Bureau County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 17 of those read), 1906

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 17 of those read)

.\ half century is a long period of time as compared with average length of human life. When mil' |iass('s tlic fiftieth mil(^>.lone he is bor- dering upon the period of decay and gradually he withdraws from the responsible positions and becomes only a remembrance in life's activities. Not so with institutions. Institutions if properly managed, live on and grow brighter and better as the years roll by. Of such is the history of the Bureau County Fair. A little more than half a hundred years liave come and gone since a little knot of men stood in and about the postofSce in Princeton waiting for the distribution of the mail. While standing there their attention was attracted to a poster of the "Buell Institute Fair/' to be held at Hennepin, the county seat of Putnam county.

Among that party of men who read the notice of the Putnam county Fair was Stephen G. Paddock, who said to the others, "Why not have a fair of our own instead of crossing the Illinois river to see the show?" This was in 1855, and as a result of the conversation that morning at the postofEce a notice was published asking those in favor of such an enterprise to meet in the court house on June 16, 1855. This call was signed by J. I. Taylor, John H. Bryant, Alfred F. Clark, Stephen G. Paddock, H. V. Bacon, Lazarus Eeeve, R. T. Templeton, Benjamin Newell, Justus Stevens and J. V- Tliomiison.

The meeting convened in accordance with the call and Caleb Gushing was made chairman and S. G. Paddock secretary. R. J. Woodruff, Arthur Bryant and Thomas S. Elston were appointed as a committee to prepare an address to the farmers and to draft a constitution and by-laws for the society. S. G. Paddock was appointed corre- secretary and Mile Kendall his assistant. July 7, the same year, the second meeting was called. Austin Bryant was chairman and S. G. Paddock secretary. The constitution was read and adopted. The committee on address reported and one thousand copies of the address and constitution was ordered printed, and the society made this organization permanent. The following officers were elected : President, R. J. Woodruff; vice-president, W. R. Bense; secretary, S. G. Paddock; treasurer, R. T. Templeton; directors, Hezekiah W. Terry, Alphcus Cook, V. Aldiich. Thomas Grattize, Fred Moseley.

On account of the lateness of the organization, it was thought inexpedient to hold any fair this year. At the October meeting the same officers were re-elected in 1856. Thus the great fair of today had its beginning, and of all the men spoken of as meeting in the postoffice that summer morning in 1855, and the committee on address and constitution, and the officers for the first two years of the fair, but one lives to tell the story, and that is our S. G. Paddock, so well known to us all. Verily men die, but institutions live. The first Bureau County Fair was held in the fall of 1856. The stock was exhibited on a vacant lot south of the new Tjincnln school building. This lot was owned bv the late Justus Stevens, who kindly permitted the ground to be used for that purpose. The fruits and fine arts were exhibited in the old South Union school house, while the trotting was done on the prairie l)ctween the old Bubach place and where Charles Wiggins now lives. The accommodations, of course, were meager and crude, but it was the first fair, and many a heart, now pulseless, beat with satisfaction and Joy at its great success. The people from that time began to look forward to fair week with interest and expectation. The next three fairs were held just north of the high school grounds back of the home of ilartin Zearing. The fourth meeting was held upon the present fair ground, the society having purchased it from Andrew Gosse. The first purchase did not comprise all of the present grounds, but additions have been made at different times until now Bureau county justly feels proud of her spacious and well kept enclosure for her annual exhibits of the products of the farm, the trade, and the horses. The track is one of the finest half-mile tracks in the state. There are fine stock barns, besides a large number of stables. A large and commodious fine arts building, a fine, large fruit hall, a well equipped mechanics' hall, an extended carriage repository, an education hall, and a mammoth hog and sheep barn. All of these are under shingle roofs and they are all painted and in fine order. Such has been the evolution of the Bureau County Fair grounds. The management has been wise and conservative.

1899,' T. C. Callinan. president; 0. Wilkinson, secretary; Henry Fuller, treasurer. May 16, 1900, 0. Wilkinson resigned as secretary and E. W. Phelps elected to fill out his term.

