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Wayne County
Illinois Trails
History and Genealogy
Volunteers Dedicated to Free Genealogy
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Biographies
Dr. John E. Adams,
elder brother of R. D. Adams, was born February 14, 1843, is a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, first
began practice at Cherryvale, Kan. afterward at Enfield, Ill., and since 1878 at Poplar Bluff, Mo., where, besides
an extensive general practice, he holds the appointment of Surgeon of the Iron Mountain Railroad Company. He was
married in Richland County,Ill., in 1865, to Miss Martha Snyder.
[Source: "History of Wayne & Clay Counties Illinois" pub. 1884,
transcribed by Sue Eskew]
George H. Anderson
Active and prominent in public life, George H. Anderson has ably filled many county and township offices of trust
and responsibility, in each devoting his time and energies to the duties devolving upon him, and is now rendering
efficient service as sheriff of Wayne county, his home being in Fairfield. A son of Rice Anderson, he was born
on a farm in Wayne county, Illinois, August 7, 1867, of Virginian ancestry.
Born in Virginia in 1810, Rice Anderson was a hardy youth of seventeen summers when, in 1827, he followed the march
of civilization westward to Illinois. A pioneer settler of Orchard township, Wayne county, he lived there for a
time, later moving to Garden Hill township, where in connection with general farming he followed his trade of a
brick mason for many years, building all of the chimneys for miles around. He outlived the allotted three score
and ten years of man's life, dying on the home farm December 15, 1882.
Rice Anderson was twice married. He married first Patsie Scott, who died in early womanhood, leaving five children,
namely: Jefferson, Robert, James, Rice and Sarah Jane. At the outbreak of the Civil war the three older boys, Jefferson,
Robert and James, enlisted in the Illinois volunteer infantry, and with their regiment took part in many important
engagements. Jefferson was killed in battle, and Robert and James died of disease contracted in the army. Rice,
the youngest son, at the age of seventeen years, enlisted for service in the army, but it being near the close
of the conflict was soon honorably discharged. He is now living in Washington. Sarah Jane, the only daughter, is
dead. Rice Anderson married for his second wife a widow, Mrs. Judy (Brown) Burkett, and they reared two children,
namely: George Henry, the special subject of this sketch, and William Levi, a farmer of La Mar township, who at
the present writing, in 1912, is serving as superintendent of the Wayne County Poor Farm.
Spending his childhood days on the home farm in Orchard township, George H. Anderson acquired his early knowledge
of books in the district schools. Left fatherless at the age of thirteen years, he was forced to look out for himself
thereafter, until his marriage gaining a livelihood as a farm laborer. He subsequently farmed on rented land for
four years, when, in 1892, he purchased forty acres of land on Garden Hill township, and in its management was
quite successful. As his means increased, Mr. Anderson invested in more land, and has now three valuable farms
in this county. His brother, William Levi Anderson, is also engaged in agricultural pursuits, his farm of one hundred
and forty acres lying in Elm River township.
An uncompromising Republican in politics, Mr. Anderson has very frequently been chosen by the people to fill public
positions. He has served as school director two terms; as township collector one term; as postmaster at Zenith
five years; was superintendent of the County Poor Farm in 1902; was re-elected to the same position in 1905; and
again re-elected in 1907, and served until 1909. Elected sheriff of Wayne county in November, 1910, for a term
of four years, Mr. Anderson has since filled the office to the satisfaction of every one interested in the institution.
Fraternally he is a member of Johnsonville Lodge, No. 863, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Johnsonville, Illinois,
and of Lodge No. 6932, Modern Woodmen of America, at Orchardville. Religiously he belongs to the Church of the
Latter-Day Saints.
Mr. Anderson married, in March, 1888, Frances Arminta Morris, a daughter of I. A. Morris, and of their union six
children have been born, namely: Jesse Leroy, aged twenty-two years, is married; Freddie Ray died at the age of
seven years; Christine lived but two years; Cecil Owen, thirteen years old; Birdie Claude, ten years of age; and
Lelah Arminta, a little girl of seven years.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Elias S. Ayles, machinist,
Fairfield. Rev. Elias S. Ayles, the son of Payton and Susan (Carmichael) Ayles, was born in Washington County,
Ohio, October 7,1831, and removed with his parents to Leesburg,Ind.in 1838, where his father died in 1839. Subject,
at the age of fifteen years, engaged on the river as a steamboat engineer, in which occupation he remained five
years. On October 16, 1849, he was married to Miss Parlia A.daughter of George and Amy (Truax) Brock, of Stafford,
Ohio, and to them were born Anna E. (Jackson), Mary J.(Harper), George M. , Payton (deceased), Emma S. (Reese,
deceased), Amanda E. (deceased),Mabel M., Carrie B. and Laura U. In 1853. subject came to Fairfield,Ill., and engaged
in business as a tinner, which occupation he followed for four years, and then entered the service of the Ohio
& Mississippi Railway Company as engineer, which position he held, at different periods for eighteen years.
In the meantime, he engaged in the avocation of a farmer near Jeffersonville,Ill. for three years, and while there,
in 1866, he was licensed as a minister of the Gospel in the Christian Church, in which capacity he has been very
useful, and is regarded as a man well advanced in ecclesiastical affairs. In 1876, he moved to Belleville, Ohio,
where he was engaged for the term of two years as a silversmith, after which he returned to Fairfield and has occupied
the position of chief engineer and machinist in the Fairfield Woolen Mills to the present time. Payton, the son
of David Ayles, was born in Washington County, Ohio in 1800. David came from England. James Carmichael was a Colonel,
from Ohio, in the war of 1812. Susan died in Ohio in 1848, at the age of forty-seven years. George Brock was born
in Pennsylvania, and died in Wayne County, Ill in 1868. His children were Jane (Clevenger), Parlia A. (Ayles),
Philip, and Eli (who died in the army in 1864). Payton's children were Mary J. (Lemaster), Elias S., Hannah L.
and David J. Subject is a man of varied information, being conversant with many subjects, and especially is he
well versed on scientific matters, in addition to being regarded, and justly, too, as one of the most expert machinists
in Southern Illinois. [Source: "History of Wayne & Clay Counties Illinois"
pub. 1884, transcribed by Sue Eskew]
Allen H. Baker,
manufacturer, Fairheld,was born December 7. 1839, in Chester County, Penn. His father, whose name was Lewis H.
