Biographies

When I was a child, my mother told me that her mother's Baker and Champion relatives were so prominent that they were included in Illinois history books. I imagined pictures of my ancestors in textbooks. It turns out that this story is true, though not what I envisioned. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, publishers sent traveling salesmen around the country to collect family stories and portraits of prominent townspeople for inclusion as biographical sketches in county and city histories. It was a way to create a built-in audience for these "mug books." They focus on men, but also tell the stories of women through the sketches of their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers. The books show their subjects in a flattering light and are not an objective retelling of history. They leave out key details that could tarnish the way we think of our ancestors. Even so, the sketches are important to genealogists as they help to establish family relationships, often including the profiles of the subjects’ parents, grandparents, and in-laws, and to link to revolutionary war and colonial ancestors.

Today, all that survives of my family's copy of a McLean County history book are a few family photographs torn out of the book. The below biographies are from old books located in libraries. These sketches are of my direct ancestors, their siblings, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. These books have also been republished by various genealogy publishing companies, as well as available online via the Internet Archive, FamilySearch's Digital Library, and Ancestry.com.

EDDY BAKER, BRIMFIELD, ILLINOIS

EDDY BAKER was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., April 12, 1816, and became a resident of Peoria County, Ill., in 1844.  He is, therefore, well acquainted with the efforts which have been made in this county toward a high state of material prosperity and civilization and the success which has been achieved.  His cash capital when he began his life in this county was $2.50, and he had a wife and two children to support.  He now owns a valuable estate of four hundred and thirty-three acres all told, together with village property in Brimfield.  This fact is sufficient to indicate what manner of man he has shown himself to be during his connection with the improvement of the county.

The parents of our subject were Benjamin and Lucy (Ives) Baker, natives of Connecticut.  When he of whom we write was about twelve years old they removed from the Empire State to Williamstown, Mass., in and near which place our subject grew to manhood.  His education was obtained in district schools of New York and Massachusetts, wherein he laid a practical and solid foundation for the general intelligence which he has acquired through the public press and by observation.  Farming has been his life work, and it is plain to be seen that he has an excellent understanding of his business in all its details.

In the old Bay State, December 28, 1837, Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Wooster, who bore him four children.  The firstborn, Stephen, now lives in Independence County, Iowa; Martha A. is deceased; Helen is the wife of John McLaughlin, of Nemaha County, Neb.; Eddy is deceased.  A second matrimonial alliance was contracted by Mr. Baker, December 28, 1875, his bride on this occasion being Miss Nellie O’Hara.  Her father, John O’Hara, a native of Londonderry, Ireland, emigrated to America when about fourteen years old.  Her mother, Sarah (Campbell) O’Hara, is a native of Ireland, but of Scotch ancestry.  She came to America with her parents when about twelve years old.  Mr. and Mrs. O’Hara lived in Jefferson County, N.Y., when their daughter, now Mrs. Baker, was born, but came to Peoria County, Ill., in the spring of 1869.  They settled in Brimfield Township, where the widowed mother is still living.  Of the eleven children born to them the following survive: Kitty, wife of J. W. Griffin, an architect in Watertown, N. Y.; Mary E., living in Brimfield Township; Nellie, Mrs. Baker; Capt. Thomas O’Hara, of this county; Susannah, wife of A. G. Church, of Fairmount, Neb.; Frances A., wife of Eddy Baker; Josephine E., of Monica.  The deceased are William, John, Oliver and Sarah.

Upon coming to this county, our subject spent some four months working for his brother, Hiram Baker, at $15 per month.  The most of his time was spent in breaking new land.  He next farmed as a renter three years, then made a $50 payment on eighty acres of land, paying the balance in installments, the land costing $3.25 per acre.  He turned the first furrow on the ground, reclaiming it from its wild condition.  He has been pre-eminently successful in worldly affairs, furnishing an example well worthy the emulation and imitation of future generations.  Not only so, but he has been a useful member of society, in various ways aiding in the advancement of the community, acting as School Director and active in social circles.  None are more worthy of mention in this Album, and long after his body shall have been covered with the “clods of the valley” his memory will be green in the hearts of those who knew and honored him.  Mr. Baker votes with the Democratic party.  His good wife is a communicant of the Catholic Church.

Source: Biographical Pub. Co. (1890). Portrait and biographical album of Peoria County, Illinois: Containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the Presidents of the United States and Governors of the state. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., pages 611-612, biography of Eddy Baker.