Citapteh Xxti Tllistijiocs Dead

CITAPTEH XXTI. TLLISTIJIOCS DEAD. .Iiilin \\ . Bailey was one of Biii'eau county's most respected citi/ens. Ho was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. October l."). 1S30. At the early age of eleven Mr. Bailey commenced his career as a journalist. He remained in his native state until 1863, when he came to this county and purdiased the Bureau County Hepublican. in which he devoted the rest of his life. Mr. I?ailey was a man who always gave his influence and that of his J)ai)er to every enterprise that had for its ol)ject the betterment of our community and the peo]ile generally. On all the great questions of the (lay Mr. Bailey was always found on the side of social and moral reform. 11 is paper was jirogressive and imlepondent, and under his judicious management became one of the most widely circulated local papers in the whole country. Mr. Bailev early espousetl the cause of the high seho il. and was always its earnest supporter. He was an ardent advocate of the waterworks, and for all needed improvements Mr. Bailey was a strong advocate. His life work was of such a character that his inMueiice extended to many parts of the country, and it can truthfully be said that John W. Bailey's writings were always on the side of morality, integrity and progress, and when his summons came to joint the great majority he passed peaceful ly away, leaving a lamented void in the hearts of all the community.

Mr. Samuel Edwards, of La Moilli', was one of the early Inisincss men of Bureau county. He is remembered as a man of versatile endowments and of high ideals. His voice was ever heard in the cause of human rights and hiuuan jinjgress. He was an ardent abolitionist ami was ever ready to lend a heljiing hand to the jjoor colored pilgrims fleeing from bondage and struggling for liberty. Samuel Edwards was born at Skaneateles, Xew York. October 11. 1819. He was a lineal descendant of (iovernor William Bradfor'T He obtained his education in the common schools and later went to Canandaigua and Skaneateles academies. He was a successful teacher for a numliei' of years. While leaching near (Cincinnati, (Jliio. he foiined an acquaintance with Miss Aurelia M. i'aiinelai'. whom he married May 19, l.Si2, and settled on a farm in Ijn Moille, Illinois the same year. Ami there, under his careful direction, the nursery known as the Evergreens was established, '{'he beautiful home, suri-ounded with widespreading trees, green lawns and beautiful tlowers, was a favorite resort for people of education and culture, and the hospitality with ^vhich they were greeted and entertained made them loath to go and eager to return again.

.Mr. Edwards was honcuvd by being elected to all the ollices in the State Horticultural Soi-iety. of which be was a ebaiier membei'. lie was also a nu^mlier of the Xorlliei'n Illinois 1 bn't ieultural Society, and here. loo. be received like ivcognition. The articles fidin bis pen. which were published in \arious papers and magazines. ])ertaining to ibe care and culture of trees and |)lants. was an education to the peo])le. ami the ri'sult is visible, as everywhere we see what was once treeless ])rairies now dotted over with stately 'trees and shrubs of numerous types.

The education of the young engaged much of the attention of Mr. Edwanls. and he was appointed one of ibe first trustees of the Illinois Industrial rni\i>rsily. at Champaign, by (iovernor b'icbard Ogleshy. He was inlhiential in its oi'- ganizalioii and early im|irovements.

He was at one lime assoi-iali^d on llii' editorial staff of ihe I'eoria .lournal. and ser\c(l one term as treasurer of Hui-eau county, lint most of his attention was gixcii to his eboseii oecu])ation. The impress of Samuel fidwaids" strong character Ins followed down the years, and today he is considered one of the fathers of hortieulture in the groat state of Illinois. Mr. Edwards was married the second time on November 27, 18T4, to Mrs. Emeline Benedict Ladd. His last years were spent in Mendota, where, on January 2i, 1898, he jjassed to the higher life.

lion, t'liarles. Baldwin was a man whom Burean county delighted to honor. He was energetic, progressive and scholarly. He was plain, modest and unassuming, but his mind was clear, logical and coni]ireheusive. His alnlity to gras)) the situation of things and conditions, coupled with' his sterling integrity, nmde liim a man of superior business qualifications.

