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EDWARD COLMAN PACE, Cashier of the Centennial Bank of Ashley, was born in Ml. Vernon, ILL., September 25, 1832, and in order of birth is the fifth of nine children comprising the family of Joel and Pamela (Daniels) Pace, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. A short time before the territory of Illinois was admitted into the Union as a state, the father came hither and at once became prominently connected with the public affairs of Jefferson County. For a period of thirty-seven years he served as County Clerk, County Judge and County Recorder, and was long numbered among the most influential men of the county, where his death occurred. His estimable wife preceded him to the grave. In the schools of Mt. Vernon the subject of this sketch received a practical education, conducting his studies in the winter seasons, while his summers were devoted to farm work. At the age of twenty he left home and began in business for himself. For a time he assisted in the survey of the Illinois Central Railroad, working with the corps of engineers, and remaining thus engaged until the work of that line was finished. He then went to Springfield, ILL., and embarking in the mercantile business, continued thus interested for a few years. Removing to St. Louis, Mo., he accepted a position in a wholesale clothing house, where he remained for three years. From St. Louis, Mr. Pace returned to Mt. Vernon, where he conducted a general dry-goods business until the breaking out of the late war. He then came to Ashley, where he has since resided with the exception of four years, 1872 to 1876, when he was engaged in the commission business at Cairo, ILL. The banking house of Pace Bros., with which he is now connected, is one of the most prominent private banks in the county and has established a solid reputation in financial circles.While the details of his business occupy his attention largely to the exclusion of other matters, he nevertheless finds time to keep posted upon events of current interest, and is a man of broad information. In 1859 Mr. Pace married Miss Mary A., daughter of Roswell and Lucretia (Beecher) Woodin, prominent people of New Haven, Conn. Mrs. Woodin was a sister of the renowned Judge Edwin Beecher, of Fairfield. Five children were born to bless this union, four of whom are now living.
Mr. and Mrs. Pace are members of the Methodist Church. Socially, Mr. Pace is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and enjoys the distinction of being the only thirty-third degree Mason in southern Illinois. At present he is Past Grand High Chief of Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, and also Grand Captain-General of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. His judgment concurs with the principles of the Democratic party, in which he is a prominent and active worker. He has served his district as representative on the Board of Equalization for four years, and was one of the Illinois members of the World's Fair Board of Commissioners. He is now and for a number of years has been a member of the State Board of Agriculture. In a career honorable alike to himself and to the community, Mr. Pace has shown those valuable traits of character without which success is unattainable; and the perusal of this biographical sketch leads one to believe that he is a man of sound judgment and high worth, whom his fellowcitizens may well hold in respect and esteem. Well informed in financial matters, he is admirably adapted for the responsible position which he has occupied for many years.
"Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton,
Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer