USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 49
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Christian County recognizes in Mr. McBride one of its leading and influential citizens, and every one speaks well of him. It is such men as he that make the dignity of the law and are an honor
to the profession. Ile takes a great interest in his clients, and spares neither time nor labor in working for those by whom his services are cn- gaged. He has been connected with some of the most important cases of the county, including the famous Emma Bond case, in which he was associ- ated with Judge MeCaskill and Judge Thornton, of Shelbyville, Ill. This trial lasted four weeks and excited great interest all over the country. Mr. McBride has an excellent law library, and his familiarity with the contents of these works has made him a most excellent and successful practitioner. Hle is a most enterprising citizen, and is connected with various interests. Ile is President of and owns nearly a-fourth interest in the mines of the Taylorville Coal Company, in which enterprise he has taken an active and lead- ing interest from its inception. He is also a stock- holder in the First National Bank and one of its Directors. Ile owns three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. Mr. MeBride takes quite an active part in politics and campaign work, but has never sought official preferment for himself. He is a member of the Board of Education of the High School, being associated with Messis. Pro- vine, Vanderveer, Jayne and Adams. This board planned and erected at a cost of over $30,000 the High School Building, which adds greatly to the beauty of Taylorville and to its literary influence.
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UTTON WOOD, a retired lumber dealer of Pana, has been prominent in business cireles, and is recognized as one of the valued citizens of the community in which he makes his home. Ile was born in Ban- gor, Me., on the 17th of January, 1821, and is a son of Ilenry and Mary (Radicker) Wood, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New Brunswick. Our subject comes from one of the old families of the Bay State. His paternal grandfather was a native of Concord, Mass., and spent his entire life in his native State. He reared
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a family of fourteen children. The father of our subject was a painter by trade, and followed that business for many years. Removing to Bangor, he there spent the remainder of his life, and was called to his final rest at the age of fifty. llis wife. who survived him five years, passed away at the age of forty-five. They had a family of six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom four are vet living, as follows: Calista, wife of Gilbert Emerson, of Bangor, Me .; Dutton, of this sketch; Peleg, of Pasadena, Cal .; and Henry, of Van Buren County, Ark.
We now take up the personal history of the gen- tleman whose name heads this sketch, knowing that it will prove of interest to many of our read- ers, for he is widely and favorably known in this locality. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in the Pine Tree State. IJis parents died when he was quite young, and after his mothi- er's death he left Bangor and went into the coun- try. When he became a man he began operating a sawmill, and in some way or other has been con- nected with the lumber business since that time. IlIs education was acquired in the common dis- trict schools, and through experience and observa- tion he has become a well-informed man.
On the 1st of October, 1850, Mr. Wood was un- ited in marriage to Miss Rosanna, daughter of Timothy and Laura (Twitchell) Adams, of Mas-a- chusetts. Seven children graced the union, but Ellen. Osborn, Clarence D. and Othello are now de- ceased. Flora A. is the widow of Charles Dawdy. by whom she had two children. Eugene and Lora. Charles married Miss Nellie Kennedy, and with their two children, Lottie and Dutton, they reside in Vera. III. Eva completes the family.
In 1855, Mr. Wood came from Massachusetts to Illinois, and located twenty miles north of Cairo, where he carried on a sawmill. After a residence of ten years he came to Christian County, where he has since made his home. He now owns two hundred and seventy acres of land in Fayette County, Ill., besides his comfortable home in Pana, and his sawmill on his farm. In politics. he is a supporter of Republican men and measures. His business career has been one of prosperity. By careful attention to all the details of his business. [ service of another master. In that year Mr.
by industry, enterprise and upright dealing. he has met with a high degree of success as the re- sult of his labors. For twenty-seven years he has lived in Pana, and during all this time as been found in the front ranks in support of every en- terprise calculated to benefit the community and promote the general welfare. It is with pleasure that we present this record of his life to our read- ers.
OIIN HEDGES resides on section 32. Pana Township. Among the prominent and rep- resentative farmers of this county our sub- ject certainly deserves mention. He is not only a leading agriculturist, but is also an honored veteran of the late war, who in her hour of peril gave to his country his services, faithfully de- fending the Old Flag and the cause which it rep- resented. Mr. Iledges was born in Berkshire, Eng- Ind. December 13, 1841, aud is a son of James and Ann (Stratten ) Hedges, who were also natives of Berkshire. In 1857 they came with their fam- ily to the New World, and located near Griggs- ville. in Pike County, Ill., where they made their home until 1869. coming from there to Christian County. Here the father died in his eightieth year, and his wife passed away in her eighty- fourth year. Their family numbered six children, who grew to maturity.
