OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES: 1879 1889 1903 1911 1930 BIOGRAPHIES Source: The History of Vermilion County, Illinois A Tale of its Evolution, Settlement and Progress for nearly a Century -         Vols. I & 2 By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company  - 1911 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z   B. F. CANADAY.  The name of Canaday is well known in Vermilion county, as it represents a family which was among the first to brave the terrors of the wilderness and prepare this region for the possible occupation of the white race.  There was but one cabin within the limits of what is now known as Elwood township when those brave men established themselves here, and the beautiful farms now to be seen all over the county are in a great measure the results of the privations and toil inseparably connected with a life such as the earlier men of the family were obliged to endure.  Many of the pioneers were far-sighted, but they builded even better than they knew, and the years that have passed have witnessed changes which no man could have prophesied when two strong and sturdy members of the Canaday family erected in 1820 a log cabin near the spot in Elmwood township which became their permanent home.      B. F. Canaday, whose name appears at the head of this review, belongs to the younger generation.  He was born in Vermilion county, July 19, 1845, and is a son of William and Mary (Hayworth) Canaday, both natives of Tennessee.  On the paternal side the family is descended from Henry Canaday, of North Carolina, who removed to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1820, sending his two sons ahead to prepare a home further west in the primeval wilderness.  In 1821 the family took possession of the rude cabin heretofore mentioned and from this spot they have gone forth for almost a century to the work which each has felt appointed to do.  Here the pioneer lived under the simplest conditions, felling the forest and tilling the soil, until in this region are found the most productive farms in Illinois.  The mother died in 1854, her companion surviving fifty-one years and departing this life at the age of ninety, in 1905.  By diligence and good judgment he acquired more than one thousand acres of land, giving a goodly heritage to each of his seven children: Julia A., G. F., Richard H., James A., Matilda, Benjamin F. and Alice.      B. F. Canaday was reared on the family homestead and received his education in the neighboring district schools.  He readily acquired a practical knowledge of the details of farming and after arriving at manhood he went to Champaign county, Illinois, where he assumed charge of the farm which his father had given him and conducted the same with very favorable results for twenty-three years.  He then disposed of his farm and purchased the homestead of one hundred and twenty acres in Elwood township, where he now lives, and also has become the owner of a promising section of land in western Canada.  In addition to the regular operations of the farm Mr. Canaday makes a practice of raising stock and feeds to his own cattle, horses and hogs the grain which he produces. He has always been a man of good judgment in business affairs and is recognized by his neighbors as one of the thoroughly energetic and efficient farmers of this region, who not only understands how to till the soil so as to produce the best results but also keeps thoroughly posted as to markets, and the live stock shipped from his farm is usually in the best possible condition and commands the highest prices.  In the spring of 1874 Mr. Canaday laid aside the cares of the farm and made an extensive trip for observation and pleasure through the various cities of the west, going as far as the Pacific coast in California.  He was absent for a year and returned with many new ideas as to the extent and resources of the country and also as to the application of principles in farming which he has successfully demonstrated for many years.      In 1875 Mr. Canaday was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Green, who was born in Ohio and became the mother of seven children: Howard, at home; Richard, deceased; Anna, now Mrs. Clyde Long; Jessie, at home; and the triplets - Mark, deceased; Martha the wife of P. Freeman; and Mary, now Mrs. Earl Plotner.  The family was called to mourn the death of the mother in 1895 and Mr. Canaday was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Effa Holaday, a daughter of Dr. H. Holaday, a native of Indiana.      Mr. Canaday is a stanch republican and for ten years past has been a member of the county commissioner of highways and treasurer of the board.  He has devoted a great deal of time to forwarding the interests of the party of which he is a most earnest advocate.  For twenty-five year she has served as school director and for forty-two years he has been an honored member of Lodge No. 632, A. F. & A. M., at Ridge Farm.  Mr. Canaday and his wife were reared in the Quaker faith and their lives have been controlled in a large degree by the simple teachings of a faith which regards all men as brothers and literally accepts the golden rule as the main guidance in all the changing circumstances of our earthly career.  As the result Mr. and Mrs. Canaday are respected by the entire community where they have spent many years and have wrought not entirely for their own advancement but unselfishly have assisted in the development of the permanent welfare of all with whom they have associated. Source: The History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II - Publ.  1911 by Lottie Jones - Page 670 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   HENRY CANADAY was a native of North Carolina who moved north, with his family, in the fall of 1820, and stopped over winter in Wayne County, Indiana. Two of his sons came on over the state line and put up a cabin in what is now the southern part of Vermilion County. His four sons were Benjamin, Frederich, William and John. The entire family took possession of the round log cabin which the two sons had built, and began their new life without neighbors other than the Indians who camped on the banks of the Little Vermilion in the spring of the year to hunt and fish. They would visit the cabin to beg and steal and trade but never seriously annoyed them.      There were many sugar-maple trees on the land the Canady’s had chosen for their home and they made sugar that first spring, but they were not contented and Benjamin returned to Tennessee, where their old home had been, and bought a farm. Soon the entire family returned to their old home but it was to stay only during the summer. They sold their property in Tennessee and returned to their cabin on the Little Vermilion River before winter. This was the fall of 1821 and their cabin was on what was yet unorganized territory attached to Edgar County. They had much sickness during this winter, having come from a different climate, and the nearest physician was at Clinton, Indiana. They had to go to mill on Raccoon Creek in Park County, Indiana, and Terre Haute was the nearest trading point. They had no horses when spring came and they broke ground with oxen. Wild deer was plentiful and they filled the smokehouse soon after they came with deer hams, and also had plenty of pork. When they first came the year before, they brought thirty hogs with them from Indiana and when they went back to Tennessee they left them in the woods. These animals lived in the woods and became so wild as to be a menace to stock for years afterward. Wild game was plentiful and deer, turkey and other fowl gave them a variety of food. The entire family occupied the one roomed cabin for some time, and the mother did the cooking by the fireplace; the floor was of puncheon, the roof of clapboards, held down with weight poles and the stick and clay chimney was built on the outside.      About the second year of their living at this place, Henry Canaday, together with George Haworth, "set up a meeting," as it is called by the Society of Friends, when a new church was established. These two men and others, who came afterwards to the neighborhood, built a log cabin in which they had meetings and later built a church of hewed logs. Sometimes the attendance was so small that Henry Canaday and his son, Benjamin, would go to "meeting" and sit through the hour alone, in order to keep up the church organization as was .the demand of that society.      Henry Canaday was very prominent in the life of the growing Vermilion County. He entered about two sections of land as soon as it came into market, and sold it off to new comers. Henry Canaday was a tanner and a blacksmith, and as soon as possible after the family came to their new home they managed to establish both trades. He could the better do this because of his four grown sons. He started a tan yard in which his son William worked, and also a tin shop for his son Benjamin. William later carried on harness making and saddler, but his father, Henry Canaday, never had that trade. Benjamin Canaday, the oldest son of Henry Canaday, was a tracker by trade and during the winter of the big snow (1830) he made up a stock of tin ware and traded it off at Louisville for goods. These he brought back with him and put into a building he had put up for a store on his farm just west of Vermilion (later Vermilion Grove), on the Hickory Grove road. This was the beginning of his career as a merchant. He sold goods here for several years before going to Georgetown where he became the largest, and at one time, the most successful merchant.      Frederick Canaday, the second son of Henry Canaday, made a valuable farm just north of Vermilion station where he spent his life. He was the father of four sons and three daughters. His sons, William, Henry, Isaac and John, grew to manhood and settled around him. His daughters who became Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Ankrum, went the one to Kansas, the other to Bethel and the third lived near her father.      William Canaday, the third son of Henry Canaday, married Miss Mary Haworth, in 1831, who was the daughter of William Haworth. They were the parents of ten children. These children settled in different parts of the country, a number of them near their parents' home. Mrs. Mary (Haworth) Canaday died in 1855 and Mr. Canaday married Miss Elizabeth Diament, in 1873, for his second wife.      