Mr. Baldwin was born at Barkhamstead, Litclitield county, Connecticut, August "20, 1S"2!). and died at Block Island, a summer resort off tlie coast of Rhode Islanil, on the IGth of August, 1S8"3. His early life was one of toil and privations, but his active mind and indomitable will led him through those trying years during which time he fitted himself for his chosen profession and was admitted to the bar in 1856. In the spring of 1857 he came west and in 1858 found his way to Princeton, where he spent the remainder of his life. In 1860 Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Louisa McArdle. In 1863 he was elected by the board of supervisors drainage commissioner of Bureau county. He held this office nearly sixteen years, nntil the matter in controversy was settled. He served eight years as a member of the school board. In 1876 was elected to the state legi.slature and left such a favorable impression of his ability and worth that when he was again elected in 1880 he was made chairman of the judiciary committee, which is considered the post of honor and trust in the house. In all of the many public positions that he was called upon to fill, he managed with marked ability and to the satisfaction of the people and with credit to himself. This is a short sketch of this n,seful jnan. He died in the full flush of a vigorous manhood lamented by all who knew him, but his memory lingers in the hearts of his kindred and friends.

Proliably im iiuiu in the liistoi-y of Bureau county has had more to do with its progress and develojiment than the Hon. John H. Bryant, and no man was l)etter known or a]ipreciated. He came here in his yonng nuuihood with all of the hope and ambition incident to that period of life. He found the whole country wild, unsettled and desolalr. awaiting the hand of civilization. No roads, no bridges and no prospects of immedirte settlement, while on every side stretched miles and miles of trackless prairies that liad been the home and dwelling place for generations of a race of people who.se past has never been known ami probably will never bo written, not a font rif canal or railroad I ransportri ion, lunilicr for building jiurposes being drawn by ox teams from Chicago, which was abso the market for the products of the land, which were carried by same mode of transportation. Amid such scenes and conditions as these 'Sly. Bi'vant came to this county. The Black Hawk war had just closed, what few settlers remained had passed through most trying experiences, yet they were not dismayed and the coming among them of such a young man as John H. Bryant brought new life and new hopes. Mr. Bryant was born in Cummingtou, Massachusetts, July 22, 1807, where he spent the early yeiirs of his life with his widowed mother, his father having died M'lien he was but thirteen years of age. His educational prospects were somewhat clouded, in his boyhood, on account of having weak eyes, but his mind was quick to grasp the elementary j)rinciples of a correct and thorough education ; later he attended the ('ummington Academy and the Rensselaer School, of Troy, New York. He left Troy in June, 1829, and walked home, a distance of forty miles, arriving there aljout nine o'clock on the day of starting. He spent a short time at home, but not idly, as he, at this time. was writing both prose and poetry for different periodicals. In the winter of 1830-31 he tauglit school in Plainfield for which he received fourteen dollars per month and '"boarded around." Beginning to realize that there were lietter openings for young men in the far west he accordingly made arrangements for a trip to Illinois. In the spring of 1831 he took his belongings, which consisted of clothing and a few carpenter tools, and started on his journey. He rode to Hudson on the river of the same name in New York in a wagon, the owner of which nuide trips to that city for merchandise; then he took steamer to Albany, where he engaged pas.sage on the Erie canal to Buffalo, lieing seven days on the way, costing him four dollars for the trip, board included. Finding the harljor full of floating ice at Buffalo he was obliged to go to Dunkirk further south for a boat. He wished to go to Cleveland and then by canal to tlie Ohio river, but the boat that was to leave Dunkirk did not stop at that place, so he decided to go by the way of Jamestown and Lake Chautauqua, then down the Concwango creek on a irft boat to the Allegheny river. Here he fell in with a family going down the river in what they calli'il an "'Ark." They made room for the subject id' our sketch and they with their bagcage floated down the stream to Pittsburg, Mr. Bryant occasionally going ashore to shoot squirrels to furnish meat for the company. It took them seven clays to go from Warren, wliere they struck the .Vljegheny, to Pittsburg. Here he took a steamer down the Ohio. When he arrived at Louisville he was transferred to another boat liound for St. liouis. On tins l>oat were one hundred and twenty-five slaves, the pi'operty of some Kentuckians moving to 'Missciui-i. 'I'hey reached St. Louis on ^ia\ .Vfler'a lu-icf stav in that c-itv lie boarded the steamer --Traveler," uliieli made regular trips up the Illinois river as far as Naples. At the last named place he arrived May 27 and immediately started on foot for his brother Arthur's home in Jacksonville, a distance of twenty-seven miles, which he reached before nightfall.

