Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 24 of 28)

Humphrey Bennett, Jr., father of our subject, was born in Danville, Vermont, on the 6th of May, 1822, and was reared in the (Jreen Mountain state, where, having arrived at years of maturity, he was married to Miss T>aura M. Blanchard. whose birth occurred in Peaehani. Humphrey Bennett, Jr., was only two and a half years of age at the time of his father's death but was carefully reared and educated. Attracted by the opportunities of the great and growing west, however, he left New

England in the fall of 185G and made his way to Illinois, settling on section 35, Neponset township, where he secured one hundred acres of wild prairie land. He was a carpenter by trade and in the spring of 1857 he erected a residence upon his fami and was then joined by his wife and children, who came from Vermont to their new home in Bureau county. With characteristic energy he undertook the task of breaking the wild prairie and developing a farm. He planted trees upon the place and carried on the work of cultivation. eventually transforming the wild land into productive fields. Year after year he performed the task of plowing, planting and hai-vesting and his labor brought to him a goodly measure of success. He lived upon his original farm until 1874, when he sold that property and bought one hundred and si.xty acres in the same localitv as the Palmer Blanchard place. Then; he lived" until l.SHO, when he removed to Neponset and spent his remaining days. In 188G he was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 22d of October of that year at the age of si.xty-one years, eight months and fourteen days. In their family were five children, of whom four still survive, namely: George G.; Lizzie H. : H. H., who is living 'in Lincoln, Nebraska; and Hattie J., the wife of William Studley, a resident of Macon township. The father was again married, h'ls second union being with Miss Lucretia Pearson, a native of Massachusetts, who still survives him. Mr. Bennett passed away on the 9th of Manh. 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-two years, ten months and three days. After coming to Illinois he served as a school director for a number of years and was also school trustee. His life was ever honorable and upright and he was a devoted member of the Congregational church and took a most active and helpful part in its work. For some time he taught the bible class in the Sunday-school, continuing this labor of love as long as his health would permit. He was also one of the deacons in the church for a number of years and was a most ardent advocate of the cause of temperance, doing all in his power for its promotion. His political support was given to the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party and marched under its banners throughout his remaining days. His position was never an equivocal one. He stood firm in support of his honest convictions and his influence was ever found on the side of right, justice, truth and progress.

George G. Bennett, whose name introduces this review, was a little lad of only live summers at the time his parents left New England and came to Illinois. He was therefore reared in Bureau county and worked \ipou the home farm in his boyhood days during the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the common schools, thus acquiring a good English education. He was afterward employed by the month at farm labor in the neighborhood up to the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, securing one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he cultivated for some time. Later, however, he bought the farm on which he now resides and on which substantial improvements have been made. He raises graded cattle, horses and hogs and ships his own stock to market, sending about two carloads of hogs each year.

On the 21st of January, 1880, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Sarah A. Stabler, who was born in Neponset township, September 14, 1861, a daughter of Robert Joseph and Martha (Brambles) Stabler. This marriage has been blessed with six children, of whom four are now living: Claud G., who was boi-n March 9, 1881 ; Laura M., September 27, 1883 : Guy R., October 29, 1885 ; and Nellie V., Mav 14, 1890. One son, Harry M., born March 28^ 1887, died August 16, 1900.

Mr. Bennett is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but has never sought or desired office, holding no public position save that of school director. His time is fully occupied by his business cares and in his farm work he has displayed close application, unremitting diligence and laudable ambition.

Jacob Frederick Schoettler

Jacob Frederick Schoettler, who was born November 5, 1845, in Concord township. Bureau county, Illinois, is a son of Frederick and Marie (Schwarzentraub) Schoettler, both of whom were natives of Germany, and came to America at nn early day. The father first located in Ohio and was married in Butler county, in May, 1843, and in the same year came to Illinois, settling in Concord township, Bureau county, where he engaged in farming.

Jacob F. Schoettler was reared to farm life in Bureau county and received his education in the country schools of Concord township. He remained upon the home farm during his boyhood and youth and gave his father the benefit of his services, receiving practical training in this line which later enabled him to start out in life on his own account. In 1871 he came to Buda, where he engaged in the draying and transfer business for many years, also dealing in coal and ice. In 1904 he engaged in the harness and saddlery business, in which he has been very successful, having built up a good patronage not only in his immediate vicinity but throughout the surrounding country.

