The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 83

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770

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Elquaellerare , M. D.

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also an Adjustable File-carrier for the Lathe, so ingeniously | deserves individual mention here, having been extensively constructed that by a set-screw any desired length of stroke commented on by the press of the profession both in this country and in Europe, i. e., " Extra Uterinc Fœtation, with Operation of Gastronomy." IIe has found time, in the pressure of professional duties, to take an active interest in the promotion of education in his town, having been for several years a member of the local Board of Education, acting at present as its President. To show his interest in and intimate connection with the place where he has rc- sided for over twenty-eight years, it is only necessary to state that he was the first President of the Board of Trustees of the town, and after it became incorporated as a city served one year as Mayor. He was married in 1847 to Charlotte Gleason, of Massachusetts, who died in March, 1872. can be obtained, thus effecting a great reduction in labor on artificial work. IIe is always on the alert for new ideas, and is as ready to recognize those of others as to have his own adopted; but he is never content with " old fogyism." There must be no standing still where progress is possible. In his work he is thoroughly conscientious, always doing the best he can, whether his patient be of the lowest or of the highest class. For the rest he is a rigidly honest and a thoroughly unpretentious man, enjoying life keenly, but never keeping up appearances beyond his income. He is of a genial temperament, loving his home, his friends, his dogs and horses; enjoying out-door sports, mixing in politics sufficiently to enable him to vote intelligently, and altogether making the most of life in a sensible way.

OODBRAKE, CHRISTOPHER, Physician, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 14th, 1316, being the son of John and Maria Barbone (Dressel) Goodbrake, who came to the United States when he was five years of age and located in Columbiana county, Ohio. Here he received his education, showing unusual aptitude for study, and in 1337 repaired to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he en- tered the office of Dr. J. W. Whitaker, with whom he remained until 1840. IIe commenced practice at once upon parting with Dr. Whitaker, and located at Ports- mouth, on the Ohio river, where he engaged in professional duties until the fall of 1343, when he returned to Pitts- burgh and resumed practice, which he continued until the spring of 1347. He then removed to Clinton, Illinois, where he has since resided. Ilis care and still have been substantially rewarded, and he is now one of the leading practitioners in that section. During the winter of 1854-'55 he attended a course of lectures at the Rush Medical Col- lege of Chicago, and received from that institution the degree of M. D. In 1361 he entered the Union service as Surgeon of the 20th Illinois Infantry, and continued in this capacity until 1362, when he was detailed as Surgeon- in-Chief of the 3d Division, 17th Army Corps. This responsible position he retained until lis retirement in 1364. He returned to his practice in Clinton upon the conclusion of the war, and has to-day a very large and valuable patronage. IIe is a member of the American Medical Association and of the Illinois State Medical Society, serving as President of the latter body in 1857. IIe is now President of the Alumni Association of Rush Medical College, and Secretary of the De Witt County Medical Society, of which for some time he was presiding officer. IIe has contributed largely to the literature of the profession through the medical journals. In 1861 he re- ported a case in the Chicago Medical Journal which

MITHI, BASIL B., Attorney-at-Law, was born in Russelville, Drown county, Ohio, June 27th, 1829. His father, also a native of Ohio, grow to manhood in this State, and there engaged in merchandising, the greater portion of his life being devoted to that pursuit. IIc was educated at the common schools located in the vicinity of his home. Upon abandoning school life he became a clerk in a mer- cantile establishment, where he was engaged for a period of five years. IIe subsequently established himself in business on his own account, and after conducting its affairs during the ensuing four years disposed of his interest in the concern and applicd himself to the study of law. He commenced his legal studies under the in- structions of General Isham N. Haynic, of Salem, Illinois, afterward the Adjutant-General of the State. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1856, and has since then practised his profession in Salem and the adjoining counties. He was at one time a member of the firm of Harvey, Parish & Smith. His great success as a lawyer is attributable mainly to his correct business principles, close application and powers of logical reasoning. He was married, Feb- ruary Sth, 1857, to Elizabeth Haynie, of Salem, and has six children, four sons and two daughters.

