History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

400 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
Charles T. Self received his education in the public schools of
Fraukliu Grove, graduating iu 1900, in which year he removed to
Dixon. There he entered his father's blacksmith shop and in part-
nership with his brother, G. H. Self, bought out the father's inter-
est in the business in 1903. Mr. Self continued until 1909 as part
owner, but in that year acquired his brother's share. He has
proved himself a reliable business man and has an up-to-date
shop, enjoying a large patronage. Although yet young in years,
he is well on the road to prosperity.
Mr. Self has always interested himself in public affairs and
has given his support to a number of worthy enterprises that have
been of benefit to the conununity and the county. On the progres-
sive ticket he made the race for circuit clerk but was defeated by a
majority of two hundred and thirty votes, the republican candi-
date being elected. Considering the strength of the latter party in
the county, Mr. Self made a remarkable showing. In 1912 he was
elected as county supervisor foi' a term of two years and now serves
with effieienc}' in the comity government, ably representing his dis-
trict on the board. Along religious lines he is a member of the
Christian church. He is well known in Y. M. C. A. circles, of
which organization he is a member, and he is also connected with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to which society he has
belonged since 1904. Mr. Self takes interest in bowling and for
the past six years has been a member of the city bowling team of
Dixon. He is esteemed and respected by all who know him and in
social and business circles has made many friends who honoi' him
for his high qualities of character.
DAVID SMITH.
One cannot carry investigations far into the pioneer history of
Lee county without learning of the honorable and worthy part
which David Smith has taken in the work of promoting development
and advancement. He is one of the oldest residents of this
locality, having made his home on the farm on which he lives
since 1S37 although he now rents most of the farm to three of his
grandnephews. Since the beginning of his active career his influence
has been a force in progress, being given always to measures
of public advancement and reform. At the age of eighty-two Mr.
Smith is still interested in agricultural pursuits, owning a fine