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OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES:
BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY,
ILLINOIS
by H. W. Beckwith
Publ. Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
1879
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LEVI BABB was born in Green County, Tenn., Dec. 26,
1788. He came to Vermilion County, in October, 1826, and stopped
near Yankee Point for a short time. In December of the same year
he located on section 14, range 11, Elwood Township. He remained
there about three years and a half, entering the west half of
the southeast quarter of the section named, where he built the
house which not only served him but his son after him for a
home. During the time of his early residence in Vermilion
County, Mr. Babb entered in all about six hundred acres of land.
The Indians had their camping ground about the house he built.
There has been much evidence of this particular place being the
scene of an Indian battle in the long ago by the many flint
arrow heads found on the grounds. There was even a stone axe
discovered there at one time. In the early days of his first
coming Levi Babb was obliged to go to Raccoon and Sugar creeks
to mill. He endured many hardships and privations as did all the
pioneers. He came from Tennessee in a five horse wagon, riding a
distance of six hundred and fifty miles. He became a fluent
speaker of the language of the native Indian and taught the son
of the chief to plow, and in many ways endeared himself to them,
and made them his friend forever. He was a tireless worker and
in everything that pertained to his farm he spared no pains to
procure the best. He would haul his produce to Chicago and
return with salt and groceries. He was offered forty acres of
land where Chicago now stands for a yoke of oxen, but he thought
the land would never be of any account and so refused the
wonderful bargain. Mr. Babb was married twice and was the father
of thirteen children. He died March 23, 1872. His first wife was
Susannah Dillon, and his second wife who survived him less than
a year, was the daughter of Alexander Prevo, a pioneer of
Fountain County, Indiana.
SOURCE: History of Vermilion County, Illinois By H.
W. Beckwith, - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
- 1879 - Page 122 - Contributed by Mary Paulius |
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Danville Twp. -
WM. BAHLS, Danville, dealer in and
manufacturer of boots and shoes, is a native of Prussia, and
came to the United States in 1854. When he was seventeen
years old he began railroading, which he followed for a time.
He then served a three years' apprenticeship in La Fayette a
time. He then served a three years' apprenticeship in La
Fayette, Indiana, in learning the trade of a boot and shoe
maker. He has now been in the business about ten years,
the last four of which have been in an establishment of his own.
His specialty is fine sewed work. He has now established a
trade that requires the employment of three men; and in
connection with his manufacturing, he carries a stock of men;
and in connection with his manufacturing, he carries a stock of
ready-made goods, and has a trade now established amounting to
about $6,000 per year. Though he does not claim to do the
largest business in the city, he has succeeded in doing one that
gives satisfaction to his customers.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 484 |
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C. V. BALDWIN, Danville, dentist, is a
native of Henry county, Indiana, his people being among
the early and prominent pioneers of that county.
His father was the representative of Henry county
in 1847. In
1849 Dr. Baldwin
came to Vermilion county,
Illinois, with his people, he
being at that time fifteen years old.
He has since remained a resident of the county.
In 1866 he began the study of dentistry.
On account of ill-health for the past ten years
the Doctor has spent the winters in his line, the people
waiting patiently his return for the execution of dental
work at his hands.
Source: History of Vermilion
Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company,
Publishers. - 1879 ~Page 403
ok
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Danville Twp. -
WILLIAM BANDY, Danville, money-broker.
This subject is one of the old pioneers of Vermilion county.
He was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on the 22d of July,
1812, and is the son of James and Nancy (Brown) Bandy,
both natives of Virginia. His father was a farmer, and
about 1820 he moved to Tennessee, near Nashville. Mr.
Bandy remained in Virginia, working on the farm, until 1828,
and then, with his brother, Washington Bandy, who
died in about 1837, and Samuel Howell and wife, he
came by wagon and team to Illinois, and located in Vermilion
county, taking about forty days to make the journey.
Mr. Bandy came here very poor. He first was engaged in
clerking in an Indian store, which was a trading-point for
Gurdon S. Hubbard. When he came here he located on one
hundred and sixty acres of land, but his brother married, and
moved on the place and improved it. Mr. Bandy was
also clerking for Dr. W. Fithian in a general store.
About this time the Blackhawk war broke out, and he enlisted as
a volunteer under Colonel Moore; with a command of about
four hundred men went to Joliet and built the fort at that
place. Here was where the first man was killed by the
Indians out of this regiment. From Joliet the regiment
reported at Ottawa, and from there they returned home. He
enlisted the second time, after making two applications, and did
service in Illinois and Wisconsin. During this time the
soldiers suffered very much from cholera in Wisconsin. All
returned home except sixteen men who remained there until the
time expired. Mr. Bandy was one of the sixteen men.
He returned to Danville, and was made marshal of this district.
He read medicine for a short time. On the 16th of October,
1833, he married Harriet J. Murphy, daughter of
William Murphy, who was one of the first settlers of Edgar
county, Illinois, having moved there about 1818. Mrs.
Bandy was born in Virginia on the 27th of July, 1812; came
to Edgar county, Illinois, with her parents. By this union
they have had seven children, five boys and two girls.
They had two sons in the late war. William M. and
Samuel J., and both did good service. Mr. Bandy,
at the breaking out of the late war, took an active part in
raising a company of cavalry, but on account of the quota being
filled he was rejected. Many are the interesting stories
of the good old times in Vermilion county that Mr. Bandy
can relate.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 387 |
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Elwood Twp. -
J. H. BANTA, Ridge Farm, grain merchant,
owns ten lots of Ridge Farm, four of which have good dwellings
on; also owns a half interest in the mill in Ridge Farm.
He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, on the 14th of August,
1831, and spent his early days on a farm. He came to this
state in 1852, and settled in this county. He farmed until
1869, at which time he came to Ridge Farm and opened a dry-goods
store in connection with J. Darnall, for eighteen months.
He continued merchandising until the fall of 1872, when he
commenced buying grain, in which business he has been actively
engaged since. In 1872 he built the elevator. He is
at present in partnership with A. B. Whinrey; is a
thorough business man. Mr. Banta has in his
possession a very ancient relic, in shape of a shot-pouch, an
article which his grandfather, who came from Prussia, carried.
Mr. Banta was married in Kentucky, in 1851, to Mary J.
Russell, who was born in this state in 1831. They have
had eight children, seven living: James A., Nancy E., William
F., Margaret E., Anna, Andrew J., and John H.
The deceased was Sally. He is a charter member of
the Masons. His political views are democratic, and in
religion he is liberal.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 605 |
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MARTIN J. BARGER
Barger, Bismark, farmer, was born in Newel1 township, Vermilion
county, Illinois, on the 11th of February, 1845, and is son of
William J. and Elizabeth (Rudy) Barger. His father died when he
was quite young, and his mother marrying again, he left home and
apprenticed himself to the shoemaker's trade, which he learned. The subject of this sketch displayed a truly heroic spirit in
his persistent effort to become enrolled with the Union
defenders. At the beginning of the war young Barger endeavored
to get into the army while he was yet but sixteen years of age.
