ILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCH BOOK OF
Wayne County, Illinois
By Paul F. Campbell 1903
Transcribed by Laurie Selpien
W. L. ANDERSON
MRS. R. C. BARRACKMAN
I. N. BARRET
FRANCIS BEAN
WATERMAN BESTOW
HAMPTON, S. BURGESS
CARROLL C. BOGGS
PAUL CAMBPBELL
J. J. CARSON
GEO. B. CARTER
Mr. Chaffin
D.F. CHANEY
J. R. CREWS
J. J. DAUBS
WM. DAUGHENBAUGH
CHAS. DECKER
M. ELLIOTT
L. J. GALBRAITH
WILLIAM GRUBB
W. M. GOUDY
T. H. HALL M.D.
N. J. Hall M. D.
N. J. Hall M. D. (OBIT)
CALEB J. HALL (obit)
PAUL HARDY
DR. SAMUEL HARWOOD
MR. HOCKING
RAY JACOBSON
GEO. W. JOHNS
DR. WM. M. JOHNSON
L. J. KEITH
JOHN KEEN
SAMUEL KEEN
LORENZO D. LATHAM
GEORGE R. LEACH
L. D. LEACH
J. M. LOGAN
E. A. MARTIN
C. McDaniel
E. McCLUNG
T. C. McMackin
DR. N. P. MERRITT
JOHN MORRIS
R. D. MURPHY
W. K. NEHF
Dr. H. W. PITNER
GEORGE M. NORRIS
W. P. RASSLER
J. B. SCUDAMORE
DR. T. M. SHASTID
A. D. SKELTON
W. H. SPRAGUE
LOWRY E. SUNDERLAND
DR. C. T. TAGGART
J. W. TATE
CHARLES O. TRUSCOTT, M. D.
ANDERSON L. WALL
L. H. WEAVER
LUTHER YOHE
W. L. ANDERSON
County Clerk
Mr. Anderson is a native and life resident of Wayne County.
He was born on a farm in Arrington Township, August 4, 1857. After taking
advantage of the common schools of the county for his own education he began to
prepare himself for the work of a teacher and was engaged in teaching school
before he was nineteen years old. This he followed for about twelve years. He
farmed then for a time in the west part of the county, next he opened a livery
stable at Wayne City, which he conducted for several years and aspiring to the
office of County Clerk, made the race last fall and was elected to that office
November 4, 1902. Our subject is the son of Stephen and Poly Ann Anderson. He
was married August 12, 1884, to Miss Virginia D. Crask, of this county. They
have three children living, Two daughters – Carry and Nora - and one boy -
Walter. Mr. Anderson has become acquainted with the new duties involved upon him
and is making the county a valuable official and the people are not ashamed of
their choice at the polls.
MRS. R. C. BARRACKMAN
Mrs. R. C.,
widow of the late Dr. W. S. Barrackman, owns one of the nice residences of
Fairfield. Dr. Barrackman was born in Fairfield, Indiana, October 28, 1832; Mrs.
R. C. GREEN Barrackman was born in Shelby County, Illinois, January 9, 1837;
these two were married July 5, 1855, and their lives were closely identified
until the separated by the death of the doctor December 11, 1901. Dr. Barrackman
was well and favorably known in Wayne County for many years as a practitioner.
He began the study of medicine in early life, before the age of nineteen years
of age and began practice at Xenia, Clay County, Illinois, at the age of
twenty-one. Coming to Wayne County the following year of 1858, he located at
Jeffersonville, where he practiced medicine until the year 1895, when he and his
wife removed to Fairfield. Mrs. Barrackman is well known in this city and is a
pleasant woman with whom to meet.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dr. W. S. Barrackman served in the Civil War he was a
Lieut. Co. G. 62 Ill. Vol. Inf.
Rebecca GREEN Barrackman died December 1, 1905 both are
buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield, Illinois.
I.
N. BARRET
LIVERYMAN
The subject of this sketch, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, near Woodfield,
the county seat, December 7, 1859 and is the son of Calvin and Mrs. Ellen Barett,
who moved to this county in the year 1864. Mr. Barret married in 1892 to Miss
Minnie Calvin, of this county and to them was born one child, a boy – Omer
Roscoe. The union was broken by the death of Mrs. Barret in 1898 after which
Omer went to Indianapolis to live with his aunt and attend school. Mr. Barret
takes a great interest in the education of his son and is giving him advantages
of the very best schools – the city schools of Indianapolis. He began the livery
business in Cisne in 1896 and with the exception of one year, since that time,
has been constantly engaged in that business. Mr. Barret is a liveryman well
adapted to the business, he is a lover of horses and thoroughly understands
their needs and how to care for them. He has fourteen head of horses in his
barn, all kinds of rigs necessary to supply his trade and is always ready to
fill the demands of his patronage. He pays special attention to the commercial
trade, which is a considerable item as the greater part of the driving to
Johnsonville, Enterprise and Mt. Erie is done from Cisne.
FRANCIS BEAN
Physician of Fairfield, Illinois
Was born in Athens County, Ohio, February 15, 1845. He is the third of a
family of twelve children of Archibald and Adeline (WOODWORTH) Bean, both of
whom were natives of Ohio. Francis Bean was reared upon a farm and educated in
the public schools of his native county, where he qualified himself for the
profession of teaching. In June of 1862 he enlisted in Company H. of the
Eighty-seventh, Ohio Regiment, and in September of the same year was captured at
Harper’s Ferry, Paroled and sent home. After remaining at home for eighteen
months he again volunteered, this time in the One Hundred and Forty-first
Regiment, Company C, from which he was discharged in the fall of 1864. In 1865
he came with his father’s family to Wayne County, Illinois and settled in Lamard
Township, near Jeffersonville. In April of 1870, he commenced the study of
medicine, performing the usual preparatory reading under Dr. S. W. Vertreese at
Fairfield Illinois. He graduated from the Medical College of Ohio in 1875,
having previously practiced two years at Jeffersonville. He located at Fairfield
in 1875, where he still remains. Dr. Bean was married in Fairfield, Illinois
November 6, 1867, to Miss Nancy J. Koontz, daughter of Simon and Esther Koontz,
of Lamard Township. She was born in Wayne County March 19, 1849. They have four
children, three of whom are deceased. Ida may was born January 26, 1869 and died
October 7, 1873; Ira O., was born August 25, 1872 and died November 28, 1891;
Charles I., was born August 27, 1876 and resides with his parents and Wilsey R.
was born October 28, 1878 and died November 28, 1897.
George Bean, grandfather of Dr. Bean, was born in 1789 and died on the 15th
of May 1861. His grandmother Mrs. Ann TUCKER Bean was born in 1791 and died
February 1, 1867. His grandparents on his mother’s side were Zebina and Mary
BARKER Woodworth, the former was born in New Hampshire and died at the advanced
age in Wayne County in the year 1873. The later was born in Boston and died in
this county in 1864. Archibald Bean was born in November 1815 and died May
21 1870 They were married April 16, 1840 and had a family of twelve children,
three of whom are now residence of Wayne County, five of whom are deceased, one
Dr. Geo. Bean, living in Rutland, Ohio, one in East St. Louis and one in
Oklahoma. Dr. Bean is a member of the G. A. R. and the I. O. O. F. orders
and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Fairfield, he having been a member of this church since march of 1861.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dr.
Francis Bean died in 1924
Nancy Jane KOONTZ Bean died in 1934 both are buried in the
Maple Hill Cemetery
Zebina Woodworth died June 13, 1873 his obituary can be found
in Wayne County Press June 26, 1873
Esther CLARK Koontz was born Aug 3rd, 1824 married
Dec 1842 died March 1879 obit in Wayne County Press April 24, 1879
Simon P. Koontz was born 1821 and died 1899 Simon and Esther
are both buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery
Adeline WOODWORTH Bean died May 21, 1870 50y 5m 25d obit
found Wayne County Press May 26, 1870
Archibald Bean remarried July 27, 1871 to Mrs. Eliza Saunders
of Coolville, Athens Co., Ohio Wayne Co. Press Aug 17, 1871
Archibald died April 3rd 1875 obit in Wayne Co.
Press April 8, 1875
WATERMAN BESTOW
OWNER JEFFERSONVILLE
ROLLER MILLS
Waterman Bestow, better known as “WAT” was born in Meigs County, Ohio,
December 5, 1846; he is the son of John C. and Mrs. Frederick Bestow and came to
Wayne County at the age of fifteen years. Mr. Bestow has been for a number of
years engaged in the milling business at Jeffersonville and has established an
enviable reputation as manufacturer of a superfine wheat flour and buckwheat
flour, and through the latter has gained the reputation of the buckwheat King of
Southern Illinois. This flour is sought for all through the southern counties of
the state, and we agree that nothing is nicer to finish the morning meal with
than good buckwheat cakes and real maple syrup. Mr. Bestow is a prominent member
of the Christian Church of Jeffersonville and a citizen whose influence in his
town is for advancement and progress.