This journey from L'ummington to Jacksonville was made in five weeks at an e.xpense of sixty tlollars. During the spring and summer of 1832 he worked on his brother's farm in Jacksonville; about this time his brother Cyrus arrived from the east and in September, 1832, they started on horseback for Bureau county. Their course was directed by the knowledge they possessed in regard to the Ham]ishire colony locating at Princeton. They pa,ssed through what is now one of the most productive parts of the state and finally arrived at Roland ^[oscley"s, whom Cyrus had known in JIassachusetts, and being pleased with the appearance of the country, they made arrangements to locate. While at yir. iloseley's they met Dr. William Chamberlain, lie and others called the Bryants' attention to the piece of land where the John H. Br}^ant house now stands; this land had been "claimed" by Michael Kitterman but had been Jumped by Curt Williams - a character of those early days. The war had scared him away, but he returned in due season, and the Bryants bought him off, so they obtained peaceful possession of the same. The cabin was a very mule niic. luiving a stick chimney and dirt floor, but here the two brothers lived in peace and harmony, having an abundant opportunity to study the works and wonders of nature with which Mr. Bryant dearly loved to commune. Their fare was plain but plentiful and consisted mostly of corn bread and bacon, which was occasionally interspersed with white bread of their own cooking. During the winter they split rails and fenced forty acres each.

In the spring they commenced breaking sod with an ox team, using what wa.s called the Cary j)low, which they lirought from Jacksonville; when it needed sharpening they took the share on horseback to a shop eighteen miles distant. The two brothers did their own housework ami tilled their sorl until June, 1833, when John H. went back to Jacksonville for a helpmate, where he was married on June 17, 1833. They came by the Illinois river to Hennepin, where he met Dr. Cliamiierlain, who kindly oU'ered tlie use of his horse to convey them to Princeton. This offer was accejited by the young couple and Mrs. Bryant mounted iijioii the willing steed while the l)ridcgroom walked by its side. It being a time of liigh water, he found some places on the road too deep to wade, so the nolile liorse woidd carry them both. The bride was Miss ITattie Wi,swall. a daiigbter of Jlr. Elijah Wiswall, of Jacksonville, the man for whom Mr. Bryant worked the first summer he was in the state. Tiie hajipy cou])le finally reached the cabin previously deseriix'd and commenced housekeeping. ITcrc they lived one year, whrn ^Ir. Bryant finished, in the spring of 1834, a new log cabin on the spot wdiere the spacious brick house now stands. The location was known as "Round Top." This cabin was afterward moved to the place that Capt. Ori-in Wilkinson's fine residence now occupies. 'I'liis old landmark stood for many years as a reminder of the days of long ago; in tact, its removal in 1892 cost a pang of regret to many who from childhood's hours had seen its rustic form standing as a sentinel to prevent the rushing and progressive present from obliterating the memories of the past.

In 1S3G-37 ]\Ir. Bryant, in company with Mr. Elston, at their own expense, went to X'andalia, wdiere the legislature was in session. Through their iiilliieuce and the help of Stephen A. Douglas, who was a member at that time, the legislature passed an act which led to the organization of Bureau county. In 1843 this district, composed of Stark, Peoria and Bureau counties, sent Mr. Bryant to the legislature. He was again elected in 1858. Mr. Bryant was a delegate to the national republican convention held in Chicago in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was nominated for president, and in the time of the rebellion he was active in every movement that had for its purpose thie advancement of the union cause or the betterment of the condition of the soldiers. In 1802 President fiincoln appointed him collector of the inlei'nal re\cnue foT' the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois. He was chairman of the first board of supervisors and was an active worker for the Princeton high school and served as president ,of the first board of directors. A full volume of interesting reading could be written of his work and worth in this county; but we have only touched upon tlie salient points of his long and eventful life. For sixty-nine years he was an important factor in the political, social and business affairs of this people. He lived to see his fondest ho])es rc'alized. His later years wore spent in cpiiet retirement, surrounded by all the comforts of this great age. In 1902 at the age of 94 he passed to the other shore, but the memory of this worthy pioneer lingers in the hearts and minds of this coniniuiiify like reiiienilirancc of a joy that lias passed.