He was very small and delicate, and had a girlish appearance. At
that time the physique of the volunteer was closely
scrutinized, as the supply of men was greater than the demand.
CO. B of the 25th Reg. Ill. Vols. was organizing at Danville,
and he presented himself to Capt. Thomas McKibben, who was
recruiting it. The Captain "laughed him to scorn," and told him
that they did not want boys, but men to fight, at the same time
pointing to some stalwart specimens standing by. After this
rebuff, he repressed his military ardor until the early spring
of 1862, when some of the Davison and Myers boys, of the 25th,
were home on furlough. He now determined to making another
trial, in spite of the ridicule which beset him, from all who
became acquainted with his intention. When his friends returned
he started with them, and on reaching Danville applied to be
mustered into the service, in the hope of saving transportation
expenses. Failing in this, he went on to Springfield, but was
rejected there. Proceeding thence to St. Louis with his
companions, he was also rejected there. He then went to Rolla,
and fared likewise there. This point was the end of railroad
travel. A squad of convalescents was forming here to move
forward to join their commands, and our hero stated his case to
the commanding officer, and requested permission to join them
and to be furnished rations. When they reached Springfield,
Missouri, he renewed the effort, with the same disheartening
result. He continued on with the squad to Forsythe, Missouri,
where he joined the 25th Ill. Reg. He was dressed in civilian
clothing, and before he found the command, was arrested and
taken before Siegel's provost marshal, but, on explaining
himself, was released. Making application at once to Capt. Wall,
of Co. B, he was told that it was no use, he would die in a few
days. Foiled again, and at the last resort of appeal, he did not
know what to do, but finally decided to follow the army and be a
soldier, if for nothing else than to triumph over all opposers
and opposing circumstances. He was furnished arms and
equipments, and an outfit of clothing . In about a week the army
was in motion for Batesville, Arkansas. The first day he kept
up, the second day did not get into camp with his command, the
third day did not arrive until late at night, and the fourth day
entirely lost sight of the army. He had some money, and bought
his meals along the route, camping out at night. He moved
forward every day, way-worn and weary, almost fainting from
fatigue. When he came into camp at Batesville about an hour
after the command had arrived ,-not having been seen for nearly
a week, and supposed to be either captured or dead-the cheers of
the boys arose to meet him, and signalize his triumph.
Henceforward he kept abreast of the best among them. From thence
the army moved to Cape Girardeau, where, after a time, it was
paid off. The captain asked him if he wanted pay. "If you
think I will make a soldier," was the answer. "O, you'll
do" replied the captain, with an air of confidence and
satisfaction. After signing the payroll he was legally a
soldier; his hopes were realized and his triumph complete. Old
soldiers know the meaning of "sand " and "grit," but few have
seen a better exhibition of it. He was in Mississippi in the
summer of 1862, and marched to Louisville under Buell, and was
present at the battle of Perryville, but not engaged. He was in
the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga; wounded and taken
prisoner at the latter place, and held about ten days when he
was released on parole. He was not exchanged until the next
summer, while on the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Barger remained with
his regiment until exchanged, but not doing duty. He fought his
last battle Jonesborough; was present at the subsequent battles
of Columbia and Nashville. The term of service of his regiment
having expired, the recruits served the rest of their time at
Gen. Stanley's headquarters. He was discharged in March, 1865.
His wound incapacitates him for hard labor, and he draws a
pension. He was married on the 19th of April, 1868, to Mary A.
Steward, who died on the 16th of August, 1870. He was married
again on the 25th of September, 1873, to Margaret W. Richie.
They have four surviving children: Walter L. R., Anna M.,
Samuel B. and John W. Mr. Barger is a republican in politics,
and in religion a Methodist.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 - Pages 961 - Submitted by Mary Paulius |
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Elwood Twp. -
W. N. BARKLEY, Ridge Farm, telegraph
operator and express and freight agent, was born in Edgar
county, Illinois, on the 13th of September, 1848. His
father died when he was but twelve years of age, and he was then
left to the care of his mother. He acquired a pretty good
education by working on the farm in summer and attending school
in the winter. He attended the high school at Westfield, Clark
County, this state, for two years, and then the school at
Bloomfield, Edgar county. He clerked in a store a short
time, and afterward went in partnership with Mr. Boles in
a drug store, where he remained two years. After this he
went into the dry-goods business, and in eighteen months came to
Ridge Farm. In 1872 he went in the lumber trade, starting
the first lumber yard in the place. He continued this one
year. While in the lumber trade Mr. Barkley learned
telegraphy, and was soon after employed as operator at this
place, which position he still holds. He is also employed
as express and freight agent. He has been twice married:
first, in 1870, to Sarah Porter, who was born in Edgar
county in 1852. They had one child, deceased. Mr.
Barkley was then married to Naomi E. Banta in 1874.
She was born this county in 1854. They have by this union
two children: Harry C. and Ethel N. He has
held the office of collector, town clerk, and is a Freemason, a
democrat and a Methodist.
A. P. Saunders, Ridge Farm, general merchandise
and grain-dealer, was born in what was then Wirt county,
Virginia, on the 7th of April, 1850, and, his father being a
farmer, was raised to that occupation until the age of sixteen,
at which time he commenced clerking in a store. Although
he did not have a good chance to get an education, by occupying
leisure hours in home study he managed to acquire sufficient to
enable him to carry on business. He came to this state in
1874, and opened out his present general merchandise store in
Ridge Farm, where he carries about fifteen hundred dollars'
worth of grain trade. Mr. Saunders was married on
the 25th of April, 1877, to Ada Lewis, who was born in
this state in 1856. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and
his political views are democratic.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 607 |
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RAY FORREST BARNETT.
Although one of the younger representatives of the legal
fraternity in Vermilion county, Ray Forrest Barnett has
already met with enviable success in his chosen profession. He
was born on the 15th of April, 1881, near Indianola, and belongs
to a very old and prominent family of this county, his parents
being F. Robert and Mary E. (Martin) Barnett. His father
was also a native of this county, where his grandfather, James
Barnett, located at an early day in the development of this
region, erecting the house where our subject was born and which
is today over one hundred years old. The farm which James
Barnett occupied was inherited by his wife from her
father, David Yarnall. This place is still in the
possession of the family, being now occupied by our subject and
his brother and sister, who are the fourth generation to live
thereon. For many years the father was successfully engaged in
agricultural pursuits but during the latter part of his life
lived retired and on the 7th of July, 1896, passed away, honored
and respected by all who knew him. His widow is still living and
is now a resident of Jamaica, Illinois. In their family were
three children, namely: Daniel E., who was born July 10,
1875, and is now a physician engaged in practice at Homer,
Indiana; Ray F.; and Ella B., who was born April
18, 1877, and is now the wife of J. A. Seybold,
owner and manager of the Sidell Telephone Company.
