The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 89

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 89

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J. S. Wiley

J. W. Ritter

W. L. Foster.

1869

94 J. Kennedy.

W. P. Brooke

George Little

J. E. Walden.

1870

108 W. P. Brooke.

W. R. Smith

Isaac Bunn

W. L. Foster.

1871

115 James Gillan

M. S. Morris.

J. O. Mundell

J. H. Richie.

1872

76 James Gillan

M. S. Morris

J. O. Mundell

J. H. Richie.

1873

90 Jacob Richie ..

M. S. Morris.

Isaac Bunn.

M. Brooke.

1874

93 James Kennedy

M. S. Morris

J. O. Mundell.

William Penell.

1875

85 J. Kennedy

M. S. Morris.

G. W. Keller.

J. M. Wilson.

1876

97 James Gillan ..

M. S. Morris.

G. W. Keller.

William Gillan.

1877

84 James Gillan.

M. S. Morris.

G. W. Keller.

William Gillan.

1878

77 James Gillau

M. S. Morris

G. W. Keller

William Gillan.

Those who have served as Justices of the Peace are B. W. Smith, J. R. Williams, R. Horney, W. H. Anderson, N. Hawk, James Gillan, C. W. Spawr, D. Bierbower and S. T. Ridgeley. The following have been Commissioners of Highways: R. R. Williams, S. W. Wiley, H. C. Langstaff, C. Batterton, H. G. Anderson, A. S. Hudson, J. Lyons, L. Warner, J. Carter, J. Bunn, J. R. Williams, J. Twogood, William Wil- son, S. Dean, Joseph Nye, William Hurt, T. Wilson, W. H. Anderson, L. J. Willhoite.

759

HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

Milton S. Morris, Treasurer of the School Trustees, reports, in 1877, the following : Number of school districts, 7 ; number of schoolhouses, 6; number of children under twenty- one years, 419; number between six and twenty-one years, 276; number of children enrolled, 256 ; amount of school fund, $3,478; amount paid teachers, $1,786.66 ; total expense of every kind, $3,354. Like many other townships, Martin "fooled" away the school section, which, with proper care, would have made a fund large enough to support all the schools in the town.

CHURCHES.

There are three churches in Martin, each being on the edge of the town, so that it accommodates others than the inhabitants of this township. The " Antioch " Church, as its name would naturally indicate, belongs to the Christian denomination. Early in the settlement of the country, Elders W. G. Anderson, M. H. Knight, and other devoted men, began to assemble the people together on the Lord's Day and on other occasions, for religious meditation and instruction. A Sabbath school soon fol- lowed, and the audiences outgrowing the accommodations, it was determined to build a house for worship. A suitable piece of land was procured in Section 1, and a ceme- tery was laid out, and in 1873, the present Antioch Church was built, 30x45, a plain four-wall structure, costing $1,400. These brethren were greatly assisted in their build- ing enterprise by S. W. Wiley, John Hinshaw and others. Dr. Green, of Potosi, together with Messrs. Anderson and Knight, have conducted regular religious services in the church.

The " Martin Valley " Christian Church was built in 1873, in the middle of Rit- ter's meadow, in the southeastern part of town. It is about 40x54, a plain building, without spire or decoration, and cost about $1,500. At the time it was built, it was understood that a road would be laid out on the section line running by it, but difficul- ties arose in regard to it, and it now seems likely that it will cost almost as much to make a road to it as the house originally cost. It is proposed to move it to Arrowsmith, and as most of those who now attend will be as near there as where it now stands, it will prob- ably go. The gentlemen who were largely instrumental in the building, were John Nickerson, Joseph Goddard, William Hurt, Mr. Lopeman, Elias Buzic and Capt. Kennedy.

The " Martin Valley " United Brethren Church was built in 1869, at a cost of about $1,500. The building committee was James Gillan and Jacob Richie.

The township contains many excellent farms, some of the best of which have been already mentioned.

