Champaign County IL

Biographical Sketch of W. W. Pepper

W. W. Pepper was born on May 24, 1866, on a farm near Newman, Illinois, as the eldest of seven children. He received his early education in Oakland and pursued higher studies at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, graduating in law in 1893. After moving to Newman in 1894, he quickly gained popularity, serving as city attorney amid a flourishing legal practice. Known for his determination and hard work, Pepper built a successful career based on his deep understanding of the law.

Biography of Ira M. Mulliken

Ira M. Mulliken, born December 17, 1865, in Champaign County, Illinois, was a prominent business figure in Newman. After training in carpentry and embalming, he joined Mike, Miller & Co. in Charleston until 1896. He then partnered with James Barr, managing a hardware and undertaking business. Mulliken was actively involved in the community as a member of the I.O.O.F., Masonic fraternity, and served as clerk of the school board. He married Ida A. Allison and had one daughter, Frances Marie.

Biography of Rev. William E. Means

Rev. William E. Means, born June 28, 1850, in Paris, Illinois, graduated from Northwestern University’s theological department in 1879. He served as a pastor in various churches across Minnesota and Kansas, contributing significantly to church building and revival efforts. In 1891, he became pastor in Sidney, Illinois, later taking on the Atwood charge. Due to health issues, he retired in 1893 but remained active in ministry. In 1895, he acquired the Atwood Herald, a politically independent newspaper. He was married to Ella M. Chesnut, and they had one son, Cyril.

Biography of Oliver O. Hockett

Oliver O. Hockett, born March 2, 1866, in Paris, Illinois, is a prominent physician in Newman, Douglas County. After graduating high school in 1882, he studied medicine under Dr. M. P. Smith and graduated from Chicago Hahnemann College in 1889. In March 1890, he established a successful medical practice in Newman. Dr. Hockett is actively involved in the Hahnemann Medical Society and contributes to medical journals. He is married to Luella Gillespie and has one child, J. Maxwell.

Biographical Sketch of Walter C. Blaine

Walter C. Blaine, born on June 1, 1866, in Champaign, Illinois, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 189$. He began his medical practice in Murdock before partnering with Dr. William E. Rice in Tuscola in October 1898. Blaine also graduated from Champaign High School and the University of Illinois. He is associated with several organizations, including the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen, and the Douglas County Medical Society.