USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The biographical record of Livingston County, Illinois > Part 51
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FRED S. HORNEM.IN.
Fred S. Horneman, formerly numbered among the progressive and successful mer- chants of Minonk, of which city his son. Fred W. Horneman, is the present popular mayor, is eminently worthy of an honored place in its history, as for three decades he
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has been identified with its development. He was known far and wide as one of the founders of Minonk's prosperity, for his in- fluence ever was cast on the side of prog- ress, the good and the true.
Born in Wurtemberg. Germany, October I, 1836, F. S. Horneman was deprived of a father's love and care when he was about a year old, as the senior's career was untimely ended by death. The mother survived until 1862, when she was in her sixty-eighth year. Both were members of the Lutheran church and were highly esteemed in their comnit- nity. Their son John departed this life ir Germany three years ago, when he was sixty-three years of age. Sophia, the eld- est surviving member of the family. now seventy-two years old. resides in Wurtem- berg. and for fifteen years has been a widow. Mrs. Minnie Sahaas, another sister, died in Germany, and her husband also has passed away.
In his youth Fred S. Horneman re- ceived a good education in the government schools of his native land, and there formed the excellent habits of industry and perse- verance for which he was noted. He also was trained to have only high principles of conduct, and throughout his life he was hon- orable. just and exemplary in every particu- lar. One of the most important events in his career was his marriage, in 1863, to Dor- othy Spohn, daughter of Frederick and Eliz- abetli ( Weada ) Spohn. The father had died about a twelfthmonth before, when sixty-two years of age. and the mother, who attained her seventy-fourth year. came to the United States, to be near her only child. Mrs. Horneman, and was called to the si- lent land in 1878.
With his family the subject of this arti- cle emigrated to America in 1869, arriving
on these hospitable shores on the 14th of June. They came immediately to Minonk, where they dwelt from that day until the present time. For some fourteen years the father was employed by the grain merchant, George Warren, who then sold out and re- moved to Nebraska. Mr. Horneman, who had carefully husbanded his resources, awaiting a favorable opportunity for invest- ment, then became the purchaser of the ele- vator, and for the ensuing sixteen years car- ried on the business successfully. Then, owing to poor health and his years, he con- cluded to dispose of the elevator, and in July, 1899, the property was soll.
The death of Mr. Horneman occurred January 6, 1900, and this entire community have deeply mourned his loss, feeling that his place cannot be filled. To his children he leaves an unblemished name and record of which they have reason to be proud. His friends were legion, and every one who had business dealings with him had naught but words of praise for this sterling citizen. He was not a politician in any sense of the word, but kept thoroughly posted on national is- sues, and in accordance with his sincere views os to the best policy for the land of his adoption, he cast his influence on the side of the Republican party. With his estima- ble wife he held membership in the Evangel- ical Lutheran church, and contributed lib- erally to religious and philanthropic enter- prises.
Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Horneman two died in Germany, name- ly : Mary J., at the age of seven months, and Charlie .A., when eight days old. Fred, the oldest surviving member of the family, and the present efficient mayor of Minonk, was two and a half years old when he was brought to America. lle chose Anna
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Durre for a wife, and their children are three in number, namely : Laura, Dora and Fred. Mumie, wife of Ed Slemmer, and mother of one child, Francis, is the fourth in order of birth in our subject's family. John, who died in 1898, was in his twenty- fifth year. He was a great favorite with the young and old. and was a promising business man. His untimely death cast great gloom throughout this community. where he was so well known and univer- sally liked. Wilhelmina is the next in order of birth, and the younger children are Char- lie (the second of the name). Elizabeth. who is attending college at Dixon, Illinois. and Robert, who is a member of the Minonk class of 1900.
NAPOLEON B. CRAWFORD. M. D.
Napoleon B. Crawford. M. D .. of Eu- reka. Illinois, with two exceptions, has been in active practice for a longer period of time than any physician in Woodford county. Hle is a native of the state and was born on Crawford's Prairie. Franklin county, September 1. 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Randolph) Crawford, the for- mer a native of Virginia, born about 1787. and the latter of Murfreesboro Tennessee. born in 1808. She was a daughter of John Randolph, of Virginia, and a descendant of Peyton Randolph, a well-known historical character of Virginia.