Two years after coming to Buda, in 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Jane Robey, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 8th of October of that j'ear. Mrs. Schoettler, with her parents, James D. and Patience L. Robey, came to Illinois from New Hampsliire in 1861. They have become the parents of one daughter, Grace

Mr. Schoettler affiliates with the republican party. He is a popular and influential citizen of Buda, having served for three terms of two years each on the village board. He is also a member of the L'nitarian church and is now acting as treasurer of that organization. He is a progressive citizen, being interested in every movement which tends to advance the welfare of his to\\Ti and county, and by his reliable and honorable dealings with ins fellow citizens has built up a nice business, which adds much to the substantial development of his home town, and he and his family are highly esteemed throughout the community.

Walter L. Gibbs

Walter L. Gibbs, residing at No. 1225 South Main street, in Princeton, where he owns a fine new residence, has for the past twelve years been a traveling representative for the wholesale house of Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company, of Chicago. He was born in 1859 in the city which is yet his place of residence, and is a son of H. D. Gibbs, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared here to the age of seventeen years, after which he spent two years in Tiskilwa and then went to Chicago, as house employe and traveling salesman for fourteen years, for the hardware firm of Wells & Nellegar Company. He has thus devoted most of his life to the hardware trade, including three years spent at Tipton, Iowa, as a retail hardware merchant. He is thoroughly conversant with the trade in every detail and is an expert salesman, having built up a good patronage over the territory where he travels, so that he is one of the trusted and valued employes of the house.

Mr. Gibbs was married in Princeton to Rosella J. Priestley, a daughter of C. M. Priestley, and they now have five children. Charles H.. who is assistant engineer of the Illinois Valley Railroad Company, and now has charge of the construction work of the line to Princeton, is a graduate of the University of Illinois of the class of 1905, at which time he won the degree of B. S. ; Forest L., who is piiTSuing a course of study fitting him for the profession of architect in the University of Illinois and will graduate with the class of 1907 : Leigh H. is a student in the Princeton high school ; ^largaret R. and Rachel W. are both at home.

In his political views Mr. Gibbs is a republican, having stanchly supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. Socially he is connected with the ^lasonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter and coinriiandery, and the family are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a popular man. of genial nature, whose courtesy and deference for

Charles T. Baird

Charles T. Baird, whose farm in La Moille township comprises one hundred and sixty-six acres of excellent land and who iu addition owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska, came to Bureau county on the 22d of February, 1S()5. He was then in his seventh year, having been born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of November, 1858, of the marriage of Charles and Martha (Snyder) Baird. His parents were likewise natives of Westmoreland county, born June 30, 1818, and June 12, 1817, respectively. For many years they remained residents of this county, coming to Illinois in February, 18C5. They traveled life's journey together as man and wife for sixty-five years, sharing with each other its joj's and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and on the 16th of July, 1904, they were separated by the death of Mr. Baird. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in this county.

Of their eight children Charles T. Baird is the youngest and one of the number is now deceased. He attended the public schools and continued his education in Naperville, Illinois. His father gave him forty acres of land, which constituted the nucleus of his present extensive and valuable possessions. The remainder he has acquired by his own hard work, his business integrity and capable management and his farm in La Moille townsliip now covers one liundred and sixty-six acres of excellent land, from which he annually harvests good crops. He also has one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska. Upon the farm are fine buildings, commodious and substantial, and everything about the place is in keeping with the ideas of modern agricultural progress. There is a gas well upon the farm where nineteen pounds of direct pressure is shown and this furnishes heat and light for his home throughout the year.