On the old homestead Ray F. Barnett passed the
days of his boyhood and youth and began his education in the
public schools of Indianola, later attending the Sidell high
school, and also the Ann Arbor high school, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1903. Desiring to enter the legal
profession, he then began the study of law at the University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor and was graduated from the law department
in 1906 with the degree of LL. B. After leaving the university
he began practicing at Danville, being first associated with
William M. Acton until July, 1907, after which he practiced
alone for a time, but is now in partnership with J. M. Boyle,
having offices at No. 412-414 Temple building. He has never made
a specialty of any department of legal work but has engaged in
general practice in all of the county, state and federal courts.
He is a deep student of his profession and although he has been
in practice for only about four years, he has already succeeded
in winning a desirable clientage and stands deservedly high in
the esteem of his professional brethren. In politics he is
practically independent, though he favors the democracy in
national affairs but at local elections endeavors to vote for
the right man regardless of party. In social as well as
professional circles he has made a host of warm friends.
SOURCE: History of Vermilion County, Illinois By H.
W. Beckwith, - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
- 1879 - Pages 555, 556 ok |
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Middle Fork Twp. -
HENRY BASS, Armstrong, farmer, was
born in Buckingham county, England, on the 20th of May,
1824. He clerked in his father's drygoods store
for several years, and in 1850 was married to Harriet
Bennett. She was born in Bedfordshire,
England, in 1822. In 1851 Mr. Bass came to
America. He owns two hundred and thirty acres of
fine farm land, worth $25 per acre. Mr. and
Mrs. Bass are the parents of seven children, four of
whom are living: Mary, Fanny (now wife of
Samuel Gilbert, of Ross township), Fred
and Arthur. The deceased are Thomas,
Harriett and Samuel.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois -
H. W. Beckwith - 1879 ~ Page 823 |
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Danville Twp. -
JOSEPH BAUER, Danville, miller,
was born in Baden, Germany, on the 2d of February, 1831.
The early part of his life was spent in his native land.
In 1854 he came to the United States, though not before
he had received a good education and had learned the
trade of miller. He first spent a couple of years
in the eastern states, and in 1856 came to Danville.
Upon his arrival here he helped to organize the German
M. E. Church, of which he has since been one of the
leading members. A more complete history of this
church is given elsewhere. Mr. Bauer is
something of a genius, having mastered the different
trades of milling, carpentering, cabinet making and
engineering, though milling has been his principal
business, having followed this for about twenty-four
years. At present we find him filling the capacity
of head miller in the City Mills. He is well known
in Danville as a steady, sober and upright citizen.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W.
Beckwith - 1879 ~ Page 415 |
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W. F. BAUM, one of the
popular druggists of
Danville, is a native of Fountain
county, Indiana.
He has had ten years’ experience in the drug
trade, - beginning in the business first in
Covington, Indiana.
From there he went to
Marshfield
in August of 1872, where he spent three years in the
business, - one year of this time he managed an
establishment of his own.
Closing out in business there he came to Danville, where he now has
one of the neatet and most centrally located
establishments in the city.
He was first located on Vermilion street,
but in December of 1878 removed to his present quarters,
northwest corner Vermilion and Main
streets.
Here he has his establishment stocked with a nice fresh
line of goods, consisting of pure drugs, medicines,
perfumeries, paints, oils, cigars, tobaccos, etc. etc.
He has a neat and tastily arranged store, and is
enjoying the success merited by his enterprise and close
attention to business.
Source: History of Vermilion
Co., Illinois - Publ. Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company,
Publishers - 1879~ Page 485 ok
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Danville Twp. -
JOHN BEARD, Danville, grocer, corner of
South and College streets, is a native of Brooklyn, New York,
though he has been a resident of Danville twenty-two years,
being but a child when he was brought to this place. For
the last eight years he has been engaged in the grocery trade on
his own account. He is a much larger dealer than at first
might be supposed, this trade reaching about $25,000 per year.
In connection with groceries he handles a line of queensware and
tinware. He gives employment to two men. His store
is twenty feet front by fifty feet deep. By good
financiering and careful management he has established a good
trade and permanent business.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 417 |
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Danville Twp. -
PETER BEYER, Danville, boot and shoe
dealer, is one of the old settlers of this county. He is a
native of Germany, and at the age of eighteen years came to the
United States, and located first at Rochester, New York, where
he learned the trade of manufacturing boots and shoes. In
1854 he came west and expected to buy land or engage in the
mercantile business, but unfortunately for him the bank where he
had his money on deposit, like the majority of other banks of
that time, failed, and he was obliged to begin at the beginning
once more, which he did by going back to the cobbler's bench.
From this humble beginning, in 1854, Mr. Beyer has
accumulated his fine property. His store is located at No.
73 West Main street, and is thirty feet front by one hundred
deep, stocked with everything pertaining to a full and well
selected stock of boots and shoes. The basement, which is
the same size, has been remodeled and stocked with a fine line
of fresh groceries. In this later enterprise he engaged in
the spring of 1879. Thus far it has proved a success, and
is only in keeping with his other movements, which are those of
a first-class financier.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 411 |
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Danville Twp. -
JOHN CHARLES BLACK, was born on the 27th
of January, 1839. His father, John Black, of
Pennsylvania, was born on the 19th of July, 1809, and was
married to Josephine L. Culbertson, of the old
Pennsylvania family of that name, on the 9th of September, 1834.
From this marriage four children grew up, three of whom still
survive. The father entered the Presbyterian ministry, and
went south when twenty-three years of age, remaining their until
about a year prior to his death, which occurred on the 13th of
February, 1847. The mother still survives, and is now the
wife of Dr. Wm. Fithian, of Danville, to which place
Mrs. Black removed in the spring of 1847, after the death of
her husband, above referred to, taking with her her four
children. Before his death the father obtained a wide
repute as a preacher of unusual power, eloquence and fervor, and
was made a Doctor of Divinity when thirty-six years of age.