John Canaday, the youngest son of Henry Canaday, lived all his life on the farm on the state road between Vermilion and Georgetown. He had a good farm and was a prosperous farmer. He was the father of five sons and two daughters. The Canaday family has been strong factors in the development of the county. His family of sons, with their families of sons and daughters have made the name one of honor and pride in this section which Henry Canaday found a wilderness. Source:  The History of Vermilion County - Vol. I - Publ. 1911 - page 106 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   HON. JOSEPH G. CANNON.  With mentality as keen as it was a quarter of a century ago, Hon. Joseph G. Cannon is still a leader in republican national politics. Few men have been so long in public service and the record of none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. Leadership always evokes opposition and such has been the case with Mr. Cannon. He has been bitterly attacked but, serene in the belief of the policy which he pursues, he continues on his way and with the wisdom of age he recognizes the fact that ultimately the right will triumph and sound judgment will prevail. No higher testimonial of popular favor and support could be given than in the fact of Mr. Cannon's recent reelection to congress.      He was born at Guilford, North Carolina, May 7, 1836, a son of Dr. Horace F. And Gulielma (Hollingsworth) Cannon. Both were representatives of old Quaker families dating back through Revolutionary times to the days of George Fox. When Joseph John Gurney, a celebrated preacher of the Friends faith, came from England as a missionary he was accompanied by Dr. Cannon on his tour through America and, when the subject of this review was born, Dr. Cannon named his little son Joseph Gurney in honor of his missionary friend. One of his biographers has said in this connection: "Hence Mr. Cannon had a birthright in that church and from his youth up was trained in its simple, honest, noble principles, which have been, and are today, the solid foundation of his moral life and of his stanch republicanism." The days of his youth were passed in a manner similar to that of-most farm boys and when he had mastered the studies taught in the district schools he had the benefit of instruction in an academy at Annapolis, Parke County, Indiana, conducted by Professor Barnabas Hobbs. This with a year in Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, ended his school training, yet it would be difficult today to find a man in public life who has read more broadly or has a wider store of wisdom concerning the multitudinous questions which is one phase or another affect the political situation of the country.      He was only fourteen years of age when his father, in attempting to ford Sugar creek in order to attend a patient, was drowned. His son Joseph was early thrown upon his own resources and to provide for his support secured a clerkship in a store at Annapolis at a salary of two hundred dollars per year. He was thus employed for five years and managed to save half of his earnings, so that with a capital of five hundred dollars he went to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he entered upon the study of law under the direction of John P. Usher, one of the distinguished attorneys of the Middle West. He supplemented his preliminary reading by a course of study in the Cincinnati Law School. Economy was a part of his training during that period but he was actuated by strong ambition and determination to succeed and he overlooked present hardships with a view to enjoying success in the future. When his law course was finished he entered upon active practice in Shelbyville, Illinois, and there formed the acquaintance of distinguished and able representatives of the bar. Later he began practice in Tuscola, Illinois, going there to join his mother and his brother, William P. Cannon, who had removed to that place. Advancement at the bar is proverbially slow and, like many others, Mr. Cannon had to wait the time when his practice should be large and profitable. His leisure hours, however, were by no means wasted. He improved them by study, so that when cases did come to him he had a mind well stored with legal knowledge and was able to cope with the intricate and involved problems of the law. He relates that on one occasion when he had a case at Urbana he walked from Tuscola to the former place, carrying his coat upon his arm, in order to save the cost of transportation.      While in Tuscola Mr. Cannon formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Pamela Reed, whom he made his wife and whose counsel and keen intellect assisted him greatly in his career. A contemporary biographer has said of her: Mrs. Cannon was a magnificent lady elegantly educated, strong common sense, lofty ideals, and gave her husband a steady and powerful support during those days of struggle and after he became successful in life. She died in Danville in December, 1889, deeply mourned by a wide circle of friends and especially by Mr. Cannon and his two daughters, Miss Helen Cannon and Mrs. Mabel Cannon LeSeure. Miss Helen, a noble and gifted lady, has been his constant companion and helper since the death of her mother."      Mr. Cannon first actively entered politics in 1861, when he decided to become a candidate for states attorney against Ward H. Lamon, brother of Judge J. B. Larnon, the latter being at one time a local law partner of Abraham Lincoln and afterward marshal of the District of Columbia and an officer of Lincoln's bodyguard. Judge Lamon was widely known and very popular, while Mr. Cannon had a much less extensive acquaintance. His friends advised him not to enter the race but with the same keen insight into the situation that has since characterized his efforts in politics, he announced himself as a candidate, believing that he could win. While living in Indiana he had attended the big yearly Quaker meetings in Vermilion Grove, Illinois, with his parents, traveling across the rough country in a farm wagon. He knew every Quaker family of consequence in the region of Georgetown and Vermilion Grove, Illinois. The mud was very deep, the streams were high and without bridges, but he swam his horse across, went into the Quaker settlement, and made a house to house canvass, stating who he was and what he wanted. On various occasions the good old people listened gravely and said, "Yes, Joseph, we know thy good mother and father and will vote for thee." They kept their promise and the result was that Mr. Cannon was elected. He served as states attorney until 1868 and during that period not only proved his ability as a lawyer but also became so well known that he determined upon another step in the political field. He first became a candidate for congress in 1872, at which time the eleventh Illinois district was composed of Champaign, Coles, Douglas, Macon, Piatt and Vermilion counties. The convention met at Tolona and the other candidates for the nomination were Colonel J. W. Langley of Champaign, Colonel Lyman Guinnip of Vermilion and General Jesse H. Moore, then serving in congress. The first ballot showed that Mr. Cannon had but the four votes from Douglas. There was little change as the balloting proceeded until the thirty-eighth, when Mr. Cannon received the support of Vermilion's eight votes. Coles and Macon followed and Mr. Cannon was given twenty-six votes against four for Moore and seven for Langley. His nomination was made unanimous with thundering applause. In response to the call he made a modest speech, in which he spoke so kindly of his opponents that he won them over. At the ensuing election a large majority placed him in congress. By acclamation at each succeeding convention since 1872 he has been re-nominated and each time has been reelected by substantial majorities save in 1890, when there was a landslide throughout the country, the Democratic Party gaining the ascendency. The ablest men in the opposition have been his opponents and yet the people have chosen Mr. Cannon again and again, proving their faith and confidence in him.      Colonel W. R. Jewell has thus written of him (and perhaps no one is better qualified to speak of Mr. Cannon):  "The main elements of his strength are: 1st , his hard common sense. He is a genius of this type of men. He sees things as they are and knows how to meet them. 2nd his steadfast integrity. He never falsifies, prevaricates or shuffles. He makes few promises; he keeps those he makes. He never makes promises during a campaign. 3rd, his knowledge of men. He knows men as the most skilled merchant knows fabrics by the slightest touch. 4th , his steadfastness to tried friends. He never uses a man to neglect him afterward. No man remembers services better and reciprocates more fully. 5th , by his fairness and kindness to opponents. He has no feuds with any who desire to be friendly. One has to be a fussy man and fuss by himself who continues to fuss with Mr. Cannon. He prefers to have men with him this year who were against him last year. 6th , by his natural democratic manners, which are ingrained. He is one of the people in act and speech. His conversation is full of homely illustrations from the fireside, the wayside, the shop. He enjoys a good joke and has a fund of anecdote rich and rare, which he tells as well as Joe Jefferson acted Rip Van Winkle. 7th, his power as a speaker. While not eloquent in word painting, yet he pours forth sound facts as a threshing machine pours forth clean golden grain where the yield has been an hundred fold. The substantial people who do the thinking and mold sentiment hear him with rapt attention. His clear cut facts gleam like new golden coin in their minds. He will no more misquote statistics or facts than the pious preacher would misquote holy writ. Now and then in his speeches he will tell a funny anecdote, but the great body of what he has to say is solid, sound and goes to the soul of affairs. 'What does Cannon say about it?' is in the mouths of his constituents when a new question of importance arises. Long since they have come to trust in his knowledge and integrity, for they know he is no demagogue or trifler but a real statesman. 8th, his eminent ability as a legislator. It is useless to enlarge on this. He is honest, faithful, and forceful in congress. His political opponents acknowledge this. Mr. Cannon does not speak often in congress; but when he speaks he has the closest attention on account of the matter of what he says. He is one of the few members in the house who instruct the members and in whose statements they have confidence. He is the ablest man in either branch on business statistics,' is what Speaker Reed and other members have said. During the stormy days of the '80s and '90s Reed, McKinley and Cannon were the big three who, as committee on rules and as leaders fought and won great parliamentary battles. His long and able service, his generous nature and his eminent ability as a parliamentarian, has made him speaker of the next house (the fifty-eighth congress) by the unanimous choice of the republican members."      