Dr. James Swanzy was one of the early physicians (if this county. Many persons now living stand ready to testify to his skill as a practitioner. Dr. Swaiizy was born in Monaghan, lieland, in 1808, and came to America in 183(5. From New York he went by canal most of the way to Pittsburg, then down the Ohio river and up the Missouri and Illinois rivers to Hennepin. He remained in Princeton about two years, iheii in 183S moved to .Vrispie townshi]i, on section l"). where he lived until his death, which occurred on June 22, 18(55. Dr. Swanzy was a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Tjondon. lie was married hefiire coming tn iliis country to Catherine Mil- ling, who was born in Ireland in 1809 and died on June 11, 1880. Dr. Swauzy is remembered with great kindness by those whom he ministered nnto during their hours of sickness. But few physicians had the confidence of the public as he had it. His thorough preparation and his sanguine temperament made him a source of great strength to those under his care. His practice was extensive and his success was almost marvelous in many cases. He seemed to liave a natural insight into the complications of disease, and that, coupled with his superior preparation, made him masterful in his profession.

Milo Kendall was born in Waterford, Caledonia county, Vermont, April 1, 1819, where he lived on a fami until eighteen years of age, when he left home to attend school, teaching in the winter to help defray the expenses necessarily incurred while obtaining his education. At the age of twentythree lie commenced the study of law at Lyndon, Vermont, where he remained three years. In the fall of 184:.5 he came to Knoxville, Illinois, where lie remained until the next spring, and was then admitted to the bar in Illinois. In IS-IG he came to Princeton, where he lived until his death, which occurred in December, 190-5. For almost sixty years he went in and out liefore this people, and through all that time his life was an open Ijook. He was genial, kind-hearted and obliging. He had strong personal attachments, but every man was his friend. He believed in the "fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man." In his long and eventful career he never was a grumbler, but he looked at life from a philosophical standpoint, and by so doing he was able to be a source of strength to many a weary soul. Milo Kendall, though dead, still lives in tlic hearts of the people. Health and strength were spared to him far beyond the average of mankind, and when the summons came he apjiroached tlu^ grave "like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams."

In the early part of 1839 the "Illinois Association" was formed at Yale College. The preceding year one Tlieron Bahlwin had read a paper before what was known as the "Society of Inquiry" at Yale on "Indivi(huil Effort in the Cause of Christ." This paper so wrought upon the feelings and inclinations of a Mr. Mason Grosvenor that he immediately conceived the idea of forming an association of young men who would pledge themselves to go west as home missionaries and to locate near each other for mutual advice and encouragement and to found a college; in fact, to give themselves up to the development of the frontier. Just at this time there appeared in the "Home Missionary Journal" an account of the plan of Mr. Ellis for establishing a seminary of learning at Jacksonville, Illinois. Mr. Grosvenor at once wrote to him and told him of the Yale organization that was contemplated and suggested that the two projects be combined. It took two months for a letter to reach Illinois and to receive a reply, but when the answer came it was so satisfactory that the organization was at once completed, with the following compact:

"Believing in the entire alienation of the natural heart from God, in the necessity of the influence of the Holy Spirit for its renovation, and that these influences are not to be expected without the use of means; deeply impressed, also, with the destitute condition of the western section of our country and the urgent claims of its inhabitants upon the benevolent at the east, and in view of the fearful crisis evidently approaching, and which we believe can only be averted by speedy and energetic measures on the part of the friends of religion and literature in the older states, and believing that evangelical religion and education must go hand in hand to the successful accomplisluncnt of this desirable object, we the undersigned hereby express our readiness to go to the state of Illinois for the purpose of establishing a seminary of learning such as shall be best adapted to the exigencies of that country, a part of us to engage in instruction in the seminary, the others to occupy, as preacliers, important stations in the surrounding country, provided the undertaking be deemed practicable, and the location approved; and provided, also, the providence of God permits us to engage in it."