LID, JOIIN, Capitalist and Vice-President of the Protection Life Insurance Company, of Chicago, was born in the parish of Grange, Banffshire, Scotland, on the 24th of September, 1824. He was educated at the parish school of his native place, one of those seminaries which John Knox's system instituted in cvery parish of the country and which have done so much towards placing the Scottish people foremost amongst European nations in the scale of educa- tion. His father emigrated with his family to this country in 1839, and the subject of this sketch finally settled in

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Will county, Illinois, where he married, and as a farmer and dealer in horscs and cattle he was most successful. In 1864 he was elected Sheriff of the county, in which capacity he officiated for several successive terms, and also for six years as a Commissioner of Illinois State Penitentiary. He is a prominent and greatly respected citizen of Jolict, and is engaged in farming, mining and stone quarrying operations, besides devoting a portion of each day's time to the dutics of his position as Vice-President and Treasurer of the Protection Life Insurance Company, at the company's offices in Chicago.

OTSFORD, J. K., Hardware Merchant, was born in Newtown, Fairfield county, Connecticut, June 12th, 1812, and emigrated to Chicago in 1833, visiting on his way thither Florence, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, meeting in the latter place Otis Hubbard, formerly a merchant of Rochester, with whom he soon formed an intimate acquaintance. They started in company for Chicago, performing the jour- ney from Detroit in a one-horse wagon. Upon his arrival Mr. Botsford entered upon an energetic and successful business career, and within a short time erccted a store, which was the first built on Lake street. It was located at the northeast corner of the intersection of that thoroughfarc with Dearborn street, and in it hc commenced the tin and stove business. In 1835 he married the daughter of John Kimball, of Naperville, and in the following year admitted to a partnership interest in his establishment Cyrenius Beers, the firm-name being Botsford & Beers. This eon- tinued until 1846, when the entire control fell again into the hands of Mr. Botsford, who conducted the business on his own account until 1852, when Mark Kimball became his partner, and the house branched out into the wholesale hardware business, under the firm-name of J. K. Botsford & Co. The firm so remained until 1860, when Mr. Bots- ford's oldest son was admitted, and the business title was changed to Botsford, Kimball & Co. In 1865 Mr. Kimball retired, and the firm was then composed of J. K., John R. and Bennet B. Botsford, under the name of J. K. Botsford & Sons, and has been profitably condueted ever since. The small capital which Mr. Botsford brought to Chicago proved the nucleus of what is now a handsome fortune, amassed by the exertion of keen business talent, enterprise and unswerving probity. He was elected an Alderman of the city in 1859, and faithfully fulfilled all the duties de- volving upon him in that eapaeity. In 1861 he was re- elected. During the administration of Mayor Dyer he was appointed a member of the Board of Guardians of the Reform School, and did much to further the interests of that institution. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and has for many years aeted as trustec of the old Clark Street Church, being a prominent and active member of its congregation. IIc was one of the original projectors of the

Northwestern University, at Evanston, and after its organi- zation became one of its trustees and a member of the Executive Committee of the Board. Since his entrance to Chicago he has not been out of business a single day. The lot on Lake street on which his store now stands was ori- ginally purchased for $2000, and is now valued at over $1000 a foot ; and another large property on Wabash avenue, pur- chascd at a government sale, in 1839, at $10 per foot, is now held at $1000 per foot. When he first reached the city it was in its primitive existence, and gave little promise then of its coming greatness. It was a favorite resort at that time for the Indians, and in 1833 Mr. Botsford was a witness to the consummation of a number of important treatics between the government and the various tribes, which took place on the bank of the river at the foot of Dearborn street. He is a man of sound judgment and of practical culture, and is one of the oldest, most successful and highest cstccmed residents of the city.

ANNING, JULIUS, ex-Judge and Lawyer, was born in Canada, and educated at the Middlebury College, Vermont, where he studied law. He came to Illinois in 1837, and settled at Knox- ville, where he resided for twelve years. At the expiration of this time he removed to Peoria, in the same State. While a resident of Knox county he was clected to the Legislature, and also served several terms as County Judge. He was a lawyer of eminent ability, and a eitizen who was admired and beloved by the entire ecm- munity. IIe died, July 4th, 1862.