True history gives all facts and this record would be incomplete without reference to the division that has been manifest in republican ranks and which perhaps might be termed a contest between the conservative and the ultra aggressive. Those who oppose Mr. Cannon are inflexible in their opposition but his adherents-and they are many-are equally strong and stalwart in his support.  A leader must always expect opposition. There is never any personal attack, however, aside from politics made upon Mr. Cannon and he has commanded the respect of even his opponents by the calm and unruffled manner which he has maintained, greeting much of the opposition with a golden silence that shows that the wisdom of age has placed him above and beyond the bickering of political strife. There is after all no better criterion of the real man than the opinions of his neighbors, and Mr. Cannon's recent reelection from his home district shows how he is held among those who have known him since he entered upon the struggle for a livelihood as a poor young lawyer down to the present time, when national fame and honors are his. One of his admirable characteristics is that he ever forgets a friend and he has as cheery a greeting for the associates of his early manhood when he was unknown to fame as for the most distinguished men of the nation.      Again we quote from Mr. Jewell, who says: "Mr. Cannon is strictly domestic. His house is a large, substantial brick, 418 North Vermilion Street, Danville, presided over by his stately daughter, Mrs. Ernest X. LeSeure. Here, in his great library, he spends much of his leisure time and with his two beautiful grandchildren whom he loves and spoils, Virginia and Helen LeSeure, while from its golden frame, with love-lit smile of wife and grandmother, looks down the gracious face of the noble woman with whom he made life's morning march, when their bosoms were young, and whom he often sees in his visions and dreams." Source:  The History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II by Lottie Jones - 1911 - Pages 665, 666, 667, 668 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   JAMES T. CARPENTER, one of the active and successful business men of Oak-wood, is a native of England born in Devonshire, January 12, 1864. He comes of sturdy stock and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Shepard) Carpenter, also natives of Devonshire, the former of whom departed this life at the old home in October, 1872, when our subject was eight years of age. In 1883 James T. Carpenter came with his mother to America and first settled at Elliott, Ford county, Illinois, where his mother is now living at the advanced age of eighty-two years. She had ten children, five of whom are living: William J., of Michigan; George, who resides with his mother in Ford county; James T.; Albert E., a resident of North Dakota; and Mary A., the wife of C. Payne living in Iowa.      The subject of this review was educated in the schools of England and grew up under the care of his mother. He was nineteen years of age when he came to America and he found employment on a farm in Ford county, Illinois. After working for wages for five years he was enabled to rent land and engage in farming for himself to good advantage and continued for several years in Ford county, during which he accumulated a modest capital that enabled him to start upon a farm of his own near Oakwood. This farm he has since operated and greatly improved, but he has not devoted his entire time to agriculture. By application and study he became a steam engineer and for the past six years has devoted a part of his time to that line. He is interested in coal mining in this county, owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in North Dakota, and has also laid out Carpenter's First Addition to the village of Oakwood, consisting of four and one-half acres, from which he has already sold a goodly portion. His various business ventures have proven successful and he is now living in a handsome residence of which he is the owner.      On December 19, 1889, Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Green, a daughter of David W. and Augusta (Haynes) Green, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Green seven are now living: Herbert, a farmer of Gibson City, Illinois; John, in the service of the United States government in Cuba; Melvina, the widow of Jacob Carr, of Carthage, Missouri; Victoria, the wife of C. T. Baxter, of Winfield, Kansas; Emma, the wife of J. T. Carpenter, of Vermilion county; Wilbert G., a farmer of this county; and Emmett H., of Danville, Illinois. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter: Elmer C., born September 20, 1890, is a graduate of the Oakwood high school and also of a business college at Danville; Lester Harold who was born February 18, 1892, died at the age of fourteen months; and the third child died in infancy.      Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Oakwood and earnest workers in its various causes. He has been for many years affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to Lodge No. 564 of Oakwood; Oakwood Encampment, No. 194, and Canton Danville, No. 11, Patriarchs Militant. He has devoted a great deal of time to the study of the principles of Odd Fellowship and has passed through all of the chairs of both named lodges and is at present captain of the drill corps of Canton Danville Lodge. He is considered by his brethren as being one of the best informed members upon all matters pertaining to the order that can be found in Vermilion county.      Mr. Carpenter is essentially a self-made man. Starting as a poor boy, he has climbed financially from the bottom of the ladder and has attained a position of independence, which should be a controlling desire in the mind of every young man. Having gained a place of responsibility by his own efforts, he is always ready and willing to extend a helping hand to every worthy aspirant and it is safe to say that no man in his part of the county has a greater number of true friends than the subject of this review. A man of pleasing address, wide-awake to the advancing spirit of the times and fully alive to the importance of making the best use of each day as it comes, Mr. Carpenter is a true representative of the opening decade of the twentieth century and a man whose usefulness apparently will be limited only by the opportunities by which he is surrounded. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - VOLUME II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911 - Page 278   JOHN O. CASS.  Among the successful farmers of Danville Township, Vermilion county, who was born here and is now living upon the family homestead, is John O. Cass, whose eyes first opened to the light of day in 1846. He is a son of William and Rachel (Villars) Cass, both of whom were born in Ohio and came west in 1843, locating upon one hundred acres of land in Danville township, which the father has previously purchased. This land was entirely in its primitive condition and consisted of timber and prairie, so that it required years of labor in clearing away the trees, breaking the sod, and tiling the ground before it was brought to a reasonable state of productiveness. Mr. Cass, who is still living upon the farm, at the, age of ninety years, proved a very successful farmer and increased the original one hundred acres by various purchases until he acquired a valuable property of three hundred and twenty acres. In his family are three children: James W., John O., and Mary E., now Mrs. Brown.      The subject of our review was educated in the country schools and also in the schools at State Line. He assisted his father upon the farm and for some years engaged in teaching school during the winter. After the close of the Civil war he went to Arkansas, where he lived at three different times, but ten years ago he returned to the home farm, where he has since engaged prosperously in general farming and stock raising. He has made many improvements and is known as one of the wide-awake and efficient agriculturists of the community.      In 1871 Mr. Cass was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Thayer of Highland county, Ohio. Two children have been born to: Mr. and Mrs. Cass: George T., who graduated from the Valparaiso Medical School and is now engaged in practice at Dodge, Nebraska; and Carrie H., now Mrs. Samson. Mr. Cass is independent in politics and votes for those measures and men that he considers most important in advancing the permanent welfare of the state or nation. His wife is identified with the Episcopal Church and is an active worker in behalf of all movements that tend to relieve the ills of humanity. She is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, her ancestors having come to this country in colonial days and located in Virginia, where they were living during the Revolutionary war, in which members of the family took part under General Washington. Mr. Cass is a man of broad views who has learned many valuable lessons of practical use as he has passed along. As a farmer he is alert to the great improvements which have been made in the industry and he does not regret that he devoted his life to the farm which is 'the foundation of the republic and the main source of wealth all over the world. The home farm under his management has been brought to a high degree of cultivation and is known as one of the most productive farms in the region. Source:  The History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Publ. 1911 - Pages 152 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   JOHN A. CATHCART, cashier of the First National Bank of Sidell, was born in Natrona, Macon county, Illinois, March 31, 1876, and although a young man has gained for himself a creditable position in the financial circles of Vermilion county. His judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success, his life being characterized by an orderly progression.      His parents were John Marshall and Sarah J. (Alexander) Cathcart, both of whom were natives of county Tyrone, Ireland, whence they came to the United States in young manhood and young womanhood.  They became residents of Logan County, Illinois, where they were afterward married and subsequently they took up their abode upon a farm in Mason County, Illinois, where they resided for a number of years. Later they made their home in Nebraska for about four years and on the expiration of that period returned to Champaign county, Illinois, where John M. Cathcart conducted a lumber and grain business in the town of Broadlands for about five years. He then came to Sidell, where he engaged in the lumber and grain business, acquiring a comfortable fortune through the careful conduct and capable management of his interests. Making judicious investments in property, he owned extensive farm lands in Sidell Township at the time of his death.  