The priternal grandfather of Dr. Craw- ford was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry. When a young man he came to this country and settled in Virginia. where he married Miss Smith, an English lady who came over in the same vessel with him, and they made their home in Virginia during the remainder of their lives.
John Crawford grew to manhood in his native county, and there engaged in teach- ing. while probably assisting in farm work. I1. 1811 he came to the territory of Illinois, and secured a large tract of land in Frank- hm county, the prairie on which it was lo- cated being named in his honor. from the fact of his being the first white settler in that locality. The tract was improved by him, and for some years he engaged in farm- ing in connection with teaching. He was one of the very first teachers, and it is sup- posed that he taught the very first school in Franklin county. His marriage was sol- emnized at the home of the bride in Mur- freeshoro. Tennessee. On the organization of Franklin county he was elected its first sheriff, and filled the office acceptably to the people. He also served in various offices. and was a well-known, popular and influen- tial citizen. During the Indian war. in 1832, known as the Black Hawk war. he was among those who volunteered to drive back that wily chief and his warriors. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife was a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent in his native county. Left an orphan at the tender age of seven years, he was bound out to serve until twenty years of age. The man to whom he was bound was by occupation a farmer, and he con- tinned with him, working on the farm. 1In- til the expiration of the time named, in the meantime securing what education was pos- sible in the schools of the county. AAfter reaching his twentieth year he determined to secure a better education, and for a time attended school and engaged in teaching al- ternately.
Having decided upon medicine as his
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profession, our subject read with Dr. M. M. Goodman, of Jonesboro, Illinois, and later attended lectures in the Bellevue Medical College, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1864. He then located for practice in Eureka, Woodford county, where he has since continued to reside. While Eu- reka at that time was a very small place, it was not long before his skill as a physician and surgeon became known throughout Woodford and adjoining counties, and pro- fessional calls were made by him in MeLean. Livingston, Marshall and Tazewell coun- ties, as well as in his adopted county. His practice soon became very extensive, and has been retained in the years following. In more recent years he has had a large practice in consultation with other physicians, and also in the more delicate cases of surgery. He was one of the organizers of the Wood- ford County Medical Society, and was its president for two years. Ile is now a mem- ber of the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society, and the Missis- sippi Valley Medical Society, in each of which he has read valuable papers and has exerted a good influence.
The Doctor has always taken special in- terest in educational matters, and for about thirty years has been one of the trustees of Eureka College, and for the past three years was president of its board, which office he still holds. During the time in which he has served all the buildings of the college have been erected, with the exception of the original building. Much of his time and thought have been given to the college, in order to enhance its usefulness, and he has been a liberal contributor to the support of the institution.
On the IIth of October, 1864. Dr. Craw- ford was united in marriage with Miss Sa-
rah J. Davidson, of Eureka, and daughter of Caleb Davidson, one of the earliest set- tlers of Walnut Grove, by which name the city of Eureka was originally known. He located there in 1833, coming with his fam- ily from Kentucky. By occupation he was a farmer and stock raiser, and for years he was one of the most prominent men in the community.
Mrs. Crawford is a well-educated lady and is a graduate of Eureka College. For many years she has been very active in church, Sunday school and college work, and devotes much of her time. thought and best energies to their advancement. She is president of the Ladies' College Aid .Asso- ciation, organized for the purpose of render- ing aid to the various college enterprises of the Christian church in Illinois, and which is giving special attention to Eureka Col- lege. in order to place it on a firm financial footing. For fifteen years she has been treasurer of the Illinois Christian Women's Board of Missions, and has been exceeding- ly helpful in that organization. Few women are better known throughout the state, especially among the members of the Christian church.
Fraternally Dr. Crawford is a Mason in high standing, holding membership with the William C. Hobbs Lodge. No. 306. A. F. & N. M., of Eureka, serving as worship- ful master a period of seven years : of Wash- ington Chapter. Washington, Illinois; and Peoria Commandery, of Peoria, Illinois. He is also a member of Mahomet Temple. Mys- tic Shrine, of Peoria. He has often repre- sented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the state, and has a wide acquaintance in Ma- sonic circles throughout the state. Relig- iously he is identified with the Christian church, having been a member of the Eureka
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church for many years, and serving as one of its elders.
