The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch did not seek
any royal road to the goal of prosperity and independence, but began in
legitimate ways to advance himself and the result is that he is now numbered
among the successful newspaper men of Southern Illinois, having devoted
practically his entire life to the management of an old and popular paper,
the Democrat, published at Centralia, and he has been a molder of public
opinion, having been a faithful defender of the rights and interests of the
people of this vicinity at all times.
C. D. Tufts was born in
Centralia, Illinois, January 27, 1864, the son of Samuel P. and Zerelda
(Goodwin) Tufts, the former having been born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts,
January 28, 1827. The latter was born in Indiana October 6, 1833. They were
married October 4, 1857, in Marion county, Illinois. Four of their children
are now (1908) living, namely: Gay L.; C. D., our subject; Elsie M., and
Zerelda D. Elsie M. married Ray Greene, of Sterling, Illinois. They have no
children. Samuel P. Tufts passed to his rest October 4, 1903, at the age of
seventy-six years. His widow is still living and enjoys excellent health;
she is a woman of beautiful Christian character, being a member of the
Baptist church.
The early education of C. D. Tufts was obtained in
the Centralia high school, in which he graduated in 1882. He has published
the Democrat since 1883, having had charge of the office since then. His
father was formerly the editor of this paper, which was established in 1869.
Samuel P. Tufts had charge of the paper when it was burned out in 1871, and
he re-established it as a weekly. It has been conducted as a daily and
weekly since 1892. The circulation has gradually increased from the first
until it now consists of one thousand and two hundred on both the daily and
weekly. The paper has always been popular with the people of Marion county,
having been a faithful defender of the local interests. It is ably and
carefully edited, and the news service is prompt and of the best. The
mechanical appearance of the paper shows that the best and most modern
equipment is used in the plant.
Mr. Tufts has been honored with many
official positions, all of which he has discharged with ability. He was
president of the Board of Education of Centralia for one term, also
president of the Illinois Press Association for one term. During Governor
John P. Altgeld's administration he was private secretary of the
Lieutenant-Governor for a period of four years. He was a member of the
Democratic State Central Committee and is at present Master in Chancery of
Marion county. He has long been an able exponent of the principles of the
Democratic party and his support can always be depended upon in furthering
the local interests of this party.
In his fraternal relations, Mr.
Tufts is a member of Centralia Lodge No. 201, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons; Centralia Council, No. 93, Royal Arch Masons; Centralia Council, No.
28, Royal and Select Masters; Cyrene Commandery No. 23, Knights Templar. He
is in command of the Commandery. Mr. Tufts is also a member of Centralia
Lodge No. 394, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; also a member of
Helmet Lodge No. 26, Knights of Pythias, of Centralia. He is a member of the
Order of Eastern Star and the Pythian Sisters, of Centralia lodges.
Mr. Tufts is a man of sunny disposition, affable, approachable and makes
friends easily, which 'he has no trouble in retaining. While strong in his
views, he is always willing to be fair and is candid at all times and under
all circumstances. He enjoys an extensive acquaintance all over the state of
Illinois among men of all classes, and he is held in high favor by all who
know him for his honesty of purpose, pleasing manners and the future to such
a man cannot help but be replete with abundant success.
Extracted 27 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 539-540.