James Gillan, who for several years has represented the town on the County Board of Supervisors, came here from Tremont, Tazewell County, in 1865, and bought, and commenced improving, what is now a fine farm in Section 23. He is of Irish birth, and a man of excellent judgment, and is held in great respect. At that time land was selling at from $7 to $10 per acre.

Isaac Bunn, originally from Pennsylvania, esteemed by all one of the best farmers, came here in 1864. He farms three-quarters of a section in Sections 18 and 19. He has excellent land, good buildings, and is comfortably fixed. He formerly fed cattle largely, but that line of farming has become much depressed since the opening of the great cattle-fields of Colorado and the West.

John Ritter was here, on Section 34, as early as 1864, and James Hagler on Section 29 at the same date. They have both good farms and high rolling land. These men

760

HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

came at a time when they had their pick of thousands of acres of as good land as the sun ever shone on.

Jacob H. Richie, on Section 35, and Mr. Springer, on Section 36, have nice farms, and both are among the best farmers in town.

William Wilson has half of Section 16, which is also a well-managed farm. John Nickerson owns a large farm in Section 28, with fair buildings, extensive orchards and comfortable appointments. J. M. Sells has a fine farm of 480 acres, with comfortable buildings and improvements.

J. E. Walden was born in McLean County. Early went into the army, where he served until 1865. On coming home, he bought eighty acres of land in Section 27, where he still resides. His brother, Solomon K. Walden, lives on the large Henline property, which has recently been purchased by Gen. Gridley. The two sections belonging to the Henlines had never been plowed until 1878, when the north one was put into corn, and the south one will be this year. The Martin tract will also be planted this year for the first time. Renters on these new lands give two-fifths, and the chances are a premium at that.

There is noticeable throughout an appearance of thrift and healthy improvement. There are no very rich men to cause jealous emulation ; no very poor to call for pity or pauper bills. A friendly Christian spirit seems to pervade. No neighborhood quarrels, and no expensive litigation have estranged friends or broken in upon the general good feeling.

There is no post office in Martin, the people generally going to Arrowsmith or Say- brook on the south for trade and for postal facilities. They do not greatly desire rail- roads, either. They seem remarkably contented, peaceful, successful and happy. What more can any neighborhood want ?

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

OF PATRONS.

BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP.

W. H. H. ADAMS, President Wesleyan University, Bloomington ; was born in Effingham Co., Ill., March 30, 1840, and is the son of Christopher B. and Sarah (Ganaway) Adams, who were early settlers of Illinois ; Dr. Adams' father was a farmer; the Doctor was engaged in farming from the time he was able to hold the hoe or handle the plow in the summer months, and in the winter attended the district schools. In 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, 111th I. V. I .; he carried the musket the first nine months in the service; he was then clected 1st Lieutenant ; he organized the first company of Contrabands for service ; he was Captain of Com- pany A Battery, doing service on the road from Columbus, Ky., to Mobile, Ala .; July 4, 1865, he resigned and returned to Illinois, and in, 1865, entered the Preparatory School at Evanston, Ill. ; here he graduated ; he then entered the Theological Seminary ; in 1870. he joined the Illinois Conference, at Shelbyville, and was stationed at different places in Illinois. In 1875, he became President of the Weslyan University.

E. J. ADAMS, grocer, Bloomington ; was born in Tioga Co., Penn .. April 3, 1844, where he was raised and educated. He came to Illinois in 1865, engaging with the St. Louis & Jackson- ville Railroad Company, and, through meritorious condnet, was soon put in charge of a passenger-train, and continued as Conductor until 1874 ; he then began in mercantile business as traveling salesman for McMillen & Compton ; thence with Roush & Humphreys, wholesale grocers ; here he learned the business, and opened on his own account in 1878; his place of business is at 112 North Main street ; here he keeps a fine store, with a well-assorted stock of goods. He married Miss Susan C., daughter of Joseph Caswell, of Jacksonville, III., Dec. 20, 1872 ; they have three children.

