Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 20 of 28)

Samuel S. Evans sjient his boyhood days under the parental roof and after acquiring his education in the schools of Princeton devoted a number of years to the abstract business. He then turned his attention to manufacturing interests, with which he is still connected as the senior member of the above lirm, manufacturers of ball-bearing axles, shaft holders and quick shifters. 'J'liey also conduct a wholesale and retail trade as dealers in fine vehicles. Their factory in Princeton has now been in operation for five years and they employ twenty men throughout the year and are also represented on the road by live traveling salesmen. They manufacture ball-bearing axles (patented) and quick shaft couplers, and they carry the largest stock of vehicles in Illinois outside of Chicago, selling six thousand per year in a wholesale trade. The firm is now doing a mammotli business and makes shipments to Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas and other points in the west. They also ship axles from New York to the Pacific coast. The trade is extensive and growing and the success of the enterprise is largely attributable to the elTorts of Mr. Evans, who is a most energetic and farsighted business man. He is one of the promoters of commercial activity in Princeton and while winning a large measure of success he also belongs to that class of representative citizens who while advancing their own interests largely contribute to the general prosperity.

Oscar S. Bass, who is engaged in general fanning in Berlin township, was born in Mal(]en, Bureau county. May 19, 1854. and is descended from New England ancestry. His father, Edwin Bass, was born in Connecticut, January 28. 1816, and was married ift 1812 to Emeline J. Stannard, whose birth occurred in the state of New York May 3, 1824. They became early residents of Bureau county, settling within its borders during the pioneer epoch in its history. In their family were the following named: Caroline, deceased; Lucian ; Luther G. : Sidney and Charlotte, both deceased; Oscar S. ; Edwin, who is mentioned el.';ewhere in this volume: Heber and Howard, twins, also deceased ; Wallace, and Alonzo C.

Oscar .S. Bass was reared on the old homestead farm and enjoyed excellent educational privileges. .'Vfter attending the jiublic schools he became a student in Cbiiago rniversity. where he completed his course in 1880. The occuj)atinn to which he was reared he has maile his life work, and is a prosperous and enterprising farmer of Berlin township, having two hundred acres of land which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. The fields are well tilled and there are good buildings and modern improvements on the place, which presents a neat and attractive ajipearance, indicative of the care and labor which .Mr, Bass bestows upon his farm and also of his good business ability.

Oscar Ba.ss was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Cottrell, who was i)oru in Bureau county, August 27, ISfil, her parents being Nicholas and Mary (Cole) Cottrell, both of whom were natives of \Vorthington, Massachusetts, where the father was born December 8, 1829, and the mother on the 7th of May, 1831. Mrs. Bass is a lady of superior culture, refinement and education, who completed her studies in Smith College, in Massachusetts. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Mary, born June 7, 1886; Gerald, January 4, 1889, and Helen, March 20, 1893. The eldest daughter will coni[)lete her education in Kalamazoo College, in Micliigan, where she is pursuing a classical cour.se. It is the intention of Mr. and Mrs. Bass to supply their other children with good educational privileges. Theirs is a pleasant and attractive home, standing in the midst of a line farm of two hundred acres, and they are corilially received in the best homes where culture and intelligence are accepted as the passports to good society.

-Mr. Bass exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and mea.-;ures of the republican party, and has been called by his fellow-townsmen to fill a number of public offices. He served as justice of the peace for two terms, has been township assessor for three terms and is the present incumbent, and is also acting as a member of the school board at this writing. He and his family are ail members of the Baptist church with the exception of their son. who is a Presbyterian in religious faith. In a review of the life record of Mr. Bass it is evident that his success has come through frtigality, business enterprise and irreproachable integrity, for these have been the salient features in his career, having been manifest throughout his entire business life, resulting in the prosperitv which he is now enjoying.

R. W. STORY, D, V. S. Dr. K. W. Story, a veterinary surgeon, who has been located in Princeton since 1886, enjoying a line practice here, was born in Bloomington, Ontario, C'anada, in October. 1857, his parents being William and Frances (Robson) Story, who came from England about 1846 or 1848. 'I'hey were from Yorkshire, and the father's birth occurred near Scarborough, a town on the sea coast. lie died in December. 1S!)0. at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife survived until .August, 1898. passing away at the age of seventy-seven. Two of her brothers came to America and served as soldiers in the war of 1812. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Story were born twelve children, of whom eight sons and two daughters are yet living, while

Past Am

Dr. Story of this review was reared in Ontario, and after acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools prepared for his profession as a student in the Ontario Xeti-rinary College, at Toronto, from which he was graduated with the class of 18ST. Owing to the necessity of making his own way in the world he had practiced for some years before completing his course and since his graduation he has continuously followed the profession, locating in Princeton in 18iSG, and enjoying here a large and constantly growing patronage, which is indicative of the skill and ability which he displays in following his chosen calling.

Dr. Story was married in Canada to Miss Eachei L. Badgerow, who was born in Ontario in 185(5, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Clark) Badgerow. Ilcr maternal grandfather was a Baptist minister and was of English and Scotch descent. Her paternal grandfather served as a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Story was reared in Ontario, where she resided up to the time of her marriage. She, too, is a member of the Baptist church and is a most estimable lady, having a circle of warm and admiring friends. Dr. Story is connected with the Masonic fraternity, holding menii)crship in Bureau lodge, Xo. 112, A. F. & A. M., and in polities he is independent. Well (jualihed for the vocation to which he has given his energies, he has met with creditable success in practice and is a leading representative of Ins profession in Bureau countv.

Eev. William Murtaugh

EEV. WILLIAM MURTAUGH. Bev. William Mnrtaugh, a priest of the Catholic church whose field of labor includes Sheffield and Wyanet, his home being in the former city, was born at Chatsworth, Livingston county. Illinois, July 5, 1860. ITis father Owen Murlaugh, was born in County Louth, Ireland. January 8, 182G, and was the son of a farmer. He was roared to farm life and when twenty-si.x years of age came to America and worked at farm labor for three years. Attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and hoping to realize a fortune in the mines of California, he proceeded southward to New Orleans and thence to Nicaraugua and up the river - the route being practically the route of the present ship canal across the isthmus. He spent two years in mining in California, meeting with reasonable .success and experiencing the usual hardships and privations of those early mining days on the coast. With a fair sum of money as the result of his two years' work he returned to Illinois and purchased eighty acres of land, wlule sub.'sequently be bought a half section in Mar.'jhall county. Later be removed tn Livingston countv and frnm tbrri' 1o I''ni'il coinitv.

Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1890, when he took up his abode in Chatsworth, retiring from active business life. In 1855 he had married Miss Bridget Lawless, of Marshall county, Illinois, who died in 1864, and subsequently he wedded Miss Alice Cleary, of ^A'ilmington, Will county, Illinois. Mr. Murtaugh held many offices of trust in the communities in which he resided and was a most faithful incumbent, ever discharging his duties to the best of his ability. In politics he was a stanch democrat, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the party. He died May 11, l!t(J4, leaving behind the record of a successful and honorable life. His children are the Pev. William Murtaugh, of this review; Frank; Alice; and a son and daughter deceased.

Father Murtaugh, whose name introduces this record, pursued his studies in St. Viateur College at Kankakee. Illinois ; at Watertown, Wisconsin ; in Grand Seminary, at Montreal, Canada; and in St. Mary's Seminary, at Baltimore, Maryland. At the last named he was made suij-deacon and afterward deacon. Cardinal Gibbons olficiating. He was ordained a priest at St. Mary's cathedral in I'eoria. Illinois, August 6, 1888, and first served as assistant pastor at Pontiac for six months. He next liad charge of the church at Chatsworth for about the same length of time, and was assigned to Bureau county July 21, 1898, his parish including Sheffield, Tiskilwa, Princeton and Wyanet, but his duties liecoming too arduous he gave up Tiskilwa and Princeton in August, 1905. For eight years he has labored among the Catholic families of this part of the state and his efforts hav<' not heen without tangible results, as shown in the increased numerical strength of the church and the spiritual growth among his parishioners. He has noi only cleared off an indebtedness of four thousand dollars since he located here, but has also expended about eighteen hundred dollars on improvements to the church property. Up to this time he has held services in' a schoolhouse at Wyanet, but has a fund started to build a church. He has about one hundred families in bis charge, and visits the sick and needy in MiniM-al. Huda, Xeponset and Manlius. besides his pai'isliiont'rs in Sheffield and Wyanet. Liberally educated and consecrated to the work of the church, his zeal and devotion are recognized bv all throughout the different towns in which his labors are put forth, and as a pleasant, genial g;'ntleman he makes friends wherever he goes.