Baker, was born in 1804, on Prince Edward's Island, where he remained until 1837, when he came to Pennsylvania
and located in Chester County. Here he married Mary A. Ward. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1817, and is now a
resident of Wayne County, residing with a daughter Leonora,wife of James Barnhill. This family removed to Wayne
County in 1853, and here Lewis H. followed his trade that of carpenter. He died in 1870, leaving two children,three
having died previous to the decease of the father. Allen H. Baker is the oldest of this family of five children.
In July, 1861,he enlisted in the Fortieth Illinois Regiment, and was a non-commissioned officer in Company D. At
the end of the first year's service he was discharged in consequence of impaired eyesight. In 1863, having recovered
from this affliction, he accepted a clerkship in the Paymaster's Department at Cincinnati,under Judge E. Beeeher,
where he remained until the close of the war in 1865. He then went to Olney, Ill., where he was employed for sometime
as bookkeeper. Here he married on June 21. 1868, to Mary E. Carrothers, daughter of Dr. George W.Carrothers. She
was born in Ohio, November 9,1839. In 1871, they removed to Fairfield, Ill.,to engage in the drug business, which
he did with William G. Carrothers. In the spring of 1873, he was induced to take the position of Superintendent
of the Fairfield Woolen Mills. He continues in this position, and in 1882 became a part owner of this extensive
establishment. His family consists of George C.Baker, born December 16, 1869 and Katie Baker, born March 30, 1874.
He is an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as is also his wife.
[Source: "History of Wayne & Clay Counties Illinois" pub. 1884,
transcribed by Sue Eskew]
James Larkin Borah, D. D. S.
A well-known and popular resident of Fairfield, James Larkin Borah, D. D. S. is one of the leading representatives
of that city, keeping pace with the times in regard to the valuable discoveries and improvements that have been
made in dentistry in recent years. A son of Elhanan M. Borah, he was born June 17, 1880, in Wayne county, Illinois,
and reared on the home farm.
James L. Borah enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war, becoming a member of Company A, Vance's Illinois
Volunteers, and with his regiment did duty in Cuba. Returning home at the expiration of his term of enlistment,
he entered the Saint Louis University, and in 1905 was graduated from its dental department. Immediately locating
in Fairfield, Dr. Borah has here met with veritable success as a dentist, his professional knowledge and skill
having gained for him a substantial patronage. Fraternally the Doctor is a member of Fairfield Lodge, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons; of Fairfield Chapter Royal Arch Masons, of Fairfield; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows;
and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
In February, 1905, Dr. Borah married Elsie Herrmann, of Saint Louis, Missouri, a daughter of Augustus and Rosa
(Leuch) Herrmann, natives of Germany, and they have one child, Charles Edward Borah, born in 1906.
Dr. Borah's paternal grandfather, George Borah, was born in Kentucky, in 1795. Sometime in the twenties he migrated
to Illinois, with his brothers, Samuel and William, settling in Wayne county at a time when the Indians were numerous
and troublesome. He took up land, improved a good homestead, and was engaged in farming until his death, in 1860,
being killed by a horse. He was three times married and the father of several children, but owing to his untimely
death the family records were lost, and but little ancestral history is now available. He married for his second
wife a Miss Bendsham. After her death he visited Macon county, and while there met Lorena Montgomery, who subsequently
became his third wife. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1804, a daughter of Robert Montgomery, a pioneer
of Macon county, whose son, Robert Montgomery, Jr., was one of the first settlers of Decatur, Macon county, and
helped build the third house erected in that place, and was thereafter a resident until his death, in 1867, at
the age of ninety-eight years. Of the third marriage of George Borah three sons were born, namely: Robert, who
died while yet a youth; Lyman, who served as a soldier in the Civil war, died in 1874; and Elhanan M., whose birth
occurred April 16, 1849, while his mother was visiting at her old home in Decatur, Illinois.
Brought up on the home farm in Massillon township, Elhanan Borah had but limited educational advantages. After
the death of his father he had a hard time for several years, in addition to earning his own living helping to
support his widowed mother. Buying land in Massillon township in 1875, he improved the forty acres, and having
been eminently successful as an agriculturist has since purchased other tracts, at one time owning over five hundred
acres. Since 1911 he has sold three hundred and sixty acres of land, but still retains the ownership of his valuable
farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Retiring from active labor in the fall of 1909, Mr. Borah moved to Fairfield,
where he owns a fine residence and several city lots. He has also money in both of the city banks. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church and a Republican in politics. While living in Massillon township he served as
school director.
Mr. Borah married, in 1875, Ada Wilson, who was born in Springfield, Illinois, in April, 1855. Her father, Benjamin
Wilson, was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and died in Illinois in 1856. His wife, whose maiden name
was Elizabeth Higbie, was three times married, Mr. Wilson being her third husband. She had one son by a former
marriage, Edward Bitteman, now living in Lexington, Kentucky, and by her union with Mr. Wilson had six daughters.
Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Elhanan Borah, namely: Peter C., a farmer and merchant in Massillon
township, is married and has three children, Vernie May, Perry Clayton and Gladys; William, deceased; James L.,
the subject of this brief sketch; Oliver C., a dentist in Olney, Illinois; Clem R. a real estate dealer in Fairfield,
is married and has three children, Leonard, Oran and Donald; Blanche died at the age of four years; Mary Elizabeth,
at home with her parents; Mamie, who died when twelve years old; Loco Wilson, attending the Fairfield high school;
and Otto Edward. Peter C. Borah, the oldest son, also served in the Spanish American war, enlisting in Company
A, Vance's Illinois Volunteers, and with his brother James accompanied the regiment to Cuba. At Jacksonville, Florida,
he was stricken with typhoid fever, and from its effects has never recovered, being still a cripple.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
CHARLES R. ELLIS, miller, Wayne City, was born January 21, 1832, in Washington County Indiana. He is the son
of Isaac Ellis, a native of Virginia, but reared in Kentucky. He farmed and merchandized in Indiana where he died.