HIRAM BAKER, NORMAL, ILLINOIS

HIRAM BAKER, real estate, Normal; was born near Troy, N.Y., Sept. 27, 1818; son of B. and Lucy (Ives) Baker, who were of English descent.  During his early life, he obtained a good business education, laying the foundation for future usefulness.  He came to Illinois in 1837, locating in Fulton Co; then, in 1841, removed to Peoria Co., where he was engaged in real estate some twenty-seven years; in fact, Mr. Baker has been a successful dealer in real estate thus far through life.  He has improved a large amount of land; now owns 230 acres in the homestead located near Brimfield, Ill., and a large tract of land in Henry and Ford Cos.; altogether, he owns 2,200 acres of improved land.  He enjoys the reputation of being a public-spirited and highly-respected citizen, having always taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the good of the community.  He married Miss Sarah Frye, of Peoria, Ill., Feb. 16, 1847; they have raised two children--Hattie P., now Mrs. George Champion, of Normal, and Frank R.; he married Miss Delia A. Sheton [Shelton], of Normal, June 3, 1875.

Source: W. LeBaron and Co. (1879). The history of McLean County, Illinois: Containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., portraits of early settlers and prominent men, general statistics, map of McLean County, history of Illinois, illustrated, history of the Northwest, illustrated, constitution of the United States, miscellaneous matters, &c., &c. Chicago: W. LeBaron Jr. & Co., page 831, biography of Hiram Baker.

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HIRAM BAKER has for thirty years been a resident of McLean county, and is one of the most extensive land owners of the state. With wonderful foresight he discerned the future development and advancement of Illinois, and on coming here at an early day his keen sagacity prompted him to largely invest in the rich prairie land in the central section of the state. Its rise in value has made him a wealthy man, and his prosperity is certainly well merited, for his business career has been one of probity and integrity, and his capable management and diligence are justly crowned with success.

Mr. Baker is a native of the Empire state. He was born in Troy, New York, on the 27th of April, 1818, a son of Benjamin and Lucy (Ives) Baker. For many years his father was a resident of Rensselaer county. New York, and there married Miss Lucy Ives, who acquired her education in that county. He carried on agricultural pursuits, and not until late in life did he leave the old home to become a resident of Peoria county, Illinois, where his last days were passed. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

To the public-school system of his native county Hiram Baker is indebted for the educational privileges he received, receiving a good business education. He was early inured to all the labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm until sixteen years of age. In 1837, in company with his brother Benjamin, he drove across the state to Buffalo, New York, and there, putting the horse and buggy on a boat, came by water to Detroit. From that point they drove into the wild and untraveled regions of Michigan, across corduroy bridges and over new wagon roads to Indiana, thence to Joliet, Illinois, and on to Peoria, being three weeks and one day upon the way. Peoria was then scarcely more than a hamlet, and there was no really good building in the place. From that point Hiram Baker started out on a prospecting tour, traveling over the present site of the city of Galesburg to a little place called South Cherry Grove, and on to Farmington, where he remained for about four years. During that time he purchased town lots, built a residence and engaged in lumbering and other business interests. On the expiration of that period he went to Charleston, Peoria county, now called Brimfield, and opened up a farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He erected a house and began the development and improvement of his land, carrying on general farming and stock raising. During that time Peoria was his market for all supplies. He lived upon that farm for seven years, and in the meantime purchased more land, devoting his energies entirely to agricultural pursuits and land investments.

On the 16th of December, 1847, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Sarah Fry, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Shafer) Fry, both of whom were also natives of Pennsylvania, Sarah Shafer was a daughter of Thomas and Mary Shafer, who were born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Thomas Shafer went into the Continental army under General Washington at the age of fourteen years, and served through the entire war. He died at the age of ninety-five years. Benjamin and Sarah Fry came to Illinois in 1838, and settled near Peoria, where he engaged in farming. They both died at Hinsdale, Illinois, but were buried at Peoria.

After his marriage Mr. Baker left the farm and removed to Brimfield, but did not sell his land, it being still in his possession. While residing there he was induced to hold the only political office he has ever accepted, that of alderman. His time and attention have been given entirely to his farming interests and investments, and while making his home in Peoria county he became the owner of five hundred and fifty acres on the west side of the river. He also owned a section of land in Crawford county, Iowa, but afterward traded it for Iroquois county lands.

In 1866 he removed to Normal in order to provide his children with better educational advantages, and noting the richness of the alluvial soil in this section of the state, he began buying land here, and his holdings are among the most extensive of any individual owner in this locality. When he arrived in Illinois he found many young men who had come to seek a fortune in the west, discouraged and disheartened, preparing to return to the east. He told them that any one who would stay and gain possession of land would some day be well off. Time has verified the truth of this statement, and although Mr. Baker had a capital of only one hundred dollars when he came to McLean county, he is now worth more than half a million. He has made many judicious investments, continually adding to his property interests. One of his first purchases in central Illinois was a half-section in Ford county. Later he bought another section, and added to that until he now has fourteen hundred and forty acres in Ford county of as fine land as can be found in this entire country, and all splendidly improved. He never sells his land, but continually adds to it, and now has two thousand acres in McLean county, which is under a high state of cultivation and yields to him a good income. He has also given to his two children property and money to the value of sixty thousand dollars. He also has large realty holdings in Iroquois county, and four hundred and fifty-six acres of land in Dewitt county, on which there is not a hill or a slough, all being rich rolling ground, highly cultivatable. Lands in Henry county that he purchased soon after his arrival are also still in his possession, the aggregate being nearly five thousand acres of the finest land of Illinois. His judgment as to land values is most sound and reliable, and he has depended entirely upon his own opinion in such matters.