Linneaus A. Battey

LINNEAUS A. BATTEY. Linneaus A. Battey, who owns and controls an excellent farm on .section 26, ilincral township, dates his residence in Illinois from 1854, and during the greater part of the period has been a resident of Bureau county. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, be was born Mav 14, 1S5.T, and is

Linneaiis A. Battey was only about a year old when brought to Bureau county, and in his parents' home his youth was passed, his education being acquired in the schools of Mineral township and of Princeton. On attaining his majority he started out in life for himself, working by"^ the month as a farm hand for a year, and following his marriage he began business on his own account. It was in November, 1875, that he wedded Miss Laura Scoughton, of Mineral township, who is a native of New York and a daughter of John and JIary (Valleau) Scoughton. They began their domestic life upon a rented farm, after which Mr. Battey purchased eighty acres of land, on which he has since lived. He is an able farmer, discriminating in his business interests and of sound judgment, and his well improved property is lacking in none of the accessories and equipments of a model farm of the twentieth century.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Battey has been blessed with three children: Eva L., who was born August 12, 18T6, and since graduating from the Sheffield schools has engaged in teaching: Pierrie A., who was born July 12, 18T8, and accidentally shot him.self at Nickerson. Kansas, when thirteen years of age, his remains being interred in Sheffield cemeterv, and Clair E., who was born September 34, 1881.

The parents hold membership in the Unitarian church, and Mr. Battey is identified with Mineral camp. No. 21, M. W. A. His position on political questions is ni'vcr an equivocal one. He has stood firmly in sujjport of the repul)lican party since casting his first presidential vote for Hayes in 1876, and he has served as collector of Mineral township for several years and also as school director. His devotion to the public good is above question, and has been manifest in many tangible ways. He ;uid his family occupy an enviable social position, and the hospitality of" their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Battey is one who.se success in life has been builded upon energy and determination rather than inheritance or any fortunate combination of circumstances, and his history stands in e.xemplification of the fact that prosperity results from the efforts of the individual.

L. 0. May

In a history of cojnmercial progress in Tiskilwa mention should be made of L. 0. May. who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business under the firm style of L. 0. Afay & Son. For twenty-five years he has occupied a foremost placa in the ranks of the business men of the town, and has also, been a prominent factor in public affairs here, serving at present writing as mayor of the village. His birth occurred in Indiantown township in 181G. His father, Aaron .May, came from Allegany coimty, New York, to Bureau county in 1832, but before the termination of a year returned to the east. He had formed a strong tachment for the middle west, however, and in 183(; he brought his family with him to lllino'S, locating in Indiantown township. He came of one of the old families of New York of English lineage. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Norton, and was reared in Belmont, Allegany county. New York. Aaron May was a farmer by occupation, and in Indiantown township purchased land which he cultivated and improved, owning at one time a valuable tract of three hundred and twenty acres and several tracts of timber land, so that his possessions aggregated about si.x hundred acr&s. Subsequently he invested extensively in ]iroperty in I\Iissouri and removed to that state. his death occurring in Ravanna. His family numbered nine children, four of whom yet survive, namely: Mrs. Judith Freeman, a widow, residing in Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Carrie Belcher, a widow, living in Tiskilwa ; L. 0., of this review, and 1,0 Hoy, who occupies his father's old home in Missouri.

L. 0. May is indebted to the public schools of this county for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He started out in life on his own account at the age of twenty-one years, being employed at farm labor in Indiantown township until he came to Tiskilwa in 1881, since which time he has been engaged in his present line of business, covering a period of a quarter of a century. The firm now consists of L. 0. May and his son, G. A. May, and they carry a complete line of all kinds of furniture, carpets and other house furnishings, and also have a fine hearse and ambulance for their undertaking business. Their well selected stock and reasonable prices secure to them a liberal patronage, and their trade is now profitable.

Mr. May was married in 1869 to Emma L. Rowe, a native of Wayne county. New York, and a daughter of Isaac Rowe, who came to Bureau county at an early day from the Empire state, establishing his home in Tiskilwa, where he engaged in the furniture business for twentv years, beginning about 1863. Jlr. May made his start in this line by purchasing an interest in the business. In 1899 Mr. May was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in June of that year, leaving three sons, as well ns her husband, to mourn her death. Gardner A., tlie eldest, now in business with his father, married Jennie Tv. Smitii. of Geneseo, Illinois, and they have one eliild, Dorothy, three and a half years of age. Edgar married Catherine Bartholomew, of Wayne county. New York, and is now manager of the independent Telephoije Company at Tiskilwa. Clyde L., living at home, has been a traveling salesman for six or .seven vears.

Politically -Mr. May is a stalwart rc-piiblicau and is now serving for the third term as mayor of Tiskilwa, having been re-elected in April, 1905. That he has given a public-i-pirited, business-like and progressive administration is indicated by the fact that he has been three time.? chosen for chief executive officer of the village. Ilo and his eldest son are members of Snatchwine lodge, Xo. 147, I. 0. 0. J''., of Tiskilwa, and of Princeton encampment, while the son holds membership in Tiskihva lodge, Xo. 550, A. F. & A. il. Mr. ilay is a communicant of the Episcopal ehunh, and in all life's relations has manifested sterling traits of character and fidelity to high and lionorahle principles. His advancement is due to his own labor and the exercise of his native talents, and as the years have passed he has ever been accorded by public opinion a foremost place in commercial circles and public life in the town where he makes his home.

Joh.X W. White

John W. White well deserves representation in the history of his native county and with pleasure we present the record of his life as that of a representative farmer who in all pulilic and private relations has commanded the good will and confidence of his fellowmen. He still lives in his native township of Macon, where he was boi-n on the 4th of April, 18-59, his parents being William C. and Elizabeth A. White. The father was born in Ohio. July 7, 1824, and was a son of John and Jane (Uobertson) White. John White was of German lineage but was born in Xew Jersey and his wife was a native of Scotland.

in early life William C. White learned and followed the miller's trade and in Ohio owned a flouring mill, which he conducted in connection with the operation of a turning lathe. In the spring of ist9 he went to California, where he engaged in mining and dealing in cattle until 1852, when he liecame a resident of Henry county, Hlinois, where his parents were then living. In the fall of the same year he purchased from Mr. Motherell the farm that was first settled in Macon township and in 1853 he bought what has since been known as the homestead property of the White family. He lived for a number of years in a log cabin but afterward erected a more commodious and modern frame residence. He gave most of his attention to stock-raising and was very successful. As he prospered in his undertakings he invested more and more largely in land and at one time owned five hundred and thirty-two acres of j)rairie and timber land. He never cared for publie oflice nor sought political preferment, content to concentrate his energies upon his business interests. He held membership, however, with the Baptist church of Bvida and acted as supcrinU'ndent of the Walnut Grove Sunday school. He took a mo.'>t helpful part in its work and also contributed liberally to the support of other churches and toward the advancement of any good cause. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He was unable to enter the service during the Civil war but did much for those at the front and was known as "the soldier's friend.'' On the 28th of l>ecember, 1854, in Bureau county, he married Elizabeth A. Lewis and they became the parents of nine children. The death of Mr. White occurred March G, 1874. His wife, who was born in Utica, Xew York, is now living in Kewanee, Illinois. Of the family the following record is given. Loretta J. was born October IG, 1855. Florence A., born August 29, 1857, died March 29, 18G3. John William is the third of the family. David A., born January 1, 18G1, died March 8, 1862. Carrie A., born December 20, 1SG2, w^as married October 29, 1883, to Charles Wolfersberger, of Princeton. Sarah E., born October 17, 18GG, is the wife of William Hewitt. Warren J. was born May 10, 1868. Martin E. was born January 11, 1870. Ellen C, born October 18, 1872, is now the wife of Harvey McMullen.

It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the maternal ancestry of the AVhite family. The mother of our stibject was a daughter of John W. and Ann (Eoberts) Lewis. Her father was born December 14, 1807, in Lewis county, Xew York, and was a son of William I. Lewis and a grandson of John Lewis, who came to the United States from Wales about 1784. William I. Lewds had one sister who came at the same time and who married a Mr. Jones, settling in Philadelphia. William I. Lewis and his brother, Lewis Lewis, settled with their father near Trenton Falls, Xew Y'^ork, and their descendants still live there. Both of the brothers served in the war of 1812. John W. Lewis, the eldest son of William I. Lewis, came to Bureau county in 1853 and in the fall of the same year took up his abode on the northwest quarter of section 15, Macon township, \vhere he lived until his death, January 8, 1873. In March, 1832, he married .\nn Eoberts, who \vas born in Wales, August 18, 1813, and was brought to this country by her parents when three years of age. She died Xovember 10, 1874. She was the mother of twelve children, namely: William, Elizabeth, Sarah, David, John, Walter, Henry, Ellen, Thomas, Jerome, George and Albert. Walter died in Xew York in 1843 but the other members of the family came to this county with their parents.

John W. White, whose name introduces this record, was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, attending the district schools in the winter season and working on the famt through the summer months. He remained at home to the age of twenty-four years and then began farming for himself south of the old homestead, where he cultivated one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1898 he erected a residence on what was known as the old Motherell property and he is today cul- tivating a farm of one lumdiud and Iwonly-seven acres of his own and also ivnts some land. In 1900 ho piiivliasod a half section of land in Traverse county, Minnesota, three miles from Wheaton, the county seat. He is engaged in the breeding of Poland-China liogs and also raises a good grade of cattle and horses. His (ields are welJ tilled and in his fanning operations he is meeting with success. His political allegiance is given to the democracy but he neither seeks nor desires office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to give undivided attention to his business atfaire.