At the time of his death he was the pastor of the Fifth
Presbyterian Church of Alleghany City, Pennsylvania. Since
her removal to Danville, in 1847, General Black's mother
has been continuously a resident of that place, and there, too,
General Black has resided during the greater part of this
interval, so that they class among the old residents of
Vermilion county. In 1858 J. C. Black entered
Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Indiana, remaining there
until he abandoned "the groves of the academy" for the tented
field, in April, 1861. On the very day on which Fort
Sumter was attacked he enlisted as a private soldier in the
"Montgomery Guards," of Crawfordsville, which company was, a few
days later, mustered into the three-months service as Co. I,
11th Ind. Inf. Zouaves, Colonel (afterward Major-General) Lew
Wallace commanding. Upon the organization of this
regiment J. C. Black was made its sergeant-major, which
position he occupied until the muster out of the regiment, some
four months afterward. Immediately thereafter he returned
to Danville, and engaged in recruiting a company for the
three-years service, which was mustered in as Co. K, 37th Ill.
Inf., Colonel (afterward Major-General) Julius White
commanding. In the organization of this regiment
General Black was chosen and commissioned its major.
From this position he fought his way up, being commissioned
lieutenant-colonel and colonel, and finally brigadier-general,
by brevet, for gallant services on the field of battle.
Each commission issued to him by the state and national
authorities was by them marked as for gallantry in some special
engagement, or for meritorious conduct. General Black
remained in the military service until after the last battle was
fought, commanding a brigade, of which the 37th Illinois, which
"veteranized" in 1864, formed a part, and participated in the
storming of "The Blakeleys" and the capture of Mobile, as
well as in the subsequent military events in Alabama and Texas
which formed the closing scenes of the rebellion. Then, in
the summer of 1865, he returned to civil life, in which he has
since been engaged, taking a very active and prominent part of
the political affairs of his district and state. On coming
out of the army he studied law in Chicago with the firm of
Gookins and Robert, and commenced the practice of his
profession in the early part of 1867 in Danville, but he shortly
thereafter removed to Champaign, where he resided until about
June, 1874, since which time he has resumed residence in
Danville, which is now his home. As souvenirs of his
service General Black bears two wounds. The first
was received in the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, on the 7th of
March, 1862, being a gun-shot through the right arm. The
second wound ws received in the battle of Prairie Grove,
Arkansas, on the 7th of December, 1862. He has suffered
intensely, and for years, from these wounds and the surgical
operations necessitated thereby, his life being several times
despaired of and his death currently reported. But a
strong constitution has enabled him to maintain the struggle for
life, and he survives, in the full vigor of intellect and with
fair general health, although crippled in both arms. Upon
returning to civil life General Black became identified
with the democratic party, in a state and congressional district
which were alike strongly republican. Twice since then has
he been selected by his party strongly republican. Twice
since then has he been selected by his party as its candidate
for congress, and once by the democracy of the state as
candidate for lieutenant-governor. While unsuccessful in
these contests, yet in them all General Black has run
largely ahead of his ticket, reducing the majority in his
district when a candidate for congress, and running many
thousands ahead of his ticket when a candidate for
lieutenant-governor. Finally, General Black
received the entire democratic vote for the office of United
States senator in 1878, when General Logan was elected to
that office. He is the senior partner in the prosperous
and successful law firm of Black & Blackburn. He is
enjoying a large practice in the state and federal courts, and
is paying earnest attention to his business affairs.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 400 |
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Danville Twp. -
SILAS BLACK. George Leslie &
Silas Black, natives of Belfast, Ireland, came to this
country in October, of 1869. They first located in
Indianapolis, and were there engaged principally trading in real
estate up to 1871, when they removed to Brazil, Clay county,
Indiana. There they were engaged in dry-goods business,
with a branch house at Alexandria, in the same county, where
they handled dry goods, groceries and general merchandise, and
had, also, charge of the post-office at Alexandria. In
these places they did the largest trade in the county up to
September, of 1877, when they felt compelled to look up a
location where they would have better facilities for the
extension of their business. They located here at Danville
at 109 and 111 Main street, in the Giddings block, where
they were engaged in the dry-goods business exclusively up to
March of 1879, when they took in an additional room, No. 113
Main street, in which they put a stock of groceries. These
three rooms all communicate by means of arches. Taken as a
whole, this business is one of the most extensive in the state
outside of Chicago, doing a business of over $65,000 per year.
Their parents, John and M. E. Black, are natives of
Belfast. Mr. John Black engaged principally in
loaning money, being a member of a loan fund society of which he
has been a director for over thirty years. All the members
of the firm of Black Brothers have had an extensive
experience in the dry-goods business in Belfast. Silas
Black, the junior member of the firm, was a student of the
Queen's College, Belfast, for four years; also of the Indiana
Medical College and College of Physicians and Surgeons, of
Indiana, of which latter he is a graduate with honor, in token
of which he obtained a fifty-dollar gold medal. He is not
a practicing physician.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 491 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
WILLIAM P. BLACK, lawyer, Chicago, was
born in Smithland, Kentucky, on the 11th of November, 1842, and
is the son of Rev. John and Josephine L. (Culbertson) Black.
His father was a Presbyterian minister; he died at thirty-seven
years of age in 1847, in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania, at which
time he was pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church at that
place. In 1847 the mother of Mr. Black, with a
family of four children, came to Danville, Illinois.
In1860 the subject of this sketch, entered the WAbash College at
Crawfordsville, Indiana, but the breaking out of the war
interrupted the collegiate course, never to be resumed. On
April 15, 1861, Mr. Black enlisted with about forty
others of hte students of the college, including his only
bother, as a private soldier in Co. I, 11th Ind. Zouaves,
commanded by Colonel (afterward Major-General) Lew
Wallace. He was mustered out a corporal, and at once
engaged in assisting in the work of recruiting a company in
Vermilion county, Illinois, for the three years service, of
which company he was elected captain, and with which, as its
captain, he was mustered into the service as Co. K, 37th Ill.
Vol. Inf., a history of which appears in this work; his
commission as captain, dated Sept. 1, 1861, being received
before he had reached his nineteenth birthday. This
position he filled faithfully for over three years, - sharing
with his regiment in its marches, skirmishes and battles, chief
among which may be mentioned Pea Ridge. Prairie Grove
and siege of Vicksburg, in the latter part of which Captain
Black held the responsible and most dangerous position of
brigade picket officer, - having charge of the rifle-pits of his
brigade, the occupation of Texas, and the observation of the
empire of Maximilian. Captain Black returned to
Danville, Illinois. In the fall of 1865 he commenced the
study of law in the office of Arrington & White, in
Chicago; he was, in about sixteen months thereafter, admitted to
practice. He returned to Danville, where he remained for
only a year engaged at his chosen profession. In March,
1868, he returned to Chicago and formed a partnership with
Mr. Thomas Dent, which has since continued. These
gentlemen have secured one of the largest and most respectable
clientages in their city. Captain Black, in his
political views, is an Independent; he is a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Mr. Black was
married May 28, 1869, to Miss Hortensia M. MacGreal, of
Galveston, Texas. She is the eldest daughter of the late
Peter MacGreal, who was one of the leading lawyers of the
Empire State of the southwest.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 496 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
H. P. BLACKBURN, Danville,
attorney-at-law, was born in Fountain county, Indiana, on the
23d of August, 1850, and is the son of John T. and Mary A.