Tliese seven heroic and self-sacrificing young men were called the "Yale Band." Five others joined this band, and among them were Lucian Farnham and Flavel Bascom. This band at once wont to work to raise money for the establishment of an institution of learning on the prairies of Illinois. In September, 1839, the association sent J. M. Sturtevant and Theron Baldwin to Illinois to complete arrangements for combining the two enterprises. They brought with them pledges of money, and an agreement was entered into between the "Yale Band" and the original stockholders, and the new college at Jacksonville opened its doors on January 4, 1830, with nine students. Lucien Farnham was the only member of this band that had not been a student at Yale. He was a graduate of Amherst. He was born July 8, 1799, at Lisbon, Connecticut, graduated at .Vniherst college in 1837 and from Andover seminary in 1830. He came to Illinois in 1830, the year of his graduation, and preached until his death, in 1874. He was the first pastor of the Congregational church in Princeton, serving from 1834 to 1839. He was a frequent visitor to Bureau county up to the time of his death, and was highly respected by all who knew him. His estimable wile was a sister of J. M. MlLouUic, uf rriuceton. Flavel Bascom was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, ill 1804, and graduated from Yale in 1828. For three years lie was a student in the Yale Divinity School, and for three years more was a tutor in the college. The rest of his life work was in IlUnois. He preached in Peoria, Bureau, Putnam and Tazewell counties. He was pastor in Galesburg, Dover, Princeton and Hinsdale, and from 18 10 to 18.30 in the First Presbyterian church in Chicago. He was one of the foundci's of Beloit college and one of the trustees for thirty-seven years. He was also a trustee of Knox college and a director for thirty years of Chicago Theological Seminary. He was one of the si.xteen incorporators of the young ladies" .seminary at Kockford. It will be seen by the foregoing that Eev. Bascom's life was full of good words and work. Bureau county liad the services of this good man for many years. He was pastor in the Dover Congivgational cliurch for several years and in Princeton from 1SG4 to 1869. In his declining years he returned to Princeton and spent his last days among friends and relatives. Surrounded by loving hearts and willing hands, his life went out peacefully and trustingly on August !), 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-six. He was buried at Oaleslnirg. Thus passed away one of earth's great souls, whose whole life had been spent in the service of God and humanity, and as a ripple that is started on the great deep touches the farther sliore, so will the influence of this godly man reach down the ages, broadening and dee])ening as time rolls on. The writer is indebted to the publications of the Illinois Historical Society and to the courtesy of Senator Templeton fill- |il:icing it in his bands, t'or these facts.

Isaac H. A'orris of Berlin township was one of Bureau county's most successful business men. 'Sir. Xorris was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Aiiril ^:^, 1818, came to Bureau county in ISlfi, ami llic next year bought a tract of laiul and gave his attention to stock raising. He was a man of fine judgment in Ijusiness matters and ra|iiilly Mccum,ulated ])ro])erty, both in land and stock. Me was an early imiiorter of both horses and cattle and through his influence the grade of stock in Bureau county was greatly improved. Mr. X(u-ris was a |ilain. unassuming man, but always had an eye to Inisiness. He died a few vears ago, leaving bis thousands of acres of land under a bii,di state of cultivation, covered witli Hocks and herds of the most choice selection.

