connected with Pana Lodge No. 226, A. F. & A. M., and is a member of Litha Lodge No. 159, K. P. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He has some good property in the city, including his own resi- dence. The Tracy household is the abode of hos- pitality, its doors being ever open for the recep- tion of the many friends of our subject and his wife, who are widely and favorably known in this community and rank high in social circles. Mr. Tracy is now well established in business and has a well-appointed and equipped gallery, where he does all kinds of first-class work in his line.
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ILLIAM ARMSTRONG is one of the large land-owners and wealthy farmers of Mos- quito Township, and makes his home on section 30. [lis father, William Armstrong, Sr., was one of the early settlers of the county, and was born in Orange County, N. C., May 1, 1806. His great-great-grandfather was born in Ireland and settled in North Carolina in Colomal days. The great-grandfather was born in 1736, and served in the Continental army during the whole of the Revolutionary War. Ile took part in several bat- tles, being twice taken prisoner by the British. Ilis son James was also born in North Carolina. and wedded Mary Allen, who was of English de- scent.
The father of our subject removed with his parents to Tennessee in 1812, where on arriving
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at man's estate he wedded Martha Oldham, a na- tive of Virginia. Mr. Armstrong first visited Illi- nois in 1836, and entered land in Logan County. Returning the next year, he brought his family to this State and continued to live until 1865 in San- gamon County. At that time he located in Chris- tian County, where he is still engaged in farming. Ilis first wife died in Tennessee, and in June, 1837, he married Statira Fickland, a native of Montgomery County, Ky. Mr. Armstrong has had ten children. of whom six are now living. John A. is a resident of Blue Mound, III .; James T. lives in Missouri; Aun M. is the wife of Mr. Hous- ley, of Mosquito Township; William is our subjeet; George W. died in 1868 and lies buried in Grove City Cemetery; Daniel C. is a farmer of this town- ship; Emma C., who died in 1872, was buried in Grove City Cemetery; Edwin A. died in infancy; and Leander, who was in the service during the late war, died in 1866, from disease contracted in the service. John A. and James T. were also in the army, the latter in the Seventy-third Illinois In- fantry, and the former in the Third Illinois Cav- alry. The father was for four years Associate Judge of the County Court in Sangamon County. Since 1824, he has been a member of the Method- ist Church. Though born in a slave-holding com- munity, he was always opposed to the system, and for that reason removed to a free State. Ile was a stanch Union man during the war, was for- merly a Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its supporters.
The subject of this sketch started out to earn his own livelihood in 1868, and chose as his help- mate Miss Ann Rebecca Housley, their marriage being celebrated November 7, 1868. The lady was born in Ohio, and is of German descent. Six children have been born to this worthy eouple, George W., Lewis C .. Robert, Winona E., Harry S. and Jessie, who are all at home and have been educated in this county. Robert has also further pursued his studies for two years in Burkville College.
The farm now carried on by Mr. Armstrong comprises four hundred and forty-five acres of land. Ile was given a start in life by his father, but has added many acres to the property origin-
ally given him. He has a pleasant and commodi- ous residence and has made many substantial ad- ditions to his farm. Since becoming a voter, Mr. Armstrong has been identified with the Repub- lican party, and though he takes an active part in polities is not an office-seeker. Socially, he is connected with the Masonie order, and his estima- ble wife is a member of the Christian Church. They enjoy the friendship and high regard of the entire community in which they live, and this is well deserved, for they are good neighbors and friendly and hospitable to one and all.
MOS A. RIIODES, who is now living a re- tired life on his farm on section 17, Pana Township, was born in Shelby County, Ill., May 23, 1841. Ile traces his ances- try back to one of the Revolutionary heroes, his great-grandfather, Hezekiah Rhodes, having been a soldier in the War for Independence. The fam- ily is of Scotch-Irish descent. The grandfather, Jesse Rhodes, was a native of North Carolina, and a farmer by occupation. In 1830 he came to Shelby County, Ill., and was one of the Commis- sioners appointed by the Governor to select a site for the county seat of Macon County, and was one of the three that located the same where De- catur now stands. In politics, he was a Democrat and was honored with a number of public offices.