(Powell) Blackburn, both natives of Kentucky, and early
settlers of Fountain county, Indiana. Mr. Blackburn
received his principal education from the Westley Academy, near
Crawfordsville, Indiana, Bloomingdale Academy, near Annapolis,
Indiana, and the Illinois State University at Champaign.
He then entered the Michigan University of Ann Arbor, Michigan,
from which he graduated in 1872. He then came to Danville
and commenced the practice of law. Since he began here he
has associated himself as partner with Wm. H. Mallory, B. F.
Cook, George W. Gere and General J. C. Black.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 475 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
AUGUST BLANKENBURG, Danville, jeweler, was
born in Prussia, Germany, on the 12th of October, 1845, and is
the son of Frederick W. and Catharine (Torge) Blankenburg,
of Germany. When Mr. Blankenburg was fourteen years
old he commenced to learn the jewelry trade in Stettin, Germany,
and served an apprenticeship of four years. He followed
his profession up to 1866, when he embarked for America.
He came direct to Danville, Illinois, and commenced work in the
employ of S. N. Monroe. He then went to Kansas and
worked about six years at his trade in Baxter Springs. He
returned to Danville in 1874 and commenced the jewelry business
in the present establishment, which is located at 60 Vermilion
street, where may be found a full line of watches, clocks and
jewelry.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 455 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
ERNEST & L. BLANKENBURG, Danville,
proprietors of the Ætna
House saloon and billiard room, were born in Germany.
Earnst Blankenburg was born ion the 6th of October, 1843.
He emigrated to America and landed in New York in 1867, and came
direct to Danville, first commencing work as a clerk in a
dry-goods store. Here he remained about about four years,
when he entered the saloon business. L. Blankenburg
was born on the 11th of July, 1853, and emigrated to America in
1867. He came direct to Danville and commenced clerking in
a retail grocery store, and afterward in a wholesale grocery
house. From there he entered the saloon business in
company with his brother. These gentlemen keep one of the
leading saloons and billiard rooms in the city, located in the
basement of the Ætna House.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 460 |
| |
Elwood Twp. -
JOHN BOLDEN, Ridge Farm, blacksmith, was
born in Kentucky, on the 3d of March, 1836, and learned the
blacksmith trade when young. He was married on the 6th of
February, 1865. His wife was born in Montgomery county,
Virginia, in 1846. They are the parents of seven children,
four living: Laura A., Birdner C. G., Vinna A. and
John H. W. The deceased were Manena J., Charley
E. and Dealy. He came to this state in 1870,
and settled in Ridge Farm. He has here established a good
reputation as an honest workman and good citizen, and is well
respected by all. He owns two town lots in Ridge Farm, on
one of which is a dwelling, and also a half interest in a
blacksmith shop and lot. This property he has earned by
his hard labor, having been a slave until the Emancipation
Proclamation, and worked all his early days for his master,
under the unjust institution of slavery.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 605 |
| |
Newell Twp. -
BENJAMIN F. BONEBRAKE, State Line City,
Warren County, Indiana, merchant, was born on the 22d of March,
1839, in Fountain county, Indiana. He is the son of
Jacob and Mary Magdalen (Null) Bonebrake. His father
was born on the 28th of February, 1789, near Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania, and his mother near Richmond, Virginia. The
family settled in Newell township on the 8th of October, 1856;
the father dying on his farm on the 25th of July, 1869, and the
mother on the 21st of March of the same year. Benjamin
enlisted in August, 1862, in Co. B, 125th Ill. Vols., Capt.
Robert Stewart, and was mustered into United States service
as private on the 3d of September, 1862. He was promoted
to sergeant on the 3d of December, 1862, and to the rank of
orderly-sergeant on the 22d of February, 1863. He became
sergeant-major of the regiment on the 3d of September,
1863, and was in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Mission
Ridge, and marched to the relief of Knoxville, Tennessee.
After that he bore a part in the battles of Buzzard Roost,
Resaca, Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain. At the last named
place he received a severe wound in the head, fracturing the
skull. He was in the hospital at Nashville five and
one-half months, and rejoined his regiment at Savannah, Georgia,
on the 14th of January, 1865. On his return a commission
as first-lieutenant awaited him for gallant and meritorious
conduct at Kenesaw Mountain, bearing date of December 5, 1864,
and giving him rank from the 10th of December, 1864. He
commanded Co. B thenceforward till the close of the service,
participating in the final event which signalized it, namely:
the grand review of Sherman's army on the 25th of May, 1865, in
the capital of the nation. He was mustered out on the 9th
of June; paid off a Chicago, and disbanded the 29th.
Mr. Bonebrake was married on the 2d of April, 1866, to
Mary M. Lindsey. They have two living children:
Ralph and Maud. Lillie died on the 5th
of August, 1875.
SOURCE: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - By H.
W. Beckwith, - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
- 1879 - Page 966 ok |
| |
Danville Twp.
SAMUEL BOWERS. There is probably no
man engaged in the milling trade in Vermilion county who is
better or more favorably known in connection with the milling
trade than Mr. Samuel Bowers, the subject of this sketch.
Since his residence in Danville he has erected two large
flouring ills, known as the Amber and City Mills, an
illustration of each appearing in his work. He is a native
of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania though he left there at the
age of seven years and went with his people to Richland county,
Ohio. This was in 1846. He remained a resident of
Ohio until after he had arrived at man's estate. While
there he learned the miller's trade. He has made two trips
to California, going first by water about the year 1865, and
returning via the Platte River route. He went back to
Ohio, where he again engaged in the mill business for a time,
and in 1866 came to Danville, where he has since resided, except
a short time in 1874, when he, with his family, made a second
trip to California, returning the same year. He finished
building the City Mills, which he is now running, in 1875.
During the four years since it has been completed it has never
stood idle a single day for want of work. The mill has
four run of stone, with a capacity of five barrels per hour.
He gives employment to about six men. He has also built
two very fine residence buildings in the city: one corner of
Depot and North, and the other where he now resides, corner
Franklin and Harrison streets. During the war of 1861-65
he entered the Federal army, enlisting the first time in the 32d
Ohio Inf.; the second time in the 82d.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 452 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
ALEXANDER BOWMAN, Danville, civil
engineer, was born in New York city on the 26th of November,
1826, and is the son of Alexander and Catharine Bowman.