Mr. Baker continued his residence in Normal until May 14, 1885, when he purchased a beautiful home on North Main street, Bloomington, where he and his estimable wife dispense a most cordial hospitality to their many friends. They were formerly members of the Baptist church. Two children were born to them, but the daughter, Hattie B., died December 17, 1898. She married George Champion, of Normal, and at her death left four children, Gertie B., George, Jr., Frank B. and Myrtle M. She was one of the foremost ladies of Normal and was universally loved and respected by all who knew her. She was a friend to the poor and needy, and to all who were in distress, and was a woman of many excellencies of head and heart. The son, Frank R. Baker, is now in the real estate business in Bloomington, where he has a fine residence on Franklin square, erected and given him by his father. He married Miss Delia A. Shelton, and they have two children: Fred R., who is a member of the graduating class of 1899 in Williams College; and Beulah, who will graduate from the high school of Bloomington in June, 1899.

In the spring of 1857 Mr. Baker gave one thousand dollars to assist in building the old Chicago University, which was under the control of the Baptist church. Owing to the hard times the buildings were lost, but he has the satisfaction of knowing that later the institution was aided in a most substantial manner by John D. Rockefeller, and backed by him to a successful issue. Mr. Baker was also one of six gentlemen to build a Baptist church in Brimfield, Illinois, which was afterwards destroyed by fire.

Such is the life history of one whose record is indeed creditable and worthy of emulation. He came to the west determined to win success through honorable effort and diligence, and his close application to business, his keen discrimination and his unabating energy have enabled him to realize his hopes. He has commanded uniform respect by his honorable methods, and enjoys the regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. For thirty years a resident of McLean county he is numbered among her valued citizens, and this work would be incomplete without the record of his life.

Source: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. (1899). The Biographical record of McLean County, Illinois. Chicago: S.J. Clarke, pages 74-84, biography of Hiram Baker with portraits of Hiram Baker, Mrs. Hiram Baker (Sarah Frye), Frank Baker, and Mrs. Frank Baker (Cordelia Shelton).

JOHN HENRY BRYANT, BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

JOHN H. BRYANT, contractor and builder, having his office at the intersection of Northeast and Douglas streets, Bloomington, may be properly numbered among the pioneer settlers of Illinois, as he came here in 1837 with his parents, being then a young child. He was born in East Cambridge, Mass., Dec. 3, 1833, his parents being Eben and Martha (Brown) Bryant, natives of Wakefield and Charlestown, Mass. Eben Bryant was a farmer by occupation, and emigrated from the Bay State to Illinois in 1837, settling in Pike County, upon 160 acres of wild land, which he improved and cultivated and occupied until his death; which occurred in 1866. The mother survived him twelve years, dying at the old homestead in 1878. They were the parents of five children, four now living, as follows: Eben F., of Pike County; John H., our subject; Harriet and Joseph B., of Kansas City. The father of our subject was a strong Abolitionist, and both parents were members of the Baptist Church.

John H. Bryant was reared on his father's farm, and received a practical education. He remained at home until nineteen years old, and then served three years at the carpenter's trade, in Griggsville. He soon afterward commenced as a contractor, which he followed in that locality until 1859, and then came to Bloomington. Here he first established himself on West Mulberry street, removing to his present quarters in 1884. He now gives employment to from five to twenty men, and among the important structures which he has had in charge are the City Hall, Turner Hall, the German Methodist Episcopal Church and the Eagle Block, besides some of the finest residence in the city.

Our subject was married in 1855, to Miss Nancy English, a native of New Salem, Ill., and the daughter of Robert and Martha (Hooper) English, of Ohio. Mr. English was a farmer who, after coming to Illinois, settled first at New Salem, whence he removed to McLean County in 1863. His declining years were spent in Normal Township, where his death occurred in about 1865.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryant became the parents of five children as follows: George A. is in California; Alice, now Mrs. Gilbert Eldridge, is the mother of two children--Clare and Pansy; Frank married Miss Mary Ellen Ingersol, and they have one daughter, a babe, Ethel Frances; Arthur is doing business with his father; Charles the youngest, is at home. The family residence is located at No. 806 West Oliver street, and is the resort of the best people of Bloomington. Mrs. Bryant is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. Bryant is one of the largest contractors in the city of Bloomington, and both as a business man and a citizen, is one of the important factors in its business and industrial interests.

Source: Chapman brothers, Chicago, & Pub. (1887). Portrait and biographical album of McLean county, Ill., containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Illinois and of the presidents of the United States. Chicago: Chapman brothers, pages 258-259, biography of John H. Bryant.