Our subject, who was the third in order of birth, was a youth of fifteen when he crossed the broad ocean with his parents and came to Illinois. IIe began his education in the schools in Eng- land, and completed it by study in his own room after the hours for out-door work were over. IIe began work as a farm hand at $12 per month, and gave his wages to his parents to help them buy the little farm in Pike County which was their home for a number of years. Ile remained with them there for seven years-faithful and true to the interests of his employer, as his long service well shows. In 1862, however. he entered the
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Iledges became a member of Company H, Seventy- third Illinois Infantry. Ile enlisted as a private, but was made Sergeant, and after three years was honorably discharged. in 1865. He participated in all the battles of his regiment. including the engagements at Stone River, Chattanooga, Mis- sionary Ridge and Knoxville. During all his service he never received a wound. Ile was struck on the knee by a spent ball, a bullet passed through his clothing, and one struck his gun, but never penetrated his flesh. He participated in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign under Sher- man, and when the war was over was honorably discharged in Nashville, in June, 1865.
Mr. Hedges at once returned to Pike County, 111., and resumed farming. He was married Feb- ruary 18, 1869, to Miss Ilattie A. Dean, who was born in Pike County February 9, 1846, and is a daughter of Henry E. and Mary A. (Coughenour) Dean. In their family of nine children she was second in order of birth. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Iledges has been blessed with a family of four sons and three daughters, as follows: Charles A., who is married and resides in Pana Township; Alice, John A., Mary E., Arthur J., Alvin R. and Mabel A.
Mr. Hedges' residence in this county dates from 1869. On his arrival he located upon the farm which is yet his home, and at once began its devel- opment. It now comprises one hundred and thir- ty-three aeres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. His first home, a small frame house, has been replaced by a two-story resi- dence of eight rooms, built in a modern style of architecture. There are good barns and outbuild- ings, surrounded by well-tilled fields, which yield to the owner a golden tribute in return for his care and labor.
Mr. Hedges has led a busy and useful life, yet has found time to devote to public interests. In politics, he is a Republican. He served as Path- master, School Trustee and School Director for many years. He holds membership with Pana Post No. 744, G. A. R., and belongs to Pana Lodge of the Modern Woodmen. The Methodist Epis- copal Church of Millersville finds in him an ac- tive worker and leading member, and he is now
serving as Steward and Trustec. With the work of that organization he has been prominently iden- tified, and his aid is always given to all objects calculated to prove of public benefit.
D AVID LACHARITE, a merchant of As- sumption, has been a resident of this place for three decades, and is too well known to the business men of this and adjoining counties to require a special introduction. He is numbered among the most esteemed citizens and public-spirited men of this region, and is well worthy of representation among the pioneers and foremost business men of Christian County.
The birth of Mr. Lacharite occurred near Mont- real, Canada, November 12, 1839. He spent his youth and grew to man's estate in his native land, and at that time had meagre educational advan- tages. Since arriving at mature years his educa- tion has been mainly acquired. While still a lad, he commenced learning the carpenter's and join- er's trade, and it was in the pursuit of that voca- tion that he first crossed the border to the United States. For some time he worked in Minnesota, from there going to Louisiana, where he remained until 1863. At that time he came to Illinois and joined some friends in Assumption. After loca- ting here he engaged in contracting and building for a number of years with good success. In 1868, he entered into partnership with A. Cazalet and embarked in the general mercantile business. Af- ter continuing together for about ten years, our subject purchased his partner's interest and sue- eceded to the whole business, which he carried on for several years by himself, but now has asso- eiated with him Joseph Lambert. The firm carries a large, well-selected and complete stock of gen- eral merchandise, and has built up a very large trade in this locality. They have established a reputation for fair dealing and honorable treat- ment of customers which is truly enviable. The
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building in which is located their stock is large, well construeted and finely lighted. This proper- ty and his residence belong to our subject. It is said that while doing a business of $50,000 annual- ly, he would countermand a $15 order if he con- sidered it not to his advantage, yet his biographer feels inclined to question the truth of this state- ment, as Mr. Lacharite is considered one of the foremost business men of Assumption.
