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