LLEN, WILLIAM B., Elaeksmith and Merchant, was born in Cortland county, New York, on November 19th, 1821. His edueation was that afforded by the common schools of those days. At the age of sixteen years he left sehool and entered the blacksmith shop of his father, to learn the trade. He remained there until 1849, when he re- moved to Aurora, Illinois, at that time a thriving village on the Fox river, and soon after opened a drug store, with Mr. G. F. Buek as partner; in this business he remained two years. Hc then sold out his interest and went into partner- ship with his brother, E. R. Allen, in the grain, coal and lumber business, in which he remained until 1867. In 1856 he was married to Rachel B., daughter of Captain C. S. Roe. In the same year he was elected Supervisor of the town, and in 1858 was chosen Mayor, being the second Mayor of Aurora. In 1867 he was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the Second Distriet of Illinois, and has filled that position ever since. He is a man who has always interested himself in matters of public moment, and

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being an able politician has been sought after-in all affairs | his duty to resign, a step which he had quickly decided of importance and where the happiness and prosperity of the community were at stake-as a man the people could rely upon to carry out their wishes to the fullest extent. But office has always sought him; never he it, his prefer- ence being for a quiet life. He has been a delegate several times to State and county conventions, and has in every instance proved himself an able and competent executor of all the trusts and responsibilities confided in him. From 1853 to 1871 he was the Town Treasurer of the public schools. Mr. Allen is the oldest Revenue Collector in Illinois.

OWYER, ELI, M. D., ex-Brevet Brigadier-Gen- eral, was born in Warren county, Ohio, March 20th, 18IS. His father, John Bowyer, was a native of Virginia, who started for the West in 18c2 and settled in Ohio, where he continued to reside until the day of his death. Eli was edu- cated at the Harveysburg Academy in his native place. On leaving school he commenced life as a teacher, and con- tinued in this avocation for two years. He then began the study of medicine with Dr. J. G. Paulding, in Warren county, and continued his medical studics for a further period of eighteen months, under the instruction of Pro- fessor Jesse P. Judkins, of Cincinnati. Hc attended lectures primarily at the Willoughby University, and finally at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, where he was gradu- ated in IS44. Hc then commenced the practice of his pro- fession in Mason, Ohio, where he resided during the follow- ing two years. At the expiration of that time he removed to Prairietown, Indiana, and was professionally engaged in this city for seven years. From Prairietown he removed to Sullivan, in the same State, being prompted to this step by enfeeblement of health, and remained there for a further period of seven years, when he was again compelled to change his quarters on account of failing health. IIe settled finally in Illinois, establishing himself in Olney, and temporarily, for several months, relinquished the practice of medicine. In 1861 he entered the United States army, as Assistant Surgeon of the 11th Missouri Regiment, which was composed principally of Illinois volunteers, and it was at their request that the office was tendered to him. In 1862 he was made Division Surgeon, under General Plum- mer, by order of General Pope. Subsequently occurred an incident which changed his status, and which, while sin- gular and peculiar, was also a compliment in the highest sense of the term. The Surgeon of the regiment died, but the Adjutant-General of the State appointed a personal friend to the vacant office that of right belonged to him. A meeting of the officers of the regiment was held, and a warm protest entered against the proceeding. This step, however, was of no avail, since the measures taken were not permitted to come to the knowledge of the Governor. It then became

upon, and the office of Surgeon in another regiment was offered to him. His associations having been of so friendly a nature, it was with much openly expressed regret that his resignation was considered. To overcome his intention the rank of Major was tendered him by the Colonel, while every other officer, with the exception of one who was a personal enemy, united in persuading him to relinquish his design. He acceded finally to the many pressing requests, and so abandoned one branch of the service for another. Ile became accordingly Major, then Lieutenant-Colonel, and finally Colonel of the regiment. In March, IS65, he rose still higher, and was brevetted by President Johnson, for meritorious and gallant services, Brigadier-General. Ile participated in all the principal engagements in which the army of the Southwest was engaged. Among them were the siege of Vicksburg and of Jackson, the battles of Ncw Madrid, Island No. 10, Corinth, Iuka, and Nashville, where he was wounded at Fredericktown. In these actions his regiment met with severe losses, while he was almost constantly exposed in most perilous situations. He remained in the army until January, 1866, at which date he was mustcred out of the service at St. Louis. Ile then returned to Olney, Illinois, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1867 he was nominated and elected to the Legislature from the counties of Clay and Richland, and served one term. In IS70 he was appointed one of the Trustces of the Southern Normal University, and officiated as President of the Board. IIe was married in October, IS47, to Martha A. Cox, of Warren county.