On the 31st of January. 1881, Mr. miite was married to Miss Annie Wood, who was born in Macon townshi]), July 28, 18(14. and is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth ((iould) Wood. ])n)minent pioneer residents of this county, who are mentioned at length on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. White have tiiree children : Arilla E., who was born December 23, 1884, and is teaching in the Walnut Grove school; Verne J., born July 4, 1888; and Ethel, born May 20, 1890.

Both parents are worthy representatives of prominent pioneer families of this county and, having always resided here, are widely known, while their many good qualities have gained for them the favorable regard of all with whom they have been associated. Mr. White has been a witness of many of the events whiih have marked the county "s development and progress and are now matters of liistory. and the good name made by his father has been uphold by him, the White family having been among the most respected families of Macon township for many years.

Edwin F. Norton

Edwin F. Norton, who is half owner of six hundred and si.xty acres of valuable land in Bureau county, is well known as a breeder of sheep, goats and hogs, and his stock farm bears a good reputation throughout the county and this portion of the state. Ho is a wide-awake and enterprising young business man. his home being in Nejjonset township, which was also the place of his nativity. His natal dav was July 2<'\ ISGfi, and his jiarents were George and Ann (Siudley) Norton. The father, long a resident of Ncponset, was born at Brawby, Yorkshire. England. March 24. 1817. and his parent.", John and Sarah (Noble) Norton, were likewise natives of England. In their family were si.\ children, who reached years of maturity. On the 1st of November. 1840, the grandjiaicnts of our subject arrived in Bureau county and here spent their remaining days. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are still well remembered by many of the old settlers.

George Norton came to Neponset in the spring of 1841 and about 1844 entered some land, which became the old bome.=tead property. He added to this from time to time until he was the owner of a tine place of three hundred and twenty acreswhich he brought under a high state of cultivation, adding thereto many imiirovcments. His success in life may be honestly attributed to his perseverance and industry, for he started out on his own account empty handed. He was nuirried .\pril 13. 1847. to Miss .\nn Studley. who was born in England, January C, 1827, and about 183f. was taken to Morgan county, Illinois, by her |)areDts, William and Annie (Chapman) Studley, who were early settlers of Neponset township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. George Norton were born ten children. Sarah .\.. born February .">, 1848, became the wife of William Hood, and died February 26, 1900. Eliza, born February 2."), 1850, is living in Neponset township. Thomas N.. born February 17. 1853, follows farming in Iowa. Emma, born July 4, 1855, is the wife of John Scaife. of Neponset. Ijevi G., born October 15, 1857, is also living in Neponset. Addie J., born December 5, 1859, is the deceased wife of Walter Pratt. Jloses J. is in partnershii) with his brother Edwin. Fannie E. died .\])ril 12, 1889, at the age of twenty-live years. Edwin F. is the next of the family. Irena C. is the wife of Rev. Sanford P. Archer, a minister of the ^lethodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Norton were also active and devoted members of the Methodist E])isco|)al church, and his political allegiance was gi\;en to the republican jiarty, which found in him a stalwart champion, every loyal to its inten^sts. He died Se|itember 29. 1887. and is still survived by his wife, who lives in Xepon.set.

Edwin F. Norton is indebted to the jjublic school system of Neponset township for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed, and he was further qualified for life's practical anil res])onsible duties by a course in a business college at (^uincy. Illinois. He started in business on bis own account in 1888. when a young man of twenty-two years, being as.sociated with his brother. Mo.«es J. Norton, in farming and stock-raising on two hundred acres of land in Neponset township. In the fall of 1892 they acquired one hundred and si.xty acres of land in Macon township, and in March, 1899, purchased other property in the same township. In Jmie. 19(12. Iliey made purchase of one hundred and sixty acres more in the same township, and th(\v are today owners of six humlred ami sixty acres of valuable land in Bureau county. In the fall of 1892 they went to Hillings. Montana, and purchased twelve hundred head of graded Merino shoe]) for breeding purposes. They have since been engageil in the linM^liug of sheep, and now have a llock of four hundred at the present lime. They also have about tlvc buiulred head of hogs, and they ship their own liogs to the Chicago market. They also buy and feed cattle, which they ship to Chicago, sending about two carloads each vear. and they breeil hor.«es for their own use. Their stock-raising interests are an important source of revenue to them, and thin* are accounted leadinff stockmen of the countv. Thcv are also

On the 25th of May, 1898, Edwin F. Norton was married to Miss Josephine E. Scott, who was born in Neponset township, April 3, 1872, and is a daugliter of Robert and Deborah (Dufee) Scott, who are mentioned on another page of this work in connection with the history of her brother, 0. M. Scott. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Norton has been born one son, John Ward, whose birth occurred March 30, 1904. The parents are well known and prominent socially, and their own home is attractive because of its warm-hearted and gracious hospitality. Mr. Norton has served as assessor for three terms and gives Ids political support to the republican party. He is loyal and progressive in his citizenship, and his efforts for the public good have been far-reaching and beneficial, yet he has never sought to figure a.« an office seeker.

Moses J. Norton, brother and partner of Edwin F. Norton, was born where he now lives, upon the old h( mestead farm, January 8, 1862, and, like his brother, was educated in the public schools. They have long been associated in business, and are prominent as stock-raisers of Illinois, in which connection they are widely known through the state. Moses Norton is also a stalwart republican, and for three terms has served as a member of the village board of Neponset. Both are accounted enterprising business men, who keep in touch with the spirit of the times, and their efforts for individual prosperity also result beneficially for the county in the promotion of agricultural and commercial activity, whereon the success and growth of every community depends.

George Littlewood

George Littlewood, living in La Moille township, is a native of England, his birth having occurred there on the 2Gth of July, 1865. His parent.*, Samuel and Sarah (Smith) Littlewood, were likewise natives of that country, where they spent their entire lives. In the common schools of England their son George acquired his education, remaining in the land of his birth until 1882, when at the age of seventeen years he crossed the .\tlantic to America and became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois. Here he devoted his time and energies to farm labor, and. although his po.ssess'ons were quite limited when he came to the new world, he is now known as one of the wealthy and substantial agrictiltiirisfs of Bureau county. His farm comprises one hundred and si.xty acres of choice land, for which he paid sixty-five dollars per acre, and which is today worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre.

Mr. Littlewood was married to Mi.'s Anna Swanhind, whose birth occurred in Bureau county October 10, 1874. This marriage has boon blessed with fo\ir children : William M., born December

25, 1893; Harold II., June 21, 1898; Ellen F., November 25, 1900, and Albert E., March 26, 1901. The family are now nicely located in a new residence which was built about two years ago, and which in its tasteful furnishings and attractive surroundings makes it one of the delightful country homes of La Moille township. Mr. Littlewood is now erecting an excellent barn, forty by sixty feet, and altogether has one of the finest sets of farm buildings in the county. He is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of his townslii)i. and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he is still a young man. If he lives to the allotted age of threescore years and ten he will undoubtedly become one of the wealthiest citizens of this part of the state. He raises good crops, and is engaged in breeding Norman and Clydesdale horses. He also has hogs which are cross-bred between the Poland China and Chester White. Everything about his place is in keeping with the spirit of modern agricultural progress and successful accomplishment.

Mr. Littlewood fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his political support is stanclily given to the republican party. His wife belongs to the Methodist church, and the family attend its services. Mr. Littlewood has served for several terms as school director, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, while to his family he is providing excellent opportunities in that direction, realizing the value of mental discipline as a training for life's practical and responsible duties. His ambition is to provide a good home and comfortable living for his family, and that he is a man of kindly nature and generous disposition is indicated in his face and manner. All who come in contact with him entertain for him warm regard, and the name of George Littlewood is an honored one in this community. Coming from England when a young man, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, with its broader business opportunities and advancement more quickly secured.

Charles F. Matson

Charles F. Matson, a representative of the farming interests of Dover township, where he was born December 28, 1864. is a son of Enos M. and Helen (Westbrook) IMatson, who became residents of Illinois at an early day, settling in Bureau county upon the farm now owned by their son Charles. The father landed in Hennepin, Putnam county. Illinois, with a family of nine cliildren and only five dollars in money. He worked for nine dollars a month in order to support his familv, and as the years passed he added to his financial resources until at the time of his death be was worth fifty-four thousand dollars, representing the accumulations of a life-time. That

Cliarles F. Matson was reared under the parental roof and is indebted to the public-school system of Bureau county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth. He completed his education at the age of twenty-two years and remained at home until his marriage. He wa.s reared to the occupation of farming, and has always made it iiis life work and is today the owner of two hundred and nineteen acres, which constituted a part of tlie old home property, that at one time comprised live hundred and nineteen acres. His father purchased this at a dollar and a quarter per acre, and six years ago Charles F. Matson bought his farm at ninety dollars per acre, while today the property is easily worth one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. He raises corn, oats and hay, which are the staple crops of this section, and he also makes a specialty of stock-raising, including horses, cattle and hogs.