About ten years prior to his demise he retired from active business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He died in Pensacola, Florida, where he was sojourning for the benefit of his health, passing away on the 21st of February, 1910.  His widow is still a resident of Sidell, where she has a large circle of warm friends.      No event of special importance occurred during the youthful days of our subject to vary the routine of his life. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and his business training was received under the direction of his father, with whom he became identified in the lumber and grain trade. As his years and knowledge increased his responsibilities were enlarged and he came to assume more and more of the management of his father's business, with which he was associated until 1898, when he entered the First National Bank of Sidell as a bookkeeper. About five years later he was made assistant cashier of the institution and occupied that position for five years when, in 1908, he was chosen cashier of the bank, in which capacity he is now serving, proving an efficient officer popular with the patrons of the bank.      On the 28th of June, 1899, Mr. Cathcart was married to Miss Mabel Wright of Sidell, a daughter of Silas Wright, a prominent farmer of Sidell Township, now deceased. Mr. And Mrs. Cathcart have but one child, Josephine. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Cathcart is serving on its board of trustees. In the work of the church they are actively and helpfully interested, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Cathcart votes with the Republican Party and his fraternal relations are with Sidell Lodge, No. 798, A. F. & A. M.; Homer Lodge, R. A. M., of Homer, Illinois; Oriental Consistory, A. & A. S. R.  Of Chicago; and Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., also of Chicago.  He likewise belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Sidell and is in sympathy with the basic principles and purposes of these orders which recognize the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations of the individual to his fellowmen. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - VOLUME II - 1911 - Lottie Jones - pp. 227, 228 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   CHARLES M. CESSNA, one of the successful agriculturists and live-stock men of Vermilion County, was born in Champaign County, Illinois, January 20, 1869. He is the son of William Cessna, a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where he was born November 7, 1822. The father moved with his parents to Ohio and grew up in Trumbull, later Mahoning County. There he learned the tanner's trade and also became a brick and stone mason. He lived in Stark County, Ohio, and Marshall County, Indiana, until 1868, when he removed to Champaign County, Illinois, and finally settled in Vermilion County, where he became one of its foremost farmers. Mr. Cessna was twice married, his first wife being Sarah Jane Hawkins, of Stark County, Ohio, who was called away September 15, 1864. She was the mother of five children: John W., Sarah Amelia, Ella, Martin and William L. D. On January 29, 1865, Mr. Cessna was married to Mrs. Lucina (Martin) Melser, who was the mother of two children by her first husband. Three children resulted from her second marriage: Rosa I., Charles M., and Mary M. William Cessna retired from active farming in 1905 and removed to Homer, where he continued until his death, May 25, 1908, at the age of eighty-six years. He was an honorable, industrious and progressive citizen, a kind husband and father, and a man who through life inspired many to strive for financial independence by the same means by which he accomplished with and through self-denial and wise management. The beloved wife and mother is still living and resides in Homer.      The subject of this review was reared on the home farm, where he obtained a thorough training in all the details of agriculture and stock-raising. He received his book education at a neighboring district school. After laying aside his books, he devoted his entire attention to the farm and at twenty years of age the home farm of three hundred and twenty acres was turned over to his management. He continued to operate it until 1901, devoting a great deal of attention to the breeding and raising of live-stock, in which he was signally successful. In 1901 he removed to Homer and began as a live-stock buyer, conducting his operations upon an extensive scale for nine years and squiring a reputation as one of the best buyers in this part of the state. In the spring of 1910 he returned to the farm, of which there was originally one hundred and twenty acres but which had now grown to two hundred and forty acres and had been provided with a handsome and commodious residence and all the facilities recognized by the up-to-date farmer. This beautiful farm Mr. Cessna has traded for a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Clark County, Ohio located near Springfield, the county seat, and is said to be one of the best improved properties in that county and to contain the finest farm residence in the Buckeye state. Mr. Cessna will occupy his new home in the spring of 1911.      His proposed departure from the region, where he has lived so long and where he has been so favorably known, is greatly regretted by the entire community. On the 10th of February, 1892, Mr. Cessna was united in marriage to Miss Stella Witherspoon, of Vance Township, this county, a daughter of William P. Witherspoon, now a resident of Patoka, Indiana. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cessna; Charles R., Esther L., Florence E. and William H, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Cessna is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Republican Party and has served in a number of responsible public positions, among which may be named that of drainage commissioner of his district for the past six years: He has also served as a member of the board of education of Homer, and a member of the board of aldermen, in the latter capacity being largely instrumental in securing the paving of the streets of Homer. He is a member of Brilliant Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at Homer; the Masonic fraternity; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and are among the foremost in all movements of the church or community that tend to make easier the way or lighten the cares of those less fortunate than themselves. Mr. Cessna enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of many friends and acquaintances and is known as a man of unusual energy, perseverance and ability, who generally accomplishes what he sets out to do and is always governed by a high sense of honor in his dealings with his fellowmen. Source:  History of Vermilion County - Vol. II - Publ. 1911 - Pp. 633 & 634 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   JOHN CHANDLER      John Chandler, like so many of the pioneers of Vermilion County, was a native of the "Blue Grass state," where he lived until he had reached manhood's estate, and in 1828 determined to go into the state of Illinois. Making their way to this county they located on a tract of wild land in Newel1 township where he tilled the soil and made such improvements as to sell it to a profit      In 1853 and take up his residence in Danville. Mr. Chandler lived in Danville until he died in 1859. His wife died before he left the farm. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - VOLUME II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911 - Pages 129 & 130 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   FRED G. CHESLEY, one of Danville's bright and promising young business men, passed away on the 10th of November, 1908, widely and deeply mourned.  He was born in Chicago, May 13, 1884, and was given excellent educational advantages, attending the Lake Forest Academy, from which he graduated, and Purdue University, at West La Fayette, Indiana, although he did not graduate from the latter institution. He became a popular member of several college fraternities and, having taken a course in mechanical engineering, he entered the service of the Danville Foundry & Machine Company on leaving college. Here he worked his way up from the very bottom and was making rapid advancement when his death occurred.      Mr. Chesley was married on the 17th of September, 1908, in Danville, to Miss Winifred Hess, who seven weeks later was called upon to mourn the death of her husband. They made their home at No. 509 North Franklin street and were surrounded by a large circle of friends. Although not a member Mr. Chesley attended the Presbyterian church and was a young man of great promise, who gained the friendship and high regard of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. Mrs. Chesley was born in Danville, March 15, 1888, and after her graduation from the high school of this city, she attended St. Mary's of the Woods at Terre Haute, Indiana.  She is now living with her mother at No. 1116 Sheridan Drive, where they have erected a beautiful bungalow with all modern appointments. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - VOLUME II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911 - page 770 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   L. A. CHESLEY.  The manufacturing interests of Danville find a worthy representative in L. A. Chesley, who is now secretary and treasurer of the Danville Foundry and Machine Company.  He was born in this city March 2, 1863, and is a son of Robert V. Chesley, who in his day was one of Vermilion county's most prominent and brilliant lawyers.  The father was born on the 9th of May, 1832, in Virginia, his father being Alexander P. Chesley, who at one time served as postmaster of Danville.  Robert Chesley attended school in Columbus, Ohio, and on leaving that city came to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he learned the harnessmaker's trade, at which he worked for a number of years, and later engaged in clerking in a drug store and dry-goods store.  He next conducted a harness and saddlery shop of his own but later resumed clerking, following that occupation until September, 1861.  The Civil war having been broken out, he then enlisted in Company C, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain McArthur and Genearl U. S. Grant.  He participated in a number of engagements, including the battle of Fort Donelson, where he was wounded in the leg, and was then sent to a hospital.  