HAMPTON, S. BURGESS
Attorney at Law
As a member of the Wayne County Bar
this name appears in this section. Mr. Burgess is a native of the county in
which he resides. He was born December 6, 1866, and is the son of John H. and
Mary C. WILLIAMS Burgess, both of whom came to this county from the state of
Tennessee in 1852. After completing the common schools of this county our
subject attended Haywood college, then of this city, but was later destroyed by
fire and never rebuilt. He then prepared himself for the profession of teaching,
was engaged for nine consecutive years in school work, studying law during the
latter years of that time and was admitted to the Bar in 1895. In 1898 Mr.
Burgess began the practice of law in Fairfield and in 1900 made the race for
State’s Attorney on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated by a very small
majority, the county going Republican. Mr. Burgess was married December 27,
1893, to Miss Lillie HARLAN, of this county, and to this union have been born
two boys and three girls all of whom are living. He is at present City Attorney
of Fairfield and it may be said that no man is more assiduous in the study of
his profession, always on the alert, full of courage as he battles for the
success of his clients. He is just, generous and fair in his professional
dealings and espouses every undertaking with energy and enthusiasm.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Hampton Burgess died May 23, 1952
Lillie Harlan Burgess died Jan 31, 1943 both are buried in
the Maple Hill Cemetery
CARROLL
C. BOGGS
Justice
Illinois Supreme Court
Was born in Fairfield, Illinois, October 19, 1843 and has
since continuously had his home at the place of his birth. He served as State’s
Attorney of Wayne County, Illinois, from 1872 to 1876, as Judge of the County
Court from 1877 to 1881, as one of the Judges of the Second Judicial Circuit of
Illinois from June 1885 to June 1897, and the latter six years of that period
served as one of the Justices of the Appellate Court for the 3rd
(Springfield) District of the State of Illinois for a term of nine years and in
June 1900, was elected Chief Justice of the said Supreme Court.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Judge Boggs died Dec 16 1923 and is buried in the maple Hill
Cemetery, Fairfield Il.
PAUL CAMBPBELL
Was born in Richland County, but at a very early age went
with his parents, Wm. F. and Mrs. Matilda FRAZIER Campbell to Edwards County,
where he spent his boyhood days. He came to Wayne County in 1889, locating in
Mt. Erie, and began his career in the mercantile line. He was married November
20, 1894 to Miss Sarah D. STRAIGHT, whose home was at Colorado Springs,
Colorado, within sight of Pikes Peak, the summit of which is covered with snow
during the whole year. They have three children, two girls -Pauline and Hulda –
and one boy – William Southwick Campbell. Mr. Campbell is the present Postmaster
of Mt. Erie, which his office has held since the summer of 1897.
J. J. CARSON
Was born in Meigs County,
Ohio, June 12, 1855, and came to Wayne County, Illinois, when a boy 9 years old,
his father having died two years previous to this time. He spent his early life
on a farm, but later served an apprentice ship at the tinner’s trade in
Fairfield, and finished his education in the high schools of Shawneetown,
Illinois. After he became grown he went to Iowa, where he engaged in farming and
stock raising, which he continued until 1882, when he moved to Mt. Erie and went
into the hardware business.
GEO. B. CARTER
Editor Fairfield Republican
The Fairfield Republican was founded
in 1890 by N. E. Roberts, who continued as proprietor until November 1902,
although for three or four years prior to the beginning of the present
management the paper had been under the immediate supervision of L. A. Roberts,
son of the proprietor. In November of 1902, a stock company formed for the
purpose of buying the plant of THE REPUBLICAN, and on the 10th day of
November, Geo. B. Carter, the present editor, assumed charge.
Geo. B. Carter was raised in White County and received his
education in the public schools of that county, except one year spent in Enfield
College, and one year in Eureka College. After leaving school he engaged in
teaching for about eighteen years. In 1892 he removed his family to Fairfield
and since that time his interest have been closely linked with the interest of
Fairfield. THE REPUBLICAN, as its name would indicate, is republican in
politics, and has for its objects the education of the masses along lines of
morality and the principles of good government, as well as to promote the
principles of the Republican party. They have an office well equipped for all
kinds of commercial and job printing. The subscription price is $1.00 per year.
Can we serve you?
Mr. Chaffin
Cashier for the Rinard Bank
Mr. Chaffin cashier, is a native of Clay County, Illinois. He
is the son of Jno. M. deceased, and Mrs. Mary E. Chaffin, and was born at Clay
city, January 4, 1873. Mr. Chaffin was engaged in school for a number of years.
He is a graduate of the McKendree College, with a degrees of B. S. and B L. L.
D. and admitted to the Bar in 1894. He was married September 6, 1899, to Miss
Olive M. Miller, daughter of Dr. L. T. Miller, of St. Clair County, Illinois and
came to Wayne County when the Bank of Rinard was completed to accept the
position which he now holds as Cashier of that institution. We must say in
justice to Mr. Chaffin and also in favor of the new bank that he is one of the
most accommodating, genial and real business-like men with whom it has been a
pleasure to meet during our stay in Wayne County.
D.F. CHANEY
General Merchant Rinard
While it is true that this firm only began this business her
in March, 1902, just one year ago now, Mr. Chaney is well known and has an
established business reputation in Rinard. He was born in Clinton County,
Indiana, near Frankfort, but came to Wayne County at the year of eight years and
in 1870 began his career in the mercantile business in Rinard, which continued
until the year of 1893, when he sold out and turned his attention to farming and
dealing in livestock, grain and grass seed. Mr. Chaney is yet an extensive
dealer in stock and owns 752 acres of land lying principally just west of Rinard.
He is also the director of the First National Bank of Fairfield, but since his
recent advent again into the mercantile business he is putting forth a greater
effort than ever in that direction. The stock and goods carried now are very
extensive, embracing everything in general merchandise. The business is
increasing rapidly and it requires the attention of four persons to attend to
it. Produce of all kinds is always wanted and taken in exchange for any kinds of
goods to be found in the store. This business embodies progressive ideas the men
at its head are working to the interest and upbuilding of the town, and those
are the kind of businessmen to patronize, for by doing so you will benefit your
own condition.
J. R. CREWS
Dealer in Furniture
Was born in Massilon Township of this
county November 14, 1870, and is the son of James Crews. He attended the
district school near his home and later Hayward College. Mr. Crews was raised
and lived on the farm until twenty-one years of age, and besides being a
businessman now with an experience of ten years in his present business, he
knows how to farm and is a great admirer of stock.
TO THE POINT
If a man loves a maid that’s his business,
If a maid loves a man that’s her business,
If they get married that’s their business,
If they need furniture that’s my business,
Yours for business,
J.
R. Crews
J. J. DAUBS
The subject of this sketch is a native of this county and of
the Mt. Erie Township, though not a life resident. He was born January 20, 1865
and when quite young his parents moved to Edwards County where he spent his
early life and received his education. He returned to the land of his nativity
and began teaching school, which he continued for seven years then went to
farming. He was married September 3, 1890 to Miss Mattie BLAKELY of this
township and to this union have been born 5 children 3 boys and 2 girls. The
present firm of Carson & Daubs was formed in February 1902 when Mr. Daubs
decided to try merchandising and bought an interest in a hardware store of J.J.
Carson.
WM. DAUGHENBAUGH
Prosperous, sturdy and thrifty as one of the leading farmers
of Wayne County, it is a pleasure to present the name William Daughenbaugh. This
genial and progressive farmer was born in Armstrong County, Penn., February 28,
1843. He came to Wayne County in 1868 and located one fourth mile southwest of
Rinard on the place he lives today. Mr. Daughenbaugh owns 365 acres of land and
has one of the best improved farms in Bedford Townships. When he located there
in 1868 the land was selling for $15 per acre, today it is worth $60. We show in
the accompanying cuts his residence and deer park, the latter of which is not
very plain caused by the dimness of the photograph. Mr. Daughenbaugh has several
head of deer and is making a specialty of raising them for sale. He is a
substantial citizen, a progressive farmer and genial and pleasant gentleman.
MORE INFORMATION buried in Bunker Cemetery
CHAS. DECKER
GENERAL MERCHANT
Mr. Decker is German by birth and nativity. He was born in
Echelscheim, Germany, January 22, 1830 and came to America with his parents,
when a child seven years old. His father settled in Posey County, Indiana and
Mr. Decker our subject made his home in that county until 1884, when he moved to
Jeffersonville and engaged in the sale of general merchandise. He began on a
much smaller plan than that which represents his business at present, but by
constant and assiduous effort and fair and square dealing with the people he has
established his business through merit. His store room is spacious, measuring 75
x 22 feet, and is stocked to repletion with dry goods, notions, clothing, boots,
shoes, groceries, glassware, queenaware, hardware etc. In fact a line of goods
properly adapted to the local trade will be found here and at prices that will
meet any competition.