Hon. Lorenzo Dow Whiting was born in Arcadia, Wayne county, Xew York, November 17. 1819. His father, Samuel Whiting, was a native of Connecticut and married Zilpha Mather, also of that state and a lineal desccn.laiit of Cotton Mather. The grandfather, Samuel Whiting, Sr.. was a soldier of the continental arniv in the Kevolutionaiy war and an early resident of New England. The family was of English descent. Lorenzo D. Whiting, after acquiring an academic education, was employed as a clerk at Olcott, New York, until eighteen years of age. In 1838 he came to Illinois and for four years was engaged in the patent right business, returning then to the Empire slate, where for seven years he engaged in teaching and also acted as town auperintendeut of schools in Newfane. In 18-19 jje again came to Illinois and for three years thereafter engaged in farming ami teaching. He afterward concentrated his energies solely upon agricultural pursuits and became the owner of extensive land holdings. Prominent in community aft'airs, he served as supervisor of Indiantown for five or si.x years, w^as elected to the Illinois house of representatives in 18(58, to the constitutional convention 'ii 18G9 and to the state senate in 18T0. He was a member of the upper house for many years and in the constitutional convention was the first to propose the insertion of a ])rovision requiring the general assembly to pass laws regulating railroad charges and as senator was active in carrying througli the bill which embodied a law against unjust discrimination and extortionate cliarges known as the Granger law. He was the projector of the Hennepin canal scheme and the authcn- of several important laws relating to agriculture, roads and drainage, and of the bill which passed, ceding the Illinois and Michigan canal to the United States on certain conditions. In 18G9 he was among the most active in ojiposing the lake front scheme, whereby three railroad corporations sought to possess themselves of the shore line of the outer and future harbor of Chicago. His championship of measures relating to the producers and liis watchfulness of the public interest when assailed by special and corporate greed made him known as the "fanner statesman." He was married in 1846 to Lucretia C. Clement, of Oneida county, X^ew York, who died in 1872; and in 1874 he wedded Eriphyle Robinson, of Brooklyn, Xew "^'ork, a daughter of Dr. Daniel liobinson, scholar and scientist.

B. X'^. Stevens, deceased, formerly of Tiskilwa, was a native of Boscawen, now Webster, X"ew Hampshire, the tlate of his birth being January 3, ISlli. .\ftii- acquiring an early education in the common schools and attending an academy in his native town he became a student in tJie academy at Hopkinton and afterward in La Petite seminary at Montreal, Canada, whiM-e he spent one year. He was graduated from Dartmouth college in the class of IS.S."), after which he established the Pestolozzian Institute, named in honor of the Swiss teacher in Hopkinsville, Ivcntucky. After three years of active work in that school he returned to his old home in New Hampshire, where he was married September 26, 18.39. to Lydia P. Aldcu. wild was born in Lebanon, New Ilamp- shire, October 22. 1811. and is a direct descendant of John Alden of JIayllower fame and a daughter of Ziba and Sybil (Allen) Alden, natives of Xew Hampshire.

After his marriage Mr. Stevens went to New York city and for three years was a teacher in a select school there. He arrived in Bureau county in September, 1843, having, however, visited the county in 1836. Here he forniL'd a partnership with his father. John Stevens, and his brother, Justus, while Calvin Stevens afterward became associated with them. The firm was known as J. Stevens & Sons and conducted a large mercantile business in Princeton and Indiantown, now Tiskilwa, to which he removed his family in 1845. After selling his interest in the store B. N. Stevens engaged in milling, farming and the lumber business and in 1877 Ijeeame a partner in the establishment and ownership of the Ti^kilwa bank. He also opened a store in Buda and one in Tiskilwa, which he conducted for sonie years. His last years were spent in retirement from active business. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church and he was for many years an active factor in business life and public interests in Bureau county.

Hon. Justus Stevens was born in Boscawen, now Webster, New Hampshire. J.inuarv 18, 1819, and was educated at Fi'anklin academv in Partridge military school at Norwich, Vermont. In 1842 he became a resident of Princeton, where for nearly twenty years he carried on a large mercantile business, buying grain and shipping all kinds of agricultural products to St. L juis and Chicago. His business extended over four counties and he was one of the best known men in his part of the state. At an early day he entered a large tract of land in Bureau county and in 18G0 concentrated his attention upon its improvement. He became the owner of four thousmd acres in one farm twelve miles northwest of Princeton which was devoted principally to stock raising. His efforts not only proved a source of individual success but were of tlie utmost benefit to the community. He was one of the prime movers in organizing the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company, of which he was a direct<ir for several years. He also had a contract on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. While chairman of the board of supervisoi-s he superintended the building of the jail and the purchase of the county farm. He was one of the first to advocate the use of gravel for the building of roads in and about Princeton and also supervised the drainage of the city. In ]March, 1884. he wrs elected mayor of Princeton and all his public work was of direct and immediate benefit to city and county.