On his recovery he took up the study of law, to which he had previously devoted some time while working at his trade.  He was at length admitted to the bar and opened an office in Danville, eventually becoming one of the leading attorneys of this section of the state.  He was often employed on the same cases with Lincoln and Douglas and was regarded as one of the most brilliant orators of his time.  In politics he was an ardent republican, while fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and religiously was a member of the Presbyterian church.     On the 21st of October, 1852, Robert V. Chesley was married in Danville to Miss Helen M. Russel, who was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, August 16, 1830, a daughter of William F. and Emeline (Bradley) Russel, also natives of that state.  Her father brought his family to Vermilion county in 1833 and became one of the leading business men of Danville, taking a prominent part in public affairs.  He was a supporter of the democratic party and a member of the Universalist church, the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He died in March, 1856, and his wife passed away November 7, 1866.  There were five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Chesley: Charles E., proprietor of the Chesley Boiler Works of Danville; Frederick H., also a resident of Danville; John L. and L. A., who make their home in the same city; and Helen May, the wife of W. S. Rowlson, of Danville.      L. A. Chesley attended the public schools of this city until he entered the high school, when he was obliged to put aside his text-books and enter upon his business career, as his father had died and it was necessary for him to provide for his own support. At the age of fourteen he entered upon an apprenticeship to his uncle, William Reynolds, who was engaged in the jewelry business, but, finding that work too confining, a year later he sought employment in the general store of Villars Brothers, where he worked as office boy and bookkeeper for some time. He was next in the employ of Owens & Pixley, clothiers, with whom he remained for three years and then for a year and a half was with the firm of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company of Chicago. On his return to Danville at the end of that time Mr. Chesley became connected with the Danville Machine Works as bookkeeper, which establishment was organized by William Stewart in 1872 and incorporated in 1891 as the Danville Foundry & Machine Company, and was conducted by him until his death May 29, 1901. Mr. Chesley was elected secretary and treasurer, in which capacity he has since served. They do an extensive and profitable business and much of the success of the enterprise is due to the untiring and well directed efforts of our subject.      On the 9th of January, 1882, Mr. Chesley married Miss Helen Stewart, a daughter of William Stewart, the founder of the company, and they became the parents of three children: Frederick Goulding, born May 13, 1883, is now deceased. He was married September 29, 1908, to Mary Winifred Hess, of Danville. William Stewart, born November 20, 1885, is the next of the family. Helen D., born February 14, 1888, was married January 20, 1909, to J. Gilman Oswalt, and they have one child, Fred Chesley, born October 15, 1909.      In his political affiliations Mr. Chesley is a republican and, although he has never taken a very active or prominent part in politics, he is deeply interested in public affairs and served three terms as alderman of the fourth ward. In his fraternal relations he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. Such in general outline is the history of L. A. Chesley, a man whose activities have wrought for good not only to his own benefit but also to the welfare of the public, He has been a champion of progressive measures which have been the motive force of Danville's industrial and business development, and in social and business circles he occupies an enviable position. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - VOLUME II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911 - pg. 820 - Contributed by Mary Paulius NOTE:  This is Mary Paulius' grandmother's first husband)   JUDGE S. MURRAY CLARK.  Judge S. Murray Clark, who since 1906 has been assistant district attorney for the eastern district of Illinois, previous to which time he sat upon the bench of the county court for four years, has for a considerable period been numbered among the ablest representatives of the Danville bar. He has hardly reached the prime of life and yet for a number of years he has ranked with older men whose ability has gained them eminence in the legal profession in this part of the state.             Judge Clark is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Crawfordsville on the 15th of May, 1869. He comes of an old family of North Carolina in which state his grandfather, Samuel Clark, was born, reared and married, removing thence to Indiana when his son, John G. Clark, the father of Judge Clark, was but two years of age. The latter, therefore, was reared upon the frontier. After arriving at years of maturity he wedded Mary Holiday, a daughter of William Holiday, who was born in North Carolina and in the paternal line traced his ancestry back to the Penn colony. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Vermilion County, Illinois, establishing his home here  when his daughter Mary was a young girl. It was in this county that Mary, Holiday gave her hand in marriage to Dr. John G. Clark, who in the meantime had taken up the study of dentistry and following his marriage engaged in the practice of his profession at Covington, Indiana. Impaired health, however, led him to seek the advantages of outdoor life and he therefore began farming near Crawfordsville, where he remained for some time. He afterward located for the practice of dentistry in Thorntown, Indiana, but later again took up the occupation of farming. In the spring of 1870 he established his home upon a farm in Elwood township, Vermilion County, and made his home thereon for twenty years, after which he resided at Vermilion Grove for five years. Later he became the president of the First National Bank in Georgetown and has since been closely associated with the financial interests of that Place. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends or Quakers and has ever been loyal to the teachings of that sect. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the Republican Party and while the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, he has ever cooperated in measures for the public good. Unto Dr. And Mrs. Clark have been born three children: O. P., who married Ada Elliott and is cashier of the First National Bank at George-town; S. Murray, of this review; and Emma, the wife of Professor C. E. Cosand, who is engaged in teaching in Wichita, Kansas.             Judge Clark accompanied his parents on the various removal; which they made during the period of his youth. His early education was acquired in the public schools and he afterward attended Vermilion Academy at Vermilion Grove, where he pursued his studies until 1887. He afterward spent two years in Earlham College, at Richmond, Indiana, and in preparation for the bar matriculated in the Bloomington law school, a department of the Wesleyan University. He was graduated on the completion of his course in 1893 and at Ridge Farm began practicing, but in 1894 removed to Danville and has since been an honored and representative member of the bar of this city. For a time he was associated in practice with George G. Mabin, and the firm of Mabin & Clark was recognized as one of the strongest of the Vermilion County bar. Mr. Clark was chosen as one of the counsel for the plaintiff in the case of Carrie Corbitt versus John Gernand, in which the jury gave a verdict in favor of his client for fifty-four thousand, three hundred and thirty-three and a third dollars-the largest breach of promise verdict ever rendered in the United States.   Mr. Clark has conducted many personal injury cases and the firm won a verdict of ten thousand dollars for their client in the case of Sherber versus Lorton. In 1902 Mr. Clark was appointed county judge to succeed Judge Thompson, who had been elected to the circuit court. He served for three months and was then elected to the office which he filled until 1906, when he resigned to become assistant district attorney of the eastern district of Illinois, which position he is now filling. His decisions while on the bench indicated strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. The successful lawyer and competent judge must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and practice, of comprehensive general information, possessed of an analytical mind and a self-control that will enable him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings, his prejudices and his peculiarities of disposition in the dignity, impartiality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty must look for protection possessing these qualities, Judge Clark justly merited the good words spoken concerning his service on the bench and he is proving equally capable in the discharge of his duties as assistant district attorney.             Judge Clark was married on the 6th of August, 1895, to Miss Myra Mendenhall, the wedding being celebrated in Vermilion Grove, Illinois. Mrs. Clark was born in Catlin, this state, January 6, 1871, and is a daughter of Dr. & I. C. and Cynthia (Kennedy) Mendenhall, natives of North Carolina and Indiana respectively. They were married at Center Point, Indiana, and Dr. Mendenhall afterward engaged in the practice of medicine in Catlin, Illinois, being one of the early as well as the more successful physicians of that place. Judge and Mrs. Clark have a wide acquaintance in Danville, and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. The Judge holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knight of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his political views he has always been a republican and his political, social and professional prominence places him in a foremost position among Danville’s honored and valued citizens. Source:  History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911- Pages 165, 166 & 167 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   J. H. M. CLINCH, M. D., who for twelve years has engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Danville and has long since become well established in his chosen profession, was born in Georgia, December 25, 1861. His grandfather, General D. L. Clinch, of the United States Army, fought in the Mexican and Indian wars. The father, Duncan L. Clinch, also a native of Georgia, served as a colonel in the Confederate army. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan A. Hopkins and was also born in Georgia.      Dr. Clinch pursued his early education in Philadelphia, afterward attended Cheltenham Academy and was later graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. In preparation for the practice of medicine he entered the medical department of the University of Oregon, completing the course with the class of 1896. He then located for practice in Huntington, Oregon, where he remained for two years, and in 1898 came to Danville, where he has since continued in general practice. Each year has chronicled a growth in his patronage for he has given proof of his skill and ability in the excellent results which have followed his labors. He keeps abreast with the advancement being made in the profession and while he is never hasty in discarding the old and time tried methods of practice, the value of which has been proven, he yet readily takes up with new methods and ideas which his judgment sanctions as worth while.       Dr. Clinch was married in Danville, in 1901, to Miss Edna Wilber, a native of this city and a daughter of Peter Wilber, an old and highly respected citizen who has served as justice of the peace here. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Frances (Fuller) Wilber, is a native of this county. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Clinch has been born a son, J. H. M., Jr., whose birth occurred in August, 1902. Dr. Clinch is well known in the fraternal societies of Danville, holding membership in the Masonic Lodge, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Along strictly professional lines he is connected with the Vermilion County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and thus keeps abreast with the profession in all that it is doing to annihilate disease and do away with conditions that are a menace to health. He conforms closely to the highest standard of commercial ethics and is most conscientious in the performance of his professional duties. Source:  History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911- Page 269 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   DENNIS ALBERT CLINGAN.  Among the young attorneys of Danville whose success is already assured is numbered Dennis Albert Clingan, who was born near Georgetown, Vermilion County, on the 27th of May, 1883, and his parents, John W. and Mary E. (Nesbitt) Clingan, also natives of this county, are still living. The Clingan family came originally from Ireland and settled in Ohio and our subject's Grandfather Clingan came to this county about 1830. His wife was born in Vermilion County and was of German descent. On the maternal side our subject is also of Irish origin and the family was founded in Ohio at an early day. In 1860 his grandparents came to Illinois and settled near Georgetown this county. John W. and Mary E. (Nesbitt) Clingan have but two children, Edna E. now the wife of Benjamin A. Learnard, living near Georgetown; and Dennis Albert.      In the district school near Georgetown Mr. Clingan acquired his elementary education and was later graduated from the high school in Danville. He subsequently entered the University of Illinois at Champaign, where he pursued a classical course and was granted the degree of A. B. in 1907. He next took up the study of law in the Leland Stanford University of California and was admitted to practice in that state, where he conducted an office for eight months. Since his return to Danville in August, 1909, Mr. Clingan has practiced in this city and has already met with most excellent success in his chosen profession.      He is a well read lawyer who has made the most of his advantages and undoubtedly a brilliant future lies before him. The Republican Party finds in him a staunch supporter of its principles and he is an active member of the Methodist church. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order. Source:  History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911- Pages  574, 575 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   ABSOLOM COLLISON      Absolom Collison was a native of Pike County, Ohio, and in 1828 came to Illinois. He entered forty acres of land from the government and began the development of a farm. So well did he succeed that he became a land owner well known. He married Mary Chenoweth, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, but came to Illinois with her father. Mr. Collison was the father of seven children (who) have been conspicuous in the affairs of Vermilion County. He died in 1849. His widow afterward married John Smith. Source:  History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. I - Publ. 1911 - pg. 130 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   HERMAN COOK, engaged in the livery business in Danville, was born in Westville, this county, in 1885. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county, his grandfather, Samuel Cook, being one of the first settlers. He came here from Ohio in pioneer times and settled three miles southeast of Catlin. His son, James P. Cook, the father of Herman Cook, was born in Catlin township in 1855 and throughout his entire life has followed the occupation of farming. He married Miss Evaline O'Neil, whose birth occurred in Georgetown township, Vermilion county, in 1857. Their daughters are: Gertrude; now the wife of Frank L. Downing, a resident of Catlin township ; and Stella and Lena, twins, who are living at home.      Herman Cook, whose name introduces this record, began his education in the district schools and afterward continued his studies in Danville. Early in his business life he became manager of a grocery store, of which he had charge for about four years. He afterward turned his attention to the commission business, with which he was connected for nearly seven years, and on the expiration of that period secured a position in a lumber office, where he remained for three years. At the end of that time he opened a livery stable at Nos. 728 and 730 East Main street and has since carried on the business, which has assumed large proportions. He has a well kept livery barn, a large number of good horses and fine vehicles and has a large amount of the funeral business of the city. He is energetic and determined in all of his business relations and his well directed industry is bringing him substantial success.      Mr. Cook gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but never seeks office as a reward for party fealty. His religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Christian church. He is yet a young man but already has become well established as a factor in business circles in Danville and his salient characteristics are such as promise further success for the future. Source:  History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911 - pp. 572-573 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   LARKIN COOK.      Larkin Cook was born and married in Ohio, where they lived on a farm for some time before going to Indiana. In 1887 they again moved, this time coming to Vermilion County, Illinois. Mr. Cook was a man of strict integrity. He was cordial and hospitable and his wife was particularly fond of company. Their home in Vermilion County was a happy place to visit. They were, with their families much in demand at merrymakings. They were the parents of ten children. Source:  History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. I. - Publ. 1911 - pgs. 127 & 128 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   E. B. COOLLEY, M. D., a leading member of the medical fraternity in Vermilion county, has continuously practiced within its borders for more than two decades and since 1903 has been located at Danville. His birth occurred in Douglas county, Illinois, on the 17th of April, 1867, his parents being Rev. C. F. and Paulina (Biggs) Coolley, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, was probably transferred less than any other preacher on the circuit, making only one move in twenty-four years. For twelve years he expounded the gospel at Newman and subsequently spent a similar period at Fairmount, Illinois, his labors proving a potent force in the moral advancement of those communities. He was identified with the Lincoln (Ill.) University for two years. From the time of his ordination until his death he missed but one regular meeting of his presbytery (one out of sixty-one) and this was caused by fatal illness in his family. He passed away in 1905, having for eight years survived his wife, whose demise occurred in 1897. Unto them were born four children, as follows: Mrs. Dr. Burres, of Urbana, Illinois; Dr. E. B., of this review; Mrs. Etta Church, of Newman, Illinois; and Mrs. Dr. Hannell, of Lincoln, Illinois.      Dr. Coolley was graduated from Rush Medical College in 1889, at the age of twenty-one, and has practiced in Vermilion county since that time. He was elected president of the Vermilion County Medical Society in 1903 and of the Aesculapian Society, the oldest medical society west of the Allegheny mountains, in 1909, and secretary of the medical section of the Illinois State Medical Society in 1910. He has been a member of the medical staff of Lake View Hospital since his residence in Danville.      