-
M. ELLIOTT
Attorney at Law
Near Covington, Kentucky may 4, 1852, the subject of this
sketch was born. He came to this county in 1862 with his parents, Thos. W. and
Phoebe CURRY Elliott, and has since made this his home. He was united in
marriage, June 12, 1888, with Miss Edith COOPER, of this city. Their home is
graced by one little girl five years old – Edith Cooper Elliott. Mr. Elliott
deals extensively in real estate, not only handling property for others but buys
and sells a great amount of reality on his own account. He has been very
successful, both in the practice of law and the management of his other business
and has proven himself very efficient in both. He is the present secretary of
the Farmer’s Insurance Company of Wayne County and has been ever since it’s
organization in 1889. Mr. Elliott has been closely connected with many of the
improvements on real estate in and around Fairfield. He has built a great many
houses, barns etc., and is a large real estate owner. He also makes loans on
good real estate or personal security. Any one having either farm or city
property to sell or exchange will do well to put in the hands of A. M. Elliott.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Thomas W. Elliott died Dec 16, 1880
Phoebe CURRY Elliott died June 18, 1911
Arthur M. Elliott died Nov. 24, 1927
Edith COOPER Elliott died in 1955 All are buried in the Maple
Hill Cemetery, Fairfield Illinois
L. J. GALBRAITH
Was born October 12, 1849, at his present residence, the old
homestead, three miles northeast of Johnsonville and opened the first general
merchandise store in town- in 1858. Mr. Galbraith has been raised in the
mercantile business, having connected with the sale of goods since that time. In
November, 1896, he traded his stock goods to J. J. Keith for the 220 acre farm
where he now lives, but soon after reengaged in the merchandise business and is
at present senior member of the firm of Galbraith, Whitson & Company, who
conduct one of the leading general stores of the county, located in
Johnsonville. Mr. Galbraith is mainly interested in the orchard business, having
90 acres of bearing orchard, principally of Ben Davis apples He has the greater
part of his farm in grass and raises top seed and also deals extensively in
young stock. His farm is well improved, one of the best in the western part of
Wayne County, and is on R. F. D. route, where mail is delivered to the gate
every day. Mr. Galbraith was married November 27, 1881, to Miss Francis A.
Russell, of Johnsonville. They have two boys – Clarence and Ogil. Our subject we
must say, is one of the most progressive farmers of that section. He is strict
and careful businessman and a valuable citizen to the community.
WILLIAM GRUBB
Circuit Clerk
The subject of this sketch was born in
Butler County, Kentucky, on the 29th day of July 1868. He has spent
only a small portion of his life in his native state, when quite young he came
with his father B. J. Grubb, and his mother Mrs. Elizabeth Grubb, to Wayne
County, Illinois, which has been his home. After obtaining a good common school
education Mr. Grubb prepared himself for teaching, which he began at the age of
18 and followed for several years. On the 21st of June, 1888 he and
Miss Rachel WHITACRE, of this county were united in marriage and to them have
been born two sweet little girls, Mary and Vera. For the past six years Mr.
Grubb has been engaged in the grocery store business in Fairfield and is too
well known for a personal introduction in these columns. He was elected to the
office of the Circuit Clerk on the 6th of November 1900, which office
he is filling for a term of four years. Mr. Grubb has made the county a
conservative yet untiring official. He is justly classed among those who have
achieved positions of eminence by reason of their ability and unswerving
integrity.
W. M. GOUDY
Editor
The Wayne County Press antedates
everything in the newspaper line in Wayne County. The first newspaper was
published about the year 1850 by a young man by the name of A. A. Stickney. The
paper was published for a time then suspended, and intermittent efforts were
made by numerous persons, with varying success, until December, 1865, when the
“War Democrat” was purchased by D. W. Barkley, who, with the first issue in
January, 1866, changing the name of the paper to Wayne County Press, and from
that day to this not an issue has been missed, and the rise and influence of the
paper has been steady and gradual. Mr. Barkley remained with the paper until
July 27th, 1887, when he sold the office of O. F. Barkley and W. M.
Goudy. In May 1889, Mr. Goudy bought the interest of his partner, and has since
been the editor and publisher. Having entered the office as the junior employee
of the newspaper making, the present proprietor is possessed of a knowledge of
the practical side of his profession, which has been of great value to him in
maintaining and building up a business which is second to none in southern
Illinois. In the job department the office has demonstrated its ability to
handle anything in the printing line with intelligence and dispatch. The PRESS
exerts a commanding influence in this section. Having intimate knowledge of the
wants of the people, the present publisher conducts the paper with
discrimination and care, seeing to it that the county is covered completely and
that his readers get the “Kernel” of the news in every instance. Under this sort
of direction the paper has prospered, the circulation has increased year by
year, without “Padding” until 1723?? Papers are now printed weekly. The list is
composed of the best people of the county, and the publisher takes pride in the
fact that he supplies quality as well as quantity to his patrons, both important
considerations to advertisers.
T. H. HALL M.D.
Fairfield, Illinois
Was born April 6, 1838, near Glasgow,
Kentucky. He is the son of Caleb and Lucy Hall and came to Washington County
with his parents at age fifteen years. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary
Wheeless, who died in 1865, leaving one daughter. The doctor was married again
in 1867 to Miss Seddie Reynolds, who is also a native of Kentucky. They have one
son T. R. Hall, who is also a resident of Fairfield. Dr. Hall, after completing
common school education, attended the Presbyterian College in 1856. He attended
medical school in Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1862 and in 1863 took a coarse in the
Chicago Medical College. He began practice in Marion County, Illinois the same
year that he finished the medical coarse in Chicago and early in 1864 moved to
Fairfield where he enjoyed an extensive practice for thirty-nine years, with the
exception of the winter of 1868-69, when he attended the Missouri Medical
College of St. Louis, from which he graduated with a degree of Addendum. Dr.
Hall conducted a drug store in Fairfield for a period of twelve years in
connection with his practice but the store burnt in 1888 without insurance. The
Doctor makes his residence at Grand Central Hotel, of which his wife is
proprietress.
N. J. HALL, M. D.
Located in Fairfield
The doctor is the youngest son of Caleb and Lucy Hall. He was
born October 4, 1851, and is a native of the state of Kentucky. When quite small
his parents removed to Nashville, Illinois, where he received the principle part
of his early education. Dr. Hall began the study of medicine in 1875 and
graduated in 1878 from the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, Missouri. He
began practicing medicine the same year in Clinton County, and came to Fairfield
the following year – 1879. He was married January 24, 1877 to Miss Phoebe Todd,
of Clinton County, Illinois. They have two daughters living and lost one boy in
infancy. The doctor owns 200 acres of land near Fairfield and a nice home
residence in town. His office is located on the west side of Public Square and
he does a general practice of medicine.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dr. Caleb Hall Sr. died Dec. 25, 1891
Lucy MIZE Hall died April 14, 1900
Dr. Neal J. Died Aug 8, 1929
Phoebe TODD Hall died Sept. 10, 1939
All are buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield Il.
Wayne County Record
December 16, 1926
BROTHER DIED IN ARKANSAS – DR. E. T. HALL
Dr. N. J. Hall
received the news of the death of his brother, Dr. E. T. Hall, which
occurred in Beebe, Arkansas, on December 7th, …..For many years Dr.
E. T. Hall was a resident of this city where he practiced his profession, but
about seventeen or eighteen years ago he moved to Beebe, where he has since made
his home. At the time of his death he was 87 years 8 months and 1 day of age,
and the remains were laid to rest in Beebe. He is survived by his widow, one
son, Thomas, one daughter Mrs. Anna Root, one brother, Dr. N. J. Hall and one
sister, Mrs. Charity J. Wickersham of this city. The death of another brother,
C. J. Hall, who resided in Portland, Oregon was reported in the Record on
November 25th, it having occurred on November 11.
WAYNE COUNTY RECORD
November 25th 1926
CALEB
J. HALL DEAD
Caleb J. Hall died at his home in Portland, Oregon on Friday,
November 11th, and funeral for the deceased were held on Saturday
following and the interment was in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in that city. The
deceased was a resident of this city for many years, and was a brother of N. J.
Hall and of Mrs. C. J. Wickersham, of this city and of Dr. E. T. Hall, formerly
of this city, but now of Beebe Ark……Had stroke, He is survived by widow, one son
Neal, and one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. He was 77 years of age at
the time of his death.
PAUL HARDY
Wayne City Roller Mills
owner
The subject of this sketch is a native of Edwards County,
Illinois, was born February 25, 1852, and came to Wayne County in January of
1891. Mr. Hardy bought a 126 acre farm just east of Wayne city, on which he
lived until in march of 1902, when he traded his farm for the Wayne City Roller
Mills and moved into Wayne City to assume control of his new possession.
THE MILL
Is a modern one in equipment, has a
capacity of 40 barrels a day and its machinery is driven by a 40 horse power
engine. The building is first-class and rest on a strong brick foundation. The
basement which serves as the engine room has a substantial concrete basement
floor. Mr. Hardy has recently installed the “Plan” sifter system, which makes a
superior grade of flour and at the same time requires less space to handle the
same amount of grain than the other processes. The mill is also equipped with
two and a half stands of wheat rollers one of which is three pairs high, and one
9 x 18 corn meal and feed roller. Since Mr. Hardy’s advent into the milling
business the mill has been kept in almost constant operation, running overtime
the greater part of the year. The special brands of flour are “Admiral”, “Daily
Bread” and “Pansy” all of which are made from a carefully and well selected
grade of wheat.