AGLE & SONS, leather and findings; Bloomington. The representative firm in leather and findings is that of Agle & Sons, 205 S. Center street. At Gowanda, N. Y., they have a large leather manufacturing establishment. Their store here is stocked with their own mann- facture of goods. Those who are judges do not hesitate to pronounce their goods the best in the market. Their business here is conducted by Mr. George Agle, one of the junior members of the firm ; he is a native of Erie Co., N. Y. ; was born in 1845, and began learning the trade of a tanner with Charles Seigle, of Ilamburg, N. Y. ; he came West in 1861, and engaged in the hide and leather trade in this city, remaining here for five and a half years, and then returning to New York, where he was engaged in business for about six years ; then again returned to Bloom- ington, and engaged in the hide and wool trade with Mr. J. Clark, this partnership lasting for two and a half years, when Mr. Agle again engaged in business alone, at his present location, where he has since remained ; understanding the manufacture of leather and being thoroughly posted in all the details of his business, he has met with very gratifying success, and has con- ducted his business so that the firm of Agle & Sons is well and favorably known to our business men and to the people.

C. S. ALDRICH, grocer, Bloomington ; firm of Aldrich & Bro., wholesale and retail grocers. One of the leading stores of this class is that owned and conducted by Aldrich & Bro., located at 109 East Front street. They are careful and reliable business men, whose aim is to secure that patronage which shall result from the merits of their goods and fair dealing. They have exhib- ited an enterprise worthy of commendation, in always being among the first to secure seasonable articles, and always aim to keep only the best grades. C. S. Aldrich is a native of New York, and son of Lucius and Mary A. (Thorp) Aldrich ; he was born Nov. 18, 1833. During his early life he obtained a good education, and for a number of years followed teaching; in 1860, he removed to Montgomery, Ala., and there engaged in teaching; and at the beginning of the late war, he returned to his home and organized a company and entered the army as Ist Lieutenant of the 85th N. Y. V. I., and from meritorious service was raised to the office of Major ; he partici- pated in many of the most severe engagements of the war ; he lay prisoner several months at

762

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

Macon, Savannah and Columbia, S. C., where he made a very hazardous escape, and was some thirty days in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains before reaching the Union army ; he was mustered out in December, 1864, and returned to Canandaigua, N. Y., and entered the Can- andaigua Academy as teacher. In 1865, he embarked in the dry goods business, continuing until 1868, when he came to Bloomington and began the grocery business, and has risen to his present standing through industry and integrity. lle married Miss Uphemia Van Buskirk, of his native State, Oct. 13, 1869; they have four children, three of whom are still living.

L. ALLIN, dentist, Bloomington. There is probably not a single one of the old settlers of McLean Co., and particularly those who first settled where the city of Bloomington now stands, that will be, or should be, remembered as long and with such feelings of respect and honor as the father of Lee Allin. It was he that began the building of the city in good earnest by laying off forty acres of his farm in town lots. This being the first beginning of a town and is now the heart of the city, and being fully described elsewhere we will not repeat it. His son, Lee Allin, who is now and has been during his life a resident of the city, was born Nov. 27, 1828; during his early life, he had but little chance of getting an education, the schools being such as are usually found in a new country. For a time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits ; but this not just to his liking, he gave it up, and, in 1854, began the study of dentistry. After having learned the business, he opened an office for himself, and has since been engaged in the business ; his specialty is fine plate-work, and it is generally conceded that his work is not surpassed by any dentist in the city : he has a pleasant suite of rooms located at 116 South Main street, where he is found regularly during business hours. Sept. 7, 1852, he married Miss McFarland, of Jack- sonville, Ill.