On the 23d of December, 1887, Jlr. Matson secured a companion and helpmate for life's journey by his marriage to Miss Clara E. Shettel, a daughter of Solomon and Mary Shettel, who came to Illinois at an early period in its development. !Mr. and Mrs. Matson noAV have but one child. Earl ,V. S. Matson, who was born Mav 1~, 1888.

In his jjolitical views Mr. Matson is a republican, stalwart and earnest in support of the party, and on the issues of the day he is well informed, but has never been an aspirant for public office. Fraternally he is connected with the modern Woodmtn of America and the Mystic Workers, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the English Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. An analyzation of his life record shows that honesty, industry and economy are his salient characteristics and have led to his success, making him one of the leading and prosperous farmers of Dover township.

In the citizcnshi]) of Bureau county among the sons of Ireland who have borne an important part in the bu.'iness life which has brought about the present prosperity of this section of the state John Dwyer is ntinibered. He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the Emerald Isle, Jufy 1.'5, 18-10, his parents being Cornelius and Bridget (Burns) Dwyer. Tlio father died in Ireland when his son John was but two years of age, and the mother afterward came to the United State« with her family of four sons, crossing the Atlantic in the year 1852. She did not tarry on the eastern coast, hut made her way to Springfield, Oliio, and afterward to .Miami county. On leaving the Buckeye state siie became a resident of Illinois, and her last days were spent in the village of Arlington, Bureau county.

John Dwyer of this review was a youiii of but twelve years when he left the land of his nativity and came with his mother to the new world. For three years he resided in Springfiekl, Ohio, and on the expiration of that period went to Miami county, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. He afterward removed to Dayton, Ohio, where lived his brother, Dennis Dwyer, a prominent and influential citizen there, who for nine years filled the position of judge of probate. Later he became judge of the superior court, remaining upon that bench for six years. He was likewise judge of the court of common pleas for ten years, his judicial service covering altogether twenty-four years. That he was a distinguished and able jurist is indicated by the fact that in all that time he had but one decision reversed. lie has figured prominently in connection with the legal history of Ohio, and at the present writing he is president of the interurban railroad, with a line extending from Dayton to Cincinnati.

While John Dwyer did not pursue his education consecutively, he resumed his studies after the removal of the family to Arlington. He has always been a great reader and a strong supporter of public education, his influence being ever given on the side of intellectual progress through the system of public instruction. In his early manhood he depended upon the trade of cabinet-making for a livelihood, continuing in that work until ISri?, when lie secured employment at farm labor by the month. As he was still but a boy, his wages were small, but ho displayed fidelity and industry agradually as his worth became recognized his wages were increased. lie possessed, moreover, laudable amliition and firm purjiose, and as the years have passed he has made steady advancement in business circles until he is today classed with the prosperous farmers of his adopted eminty. When his capital was sulTicient to justify the |)urcha.«o of land he became the owner of a small tract, to which he has added from lime to time as his financial resources liave increased, until his holdings in farm land coni|)rises ihrce hundred and sixty acres, valued at about two hundred dollars per acre. He purchased forty acres in the village of .\rlington, on which he now has his home, and for this tract he paid one hundred dollars per acre over twentyfour years ago. He erected his own residence, and it is a comfortable and attractive one. pleasantly situated and surrounded by a tine grove of shade and ornamental trees. There are various well kept buildings upon the place, and neatness and thrift pervade his farm in every department. He is now one of the prospero\is agriculturists of the county, and in addition to the cultivation of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also breeds Hambletonian trottinc horses and Cnllowav cattle. He

On the 4th of March, 1867, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dwyer and Miss Jolianna Doe, who was born in April, 1846, and is a daughter of James and Annie (Burke) Dee, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Dwyer was brought to the United States when but two years of age, her parents having died on the Emerald Isle. In this country she was reared to womanhood, and by her marriage she has become the mother of eight children : Dennis, John A., Mary, Emily, Elizabeth, William, George and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer are giving to their children good educational advantages, thereby fitting them for life's practical and respon.sible duties. They have one son, who is a graduate of Niagara University, at Buffalo, New York, after which he followed teaching for about a year, while subsequently he has engaged in mercliandising in the village of Cherry, Bureau county.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer are communicants of the Catholic church. His political support is given to the democracy, and his fellow-townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. For four years he served as supervisor, and for ten years he has been a trustee of the village of Arlington. His home is witliin the corporation limits of the town, and his farming interests are in Westfield township. All that he possesses has been obtained through his own cfTorts, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well. He early realized the value of perseverance and industry as essential factors in a successful career, and though he has met some difficulties and obstacles in his path he has made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity by reason of his keen business discrimination, by unabating energy and industry that never flags.

]''r;iiik \\ar(l. who f<ir (wenty-two years has engaged in the live stock l)usiness, and is the oldest buyer in Tiskilwa. was born in Sullivan county, New York, April 9, 1846. and is a son of Henry and Eliza (Broadhead) Ward, who spent their entire lives in the Empire state. The Ward family is an old one in Bureau county and the ancestry liiay be traced back to colonial days, while representatives of the name served in the Revolutionary war.

Frank Ward was reared in New York and pursued his education in the subscription schools such as were common at that time. Wishing to see the country, especially in the west, he came to Illinois alone in the fall of 1867. when a young man of twonty-ono years. He subsequently went to Nobra.ska and after spending one year in that state he returned to Illinois, settling in Bureau county.

For some years he engaged in farming in Milo township, becoming owner of a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated and improved, transforming it into a fine farm. The fields brought forth rich crops in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them and he also successfully raised stock. In 1884 he removed to Tiskilwa and in 1886 he sold his farm in Milo township, but has since owned several other good farms. For the past twenty-two years - since coming to Tiskilwa - he has engaged extensively in the live stock business and is the oldest stock buyer of this town. His operations have been extensive and have been profitably conducted, owing to his business enterprise, his correct judgment of the value of stock and his judicious sales.

Mr. Ward was married to Miss Judith A. Edminster, a daughter of Orange Edminster, one of the early settlers of Tiskilwa. Two children grace this marriage : Ada, now the wife of Bernhard Steinle, of Tiskilwa, and Clay, at home. Mr. Ward has a nice home, which is especially attractive by reason of its warm-hearted and gracious hospitality. Politically Mr. Ward is a democrat and his social relations connect him with Tiskilwa lodge. No. 550, A. F. & A. M., while in Princeton he has attained the Knight Templar degree of Masonry. He is free from ostentation or display and is a man of genuine personal worth, whose many good qualities have made him popular with his fellow citizens.

Carl J. Pierce

Carl J. Pierce is one of the enterprising young farmers of Bureau county, his birth having occurred August 11, 1873, upon the farm in Berlin township, upon which he still makes his home. His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Pierce, took up bis abode upon this farm in 1842, when Bureau county was yet largely a pioneer district. The huid had passed into ]iossession of James A. Pierce, father of our subject, in 1847. and became flic property of the present owner in 1905, so that it has remained continuously in possession of the family for more than six decades. James A. Pierce was born in Greene county. New York, in 1821, and. having arrived at years af maturity, was married to Miss Marv J. Perry, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, January 1, IS^.*^. The father had been jireviously married, his first union being with Esther Green, by whom he had two daughters, .^nn E., now the wife of William Booth, and Mildred E., the wife of W. S. Martin. By the marriage of James A. Pierce and Mary J. Perry there were born the following named : Sherburn, James A., ^frs. Jessie P. Garwood, Rodney E.. Louis L.. Olive B.. Mary L.. Carl J. and David H.

and afterward attended Dover Acadenn, wliile liis education was completed in the Northciii Indiana formal school, at \'alparai?o. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work, and in 1905 he came into possession of tlie old homestead farm, having here one hundred and thirty acres of land, wiiich is very productive, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Here he raises horses, Durham cattle and Poland China hogs to some extent, while his fields produce large crops of the various cereals best adapted to soil and climate. Everything about his place is kept in excellent condition and the farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance.

On the 26th of September, 1893, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Arloa E. Spaulding, who was born in Lee county, Illinois, May 4, 1873. Their children are: Yerna E.. born July 14, 1894, and Eugene 11. , August 7. 1901. Mr", and 'Slr>^. Pierce hold membership with the Congregational church at Dover and take an active part in its work and contribute generously to its support, ifr. Pierce has served as one of its trustees for ten years and has also filled the office of deacon. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and lie has liecn collector of his townsliip and director of the school board. He takes an interest in political questions and issues as every American citizen should do. and he keeps well informed on the political situation of the country. He belongs to Crystal Fount lodge. No. 547, T. 0. 0. F., at ]\ralden, and in his life exemplifies its beneficent spirit. He is a young man of enterprise and energy, well known in tlie county, where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his labors as to win recognition as a leading and worthv citizen.