DR. SAMUEL HARWOOD
Located in Ellery
Dr. Harwood was born October 8, 1862,
in the city of New York. His fathers name was Thomas H. and his mother’s given
name was Addie. He was raised and educated in New York and was married October
21, 1881, to Miss Mary E. CONNELLY, of Philadelphia. To this union have been
born three children, two boys and a girl, one of whom is now living- a boy, the
others having died in infancy or when quite young. The doctor began his medical
education at the Eclectic College of Bowdoin, Main, from which he graduated in
1883. He graduated from the University of New York in 1885 and from the
University of New York City 1888-89. He was house surgeon of the Belleview
Hospital of New York City in 1890. He attended the University of Berlin, Germany
during the years of 1891 and 92, practiced in Paris, France from 1892 to 1894
and spent a part of 1894 in the New York City Hospital. In the later part of
1894 the Doctor came to White Heath, Illinois, where he remained until 1897,
when the Spanish-American War broke out and he enlisted in the 2nd
Illinois Volunteers, as a surgeon in the rank of Lieutenant. After the close of
the War Dr. Harwood located at Ellery, of this county, and is enjoying a
prosperous and extensive practice.
B. F. HARSHBARGER
JEWLER
Among the young businessmen of Wayne County we wish to
present the name B. F. Harshbarger, jeweler of Jeffersonville. Mr. Harshbarger
is a native of the state of old Virginia, was born April 13, 1868 and is the son
of John and Margaret Harshbarger. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Florence
Ward of this county, Nov. 8, 1892 and to them have been born five children, all
of whom are living. He is a jeweler of considerable experience, is a practical
workman and has established a reputation in this vicinity for understanding his
business. He carries a line of jewelry watches and clocks and at a fair and
reasonable price.
DAVID HAWK
DEALER IN STAPLE & FANCY
GROCERIES
One of the most important business of any town, large or
small, is the grocer and Mr. Hawk fills this capacity in Jeffersonville. Our
subject is a native of the state of New Jersey, he was born May20 1842 his
fathers given name was Jacob and his mother Mary; he moved with them when a
small boy to the state of Ohio, where he spent his early life. He was married to
Miss Eliza J. Sloan August 17 1863 and two years later moved to Wayne county. He
began the grocery business in Jeffersonville in March 1901. He has the only
exclusive grocery store in the town, and makes a point to keep everything the
people want in his line. He is a liberal and progressive businessman, a
substantial citizen and a pleasant gentleman to deal with.
MR. HOCKING
Is numbered among the successful
merchants of Leech Township. He has a well stocked store and carries a full
assortment in each of the various lines named above. Country products is wanted
by him at all times and is just as good as money to trade for goods as far as it
goes. Mr. Hocking was married in April of 1896, to Miss Goldie SHEETS of his own
township. They are the parents of one child – a girl and are among the
substantial families of Golden Gate.
JOHN R.
HOLT
County Judge
Judge Holt, a native of Indiana, was born July 14, 1864, at
New Albany, Indiana, but has spent the greater part of his life in Wayne County,
having come here at the age of ten years. Early in life our subject chose the
profession of law and begun to prepare himself accordingly. At the age of
twenty-one he was admitted to the Bar and about the same time began teaching
school, which he did for five years in Wayne County. At the end of that time, or
in 1891, Judge Holt began the practice of Law in Fairfield and is known by the
members of the local Bar as a careful legal adviser, a thorough student of the
law and a strong argumentative opponent. At the ballot box on the 4th
of last November a majority of the voters of Wayne county chose him to fill the
office of County Judge, which office he occupies at the present time with due
credit to himself and satisfaction to the people who put him there. Judge Holt
was married to Miss Ella C. Patterson, of this city. To them have been born four
children, all of whom are living but one, who died at the age of about three
years.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
John Riley Holt died Jan 17, 1943
Ella PATTERSON Holt died April 19, 1919 both are buried in
the Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield Illinois
RAY JACOBSON
THE BARBER, DEALER IN STAPLE
AND FANCY GROCERIES
Ray Jacobson is well known as the
barber of Wayne City. He was born April 4, 1875 at Belle Rive, Illinois, is the
son of Chas M. and Emily P. Jacobson and came to Wayne City with his parents
when he was quite a small child. His father was among the early residents and
was the first druggist of Wayne City. Mr. Jacobson is one of the young
businessmen of the town. Besides the barber business he conducts, in the room
just north of the shop, a first class restaurant and lunch counter and carries a
choice of candies, condiments, staple and fancy groceries. Something over four
years ago Mr. Jacobson decided to take on a partner and on the 27th
day of October 1897, was united with Miss Minnie Pepple, of Jefferson County.
She has proven a very valuable partner and while he is busy in the shop his wife
waits on the trade in the store. Both are pleasant young people and make their
customers their friends.
Additional Information Chas M. and
Emily P. Jacobson are buried in Thomason Cemetery
GEO. W.
JOHNS
Attorney at Law
The subject of this sketch is one of the older
representatives of the Wayne County Bar, having been engaged in the active
practice of law in Fairfield since 1872. He is vice President of the Fairfield
National Bank and his office is located in the first room north of the bank
building.
DR. WM. M. JOHNSON
Located at Johnsonville
Dr. Johnson is a native of Tennessee.
He was born in Wilson County, of that state, near Lebanon, June 29, 1829. his
father, W. B. and his mother Mrs. Matilda Johnson, left Tennessee and came to
Illinois in 1831. The doctor was raised and received his early education in Mt.
Vernon, Illinois. He was married in 1857 to Miss Galbraith of this county, and
located at Johnsonville in 1862. He has eight living children four sons and four
daughters. Two of his sons are practicing physicians and two horticulturists.
All of his daughters but one are married. Dr. Johnson received his medical
education at the American Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been in
active practice for forty-eight years. He is one of the earliest settlers of
Johnsonville and among the oldest practitioners of the county. He is a member of
the National, State and Southern Illinois Medical Associations and was for years
Vice-president of the Wayne County Medical Association. Dr. Johnson has a well
equipped office in Johnsonville and a pleasant home beautifully located in a
fine maple grove. It was the doctor’s intention to have his residence appear in
this book, but through some over sight we failed to get a photograph in time to
have a plate made for printing it.
L. J. KEITH
(L. J. Keith & Son)
The Senior
member of this firm and the originator of the vast seed industry of Wayne
County, was born October 8, 1839 in Nobel County , Ohio. His father was born in
the state of Pennsylvania and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary TAYLOR,
came with her parents from England to America in her eighteenth year. Mr. Keith
was married December 28th 1866, to Miss Margaret TAYLOR, daughter of
William and Margaret Taylor, both of whom came to this country from England when
young. Shortly after he was married Mr. Keith (Our subject) left Ohio with his
wife and went to Iowa, where they spent the first three years of their married
life. Coming to Wayne County, in 1869, he settled on a farm two miles west of
the village of Rinard and began farming. He only remained on the farm two years,
then moved into Rinard and engaged in buying and shipping grain and livestock.
In 1902 Mr. Keith and family moved to Fairfield and own one of the most modern
homes to be found in that city. Mr. And Mrs. Keith are the parents of three
children, two sons and one daughter. The oldest, Wesley Elmore died October 28,
1901. The other two, Mame A. and Charles Elsworth, live with their parents in
Fairfield.
HISTORY OF THE GRASS SEED INDUSTRY
(Related to L. J. Keith)
The grass industry is one of great importance in this part
of the state, covering an area of some seven or eight counties with Wayne County
in the center of the district. The growing of grass and raising of hay has
always been profitable in this county, and the “Red Top,” particularly adapted
to this soil, produces abundant crops. This seed very heavily, its seed is
prolific and finds ready sale on the market. The early farmers discovered this;
after removing the hay from a loft they found the floor covered several inches
deep in grass seed. They gathered it up sifted by hand, and it brought a neat
little income which was just like finding that much, for there was no expense
attached to preparing it for sale. The importance of this and its value was soon
realized and the seed was thrashed from the hay beating it with poles or
threading it, according to the old way of threshing wheat. The next improvement
occurred in 1871, when Mr. Keith, who owned a wheat and oat threshing outfit,
had his sieves changed and machine arranged to thresh grass seed and threshed
the first red top seed that was threshed by a machine in Wayne County. This was
a great improvement and greatly increased the raising of the product, for the
sale of the seed adds a neat income to the sale of the hay, which enhances the
total value of the crop. One improvement calls for another, experience teachers,
time has a ripening influence and competition stimulates a spirit of men to
supersede their contemporaries. The next improvement was the cleaning process by
which all chaff and dust are removed from the seed leaving what is called “Fancy
seed.” This Idea was conceived by D. LI. Bushnell, of St. Louis while watching a
threshing machine in operation. He noticed sifting through a crevice in the box
the clean seed free from dust or chaff and that suggested to his mind the
benefit of a fan or mill for the purpose of cleaning the seed after it was
threshed. He had a hand mill, made which accomplished the work and was the
predecessor of the Centennial Hand Mill which is still in general use. I.