JOHN BURWELL, OAKLAND, ILLINOIS

JOHN BURWELL, retired farmer; P.O. Oakland; born in Morris Co., N.J., Feb. 1, 1813, where he engaged in the manufacture of wrought iron until 19 years of age, when he emigrated West and engaged at his trade in the States of Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, until 1840, when he abandoned his trade and located upon his farm in Delaware Co., Ohio, where he lived until 1851, when, selling his farm, he emigrated West and located in Embarrass Tp., Edgar Co., Ill., purchasing a farm of 480 acres, which he worked until the spring of 1856, when he removed to Oakland, where he has since continued to live, with the exception of two years which he spent upon his farm; he owns 310 acres of prairie and timber land in Coles Co., Ill., and 320 acres in Henry Co., near Newton, Kan. He married Sept. 19, 1833, Missouri Thorp; she was born in Franklin Co., Ohio; she died in 1853, leaving five children Amos, Mary, Moses, John, Alice. His marriage with Lucy Ann Terhune was celebrated Sept. 19, 1853; she was born in Johnson Co., Ind.; she died in 1856, leaving one child, since deceased. He married April 18, 1857, for his third wife, Nannie McCrum; she was born in Huntingdon Co., Penn., Oct. 3, 1820; one child was the fruit of this union Frank P., born Dec. 31, 1859. Mr. Burwell followed milling in Oakland from 1856 until 1875, when he rented his flour and feed mill and retired from active labor.

Source: Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co. (1872). The history of Coles County, Illinois: Containing a history of the county--its cities, towns, &c., a directory of the tax-payers, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, general and local statistics, map of Coles County, history of Illinois, illustrated, Constitution of the United States, miscellaneous matters, &c., &c. Chicago, IL: Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co, page 560, biography of John Burwell.

GEORGE CHAMPION, NORMAL, ILLINOIS

GEORGE CHAMPION, hardware, Normal; was born in the city of Bristol, England, Feb. 24, 1840, where he was educated; he came to this country with his parents in 1854, locating in Elgin, where he learned the trade of a machinist, also that of a carpenter; he enlisted with the 69th I.V.I.; went out in 1862, and served to the expiration of his enlisted term (100 days), after which he located in Chicago, where he followed his trade until 1867, when he came to Normal and embarked in the hardware and tinware business, in company with his brother Thomas; this partnership continued until 1878, since which time he has managed the business.  He married Miss Hattie Baker, of Normal, Jan. 6, 1869; they have three children--Gertie B., George and Frank B.

Source: W. LeBaron and Co. (1879). The history of McLean County, Illinois: Containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., portraits of early settlers and prominent men, general statistics, map of McLean County, history of Illinois, illustrated, history of the Northwest, illustrated, constitution of the United States, miscellaneous matters, &c., &c. Chicago: W. LeBaron Jr. & Co., page 832, biography of George Champion.

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GEORGE CHAMPION, the leading hardware and agricultural implement dealer of Normal, Illinois, established his present business here in 1867, almost a third of a century ago. He was born in Bristol, England, February 24, 1840, and is the son of George and Eleanor (Ellis) Champion, both of whom were natives of the same country. George Champion, Sr., for many years made the city of Bristol his home, and from that port followed the sea, engaging in business as a merchantman, owning his own vessels and visiting many foreign ports. He died on the coast of Africa when our subject was but four years old. His wife, who was a daughter of Thomas Ellis, was born in Bridgewater, England, which place she made her home until her marriage with Mr. Champion, when they settled in Bristol. Thomas Ellis was the owner of a farm near Bridgewater, and while he gave a part of his time to overseeing its cultivation, the greater part of his active life was spent as superintendent of a large bridge foundry. His wife was a Miss Bright, an own cousin of the well-known John Bright. 

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Eleanor Champion remained in Bristol, until her removal to the United States in 1854. The death of her husband left her with four children, as follows: Philip, a half brother of our subject, became a seaman, and was later a mate on a ship running from Boston to Vera Cruz, Mexico. He came to the United States prior to the removal of the rest of the family. While returning from a trip to Vera Cruz, his death occurred, and he was buried at sea, in the Gulf of Mexico. Athaliah Victoria Bright is now making her home with her mother in Elgin, Illinois. George is the subject of this sketch. Thomas E. is now living in Normal. On coming to the United States, the family located at Elgin, Illinois, taking up their home there on the 4th of October, 1854, and there the mother and daughter have since continued to reside. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The subject of this sketch received his education at Bristol, and was a graduate of the military school there. Immediately after his graduation the family emigrated to the United States, and soon after their arrival at Elgin he commenced to learn the wagon maker's trade, but not liking it, he soon left his employer and commenced the carpenters's trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. After completing his trade, and while still residing in Elgin, he worked for about eighteen months as a journeyman. Not being able, however, to stand the hot weather, while working out in the sun, he was compelled to abandon his trade. This was during the panic of 1857, and the hard times succeeding, and there was very little employment for any one. He secured a situation in a grocery store, and his employer being taken sick soon after, the entire charge of the store devolved upon him for about sixteen months. This was the first opportunity that he had to demonstrate his business ability, and his administration of affairs was such as to commend him to his employer and give him a little reputation in the business world. He continued in the store until just prior to the breaking out of the civil war, when he took a position with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company as brakeman, and later as baggage-master, continuing to be thus employed for a year and a half. He remained on the road until he was in a collision in which the engineer was killed, which sickened him of railroad life. He then went into the shops of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company, at Chicago, working under instruction in the machine shops. He remained with the company until his removal to Normal. Previous to this, however, in 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days, his regiment being assigned to garrison duty, guarding rebel prisoners at Fort Douglas, Chicago.