His father was a native of Georgia, and was a captain on the
sea; he died in Savannah. His mother, a native of New
York, died in Florida. Mr. Bowman, when a young
man, was engaged in teaching school in New York state, and while
east was there engaged in his profession. In 1864 he came
to Danville, Illinois, where he has been engaged principally at
his vocation. He has drawn and published two maps of
Danville and one map of Vermilion county, Illinois, which are
pronounced the best maps yet published. Mr. Bowman
has held several public offices. He was county surveyor
four years and city engineer of Danville three terms.
Mr. Bowman has surveyed and laid out perhaps more villages
in Vermilion county than any other one man. He laid out
Rankin, Pellsville, Eat Lynn, Marysville, Alvin, Bismark and a
portion of Hoopeston, Ridge Farm, Danville, and other places in
the county.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 440 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
JAMES BRACEWELL, Danville, justice of the
peace, was born in what was then Mason county, Virginia, on the
29th of January, 1838; his parents were John and Minerva
(Lewis) Bracewell; his father was from England, and was
engaged in working in the coal mines. When Mr.
Bracewell was very young his parents moved to Ohio, and
here, when he was but seven years old, he entered the mines with
his father. He remained in Ohio until 1865, when he came
to Illinois and located in Danville. He first commenced to
work in the mines of Chandler & Donlan. In 1873 he
was elected justice of the peace, and in 1877 re-elected to the
same office, which he still holds; he is also commissioner of
highways, to which office he was elected the same year.
Mr. Bracewell also holds the very important office of
inspector of mines of Vermilion county, having been appointed in
1878. He married in Stark county, Ohio, on the 18th of
May, 1857, Miss Mary Jones, of England. They have
five children. Mr. Bracewell is agent for the Inman
line of Steamships.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 446 |
| |
ENOCH BRADY, Ridge farm, miller,
was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 16th of December,
1834. He was brought up a farmer. He ran a threshing
machine for thirty years in succession and at one time sheared
one hundred head of sheep in twelve hours. Mr. Brady
enlisted in the late war, and went forward to battle for the
Union. He enlisted in 1862 as private in Co. A, 79th Ill.
Vol. Inf. and served one year; was discharged in consequence of
disability in 1863. He reenlisted in 1865 in Co. E, 150th
Illinois Vol. Inf., and served one year. He was promoted
to corporal. Mr. Brady has held office of constable
twelve years. He was married on the 22d of March, 1864, to
Martha Dicken, who was born in this county on the 14th of
December, 1848. They had by this union four children, one
living: Charles; the names of the deceased are
Richard, Marion H. and March H. Mr. Brady's
father was a native of South Carolina, and his mother of
Indiana. His political views are republican, and in his
religious views he is liberal.
SOURCE: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - By H.
W. Beckwith, - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
- 1879 - Page 594 ok |
| |
Danville Twp. -
WILLIAM BRAND. The establishment
recently conducted under the firm name of Brand & Harper,
dealers in millinery and notions, was founded in 1878, and is
now one of the largest, most reputable and successful business
houses in the city, and holds a position for integrity above an
average character. William F. Brand has purchased
Mr. Harper's interest, and now manages the business
alone, having removed from their old stand, 50 Vermilion street,
to No. 46 on the same street. Mr. Brand was born in
Germany, having come to America in 1865, he came west, and
located in Quincy, Illinois, where he was connected with a
prominent dry-goods house. From there he went to
Springfield and accepted a similar position with Kimber,
Ragsdale & Co., filling the very important position of
purchasing agent. In Springfield he met Mr. Harper,
who afterward became his partner. Mr. Brand's stock
is the largest and among the finest in this vicinity. He
employs some eight hands, and the work turned out of this
establishment is of a superior quality.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 493 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
MATTHIAS BRANDENBERGER, Danville,
sign-painter, was born in Germany on the 27th of January, 1840,
and came to America when about fourteen years of age, first
locating in St. Luis in 1857. He went to Leavenworth,
Kansas, and while there learned his present trade. The
following year he went to New Orleans where he remained one
year, and then went to Baton Rouge, but afterward returned to
St. Louis and enlisted, in 1861, in Co. A, 13th Mo. Vol. Inf.,
and served until the close of the war, engaging in some of the
prominent battles, such as Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing,
where he was wounded, a ball passing through his right arm,
which caused his absence from the regiment for seventy days.
He afterward participated in the battles of Iuka and Corinth,
and was engaged in the three-months siege of Vicksburg and
Little Rock, also in other minor engagements. He was
honorably discharged at the close of the war, returned to St.
Louis, and from there came to Springfield, Illinois, where he
remained until 1867. He then went to Kansas City, and in
1871 came to Danville. He was married in 1870 to Miss
Julia Getiser. She was a native of Switzerland, and
was born in 1847.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 470 |
| |
Blount Twp. -
JOHN BRANDT, Danville, farmer, section 11,
was born in Pennsylvania on the 3d of October, 1825, and was
raised on a farm. At the age of fourteen years he entered
a general store as clerk, and there remained for a period of
twelve years, after which he taught school four years. He
was married in 1857 to Nancy Starr, who was born in
Pennsylvania in 1826. By this marriage they are the
parents of two children: Frederick E. and Abraham L.
Mr. Brandt has held the office of school director several
years. He had no property when he married; but, by
economy, industry and perseverance he has acquired one hundred
and fifty acres of land. His parents were both Dunkards.
He is republican in politics.
Source: History of
Vermilion County, Ohio - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Co., 1879 -
Page |
| |
Danville Twp. -
BREDENHOFF BROS. Among a few large
grocery and bakery establishments of Danville is that of
Bredehoft Bros., located at No. 135 East Main street.
The elder of the two, George W., has had about six years'
experience in the business in Danville, and in that time has
become a thoroughly practical business man. In 1873 he
engaged in the trade in company with Mr. Charles Stellner,
they doing business together until the present firm was
organized. Their store-room is twenty-four feet front by
eighty feet deep, with basement. In addition to this they
have the Lossom bakery, built in the rear of the store.
This is 20x24. In this line they have acquired a
reputation that keeps them very busy delivering goods, their
business aggregating now about $50,000 per annum in both lines
of trade. They give employment to about four men
regularly, and should their trade increase in the future as it
has in the past they will shortly be the leading house in the
city in their line. Their business is a fair illustration
of what may be accomplished by pluck and perseverance.
They have worked for the trade they now command, both by means
of a pleasant and courteous treatment of their customers,
supplying them with nice fresh goods, and by keeping their place
of business neat and clean.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 478 |
| |
Newell Twp. -
BENJAMIN BREWER, Danville,
farmer, was born in Pike county, Ohio, on the 14th of June,
1820, and is a son of Richard and Christina Brewer. His
father was born in Ohio in 1789;
was a
soldier in the second war with England, belonging to Gen.