Hectoe Germain

.\iiiong the representatives of agricultui-al interests in Bureatt county who have been enabled to put aside tlie more active and arduous <luties of the farm, is numbered Hector Germain, who is now residing in Wyanet. He is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred near Elgin, on the 14th of February, 1840. His father, James Germain, came from England to the new world and died about 1812. The son was educated in Elgin and came to Bureau county in 1854, when fourteen years of age, at which time he settled in Bureau county. Although then but a young lad he had previously been working at a salary of six dollars per month herding sheep. Owing to his father's death he w'as early thrown uf)on his own resources and whatever success he has achieved is the direct reward of his earnest and persistent labors. Tie was employed in this county until 18(;o, when he went to Pike's Peak in search of gold and he was in Omaha, Nebraska, when the ground was broken for the Fniou Pacilic Pailroad. He worked at freighting in Iowa and Nebraska from 18(!1 until l.S(i2, and remained in the west altogether for lifteen years. He enlisted in the militia and .«erved during lS(i3 and l.S(J4, and in September of the latter year he re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Comj)any I, Fourth Colorado Cavalry, with which he was connected until after the close of the war in July, 18G5. He was on detailed tluty, guarding mail routes and in other such service.

Mr. Germain then followed the I'nion Paciiie Pailruad as it was being built westward, buying and selling town jiroperty and keeping pace with the construction. He would go ahead of tlic railroad, buy and build, and when the place would be at the height of its boom he would sell and again move forward. He always made good money on his investments during those times. In the meantime, however, he engaged in the livery and feed business in (ieorgetown and in lilaek Hawk, Colorado. His brother managed his interests in that state while Hector (iermain was buying and selling town lots along the lines of the Union Pacific. He went through the usual experiences and hardships of frontier life, roughing it in tin- west until 1875, when he sold out and returned )o Bureau county. He ]iurchased land liere in l.s"3, and for two years he bought and shipi)ed brood mares to Colorado. He still carries on business interests in tlie latter state. When he returned to Bureau county in 1875 he located in Wyanet township on one hundred and sixty acres of land, two miles east of the village of Wyanet, wliich property he still owns. He has always fed the products of his farm to cattle and hogs and is well known as a stock-raiser. In Decendier, 1901, however, he ivtired from active business life and removed to the village of Wyanet, where he built a beautiful residence, which he now occupies. He now has two lots, giving him a frontage of one huiulred fwt.

Mr. Germain was nuirried in is" 3 to Miss Phila Hart, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Andrew Hart, who enlisted in the army from Peoria, Illinois, and served for four years during the Civil war. He resided near Tiskilwa for several years and his death occurred about 1S9G. Unto Mr. and Mrs. (iermain have been born three children: Charles, who married Mary Mount, a daughter of Elisha J. Mount, their Inune iM-ing oti his father's farm; Gertrude, the wife of Elmer Wheeler, o( Ottawa, Illinois; and (Jali", who is living at home.

The parents are mendjcrs of the Methodist church and Mr. Germain was a mend)er of (he Odd Fellow.s lodge in Colorado, be<'oming a charter member of the first lodge organized at Black Hawk. In political views lu' is a stalwart repul)- li<an and he carried a torch light at the organization of the party in 185(;, when Fremont was a candidate for the presidency. He has always been deeply interested in the success of the parly and upon its ticket was elected and served as highway cominissiouer. He has also bfcii school trustee for twelve years anil liis otticial dulies have been discharged with proiiitpness and fidelity, in Wyanet, where he is widely known, he is esteemed as a man of generous impulses, high personal worth and splendid business ability. He owes his success to his own labors and though he has led a busy life he has found time for consideration for his fellowmen, being generous and kindly, his good ijualities winning him the esteem of those with whom he has been associated.

Benjamin F. Bash

Benjamin F. Bash, who is largely engaged in raising and fattening stock for the nuirket, resides upon a farm in La Moille township. He was born January 10, 18.50, in Jlorrow county, Ohio, and came to Bureau county with his parents in 18(i5. He is the ninth in order of birth in a family of eleven chiblren born unto David and Catherine (Shoop) J5ash, both of whom were natives of I'ennsylvania. the father born in June, 1813, and the molber in 1811. They have now passed away.

Benjamin F. Bash was educated in the public schools of Bureau county and in Western College in Iowa. He was but nine years of age when he accompanied his parents to Bureau county, and here he was reared to farm life. On leaving school he took up farming as a life occupation, and has always followed tliat pursuit, lieing today the owner of two hundred and forty-two acres of excellent land, which is valued at the highest market price for land in this locality. There is a good gas well on the farm, of sixteen pounds pressure. Mr. Bash is well known as a prominent stockman, not only feeding all of the products of his own lields to his stock but also buying large qiuintities of feed for purpose of fattening stock for the nuirket. In 1888 he purchased the home farm, on which he has lived continuously since, and it is a valuable property, equipped with many modern conveniences. He paid thirty-two dollars per acre for the land and it is today worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. In the care and improvement of the properly he has disjilayed good management, and through Ills own labors has brought it under its present high state of cultivation. He has erected the buildings and planted trees which today have grown into fine shade trees, forming an attractive ornament to the place. .\n air of geniality and good cheer pervades the home, and the farm is regarded as a model property, indicating in its neat and thrifty appearance the care and supervision of the owner.

Mr. Bash was married January 32, 1880. to Miss Bertha R. Eddy, who was born .\ugust 11, IS.")."), in Pri'ston, Minnesota, a daughter of Sheldon and Mary (Eddy) Eddy. The father was a native of New York and became a resident of Lee county, Illinois, in 1840, w'hen but ten years of age. He was married in Minnestota in 185.5 to Miss Mary Eddy, and unto this union there were eight children, of whom Mrs. Bash is the eldest. Her father is still living, but her mother passed away January 20, 1899. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Basil have been born two children : Mrs. Ethel R. Field : and C. Millicent Bash, now at home. There are also two grandchildren: Frank Lester and Robert Emerson P^ield, the former born January 8, 1904, and the latter March 1-5, 1900.

Mr. Bash votes with the republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part. He is also a fai-tor in political circles, has served as a member of the republican township central committee and has held the office of justice of the peace. In the church he has acted as trustee and as superintendent of the Sundayschool, and he is likewise president of the Citizens" ^Memorial Society. The various duties which devolve upon him in these connections are promptly and faithfully performed, and he is likewise president of the Reed Drug ("ompany and one of its directors. He is a man of high character and intelligence, who, in the race of life, has forged ahead by reason of his industry and integrity. Both he and his wife are held in the highest esteem by all who know them, and Mr. Bash is recognized as a man of genuine ]iersonal worth, who in his public and private relations manifests those sterling traits which in every land ami clime awaken respect and confidence.

James W. Tompleton, whose ])ublic record has been distinguished by all that marks the publicspirited citizen who has been a student of possibilities for general progress and development and in his official service has labored not alone for present needs, but has looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future, dates his residence in Princeton from 18(13. He w-as born in St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio, and for forty-three years has been a prominent factor in the history of the city in which li(> now makes his home.

Mr. Templeton had resided Iutc for only a brief period when his fellow-townsmen gave evidence of their recogniiion of bis ability and trustworthiness by calling him to public office. He wi's - pointed deputy ciuinty clerk and served from ^SM until 1809, when he was elected county clerk for a four years' term. In April, 1875, he received presidential appointment to the office of postmaster of Princeton, and acted in that capacity for twelve years. He was elected to the state senate :n 1891 and was re-elected in 1898 and 1903, making twelve years of faithful service in tlie upper liouse of the jieneral assembly. His reputation for integrity and ability is state wide. If any measure of a doubtful character is to be forwarded, Senator Temploton is not consulted, as it has been generally known through his long .service tiuit he is not in tiie senate for that purpose; but when any measure is presented that has for its aim the betterment of the conmionwealth, then his good judgment and broad experience are sought, a fact for which lie and his friends may be justly proud. His record in office shows capable public service, resulting from a thorough understanding of the political situation of the country and a broad knowledge of the questions which are alTecled by the state government and bear upon the i,«sues of the people. He was appointed president of the Pan- American commission by Governor Yates to build the Illinois building at the Pan-American Exposition, the state appropriating seventy-five thousand dollars for that purjiose, of which amount Mr. Templeton returned twenty thousand dollars as not needed - a very unusual occurrence.

On the 21st of December. 1870, Mr. Tenipleton was married to Miss Mandana M. Stevens, a daughter of Justns Stevens, of Princeton, and two children gladden their home: Stephen and Gladys, ilr. Templeton is a man whose breadth of view and liberal education, which has been acquired through research and study of the problems and issues of the day. have made him a leacjer of public thought and action, and no man in the communitv is held in hisrher reirard.