J. W. ANDERSON, machinist, Bloomington ; was born in Butler Co., Ohio, May 5, 1842, and was raised and schooled in Preble Co., where he learned blacksmithing, in which occupation he continued until the beginning of the late war, when he enlisted in the 20th Ohio for three months' service; he then returned and took up his trade until 1863, when he re-enlisted with the 120th Ind. V. I., and served as flag-bearer for twenty-six months ; he came to Bloomington in 1868, where he has since lived; his place of business is 305 West Washington street ; here he runs a fine little machine-shop, and is prepared to manufacture buggies, spring and platform wagons, and all kinds of jobbing : being a competent workman and a thorough business man, he has an excellent trade. He married Miss Sallie A. Ledwell, of Butler Co., Ohio, June 8, 1861 ; they have a family of three-William T., Leonard E. and Mabel.

JOSEPH ATOR, County Sheriff, Bloomington: was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 9, 1830; son of William and Isabel (Dodds) Ator: he was left to battle with the world without parental advice and care, being raised by an uncle and receiving but a limited education ; at the age of 15, he began the trade of a printer, but soon abandoned it for that of a cooper, in which business lie continued several years; then, for a time, he traveled extensively through the Southwest ; he finally returned to his native county, and. Feb. 15, 1856, was married to Miss Margaret Waltz, of Montgomery Co .; they came to McLean Co., Ill., in 1857, locating in Towanda, where he fol- lowed his trade for a time. During the late war, he enlisted with the 1451h I. V. I., serving to the expiration of his enlisted term : he located in Bloomington in 1871, and opened in the coop- ering business, which he continued until 1872, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and served some four years ; his election to the office occurred in November, 1878.

JOHN HOWARD BURNHAM, Bloomington ; was born at Essex, Mass., on the north side of Cape Ann, Oct. 31, 1834 : his parents were of the old Puritan stock ; his father, John Burn- ham, was a descendant of John Burnham, who came to this country in 1634, and the original farm descended from father to son for six generations ; his mother was a Perkins, and a Choate on her mother's side ; she is a first cousin to Rufus Choate, the famous lawyer; Mr. Burnham emigrated to Illinois in the fall of 1855, living for two years at Barrington, Cook Co .; while there, he taught school two winters ; in the spring of 1858, he came to Bloomington, where he attended the Normal School ; here he graduated July 4, 1861 : Aug. 20, 1861, he entered the army as 1st Lieutenant of the Normal Students Co. A, in the 33d Regiment I. V. I .; he was in the battle of Fredericktown, Mo., Oct. 25. 1861 ; at the fight at Cotton Plant, or " Cache River," Ark., July 7, 1862, and in several skirmishes; he was promoted Captain, Sept. 5, 1862: in 1864, he was Superintendent of the Bloomington City Schools, and in July, 1864, became editor of the Panta- graph, remaining nearly three years in this position. Jan. 23, 1866, he married Miss Almira S. Ives, daughter of A. B. Ives, of Bloomington; in 1867, he became general contracting agent for an iron highway bridge company, which position he now fills.

JOSEPH BACON. planing-mill, Bloomington. MIr. Joseph Bacon is another of the enter- prising business men of Bloomington. He is a native of the State of New York, though most of his life has been spent in the West. For twelve years, he was engaged in boating on the Mississippi River. He was engaged from 1849 until 1858 in working at the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he had learned in Indiana. In 1858, he engaged in the planing-mill business, which he has since followed. His mill is located on East Douglas street ; his business now being mostly custom-work. In 1876, he was unfortunate enough to lose his left hand by having it mangled in a saw. In 1878, he put in one run of stone for grinding corn and mixed feed, and has since been doing some business in this line.

E. Ebner

LE ROY THE OLDEST MALE SETTLER OF BLOOMINGTON NOW LIVING

765

BLOOMINGTON TOWNSHIP.

WILLIAM F. BAIRD, loan agent, Bloomington. Among the better class of loan agents stands the firm of Baird & Tuttle. Mr. Baird was born in Ohio; in 1853, he came to McLean C'o. Jlere he has been engaged in stock-raising, and owns 1,000 acres of fine improved land near Shirley. Mr. Baird, while in Ohio, was Conductor on the Little Miami Railroad.

