CHARLES H. TIPTON. - Charles H. Tipton, who became a resident of Sangamon county in its pioneer days and belonged to a well known family of central Illinois, exerted considerable influence in political circles and at all times commanded the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends. He was born November 1, 1851, in Indiana, while his parents were on their way from Tennessee to Sangamon county. He was a son of John P. and Jane (Moore) Tipton, who were natives of Lebanon, Illinois, and were married there. Subsequently they removed to Tennessee, where they lived for a few years and in 1851 they came to Sangamon county, making the journey by wagon. They settled near the village of Sherman on what will always be known as the old Tipton farm and near what is now known as the old Tipton school, which was named in honor of John P. Tipton. They resided on that farm for eighteen years, during which time Mr. Tipton was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. However, at the time of the Civil war he put aside business and personal considerations and became a provost marshal for Sangamon county. At length he retired from the farm to the city of Springfield, where he took a contract from the United States government to carry mail between Springfield and Petersburg. He drove a stage on that road for several years and was then made chief of police of Springfield, which office he filled up to the time of his death on the 20th of March, 1873, when he was fifty-one years of age. He had been prominent and influential in public affairs and commanded the entire respect and good will of all with whom he came in contact. His wife long survived him and died in April, 1901, at the age of seventy-three years. Of the children born unto them seven are now living: Mrs. Adam Nelch, of Springfield; Mrs. Addie Cory, of Chicago; George W., the editor of the Girard Gazette, of Girard, Illinois; Mrs. Susie White, of Chicago; Mrs. Ella Deiss, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mrs. Laura B. Walmsley, of Kansas City; and Mrs. Minnie Willis, of Chicago.

Charles H. Tipton acquired his education in the old Tipton school near Sherman and afterward took charge of his father's farm, which he conducted for a few years. He then went to Kansas where he engaged in herding cattle for a short time and after his return from that state he entered the United States army and remained one year. He then came home and stayed with is mother until his marriage in 1874. At his father's death he purchased the contract for the mail route from his mother and drove the stage between Petersburg and Springfield for two years. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years, or until 1833, when he fell and cut his wrist. This crippled his arm for the remainder of his life. It was about this time that he became an active factor in local political circles. He was first made constable in Sangamon county and served in that capacity for five and a half years. He was then mail carrier o9n route No. 8 in the northern part of Springfield for five years and later engaged in the fire insurance business for a few years. He was next made special officer on the detective branch of the police force of Springfield under Mayor Wheeler, filling the position for a short time and subsequently he became a licensed collector when that office was created, being the first appointed, and held that office until his death. He always took a very active and public-spirited interest in politics and was a stanch Republican. He kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, giving loyal support to the party and to every measure which he believed would promote the welfare of his county. In office he was always prompt and reliable in the discharge of his duties, but over the record of his public career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.

On the 14th of January, 1874, Charles H. Tipton was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Morgan, a native of South Wales, born on the 16th of May, 1855. She is a daughter of George and Sarah (Watkins) Morgan. Her father came to America in 1869 and settled in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he lived for eight months. He then returned to South Wales, where he resided until 1897. He then again came to America and made his home in Springfield with Mrs. Charles H. Tipton for a few years. He is now living with another daughter, Mrs. Joseph Taylor, in Springfield. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Tipton: John M., a printer, who married Miss Elizabeth Broeker and resides with his mother; Sadie E, the wife of George P. Keller, a machinist of Paducah, Kentucky; George W., who is now traveling, but makes his home with his mother; and Libby M. and Leah J., also at home.

Mr. Tipton died on the 5th of March, 1902. He was a valued member of various fraternal organizations, including the Knights of the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen, the Court of Honor and Crystal Light, all of Springfield. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and he attended its services with her. Viewed from a financial standpoint his life was a successful one and a few years prior to his death he built in Springfield the attractive residence at No. 1017 North First street. In 1903 the3 widow sold that and built a handsome modern residence at No. 1055 North Sixth street. His political prominence made him well known throughout the county and he possessed many traits of character that made him a genial and popular citizen.