Hollister & Co. of Olney Illinois were the next to adopt this cleaning process,
and then it spread so generally that unless cleaned seed was not considered
marketable.
THE SEED PLANT
The greatest
and most recent improvement in the seed cleaning process, is the mill that
cleans perfectly and separates completely the various kinds of seed. This is the
monitor mill and came to use about four years ago. Before coming to Fairfield
Mr. Keith had been engaged in buying and shipping the seed uncleaned. In 1892 he
began with D. F. Chaney of Rinard, buying at Fairfield, using a part of his
present plant as a warehouse. He bought Mr. Chaney’s interest and in 1896 began
cleaning the seed with the Centennial Hand Mills, which prepared for shipment to
the wholesaler, or the farmer. In September, 1900, Mr. Keith installed in his
plant the Monitor Mills and has now the best equipment with the largest capacity
of any seed cleaning plant in southern Illinois, and cleans more red top seed
than any other plant in the world. This new mill is a model of mechanical genius
and it requires great skill to adjust one properly. The small particles of hay,
the chaff, dust, timothy, red top and other seed are all separated each coming
out through different spouts. The capacity is 50,000 pounds of fancy seed per
week besides timothy and others, the storage capacity is 75,000 bushels with a
granary of 20,000 bushels capacity in connection. This plant, during the last
season, beginning the last of August and ending about the middle of March was in
operation day and night and cleaned over 200,000 bushels of grass seed. This
seed averaged the farmer from 42 to 45 cents delivered to the plant in Fairfield
or to the warehouse at Rinard.
JOHN KEEN
Fairfield
Illinois
John Keen, the subject of this sketch, was born in Hickory
Hills Township, Wayne County Illinois, October 29, 1837. He was born and raised
on a farm and his education advantages were limited to what is now termed the
common school coarse. In his youthful days, there was no free school system in
operation, and the only means of gaining an education for a poor boy, was a
subscription school, and the country being new and very sparsely settled, it was
some times quite difficult to get subscribers enough to justify a teacher
opening a school. Many of the young teachers, so called, were totally
incompetent to teach even what are now known as the common school branches; but
with all his disadvantages, Mr. Keens succeeded in acquiring a fair common
school education, which he has subsequently supplemented, by a diligent coarse
of reading, principally along historical lines. He is quite proud of his
Diploma, from the Chautauqua Library and Scientific Circle, which he obtained by
completing the prescribed coarse in August, 1893. He is a great admirer of the
Chautauqua Coarse, and although past sixty-five years of age is this year
pursuing the coarse. He has an excellent family library, comprised principally
of historical and reference books. He taught a few terms of school in his
younger days. On April 7th, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss
Martha Atteberry, a neighbor girl, who has proved to be to him a most excellent
companion. To this union five children have been born, two boys and three girls.
Two of the girls died in infancy. The other three children, Isaac N., Asa F. and
Harriet L. have all grown to manhood and womanhood, and all are married, and
have the confidence and respect of the people of the neighborhoods where they
are best known. In November, 1861, Mr. Keen was elected County Treasurer of this
County for two years, that being the length of term at the time. January 1,
1872, he entered the law office of G. J. George, at Fairfield, as a clerk in the
office, and while there as opportunity offered, he read law; in 1879, was
admitted in the Bar by the Supreme Court of this State. In November, 1882, he
was elected Judge of the County Court of this county, for a term of four years;
and in November, 1886, fire having destroyed all the county court records of the
county, and Mr. Keen being familiar with the business transacted during his term
of office as Judge, was by Mr. F. M. Brock, the newly elected County Clerk,
taken into his office, and given charge of the probate business, which position
he continued to occupy for about seven years, when he resigned this position to
take charge of the Fairfield Building Association as its Secretary, which place
he still holds, combining with it the practice of the law as opportunity offers.
The two offices above mentioned are the only county offices held by him, but he
has held minor offices of one kind or another, nearly ever since he was
twenty-one years old. Mr. Keen has never made his home outside of Wayne County,
and says he has no desire to do so. He has been a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Fairfield since February 14, 1873. He is what some people
call a joiner, as he was a member of Fairfield Lodge, 206, A. F. & A. M.; of
Fairfield Lodge No. 32, I.O.O.F. of Boon Encampment, No. 41, I.O.O.F. of Inez
Rebekah Lodge, No. 520, I.O.O.F. and of Fairfield lodge, No. 65, A. O. U. W. He
and a companion of his youth are quite passing down the descending slope,
resting in hope, that when this life with its trials and conflicts are over they
will enter upon a higher life where sin and sorrow and separations are unknown.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
John Keen died June 17, 1914
Martha ATTEBERRY Keen died Feb 17, 1916 both are buried in
the Maple Hill Cemetery
SAMUEL KEEN
DEALER IN
GRAIN AND LIVESTOCK
Prominent among the successful and extensive farmers of Wayne County is the
gentleman whose name appeared at the head of this sketch. He was born Nov. 25
1840 in Keeneville, a little village a few miles north of his present home. He
was married in November 1865, to Miss Samantha J. Scrivner of this county. They
are the parents of seven children of whom only three are living. Mr. Keen owns
1100 acres of land and deals extensively in livestock. He has handled and delt
in cattle and livestock in general for over 40 years and has made a great
success of that business. He is also engaged in the grain industry and is an
extensive buyer of that product. Mr. Keen is a substantial and influential
citizen and we take pleasure in presenting his name to his friends. More
Information Buried in Salem Cemetery
LORENZO D.
LATHAM
Physician and Surgeon, Located at
Rinard, Wayne County, Illinois
Dr. Latham entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of St. Louis, Missouri, in 1892, graduated in 1896 and in 1897 located in Rinard,
of this county, where he has since been engaged in the practice of medicine. His
business is strictly limited to his profession and his time is wholly devoted to
his practice.
GEORGE R. LEACH
There is perhaps no man of
Wayne County more favorably known, and certainly none more closely identified
with business interests, or more deeply concerned about the general welfare of
his community, than Geo. R. Leach, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Leach was
born of Methodist parentage, near Bone Gap in Edwards County, Illinois, March
19, 1854. he is the son of David B. and Mrs. Lois M. Leach. He came to Wayne
County in the year 1870 and invested in timbered lands in Leech Township, where
he has been and interested land holder for more than 33 years. During a great
part of this time he was engaged, with his brother, in saw milling, utilizing
the timber on his farm, clearing the land and preparing it for cultivation. He
owned the land where the village of Golden Gate now stands and inserts a
prohibitory clause (Prohibiting the sale of intoxicating drinks) in every deed
he makes for land sold for town lots, and so far has the satisfaction of knowing
the plan works well. Mr. Leach espoused the cause of prohibition many years ago;
in fact as soon as the opportunity presented itself, and in many ways has been a
helper of those who were giving their time to spread the cause. Not only his
cash but his hospitable home is always ready and free to speakers and singers.
His party has the second time nominated him for the office of County Judge. Mr.
Leach has a large family of boys and is a total abstainer not only from beer and
whiskey but also form tobacco. He is a church worker and has been a Sunday
school superintendent for many years. Our subject has been married twice; first
August 22, 1878 to Miss Josephine McCLEARY, of Wayne County. This union was
blessed with one child - a boy – but was soon broken by the death of the wife.
Mr. Leach married again August 22, 1880, to Miss Rachel M. RIGG, of Wabash
County. To this union have been born six children, all of whom are living. Mr.
Leach is the owner of extensive real estate interest – he owns 400 acres of land
near Golden Gate, besides business and residence property in the town. He
operates a brick and tile factory, which is one of the leading industries in the
village, a saw and grist mill, and is engaged in the sale of farm implements and
harvest machinery. Mr. Leach also finds time to carry on farming and stock
raising on an extensive plain. He is a large type of physical manhood, is
several inches over 6 feet tall, weighs over two hundred pounds, and is said to
have a heart in the same proportion. He is, to say the least, a liberal, public
– spirited citizen, and a benefactor to his community.
L. D. LEACH
GRAIN DEALER
The subject of
this sketch is another representative of the Leach family. He was born near Bone
Gap, in Edwards County, Illinois, March 22, 1852, the son of David B. and Mrs.
Lois M. Leach, and brother to Geo. R. Leach. He came to Wayne County in 1870 and
turned his attention to farming and to accumulating and clearing land. He was
married October 27, 1872 and is the father of 10 children, 8 of whom are living.
He lives three quarters of a mile North of Golden Gate, owns 560 acres of land
and is an extensive farmer and stock raiser. He is also engaged in buying and
shipping of grain. Mr. Leach has figured prominently in the growth and
development of that part of the county. He has been very successful business man
and a valuable citizen to the community. MORE INFORMATION Buried in Bethel
Cemetery
J. M. LOGAN
General Merchant and Extensive Buyer of Cord Wood
J. M. Logan is a native of the Buckeye state, was born Feb. 14, 1846 in
Carroll County, but when a boy of seven years of age he moved with his parents
to Owen County Indiana. From there he went with the army and served three years
four months. He returned to his home and in 1875 came to Wayne County. First Mr.