On the 9th of June, 1842, Justus Stevens was married to T urena ^IcConihe, a daughter of John ^[cConihe, of llcrrimack. New Hampshire. They liad eiaht children, nf whom five readied maturity: ilandana, who became the wife of James W. Templeton; Mrs. Fannie Harjicr: Darlcne; and Mrs. Blanche Newcomb. The only son, Justus Massillon Stevens, was born December 30, 1846, was ediu'atefl at Racine college, Wisconsin, and became his father's partner in business. In his varivd and extensive enterprises Justus Stevens was a leader among men. and in his large warehousi's, stores, farms, puidic buildings and residences contributed more than proliably any man ever in the county to encourage a spirit of tuterprise among the jieojile, and to adorn, enrich and beautify this portion of Illinois. With all these demands upon his mental and physical powers, his sleepless energies enalded him to more than supply the deficiencies of his early opportunities of education and esthetic culture, and in social, intellectual and political life he was well equipped at an early age to command the same influence and power here that he so easily possessed in the business and commercial world. His executive and financial talents were of the highest order. A democrat by birth and conviction, and althou.T;h spending the days of liis useful manhood in a community and district overwhelmingly republican, and although in no sense a politician by profession or practice, yet his republican friends rarely failed to call hun to the helm where they might enjoy the benefits of his masterly abilities exercised in their behalf in positions of important financial or executive responsibility.

For more than sixty years Rev. Chester CoacII was in the work of the ministry. His first sermon was delivered in New Y(n'k in Novendier. 1840, rnmi the text. "T am the light of the world." and I'l-diii that day unlil liis death hi- continued to ilisjiense light and truth, as lie saw it. to all with whom he canu' in contact. He put i-rceds and theories in the background of his religious lii'e, but with all that was good and true and with cvciylliing that nuikes mankind better, stronger and pui'cr, ids great heart beat in sympathy. lie believed in the "Fatherhood of God and ibe lirotlicrhood of man." l']l(li'i- Covell w(>nt out and in before his penple in jiiida. I'nr nearly lil'ty years and during all that jicriod his life grew richer and sweeter and his faith in Cod and humanity grew stronger and stronger. H(> believed in character, his whole soul was ind)ued with the idea that character is the acme of e.vcelloncc.

I'ev. Covell was a man of high ideals. Xothins low (ir gi'iiveiiing e\ci' I'liund l'a\iii- with him. He was a strong nnudy man and Ins whole life was devoted to the betternu'ut of human society and the assuaging of human sorrow. Tic went down to his grave rich. iu)t in houses and lands, but in tlial wliicli transcends all mcrcenar\ wealth, rich in the iidieritanc(> of well s])ent life. Chester Covell was born in Ogden. Monroe c(uinty. New York, Juno IS. ISi:. He came to Illinois in 18.i2 and to Bureau eiiunly in 18.5."). He permanently located in Jiuda in 18.")S. He passed from this life on Aujnist 5, 1!)0:3, being a little past 86 3'eai-s of age. So pa-si^cd away one of the servants of God who, though liberal in his belief, had perfect faith that an all-wise Creator would guide and guard him in the life that now is and that which is to come. He died mourned and lamented by all who knew him. Let us believe that as the scenes and sounds of this world receded that his disembodied spirit was touched by the breath of the eternal morning and wafted to its haven of rest.

Roderick B. Frary, of J^a Moille, was one of Bureau county's honored citizens for nearly sixty years. He was born in \^liately, Mass., January 28. 1821. and came to Bureau county in 1843. Mr. Frary was a man who was respected for his sterling qualities and strict integrity. He was called to occupy many i)laces of public trust, all of wiiicli be filled to the satisfaction of the people and with credit to himself. He was a man who believed that there was something higher and better in life than colfers of gold and stores of silver and he lived in accordance with that belief, and out from his exemplary life came an inheritance to all of the community in which he lived. He cultivated the higher self. He believed in the Christian religion and practiced its virtues and when his life went out at the age of more than four score years it left a void that could not easily he filled. His courteous ways and manly bearing brought delight wherever he went. He was loyal to his friends and forbearing to his enemies. For many years his presence was enjoyed at the different county gatherings and especially was he pleased to meet with early settlers of the county at their annual reunions and when he laid down life's burdens at the command of the pale horse and its rider his community lost a kind and obliging friend, the county a patriotic citizen and the world a inanlv man.