No man in Woodford county is better known or has more stanch friends than Dr. Crawford. For thirty-six years he has ministered to the physical wants of the peo- ple. and there are comparatively few homes in Eureka and vicinity in which he has not been called in a professional way. Finan- cially he has been prosperous, and he is now one of the most prominent real estate own- ers in the county. Socially he is held in the highest esteem, and the same can be said of Mrs. Crawford. Their friends are numer- ous throughout the state, and their interest in education, in morals, and in Christian work has been demonstrated over and over again. Surely the life of such should be an incentive to others, and their good deeds are certainly worthy of emulation.
J. E. ECKHART.
The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of the business interests of Benson, Illinois, being at the head of the hardware and lumber trade of that village. Ile is a wide-awake, progressive business man, and although comparatively young. has already met with good success in his undertakings.
A native of Woodford county, Mr. Eck- hart was born in Clayton township. May 5. 1868, and is a son of Adam and Anna ( Roth ) Eckhart. The father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1840. the latter in Woodford county, Illinois, in 1849. They are the parents of ten children, of whom the eldest. a daughter, died in infancy : our subject is next in order of birth; Henry is now engaged in business in partnership with our subject : Mary is the wife of N. (. Tal-
lyn, a farmer of Clayton township: Eliza- beth died at the age of one year : Emma and Amelia are at home with their parents ; Clara and Carrie were twins, the former of whom is at home, the latter deceased ; and Edward is at home.
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Adam Eckhart. Sr .. came to this country from Germany in 1832. and located in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, where he followed blacksmith- ing for a time, but in 1841 sailed down the Ohio and up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Tazewell county, Illinois, where he settled. purchasing land in Fond du Lac township. At that time he could have bought land just as cheap in Peoria, where the court house now stands. Ile continued to make his home in Tazewell county throughout life. There our subject's fa- ther was reared and educated, and after reaching manhood followed farming there until 1863, when he came to Woodford coun- ty and bought eighty acres of land in Clay- ton township, to which he subsequently added. He is now living a retired life in Benson, enjoying a well earned rest.
The early education of J. E. Eckhart was acquired in the district schools of Clay- ton township, and he later attended Dixon College. After leaving school he assisted in the work of the home farm until twenty- three years of age, when he came to Benson and purchased a half-interest in the hard- ware and implement business of A. M. Smith. A year later he became sole owner, and was alone in business for six years, but in 1899 he admitted his brother. Henry A., to a partnership. The same year they bought the lumber yard of Memman Hux- table, and have since carried it on in connec- tion with their other business. By fair and honorable dealing they have gained the pub-
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lic confidence and have secured an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing.
Mr. Eckhart was married, January 5. 1893. to Miss Emma Brubaker, who was born in Woodford county, in 1872, and is one of a family of six children. Her father, A. H. Brubaker, is a native of Pennsylva- nia and a representative of an old colonial family. ( See sketch of A. H. Brubaker. ) From the age of twenty-one he was engaged in the lumber and stock business, and also conducted a general store for some time, but is now living retired in Benson. He has al- ways taken an active interest in public af- fairs, and represented his district in the state legislature one term. Mr. and Mrs. Eck- hart have three children : Ha M., born May 1, 1894; Eldon M., born .August 9. 1896; and Gladys O., born January 25. 1899.
Mr. Eckhart is a member of Columbia Camp, No. 1836, M. W. A., of which he is advisor, and his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Benson. In his political views he is a stanch Repub- lican, and since attaining his majority has been a delegate to several county conven- tions of his party, but at local elections he votes for the man whom he believes best qualified to fill the office, regardless of party lines. lle served as town clerk from 1893 to 1898. and proved a most efficient officer. As a business man and citizen he is always ready to discharge any duty that devolves upon him.
DAVID GRAAFFT.