Logan located in Sims, where he engaged in general merchandising and later began
buying and shipping cordwood to Chicago. He moved to Boylestonin 1893 opened up
a general store, accepting the capacity as station agent and engaged more
extensively than ever in the cord wood business. Today he is and most extensive
buyer and shipper of cord wood in the county. He ships from every railroad
station in the county except Fairfield and averages about 500 car loads a year.
The wood shipped is principally Hickory and is greatly in demand at the large
packing establishments of Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. This industry is a
most valuable one in the timber portions of the county and is a means of
clearing hundreds of acres of land every year. In February of 1896 Mr. Logan
married to Miss Hixon of Terra Haute, Indiana. He has a prosperous and growing
business, is a man who has overcome many difficulties but by diligent effort has
accumulated a good portion of this world’s goods.
E. A. MARTIN
Came to Fairfield with his parents thirty years ago and
has called this his home ever since, attending the public schools when young,
like other young men “Went West”, farmed seven years in Nebraska, worked in
lumber yards in Missouri, and at home worked in general store. He went into the
Hardware business in October of 1892, the junior of the firm Foster & Martin. In
February, 1895, he bought W. A. Foster’s interest and since that date the
business has been under his management. He has had the experiences common to all
businessmen of today, but thanks to an appreciative public, who by their liberal
patronage the last ten years have encouraged and help build up the business. The
firm of E. A. Martin is very much alive today and to anyone who might snot be
personally acquainted with the firm will say he is a branch of the Martin family
who have been identified with Wayne and Clay counties for almost a century, and
is the oldest son of T. A. Martin, who with Mr. C. W. Summers as a partner, did
business in Fairfield for about twenty years. Mr. Martin is always glad to meet
old friends and to make new ones. When in the Capital of Wayne County call and
see him and his mammoth store.
C. McDaniel
Every one respects a self made-man, and such we find
the subject of this sketch to be, for everything he owns in this world has been
acquired through his own efforts and are the results of well directed energy and
practical economy. Mr. McDaniel is a native and life resident of Wayne County.
He was born in Indian Prairie Township May 12, 1841. Both parents died when he
was a small boy and he was raised and cared for by a half brother. His
grandparents were dead and the estates settled before he was born, so he was
left to carve out his own destiny and make his own future in the world. Mr.
McDaniel married in August 1862, to Miss Martha J. Cunningham, who was born in
Vermillion County of this state, but came with her parents to Wayne County at
the age of twelve years. Today he owns 720 acres of land in Wayne County, is
vice president of the Bank of Rinard and owns other town properties besides the
new hotel in Rinard above in the cut and the livery stable, which is run by his
son-in-law J. R. Rudolph. Mr. McDaniel is a member of the G. A. R., prominent
member of the M. E. Church and a citizen who is always ready to push forward any
public enterprise that will benefit the community in which he lives.
E. McCLUNG
Editor Fairfield Sun
Mr. McClung has been for a number of years closely identified with the
newspaper interest of Wayne County. He is the founder of both the Democratic
papers and present editor of one-the SUN. He founded the RECORD in 1879 and
edited that paper until the year 1891, when he sold it to its present owner and
editor, J. M. Rapp. During that time Mr. McClung figured also in public life; he
represented this county in the state legislator during the winter of 1884-5 and
filled the office of Postmaster under Cleveland in his first term, he being
appointed in 1886. After selling the RECORD in 1891 Mr. McClung engaged in
mercantile business, which he conducted for six years, then sold out and founded
the FAIRFIELD SUN in 1898. Our subject has ever been a staunch Democrat, true to
the party in principle and influence. He is not a radical, but a conservative a
standard bearer of the doctrines of his party. The SUN, the youngest of the
county papers, is a neat, clean six column quarto, published every Saturday at
SUN office, Fairfield, Illinois. The circulation of this paper is increasing
every month with a subscription price of only one dollar per year in advance.
The home of the SUN is on the west side of Public Square in the Odd Fellows’
Building. When in Fairfield call in and get acquainted with the editor. He will
also be pleased to take your subscription. Any kind of job printing is solicited
and satisfaction assured.
T. C. McMackin
UNDERTAKER
AND ONLY LICENSED EMBALMER IN THE COUNTY
The
calling of the undertaker has developed into a veritable profession, most of
it’s features now being conducted upon exact scientific principles as for
instance embalming and disinfecting, while the mechanical branch is equally
marked with a degree of skill and perfection. It is a profession which, to
successfully follow, requires aside from the scientific knowledge involved a
mechanical ability and on the whole a combination and peculiar exercise of
faculties not usually found in an ordinary individual. Such is the responsible
position occupied by the undertaker and funeral director. The reputation which
Thos. C. McMackin has acquired in this profession is based upon the highest
qualifications and is reflected in a patronage keenly appreciated of propriety.
Mr. McMackin’s business dates back more than twenty years and he is one of the
oldest and most prominent undertaker in this section of the state. He holds a
certificate from the Illinois State Board of Health, is a graduate of the
National School of Embalming and has every facility for conducting his business
in the most scientific and approved manner. He employs the newest methods for
destroying all disease-producing germs or bacteria of any nature. He is also a
skilled mechanic, having followed the trade of a brick mason before he became a
professional undertaker. He office is located in J. R. Crews’ furniture store on
West Main Street. Mr. McMackin is prepared to show a stock of funeral goods that
can not be surpassed for variety, quality and price. He has a suitable hearse
and is prepared to take entire control of a funeral on a moments notice.
DR. N. P. MERRITT
Located in Ellery
Among the most venerable practitioners
in the medical profession of Wayne County we present the name of Dr. N. P.
Merritt, of Ellery. The doctor was born December 26, 1826, in Breckinridge
County, Kentucky. He received his early education in the city of Indianapolis,
Indiana. Began the study of medicine in 1847, and to practice in 1851. He was
first married in 1851 to Miss Eliza Chenneth, of Indiana, and the second time to
Miss Nellie Nickolson of Kentucky. In 1864 Dr. Merrit enlisted in the army as
surgeon. September 6, 1864, he received an appointment in regular army in which
he served until January 1866. He moved to Wayne County and began the practice of
medicine in 1871. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati
in 1877, and located at Ellery in 1881, where he has been constantly engaged in
an active practice since that time.
JOHN MORRIS
REAL ESTATE
John Morris member of the firm Morris &
Wall, was born September 11, 1836 at Antioch, Monroe County, in the state of
Ohio. He is the son of Eliha and Mary HARTLY Morris. He received his education
at Antioch and Woodfield, Ohio, came to Clay County, Illinois in 1859 to Wayne
County in 1866 and to Fairfield in 1873. August 9, 1862, he enlisted as a
private in Company C of the 111th Illinois Regt. Volunteers and
served until Sept. 18, 1864 when he was discharged as First Lieutenant. Mr.
Morris married April 19, 18? To Miss Lucinda E. LENTZ, of Antioch, Ohio. This
union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are yet living viz: Harry E,
Ralph H., Cloyd D., Fred L., Bessie E., Lucy C., and two dead viz: Charles L.
and Mary Katherine. This couple spent together a long and happy life, looking
only a few weeks of being 42 years, and their lives were only separated by the
death of the wife March 6, 1902. Mr. Morris has figured prominently in public
life in Wayne County. He was elected County Clerk in 1873, Treasurer in 1877 and
appointed Deputy Internal Revenue Collector 1885 to 1889. At present he is
engaged in the real estate business and is a member of the above firm. (MORRIS &
WALL REAL ESTATE)
MORE INFORMATION Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery
POST MASTER / GENERAL GOODS
DEALER
Mr. Murphy
fills exclusively one portion at least, in Golden Gate, the office of
Postmaster. He is also engaged in the mercantile business and carries a line of
general goods. The lines and articles are too numerous to mention in detail, but
suffice to say that the stock he handles is well assorted and such goods are
best adapted for local needs.
Mr.
Murphy was born July 14 1855 in Leech Township. He was married to Miss Emma A.
Wilson of Wayne County. They have one child living. After finishing his own
education our subject began teaching school, which he continued for eighteen
years. He was appointed to the office of Postmaster and opened up his store in
Golden Gate in 1897. Mr. Murphy is one of the citizens who would like to see
Golden Gate grow to be a large and important town and is willing to help
advertise their advantages and develop their recourses.
MORE INFORMATION buried in Union Cemetery
W. K. NEHF
Represents an ideal home in
Johnsonville. Mr. Nehf is one of the prosperous young farmers of Indian Prairie
Township. He is the son of John M. and Caroline Nehf, was born July 23, 1863 at
Port Washington, Wisconsin, but left there with his parents at the age of six
years and moved to Oswego, Illinois, where he spent his boyhood and school days.
Mr. Nehf lived in Chicago two years and came to Wayne County in 1876. he was
married September 16, 1885, to Miss Caroline PASTRE, of Muskingum County, Ohio
and to this union has been born three girls. Our subject owns 89 acres of land
in Indian Prairie Township just west of Johnsonville, lying partly inside of the
corporation. Of this 25 acres is in first class young orchard. Mr. Nehf also
owns a saw mill and threshing outfit and is a prominent farmer and citizen.