His father William Ellis, was a native of Virginia. The mother of our subject was Jane (Radcliff) Ellis. She is
yet living, and is a daughter of David and Betsy (Brown) Radcliff. She the mother of the subject, reared nine children,
five of whom are now living-William, Elizabeth Holaday, Catherine Tinsel, Mary Hulgin and Charles R., our subject
who was educated in Indiana, which state he left at the age of twenty-three and went to Missouri, in 1855, where
he followed his trade, which he had learned in Indiana. He lived in Newton County, MO. till 1861, when he came
to Wayne County, ILL., where he milled till 1878, when he moved to Clay County, where he followed his trade, returning
to this county in 1882. He is now residing in Wayne City, where he built a flouring mill, which is operated by
his children, he himself having reserved an interest in the mill. He built two new mills and rebuilt several others
in the County. He has owned five different mills in this county. Such men as Mr. Ellis are a valuable acquisition
to any neighborhood. He was joined in matrimony, August 8, 1854, in Orange County, Indiana to Miss Nancy Carlisle,
born February 3 1840 in Orange County, Indiana. She is a daughter of John and Hannah (Smith) Carlisle. He is a
native of Kentucky, and she a native of Indiana. John Carlisle was a Captain in the Black Hawk War. Six children
now living have come to bless this happy union-Martha J., wife of John Close; Mary E., wife of John Boswell; John
D. born November 15, 1860, he married Emma J. Warsack; Anna B., born October 16, 1872, Jessie T., October 20, 1874;
Francis M., born October 20, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are highly respected members of the community in which they
dwell, and also of the Christian Church. He is also an active member of the A.F. & A. M. fraternity, Johnsonville
Lodge Np. 713. He lost an arm while following his vocation.
[Source: "History of Wayne and Clay Counties, Illinois," Four mile
Twp. Page 130, 1884. donated by Albert Morgan]
FORTH Family
“There is another prolific people who live further south in the vicinity of Johnsonville, in this county. They
are the Forth's …
R. T. Forth is now living with third wife and has twenty six children the mothers being his first two wives, one
of whom had eight and by another eighteen children. The first who was Mary Warren, and the second Amanda Flynn
and a year ago he married Annie Hill, a buxom lass of twenty-three years. His youngest son is a lad 7 years old.
R. T. Forth is now 73 years old.
William A. Forth or "Buck" Forth as he is familiarly called is a brother of R. T. Forth. He enjoys the
distinction of having been married five times, but has had only four wives. He separated from his first, after
which he successively married two other women, both he outlived. He then returned to his first love and remarried
her, and upon her death, he for the fifth time married and is now living with his fourth wife. He is 71 years old
and is the father of twenty-three children.
There is still another brother, John Forth who is says to have obeyed the divine injunction to increase and multiply.
He is residing with his third wife, is 75 years old, and is even with his brother "Buck" in the number
of children having twenty-three boys and girls born to him. It will be seen that the aggregate number of children
of the three brothers foots up seventy-two children. The Forth’s do well as farmers and get a good living from
tilling the soil. It is said that when R. T. Forth married his young wife a year ago he settled $10,000.00 on her.”
[“Xenia's History 1834-1934,” page 42 - Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy,
thanks!]
William Harshbarger
Deacon William Harshbarger was born August 8th 1820 (church minutes read Lawrence Co., Ohio), (Census records read
Virginia.'), was married to Emily Sprouse (actually Emily Brown) August 5th, 1841.
The same fall moved to Illinois and settled in Jefferson County, soon after removing to Hamilton Co., and thence
to Long Prairie, Wayne County.
In 1852 professed a hope in Christ and united with the Long Prairie Baptist Church where he and his wife enjoyed
the companionship of each other and basked in the smiles of a loving savior till the Master said to her, "It
is enough" and called her home August 3rd, 1889. To William Harshharger & wife were born 12 children.
Three boys and 6 girls' survive him, nearly all of whom are striving to meet him in that better land. After the
death of his companion he seemed very lonely till Sept the 16th 1891 he married Mrs. Hellen Calhoun, who was a
stranger to the love of God, but his earnest devotion and sincere desire for her eternal welfare soon brought her
trembling to the feet of the dear Savior who wonderfully blessed her in the pardon of his sins. From that day to
his death his family was a pleasant and agreeable one where happiness in the love of the blessed Redeemer reigned
supreme.
William Harshbarger was elected and ordained as a Deacon of Long Prairie Church soon after his conversion and membership
remained till November 1891 when he was granted a letter of dismission to join Sugar Camp Church. His membership
remained at Sugar Camp till Nov. 1892 when he returned to Long Prairie Church.
His death was on May the 31st 1894.
[Source: From the "Long Prairie Baptist Church Minutes" - submitted
by Dorman Wright. ]
R.A. Jenkins
R. A. JENKINS, farmer, P.O. Wayne City.
This gentleman, who is a resident of that part of Four Mile Township which is known as "Frog Island",
was born February 15, 1843, in Wayne County, Ill. His father, R. F. Jenkins, was a native of Pennsylvania
and came to Wayne County, Ill., when about twelve years old. Here he farmed, and finally died in February,
1877. The mother of our subject, Sarah (Bothwell) Jenkins, is a native of Tennessee. She is yet living,
and is the mother of twelve children, of whom eight are now living. She is an esteemed lady, the daughter
of James Bothwell, a farmer by occupation. Our subject received a limited school education in this county,
and was married here September 25, 1863, to Miss Louisa Harshberger, born August? 27, 1842, in Illinois.
She is a daughter of William and Emily (Spouse) Harshberger. Eight children came to bless this happy union
--- Mara A. (wife of John Graham), Sarah Williams, Richard, Lilie, Victoria, Saratany and Gregg.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and highly esteemed members of society in general.