February 14, 1865, Mr. Lacharite and Miss Ella Lambert, were married in Assumption. The lady is a daughter of Benjamin Lambert, one of the pioneers of Christian County. Like her husband. Mrs. Lacharite is a native of Canada. and was a child of only five years when brought by her par- ents to this county. Seven children have graced this union, namely: Mary, Clara, Arthur A., Henry, Ella, Ilerman C. and Leah. Arthur A., an enterprising business man, has entire charge of the books of his father's business. The family are members of St. Marie's Catholic Church.
In local polities our subject has taken quite an active part, and has been elected to several official positions. Among others he has served as Super- visor of the township, and has been a member of the County Board. For ten years he was a Coun- ty Commissioner, and to that fact is due in a large measure the excellent roads of this loeahty. Ile supports the nominees of the Democratic party, and is quite an active worker in the ranks. For a period of ten years he was a School Trustee, and has done much to advance the cause of education. In whatever position he has been called upon to fill, he has been ever found a faithful and efficient officer.
ILLIAM GUDENUS, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Pana Township, owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres on section 31. He also has two hundred acres of land in Shelby County, and twenty aeres of timber-land in Mont-
gomery County, his possessions therefore aggregat- ing four hundred aeres. All has been acquired through his own industrious efforts, and is there- fore a monument to his thrift and enterprise.
Mr. Gudehus was born in Brunswick, Germany, September 19, 1819, and is a son of Henry and Augusta (Lehman) Gudehus, who were also na- tives of the same locality. His father was a team- ster, and engaged in freighting with teams. llis death occurred in his eighty-third year. and his wife passed away at the age of fifty-eight years. Unto them were born seven children, five sons and two daughters, and all grew to mature years.
Our subject, who was the third in order of birth, remamed in the place of his nativity until twenty- six years of age. When a youth of fifteen years he commenced learning the shoe-maker's trade, at which he served as an apprentice until eighteen years of age. When he had arrived at man's es- tate, in accordance with the laws of his native land, he entered the army and served as a private for five years. Immediately after his discharge. he bade adien to friends and Fatherland and sailed for the New World. Thus was in 1845. and he located first in Philadelphia. Pa., where he re- mained for four years working at the shoemaker's trade.
During that time. Mr. Gudehus was married, Miss Hannah Butt becoming his wife in 1847. She was born and spent her maidenhood days in Ger- many. In 1819, they removed to Louisville, Ky .. where our subject carried on the shoe business for ten years. Ile was also proprietor of a hotel in Elizabethtown. Ky., during that period. While in Louisville, his wife died, in 1858. Five chil- dren were born of that marriage, of whom four are still living: William, Henry, Charlie and Jo- hanna. In Louisville, Mr. Gudehus was again married, May 8, 1859, his second union being with Miss Victoria Zix, who was born in Baden, Germany. They became the parents of eleven children: Augustus, now deceased; Victoria: Min- nie, wife of Frank Beyers; Theodore, who mar- ried Dora Shutt; Frank, who wedded Maggie Rel- ligar; Matilda, wife of Ed Bevers: Emma, wife of Frederick Shuchs; Edward, Martha, Katie and Oscar. Four of the children are still at home.
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During the war, Mr. Gudehus lost everything that he had at Elizabethtown. Ky., and in Feb- ruary, 1863. he came to Christian County a poor man with eight children to support. He located upon his present farm, which was then an unim- proved place with a log cabin upon it. He began its cultivation with characteristic energy, and in course of time his labors were rewarded with abundant harvests. In the years that followed he regained his lost possessions, and is now very com- fortably situated. having a handsome competence. Ilaving laid aside business cares, he now rents his iand and is living retired in the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. In polities, he is a supporter of the Democracy. Although he has met with some reverses since coming to America, it was not an unfortunate venture when he left his native land to seek a home in the New World.
C IIRISTOPHER C. HOLLIER is one of the honored early pioneers of Christian Coun- ty, and is a native of the Prairie State, having been born February 13, 1825, in Belleville, 111. Ilis farin, which he is engaged in operating, is situated on section 14, Mosquito Township. It is within his recollection when this county was a wild prairie, having very few settlements upon it, and when he arrived here there were only five families within a radius of twelve miles. The country abounded with wolves, deer and other wild game, and our subject has seen as many as sixty deer in one herd. Decatur was only a small town, having one store, and the early settlers had to do their trading at Springfield. Our subject has resided here longer than any man in the town- ship, and has the acquaintance and friendship of many people in this and adjoining counties.