On the 8th of May, 1867, Mr. Champion located in Normal, and engaged in the agricultural implement business, in connection with the hardware and tinware trade, having as a partner his brother Thomas, the firm being known as Champion Brothers. They were among the first to engage in business in Normal, and probably the first in their line. They had a good business from the start. In 1877 Mr. Champion purchased the interest of his brother and has since continued alone, and having one of the largest establishments of its kind in this section, and doing a very successful business. After about seven years, the firm abandoned the agricultural implement part of the business, in consequence of the ruinous competition following the organization of the granges, or Patrons of Husbandry. During the present year the agricultural implement business was resumed to give employment to his sons.

On the 6th of January, 1869, Mr. Champion was united in marriage with Miss Hattie Baker, daughter of Hiram Baker, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and by this union there were five children, one of whom, Ralph, died November 2, 1880, at the age of fourteen months. Gertie B. married William J. Burwell, and they have four children Clyde C., Alice May, Harold Baker and Clarence Goodfellow. They reside in Normal. George, Jr., married Miss Emily Moore and they have one child, Esther Frances. He is now associated with his father in business. Frank Baker married Miss Virgie Fisher, and they make their home in Bloomington. Myrtle Marie yet remains at home. Mrs. Champion was called to her reward December 17, 1898, and her death was calm and sweet, for "she knew in whom she believeth-" She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and had the utmost faith in the teachings of the Divine Master. In all departments of church work she took an active interest, and for some time was president of the Foreign Missionary Society of her church. She was also a member of Felicity Chapter, No. 387, O. E. S., and served as worthy matron of the order. The chapter passed a series of resolutions on her death which appeared in the Bloomington Bulletin. The G. A. R. Post, of Normal, also passed resolutions of condolence, she being an active member of the Relief Corps. A kind, Christian woman, she was a friend to all her neighbors, and to any one who needed her help. Her happy, cheerful disposition endeared her to a large circle of friends who deeply mourn her loss. A loving wife and affectionate mother, her death is a sad blow to the loved ones left behind, but they sorrow not as one without hope, but look forward to the re-union in the "sweet by and bye."

Fraternally Mr. Champion is a member of Normal Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 673, of which he was master for four years, and representative to the grand lodge seven terms, and secretary of the lodge for eleven years. He is also a member of the Bloomington Chapter, No. 26, R. A. M., and of DeMolay Commandery, No. 24, K. T. In each of the latter organizations he has refused office on account of lack of time. He is a member of the Charles E. Hovey Post, No. 786, G. A. R., of which he is past commander. Since attaining his majority, he has been a strong Republican, and an earnest advocate of the principles of the party. He served one term as alderman of the city, and was three times mayor of Normal. He also served four years as clerk of the town council, and was treasurer of the corporation for three years. While serving as mayor of the city he was instrumental in securing the electric light system for street lighting, and also in making a number of needed improvements. For one year he served as collector of the city of Normal, and the following year was deputy collector, during which time he did all the business connected with the office. He was also a member of the board of education for five years, two years and a half of the time being president of the board. It was during his incumbency of the office that the primary school building was erected, and the question of fraudulent bonds that had been issued by former boards came up for consideration. It was decided by the board to contest the payment of the bonds and the question was carried up and the bonds declared null and void by the United States District Courts. Much credit for the result is due to the efforts of Mr. Champion. In addition to the public offices mentioned in which he has served, he has filled other important positions and been on a number of important committees.

For many years Mr. Champion has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Normal, and since his first connection with that body has been a member of the board of trustees, and for years chairman of the board. He has also been secretary of the official board of the church since the board was organized. When the present house of worship was being erected he served as chairman of the building committee, a position which he was well qualified to fill. It is probable that no man in Normal has been more active in promoting the business interests and moral welfare of the community, and where best known he is held in the highest respect.

Source: S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. (1899). The Biographical record of McLean County, Illinois. Chicago, IL: S.J. Clarke, pages 160-167, biography of George Champion with portraits of George Champion and Mrs. George Champion (Hattie Baker).

THOMAS ELLIS CHAMPION, NORMAL, ILLINOIS

THOMAS ELLIS CHAMPION is a well known retired business man of Normal. He was born in Bristol, England, March 5, 1843, the son of George and Eleanor (Ellis) Champion.