S. D. BAKER, grocer, Bloomington. Ilis parents were Dr. Isaac and Susannah M. (Dodge) Baker. who were pioneers of McLean Co. They came to what is now McLean County in 1827, settling first at llurley's Grove, and after a few months removed to Funk's Grove, where they remained two years ; thence to Blooming Grove; and when the land came into market his father entered 160 acres. During his early life he had learned surveying, and, in 1831, with the assistance of James Allen and W. Orendorff, he laid out the original town of Bloomington. At the meeting of the first Board of Commissioners of McLean Co., Mr. Baker was chosen Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, which position he held fifteen years. Ile served as Post- master for a number of years. He was a much respected citizen, and always took an active part in all public matters pertaining to the good of the community in which he lived. He died in April, 1873, at the ripe age of 90 years. The subject of this sketch was born in Washington Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1820. Among those who have lived in McLean Co. many years, and watched its growth and helped to bring it to its present condition, are the Bakers. S. D. Baker was for many years in mercantile business in Le Roy. In 1874. he removed to Topeka, Kan., on account of the health of his family; he remained two years, after which he settled in Bloomington, at 115 S. Center st., which was the site occupied by his father in 1832, and the location of the post office as early as 1834. Here he keeps a fine grocery store, with a good assortment of the best grade of goods. He is a liberal, wide-awake citizen and business man, and enjoys a good paying trade, and the confidence of a large number of warm friends. He married Miss Laura A. Edwards, of this county, March 14, 1848. They have two children living-Frank W. and Eva.

FRANCIS BALL, wagon-maker, Bloomington ; was born in Franklin Co., Mass., Dec. 13, 1831 ; he was brought to Tazewell Co., III., in 1836, where he was raised, schooled, and learned the trade of wagon-making. lle came to Bloomington, Ill., in 1859, where he has since lived, a respected citizen, and enjoys the reputation of being a first-class workman. He began business on his own account in 1874. His residence, No. 405 E. Olive street, is a pleasant home, and a happy family surrounds him. He married Miss Mary Judge, of Tazewell Co., July 2, 1854; they have two children-David and Harrie W.

A. J. BARNES, butcher, Bloomington ; son of James and Mary (Roberts) Barnes ; was born in Madison Co., Ky., Oct. 5, 1830, where he was raised and schooled ; he followed agricultural pursuits and stock-dealing for many years. Oct. 12, 1851, he married Miss Rachel A., daughter of 'Turner Barnes, a prominent farmer of Madison Co., Ky .; they came to MeLean Co., Ill., in 1854, settling in Bloomington Township, where he has since lived, # well-to-do citizen, having taken an active part in matters pertaining to the good of the community. In 1877, he began the butcher business, and is located on W. Washington street, where he keeps all kinds of fresh and salt meats, and, with the assistance of his sons, is doing a fine business. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have raised a family of eight children.

C. C. BARROWS, pawnbroker and dealer in jewelry, Bloomington, of the firm of C. C. Bar- rows & Co. ; was born in Geneseo Co., Mich., in 1849, and is the son of J. and Eliza (Ray) Barrows ; his father was a farmer, and engaged in real estate business. Mr. Barrows was at one time city editor of one of the leading papers of Peoria, IN. In 1875, he came to Bloomington and commenced the pawnbroker's and jewelry business ; he ranks among the best jewelry houses of the city, and is the only one in the general pawnbroker's business.

HENRY BEHR, grocer, Bloomington : was born in Prussia Oct. 5, 1851, and came to this country with his people in 1866, locating in Utica, N. Y. ; here he found employment as drug clerk, and, at the end of two years, being well versed in medicine, he became prescription clerk, and acted in this capacity until 1870, when he came to Bloomington ; here he was for a time a grocery clerk, and, after some three years, he engaged in the same business in company with Mr. Penner, the firm being Penner & Behr; in 1876, he became the sole proprietor; he is located at No. 1009 W. Chestnut street, where he keeps a good stock.

