Levin D. Gass 1899-1900

Levin D. Gass served as Master of Olive Branch No. 38 in 1899-1900.  We share the biographical sketch included in the book, The Past and Present of Vermilion County, Illinois, published by the S.J. Clarke Publishing Company in 1903.  

LEVIN D. GASS. 

Levin D. Gass is the well known cashier of the First National Bank of Danville and to say of him that he has arisen unaided from comparative obscurity to rank among the leading business men of Danville is a statement that seems trite to those familiar with his life, yet it is just to say in a history that will descend to future generations, that his business record has been one that any man would be proud to possess. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not fulfilled, and stands to-day an example of what determination and force combined with the highest degree of business integrity can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character. He is respected by the community at large and honored by his business associates. 

Mr. Gass was born in Catlin, Illinois, November 22, 1858. His father, John H. Gass was born in Tennessee and died in August, 1895, in Chicago. He had been engaged in the live stock commission business in that city in connection with John Adams, Son & Company, for twenty-four years. He took up his abode in Vermilion county in 1856, and in Danville in 1866. He was a

wholesale and retail grocery of the city as well as an extensive dealer in live stock in Chicago. His wife died in February, 1901.  In the family were the following children : Hamlet; Charles; Mrs. George Cutter and Mrs. Butler Miller, all of Chicago; and Mrs. Olmstead, of Danville.

Levin D. Gass pursued his early education in the public schools of Danville and then became a high school student. In 1875 he put aside his text books and entered the First National Bank under J. G. English as president and E. H. Palmer as cashier. He acted as messenger and errand boy in the early days of his connection with the institution and afterward served as collector for eighteen months and was then advanced to the position of general bookkeeper, which incumbency he retained for two years, after which he was individual bookkeeper for eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he was made teller and when four years had passed he was again promoted, becoming assistant cashier, in which capacity he served for fourteen years. For five years he has been cashier of the institution and its growth and progress during this period is largely attributable to his efforts.  He is a stockholder and director of the bank and his thorough understanding of the banking business combined with close application and unremitting diligence have made him one of the most valued officers of the institution and a man who has won and retains the public confidence and regard. He is also a stockholder in the

Danville Buggy Company and he owns both city and farm property, having made judicious investments in real estate.

In this city, in 1881, Mr. Gass married Miss Eva Hulce, a native of Marshall county,

Illinois, and a daughter of Martin Hulce, now deceased, who was the president of the Danville Buggy Company. They have four children ; Lewis, Martin, Inez and Howard, all of whom are yet under the parental roof and are now students in school. The family home is at No. 318 Gilbert street and the household is celebrated for its gracious hospitality.

Fraternally Mr. Gass is connected with the blue lodge and the chapter of Masonry.  He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of America. For many years he has been a member of the Kimber Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee. He takes a very prominent and

active part in politics, is a stanch Republican and has served as school treasurer and president

of the board of education in Danville.  He was one of those who helped to start the movement which caused the Republicans of Illinois to give an almost universal support to the sound money plank of the platform in 1896 and led the state delegation to give its unanimous strength to the McKinley ticket in that year. His has been a busy, useful and honorable life and while business

affairs have made close demands upon his attention he has yet found time and opportunity to failhfully perform his duties of citizenship and of social life. He has a very wide acquaintance in Danville and the circle of his friends is almost co-extensive therewith.   His enterprise and commercial activity have not only contributed to his individual welfare but have been a potent force in advancing business prosperity here.