Cass' detachment, and was surrendered with that body on its
return to Detroit after the capitulation of Gen. Hall, on
the 16th of August, 1812. On his return home he immediately
married Christina Rodrick. In the fall of 1830 he
migrated to Vermilion County, Illinois, and settled in Newell
township on the farm now owned and occupied by the subject of
this sketch. The latter was married on the 26th of April, 1847,
to Rebecca Van Kirk. He has the following children:
Joseph W.,
John Ray George E., Anna.
He owns four hundred acres, worth $16,000. In politics he is
a democrat.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 - Page 955 -
Contributed by Mary Paulius |
| |
FRANK BREWER.
Starting out in the business world for himself at the early age
of sixteen years, the success which now belongs to Frank
Brewer,
proprietor of an extensive furniture and undertaking
establishment in Catlin, is an indication of the unfaltering
industry and perseverance which he has manifested since that
time and is the logical result of well directed efforts and of
earnest labor on his part. One of Illinois' native sons, his
birth occurred in Douglas County, December3, 1866, and he is a
son of David and Caroline (Lynch) Brewer, natives of Ohio and
West Virginia respectively. They were married in Vermilion
county, Illinois, to which county David Brewer had come in 1829
when but a year old, his parents taking up their abode near
Danville. A log cabin was the home of Mr.
Brewer for a number of years. He passed away in Iroquois county
in February, 1895, while his wife's death occurred on the 21st
of November, 1877. In their family were ten children but only
four are now living, namely: M. L., of Champaign county; I. P.
and R. H. of the same place; and Frank, of this review.
Frank Brewer received his education in the common
schools, and on the home farm was reared to the age of sixteen
years, when, desiring to enter business on his own account, he
engaged as a farm hand, continuing as such for four years. He
then rented a tract of land, which he operated for a number of
years, and that his early training on the home farm had been
most thorough and comprehensive, inculcating into his mind
lessons concerning the value of energy, economy and
self-reliance, is indicated by the substantial results which
attended his efforts as an independent farmer. He continued to
follow agricultural pursuits in the capacity of renter until
1902, when, seeking the business opportunities offered by city
life, he removed to Homer, and with the capital -which he had
been able to accumulate from his agricultural venture, he
established furniture and undertaking business, in which he
continued for three years. At the end of that period he came to Catlin and here entered the same business, in which he has
remained to the present time. With characteristic energy he at
once applied himself to building up a good trade, and the
success that attended his efforts is manifest in the extensive
and constantly increasing Patronage which is now accorded him.
With ready discernment and keen insight into business he has so
conducted his enterprise from the beginning that its growth has
been both steady and healthy, at last reaching gratifying
proportions, which rank it among the large and important
enterprises of the city. The Store handles a well selected and
up-to-date stock, and the business policy of Mr. Brewer has ever
been such as to inspire the trust and confidence of the public.
In addition to his business he owns a fine brick store building
and an attractive residence, and he is recognized as one of the
substantial and influential Business men of Catlin.
In 1891 Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to
Miss
Catherine V. Wise, who was born in Ohio in 1869. She was one of
five children whose parents were William T. And Phoebe F. (Kinzey)
Wise, the former deceased and the latter now making her home in
Philo, Illinois. Mrs. Brewer was a graduate of the common
schools and also the high school at Champaign and for several
years prior to her marriage was 2 successful teacher in the
common schools. She has since become the mother of one son,
Donald W., who was born May 29, 1894, and is now a student in
the high school.
Mr. And Mrs. Brewer are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which they are active and helpful workers, and he is
widely and prominently known in fraternal circles here, being
identified with the Catlin Lodge, No. 285, A. F. & A. M.; with
Catlin Lodge, No. 538, I. O. O. F.; and with the Knights of
Pythias Lodge, No. 635, K. P., all of Catlin. In the first named
order he has filled all of the chairs, and his life has ever
exemplified the teachings of these various organizations.
Interested as all American citizens should be in the political
situation of the country, he has thoroughly informed himself
concerning the questions and issues of the day and gives
stalwart support to the Republican Party although he has no
desire for preferment along political lines. Much credit is due
Mr. Brewer for he started out in life as a farm hand when
sixteen years of age, and with the passing years, by constant
exertion associated with g d judgment, has gained a place among
the substantial merchants and valued citizens of Catlin,
commanding the respect and confidence of all with whom he has
private or business relations.
Source: History of
Vermilion County, Ohio - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Co., 1879 -
Page 225 ok |
| |
Georgetown Twp. -
ISAAC A. BROWN, P. O. Eugene, Ind.,
retired, was born in Washington county, Tennessee, on the 6th of
October, 1816, and lived there seventeen years, when, with his
parents, he moved to Illinois, and settled in Elwood township,
Vermilion county, and lived there until 1836. They then
moved to Danville, and engaged in coopering. He there
built a house in South Danville (the first after the laying out
of the place), and engaged in the grocery business. He
then went to Sidney, Illinois, and engaged in general
merchandise, and then went to LeRoy, and engaged in general
merchandise. Afterward he went to Lyme Grove, Champaign
county, and engaged in farming. From there he went to
Vermilion county, Illinois, and engaged in farming and coopering
in Elwood township. He then came to his present place,
thence to Perrysville, and from there back to his present place.
In 1834 he made his first trip to Chicago by team. On the 14h of
April, 1836, he married Miss Eunice Beasley;
she was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, and died in May,
1848. They had six children, four living: Elijah,
Joseph, Elizabeth J. and Phoebe. On the
26th of July, 1848, he married Miss Cordelia M. White;
she was born in Clermont county, Ohio. They have eight
children: Isaac A., jr., Eunice, Hannah, Lilly G., Naomi,
Edmoni, A. Lincoln, and Patience. His sons,
Milo G. and
Joseph B., enlisted in the 8th Ill. Reg. and 21st Ind.
Reg. respectively; the former was in the service one year, the
latter, three. The present place is known all over the
county as "Browntown." On the
place is a store 20 x 40, two stories and good basement,
formerly used by Mr. Brown in the general
merchandise business; over the store is a hall used as a lecture
room and church. The store is complete and ready for
occupancy. There is also on the place a large coopering
establishment.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Ohio - Chicago: H. H.
Hill and Co., 1879 - Page 535 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
W. A. BROWN, Danville, physician and
surgeon, was born in Knox county, Tennessee, in1830, and at the
age of seven years went with his people to Macoupin county,
Illinois. He became a graduate of the McDowell College of
Medicine, of St. Louis, in 1857; after graduating he went to
Iowa, where he remained but a short time, removing to Missouri
in 1859, where he was engaged in practice for three years.
In 1862 he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the 1st
Missouri Militia, serving two years, and upon leaving he army he
came to Danville and began his practice in July of 1864.
He has since given his time exclusively to his profession.