Dr. H.
W. PITNER
DENTIST
There is no profession more necessary to the well being of
mankind than that of dentistry. Beauty and health are inexorable in their
demands that care and attention be given the teeth. If not for heath’s sake
alone, the teeth should be given attention from the fact that nothing detracts
so much from beauty as bad teeth, which also often produce neuralgia, diminished
eyesight, defective hearing and even insanity. To keep the teeth in good order
even if they are sound, a visit to an experienced dentist should be made at
least once a year and no one of this profession can be more willingly endorsed
than Dr. H. W. Pitner who operates in Fairfield, over Bach & Steiner’s store,
and in one of the best equipped offices and laboratories to be found in this
section of the state. Dr. Pitner is a graduate of the Ohio Dental College of
Cincinnati, Ohio, and has practiced in this city for twenty years. He makes a
specialty of crown and bridge work, with which the doctor is very successful,
all such work being done in the most scientific and satisfactory manner. Modern
methods for the painless extraction of teeth are employed with every care and
comfort is given the patient.
GEORGE
M. NORRIS
The subject of this sketch was born in Monmouth, Maine on the
20th day of August, 1863. Was graduated from Bowdoin College in the
year 1886, receiving the degree of A. B. Immediately following graduation, he
went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he entered the law office of Wulsin & Perkins,
and entered upon the study of law. Was admitted to the practice of law in the
year 1888 before the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio, receiving the degree of
L. L. B. from Cincinnati University. In the year 1888 was given the honorary
degree of A. M. by his Alma Mater, Bowdoin College. Following his admission to
the Bar, Mr. Norris went to St. Paul, Minnesota where he entered upon the
practice of law, remaining there for four years and until he came to Fairfield,
Illinois, to take charge of the Southern Illinois Improvement Company, where he
has since remained. Mr. Norris was married in 1887 to Mary Alice MARSTON. The
couple are blessed with a family of three pleasing girls.
W.
P. RASSLER
General
Merchandise Wayne City
The secret to success is energy, enthusiasm and close
application to business. With a little capital added to these characteristics a
business will gradually increase constantly strengthening the enterprise. In no
line of business does energy and enthusiasm and the constant development count
for so much as in the retail general merchandise business and one of the most
remarkable instances of such growth is the store conducted by W. P. Rassler. Mr.
Rassler is a native of the state of New York and came to this county from New
York about nineteen years ago and, choosing Keen’s as his future home, opened
there on very small capital a general merchandise store which he conducted with
increasing success until the year of 1900, when he sustained very heavy losses
in the big fire of Keen’s. These losses were not covered by insurance, his
insurance just having run out and was not renewed simply by over site caused by
sickness. After the fire Mr. Rassler moved to Wayne City where he began anew on
a small capital but success has again been his portion and today he is
proprietor of an elegant general merchandise establishment. The store room is
large and well filled with dry goods, notions, clothing, boots, shoes, hats,
caps, men’s, women’s and children’s wearing apparel, groceries, chinaware,
glassware, and tin ware. Mr. Rassler also buys cord wood, railroad ties,
wool in season and all kinds of country produce, at top of the line market
prices.
J. B. SCUDAMORE (Joseph B SCUDAMORE)
In Preparing our sketches on Wayne
County history and the personal biographies of many of the prominent citizens it
is with a feeling of pride and pleasure that we present the name forming the
caption of this sketch.
The history of Wayne City could not be written without
mention of J. B. SCUDAMORE who may well be called the founder as he built the
first dwelling and the first store on the present site of the town, was the
first postmaster and was instrumental in securing a post office for the place.
Our subject was born in Gallatin County Illinois August 23 1832 and is the son
of George and Rebecca BUCK Scudamore. He received his common school of early
education principally in Hamilton County of this state. Mr. Scudamore was united
in marriage Jan 1, 18-6 with Miss Elizabeth J. LEWIS of Champaign County
Illinois. Their union proved happy and was blessed with eight children. Our
subject has figured prominently in public life having held fourteen commissions
as follows: eight as Notary Republic, one Justice of the peace, Three Army
commissions- one as second Lieutenant, one First Lieutenant and one Captain; two
commissions as Postmaster of Wayne City. In addition to these offices Mr.
Scudamore represented Wayne County in the thirty-sixth General Assembly of the
State of Illinois for which he held a certificate. He has served as a member of
the county board of Supervisors four terms and was chairman one term. He is the
present Postmaster of Wayne City but has retired from public life and has the
able assistance in the office, of two unmarried daughters. MORE INFORMATION
buried in the Thomason Cemetery
DR. T. M. SHASTID
Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist
Of Fairfield
Was born at Pittsfield, Illinois July 19, 1866. he is one of a family of
doctors, both his father and his older brother being physicians in active
practice at the present time in Pittsfield, the place of his birth. The subject
of this sketch received his general education at Harvard University, from which
institution he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts cum laude. His medical
degree he received from the University of Vermont, taking with the ordinary
diploma, which conferred the degree, a special diploma of examination honors. To
equip himself for the work of a specialist, the doctor then proceeded to Europe,
spending a short time visiting the hospitals of London and Edinburgh, and
finally entering the University of Vienna, where he studied the eye, ear, nose
and throat for two full semesters, and received hand written certificates of
great skill. The doctor setting aside the glamour of practice in the larger
cities, located for the practice of his chosen profession in his old home and
birthplace of Pittsfield, Illinois and nothing speaks better for his reputation
for integrity and fair dealing than the fact that in this his old home, he was
able at the very onset, to fill his offices with patients. In a very few years,
however the doctor’s health failed, the cause being chronic intestinal trouble,
and he was obliged for a time to cease practice. Disposing of his practice to
his older brother (who came to Pittsfield for the purpose of taking charge of
it) the doctor rested for a time at Galesburg, Illinois. Here too his practice
was very large from the first. Here again, his health failed, and from the same
cause as before. After three years of unvarying success the doctor was once more
compelled to abandon his practice. “ At this time” Says Doctor Shastid, “I was
not expected to live very long. I was thin as a fence rail, and I weighed but
104 pounds. For a time I would be comparatively well, and then I would suffer
severely from intestinal colic, accompanied by diarrhea. In this state of
affairs it was obviously impossible to practice medicine, as I could never tell
a day in advance whether I should be able to be on my feet the next day or not.
However it was not all impossible to study; and as soon as I could, I went to
the University of Michigan and entered Law school at that place and though I
frequently lost from one to sixteen days at a time, I always made the time up,
and so completed not only the law coarse but also the graduate-literary coarse
for the A. M., and received the two degrees in the three usually required for
the law degree alone. I studied however, not with the intention of practicing
law, but simply because, next to medicine the law had always most interested me,
and, further, because, at the time when I entered upon the study of law, I was
fit for nothing else than to attend school. During the last year of my law work
I completely out wore the disease which my friends and specialist had said would
kill me. Today I am sound and hearty.” The doctor had been a frequent
contributor to scientific journals. Two of his articles in particular attracted
wide-spread attention. One was “Some observations made during a Treatment of
Chronic Catarrhal Deafness” This was read by him before the American medical
Association in 1896, and was afterward published by the “Journal of the American
Medical Association” The other article was “A New Myringotome.” This was
published in the “Archives of Otology” The doctor does not regard himself as in
any sense a lawyer, never having practiced law a day, and saying, as he does,
that the lawyer is not made in law school but in the mighty contests of the
courtroom. He is proud, however, of his law-school connection with the law, and
possesses many legal friends and acquaintances. Dr. Shastid is a member of The
American Medical Association, of the American Academy of Medicine and the New
York Medico-Legal Society. After all his vicissitudes, the doctor may be found
now well and hearty, and enjoying a large practice, in his commodious offices
over the First National Bank Building at Fairfield.
A.
D. SKELTON
Liveryman & Hotel Proprietor
A town is just what its inhabitant make it and no man has done more for
Jeffersonville than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and there is no
prettier a little town than this. Mr. Skelton was one of the prime movers in the
improvement of the park which surrounds the town hall and it is principally
through his efforts that the depot has moved to its present location near the
central part of the town. He has served several terms as president of the town
board and is always ready to take hold of any public enterprise that is to the
interest of the people and the general welfare of the town. He settled in
Jeffersonville in February of the year 1864, and in 1879 began the livery
business in which he is engaged at the present time. His business has outgrown
his barn capacity and he has now in coarse of construction and almost complete a
large and commodious livery barn, one that should be a credit to a town twice
the size of Jeffersonville. Our subject is the son of James and Anna Skelton.
His mother died January 10, 1863, and his father married Catherine Alford,
December 24, 1863. This union was broken by the death of the husband, Mr.
Skelton’s father, July 5, 1866. In 1880 Mrs. Skelton, the widow of the deceased,
James Skelton, began the hotel business, which she continued to run until her
death February 9, 1902. Since that time her sister, Mss. Ruth Alford, has
conducted the hotel and this is where our subject makes his home.