William A. Van Sickle

WILLIAM A. VAN SICKLE. William A. Van Sickle is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of good farming land in Macon township," npon which ho located in 1894. He was born in Stark county, Illinois, May 22, 186.5, and acquired a public-school education while spending his bovhood days in the home of his parents. Aaron B.' and ^laVy (Kelley) Van Sickle. The father was born in New Jersey in 1830. while the mother's birth occurred in Ireland. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Stark county, where he first worked at a salary of ninety dollars per vear. He lived frugally and economically, anil a.« the result of his diligence and perseverance at length obtained the money with wliich he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He then began farming on his own account, built a home and successfully and energetically carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he retired from active business life and is now living in Toulon. His wife, however, pas.sed away when fortyseven years of age. He has filled the offices of school director and road commissioner, and in politics is an earnest republican. In the family were four children: Harriet, the wife of William .\. Rarr; George, who married Ellen Scheats ; Josephine, the wife of Robert Laing. and William A.

The father was one of the pioneer settlers of this jjart of the state, where lie has always resided since coming to the west, and during the period of his residence here he has watihed many notable changes that have brought about the present progress and prosperity of tiie locality.

William A. Van Sickle, reared to farm life, early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Soon after his marriage, which was celebrated January 1, 1889, he began farming on his own account, and in 1894 removeil to Bureau county, where he purciiasea one liundred and si.\ty acres of land, on whicii he has erected a line residence. Here he has tilled the soil and raised stock, shipping from one to two carloads of liogs to the Chicago market each year. He also breeds his own Norman draft horses, and altogetlier has a well improved farm property.

On the 1st of January, 1889, Mr. Van Sickle was joined in wedlock to Mi.ss Alma Wiley, wlio was born in Stark county, Illinois, .\pril 2, 18(JT, a daughter of John anil Sarah (.\liii) Wi v. father, who was born in New Jersey in 18.3' now living in Stark county, Illinois. Her mother was born in the Buckeye state and died at the age of forty-five years. Mr. Wiley came to Illinois when a young man. settling in Stark county amid its pioneer residents, and there he has made his home for the past half century. He bought both timber and prairie land, and he ahso built a home. He has kept his farm in touch with the moilern ideas of progres.«, and is today the owner of about five hundred acres of very valuable land devoted to general farming. He has served as school director and in other local offices, ami his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He likewise lielongs to the Christian church. Unto him and his wife were born five children, namely: Mrs. Van Sickle; Ira L. ; Edward T., who married Tillie Nelson: Emma T., the wife of Fred Sweet, and Clara, the wife of Clayton Egbert.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Sickle has been blessed with two children: Lula Leota, born in 1892. and Floyd Wiley, in lS9fi. Mr. Van Sickle is a repiiblican. and. while never seeking office, he yet is deeply interested in the success of his party becau.se he believes its principles are most conducive to good government. He is a representative citizen of the middle west, po.ssessing the spirit of enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the rapid and substantial growth of tiiis section of the state.

Charles W. Coleman

CHARLES W. COLEMAN. Charles \\ . Coleman, interested in ^'eneral farming, has resided at his [iresent honie for more than a half century. He was horn in Portage county, Ohio. October L 18.3.?. and is a .«on of Wat.«on and Harriet (Grav) Coleman. His education was obtained in the public schools of his luitive state, and after putting aside his text-books he worked in a dairy until he came to Bureau county. He removetl from Clark county, Ohio, to Illinois in 1854, and here started in business life upon rented farms. In 1864 he purchased his present farm, after living upon it as a renter for ten years, and the place has therefore been his home for more than a half century. Here he has one hundred and twenty acres of well improved land that returns golden harvests in reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the tields. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Iowa. In this county are his well tilled fields, carefully cultivated after approved modern methods of farming, and he uses the latest machinery in carrying on the work of the fields. Moreover, he brings to bear practical common sense in all of his work, and as a result he has been enabled to add to his capital year by year.

On the 24th of August, 18.52, Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Emily Miller, of Clark county, Ohio, who was there reared, her parents being Aaron and Jane (Smith) Miller, the former a farmer by occupation. After a little less than two years' residence in Clark county the young couple started westward, and, as before stated, they became residents of Bureau county in 1854. They have always resided on their present homestead, and as the years have passed their marriage has been blessed with eight living children, while three of the family have passed away, these being : William, who died when a year old, and two who died in infancy. The eight who still survive are : ilary .A.nn, who is the wife of Mason Utrine, a resident farmer of South Dakota : Horace 6., who married Emma Hewitt and follows farming in Emmet county, Iowa; Sarali Jane, the wife of Oliver Van Ormer, a farmer of Charles Mix county, South Dakota ; Jerome N., who married Anna Hartz and is a farmer of Carroll county, Iowa, where he owns one tliousan<l acres of land: Ida E., the wife of Rufus F. Lathrop, who is conducting a livery and sale stable in Glidden, Iowa; Hattie E., the wife of Cluirles E. Hite, a resident farmer of Emmet county, Iowa; Julia, the wife of H. F. (laskey, a grain merchant of La Salle, Illinois, and Lizzie G., the wife of George Pittraan, of Manlius.

The family attend the United Brethren church, and arc people of high respectal)ility, enjoying the friendship and regard of many with whom they have been associated. Mr. Coleman is a republican. but without aspiration for oflice. In addition to his farming interests he is a stockholder in the First State Bank at Manlius. He has lived in Bureau county for fifty-two year.s, while his life record covers seventy-three years. Here he has so directed his labors and guided his conduct bv \\]iright principles that lie has won the goodwill of his fellowmen, and is today numbered among the honored early settlers. He is largely familiar with the history of the county during the greatest period of its progress and development, for when he camo here there were still evidences of frontier life in the uncultivated tracts of land and in the primitive homes. As time has gone by he has rejoiced in tlie progress which has transformed the county, and has borne his full share in the work of public improvement.

Jacob Attig

Modern methods of farming are employed by Jacob Attig in the care and improvement of his farm, which is an excellent property of two hundred and iifty acres in Walnut township, valued at one hundred dollars per acre. There are good buildings upon the place and the well tilled fields are proof of earnest, enterprising labor.

Mr. Attig is a native of Woodford county, Illinois, born December 23, 1858, a son of Jacob and Mary Attig, natives of Germany. They were married in Woodford county, Illinois, where they located at an early day, and the mother died when her son Jacob was only a year and a half old. The father continued to engage in farming for many years and nuide his home in that county until hi.t death, in November, 1898. He came to this country a poor man, hoping to benefit by the broader business opportunities of the new world, and at the time of his death he was the owner of a good farm of one hundred and forty acres.

The district schools of his native county afforded to Jacob Attig the educational privileges he enjoyed and he was trained to the work of the farm, for at an early age he took his place behind the plow and also assisted in the task of planting and of harvesting. Ambitious to gain a good living for himself and family, he has labored untiring and persistently and as his financial resources have increased he has invested in choice farming property, owning now two hundred and fifty acres in one body in Walnut township, worth on an average more than a hundred dollars i)er acre. He keeps good grades of stock, including shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, but his attention is given chiefly to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The buildings are commodious and sulistantinl and are kept in good repair, and the farm is well tiled.

On (lie ir.th of Februarv, 188fi, Mr. Attiir was married to ^Tiss Sarah Iwig, who was iiorn March I.T. ISIU;, a daughter of Jacob and IMary (Smith) Iwii;-, tl'(> former a native of Germany and the latter of the state of Ohio. Thev were farming people and for inaiiv vears resided in Woodford countv. Illinois, ifr. nnd ifrs. Attig have become tlie iiircuts of four children, of whom Harvey P.. the third in order of birth, died in infancv. The otlicrs are Chester J., .\lma M. and Lilah P., aged respectivelv nineteen, fifteen and eleven vears, and all vet at home. The son was graduated from the Walnut high school at the age of sixteen, winning the honors of his cla.ss. Durinir the summers he assisted his father on the farm iuid one venr suh- sequent to the completion of his course in Walnut he matriculated in Northwestern college, at Naperville, Illinois. He is now in the junior year, pursuing the scientific course, and will graduate with the class of litOS. Alma is now a sophomore in the high school at \V;i]iiut, while the younger (laughter is yet attending the district schools.

Mr. Attig and his family are members of the Evangelical church at Red Oak, and his political support is given to the republican party. The honors and emoluments of ofiice have no attraction for him, however, as his ambition centers in his family and his business, utilizing the latter that he may provide a good home and the comforts of life for his wife and children.

Asa W. Kasbeer

Asa \V. Kasbeer, owning and operating one hundred and forty-six acres of valuable laud in Ohi(> township. Bureau county, and also the owner of a fine farm of one Jiundred and sixty acres in Allen county. Kansas, is a native son of the county in wiiich he niiikcs liis home, his birth having occurred December 28, 1852. He is a son of J. S. and Hannah (Ross) Kasbeer, the former born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Decend)er 28, 1818, and the latter in 183(), and both still survive. In their fatnily were twelve children, of whom eight arc living, while four have passed away.

