Champaign County IL

Biography of John Murphy

John Murphy. A fine farm, a good home, an excellent family belong to John Murphy, one of the prominent residents of Kerr Township, his well cultivated acres being located in section 32. Mr. Murphy is a native of Ireland, a son of Martin and Mary Murphy. He grew up in his native isle and was twenty-four years of age when, seeking the better opportunities of the New World, he immigrated to America and came direct to Champaign County. This section of the New World seemed to offer especial promise to young men of limited capital and unlimited energy and he … Read more

Biography of Park T. Irwin

Park T. Irwin. Ever since the early ’70s the name of Irwin has stood for agricultural and commercial integrity and good citizenship in Champaign County, for faithful performance of duty in peace or war, and for helpful support of progressive measures. Particularly is this true in the community of Longview, a town which was laid out by James W. Irwin, father of Park T. Irwin, the latter one of the representative young business men of this place. Park T. Irwin was born at Longview, July 13, 1881. his parents being James W. and Margaret (Fisher) Irwin. James W. Irwin was … Read more

Biography of Fremont McMillen

Fremont McMillen. After spending his early youth in Champaign County, Fremont McMillen made choice of the various vocations and professions and determined to become a farmer, a business in which he had been thoroughly trained as a youth. He has never had any substantial reasons to regret that early choice, since his years of labor have brought him profitable rewards, the esteem of a large community, and ample means for his family and those dependent upon him. Mr. McMillen has one of the fine farms in Champaign Township on Rural Route No. 3 out of Champaign. Though a resident of … Read more

Biography of James Rowland

James Rowland. More and more as time goes on American people appreciate the sacrifices and heroism of that host of men who preserved the Union in the dark days of the ’60s. It was a wonderful heritage left by them “Much more by far than all the crowns that Europe’s monarchs ever wore, the heritage heroes left a nation free from shore to shore.” Comparatively few of the old veterans of that struggle still survive, and wherever they are found they enjoy increasing respect in proportion to their decreasing numbers. One of them is Mr. James Rowland, whose country home … Read more

Biography of Thomas M. Lyman

Thomas M. Lyman gave many consecutive years to the management of an Illinois farm, and through hard work and intelligent management obtained the financial competence which enabled him a few years ago to retire from business and enjoy the comforts of a good ‘home in the city of ‘Champaign. Mr. Lyman was born in Vermilion County, Illinois, February 6, 1866. His parents, Bernard and Mary (McLennan) Lyman, were both natives of Ireland. His father came to America as a young man about 1854, lived for a time near Eaton, Ohio, and subsequently removed to Vermilion County, Illinois. He farmed a … Read more

Biography of Abraham Paulus

Abraham Paulus. It is a distinction such as pertains to few living Champaign County residents that Mr. Paulus enjoys by reason of his continuous residence in the county since 1856. That was an early year in the pioneer history of this county and was a notable one in national affairs, since it saw the first entrance of the Republican party into national politics. Mr. Paulus has witnessed a remarkable development going on under his eyes during the past sixty years, and he and his good wife have borne their shares of labor and responsibilities in this community. Champaign County in … Read more

Biography of Martin Joseph Clennon

Martin Joseph Clennon. That farming can be conducted as a successful business in the same class as a store or factory needs no other proof than a visit to the place under the management of Martin Joseph Clennon in section 33 of Philo Township. He has a large acreage under cultivation, a group of well arranged, substantially built structures for his home and barns, and on every hand are evidences of good management and efficiency. Mr. Clennon is one of the younger farmers of Champaign County. He was born in Crittenden Township of this county December 12, 1880, a son … Read more