RY, FRANCIS, M. D., Physician and Surgeon, was born in France, in the Department of Jura, on Junc IIth, ISzo. Ilis father was Amy Bry, a jeweller and watchmaker. IIe first attended the village school, next went to an academy at Gencva, and afterward to an academy in Pari ;, where he began the study of medicine. In 1841 he left to see his half-brother and benefactor, lying sick at Monroe City, Louisiana. After remaining with him one year he went to New Orleans. In 1843 he moved to St. Louis, and pursued his medical studies in the medical department of the St. Louis University, graduating in IS4S. In IS47 he was married to Anna Brown, of St. Louis. During the following year he, with his father-in-law, moved to La Salle, Illinois, supposing from its location on the Illinois river, and on the canal, that it would become the greatest town cn the river. He herc began the practice of medicine and surgery, which he has continucd through an unbroken period of twenty-seven years; and is still in full practicc, having acquired a high reputation for skill and experience. IIe was School Director of La Salle for twelve years, has served as Healtlı Officer of the city, and has twice been

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elected Coroner of La Salle county. During hours that he has been able to spare from his extensive professional prac- tice he has taught classes in French, and has given lectures on anatomy, botany, and physiology. He has also at various times published pamphlets on the homoeopathic school of a controversial character.

ANDEVEER, HORATIO M., Lawyer, and Judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, was born in Washington county, Indiana, March Ist, 1816. His parents, Aaron Vandeveer, and Nancy (French) Vandeveer, were natives of Virginia, who, after residing for a time in Kentucky, re- moved subsequently to Indiana, making that State their home. Ilis boyhood was passed on a farm, where he was employed until 1829, when he moved to Sangamon eounty, Illinois, resuming there his occupation as a farmer until he had attained his majority. He then entered the law office of John T. Stuart, a prominent lawyer of Springfield, and in 1839 was admitted to the bar in that city. It was at this time, 1839, that the county of Christian was formed, and Taylorville chosen as the county-seat. He was induced to take up his residence in that locality, then but a wilderness, and there built the first house erected in the place. He was subsequently elected Recorder of Deeds for the new county, and also practised law when his services were re- quired. On the organization of the Circuit Court, in the spring of 1840, he was appointed its Clerk, performing the duties of the two offices until December, 1842, when he took his seat in the Legislature, having been elected in August by the Democratic party, to represent Christian county. Among his associates in the Legislature were Judge Logan and Colonel E. D. Baker in the Senate ; with O II. Browning, J. N. Arnold, and Julius Manning in the House. At the expiration of his term in the Legislature he was reappointed Clerk of the Circuit Court by Judge Treat, and held this position until 1848. In 1846, how . ever, he raised a company of volunteers for the Mexican war, but, on account of the fact that more troops were offered than were required, his men were not called into service. Ile received from President Polk, however, an appointment as Assistant Quartermaster, with the rank of Captain. He then went immediately into active service with Colonel Bissell's regiment, with which he was con- nected until the establishment of a supply post on the Rio Grande, when he was appointed Quartermaster of that post, and served there until January, 1847. The quarters were then moved to Saltillo, Mexico, where he afterward partici- pated in the engagement at Buena Vista. In 1849 he was mustered out of the service, and shortly after returned to Taylorsville. In the course of the same year he was elected the County Judge, and in 1853 re-elected to the same position. In 1860 he was again elected to the Legis-

| lature, and in 1862 was a member of the Constitutional Convention. In 1863 he was elected to the Senate of the State, serving four years with that body, and during that time served as Chairman on the Committee on Federal Relations. November 20th, 1870, he was elected Judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, to complete the unexpired term of Judge E. T. Rice, who had been elected to Con- gress. In June, 1873, he was re-elected to the same office, which he now holds. An able and impartial Judge, he is esteemed and respected both by the members of the bar and by the people at large, whose confidence he has secured through his honorable eonduct at all times and under all circumstances. He is engaged extensively also in farming, and controls various important interests in agricultural operations. He was married in 1841 to Mary Jane Rucker, of Kentucky.