Christopher C. Hollier, Sr., the father of our subject, was born in England, and on his arrival in America settled in southern Illinois. He was a tinner by trade and peddled, and when our subject was a small child the father left home on a ped-
dling trip, and they have not since heard from him. His wife, whose maiden name was Clara Osborn, was born in Dayton County, Ohio, and came to Illinois with her uncle when young. She married for her second husband Asa Reed, of Rock Island, and removed to Sangamon County in 1830. Three years later the family settled at the head of Mos- quito Creek, in Macon County, where they contin- ned to reside for a score of years. In 1853, they purchased land in Mosquito Township, where Mr. Reed died only two years later. By the second union were born ten children, who are all deceased but Clara, who is the wife of Al Mckinney, a resi- dent of Taylorville. The mother died at the home of our subjeet, at the age of fifty-five years. One of her sons, Edmond R., was killed at the battle of Ft. Donelson.
Mr. Hollier whose name heads this sketch was only a small child when his parents located in Ma- con County, their home being just across the line from his present place of residence and only two miles distant. When eighteen years of age he left home and went to Sangamon County, where he worked for farmers for a time, but still continued to return to the old home from time to time. lle enlisted in Company D, Fourth Illinois Infantry, under the command of E. D. Baker, during the Mexican War, and was in the service for one year.
On his return to Sangamon County, Mr. Hollier worked on a farm until December 10, 1849, at which time was celebrated his union with Miss Nancy MeKiney, of that county. Coming to Christian County soon after, our subject purchased forty acres of raw land, for which he paid 83 per acre. Ile had previously entered one hundred and sixty aeres of land in Macon County, in 1848, on an old Mexican land warrant. Ilis property now comprises two hundred and sixty-one aeres, which represent his own unassisted efforts and years of honest industry.
Twelve children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ilollier, four sons and eight daughters, but six of the children died in infancy. Samuel is a resident of Bozeman, Mont .; Mary is the wife of Jacob Bliler, a prosperous farmer of Montana; Edmund is also a resident of Bozeman; Alice be- came the wife of Eli Bliler, a farmer of Mosquito
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Township; Ida is the wife of William Cormony, who farms a part of the old homestead; and Luey is Mrs. James Harris, her husband being engaged in farming in the same township.
In his social relations, Mr. Hollier belongs to the Masonic order, and is a member of Lodge No. 682, of Blue Mound, Ill. For a number of years he has been one of the School Directors, and has served as Town Clerk for two years. Ile stands by the Republican party and nominees in general elections. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, and are active in religious and benevolent work.
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P HILIP B. KEMMERER, who is now living a retired life in Assumption, is one of the honored early settlers of the county, who dates his residence here from April, 1857. Ile is recognized as one of the enterprising and substantial men of the community and this work would be incomplete without a record of his life. A native of Ohio, he was born in Fairfield County January 16, 1826. His father, Joseph Kemmerer, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1796, while the grandfather, Philip Kemmerer, was also a na- tive of the Keystone State. John Kemmerer, the great-grandfather, was a native of Scotland, and was one of the Huguenots who came to America with William Penn. Philip Kemmerer served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. In 1801 he removed with his family to Ohio, locating in the forests of Fairfield County, near Lancaster, where he cleared and opened up a farm.
The father of our subjeet was there reared to manhood and married Siloma Bowser, a native of Switzerland, who came to the New World when a child of two years with her father, John Jacob Bowser, a pioneer of Fairfield County of 1812. After his marriage Mr. Kemmerer located upon a part of his father's farm, which he purchased, and began its development and improvement, for it was then wild land. There he reared his family and
spent his remaining days, dying at the age of fifty- four years, on the Ist of September, 1817. The family numbered six sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. The eldest brother, Emanuel, however, died in 1845, when a young man studying for the ministry. The sur- vivors of the family are Philip B., of this sketch; John, who is now living in Assumption; Mrs. John Harper, of Shelby County, III .; and Mrs. P. L. Myers, of Assumption.
