Bloomington Illinois

Genealogy of Daniel Baker

Daniel Baker, born in England, married Sarah Chase in 1740. His lineage includes notable figures such as Col. Jacob, who served on General Washington’s staff, and two physicians, Samuel and Isaac, the latter contributing to the establishment of Bloomington, Illinois. The family continued to thrive, with descendants like Sidney Dodge, a 19th-century resident of Kansas, and various professionals across the country, including optometrists and realtors. Baker’s progeny demonstrate a legacy of community service and accomplishment.

Biography of Emmor W. Jeffers

Emmor W. Jeffers, born on November 19, 1861, in Pike County, Illinois, has served as the circuit clerk of Douglas County since February 3, 1899. A member of a pioneering family, he was raised in Camargo Township after his parents relocated there around 1864. Jeffers, a Republican, previously worked as a deputy circuit clerk and is involved in various fraternal organizations. He married Carrie F. Hill in 1889 and has two daughters. His professional journey also included roles in retail and real estate prior to entering public office.

Biography of Rev. Patrick Joseph Kane

Rev. Patrick Joseph Kane, originally from Ireland, served as pastor of the Church of Our Holy Redeemer in Webster Groves for over thirty years. After his ordination in 1882, he notably revitalized the parish in St. Marys, Missouri. Assigned to Webster Groves in 1887, he overcame challenges to restore harmony within the church and diligently worked to eliminate its debts. Under his leadership, a new church building was completed in 1897, alongside a school in 1910, reflecting his commitment to both community and faith.

Biography of Gilbert L. King

Gilbert L. King, born on February 9, 1848, in New York, emerged as a prominent figure in Malheur County, Oregon. After serving in the Civil War, he pursued education and held various teaching and railroad positions before settling in Ontario in 1885. There, he became the first railroad agent and later thrived in farming and real estate. A man of considerable wealth and respect, King is noted for his public speaking and community involvement, as well as for his dedicated family life with six children.

Biography of George R. Wendling, Jr.

George R. Wendling, Jr., born on March 9, 1894, in Bloomington, Illinois, is a prominent figure in St. Louis’s insurance industry. Educated at various prestigious institutions, including Princeton University, he became a special agent for the Fidelity Deposit Company in 1907 and later served as its vice president. Wendling has significantly influenced financial circles through his global business travels and establishment of branch offices. A member of several clubs and a church, he is married to Jean Bruce Haldeman and has two daughters.

Biography of Thomas M. Lillard

Thomas M. Lillard, born July 29, 1881, in Bloomington, Illinois, practiced law in Topeka for nine years. After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University and studying law in Denver, he began his legal career in Burlingame in 1905. He later joined the firm of Blair, Magaw & Lillard, serving as assistant general attorney for Union Pacific Railway in Missouri and Kansas. A Democrat, Lillard was active in the Sigma Chi fraternity and local clubs. He married Elsie Hooper in 1908; they had three daughters.

Biographical Sketch of A. O. Sage, D. D. S.

Dr. A. O. Sage, D.D.S., is a distinguished dentist in Concordia, recognized for his extensive skill and integrity in the profession. Born in Bloomington, Illinois, in May 1864, he moved to Kansas with his family in 1882. Dr. Sage graduated from Kansas City Dental College in 1891 and began his practice in Concordia in 1893. His commitment to dentistry and community is evident through his professional success and active participation in local organizations. He is married to Beatrice Jones, with whom he has a daughter and a son from a previous marriage.

Biographical Sketch of Harry Elmer Duff

Harry Elmer Duff, born on July 23, 1873, in Bloomington, Illinois, was a notable manufacturer and law school graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in 1893 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1902 from New York Law School. Duff moved to Ohio in 1894 and became involved in manufacturing, later joining the American Sheet Tin Plate Company. He served as a local sales representative and vice president of the Union Metal Manufacturing Company, while also being active in several Masonic and social organizations.