Asa W. Kasbeer, the fifth member of his father's family, was educated in the public schools of Bureau county, and after putting aside his textbooks, started out upon his own responsibility. He has been very successful in all his undertakings and is now the owner of one hundred and forty-six acres of land situated in Ohio township. Part of this property was inherited by him, but he has achlcd all of the improvements and acce.ssories. thus enhancing its value until it is today worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre, while it was woith but fifty dollars per acre when it came into his possession. On this tract are found modern and suhstanti:il Imililings and all the conveniences of a model farm. He has also set out many shade trees, which add to the attractive appearance of the place and sliow the owner to be i)rofrressive in the conduct of his business interests. He has all the latest improved farm niacbinerv to facilitate his work and exercises excellent abilitv in all that he imdertakes. Beside this tract of land he is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable farming land in Allen countv, Kansas, wliich he has improved until it has doubled in value since it came into his possession.

Mr. Kasbeer was united in marriage to Miss ."Mice jr. Staples, who was born in Tjoiulon. England, on the 14tli of April. lSf>0. a daughter of John and Annie (lioech) Staples, both natives of that countrv. Jfrs. Kasbeer aecompnnied her parents on their emigration from England to America in Uay, 1869. Tliey first settled at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they remained for only about a month, and then made their way to Bureau county, Illinois, where the daughter was reared and educated, completing her high school education in Princeton, and after reaching womanhood gave her hand in marriage to the subject of this review, the wedding ceremony being [terformed on the 8th of March, 1882. The father is still living, but the mother passed away on the 23d of November, 1894. In their family were five sons and six daughters, of whom two are deceased, Mrs. Kasbeer being the fourth in order of birth.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children, as follows: Walter R., born March 15, 1883; Louie B., July 13, 1884 ; Arthur H., March 20, 188G, and now deceased; Nellie M., September 5, 1887, and James A., born October 20, 1892. Politically Mr. Kasbeer is a republican and he and his family are members of the Methodist Protestant church. He has served as school director and is interested in the educational advancement of his township and county. He is an enterprising agriculturist, following nu)dern metliods in all his work, and through his industry has accomplished excellent results, so that he is now the owner of extensive landed interests both in Illinois and Kansas, being classed among the substantial and well-to-do agriculturists of Bureau county. He possesses many excellent traits of character which have secured to him many business and social friends and he and his estimable wife are nuiidicrcd among the most highly respected peojile of their community, and are now enabled to enjoy the hix\iries of life.

John Mason

John l\Iason, deceased, was born in Deerfield, New llanipshire, Jamuiry 7. 1798. When he was but four years of age his father died, and three v(<ars later he lost his mother also. He had hut one sister. Anna Erwen Mason, who was born May 2). 179.-). and died in 1883. in Concord, New Hampshire, and left one daughter, now Mrs. JTarv Blake, of Concord. New Hampshire. In early life John Mason was bound to Edmund Stevens, to learn the tanner and currier's tra<le, and his life was siuh that he had but small opportunities for an education: however, he learned to read and write, and tlicn to ci|iher, using the hides in the tannery for his shite, .\fter serving his time of apprpnticp.'ship. he never afterwanl followed his trade, but engaged in different occupations. In ISn.'i he removed from his then home in Pittsfield. New Ilnnipshire. to Illinois, and landed at Pekin, .Tune 1.'), 1S3."i, and five of (be family of seven had to be carried off the lioat to the shore, on account of sickness. His first settlement was at

Black Tartriclgc Point, in what is now Woodford county, and the following year, 183G, the town of iletamora was laid out on land adjoining his farm. In 1841 he came to Bureau county, and settled at French Grove. That year he made brick and the following year built a twostory brick house, which was the first house erected on the present site of Buda, and yet remains and used as a dwelling. In 18-14 he sold this and the following year settled the farm now owned by hi:* grandson. Orris W. Mason, and it was there he met his death May 5, 18G0. He was crushed l)y the falling of a large stone he was trying to bury in the field.

He was married in Canterbury, New Hampshire, Marcli 7, 18^0, to Abigail Eobey, who was born at I'ittslleld, A'ew Hampshire, December 17, 1793, and died in this county November 20, 186.5. She was the mother of the following named children: William H., born August 13, 1821; Abigail A., born February 22, 1823; John W., born May 27, 182.5; Stephen R., born June IS, 1827, and Cyrus P., born August 13, 1831.

William II. Mason married Phebe A. Drawyer, January 24, 1844. She was born at Carmel. New York, December 29. 1822, and died October 29, 1852, at the home in Macon township, leaving one son, Hiram Francis, born November 28, 1844, and died in Denver, Colorado, August 25, 1874. William Mason's second marriage was June 27. 1853, to Mehitable Kaime, who was born in Chichester, New Hampshire, March 21, 1819, and died at the Mason home, October 14, 1886, leaving one son, William K.. born September 25. 1856. who resides on the home farm in ^lacon township. Bureau county. His tliird marriage. May 2, 1889, was to Mrs. Ann Elizabeth (Pead) Rhodes, who was born November 15. 1828, in Providence, Rhode Island, and now resides in Buda. where Mr. Mason died October 11. 1899. .\ more extended sketch of William K. Mason appears elsewhere in this work.

.Miigail .\manda Jlason married Benjamin 0. Rowell. May 4, 1843. He was born in Andover, New Hampshire, May 2, 1815, and died at his home in Barren Grove, June 11. 1906. To tlicm wiTc Iku'ii six cliiblron: T.,yilia .\bigail, born January 24, 1844. married Rubert Freeland, T)ecember 21, 1861, died Jan\iary 15, 1890, at Modena. Illinois; John Closes was born September 6, 1846. now resides in Oklahoma; Henrietta Abigail, horn .\ugust 22, 1849, married Thaddeus S. Campbell, April 11, 1867. now resides in Ncola. Towa; James D. Rohey. burn June 17, 1852. resides in Neponset. Illinois; Benjamin Greeley, born .\ugust 27, 1857, resides on the home place in Mineral township. Bureau county, Illinois; Addie :M.. born "March 10. 18(;i. died October 27, 1864.

John Wesley Mason married Aehsah Brainanl at Princeton, Illinois, March 19, 1847. She was born May 10, 1829, at Westfield, Ohio, and now lives with her daughter in Princeton, Illinois. They were the parents of seven children: Dora M., born December 28, 1847, married John F. Robey, in Buda, Illinois, January 18, 1870. now resides in Princeton, Illinois; Charles, born May 18, 1849, died October 11, 1S50: Henry Robey, born September 28, 1852. died Xovendjer 2, 1893; a daughter born September 7. 1857, died in infancy; Albert French, born :February 10, 1859, resides in Buda, Illinois; Charles Seymour, born September 7, 1862, lives at Omaha, Nebraska; George Wesley, born Auijust 2, 1864, is in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Stephen Eobey Mason married Mary Ann Brainard June 10, 1852, at Providence, Illinois. She was born Januarv 26, 1834. at Lafayette, Ohio, died March 24.' 1889, at DoVall's Bluff, Arkansas. To them were born five children : Ella Jane, born March 4, 1853, married Walter B. Allen. July 26, 1876. died June 30. 1900; Ida May. born January 16, 1855, married John Waterman ;March 30, 1880, now lives at Creston. Iowa; Robev Ensign, born December 17. 1856, died July 30, 1888. at Brinkley, Arkansas. Wilber John, born November 22, 1859, lives at DeValVs Bluff. Arkansas; Harry Wliiting, born March 11, 1863, now resides at Danville, Illinois.

Cyrus Parker Mason (see separate sketch) married Sarah .1. Noyes in Buda. Illinois, Jannary 8, 1861). She was born February 25. 1833, in Springfield, New Hanipsbire. and ilii'd March 3. 1900. in Buda, Illinois. Their children were Parker Noyes. (see separate sketch), born October 4. 1862, and Orris Wesley, (see separate sketch), born June 21. 1864, both residents of P>uda. lliniiis.

John F. Crater

John F. Crater, now living retired at No. 1419 South Main street, in Princeton, has been a resident of Bureau county since February, 1856. He lu.d come to the county in the previous August, and purchased a farm on what is now known as North Prairie, and after taking up his abode permanently in the county, about a half century ago, he followed farming for many years, and is still the owner of good land, from which he derives a gratifying inconu'.

He was born in (icrman Valley. Morris county, New Jersey. August 21. 1825. his parents being Philip and Catherine (Fritts) Crater, the former born in Morris county and the latter in Hunterdon county. New Jersey. The great-great-grandfather Fiitts came from Germany, and was married to a iiaughter of the captain on whose vessel he sailed to rhc new world. Tie built the Lutheran church in lliinterdoii counlv ami was a very prominpr.t and 'n*!uential resident there in an early epoe)i of the early settlement of the state. His "son, the great-granilfalher, was the most prominent factor in the building of another church in that county, and the grandfather also built a church there, 30 that tiie Fritts family were closely associated with the early moral development of tlieir locality.

