********************************************************************* File contributed to the McLean County ILGenWeb Project Copyright 2006, all rights reserved. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format without the written consent of the author, ilmcleanvcc@gmail.com. ********************************************************************* Source: Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McLean County, Munsell Publishing Co. 1908 Transcribed by Marc Doty - mdcdoty@indy.rr.com ********************************************************************* Elias Landis Biography "Landis, Elias. – After a residence of considerably more than half a century in McLean County, Ill., nearly all of which has been devoted to agricultural pursuits in Downs Township, Elias Landis is now spending his declining years in comfortable retirement in the village of Downs, conscious that his long career of industry, frugality and faithful discharge of the duties of citizenship, has gained for him the confidence, respect and cordial good-will of those who know him. The birth of Mr. Landis occurred in Mifflin County, Pa., December 12, 1827. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (GUSLER) LANDIS, were also natives of Pennsylvania, the former having been born in Lancaster County, in that State, in 1796. In 1835, Jacob Landis moved to Ohio, locating on a farm one mile from the city of Dayton. He was a carpenter and cabinetmaker during the earlier portion of his life, and at a later period devoted his attention to farming. After remaining in Ohio for several years, he moved to McLean County, Ill., where he departed this life in 1881. Peter LANDIS, was the paternal grandfather, who was of German nativity, came to this country in the latter part of the eighteenth century, settling in the Lancaster County, Pa., where he died at the age of ninety-three years. Elias Landis was reared on a farm, at seven years of age removing with his parents to Ohio, where he was educated in the common schools. When a young man he engaged in pumpmaking, following that occupation for a number of years. In February, 1854, he came to Illinois, locating in Bloomington and devoting his attention to the manufacture of pumps, in which he continued four years. During this period, he put pumps in wells in almost every part of the county. Subsequently, he rented a farm five miles from Bloomington, which he cultivated until 1865, when he bought 106 acres of farming land, situated two miles east of Downs, McLean County, where he pursued his wonted occupation for about thirty years. Selling the property in September, 1895, he withdrew from active pursuits and moved into the village of Downs, where he has since lived in retirement. By long-sustained industry, economy and intelligent and thrifty management, he has accumulated a handsome competency, and he and his family own valuable property in his place of residence. On December 15, 1858, Mr. Landis was married to Frances E. COWDEN, who was born in Warren County, Ky., December 4, 1835. The parents of Mrs. Landis were Rives C. and Mary (PRUNTY) COWDEN, the former a native of Franklin County, Va., and the latter of Warren County, Ky. They came from Kentucky to Green County, Ill., in 1836, and after remaining there until 1840, they moved to Bloomington, but a short time afterwards moved on a farm of 196 acres in Danvers Township. To this Mr. Cowden added, as opportunity offered, until his land holdings amounted to about 356 acres. He was a teacher in Greene County, Ill., and was also engaged in teaching in McLean County for sometime. In 1848 he moved to Polk County, Mo., where he died at the age of about seventy-nine years. His wife passed away at forty years of age. In politics, he was allied with the Whig party. Mr. and Mrs. Landis have no children, but reared and educated a boy named William WHETSTER, who now resides in Lincoln, Ill., where he is a Principal of a Business College. His wife was formerly Fredericka MALLOY, a native of New York, born in Olean, in that State. They have two daughters: Frances and Marcella. Mr. Landis and his wife have also reared Helen KEY, whose home is in Memphis, Tenn., the place of residence of her husband, William HAMILTON. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are the parents of three children. During the earlier part of his career, Mr. Landis was identified with the Whig party. At a later period he became a Republican, and since Gov. St. John’s candidacy for presidency, he has been a Prohibitionist. He was once Assessor of Downs Township, and also served as constable four years. While living in Ohio he was affiliated with the I. O. O. F., belonging to the Buckeye Lodge of Dayton. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both enjoy the profound respect and sincere regard of the entire community."