George Champion was a native of England, as also was his wife.  He died in 1843 on the coast of Africa and 11 years later his wife brought her three children to the United States and settled in Kane County, Ill.  There were three children, as follows:  Thomas Ellis, the subject of this sketch; George, a retired merchant of Normal, a sketch of whom also appears in this volume; and Miss Athaliah, who lives with her brother, George.

Thomas Ellis Champion was 11 years of age when his mother brought him to this country and he received his education in the district schools of Kane County, Ill.  After finishing his school work, Mr. Champion was employed by D. F. Barkley of Elgin, Ill., where he learned the tinner's trade, and received $30.00 per year for his services.  In 1864 he went to Waukegan, Ill., and worked in a tin shop there for three years, after which time he came to Normal and opened a hardware and tin shop with his brother, George.  Mr. Champion later sold his interest to his brother and then opened a canning factory at Normal, which he successfully conducted for 56 years.  The factory is located on East Ash Street, adjoining the Champion home.  In 1919 Mr. Champion sold his factory and since that time has lived retired.

On May 5, 1866, Mr. Champion was married to Miss Fannie Hopkinson, a native of Waukegan, Ill., born in 1850, and the daughter of Isaac and Pulcheria (Davis) Hopkinson.  Mr. Hopkinson was a prominent attorney at Waukegan for a number of years.  Mrs. Champion died May 13, 1906, leaving six children, as follows:  Grace, deceased; Trevor, lives at Chicago and has three children, Beatrice, Ellsworth and Catherine; Eleanor, married Bert G. Finch, lives in Oklahoma City, Okla.; Ethel Louisa, Married L. R. Manning, lives at Normal, and has one child, Hortence Clark; Jacquelin, married Bert Kuss, lives at Gary, Ind.; and Blanche, the widow of Edwin Iehl, lives at Long Beach, Calif.

Thomas Ellis Champion is an independent voter and he is a member of the Methodist Church.  He is a man who is highly esteemed in his community and he is a valued citizen.

Source: Hasbrouck, Jacob L. (1924). History of McLean County Illinois. Topeka, KS-Indianapolis, IN: Historical Publishing Company, pages 424-425, biography of Thomas Ellis Champion with portrait of Thomas E. Champion.

ROY A. GOODFELLOW, SPRINGFIELD, OHIO

ROY A. GOODFELLOW, the present efficient and popular county treasurer of Clark County, is a native son of the county and a representative of one of its best known and most honored pioneer families.  His great-grandfather, Moore Goodfellow, was born in Ireland in 1786, came to the United States in 1808 and shortly afterward became one of the earliest settlers in what is now Harmony Township, Clark County, Ohio.  His marriage to a daughter of John Nicholson is said to have been the first wedding solemnized in Harmony Township.  John Nicholson settled on Beaver Creek, this county, in 1806.  Moore Goodfellow was a man of energy and resourcefulness, acquired about 600 acres of land and developed one of the excellent pioneer farms of the county.  On the old homestead he and his wife remained until their deaths and his was the distinction of having represented Clark County as a loyal soldier in the War of 1812.  The children of Moore Goodfellow were nine in number—five sons and four daughters.

Samuel Goodfellow, grandfather of the present treasurer of Clark County, was a child at the time the family home was established in the midst of the forest wilds of this county, and he was reared to manhood under the conditions that marked the pioneer days.  Here he married Mahala Jones, and they settled on a farm in Harmony Township, where they passed the remainder of their lives.  Samuel Goodfellow erected on his farm one of the first large barns in that part of the county and the barn dances there held were events of much social enjoyment in the community.  “Uncle Sam” and “Aunt Mahala” Goodfellow were well known throughout the county and numbered their friends by the score.  He and his wife became the parents of three children, all of whom are now deceased.

Milton B. Goodfellow, son of Samuel and Mahala (Jones) Goodfellow, was born and reared on the old homestead farm in Harmony Township and in his youth received excellent educational advantages, including those of the Chandler Robbins Military School at Springfield, and those of Buchtel College at Akron, an institution now known as Akron University.  The initial activities of Milton B. Goodfellow after he began his independent career were in connection with farm industry, and upon removing from the farm to Springfield he became a traveling salesman for the Whitely interests.  For several years in his later life he was delinquent tax collector for Clark County.  He died in 1910, and his widow still resides at Springfield.  Mr. Goodfellow was a republican, was a Knights Templar Mason and member of they Mystic Shrine, and he was one of the well known and highly honored citizens of his native county.  He served for a time as a member of the City Council.  It was said that he knew by name a greater number of the citizens of Clark County than did any other one man.  He is survived by four children: Laura (Mrs. J. Forbes Anderson), Elno S., Roy A. and Ruby G. (Mrs. Robert Geiger).