This well-known retired farmer and hon- ored veteran of the civil war, now residing in Eureka, was born in Eaton, Preble coun-
ty, Ohio, August 6, 1829, and is a son of David and Nancy ( Grove) Grafft. who were natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia re- spectively and were married in the former state. The father was born in Lancaster county of German ancestry, and soon after his marriage moved to Preble county, Ohio, where in the midst of the forest he cleared and improved a farm of over four hundred acres. There he died at the age of sixty- five years, his wife at the age of fifty-two years. They were people of prominence in their community, and were held in high re- gard wherever known.
In early life our subject attended school for only a short time during the winter months, but by subsequent reading and ob- servation he has gained a good practical edu- cation. On leaving home at the age of twenty-two years, he came to Woodford county, Illinois, in 1850, and first located at Walnut Grove, where he worked as a farm hand one year for eleven dollars per month. During his second year he operated rented land, and then, having saved his money, he bought two hundred and eighty acres of land in El Paso township. September 30, 1852, he married Miss Diana Grove, of Woodford county, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Abraham Grove, who came here at a very early day and engaged in farming just south of Eureka, in Olio town- ship. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a highly respected man. Mr. and Mrs. Grafft are the parents of three liv- ing children, namely: William, a resident of MeLean county, Illinois, married Louisa Ulrich and has three children, Bessie, Edna and Mamie. John Joseph, now on the home farm, married Lena Fitchhorn and has three children, Daniel Guy, Mary Pearl and Joseph. David E. resides in El Paso. Mary
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Ellen married Peter A. Ulrich, of Bloom- ington, where she died in 1894, leaving two children, Gracie, now living with our sub- ject, and Ira D., who lives with his uncle.
After his marriage Mr. Grafft rented his father-in-law's farm for a year, and then sold his first purchase of two hundred and eighty acres of land and moved to Liv- ingston county, buying a farm of four hun- dred acres in Nebraska township, which he broke and improved with good buildings. While residing there he entered the Union army, leaving his wife and three children to carry on the farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company .\, One Hundred and Twenty- ninth Regiment Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Cum- berland. and with his command participated the battle of Resaca, the Atlanta campaign and the march to the sea. They next marched through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington, D. C., where they took part in the grand review, and by rail proceeded to Chicago in cattle cars, which to them was much better than walking. Mr. Grafft was never off duty during his entire three years. and was finally mustered out at Chicago with the rank of sergeant. Returning to his home in June. 1865. he resumed farming. and continued the cultivation of his farm in Livingston county for several years. He finally sold that place and bought a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Olio township. Woodford county, which he tiled and greatly improved, making it one of the best farms of the locality. In his life work he met with most excellent success, and hay- ing acquired a comfortable competence he moved to Eureka. in 1899, and is now living retired. enjoying the fruits of former toil.
In his political views Mr. Grafft is a stanch Republican, but has never been an
aspirant, though he has taken an active inter- est in public affairs. He is one of the old and in the battle of Resaca, the Atlanta campaign honored members of Dan Miles Post. G. . 1. R., of Eureka, and is held in the highest re- spect and esteem by all who know him. Mrs. Grafft is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
F. J. TUCKER.
F. J. Tucker. though his residence in the United States dates back only to July. 1880. has won a place of honor and respect in the business and social world of Minonk. llis success is due no less to his sterling in- tegrity of word and deed than to his strict attention to business and desire to satisfy his customers.
Mr. Tucker doubtless inherited his strength of character and loyalty to duty from his worthy parents, William and Har- riet (Thomas) Tucker, who trained their children in the love of God and their fellow men. They dwelt in England. their native land, until .August. 1892. when they came to Minonk. The father was employed as manager or overseer of a number of la- borers on a large farm in England. About five years subsequent to his arrival in Illi- mois he was summoned to his eternal rest. his death occurring May 3. 1897. when he was in his sixty-fourth year. He is sur- vived by his wife, who is sixty-five years old and is still munbered among the citizens of Minonk. The father was a member of the Plymouth Brethren church, and several of their children also have been identified with the congregation.