ARSHALL, BENJAMIN F., Cashier of the Salem National Bank, Salem, Illinois, was born in Lin- coln county, Tennessee, July 9th, 1828. His father, a native of South Carolina, was for many years engaged in merchandising, and subsequently practised medicine, a profession to which he has since devoted himself. His mother is a native of Tennessee. His education was obtained in the common schools of Salem, Illinois. On leaving school he was employed as clerk by his father, and continued to act in that capacity during the ensuing two years. He then entered the service of the United States as Second Lieutenant, and remained in the army, serving in the Mexican war, for a period of eighteen months. In 1848 he abandoned the field and re- turned to his home. He afterward established himself in business on his own account, and for three years conducted a general merchandising store. He was then elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and served four years. During the following year he was employed in operating in real estate, and in the course of the next year was elected Judge of the County Court of Mason county, an office whose duties he performed for four years. Upon his entry into the Clerk's office he commenced the study of law, and in 1858 was ad- mitted to the bar. On his retirement from the position of Judge he commenced the practice of law, and was pro- fession: ly occupied until 1862 as a member of the law firm of Martin & Marshall. In August, 1862, he entered the ILIth Regiment of Illinois Infantry as Regiment Quarter- master, and served until 1864, at which date he was dis- charged on account of ill-health. Upon his return home he resumed the practice of law, establishing himself at Cairo, where he became associated in partnership with General Haynie, a connection which was not dissolved until 1867. He then returned to Salem, and was instrumental in the organization of the Salem National Bank, an insti- lution of which he was made Cashier, and is a prominent stockholder. He is still the leading spirit of this, one of

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the most favorably known establishments in this section of | development of Mt. Carmel, and has filled various munici- the State, and is widely recognized as a man of sound financial abilities and sterling integrity. He was married in 1850 to Harriet R. Jennings, of Walnut Hill, Marion county, Illinois.

IDGWAY, EDMOND W., M. D., was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on September 29th, IS12. His father, Richard Ridgway, was a native of New Jersey, and when a boy moved to Philadelphia with his parents; he lived there until he grew to manhood. He afterwards moved to Bradford county in that State, where he married. Subsequently he took up his residence in Harrisburg; later he emigrated to Ohio, and from there to Illinois, where he died. Edmond attended the common schools at Mansfield, Ohio. While still a boy he was bound out to a saddler, and learned that trade. His time having expired, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Abraham Blymier, with whom he completed his course. He then attended lectures at Willoughby, Ohio, in the year 1844, after which he emi- grated to Illinois and began the practice of medicine. In 1872 he received the honorary degree at the Louisville Medical College. On settling in Illinois he located in Olney, and since that time has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, which is a large and lucrative one. Dr. Ridgway stands very high in his profession, and his ability is widely acknowledged by his fellow-practitioners. IIe was married in 1835 to Mary Carrothers, of Mansfield, Ohio.

HANNON, THOMAS JENKENS, Lawyer, Banker, and Judge of the Wabash County Court, was born in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, De- cember 29th, 1821. His father, Ephraim Patter- son Shannon, a native of the State of New York, moved to Pennsylvania about 1800, and engaged in mercantile business, at which he continued until his demise in 1851. His mother was a native of the State of Pennsylvania. He was educated in the academy at Louis- burg, Pennsylvania, and upon leaving school engaged in teaching, at the same time reading law with Mr. Bellows, of Sunbury. On the completion of his professional studies he was admitted to the bar in 1844. He subsequently abandoned the legal profession, however, and engaged in mercantile pursuits in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. In 1846 he removed to Mt. Carmel, Illinois, and there estab- lished himself in a business which he sustained until 1869, meeting with much success. He then retired from active commercial life, and for a few years was not occupied in any pursuit. In the fall of 1871, in partnership with E. F. Beall, he commenced the banking business, in which he is now engaged. He has been identified with the growth and

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The biographical encyclopedia of Illinois of the nineteenth century, Part 83

Author: Robson, Charles, ed Publication date: 1875 Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy Number of Pages: 770

Author: Robson, Charles, ed
Publication date: 1875
Publisher: Philadelphia, Galaxy
Number of Pages: 770