James M. Rhodes, father of our subject, was born and reared in Wilson County, Tenn. The mother bore the maiden name of Permetty Wakefield. She was born October 13, 1824. in Shelby County, Ill., and is the oldest native citizen of Shelby County now hving, and now resides with her son Amos at Pana. Iler father, Andrew Wakefield, was born in Georgia, and became a pioneer of Shelby County. About 1820, locating on what became known as the Wakefield settlement, he entered land from the Government, and was thus one of the first perma- nent settlers. Indians were still numerous in the
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neighborhood. and everything was in its primitive condition. His death occurred at the age of forty- eight years. His mother's father and mother, Charles and Anna Wakefield, were born on the same ship while their respective parents were crossing the Atlantic to America.
The parents of our subject were married in Shelby County in 1840. The father was one of the pioneer teachers of that locality and was an extensive farmer. His death occurred in Shelby County at the age of forty-three. In the family there were but two sons, Amos and Jesse. The latter was born in 1844, and died in the service of his country in 1864, from disease contracted in the army. He was a member of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois Infantry. Amos was reared in his native county, and the first school which he attended convened in a log cabin, his father being the teacher. During the time of the late war he was a student in Quincy Col- lege, and would have graduated in 1863, had not the Government appropriated the building for a hospital. In 1864 Mr. Rhodes embarked in the grocery business in Pana, under the firm name of Eichelberger & Rhodes, which he carried on for five years, and then engaged in the real-estate business. In 1873 he was elected County Treas- urer and ex-officio County Collector on the Demo- cratie ticket, and held that office for six years, having been re-elected at the two succeeding elec- tions. When his term had expired, in the year 1879, he retired to his farm two miles south of Pana, having resolved to live a private life, but later held the office of Township Super- visor for three terms, and in the year 1884 was again called to the county seat, being elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, which position he ac- eeptably filled for four years. Declining to be nominated again, he returned to his present farm of eighty aeres, lying just west of Pana, where he has since lived retired.
Mr. Rhodes was married January 2, 1865, to Miss Dora, daughter of Ignatz Jageman, of Madi- son County. She was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and when she was six years of age the family settled in Trenton, N. J. Her father was a prominent man, being Burgomaster of Furth, his
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native city. Four children were born unto our subjeet and Ins wife: Edward J., who is Deputy Circuit Clerk of Christian County and resides in Taylorville; Charles A., Deputy County Clerk, and also living in Taylorville; and two sons who died in infancy. Mr. Rhodes is a member of Pana Lodge No. 226, A. F. & A. M., and of Orient Chap- ter, O. E. S.
Mr. Rhodes has been called upon to mourn the loss of his life companion, she being called hence on the 6th of May, 1892, as the result of a lingering illness. She was a lady of education and refine- ment, and had good advantages in both German and English, having finished her education in Trenton, N. J. A lady of wide acquaintance, her place in the community will be difficult to fill. Mr. Rhodes was elected in the year 1868 the first City Clerk of Pana, and held that oflice for three successive terms. In the various otliees in which he has been called upon to serve, he has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidel- ity that have won him high commendation. lle is true to every public and private trust. and naught is said against him in the community where he has so long made his home.
RS. MELINDA JACOBS is one of the pio- neers of Illinois, her father having settled in Sangamon County at a very early day. For over forty years she has been a resi- dent of Christian County, and is now passing her deelining years at her pleasant home, which is sit- uated on section 26, Prairieton Township. Her birth occurred August 9, 1837. in Sangamon County. Her father, David Hayes. was born in Union County, S. C. When he was a child of four years he went with his father, William Hayes, to Indiana, where he grew to manhood. After his marriage he removed to Illinois and, as previously mentioned, took up his abode in Sangamon County, this being in 1830. After his first wife's death, he married Mrs. Nancy (Hall) Taylor, a widow,
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who was born in Pittsylvania County, Va. When a young girl of fourteen years she emigrated to Indiana, where she married William Taylor.
David Hayes engaged in farming in Sangamon County until 1849, when he removed to this county and here spent the remainder of his life, dying in July. 1886. honored and respected by all. Ilis wife is still living, residing on the old home- stead with her daughter. and has attained the ripe old age of ninety-three years.
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