A. II. BELL & BRO., photographers, Bloomington ; the above-named parties are one of the leading firms in photography in Bloomington ; they began business, in 1877, as Mays & Bell ; in 1878, it was changed to A. H. Bell & Bro., consisting of A. H. and S. E. Bell; these gentlemen do good work, and their prices are as reasonable as any in the city, for the style of work ; they have a most finely-furnished studio; and their father was one of the early settlers of Bloom- ington.

REUBEN M. BENJAMIN, County Judge ; Bloomington ; is a native of Columbia Co., N. Y .; was born June 29, 1833, and is of English extraction ; he was brought up on a farm, attending the district school in the winters, until he was about 14 years old ; he prepared for college at Kinderhook Academy, and graduated at Amherst College, Mass., in 1853; for the ensuing year he was Principal of Hopkins Academy, of Hadley, Mass .; he next attended the lectures of Parker, Parsons & Washburn, at the Law Institute in Harvard University, two terms, and then, in

766

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

1855-56, was tutor in Amherst College. He came to Bloomington in the spring of 1856, and was admitted to the practice of law, upon the examination and certificate of Abraham Lincoln, Sept. 5, 1856, and, later in the fall, he entered into partnership with Messrs. Gridley & Wickizer, remaining with them until the former retired from practice, and the latter entered the army ; in the spring of 1863, he formed a partnership with Hon. Thomas F. Tipton. In November, 1869, Mr. Benjamin was elected a Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of this State, and was appointed a member of the Committee on the Bill of Rights, Municipal Corporations, State Insti- tutions and Public Buildings ; he took an active part in the preparation and discussion of some of the most important articles of the Constitution of 1870; he was of counsel for the people in the now historical cases of the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company vs. The People ex. rel. Gusta- vus Koerner et al., Commissioners (67 Ill. 12), and Munn et al. vs. The People of the State of Illinois (69 Ill. 80), in which the power of the State to control railroad and warehouses was finally established; he was elected County Judge of McLean County in 1873, and re-elected in 1877; during his career as Judge of the County Court, he has won the admiration of the bar and of the people, by the promptness and accuracy with which he dispatches business. It is a satisfac- tion to the people that they have an able jurist at the head of this tribunal, and one who is thoroughly competent to administer its affairs with honor to himself and the county. Mr. Ben- jamin was instrumental in establishing the Bloomington Law School (which is elsewhere spoken of in this work ), in April, 1874, and was honored with the Deanship, in which capacity he still officiates. He was married to Miss Laura E., daughter of David G. Woodin, Esq., of Columbia Co., N. Y , Sept. 15, 1856.

H. R. BENSON, Bloomington ; Mr. Benson was born at Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y ; at the age of 10 years, he was selected for proficiency from the district school, to attend the Manlius College ; at the age of 14 he came West ; he taught successfully a district school, at the age of 14; he next went into a dry goods store as clerk, which occupation he followed for six years ; at the age of 21 he entered the mercantile business, but was soon after burned out, at Moline, Ill .; while a dry goods clerk he commenced the study of law ; his next move was to Chicago, where he entered the law office of Chase & Storrs as a student ; he attended the Law Department of the Chicago University, and graduated in 1864 ; he then located in Chenoa, and there built up a good business ; he was City Clerk and Attorney of that place for five years, securing the organization of the town and drafting many of its ordinances ; he left a good practice to come to Blooming- ton, locating here in the fall of 1871; he entered at once into active practice, and now enjoys a good business ; that Mr Benson is a good collector no one can doubt, when it is understood that he was collector for the Bloomington Law Library, and was successful in collecting dues off the lawyers : as a collector he needs no other recommendation.

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 89

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092