He is a member of the Vermilion County Association of Physicians
and Surgeons, and a man whose name and reputation are above
reproach.
Source: History of
Vermilion County, Ohio - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Co., 1879 -
Page 438 |
| |
WILLIAM BROWN, Ridge Farm, farmer
and stock-dealer, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 4th of
January, 1813, and was raised to the occupation of farmer and
handling stock. He moved with his father to Indiana when
he was but twelve years of age, and came to this state in 1856,
settling where he now resides, in Pilot Grove. He claims
that he has made the most of his money by handling sheep, in
which he has engaged quite extensively - he having at times as
many as two thousand. Mr. Brown is regarded as one of the
solid men of Vermilion county. He was married on the 20th
of August, 1848, to Elyddia Lusk, who was born in Parke
County, Indiana. They are the parents of eight children,
six living: Solomon L., Commodore, John, William, Dick,
Benjamin. The names of the deceased are Samuel and
Adam. Commodore is practicing medicine in
Walnut Grove, Edgar county. Mr. Brown's parents
were natives of Pennsylvania. He is liberal, both in his
political and religious views. He owns two thousand acres
of land, - one thousand acres in the home place in Pilot Grove,
three miles southeast of Ridge Farm.
SOURCE: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - By H.
W. Beckwith, - Chicago: H. H. Hill and Company, Publishers
- 1879 - Page 601 |
| |
Newell Twp. -
JAMES
H. BURGOYNE,
Danville, brickmaker, was born near Uniontown, Muskingum county,
Ohio, on the 15th of June, 1834. When ten years of age his
parents, James and
Mary
(Minor) Burgoyne,
moved with
him to Wayne County, Indiana. In 1859 he came to Catlin,
Vermilion county, Illinois, but after a brief stay went to
Kansas, where he lived a year or two and then returned to
Vermilion county on the 3d
of
September, 1862.
He
was enrolled for three
years in Co. G,
125th Ill.
Vol.
Inf., and bore an
honorable part in the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesborough, and in
Sherman's march
to the sea, and
in the later and greater campaign
.
through the
Carolinas, which practically ended with the battle
of
Bentonville, in which
he was engaged. He passed through Richmond, Virginia, on the
homeward march, and was mustered out
of
the United States'
service at Washington City, on the
9th of
June, 1865, and the
regiment disbanded at Chicago on the
21st, day of
July. Mr. Borgoyne was married on the 31st of December,
1867, to Miss Louie Butler. They have three living
children.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W.
Beckwith - 1879 - Page 967 -
Contributed by Mary Paulius |
| |
Danville Twp. -
EPHRAIM BURROUGHS, Danville, blacksmith,
is a native of Marion county, Ohio. He was born on the 4th
of January, 1815, and when but a child his people removed to
Dearborn county, Indiana. Here the early part of his life
was spent, having but few opportunities for gaining an
education. At the age of eighteen years he went to the
city of Cincinnati, Ohio, and began an apprenticeship of three
yeas with Mr. C. Cassatt at the trade of manufacturing
edged tools. He remained in Cincinnati for about fourteen
years, and then went south for a year or so. Returning to
Indiana he married Miss Emeline Randall, a native of
Trumbull county, Ohio. They had one son in the army in the
war of 1861-65. Mr. B. came to Vermilion county
first in the spring of 1855, and located in the city of Danville
in 1861. Since his residence here he has been engaged in
the blacksmithing business, which he learned very readily after
having learned and worked at the trade of manufacturing edged
tools. Mr. Burroughs' people are of Scotch origin.
He is one of the early settlers of Vermilion county, and has
witnessed many of the changes from a new region to a
well-improved country.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W. Beckwith -
1879 ~ Page 413 |
| |
Newell Twp. -
ASA M.
BUSHNELL, Bismark merchant, was born in Cook county,
Illinois, on the 8th of December, 1850, and is a son of Henry
and Lavina (Dayton) Bushnell.
He
removed with his parents at the age of five years and settled in
Steuben township, Warren county, Indiana. Subsequently they
moved into Newell township, and after four or five years
returned to Cook county, remaining there two or three years,
when they went to Iroquois county and spent a year, after which
they settled in Rossville. At this place, in 1873, Mr. Bushnell
embarked in merchandising. He is postmaster at Bismark, and is
keeping a general store in partnership with Francis
M. Gundy.
Mr. Bushnell was married on the 15th of October, 1873, to
Wilhelmina Shockley, who was born on the 17th of April,
1856. T hey have three living children:
Clyde, born
on the 7th of June, 1875;
Mabel,
on the 30th of September, 1876; Frank, on the 23d of
April, 1878. In politics Mr. Bushnell
is a republican.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W.
Beckwith - 1879 - Page 966 -
Contributed by Mary Paulius |
| |
Danville Twp. -
F. W. BUTTON, Danville,
manufacturer of boilers, proprietor of the Button Steam
Boiler Factory, is a native of the state of New York.
Previous to his engaging in the manufacture of this line
of goods in Danville, he had for some time had charge of
the boiler works of the Wabash railroad, at Springfield.
He is a thoroughly practical man in his line of trade
and manufacture, having had about twenty years'
experience in the manufacture of boilers. In 1866
he came west as far as Chicago, where he remained but a
short time. He then made a trip through the
southern states during the same year and 1867.
Returning north, he spent some time in Galesburg and
Springfield, as before mentioned, and located in
Danville in 1875. Here he has established
something of a name and reputation, and has a trade
established reaching about forty miles around the city.
On an average he employs about four men and is doing his
work in such a manner that his trade has been gradually
increasing. He is giving his customers such goods
as will bear inspection.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Ohio - Chicago: H.
H. Hill and Co., 1879 - Page 483 |
| |
Danville Twp. -
FRED BUY, Danville, grocer, of the
firm of E. B. Martin & Co., is a native of
Prussia. He came to the United States in 1857 with
his parents, they locating in York state, where he was
for about one year. He then came to Danville.
For five years he was engaged at work in the Danville
woolen factory. He then began clerking in a
drygoods store, where he remained about one year, and
then began as a grocery clerk. He is now junior
partner in a firm that does a business of about $30,000
per annum. During the war of 1861-5 he entered the
Union army, enlisting in 135th Ill. Vol. Inf., Co. K, a
history of which regiment is found in this work. This
was the hundred-day service in which he enlisted.
After serving his time he again enlisted - this time in
the 149th regiment, under Colonel Kefner.
His wife, who is also a native of Germany, was a Miss
Mary Stuebe previous to their marriage. They
have a family of four children - three boys and one
girl. Mr. Buy is a man who has been
dependent upon his own resources, and by energy and
industry has accumulated a nice property, and is now one
of the honorable business men of the city.
Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - H. W.
Beckwith - 1879 ~ Page 423 |
NOTES: |
