DR. CHARLES M. VERTREES. A residence of thirteen years in Murrayville, and that length of time a practitioner of medicine and surgery, has fully established the subject of this sketch in the esteem and confidence of the residents of this locality, who look upon him as one of their leading men, both professionally and as a member of the community. He is a scion of old Kentucky stock, although a native of this State, having been born in Pike County, March 1, 1838. His parents were John and Nancy (Bradbury) Vertrees, the father born in the Blue Grass State, and the mother in Ohio.
About 1839, when our subject was a year old, his parents moved to Fulton County, where they probably lived six years. We next find them in Knox County, where they sojourned until our subject was reared to man's estate. The father during those years was engaged in agricultural pursuits, but finally retired from active duties of life, and is now a resident of Galesburg, Ill. The mother died June 8, 1888.
The early education of our subject was obtained in the district school, but when approaching his majority, anxious to gain further knowledge, he entered Abingdon College, where he applied himself to his books one year. Then followed the outbreak of the Civil War, and at its beginning in April, 1861, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company E, 17th Illinois Infantry. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Southwest under command of Gen. Grant, and young Vertrees fought at one battle of Frederickstown, Mo., and received a painful wound in the face, which confined him in a hospital a number of weeks. As soon as convalescent he rejoined his regiment, and met the enemy in battle at Ft. Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Vicksburg, and numerous other engagements and skirmishes. He served the regular term of his enlistment, was promoted to First Sergeant, and after receiving his honorable discharge, re-enlisted in 1865 in Hancock's 7th Veteran Corps, which was mostly assigned to guard duty around the cities of Washington and Philadelphia. He remained with the army until early in 1866, and served as Sergeant Major of his regiment. At Vicksburg he was struck by a spent canister shot, from which, however, he soon recovered.
Upon retiring from the service, our subject began the study of medicine with Dr. S. D. Pollock, of Abingdon, and now of Galesburg, with whom he remained about two years. During the winter of 1868-69, he attended Rush Medical College at Chicago, and at the close of the term began the practice of his profession at Bath, in this State. Subsequently he passed examination by the State Board of Health, and was duly licensed to practice in the State. He sojourned at Bath about one year, and then took up his abode in Murrayville, where he has since resided.
Dr. Vertrees was married July 20, 1871, to Miss Amelia D. Fields, daughter of Dr. Fields of Mason County, this State. This union resulted in the birth of three children, two of whom, Ione A., and J. William are deceased. The only daughter living, Sada A., was born May 7, 1877. The Doctor as an ex-soldier, belongs to Watson Post G.A.R. of which he was Commander one year. He is also identified with the I.O.O.F., and is the Treasurer of his lodge. He has passed all the Chairs and represented it in the Grand Lodge. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, and in this has served as Senior Warden.
Mrs. Vertrees is a lady held in high respect in her community, and an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject, politically, votes the straight Republican ticket, and is quite prominent in local affairs, holding the office as President of the Village Board of Tustees, and is also President of the Board of School Directors. He has obtained to his present position solely by his own efforts, receiving no financial assistance at the start, and having no capital but his good health and persevering disposition. He is popular both among his professional brethren and as a citizen, and is widely and favorably known throughout Murrayville and vicinity.