Pleasantly situated in his domestic relations, Mr. Baird was married to Miss Margaret Splain, who was born in Massachusetts, October 31, IS.'iT, her parents being John and Elizabeth (Murphy) Splain. both of whom were natives of Ireland. In the year 186.5 thoy came to Illinois, settling in Dover township, liureau county, and of their five children, two of whom are now deceased, Mrs. Baird is the eldest. She was well educated in the country schools and in Dover academy and was a teacher under Professor Harrington for several years. She proved an excellent educator, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that she had acquired and she is equally proficient in her housekeeping duties, managing the affairs of her home with capability and dispensing there gracious hospitality. Fnto Mr. and Mrs. Baird

The family attend the United Brethren church, although Mr. Baird was reared in the faith of the Methodist church. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has supported the men and measures of the republican party and has served as supervisor of his township and for many years as school trustee. He and his family are most pleasantly situated in an attractive home supplied with all modern equipments and conveniences and in his farm work he has made steady and consecutive progress, his labors placing him in the foremost ranks among the substantial agriculturists of La Moille township.

Lisle Prentice Smith

Lisle Prentice Smith, one of Bureau county's native sons, now farming in Manlius township, was born in Princeton, September 3, 1S55, and is a son of Osmyn and Laura (Robinson) Smith, of Princeton. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and came with his parents from the east to Bureau county in 1836, the family casting in their lot with the pioneer residents of this part of the state who aided in reclaiming the district for the uses of the white race, for until a short time before it had still heen under the domain of the red man. The grandfather of our subject served as sheriff of Bureau county in an early day and Osmyn Smith afterward filled the same position while still in early manhood. He was at one time supervisor of ]\fanlius townsliip. His life was largely devoted to general agricultural pursuits and thus he provided for his family. Tie died in 1896, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1892. at the age of sixtA'-five years.

Lisle P. Smith, whose name introduces this review, was reared in his native county and the common schools of Ifanlius town.ship provided him his educational privileges, which he improved and thus was well prepared for life's practical and responsible duties. He early became familiar with farm work in its various departments and remained with his father until twenty-two years of age, wlien lie started out in life for himself. When he was twenty-four years of age he bought one hundred acres of his present place, to which he has added until he now has two hundred and twentv-three acres, constituting a valuable and well improved farm. He raises Aberdeen Angus cattle and Shetland ponies.

On the 39th of January, 1879, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Delphi J. Miller, n daughter of David .\. Miller, of Manlius township. Thov have six children : Laura M., n grad- uate of the Princeton high school and now at home; Lisle Prentice, who is an auctioneer and makes his home with his parents ; Earl B., an engineer; Vivian Bivers, Orpha Delphine and David Osinvn, all at home.

Mr. Smith has served his district as school director for the past twenty-three years and believes in employing competent teachers and in upholding a high standard of public instruction. He has also been road commissioner for the past three years. While he has lived the quiet life of a farmer he has foimd in it ample opportunity for the acquirement of success and, carefully directing his business interests, he has worked his way steadily upward and is now one of the men of affluence in Manlius township, owning an excellent farm property.

James M. Gaednee

James M. Gardner, deceased, was well Icnown in Tiskilwa and in Arispie townships, having for some years carried on general merchandising in the village, while in the township he became a representative and prosperous farmer. He was born in Osceola, Illinois, May 1, 1849, and there resided to the age of sixteen years, when in 1865 he came to Tiskilwa. He had gained his education in Osceola and after coming to Tiskilwa he made his home for ten or twelve years with J. H. Welsh and during that period attended Lombard university at Galesburg, Illinois, thus acquiring a liberal education. He was for some time in the employ of Mr. Welsh, one of the early and prominent merchants of the town, and later engaged in general morchanilising on his own account, conducting a store until three years after his marriage, when he removed to the farm whereon his widow now resides, there spending his remaining days.