F. J. Tucker, born in Devonshire, Eng- land. May 1. 1864. is the fourth in order of
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birth of eleven children. Until he was fif- teen years old he remained on a farm in Devonshire, and then he commenced learn - ing the trade of a carpenter, receiving only his board for three years. Ever since that time he has industriously devoted his time to his chosen line of employment and has justly earned his reputation as a man of marked ability. In July. 1889, he came to Minonk, where he speedily obtained plenty of work, and year by year he has increased his popularity as a builder and contractor.
He has taken contracts throughout this locality and specimens of his handiwork may be seen all over this county within a radius of twenty miles or more, and in addition to this he has been employed on contracts in northwestern Iowa. His specialty has been large public buildings and fine residences. and thus many structures which he has erected stand as monuments to his enterprise.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Eva Perryman was solemnized in England May 1, 1886. Of the seven children born to them only three survive: Willie. Eva Eunice and Lois A. The first-born, Lucy, and George and John ched in infancy. The wife and mother was summoned to the silent land in 1807, when she was in her thirty- eighth year. On the 9th of February, 1808. Mr. Tucker wedded Dora Ruestman, of this county, a lady of good education and social attainments.
Fraternally Mr. Tucker is a member of Minonk Lodge, No. 247. F. & .A. M., and at present is serving as chaplain. He also has taken the Royal Arch degree and is identi- fied with Rutland Chapter. No. 212. Like so many of his parental family, he is a member of the Plymouth Brethren church, and is liberal in the support of worthy re- ligious and benevolent enterprises. Mr. and
Mrs. Tucker are also active members of the order of the Eastern Star, of which she hokls the office of assistant conductress, while Mr. Tucker is chaplain.
HARLEY A. ZINSER, M. D.
Dr. Harley A. Zinser, a prominent and successful physician of Roanoke, was born in Washington, Illinois, August 6, 1871. and is a son of Israel and Martha ( Tobias ) Zinser, natives of Ohio, who came to this state in early life and were married in Plain- field. The father was one of the first busi- ness men of Washington, where he has con- ducted a store since 1865. carrying a line of drugs, jewelry and sundries. Ile has built up a large trade and is doing a success- ful business. In politics he is a Republican and for some years has been an official mem- ber of the town board. Both he and his wife are prominent workers in the Methodist Episcopal church and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. Their children are as follows: Eher F., aged thirty-one, is a traveling salesman for a Chi- cago drug house : Harley .A. is next in order of birth; Roy K., aged twenty-one, is pre- paring to enter the legal profession; Ada M., aged nineteen, is the wife of Elmer Kern, a coal merchant of Washington : and Rolla T., aged twelve, and Steele L., aged eight, are both at home. The older chil- dren are all graduates of the Washington high school.
After completing the course in that in- stitution Dr. Zinser took up the study of medicine, and in the fall of 1802 entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he was a student for three years and was grad-
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uated in the class of 1895. The following citizens. He sprang from the sturdy, indus- summer he spent in Washington, and in trions agricultural class of Devonshire, England, and has wrought out his own prosperity by attention to the stern demands of the business world. The merits of all work which he has undertaken is his chief advertising medium, and his customers, al- ways satisfied, have strongly recommended him to others, and thus his name has be- come known far and wide. September opened an office at Buckley, Illi- nois, but in May, 1896, moved to Roanoke, where he purchased property and has since engaged in general practice. He began at the very hottem of the ladder and has built up a large practice, which extends through- out the surrounding country for eight miles in every direction. This necessitates much driving and in the winter time he keeps four horses that he may always respond to his country calls. He has a well equipped of- fice and also owns a pleasant home in the village.
In November. 1896. Dr. Zinser was united in marriage with Miss Harriet E. Ileiple, who was born in Washington, Ill- nois, in 1875. She is a member of the English Lutheran church of that place. In his political views the Doctor is a pro- nounced Republican. He is a Master Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp. No. 1206, of Roanoke, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is medical examiner for the last two fraterni- ties, also for the Equitable Insurance Com- pany, of New York, and other old line com- panies. He is a member of the North Cen- tral Medical Association of Illinois, and is a progressive member of his profession, who keeps abreast of the latest discoveries and theories made in the science of medicine and surgery. His ability is attested by the lib- cral patronage he enjoys, and he ranks as one of the leading physicians of the county.
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