Springfield Illinois

Biography of James L. Reat, M. D.

James L. Reat, M. D., born on January 26, 1824, in Ohio, became a notable physician and surgeon in Illinois. His lineage traces back to Scottish ancestors who settled in America during the Revolutionary War. After his family relocated to Illinois, Dr. Reat received a collegiate education and graduated from Medical College in Cincinnati and Rush Medical College in Chicago. He served as a surgeon during the Civil War and later practiced in Tuscola, where he was active in community and educational initiatives. He married Sallie C. Callaway and had three children.

Biography of Frank F. Loose

Frank F. Loose, born in Springfield, Illinois, in 1859, became a prominent farmer and businessman in Douglas County. He was raised on his father’s farm, where Jacob G. Loose struck a successful coal vein. Frank settled in Douglas County around 1880 and married Fannie Madison, with whom he had a daughter, Jennie. After Fannie’s death in 1897, he remarried M. Estelle Faris in 1898. Owning 200 acres near Tuscola and involved in the Christian Church, Frank remains a community figure, welcoming friends to his home.

Biography of Abraham Lincoln Barner

Abraham Lincoln Barner, born in a log cabin in Illinois in 1860, migrated to Sumner County, Kansas, in 1873 with his family. His father, Michael Barner, an industrious farmer, played a pivotal role in the community, amassing 960 acres by his death. Abraham helped on the farm until his marriage in 1882, facing many early challenges before achieving success as a farmer and stockman. Eventually retiring in Belle Plaine, he became president of the local bank and actively contributed to civic affairs.

Biography of Edward Everett Wall

Edward Everett Wall, born August 15, 1860, in Saline County, Missouri, served as the water commissioner of St. Louis. A graduate of Missouri State University in civil engineering, he began his career with the Mississippi River Commission and joined St. Louis’s water department in 1888. In 1911, he became water commissioner, overseeing significant improvements to the city’s water system. Wall, a member of several professional organizations, is known for his fairness and engineering expertise, and he actively contributes to technical literature. He is married to Jessie Towne and is politically a Republican.

Biography of Francis Merriman Barnes, Jr., M. D.

Dr. Francis Merriman Barnes, Jr. (1881- ) was a distinguished neuropsychiatrist from St. Louis. Born in Middletown, New York, he graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1907. His career included roles as director of the clinical laboratory at Sheppard and Pratt Hospitals, clinical director at the Government Hospital for the Insane, and associate professor at Washington University Medical School. An author of several significant works on mental diseases, he also served during World War I. He married Carlotta Kimlin and has one son.

Biography of John D. Burton

John D. Burton, born July 1, 1857, in Springfield, Illinois, was a prominent figure in Southeastern Kansas journalism. Starting his career as a compositor, he founded the Potwin Ledger in 1911, which quickly gained influence under his experienced leadership. With a background steeped in newspaper work across multiple states, Burton’s publications emphasized reliable news and community development. He was married to Mary Toler, and together they had two children. Active in the Republican Party and the Christian Church, he also had affiliations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Biography of Samuel V. Mallory

Samuel V. Mallory, a dedicated educator and current superintendent of the Morrill city schools, has a rich history in education across Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Born in Springfield, Illinois, in 1856, he graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1883. His career includes roles as principal and superintendent in various Kansas cities and significant contributions to Oklahoma’s educational system. Active in community and church affairs, Mallory is recognized for his efforts in improving Morrill’s school standards and for promoting it as an ideal place for child-rearing.

Biography of Sylvester Werneth

Sylvester Werneth, born in Germany on December 29, 1856, immigrated to Wisconsin at eight years old. He later moved to Springfield, Illinois, where he learned the brewing trade. In 1886, he established a successful brewery in Weiser, Idaho, expanding it to become one of the largest in the state. Werneth married Mary Fisherkiller in 1885 and they had four children. A Democrat by political affiliation, he focused on his business, achieving prosperity through his efforts, and is recognized as a prominent figure in Weiser.

Biography of Charles Daniel Ise

Charles Daniel Ise, a notable lawyer and county attorney of Montgomery County, Kansas, descends from a distinguished German family, formerly nobility in Wurttemberg. His grandfather, Christopher Eisenmenger, faced financial ruin due to political reform efforts, prompting the family’s emigration to America. Charles, born in 1880, excelled academically and athletically, eventually earning multiple degrees in education and law. He began his legal career in Coffeyville, served as county attorney in Independence, and maintained active involvement in community affairs, exemplifying the family’s legacy of achievement.