Roy A. Goodfellow was born December 9, 1884, and is indebted to the public schools of Springfield for his early education.  For the past ten years he has been actively identified with administrative affairs in the office of the county treasurer, where he first served as second deputy and later as first deputy treasurer, and entered upon his service as county treasurer in September, 1921, his election to this office having occurred in November, 1920.  His long association with the fiscal affairs of the county assures an able and careful administration on his part, and his election proved a fitting testimonial to his previous efficient service, as well as to his personal popularity in his native county.  He is a republican and is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.  He is an adept in fly-fishing and his hobby lies along this line of piscatorial diversion.

June 6, 1917, recorded the marriage of Mr. Goodfellow and Miss Ethel L. Meyer, and they are popular factors in the social life of Springfield.

Source: Prince, Dr. Benjamin F., President of Clark County Historical Society (Ed.). (1922). A standard history of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio: An authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development. Chicago, IL and New York, NY: The American Historical Society, pages 242-243, biography of Roy A. Goodfellow.

MATTINSON, WILSON & CO., GIBSON CITY, ILLINOIS

MATTINSON, WILSON & CO., bankers of Gibson City, Ill., do a general banking business, receive deposits, buy and sell exchange, loan money and make collections.  This is a private banking house and its responsibility is based on the large capital employed in the business, and on the large landed and other property ownership of its proprietors and their good repute in the financial circles of the county and State.  The bank was established March 8, 1873, by M. T. Burwell.  Some changes occurred in the ownership before 1878, when William J. Wilson was admitted to partnership and the firm name was made Burwell & Wilson.  About two years later, Edward Leffel joined the firm, which took the title of Burwell, Leffel & Co.  In the spring of 1882, Mr. Leffel retired and the firm became Burwell, Mattinson & Wilson.  That connection continued until the fall of that year, when Mr. Burwell retired and existing firm of Mattinson, Wilson & Co. was formed, William J. Wilson being President and Evan Mattinson, Cashier.  This is the oldest banking house in Gibson City, having a continuous existence of nearly twenty years.  Its history shows it to have a successful career, while the uniform course of the bank has been distinguished by a fair, liberal, yet conservative treatment of its patrons, thereby winning in a marked degree popular favor and confidence.

Source: Lake City Publishing Co, Chicago, & Pub. (1892). Portrait and biographical record of Ford County, Illinois: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States. Chicago, IL: Lake City Pub. Co., pages 564-565, sketch of Mattinson, Wilson & Co.

EVAN MATTINSON, GIBSON CITY, ILLINOIS

EVAN MATTINSON, cashier and member of the banking firm of Mattinson, Wilson & Co., was born in Clarke County, Ohio, September 30, 1857, and is a son of Matthew and Margaret (Evans) Mattinson.  His father was born in Westmoreland County, England, October 15, 1810, and came to America when about twenty-four years of age.  He made his home in Clarke County, Ohio, where he was married, December 20, 1841, to Miss Margaret Evans, a daughter of Edward Evans.  Mrs. Mattinson was born in North Wales in 1820, and came to the United States in 1837.  Both yet reside in Clarke County, Ohio.

Evan Mattinson was reared on a farm and received his education in the schools of South Charleston, Clarke County, Ohio, closing in the High Schools of that city.  He was engaged in farming in his native State until 1880, when he came to Illinois and located in Gibson City.  He then engaged as clerk in the bank house of Burwell, Leffel & Co., of which the present bank is an outgrowth.  When the existing firm was formed, he was made cashier and has continued to serve in that capacity until the present time.

On the 5th of March, 1885, Mr. Mattinson was united in marriage, at Gibson City, to Miss Minnie Belle Wilson, a daughter of William J. and Lydia (Goodfellow) Wilson.  She was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and came to Gibson City with her parents in 1876.  One child, M. Clarence, has been born to them.

In politics, Mr. Mattinson is a Republican, while he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.  He is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of all the Masonic bodies of Gibson City, and of Mt. Olivet Commandery No. 38, Knights Templar of Paxton.  He is also a member of Gibson Camp, Modern Woodmen of America.  He has been City Treasurer of Gibson City several times, also Treasurer of the Gibson Building and Loan Association, and of the Gibson Canning Company.

As a financier and business man, Mr. Mattinson stands deservedly high.  His management of the affairs of the bank has been such as to insure public confidence and make friends of its patrons.  He is enterprising, yet conservative, and his integrity is beyond question.  The successful career of the bank since his connection with it bears no uncertain testimony as to his right to a fair share of the credit, without detracting at all from the healthful influence of his worthy associates.

Source: Lake City Publishing Co, Chicago, & Pub. (1892). Portrait and biographical record of Ford County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States. Chicago, IL: Lake City Pub. Co., page 229, biography of Evan Mattinson with portraits of Evan Mattinson and Minnie (Wilson) Mattinson.