He has served his township in the capacity of Commissioner of Highways and School Director. Politically,
our subject is inclined to the Democratic party. His fine farm of 160 acres is kept in a high state of cultivation,
and from year to year he adds a few new improvements, indicating the progressive farmer.
NOTE: Should be Emily BROWN ; William Harshbarger married Emily Brown - her step-father's name was Sprouse, her
real father died when she was young.
Donated By Michael Von Gebel
Charles C. Johnson
Courteous, efficient and painstaking, Charles C. Johnson, county clerk of Wayne county, is administering the affairs
of his office wisely, conscientiously and with a thoroughness that has proved entirely satisfactory to all with
whom he has business dealings.
A son of A. R. Johnson, he was born in Wayne county, Illinois, on an Elm River township farm. He is of Irish ancestry,
his great-grandfather, John Johnson, a native of Ireland, having immigrated to America when young, settling in
Pennsylvania, where he married a native daughter of Pennsylvania of German descent. His grandfather, George Johnson,
was born in Ohio, August 24, 1826. Migrating to Southern Illinois in 1843, he settled in Wayne county, and is still
living in Cisne, a venerable and highly respected man of eighty-six years. He married Nancy Trotter, who was of
Scotch-Irish ancestry. She died in 1892.
Born in Wayne county, Illinois, January 10, 1860, A. R. Johnson has devoted his energies to the development of
the soil, and as a farmer and live stock raiser has met with unquestioned success, his farm of two hundred and
eighty acres, located in Elm River township, being one of the best improved and most desirable in that locality.
Prominent in public affairs, he has held various official positions, including those of township supervisor and
collector.
A. R. Johnson married Olive Brown, who was born in Flora, Clay county, Illinois, July 28, 1862, a daughter of William
Brown, and granddaughter of Isaac Brown, who was of Irish descent, and for many years a resident of Ohio. William
Brown, a native of Ohio, migrated to Illinois in 1854, locating in Clay county, where he lived until his death,
in December, 1864. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucy J. Murphy, was of Scotch-Irish lineage, and the descendant
of a family that moved from Tennessee to Illinois in pioneer days. Mrs. Lucy J. (Murphy) Brown survived her husband
but a few weeks, passing away in January, 1865. Six children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Johnson,
as follows: Charles C., the special subject of this brief sketch; James Alvis, living in Wayne county, near Cisne;
Mrs. Lucy J. Hubble, of Clay county; Mrs. Maud Hill, of Chicago, where her husband is employed as a bookkeeper;
Ross Leroy, engaged in farming near Jeffersonville; and Mrs. Olive Mabel Hubble, of Wayne county.
Growing to manhood on the home farm, Charles C. Johnson acquired his education in the common schools and at Orchard
City College, in Flora, Illinois. Engaging in educational work at the age of nineteen years, he taught school in
Wayne county six terms, when, in March, 1902, he was made deputy county clerk. Resigning the position at the end
of sixteen months, Mr. Johnson farmed and taught school for three years. In the summer of 1906 he was the Republican
nominee for county clerk, and made a strong canvass against heavy odds for the nomination, which he secured. At
the election he received a majority of three hundred and eighty-four votes, heading his entire ticket, a victory,
indeed, for a young man of twenty-five years, with no special pull. In 1910 Mr. Johnson was re-elected to the same
position, and led his ticket by two hundred and sixty votes over all other candidates, being elected by eight hundred
and eighteen majority, and is now serving his second term as county clerk. He has accumulated considerable property,
having two hundred and forty-eight acres of land, lying in Elm River township, northeast of Fairfield, two hundred
acres being bottom land, from which he is developing a rich and fertile farm.
Fraternally Mr. Johnson is a member of Fairfield Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; and of Olney
Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with
which he united at the age of seventeen years.
Mr. Johnson married, in 1906, Jennie W. Todd, who was born in Montgomery county, Illinois, a daughter of David
J. and Sarah (Bothwell) Todd. Her father was born and reared in Ohio, and on coming from there to Southern Illinois
located first in Clay county, later removing to Montgomery county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, namely:
Lowell C. and Vernette.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
James Henry Kramer
A man of distinctive force and energy, James Henry Kramer is a prominent factor in the promotion of the industrial
and mercantile interests of Wayne county, having for the past five years been secretary, treasurer and general
manager of the Southern Illinois Lumber Company, which has its main yard and office in Fairfield, and in January,
1912, he was elected president of the Southern Illinois Lumber Association.
A son of Henry Kramer, he was born October 24, 1855, on a Wabash county, Illinois, farm. His paternal grandfather,
Henry Kramer, Sr., emigrated from Prussia to America with his family, settling in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where
he spent a few years, and then removed to Wabash county, Illinois. He was a shoemaker and farm owner. His death
occurred when he was about eighty years of age.
Born in May, 1830, in Saarbruck, Prussia, Henry Kramer came with his parents to the United States when a boy, and
in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Wabash county, Illinois, was reared and educated. In 1873 he came to Wayne county,
where he is now living, his home being near Fairfield. He married Martha Colverley who was born in Beverly, England,
and came with her parents to this country in 1842.
Twelve children were born of their union, three of whom died in infancy and two in later life, Samuel passing away
at the age of forty years, and William when eighteen years of age. The seven now, in 1912, living are as follows:
Hon. E. C. Kramer, of East Saint Louis; T. A., an attorney in El Dorado, Kansas: R. J., engaged in the practice
of law at East Saint Louis; H. S., a real estate dealer in East Saint Louis: James Henry, the special subject of
this brief personal record; Mrs. Sophia Bell, of El Dorado, Kansas; and Clara, living with her parents.
Receiving his rudimentary education in the district schools, James Henry Kramer afterwards attended the high school
and a normal school in Indiana. He assisted in the care of the home farm until attaining his majority, and the
ensuing nine years taught school, principally in the vicinity of Fairfield, his parents having settled in this
part of Wayne county in 1873. Proving himself a most capable and efficient instructor and manager, Mr. Kramer in
1886 was elected superintendent of the Wayne county schools, and served in that capacity for eight years. Embarking
in the real estate business in 1894, he dealt in realty and farmed for six years. In 1900 he purchased a third
interest in a
lumber yard, and for a number of years carried on a substantial business as junior member of the firm of Dickey,
Summers & Kramer, each year extending his operations. In 1907 this firm was incorporated under the name of
the Southern Illinois Lumber Company, which owns in addition to its original yard in Fairfield, yards in Wayne
City, Mill Shoals, Cisne, Enfield, Albion, Dahlgren, West Salem and Ashley. Individually Mr. Kramer owns a yard
in Ridgway.
