The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-02-23

u6 Dts Deen IeolueIt VI tue valley ever
since. In early. life he as clerking in a dry
goods store at Perryville, for nine years and
At Lafayette for five years. where be was the
companion and associate Of Ex-Sena tor Jo-
seph +. Mcdonald, while that gentleman
was learning ths trade of q harnessmaker
Mr.. English we'll remembers how young Nc.
Donald would sag that he never intended
following his trade for living. In 1853 the
subject of this sketch settled in Danville and
for three years thereafter he continued in
the dry goods trade. In 1S56 he began
in the banking business. and in that bust
ness we now find him with
nearly thirty years OF record behind
him, emitting MIN to the credit OF being the
Oldest, safest and most reliable banker in
eastern Illinois. To do banking business
for twenty-nine years. without being crowd
ed under during the shocks that the fnan-
oisl world has experienced in that long span
OF time. is no easy matter and to do it 50
successfully, and at the same time grow in
favor, SIS has been the case with Mr. Eng
lish, Is the grandest evidence OF the merit
and ability OF the man, and an argument
that c0nvlnces every thoughtful mind. Mr.
English has had little time to spare fro
business to devote to politics or other exct-
Jig undertakings. He has not sought Office
nor pre.erment of any kind, though at one
time be was prevailed upon to accept mem
beTship In the Board OF Equalization solely
IN the interest OF the public This ne held
for four years, discharging his duty ably
and creditably. His nature does not tit him
for political or other strifes His traits of
character run in the genial order, and his
mild and benevolent expression of counte
nance will never give way TO the avaricious
and grasping look of the money changer and
grabber. Large possessions do not change
his simplicity OF manner. he is socially
Democrat though In politics he is a Repuo-
Lean. De is one OF the first citizens OF Dan
vile. and to leave his bank and himself out
NJ hes akafQ hes h. 10
city OF a big credit mark which is hereby
given it, at least indirectly by this passing
mention. Mr.. ]. G.. English is a Well-pre-
served man OF sixty-four years. He is noted
for perseverance IN his undertakings, has
broad views of things genaraIIy, bat can get
down 10 details when required. He can
compass a transaction with readiness and to
this fancy as much as to any other does he
owe bis business success. He is clear
headed, quick of perception, and knows
what he knows thoroughly. This
is explained on the ground that
being deprived of early educational
advantages he became his own teacher, and
what be needed he studied with ayidity and
from practical point of view. He is self
made in the matter of fortune, in the char
actsr of bis education Also aud his manner,
while natural in most respects, has, vet,
been nodded after an ideal in his own mind.
He Is a maE of method and little impulse
though his nature Is of the emotional order.
he has pride ia his town. is proud OF his
friends, and is himself warm friend. His
love for Danville makes him public spirited
to no little degree, and his money will con-
tinue to beautify and improve his surround.
lDgs as long as business will Justify legisi-
mate outlay. Danvllle is TO- be congratu-
lated because OF a class of citizens of whom
Mr.. English is not so much q leader IS q fair
sample. These men, many OF them adj
vanced in years and old settlers, who have
had many obstacles to overcome are not mig
gardly or horders up OF means, but, on the
contrary, are enterprising and energetic
men, who believe IN moving onward and
accomplishing something in the order of de-
velCDment. 1t is because OF this trait, and
because OF special merit and good standing,
that the First National Bank of DauYille
and its President are here commended by
the Sentinel. A good bank is the next best
thing after natural advantages for a capital
ist to know, and should this setting forth of
Dsnviilc indneo any such to locate in our
border city the facts as here presented Will
be found 70 correspond with the reality.
Mr.. JOHN P. NORvELL
is the renowned abstractor of liabilities in
this part Of Illinois. His abstract BOOKS for
NtrmiIlion County are the most com plete tn
ne found, aud with reasonable charges for the
best work he gets the business. He has been
fourteen years in his present calling, and it
right be presumed that in that space of
time be could have absorbed the knowledge
Of titles to which ne lays claim; but when
II IS known that Mr.. Norvell is a lawyer aud
man of more than ordinary intellectual
grasp IL might be as well TO say: Good
morning, Mr.. Norvell, you lead in your
line" To his business OF sbstrsctor he has
added that OF TIRE insurance, and for the
past three years he has been the SCISSOR
and Collector for Danville Township. in
which this city Is aituated. He has there
Tore plenty OF business to keep him busy
and perhaps, In ms Way. he is of mora i'm
portance u Danville than are most Others OF
sreafer preteHsions. de has resided here for
The past eighteen years, is a native of Trum-
bic County, Kentucky, and is forty six years
OF age During the war he served four
years and three month as . 1artermaster OF
TIE Fifty-fOurth Illinois Infantry. He went
IN as Democrat, came out with his political
faith mistaken, and il still an adorer at the
shrine OF Jackson. So prominent ia the
held OF politics is the subject Of this sketch
that the PostmSstership of Dsnville will be
gwen to him If the request of mis- neighbors
and host of acquaintance throughout the
state be harkened to by the incoming
administration. Mr.. Norvell has served as
member OF the Board of Aldermen from
his ward, has been forem most 10 tae
councils OF his party, and is a Mason in
the thirty-second degree. His record reads
Ike this. Grand Standard Bearer Grand
Commandery h. T., Ill; Past Grand High
Priest, H.: Past Emit. Com. Athelsta1 Com
mandery, No. 40 h. T.; District Deputy
Grand Master, Illinois; Oriental Consistory
A. a. 5. Rite. Chicago. There is not lodge
IN the State some of whose members are not
acquainted with John p. Norvell, both as 8
brother and rs man OF sterling qualities
Fellowship Of the Hottest kind is native to
him, and when cultivated in his school OF
surroundings and thoughts it serves to lift
man clear out OF the mire and methods th at
nurture selfshnessL The amenities of life
and the virtues that look better in acts than
they sound in speech, are the things be has
cultivated. His is public spirit He en-
tertsins without gush, but with warmth and
an eye to the practical. He is brim full of
a good nature and good humor. can sing
hymn or comic song. and his stories are