WILLIAM J. WILSON, GIBSON CITY, ILLINOIS

WILLIAM J. WILSON, president of the private banking house of Mattinson, Wilson & Co., of Gibson City, Ill., is a native of Clarke County, Ohio, and was born on the 29th of June, 1838. His parents, Washington and Mary A. (Forman) Wilson, were from Ohio. His father's birth occurred on the 18th of October, 1811, near Fairfield, Greene County, and the mother was born in Clarke County. They were married May 22, 1836, and lived together as husband and wife for nearly half a century, when called to their final rest. Washington Wilson died at his home in Springfield, Ohio, on Sunday, April 26, 1885, at the age of seventy-three years and seven months. His wife passed away on the 5th of May following, surviving her husband only nine days. They had joined the Christian Church together in 1839, and remained worthy and consistent members of that society to the close of their lives. It is said of them that they were remarkably adapted to each other and were possessed of noble traits of character. 

Michael Wilson, the father of Washington Wilson, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and died soon after his return from the war from the effects of exposure while in the service. His widow removed to Harmony Township, and later made her home with her son Washington in Springfield, where she died in 1880, at the advanced age of ninety-two years. 

Washington and Mary A. Wilson were the parents of eleven children: Michael, William J., George W., Harrison, John, Addison; Luther, deceased; Nancy T., Harriet; Mary A., deceased, was the wife of Dr. Strain; Flora is now Mrs. Dr. Clarence Kay; Michael and Addison reside in Springfield, Ohio; George W., who was State Senator, makes his home in London, Ohio; Harriet is a resident of London, Ohio; Nancy T. is the wife of John J. Goodfellow; Harrison is a farmer of Madison County, Ohio, and John resides in Gibson City. 

Washington Wilson made his home in Springfield at an early day. He was industrious and frugal, and accumulated a large landed estate, having nearly two thousand acres of land near Springfield at the time of his death. He was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Christian Church in Springfield, and was one of its officers and most earnest supporters. As a Christian, he was Biblically orthodox, and practically evangelical with charity for all. He was active as a speaker and worker in church, prayer meetings and Sunday-school, and his hospitality to the ministers was liberal and much partaken of. He was noted for steadfastness of purpose, a broad Christian spirit and for his efforts to do good in his community and to encourage and develop a true Christian spirit in those who came within the range of his influence. The sterling qualities of this worthy man and his estimable wife, which gave them such high standing in their community, have had their influence in forming the character of their children, who have become useful and worthy members of society. 

William J. Wilson was reared to agricultural pursuits and was educated in the public schools of Springfield, Ohio. On the 17th of September, 1863, he was married, in his native county, to Miss Lydia Goodfellow, a daughter of John and Lucy (Bennett) Goodfellow, and a native of Clarke County, Ohio. 

On attaining man's estate, Mr. Wilson engaged in farming near his old home, and continued in that vocation until 1875, when he embarked in the grocery business at London, Ohio. In 1876, he sold out and removed to Gibson City, Ill., and engaged in the grain trade, which he conducted successfully until the burning of his elevator. On coming to Gibson City, Mr. Wilson invested in farming lands in Ford County, and has increased his acreage until he now owns fifteen hundred acres of agricultural lands, which are situated partly in the following counties: Ford, Vermilion and Lee. Two years after he settled in Gibson City, Mr. Wilson became a partner in the banking house now carried on under the firm title of Mattinson, Wilson & Co., the oldest bank in the city, and has maintained partnership relations with that institution continuously since. In addition to the business interests already mentioned, Mr. Wilson has done an extensive business in growing, buying, feeding and shipping live stock. He is also a member of the Gibson Canning Company, of which he is Vice-President.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, three sons and six daughters now living: Minnie B. is the wife of Evan Mattinson, of the banking house of Mattinson, Wilson & Co.; Luther B. is engaged in the real-estate business in Dixon, Ill.; Cora May resides with her parents; Lucy F. is the wife of Albert Browning, a farmer of Drummer Township; William J., Jr.; Mary Maud, Grace, Mabel and Arthur Glenn. One died in infancy. 

In politics, Mr. Wilson is a Republican, but has never sought or desired public office. In their religious views, Mr. Wilson, his wife and older children are Presbyterians, and he is a member of the Board of Trustees of that church. The children older than Mary Maud were born in Clarke County, Ohio, while she and those younger are natives of Gibson City. 

Since his residence at Gibson City, Mr. Wilson has been actively and prominently identified with its commercial and financial interests, and it is no flattery to say of him that his record has been that of a man of strict integrity, enterprise and ability. In his business career, he has been eminently successful, and has succeeded in accumulating a large and valuable property, while his uniformly upright course in life and just regard for the rights of others have entitled him to a place in the foremost ranks of the most respected and worthy citizens of Ford County. 

Source: Lake City Publishing Co, Chicago, & Pub. (1892). Portrait and biographical record of Ford County, Illinois: containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies of all the governors of the state, and of the presidents of the United States. Chicago, IL: Lake City Pub. Co., pages 206-207, biography of William J. Wilson with portraits of William J. Wilson and Lydia (Goodfellow) Wilson.