On the 11th of June, 1891, Dr. Coolley was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Fowler, a daughter of Wiley and Mary Fowler, of Pilot Grove, Vermilion county. They now have two children, namely: E. Burt, Jr., who was born March n, 1894; and Marion Fowler, whose birth occurred August 10, 1898. In fraternal circles Dr. Coolley has attained high rank, being now a thirty-second degree Mason and past thrice potentate of Danville Lodge of Perfection. He is likewise identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Woodmen. His wife has been active in club circles of Danville and has taken a prominent part in the work of organization. Dr. Coolley is fond of good horses and holds the Amateur record in several gentlemen's driving clubs, having won various cups. He spends his leisure time in this outdoor sport. He never bets on any kind of a race, however, but is merely interested for the pleasure it affords him. He has been president of Danville Matinee Club since its organization. Source:  History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911 - pg.  299   SAMUEL COPELAND was among the first, if not the very first, settlers of Blount Township. He came to Vermilion County in 1827. The family made the journey from Ohio in a keelboat down the Ohio River and up the Wabash River to Perrysville, Indiana. Mr. Copeland made the boat himself and brought not only the household goods but also a boat load of salt. Out of the sale of the salt he made his start in the new life. He sold the salt at Perrysville and hired a man to haul his household goods and family seven miles northwest of Danville, where he entered eighty acres of land, part timber and part prairie. His first house was made by laying one pole from one tree to another about ten feet apart on a fork in either tree, against which poles and rails were leaned on each side for a roof. In that tent they lived until they could build a log house. He had brought a load of planks with him from Ohio. These planks he put on the ground for a floor and bed and began hewing rails. As soon as he could get enough rails he sent word to the State Line for help to raise the house. Such a labor always took the entire neighborhood and in his case other neighborhoods had to be called upon for help. All that was necessary in the case of a house to raise was a notice sent; every man took it for granted that he must go and it was never thought that the man whose house was being built should offer wages for the help. Such as that, would be considered an insult. Steady work and willing effort soon conquers any obstacle, so it was on this farm. After getting the first eighty acres into cultivation, Mr. Copeland would buy more land and improve it until he had increased his farm to a great extent. Source:  History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. I - Publ. 1911 - pg, 127 - Contributed by Mary Paulius   ROBERT COTTON came to this section in the fall of 1822.  He was born in the vicinity of Beardstown, Kentucky, and there grew to manhood and married Hannah Howard, who was born in the same place. They were the parents of two children before they left their native state to go to Switzerland County, Indiana. Thence they went to Decatur County in the same state and, once more moving, they came to what is now Vermilion County, Illinois. In many respects both Robert Cotton and his son Henry showed their Puritan ancestry, they being descended      From John Cotton of Massachusetts. Robert Cotton lived but two years after coming to this section, dying while yet a young man in 1824. He left seven children, Henry Cotton, the son of Robert Cotton, was the next to the youngest of the children of Robert Cotton. He grew up amid wild scenes of pioneer life. The wild beasts abounded, deer were plentiful, and the wolves howled about the cabin door at night. The education of the Cotton children was had in a log cabin school-house with puncheon floors, the window panes of greased paper and the      Only means of heating being a long fireplace, across one end of the room. The school term was but a few months in the winter, and the requirements of the teacher were but that he could read, write and cipher. Henry Cotton liked to go to school and when he was twenty-two years old he had acquired enough information to tempt him to, in turn, be teacher. He taught school for two or three years, during the winters. During the time he was teaching school, Henry Cotton was married to a Miss Getty of Pennsylvania. During the summer months Henry Cotton would follow the life of the flatboat man. He made eighteen trips to and from New Orleans in this way. It was upon one of these trips that he met Miss Getty and soon afterward was married. They lived in Vincennes for eight years and then came to Danville Township, and was on his way to prosperity. He was working at the carpenter's trade while not on the river. Soon the war of the rebellion broke out, however, and Mr. Cotton enlisted in service, joining the 125th Illinois Infantry. A year later he was obliged to accept an. Honorable discharge on account of ill health. He left the country for other locations after this and did not return until 1882 when he came to Westville and became a merchant. He made his home here, serving as postmaster three years during the term of office of Pres. Arthur, and was justice of the peace for several years. Source:  History of Vermilion County, Illinois , Illinois - Vol. I - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 110 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   JOHN COX came to Vermilion County in 1829 and settled on the Middle Fork six miles west of Danville. He was a carpenter and also owned a fine farm, which he entered and he improved. John Cox was in the Black Hawk war.  Both he and his wife belonged to the Baptist church. Mr. Cox died May 23, 1846 and his wife on September 2, 1851. They were the parents of six children.  Thomas, who was a baby but six weeks old when his parents came to Illinois, grew up to a life of success and usefulness. He had much land and was ordained a minister in the Baptist church in 1886, after which time he had either a regular charge or a circuit. Source:  History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. I - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pgs. 135 & 136 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   JOHN WESLEY CREIGHTON, a prosperous farmer of Vermilion county and well known for many years as a thresher of grain, also has talents in other lines that have reflected credit upon himself and those with whom he has been associated. He was born in Rochester, Sangamon County, Illinois, February 4, 1858, and is a son of Isaac L. and Comfort Ellen (Cary) Creighton. When he was a year old his parents left Sangamon County and went to Ohio, locating near Marietta, where they remained until 1865. Returning to Illinois, they took up their residence on a farm near Armstrong, where the subject of this review continued until 1882. From that place he went to Hitchcock, Dakota, remaining at the latter place for six years. Becoming convinced that the state of his birth presented better inducements than any other he had seen, he returned to Illinois, where he has since continued.      Educated in the common schools, Mr. Creighton has also learned a great deal by observation and by reading, and in many respects he is an unusually well informed man. For thirty-three years past he has threshed grain in Vermilion County, starting out with an old J. I. Case ground horse power. He next made use of a two-wheel machine, then a machine that traveled on four wheels, but was driven by horse power. He and his brother were the owners of an up-to date steam thresher and he is known as one of the most active and energetic men in his line to be found in this section of the state. He has been quite successful in farming and he and his wife own a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, fully supplied with all modern appliances and conducted on the best known principles. Mr. Creighton has devoted a great deal of time to the study of breeding and as a result of his investigations he became the originator of the Black Plymouth Rock chicken. He also specializes along the lines of Percheron horses and Duroc Jersey hogs and has produced some of the finest animals of these breeds that have been seen in Vermilion County. He is a persistent student and investigator and has established a reputation in the specialties which he has chosen.      On December 24, 1881, Mr. Creighton was united in marriage to Miss Elzora Gerard. Of this union three children born, one of whom is living. Clarence Elmer, a farmer of Pilot Township, this county. Mrs. Creighton departed this life May 21, 1887, while the family were living near Hitchcock, Dakota. On October 15, 1891, Mr. Creighton was married to Miss Susanna Frye, a native of Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, where she was born June 2, 1867. She is the daughter of Harvey and Miranda Frye, both now deceased. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Frye, two sons and four daughters. Four children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Creighton: Harvey, who is now deceased; William Ralph, born April 3, 1897; Laura Naomi, burn October 4, 1901 ; and Lowell Wesley, born May 30, 1906.      Mr. Creighton was reared a democrat but, having observed the evil effects of alcoholic liquors, he has for some years been a strong advocate of prohibition. He has never sought political preferment but has served as school director of his district. In his boyhood the subject of this review experienced a religious conversion which has been one of the important forces in controlling his life and the effect of which is to be perceived in much of the work he has accomplished. At the age of twelve he gave five dollars toward the construction of his home church, No. 10 Christian church, two dollars of which was earned in the harvest field of a neighbor on the Fourth of July. For six years past he has been president of the Loyal Sunday School Army of Vermilion County, one of the great rejuvenating forces of this part of the state. For four years he served as superintendent of the Pilot township Sunday schools and since 1900 he has been presiding elder of the Church of Christ. In all his acts he aims to be controlled by the great Book whose teachings he has always regarded as directly inspired and as the only safe guidance in life. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. I - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 110 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   LAWRENCE   LESTER  CUNDIFF, one of the well known and highly esteemed residents of Sidell Township, devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits, operating two hundred and eighty acres of the Cathcart estate. His birth occurred in Sidell Township, Vermilion county, on the 11th of December, 1876, his parents being Isaac and Martha (Ross) Cundiff. The father is a native of Kentucky, while the mother was born in Sidell Township, this county. Isaac Cundiff came to Vermilion County in early manhood, was here married and established his home on a farm in Sidell Township. About 1883 he removed to Saunders County, Nebraska, there residing for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Vermilion county, locating in Sidell, where he has since been successfully engaged in business as a brick and stone mason and as a general contractor. Both he and his wife are still living, the latter being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Cundiffs fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He enjoys a wide acquaintance and is highly respected throughout the community, for his life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles.      