This enterprising firm has a capital of $63,500, while the amount of stock in its numerous yards is about $50,000,
and its annual business aggregates $150,000 or more. Its original officers were men of acknowledged ability, F.
M. Brock being president; T. L. Dickey, vice president; James H. Kramer, secretary, treasurer and general manager.
The staunch adherent of the Republican party, Mr. Kramer has faithfully fulfilled his obligations as a loyal citizen,
and for one term served as mayor of Fairfield. Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order
of Masons; of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows; and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He is a stockholder and director of the Fairfield National Bank, of which he was one of the twelve men
that organized the institution.
Mr. Kramer married, in 1883, Ellen Wilson, a daughter of John Wilson, and they have three children, namely: Mrs.
Hayward Yohe, who has three children, Richard, Ellen Wilson and Theodore Graydon; Mrs. Camille Topper, who has
two children, Frances Margaret and James Henry; and Theodore James, having charge of the lumber yard at Ridgway,
is married and has one child, Henry Randolph Kramer.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Edward A. Martin
Occupying an assured position among the substantial business men of Fairfield, Edward A. Martin has for many years
been intimately associated with the development and advancement of its agricultural, industrial and mercantile
prosperity, as a man and a citizen being held in high repute.
A son of Thomas A. Martin, he was born February 23, 1868, in Clay county, Illinois, on a farm, coming from pioneer
stock. His great-grandfather on the paternal side migrated from Virginia to Kentucky at an early day, and in 1816
became a pioneer settler of Wayne county, Illinois. One of his uncles, a Joseph Martin, established, as early as
1800, a mill near Martins creek in Wayne county, it being the first mill operated by horse power in the county.
Mr. Martin's grandfather, James D. Martin, was born in Virginia in 1818, and died in Clay county, Illinois, in
1872. He married Jane White, and they reared several children.
Thomas A. Martin was born in Wayne county, Illinois, February 19, 1841, and grew to man's estate on the parental
homestead. In 1861 he moved to Clay county, and having established a store at Clay City conducted it successfully
for a few years. Settling in Fairfield, Wayne county, in 1873, he embarked in mercantile pursuits, opening a large
mercantile establishment, which, as head of the firm of Martin & Summers, he operated until his death, in 1892,
being one of the foremost merchants of the city.
Thomas A. Martin was twice married. He married first, in 1864, Ann Golliher, a daughter of Henry Golliher, who
came from Ohio to Illinois in pioneer days. She died in 1870, having borne him three children, as follows: Mrs.
Lillie M. Wood, who has resided in York county, Nebraska, since 1888; Edward A., the subject of this brief biographical
sketch; and a child that died in infancy. He married for his second wife Nancy McCollum, and they became the parents
of four children, namely: Mary E., who died in 1874; Henry T., an attorney in Chicago, is in partnership with Edward
D. Pomeroy, and has offices at 277 Dearborn street; Mrs. Grace E. Link, of Springfield, Missouri; and Frank C.,
a lieutenant in the United States navy, now serving on board the "Ohio".
Educated in the Fairfield schools and at the old Hayward College, Edward A. Martin spent his vacations in Martin
& Summers' store, and after leaving school was for two years employed in the Fairfield Woolen Mills. Going
to Nebraska in 1884, he was employed on a farm for four years, and in a planing mill in Missouri for two years.
Returning to Fairfield in 1890, Mr. Martin worked in a lumber yard for two years, when, in October, 1892, he embarked
in the hardware business with Mr. Foster. In February, 1895, he bought out his partner's interest in the business,
which he managed satisfactorily until January 20, 1911, when he sold out.
Mr. Martin was actively engaged in farming during the year 1911, and on January 1, 1912, opened a real estate office
in Fairfield, where he is meeting with most encouraging results considering the brief time that he has been dealing
in realty. Mr. Martin owns a valuable estate, "The Banner Land Farm", which is advantageously located
about six miles from Fairfield, it being one of the choice farms of this part of the county.
Politically Mr. Martin is identified with the Democratic forces, and has served as supervisor of Grover township.
Fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, belonging to lodge and chapter; of
the Knights of Pythias; and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Mr. Martin married, September 26, 1892, Lydia A. Smith, a daughter of William and Amanda C. Smith, her father having
been a veteran of the Civil war. Four children have brightened the union of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, namely: Thomas
W., Clarence S., Mildred A. and Leona A.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Virgil Wilson Mills
Eminently worthy of representation in a work of this character is Virgil Wilson Mills, of Fairfield, a native-born
son of Wayne county, who is now rendering excellent service as county judge of the county. A son of John Mills,
his birth occurred at Mount Erie, Illinois, March 16, 1879.
John Mills was born in 1838, in Tuscarawas county, Illinois, a son of John Mills, Sr. He was of Scotch-Irish stock,
although his immediate ancestors immigrated from England to the United States, settling first in New England. A
short time prior to the outbreak of the Civil war he moved to Illinois, settling on a farm in Wayne county. Subsequently
enlisting in Company E, Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, he went to the front with his command, and in April,
1862, at the Battle of Shiloh, was so severely wounded that he was confined in the hospital for a year. Being discharged
in 1863, he returned to his home, and was there engaged in general farming until his death, March 11, 1910. He
married Katherine Young, and into their household three children were born, as follows: Virgil Wilson, with whom
this brief sketch is principally concerned; John E., living on the old farm in Mount Erie, Wayne county; and Frank,
a farmer, living near Mount Erie.