Biographical Sketch of John W. Gaede

John W. Gaede, born on May 16, 1873, in Illinois, has established himself as a manufacturer of hardware specialties. He was educated at common schools and Evergreen City Business College in Bloomington, Illinois. Married in 1896 to Sophia Bohn, they have four children. Gaede’s manufacturing focus includes various tools and he has recently developed an innovative iron plane. He serves as general manager of the Buckeye Saw Vice Co. and is involved with several fraternal organizations, including the Masonic Order and Woodmen of the World.

Biographical Sketch of Cyrus Locher

Cyrus Locher, born on March 8, 1878, in Bluffton, Ohio, was a prominent lawyer and educational leader. He attended Pandora High School, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Western Reserve University Law School. Locher served as the superintendent of schools in Woodsfield, Ohio, from 1903 to 1905, and later as assistant city solicitor in Cleveland. He was a member of various law and honorary fraternities and served as County Prosecuting Attorney starting January 6, 1913. Locher was married to Beulah L. Baker.

Wood, James F. (Franklin) – Obituary

James Franklin Wood, a resident of Wallowa, Oregon for five years, passed away on May 3, 1938, after a brief illness. Born on August 25, 1881, in Bloomington, Illinois, he later moved to Nebraska before working as a signal maintainer on the railroad. In 1919, he married Clara Womack, with whom he had three children. A dedicated member of the Nazarene church, his funeral service was held at the church, with interment at Lostine cemetery, attended by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and a stepfather.

Biography of Herbert W. Wetzell

Herbert W. Wetzell, born on February 6, 1884, in Bloomington, Illinois, was the publisher of the McIntosh County Democrat, a significant newspaper in Checotah, Oklahoma. Following in his father George’s footsteps, Wetzell became involved in the newspaper industry from a young age, ultimately running the newspaper alone after his father’s death in 1916. A dedicated Democratic supporter, he engaged in local politics and was influential in the community. He was married to Tot Aleith Reed and had three children, maintaining active participation in both civic and fraternal organizations.

Biography of John William Waldron, Rev.

Rev. John William Waldron, born January 19, 1874, in Pilsley, England, is a prominent figure in Kansas Methodism, currently serving as pastor in Galena. He was raised in a Methodist family and pursued theological studies, eventually earning degrees from Campbell College. His ministry began in 1903, leading various congregations throughout the state. A dedicated Mason, Waldron is involved in several Masonic organizations. He married Mamie Linn in 1895, and they have three children, reflecting his commitment to both faith and family in his life and work.

Wood, James Franklin – Obituary

James F. Wood, born August 25, 1881, in Bloomington, Illinois, passed away on May 3, 1938, in Wallowa. He married Clara Lureene Womack in 1919, and they had three children. After living in various locations, the family settled in Wallowa County six years before his death. A devoted member of the Nazarene church, he faced declining health for several years. Wood is survived by his wife, children, and numerous siblings. Funeral services are scheduled for May 5, 1938, at Wallowa First Christian Church.

Biography of Dr. James F. Myers

Dr. James F. Myers, born on December 29, 1856, in Hebron, Ohio, became a distinguished physician in Rock Island County. He graduated from Rush Medical College in 1883 and began his practice in Farmer City before relocating to Rock Island in 1901. Known for his contributions to medicine, education, and fraternal organizations, he held various significant positions, including health commissioner and supreme medical director. A talented musician, he also led community bands and taught music. Dr. Myers married Sarah J. Johnson and has two children.

Biography of Henry Howland Chase, M. D.

Dr. Henry Howland Chase, born October 7, 1858, in Amboy, Illinois, was a distinguished surgeon and a respected figure in Rock Island, where he practiced until his death on May 22, 1906. The son of physician Albion Pierce Chase and Deborah Cushing Howland, he followed in his father’s footsteps after graduating from the Chicago Homeopathic College in 1881. Chase’s medical career included significant tenures in Geneseo and Duluth before settling in Rock Island. He was active in his community, a family man, and involved in multiple fraternal organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Herbert B. Hayden

Herbert B. Hayden, a Massachusetts native, has dedicated his career to public education since 1883. He received his early education in Massachusetts before furthering his studies at Wesleyan University. As of August 1900, he has served as the Superintendent of City Schools in Rock Island, having previously held positions as a high school principal. His experience and leadership have significantly shaped the educational landscape of the region.