Lawrence Lester Cundiff was reared under the parental roof, attending the common schools in pursuit of an education. During the periods of vacation he worked at farm labor, thus early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In 1898 he embarked upon an independent career and during the past twelve years has been numbered among the successful and enterprising agriculturists of Sidell Township. He now cultivates two hundred and eighty acres of the Cathcart estate with excellent results and is widely recognized as one of the best farmers in the community. In connection with the tilling of the soil he raises shorthorn cattle and his labors along this line have also been rewarded with success.      On the 10th of January, 1899, Mr. Cundiff was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Boyd, of Sidell township, by whom he has two children, Vernon B. And Mildred A.      Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Cundiff has supported the men and measures of the Republican Party. The cause of education has ever found in him a staunch champion and he has served on the school board, fraternally he is identified with the Mystic Workers of the World. He is well known throughout the community and his many friends esteem him highly for his personal worth. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 511 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   Newell Twp. - GEORGE W. CUNNINGHAM, Bismark, farmer, was born in Newell township, Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 18th of May, 1838, and is a son of John and Nancy (Lindsey) Cunningham.   He was married on the 17th of November, 1859, to Holly A. Taylor, who died on the 5th of January, 1874. He married again on the 31st of July, 1874, to (formerly) Mary Lang, relict of Jonathan Lesher.   He enrolled in Co. B, 125th Ill. Vols., on the 12th of August, 1862, and mustered into United States service on the 3d of September following at Danville, Illinois; fought in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky; was detached form his command during the battle of Stone River, with a squad of train guards, and had a sharp encounter of an hour's duration in repelling a cavalry attack. He fought subsequently at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard Roost, Rocky Face Ridge, Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain.  At the latter place Mr. Cunningham lost his right arm. He was discharged on the 10th of December, 1864, at Springfield, Illinois. He has served as collector of Newel1 township three successive terms. In politics he is a republican. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 958 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   HEZEKIAH CUNNINGHAM, who was a prominent citizen of Danville at an early day, was born in, Virginia, whence he came in 1819. He was accompanied by his mother and with them were the Murphy family. They came in wagons, it taking them seven weeks to make their trip to the North Arm in Douglas County. At that time there were but ten families in that part of the country. In 1825 Mr. Cunningham came to Vermilion County, following Mr. J. B. Alexander, and married his daughter, Mary. Mr. And Mrs. Cunningham were the parents of five children, two of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. These were Mr. W. T. Cunningham, who was well and favorably known and the daughter, who became the wife of Judge O. L. Davis. In 1828 Mr.  Cunningham moved to Danville where he lived the remainder of his life. While a resident of Danville he was interested in all affairs for the advancement of the town. His name is written frequently in the history of the county. He built the storehouse which had a hall in the upper story where meetings of all kinds were held. He was a merchant for many years. Mr. Cunningham, together with his brother-in-law, Mr. J. H. Murphy, were men of public spirit and to them there is much of the prosperity of Danville in its growing years due. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. I - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 119 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM was born in Pennsylvania about 1778 and shortly after his marriage to Mary Humes came west and settled in Kentucky, coming thence to Vermilion County in 1829.  They settled on the prairie in Newell township at what was afterwards called Cunningham Grove.  The family traveled in a prairie schooner drawn by oxen, and much time was consumed in coming from Kentucky, the roads being none of the best.  Mr. Cunningham settled on section 11, and there built him a house after the fashion of the day.      Mr. Cunningham was married twice and was the father of twelve children.  Chicago was the trading point where Mr. Cunningham exchanged groceries for farm produce hauled there in wagons drawn by oxen.      Mr. Cunningham died at his home in Newell township, May 11, 1852. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. I - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 134 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   WILLIAM O. CUNNINGHAM.  It is to men like William O. Cunningham, a farmer of Newell township, that the prosperity of the country and the permanency of its institutions are largely due. A man of industry, perseverance and faithfulness in the realization of worthy ideas, he has lived to see his dreams come true and now, loved by his children and respected by the entire community, he is enjoying the fruits of a well earned repose.      His eyes first opened to the light of day on a farm in Newell township, December 15, 1838. He is a son of James and Mary (Andrews) Cunningham, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of New York state. They met in Illinois and were here married, settling on a portion of the land now owned by the subject of this review and his family. They began housekeeping in the little log cabin, many years before the introduction of railroads and the telegraph; neighbors were few and far apart; and the country was still in a great measure in its primitive condition, few improvements being seen except in favorable locations on the streams and in the immediate vicinity of settlements. Indians still roamed over a large part of Illinois, wolves and wild animals often came at night to the very door of the house and aroused the inmates with their cries. It was years before the land was cleared, drained and plowed and redeemed to a state where it produced paying harvests. In the log house where Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham began their domestic life, all their children were born. The father conducted the farm until 1864, when he retired and made his home at State Line for thirty years. After that time he lived with the subject of this sketch until called away at the advanced age of ninety-one, in 1901, eleven years after the death of his wife.      William O. Cunningham remained at his boyhood home until he was eighteen years of age. He enjoyed such opportunities of education as were available in the district school and grew up a robust, ambitious young man not entirely satisfied to remain within the horizon that had bounded his vision since his youth. He yearned to see the world and, accordingly, in 1856, he went to Nebraska, where he remained for one year, at the end of which time he resumed his journey westward across the plains and arrived in California, where he farmed and worked in the gold mines for three years. About 1863 he returned to Illinois and rented part of his father's land which he cultivated until 1866, when he bought two hundred and thirty acres of land and engaged in farming with such success that he now owns in this county five hundred and sixty acres and besides this has given to each of his seven children eighty acres of land or its equivalent. He also owns a tract of eighty-eight acres in Indiana and, as is easily to be seen, has been one of the most successful farmers in this region. This he has accomplished by the application of principles of industry and perseverance which he early learned and which seldom fail of their reward. At the present time he has seven hundred and ten acres of land.       On February 22, 1865, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Chandler, who was born in Newell township and whose parents came to this county from Kentucky. Mrs. Chandler departed this life in 1892. Seven of their children are still living: Irvin, of Vermilion county; Alice, of Danville; James, of Indiana; Sophia, also of Danville; Porter, of Vermilion county; Minnie, now living in California; and Roy, of Rochester, Indiana. In March, 1893, Mr. Cunningham was married to Miss Henrietta Clem, a native of Indiana, whose father died in 1908 and whose mother is still living. She is the oldest of seven children, the other six being: Annie, August, Albert, Melvin, Grace and Margaret. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham four children have been born: Ray, who was born March 13, 1894; Mary, born February 25, 1898; Scott, born July 5, 1900; and Lowell, born August 3, 1903.      Politically Mr. Cunningham is affiliated with the republican party. He has devoted his attention to his private affairs and has not sought public office, although for two terms he served as assessor of his township, performing his duties with a fidelity that met the approval of tax payers generally. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 240, at Illiana, Indiana, and has filled all the chairs of the subordinate lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham and their family are members of the Christian church and for many years he has been a deacon in the church. He is an earnest believer in revealed religion and a follower of the great Master whose teachings were those of brotherhood and unselfishness. Mr. Cunningham has all his life been industrious, resolute and energetic in everything he has undertaken, and in his vocation as a farmer he has attained success by putting into actual practice the principles here named. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg. 298 - Submitted by Mary Paulius   WILLIAM CURRENT came to Vermilion County in 1827 and settled five miles northeast of Danville in Newell Township. He was a man of twenty-four and his wife, hardly more than a girl, being but twenty, yet having been married five or six years. They came from Pennsylvania and endured, the common trials of pioneer life. Mr. Current secured a good tract of land and built up a fine homestead. The family came in time to experience the suffering of the winter of the deep snow. Mr. Current volunteered in the Black Hawk war and served until discharged with the other troops. William Current was the father of thirteen children and died in 1851 at the comparative early age of forty-three. His wife survived him, remaining a widow for thirty-three years. She died in 1884. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. I - Lottie Jones - Publ. 1911 - pg.  126 - Submitted by Mary Paulius NOTES:

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