Acquiring his rudimentary education in the public schools, Virgil W. Mills continued his studies at the Southern
Collegiate Institute, in Albion, Illinois. Beginning his active career in 1900, he taught in the rural schools
of Wayne county for two years, afterwards being similarly employed in Fairfield one year, and one year each in
Mount Erie and Cisne. His tastes, inclinations and ambitions being turned towards the legal profession, Mr. Mills
entered the office of Creighton & Thomas in 1907, and under their tuition became familiar with the technicalities
of law. In the fall of 1910 he was a candidate for the office of county judge, being the nominee of the Republican
party, and was elected by a good majority. In this capacity Judge Mills displays excellent judgment and discrimination,
and is performing the duties devolving upon him in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. He is successful
in his profession, and has an interest in two hundred and ninety acres of fine farming land.
Judge Mills married, in October, 1907, Grace Vandaveer, a daughter of George W. Vandaveer, of Mount Erie, and into
their pleasant home two children have been born, namely: Carroll Vandaveer and John.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Walter Sons
As cashier of the First National Bank of Fairfield, Walter Sons is actively identified with one of the solid institutions
of Wayne county, the sound financial basis upon which it rests being partly due to his tact and ability. He was
born January 17, 1882, near Jefferson, Wayne county, Illinois, on the farm of his father, Oliver P. Sons. He is
of pioneer stock, his grandfather, James Sons, who was accompanied by his brother William, having in the forties
migrated from Tennessee to Southern Illinois, settling on land near Enterprise.
Oliver P. Sons was born in Wayne county, Illinois, in 1849, and has here spent his life, during his active career
having been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is one of the leading citizens of the neighborhood.
He married Mary Ellen Harmon, a daughter of Daniel and Mahala (Alford) Harmon, who migrated from Ohio to Wayne
county in 1844. Eight children blessed their union, as follows: Walter, the subject of this brief biographical
review; Jesse L., engaged in farming two miles north of Fairfield; Mrs. Laura Cravens, living near Logan, Kansas;
Charles and Clayton, living with their parents; Mrs. Carrie Gaston, of Sims, Illinois; and Vena and Lorene, living
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Sons are members of the Baptist church.
Completing his early studies in the public schools of Jeffersonville, Walter Sons taught school for a year, after
which he took a course of study at the Southern Illinois Normal University in Carbondale. On September 12, 1903,
Mr. Sons entered the First National Bank of Fairfield as bookkeeper, and proved himself so capable and faithful
that on March 1, 1911, he was made cashier of the bank, of which he is also a director. He is a landholder, owning
some good farming lands in Wayne county.
Mr. Sons married, December 7, 1910, Mary S. Dickey, a daughter of T. L. Dickey, a well-known merchant of Fairfield.
Fraternally Mr. Sons is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons, and religiously he and his wife
attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
George A. Staley
A well-known and prosperous business man of Fairfield, George A Staley is not only an insurance agent and real
estate dealer, but negotiates loans, his operations in each line being quite extensive. A native of Illinois, he
was born April 10, 1849, on a farm in White county, near Epworth, being a son of Samuel M. and Harriet (Melrose)
Staley, and a brother of U. S. Staley.
After leaving the public schools of his native county, George A. Staley spent a year at the State Normal School
in Normal, Illinois, and three years at McKendree College, being a member of that institution from 1870 until 1873.
The ensuing two years Mr. Staley taught in Grayville, under Professor J. H. Bromley. Settling in Fairfield, Wayne
county, in 1875, he engaged in the hardware business with his father, and under the administration of President
Arthur served as deputy postmaster under General T. W. Scott.
Going to the far west in 1888, Mr. Staley located in Oregon, and for six years was bookkeeper in a wholesale hardware
concern. Returning to Fairfield in 1894, he has since been actively engaged in the loan, insurance and real estate
business, in his undertakings being fairly successful. He has acquired title to large tracts of land, being owner
of eight hundred acres in Missouri; eighty acres near Fair Grounds, at Fairfield, Missouri; one hundred and sixty
acres near Sims, Illinois; and has an interest in twelve hundred acres of the finest land in Arkansas, it being
located in Marion county. He has established a profitable loan business, and as an insurance agent represents the
Boston Insurance Company and the Citizens' Insurance Company of Chicago.
Mr. Staley married, December 30, 1874, S. Amelia Merritt of Bloomington. Illinois, a daughter of John and Caroline
(Bishop) Merritt, natives of Tarrytown, New York, and they have one child, John M. Staley, of Los Angeles, California,
who is associated with the Bell Telephone Company as a railway contractor. Fraternally Mr. Staley is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously he is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically
he is a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Ulla S. Staley
A man of sound judgment and excellent business ability, Ulla S. Staley has for many years been an active force
in advancing the financial prosperity of Wayne county, as cashier of the Fairfield National Bank of Fairfield being
intimately acquainted with the material resources of this section of Southern Illinois, which are being rapidly
and wisely developed. A son of Samuel Martin Staley, he was born July 30, 1854, in Grayville, White county, Illinois,
where he grew to man's estate.
Samuel Martin Staley was born in Tennessee, in 1823, and as a boy came to Southern Illinois. Beginning life for
himself in White county, Illinois, he carried on general farming on rented land for a time, and then went to Grayville,
where he was engaged in mercantile and milling business until 1875, meeting with fair success. Coming then with
his family to Wayne county, Illinois, he first embarked in the hardware business, and later, as an orchardist,
cultivated fruit on an extensive scale, having under his care one hundred acres of apple and pear trees, mostly
apples. For a few years after retiring from horticultural pursuits he carried on a grocery business in Fairfield,
remaining a resident of this part of the state until his death, February 13, 1908, when past eighty-five years
of age. He was a man of deep religious convictions, and a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He married,
first, Harriet Melrose, who died in 1859. Of the five children born of their marriage three died in infancy and
two are living, as follows:
Ulla S., the special subject of this brief sketch, and George A., a real estate dealer in Fairfield. Samuel Martin
Staley married for his second wife Rebecca Melrose, who died in 1869, leaving three children, namely: Charles M.,
in the patent office at Washington, D. C., has been in the government employ since 1881; Mrs. Harriet S. Craig,
of Dallas, Texas; and John E., of Portland, Oregon. Mr. Staley married for his third wife Mrs. Sarah J. Allen,
who survives him. They had one child, Ella, who died in 1899.