W. H. SPRAGUE
GENERAL MERCHANT
W. H. Sprague, general merchant of Jeffersonville is a son of E. D. and Mrs.
Catherine Sprague was born in Marion County, Ohio, February 12, 1854 and came to
this county 1876. Our subject was married to Miss Mary Isabell Logan, of Indiana
November 2, 1881. This union has been graced by four children. Mr. Sprague is
the present Postmaster for Jeffersonville, which office he has held since August
9, 1897. He owns 40 acres of land in Big Mound Township and conducts a
prosperous and growing general merchandise business. He is a man well liked by
everyone for his honorable traits of character, enterprising spirit and the
interest he takes in the development of his town.
LOWRY E. SUNDERLAND
Lawyer and Real Estate
Dealer
Was born in Wayne County, September 21,
1863 and is the oldest son of Kinsay and Mary HAY Sunderland, well and favorably
known in this county. Mr. Sunderland’s youth was spent on his father’s farm.
After the acquirement of a common school education, he took the Commercial Law
Coarse in Haywood College; was admitted to the Bar and in August, 1893, and has
practiced law and dealt in real estate in this city since that time. He was
elected County Judge in 1898 by 501 majority and filled the office four years
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was
appointed by Governor Yates, as Trustee of the Illinois Southern Hospital for
the Insane in 1901. He was elected to the state Legislature in November, 1902,
and has won the reputation of being an efficient member. He is Chairman of the
Committee on Horticulture, and member of the Judiciary, Railroads, Judicial
Apportionment, Insurance, State Municipal and Civil Service Reform Committees.
As a conscientious politician he has proven himself possessed of no mean
ability. It is needless to say that Judge Sunderland is a stalwart Republican
and his devotion to his party is well known throughout Illinois. He was married
on the 26th day of April, 1894 to Miss Laura Pendleton, daughter of
E. W. Pendleton, a well known banker and stock dealer in this county. Their
union has been blessed with two children, Edwin and Mary.
Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery
DR. C.
T. TAGGART
Located at Cisne
If there is any profession on which one can feel along with
his work, a pleasure in doing good to his fellow man, it is the practice of
medicine. The physician finds a fascination in administering that which will
save life, relieve pain or mitigate suffering. It is a profession that may well
command the best talents and the highest motives and incite the best efforts of
a man for a whole lifetime, requiring a skill and education acquired by only a
few years of labor and study. Practical experience added to these qualifications
is very helpful to the practitioner. Among these successful physicians of long
experience in Wayne County we present the name of Dr. C. T. Taggart, of Cisne.
Dr. Taggart was born December 28, 1846, at Nashville, Indiana, where he spent
his boyhood days. He is the son of Jas. And Mrs. Jane Taggart. He was married
November 19, 1865, to Miss Emarine WILLIAMS, of Nashville, Indiana, his native
home. To this union four children have been born, three of whom are yet living.
Dr. Taggert attended the Central College of Physicians at Indianapolis , Indiana
and graduated with the class of 1879. He began his practice at Nashville, his
home and continued there until April of the year 1885, when he came to Wayne
County and located at Cisne, where he has been engaged in active practice since
that date. Dr. Taggart has also figured prominently in public affairs. He served
four years in the army, during which time he received two severe gunshot wounds;
he is a leading Democrat, has been a member of the County Central Committee and
represented this district in the thirty-eighth General Assembly of the state of
Illinois. The doctor is a leading spirit in the local lodges. He is a Mason, and
Odd Fellow and a member of the G. A. R. post, the latter of which he is
Commander. He has passed the chairs of all these orders and is a strong believer
in the benefits of secret organizations. The doctor’s office is located on the
east side of his residence on the north side of Public Square in Cisne.
J. W. TATE
Depot Agent
Among the most prominent men in
Jeffersonville in political social and religious circles we present the name of
J. W. Tate, the station agent at the B & O S-W depot. Mr. Tate is the president
of the village board and is one of the citizens who advocates public improvement
and the betterment of the town. He is practically a young man, was born December
29, 1868, at Xenia, Clay County, Illinois. He has been a resident of
Jeffersonville for the past eleven years as agent of the B. & O. S-W depot. He
became a married man October 7, 1893, taking for his wife, Miss Mary E. Wade, of
Shelby County, Illinois, and to them have been born three children, two boys and
one girl. Mr. Tate owns 40 acres of land inside the village corporation of
Jeffersonville also a neat and pretty residence.
CHARLES O. TRUSCOTT, M. D.
Cisne , Illinois
In few professions do men endear themselves to their
patrons as in the practice of medicine, and in this respect the subject of this
sketch is no exception to this universal rule. Dr. Truscott is, by birth a
native of this state and practically a life long resident of Wayne County. He is
the son of Dr. William and Mrs. Jacinthia R. Truscott and was born at Elkton,
Washington County Illinois, on the 26th day of September, 1861. His
father moved to this county when our subject was only one year of age and from
that day Wayne County has been his home. After completing his common school
education he decided to teach and accordingly took the teachers’ coarse of
Central Normal College located at Danville, Indiana, after which he spent four
years teaching school before he began to prepare himself for the profession of
his father, who served as an assistant surgeon in the army during the Civil War.
Dr. Truscott attended the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and
graduated with the class of 86’ as winner of first prize. After receiving his
diploma the doctor returned to Cisne, where he swung his shingle to the breezes
and began the practice of medicine. Success has been his portion and today he is
numbered among successful practitioners of Wayne County. During ex-president
Harrison’s administration, from 1888 to 1892, Dr. Truscott was a member of the
Pension Board of Examining Surgeons at Fairfield, and is also a member of the
Southern Illinois Medical Association. He has filled the office of Postmaster at
Cisne since July 16th, 1897. The affairs of the post office are in
the hands of competent assistants and unless out on a call, Dr. Truscott, is
usually found at his office, located west of the schoolhouse in Cisne. Besides
several pieces of town property the Doctor has acquired 540 acres of land in
Wayne County, containing 25 acres of fine young orchard in bearing. Dr. Truscott
has done more, during the last ten years in the way of building up Cisne,
possibly, than any other man in town. He even built eleven new residences and
one business house, besides remodeling others since and including and including
a part of the year 1892.
ANDERSON L. WALL
Anderson L. Wall was born in Davies County, Kentucky,
January 9, 1838 and came with his parents to Erie Township, Wayne County,
Illinois in 1850. He enlisted July 25 1861 in Company E, 40th, Regt.
Ill. Vol. And served four years in the War of the Rebellion. He was married to
Miss Mary B. Porterfield, of this county, in 1865 and settled on a farm south of
Mt. Erie, where he remained until fall of 1890, when he was elected County
Treasurer of Wayne County. Mr. Wall then moved to Fairfield and at the end of
his term as County Treasurer in 1894 he was elected to the office of County
Clerk and re-elected to that office in 1898, which he filled with credit to the
end of the term, November 30, 1902. Mr. Wall has been married twice, the second
time was in 1870 to Sarah J. a sister to his first wife. He has one daughter
Mrs. Mary E. wife of D. P. Moore, of Olney, Illinois. They have only one boy –
Jean Wall Moore. At present Mr. Wall is engaged in real estate business with
John Morris
in room 4 in the First National Bank building, Fairfield, Illinois
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Anderson died Feb. 25, 1908 and is
buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery
Sarah J. PORTERFIELD Wall
died Sept. 28, 1913 also buried in Maple Hill Cemetery
Mary E. WALL Moore and her husband Dalton P. Moore are also
buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery.
L. H.
WEAVER
Sheriff
Mr. Weaver is no stranger to the people of this section and needs no
introduction here, but is a native and resident of the county. He was born
February 11, 1862, in Arrington township, was reared and lived on a farm until
moving to Fairfield last fall to assume the duties of present office, having
been elected sheriff of Wayne County at the election November 4, 1902. Our
subject is the son of David and Naomi Weaver. He was married March 29,
1784 ? 1884 to Miss
Nancy A. Dickey a native of the state of Georgia. Mrs. Weaver was born in
Georgia in January 1865, but came with her parents to Wayne County at the age of
four years and has since made this county her home. Their home has been graced
by six children a boy – Arthur- and five girls – Edna, May, Etta, Cloe and
Edith. While Mr. Weaver lives in Fairfield at present he owns a farm of 180
acres in the county. He has proven thus far an efficient Sheriff and is a man
who discharges conscientiously the duties consistent with the office.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
L. Harve Weaver was born in 1862 and died 1928
Nancy Ann DICKEY Weaver both are buried in the Maple Hill
Cemetery
LUTHER YOHE
Besides owning 625 acres
of Wayne County land Mr. Yohe has land outside the county and on his lists
almost anything desired by a purchaser. (Sold real estate)
Our Subject is a native and life resident of Wayne County. He was born
in Mt. Erie Township April 23 1851, and with the exception of four years spent
in Fairfield in the real estate business he has spent his life principally
engaged in stock raising and slightly in agricultural pursuits. He is among the
leading and prominent citizens of Mt. Erie and is a man of liberal views on any
subject he may be approached on. BURIED IN Mt. Erie Cemetery