The subject of this sketch, who was the fourth in order of birth, grew to manhood in Fairfield County, Ohio, and in the common schools acquired his education. At the age of eighteen he began teaching, and while following that profession also pursued a course of study. Ile taught in Ohio for eleven years and in Illinois for two years. In 1855 he came to Christian County and purchased two hundred acres of land, which he still owns, but he did not make a permanent location until 1857. At that time he settled on land in Assump- tion Township, and devoted his time and atten- tion to its cultivation. He continued agricultural pursuits until 1870, when he rented his land and came to Assumption. He had made all necessary improvements upon his place, had erected a good residence and outbuildings, and in fact had made his place one of the model farms of the county.
On the 13th of January, 1876, our subjeet mar- ried Miss Sarah A. Kemmerer, a daughter of Mar- tin and Sarah Kemmerer, of Allentown, Pa., where the wedding was celebrated. The lady was born m Upper Milford Township, Lehigh County, Pa., and was there educated. Mr. and Mrs. Kemmerer have always made their home in this community.
In politics, our subject has been a Democrat since casting his first Presidential vote for Frank- lin Pieree in 1852. Ile has taken quite an active part in local polities, was elected the first Assessor of Assumption in 1872, was re-elected and served for four consecutive years. Ile was then elected Justice of the Peace and is now serving his second term as Police Magistrate. He has frequently served as delegate to the conventions of his party. Since coming to Assumption he has lived a retired life, yet has improved fourteen residence proper- ties in the village. Ile now owns about one thou-
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sand aeres of land, two hundred and sixty-three acres in one farm in Clay County, and seven hun- dred and thirty-two aeres in Assumption Town- ship. divided into four well-improved and highly- cultivated farms. Ile is one of the industrions and successful business men of the county. Ilim- self and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to Brownwell Lodge No. 451, A. F. & A. M. His public duties have been discharged with a promptness and fidelity that have won him the commendation of all concerned. For thirty-six long years he has been a resident of Christian County and has witnessed its growth and development. Ile is well known throughout its borders and is a man of upright character and worth, who in connection with his estimable wife holds an enviable position in the regard of their many friends.
C HARLES II. HILL. who is Justice of the Peace and Notary Public of Rosemond. is a native of the old Granite State. lle was born in Northwood. N. II., July 10, 1826, and is a descendant of one of three brothers who emi- grated from England to America in 1680 and es- tablished the llill family in the Colonies. One of the brothers, Samuel, held a grant from King George III. for the entire site of the city of Bos- ton.
From a genealogical history of the llill family, compiled and published by Edmund J. Lane, of Dover. N. Il., we learn that the Hill name runs back to John Rogers, the martyr. Benjamin Ilill, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born at Brentwood, N. Il. He married Betsey Dudley, of Stratham, N. Il., and reared a family of eight children. On the 18th of March, 1752, Benjamin Ilill removed with his family from Brentwood to Northwood, N. Il., taking up the land which has ever since been occupied by the Hill family. Its present occupant is Frank R.
Hill, a lineal descendant of Benjamin, and of the fifth generation from him.
Benjamin Hill was drafted for the Revolution- ary War, and his son, Nicholas Dudley, not wish- ing him to go alone, also enlisted. The father died at Ticonderoga, and the son returned to his home. then being his mother's chief dependence. Nicholas Dudley Hill was born at Brentwood, N. Il., and was the eldest of his father's family. Ile married Mary Crockett, and they also had eight children, of whom John, the father of our subject, was second in order of birth. The latter was born in Northwood, March 21, 1785, and was a farmer by occupation. He married Susan Pearl, who was born in Farmington, N. H .. March 31, 1785, and was a daughter of Ichabod Pearl, who was a native of the Granite State, and was of Eng- lish lineage. llis wife, our subject's maternal grandmother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Young, was a native of the same community and her ancestors came from the same family. The Pearl family are lineal descendants of the Earl of Northumberland, who was the father of Lady Jane Grey, who made claim to the throne of Eng- land. The parents of our subject both engaged in school teaching. During the War of 1812. Mr. Ilill abandoned that profession and removed to Middleton, N. Il., where he opened a store and tavern. They became the parents of eight chil- dren, four sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Mary E. dicd June 17, 1886; John C. died in 1843; Caroline G. died January 23, 1886; Susan L. died in St. Louis, Mo., March 1, 1879; Sophroma E. died in Cam- bridge. Mass., November 5, 1857; David C., who wasa member of the senior class of Dartmouth Col- lege, N. 11., died August 24, 1849; and George W. resides in Providence, R. I.
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