Obtaining his preliminary knowledge in the public schools of Grayville, Ulla S. Staley attended the Illinois Wesleyan
University, in Bloomington, for two years. At the age of twenty-one years he began his career as a teacher, and
taught successfully one year in McLean county and one year in White county. Coming to Fairfield in 1877, he immediately
accepted a position in the bank of E. Bonham & Company, and remained with them as assistant and cashier until
their failure in 1893. The bank with which he is now connected was first organized as a private institution, on
March 1, 1894, by twelve prominent citizens of Fairfield, and conducted as such until February 4, 1903, when it
became the Fairfield National Bank of Fairfield. The bank is in a flourishing condition, and has for its officers
men of ability and good standing, Adam Rinard being president; George W. Johns, first vice-president; E. W. Pendleton,
second vice-president; Ulla S. Staley, cashier; and Asa F. Keene, assistant cashier. Its directors at this time
are as follows: Adam Rinard, George W. Johns, E. W. Pendleton, Harry K. Johnson, E. Steiner, C. W. Summers, John
M. Rapp, Jacob R. Creighton, C. C. Boggs; and James H. Kramer, all of whom, with the exception of Mr. Boggs, were
members of the original company. The bank is capitalized at $70,000, and has deposits of $280,000, with surplus
resources of $425,000, and pays two and three per cent interest on time deposits. Mr. Staley is likewise one of
the directors of the Farmers Bank at Mount Erie, Illinois. He is also interested in farm land, owning, with three
other men, six hundred and forty acres near Sims, and having title to one hundred acres in Arkansas.
Mr. Staley has been three times married. He married first, in April, 1879, Elizabeth Johnson, a daughter of Mrs.
Barbara Ann Johnson, who was born in Ohio eighty-seven years ago, and is now living in Illinois, having come to
this state with her parents when a child. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson Staley passed to the higher life in 1881, leaving
one child, Mrs. Libble Byer. Mr. Staley married, in May, 1886, Ida M. Morey, a daughter of John Morey, who was
born in December, 1828, and is now living in Watertown, South Dakota. She died in 1894, leaving two children, Mary
Morey Staley and Harriet Florence Staley. In 1898 Mr. Staley married for his third wife Anna M. Melrose, a daughter
of Frank Melrose, and of their union three children have been born, namely: Janet M. Staley; George Frederick Staley,
who lived but six short years; and Samuel M. Staley. Mr. and Mrs. Staley are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
[History of Southern Illinois, 1912, submitted by Cathy Danielson]
Harvey Valentine
Harvey Valentine, whose success as a wholesaler of meats has brought him to a position of prominence in the commercial
life of Terre Haute where he has been connected with the meat business for the past thirty-two years, was born
at Greencastle, Pa. May 1, 1871, the son of Isaac and Amanda (Miller) Valentine. Mr. Valentine moved to Middletown,
Ind., with his parents when he was four years old, and in that city attended the public school. In 1884, he moved
with his parents to Fairfield, Ill., and two years later came with them to Terre Haute. His father opened a meat
market at Twelfth and Poplar streets on April 17, 1890, and Mr. Valentine immediately started working for him.
He continued in his father's employ until he was able to buy out that gentleman's interests in the business on
August 1, 1897, from which time until 1907 he continued the business on his own initiative. On September 15, 1907,
he organized the firm known as Valentine & Company, Wholesale Fresh Meats, starting in business in the present
location at Taylorville with a capital of $520. That there was a demand for a business of this nature at Terre
Haute has been demonstrated to his utmost satisfaction, the business having grown from its humble beginnings to
be a business of $750,000 a year. The output of the plant is about 300 hogs, 80 cattle, 50 sheep and calves and
8,000 pounds of sausage a week. The officers of the company are: Harvey Valentine, president; I. T. McGlone, secretary;
Miss Lena Valentine, treasurer. Mr. Valentine married Ida C. Dickey of Fairfield, Ill., on May 18, 1898, and four
children have been born to them, Lena, Mildred, Carl and Dorothy. The father of Mrs. Valentine was a well-known
resident of Fairfield, and served as sheriff of Wayne county, Illinois. Mr. Valentine is a stanch supporter of
the Democratic party, and takes a good citizen's interest in all civic affairs. He was city councilman during the
Lyons administration, serving with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents from 1908 to 1912.
He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Pythias.
Source: "History of Indiana from its exploration to 1922", Volume
3 - By Logan Esarey, William F. Cronin. Transcribed by K. Torp
MRS. WILLIAM WHITE
(Julia Mariah Hart)
Julia Mariah White, daughter of Julius Caesar and Catherine Carroll Hart, was born March 18, 1827, near
Canton, Ohio. When she was twenty years old, she was granted a teacher's certificate. After teaching a year, in
December 1848, she married Samuel Russell. She had one son, Homer Russell. Late in 1850, she was divorced on the
grounds of cruelty.
In 1856 she came to Illinois, near Fairfield, and began teaching in Wayne County the same year. On February 28,1859,
she married William White. A son, Julias White, was born in 1861, and the same year, Mr. White enlisted in the
Union army. He was wounded and was very sick. After much pleading, Mrs. White was permitted to go to her husband.
She nursed him to convalescence, then began nursing other men. Late in 1863 both Mr. and Mrs. White returned to
Illinois. Mrs. White renewed her certificate and began teaching again, her husband being an invalid till his death
in 1885.
Mrs. White was a pioneer business woman, working under discouraging conditions for her country and her family.
She was known and loved as "Aunt Jane Mariah" by four generations of relatives and friends. Mrs. Julia
Mariah White died March 18, 1925, at Fairfield, Illinois, at the age of ninety-eight, still active, both mentally
and physically.