Philip Crater, father of our subject, spent his entire life in New Jersey, where he died when only thirty-eight or thirty-nine years of age. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school, and snhsequently he conducted a store, while later he engaged in the hotel business until his death. His widow long survived him, reaching the advanced age of eighty-six years, passing away about 1880. She had resided in New Jersey throughout her entire life, ami after the death of her first husband she was married in Somer.set county to Henry I. Hoffman, who died some years before her death. He was prominent in community affairs in the east, and served as justice of the peace for forty or fifty years.

Mr. Crater, of this review, was oiu; of a family of eight children, of whom three sisters are yet living: Mrs. Catherine Baker, of New York city; .Vdcline, who also lives in that city, and Mrs. Mary Yawger, a widow, who is residing with a son in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of ninetyone years. The others are all now deieased, namely: William, George and Isaac. The last named was a photographer, conducting a gallery at No. 55 Clark street, Chicago.

John P. Crater was reared in New Jersey, acquiring his early education in that state, and he afterward attended Lancaster College, in Easton, Pennsylvania. He was thus well equipped by liberal educational training for life's practical and responsible duties. In 1818 he was married in Easton to Miss Elizabeth Neighbour, the wedding ceremony being performed by Dr. Junkard, who was president of Lafayette College and was the father-in-law of Stonewall Jackson. Mrs. Crater was born in German Valley, Morris county. New Jersey, in 1827. They remained residents of the east for about eight years, and, iis previously stated, took up their abode in Bureau county in February, 185G. In August, 1855, Mr. Crater had visited this county and purchased a farm on what is now known as North Prairie, but a year later he sold that property and bought another tract of raw land in Dover township, which he improved, having a farm there of one hundred and eighty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. He erected a residence there and resided thereon for seven years. He then again sold out. after which he took up his abode in Selby township, where he bought land and carried on farming for eleven years. He then once more sold his farm, and his next purchase made him owner of a tract of land in Dover townshij), where he lived for seven years. When he once more sold he bought a farm in Princeton township, and afterward removed to the city of Princeton, where he has lived for twenty-one years. His farm in I'rinceton was sold to Mr. Waddell, after which he purchased three hundred and thirty-five acres in Whiteside and Henry counties, which he now owns, but which he has leased. He visits his farm every year, but makes his home in Princeton. His property brings him a good income, and be is now in very comfortable financial circumstances.

L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Crater were born five children, who survived the mother, her death occurring about thirty years ago. These are: William N., at home; Jacob A., who died of typhoid fever in California; Kate L., who is the widow of Henry Callinan, and, with her two children, resides in Bureau county, Illinois; Luella, the wife of John F. Kaufman, a farmer residing six miles west of Princeton, and Edward B., a jeweler, of Tiskilwa, who married Alice Bryant. For his second wife John F. Crater chose Angeline Neighliour, a sister of his first wife, and their only ihild died at the age of three months.

In his |)()litical views in early life Mr. Crater was a Henry Clay whig, and suj)ported the party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party and has since been one of its stalwart advocates. He joined the Presbyterian church before he was sixteen years of age, and has lived a life in consistent harinonv with its teachings. When a young man he followed the tailor's trade in New York, and ho thus provided for liiniscU' for several years prior to his marriage. Throughout his business connection with this county he has followed farming, and although he is now living retired he is still the owner of valuable farming interests. His life has been characterized by diligence and perseverance crowned with success. He has, moreover, been a witness of much of the develojimcnt and growth of this county, having come to Princeton in pioneer times, and for a half century he has resided in this county, witnessing the changes that have occurred and bearing his full share in the work of general improvement.

Shannon Bonnell

Shannon Bonnell. an active representative of the farming interests of La Moille township, is one of the native sons of Pennsylvania. He was born October 18, 18.52, and the following year was brought to Illinois liy his parents, Silas and Mary \. (Smith) Bonnell. The father wa.< also a native of the Keystone stiitc and in the middle of the nineteenth century brought his fiimily to Illinois. There were nine children, of whom Shannon wa.s the fourth in order of birth.

Mr. Bonnell of Uiis review wa,** reared to the occupation of the farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and lal)ors that devolve upon the agriculturist as he tills his fields and harvests his crops. When not working at the plow or in the cultivation of the fields Mr. Bonnell was largely engaged in the pursuit of education, being a student in the district schools near his father's liome. As he neared man's estate he began thinking of establishing a home of his own, and as a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Tena Maloy, who was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana. December 31, 1S5G, and who gave him her hand in marriage in Bureau county on the 11th of March, 187(). Her parents were John and Laner (Shroyer) Maloy, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In their family were seven children, five of whom are still living, Mrs. Bonnell being the eldest. Our subject and his wife have three children : Everett S., born October 20, 18T7; John H., January 11. IST'J: and Elva A., born December 11, 1S83'.

Tlie family home stands upon a farm of forty acres of fine land which is very rich and productive and which responds readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Here Mr. Bonnell is engaged in raising hogs, sheep and cattle, and his annual sales of stock bring him several hundred dollars. He is a man of keen discrimination in his business affairs, and all that he possesses has been acquired through his own labor. Both he and his wife are members of the Mystic AVorkers at La Moille, and in his political connection he is a republican. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnell also hold memliership in the Baptist church, and are people of genuine personal worth, whose lives are characterized by many good deeds and kindly actions. Their neighbors attest their integrity and speak in terms of praise of their many good cjualities, and the life record of Mr. Bonnell, with its successes, is another proof of the old adage that honesty is the best policy.

Franklin A. Patten

FRANKLIN A. PATTEN. Franklin A. Patten, who carries on general farming and stock-raising, owns and operates a fann of eighty acres of fine land in Macon township, and in 1901 erected thereon a new residence. He was born near Skowhegan. in Somerset county, Maine, October 7. 1S4II, and ai(|uire(l a common-school education while spending his boyhood days under the parental roof. He is a son of I.^aac and Hulda (Squares) Patten, both of whom were natives of Somerset county, Maine. The father was born in 181.5, and departed this life on the 2ad of March, 1S98, at the age of eighty-three years. He was married at Skowhegan. Maine, to Miss Hulda Squares, who died in August, 1887. They becauu' residents of Illinois in the si)ring of 18(13, and located in Macon township, where Mr. Patten i)urehased one hundred and twenty acres of land. Throughout his entire life he carried on farming and stock-raising, and after a residence of more than two decades in this county he removed with his wife to Kansas, where Mrs. Patten died in August, 1887. He continued to reside in the Sunflower state until 1889, when he returned to Illinois, spending his remaining days here. His political allegiance was given to the republican parly, and both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In their family were five children: Mary, Orrin M., Jennie M., Franklin A. and Mercy. The last named died in early womanhood.

Franklin A. Patten spent the first four years of his life in the Pine Tree state and then accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Bureau county. He was reared to the occupation of farming, and has always engaged in the tilling of the soil. He had no financial assistance when he started out in life for himself, but placed his dependence upon the safe and substantial qualities of unremitting diligence and perseverance, and with these as a foundation he has built the superstructure of his success. He is now farming eighty acres of fine land, which is rich and productive and returns to htm bounteous harvests. In 1901 he erected a new residence, and has made other substantial improvements upon his farm.

29, 1867, and is a daughter of Fred and Fredericka (Lympke) Havener. The father's birth occurred in Ambrock, Germany, April 5, 1814, while his wife was born at Altkinkendoff, near Berlin, German)'. They were married in their native country on the 14th of March, 1849, and crossed the Atlantic from Bremen to New York city on a sailing vessel which was eight weeks and three days in making the voyage. They landed in July, 1861, and on the 22d of that month arrived at Kewanee, Illinois. Mr. Havener rented a farm in Henry county, near Annawan. where he remained for a year and then removed to Green river, where he lived for four years. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and the raising of stock, and he passed away November

30, 1881, when about sixty-seven years of age. His political support was given to the democracy, and he held nunnbership in the German Lutheran church, to which his widow also belongs. She still survives him, and is now living in Macon township. In their family were seven children, five sons and two daughters, but only two are now living: Augustus, who was born in Germany, January 5, IS.")."): and Mrs, Patten.

The home of our subject and his wife has been blessed with one daughter, Ahna M., born July 2.5. 1890. For nine years Mr. Patten has been a school director, and has done efTective service in behalf of education. He has served as pathmaster, and he gives his political support to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Xeponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. and A. M.

llerhcrl L. Whiiing, who tarries on general agrieiiluiral ]inrsuits on sections M and 12, Indiantown township, was born in the house which he now occupies, September IS), 1S58. and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this part of the state. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Whiting, was a farmer and contractor on the Erie canal, and at one time was engaged in the lumber business on the Genesee river. He was born in Connecticut, and his mother, whose nuiiden name was Zilplia .Mather, was a lineal descendant of Cotton ^Lather and also a native of Couuectiuut. Samuel Whiting, Sr., the great-grandfather of our subject, was a native of New Kngland, and in early manhood served as a soldier in the continental army. The Whitings are of English lineage, and the family was established in this country iu early colonial days.