Biography of Jesse K. Dubois, M. D.

Dr. Jesse K. Dubois, born on November 16, 1848, in Springfield, Illinois, is a prominent physician in Boise and Idaho. Of French descent, he comes from a distinguished family, with his father, a lawyer and associate of Abraham Lincoln, serving as the Illinois state auditor. After graduating from Yale and a medical college in St. Louis, Dr. Dubois practiced in Springfield before relocating to Idaho in 1878. He married Anna Curtis in 1884 and has one daughter, Susie. An esteemed Mason, he is well-respected in his community.

Biographical Sketch of Guerdon Stearns Holden

Guerdon Stearns Holden, born on December 9, 1881, in Cleveland, was the son of Liberty E. and Delia Elizabeth Bulkley Holden. He received his education from the University School, Worcester Academy, and Harvard University, graduating in 1904. Holden married Elinor Chase in Springfield, Illinois, on June 3, 1911. He served as secretary for the Hollenden Hotel Company and held a directorial position at the Plain Dealer Publishing Company. Additionally, he was a member of several prestigious organizations, including Phi Beta Kappa and various clubs.

Kimble, Lawrence W. – Obituary

Lawrence W. Kimble, born June 16, 1871, in Benton, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 6, 1918, in Enterprise, Oregon. He moved frequently throughout his life, settling in Enterprise in 1912 as manager of the local flour mills. A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife, Amelia, and three children. A respected member of the M.E. Church and the I.O.O.F lodge, his unexpected death shocked the community. The funeral services, attended by many, reflected the esteem in which he was held.

Biography of Adam Loch

Adam Loch, born in 1852 in Springfield, Illinois, rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent businessman and vice president of the Fidelity State Bank in Chanute, Kansas. After his father’s death when he was just fourteen, Loch worked tirelessly to support his family, eventually moving to Kansas in search of better opportunities. He started as a rancher, ventured into the livery business in Lane, and later established a successful grocery store in Chanute. His life exemplifies the rewards of hard work and perseverance, inspiring future generations.

Biography of Joseph R. Smith

Joseph R. Smith, born in 1853 in Illinois, has served as Allen County’s probate judge in Kansas since 1894, boasting an impressive record of consecutive re-elections. Raised in a politically active family, his father, John W. Smith, held several public offices and was connected to Abraham Lincoln. After moving to Kansas in 1879, Joseph Smith engaged in farming and stock handling before entering public service. He married Ida G. Cloos, and they had five children, with several pursuing education careers.

Biography of Fred G. Palmer

Fred G. Palmer, born in Springfield, Illinois, in 1869, played a pivotal role in founding the Kaw Boiler Works Company in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1905. Partnering with ex-mayor T.B. Gilbert, Palmer built the company from modest beginnings into a leading industry, specializing in equipment for oil refineries. Under his leadership, the company grew dramatically, employing around 150 workers. A skilled boiler maker and engineer, Palmer was previously the assistant engineer at the State Penitentiary, reflecting his deep roots in the trade.

Breshears, W.R., Mrs. – Obituary

Mrs. W.R. Breshears, aged 65, passed away on April 10, 1942, at Enterprise hospital after a period of ill health. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, she moved to Illinois before settling in Wallowa County 25 years ago. She is survived by her husband, four children—Frances Babb, Vernon, Ralph, and Aetna Reed—and four stepsons. Her son William predeceased her. Funeral services were held at Booth Chapel in Enterprise, officiated by Rev. Oliver M. Adams, with burial at Enterprise cemetery.

Hibbs, Martin R. – Obituary

Martin R. Hibbs, a rancher in Idaho, was found dead under mysterious circumstances, leading to an investigation that concluded he was murdered. His body was discovered alongside that of an unidentified man, presumed to be prospector Joe Anderson, who had been tending the ranch in Hibbs’ absence. The jury returned a verdict of murder against unknown parties. Hibbs, born in Illinois in 1863, was well-regarded in his community, leaving behind a family of six children. Funeral services took place at the Enterprise cemetery.

Caudle, Berkley – Obituary

Memorial services for Berkley Caudle, who passed away on September 22, 1954, were held at the Christian church in Lostine on September 25, under the direction of Booth-Bollman Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert John officiated, with musical contributions from Mrs. Orval McArtor and Miss Martha Crow. Pallbearers included local community members, and he was interred at Lostine Cemetery. Berkley was born on May 9, 1871, in Illinois and was a longtime resident of Wallowa County, survived by his wife Carrie, children, grandchildren, and siblings.