[Transcribed by K. Torp]
David Wright,
came from New Jersey to Wayne County in 1819, and settled and improved a farm three miles south of Fairfield. He
started the first tan-yard in the county, using a wooden trough, which in time he increased to fourteen vats, in
which he did an extensive business for those days --- tanning all kinds of hides, even hog skins. The old family
Bible, now in the possession of Charles W. Wright, is covered with fawn skin tanned in his tannery. He soon opened
a store and also built a horse mill, each of which were about the first of their kind in the county. People came
fifteen and twenty miles to his mill on horseback, often camping to wait for their turn. The product of the mill
was bolted by hand. D. W. Barkley, a grandson, says he has both lively and painful recollections of assisting in
this part of the business. At least he remembers it was not so agreeable as driving the horses and riding on the
beam. Mr. Wright had his merchandise hauled from Shawneetown, Mount Vernon, Ind., and Evansville, and his produce
was taken to Beach Bluff and Mill Shoals and shipped to New Orleans by flat-boat. This mostly consisted of venison
hams, wild turkey, honey, deer and coon skins, etc. In those days, two-horse wagons, in which were to be seen teams
in harness of which not a particle of iron was used --- all home made leather, shuck collars, and hames cut from
the root of a tree. When the family first came to the county, as did all others, they pounded meal in a stump mortar.
The first meal from a mill was procured at Shawneetown, and until Mr. Wright's mill was put up, the nearest mill
was at Carmi. Mr. Wright was a fine specimen of the hardy, thrifty pioneers. His industry never flagged, and his
energy was tireless --- all of which were most admirable qualities for aiding in opening up and developing the
new country. His other good qualities were only equaled by his widely known integrity, and a morality and uprightness
that marked his whole life and drew around him an extended circle of warm friends. [Source:
"History of Wayne County 1884"]
Granville T. Ayers.
In the year succeeding that in which Oklahoma was admitted to statehood Mr. Ayers became a teacher in the public
schools of Beaver County, and during the intervening period he has continued as one of the prominent and influential
figures in the educational affairs of this western section of the state, his broad pedagogic experience and his
marked executive ability having met with consistent recognition when, in the autumn of 1914, he was elected county
superintendent of schools, a position in which his administration is fully justifying the popular choice for the
incumbent of this important office and is proving potent in advancing the standard of general school work in Beaver
County. Mr. Ayers has been identified with educational work for virtually twenty years and has honored his chosen
profession by his character, his scholarly attainments and his worthy achievement. As one of the representative
citizens and valued officials of Beaver County he is specially entitled to specific recognition in this history
of the state of his adoption.
In Wayne County, Illinois, Mr. Ayers was born on the 9th of April, 1874, and the place of his nativity was far
from being one of sumptuous order, though it was a true home in which comfort and refinement were in evidence,—
a log house of the pioneer type being at the time the parental domicile on one of the excellent farms of the county
mentioned and the place being owned and operated by the father of the future Oklahoma pedagogue. Superintendent
Ayers is a son of Robert S. and Samantha (Newman) Ayers, the former of whom was born in Gibson County, Indiana,
in 1831, and the latter of whom was born in Kentucky, in 1841. Robert S. Ayers is a son of Christopher Ayers, who
likewise was born in Indiana, where his parents settled in the earlier pioneer era in the history of that state.
The entire active career of Robert S. Ayers has been marked by close association with the basic industries of agriculture
and stock raising, in connection with which he continued his operations in Indiana until 1870, when he removed
with his family to Wayne County, Illinois, where he developed and improved a valuable farm and where he is now
living retired, in the city of Fairfield, the county seat, his eighty-fourth birthday anniversary having been celebrated
in 1915. He was a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, whom he accompanied on the latter's canvass during the historic
Lincoln and Douglas campaign, in 1860. In 1855 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Samantha Newman, a daughter
of Turner Newman, who was a native of Kentucky. Her grandfather, John Henry Newman, was a native of England and
came to the United States in 1824 and settled on Duck River, Kentucky, where he purchased 2,000 acres of valley
land, the original deed to this property being now in the possession of his great-grandson, Granville T. Ayers,
subject of this review. Mrs. Samantha Ayers passed the closing period of her gentle and gracious life at Fairfield,
Illinois, where she died in the year 1901. Of the five children the only son is he to whom this sketch is dedicated
and who was the fourth in order of birth. Estella, who was born in 1856, is the wife of John McLain, and they have
five children,—Homer, Lena, Orrin, Paul and Kathryn. Wilmoth, who was born in 1858, is the wife of Solon Hill and
has three children,—Ayers, Earl and Katerine. Jesse May, born in 1860, is the wife of James Monroe and they have
four children, Orilla, who was born in 1862, is the wife of Robert Lewis, of Louisville, Clay County, Illinois,
and they have one child.
After duly availing himself of the advantages of the public schools of Wayne County, Illinois, Granville T. Ayers
completed an effective course of higher study in Hayward College, at Fairfield, that county, and at the age of
twenty-two years he initiated his pedagogic career as a teacher in the public schools of his native state, where
he continued his labors as an educator for a period of twelve years, during two of which he was an instructor in
the Illinois State Reform School, at Pontiac.
In 1908 Mr. Ayers came to Oklahoma and engaged in teaching in the schools of Beaver County, his services in this
capacity having continued until he was elected to his present office, that of county superintendent of schools,
in the autumn of 1914, since which time he has worked with characteristic zeal and efficiency in the broader field
of educational activity. He is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the republican party, is affiliated with the
Masonic fraternity, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian Church.
On the 22d of October, 1914, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ayers to Miss Mary White, who had been a popular
teacher in the schools of Clay County, Illinois for eight years prior to her marriage. Mrs. Ayers was born in Posey
County, Indiana, on the 20th of September, 1885, and in the same county were born her parents, Joseph and Mary
(Montgomery) White. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers represent a distinct intellectual and moral force in their home community
and also are zealous in the furtherance of high civic ideals and all things that make for the educational, moral
and material welfare of their home city and county, where their circle of friends is coincident with that of their
acquaintances, Mrs. Ayers being a leader in church and social activities at Beaver. [Source:
“A Standard History of Oklahoma” Volume V; by Joseph B. Thoburn; copyright 1916; Transcribed by Andaleen Whitney]
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