Mattoon Illinois

Biographical Sketch of Isaiah H. Johnston

Isaiah H. Johnston, President of the Second National Bank, Charleston; was born in Russell Co., Va., April 24, 1827; his father, Abner Johnston, came to this county in 1830, and settled in what is now Pleasant Grove Tp., and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1848. Mr. Johnston followed farming until he was 27 years old, and then engaged in merchandising, and, in 1857, removed to Mattoon, and continued in business there till 1860; he was then elected Sheriff, of Coles Co., and removed to Charleston; he served as Sheriff two years, and afterward served out the unexpired … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Gen. G. M. Mitchell

Gen. G. M. Mitchell, Postmaster, Charleston, was born in Warren Co., Ky., Oct. 5, 1835. His father, Bedford Mitchell, came to Coles Co. in 1851 and settled in Paradise Township, where he died in 1856. In 1852, the subject of this sketch, then a lad of 17, entered a store in Paradise, as clerk for Cunningham & Son, where he remained six years. He then followed merchandising for himself until 1859, when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Malden Jones, and served until May, 1860. On the 18t of May, 1860, he married Miss Kate Miles, daughter of John Miles, … Read more

Biography of William Henry Craddock

William Henry Craddock. As the greatest calamity ever suffered by Kansas City, Kansas, was probably the flood of 1903, that year will always be memorable in the city’s history. Another event associated with that year was the death of William Henry Craddock, who had just completed a service of two years in the office of mayor. Mr. Craddock was stricken on March 2, 1903, and his death occurred on the 4th of the same month at the Savoy Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. He was mourned by the entire city, and never any similar occasion in the city had brought … Read more

Biography of Elmer E. Glenn

Elmer E. Glenn. When Elmer E. Glenn was a young man he learned the blacksmith trade in the railroad shops at Ottawa, Kansas. He spent his early life on a farm near that city. The trade which he learned and worked at for a number of years had been the basis upon which he had built his present successful business at Sedan, where he is proprietor of machine shops specializing in the repair and manufacture of oil well tools. Though Mr. Glenn had spent most of his life in Kansas he was born at Mattoon, Illinois, November 11, 1874. His … Read more

Reedy, Carl Eugene – Obituary

Carl Eugene Reedy, 65, of Baker City, died Oct. 4, 2007, at St. Elizabeth Health Services. At his request, there will be no formal service. Friends are invited to join the family in sharing stories and memories at a celebration of Carl’s life at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Main Event, 1950 Main St. Carl was born Feb. 2, 1942, at Mattoon, Ill., to George and Olive Maxine Austin Reedy. He was a longtime and dedicated employee of Ash Grove Cement, retiring around the year 2000. He was a very good-hearted man, who would give the shirt off his back … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Nallie R. Moore

Nallie R. Moore, druggist, Oakland; born in Morgan Co., Ind., Aug. 4, 1854, where he attended school until 11 years of age, when he removed to Mattoon, Coles Co., Ill., where he attended school until 20 years of age, the last three years devoting his time to the study of geometry, physiology, and the other higher branches of education; having devoted his spare time when out of school for the last eight years in his father’s drug store, he now engaged in the same, where he was employed, compounding drugs, preparing prescriptions, etc., until May, 1876, when he associated with … Read more

Biography of Edward Payson Allen

One of the most conspicuous figures in the financial and civic life of Southern Kansas was removed with the death of Edward Payson Allen at his home in Independence, November 27, 1915. He had already passed the age of three score and ten and with many ripe achievements to his credit and with the honorable associations of a long and useful life he went to his reward. He was a Civil war veteran, a pioneer in Montgomery County, Kansas, had filled public offices and had long borne the responsibilities of managing one of the largest banks in the state. His … Read more

Biography of Ellsworth L. Burton

Ellsworth L. Burton. One of the very able members of the Kansas Legislature in the session of 1915-16 was Representative E. L. Burton from Parsons. Mr. Burton is an attorney by profession, has spent most of his life in Kansas, and has some very influential and important connections in his part of the state. He was born at Mattoon, Illinois, April 30, 1868. The Burtons came from England and settled in the Carolinas during colonial days. Mr. Burton is a direct descendant of Cavalier Burton. His grandfather Alfred Burton was born near Guilford Court House in North Carolina, and died … Read more

Biography of Daniel H. Tremble

Daniel H. Tremble, Deputy County Treasurer, Charleston; was born in Harrison Co., Ind., Aug. 28, 1829; the following year, his father, Hiram M. Tremble, came with his family to this county, and, after spending a short time in what is now Mattoon Tp., went to Shelby Co., and there resided until 1833, -when he returned to Coles Co., arid is now a prominent farmer in Mattoon Tp. The subject of this sketch started for himself in 1851, as a teacher; he taught school two winters; in 1852, he engaged in farming, and, after gathering his first crop, came to Charleston, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Joseph L. Gibbs

(See Conrad)-Joseph Lewis Gibbs born April 29, 1864 in Mattoon, Illinois. Married August 20, 1891 Eliza Gourd born December 28, 1873 near Claremore. They are the parents of: Charles A. born January 9, 1894 and Joseph Scott Gibbs born May 6, 1896. Joseph L. Gibbs is the proprietor of one of the best curio stores of the southwest, with his ability he specializes in American made articles, coins and Navajo blankets. Mrs. Joseph L. Gibbs is the daughter of John R. and Artemissa (Beavert) Gourd. The former now deceased was born August 5, 1850 married in 1872 Artemassa Beavert born … Read more

Biography of Capt. William E. Adams

Capt. William E. Adams, attorney at law, Charleston; was born in Bedford Co., Tenn., Oct. 15, 1830, being the son of John J. and Martha (Gammell) Adams, who came to Coles Co. in December, 1830, settling in what is now Pleasant Grove Tp., on the farm where his father still resides; he made his home at his father’s until about 1855, when he engaged in buying and herding stock, and driving it to Wisconsin; he continued in this business until 1860. He was married in August, 1859, to Miss Olive A. Holton, of Blue Mounds, Wis., and has a family … Read more