Mr. Gardner was iiiarried to Miss Clara P. Benson, of Arispie township, a daughter of Alanson and Sarah (Ijoop) Benson. She was born only about a quarter of a mile from her present home. Hor father, a native of Massachusetts, was born February 27, 1823, and was a son of Alanson Benson, while his grandfather was Aaron Benson, a soldier of the Eevolutionary war. The Benson family is of Scotch and English lineage. Alanson Benson started from Massachusetts in 1S38 and traveled by team across the couiitrv to Oliio, where he remained for a vear. There be purchased and operated a saw mill, but not liking the country he continued on his way westward to Illinois. His family at that time consisted of nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom Alanson Benson, the father of Mrs. Gardner, was sixteen vears of ace. He was sent with his mother and the smaller children by boat on the Ohio river and thence by the Mississipni and Illinois rivers to Hennepin. Illinois, while the father and older chiblren of the fnuiilv made the journey witli teams and wagons across the country. On arriving in Bureau county the grandfather of Mrs. Gardner settled in Arispie township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which had previously been entered from the government by a Mr. Dunn. This land ]\Ir. Benson improved and thereon spent his remaining days. His son and namesake, Alanson Benson, Jr., was educated in Massachusetts and in Princeton academy, of Princeton. Illinois, and became one of the first teachers in Tiskilwa, where he taught for two years. While attending school in Princeton he worked for his board in the employ of Dr. Chamberlin, but he spent the greater part of his life upon a farm and with the money made in teaching purchased his first land, a tract of forty acres in Arispie township, to which he added as his financial resources increased and favorable opportunity offered until he had extensive land holdings in Arispie township. At one time he resided in Princeton for a period of three years but subsequently returned to the old homestead, whereon he spent his remaining days. For more than a half century he resided on section 21, Arispie township, his farm becoming one of the old landmarks of the county. On the 22d of February, 1851, he married Miss Sarah L. Loop, a native of Oneida, Xew York, who came to Bureau county in 1849, traveling by boat to Chicago and by wagon the remaining distance. After living in Kane county for a year she became a resident of Providence, Bureau county. By this marriage there were born four children but only two are now living: Mrs. Clara P. Gardner; and Lorella, the wife of Edwin Cushing, of Arispie township. Those deceased are: Mrs. Lucina Battey, who died December 3, 1892 ; and Alanson, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Mr. Benson engaged quite extensively in farming and stock-raising and in connection with a Mr. Xorris at one time owned a large stock ranch in ]\tontana. When he first began farming for himself he was a breeder of shorthorn cattle, but in later years he devoted his attention to polled Angus cattle. He fed stock largely and was recognized as one of the prominent stockmen of Burau county and also as an honored and much respected pioneer citizen, whose many good qualities gained for him the esteem and trust of his fellowmen. Politically he was a republican and for many years served as county surveyor. He also filled the office of township assessor for some time and was supervisor of Arispie townsliip for two years. He discharged every duty with a sense of conscientious obligation and was rtiost faithful to every public trust. Both he and his wife were worthy members of the Baptist cliurch and were widely known as earnest Christian people, well liked hv all who knew them. Mr. Benson passed away June (5, 1898, having for about two years survived his wife, who died July 15. 189f).

high school and in Mount Carroll seminary in Carroll county, Illinois, which she attended for two years. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, all now living : Alanson, who wedded Mary Hunter, and lives near his mother ; Marian and James Harlan, both at home. The death of the husband and father occurred in 1890. He was rather independent in his political views. He held membership in the Baptist church, of which his wife and children are also members, and this association indicated much of the character of the man, for he was loyal to his professions and faithful to every trust which devolved upon him either of a public or private nature.

Mrs. Gardner owns several farms in Arispie township, which are well improved and have good buildings upon them. She has one of the finest and best homes in Bureau county with all modern improvements, and its attractive furnishings indicate her refined and cultured taste. There are also splendid barns and other outbuildings upon the place and her farm is devoted to the raising of the crops best adapted to soil and climate and also to stock raising, a specialty being made of the Hereford cattle. Mrs. Gardner displays excellent business capacity and management in the control of her property interests and, moreover, is a lady whose position in social circles is an enviable one. She represents one of the old and prominent families of this part of the state, without mention of whom the history of Bureau county would be incomplete.

George Pickering

George Pickering, who many years ago engaged in breaking the wild prairie with ox teams in Bureau county, has lived to see this district transformed into one of the best developed agricultural districts of this great commonwealth and as the work of general progress and improvement has been carried forward he, too, has made advancement and is today in possession of a comfortable competence acquired through years of former toil. His possessions are now sufficient to enable him to live retired and he is spending the evening of life in a well earned rest, at his home in the village of Neponset.

He was born in Yorkshire, England, December 17, 1829, and was a son of David and Elizabeth (Waite) Pickering, who were likewise natives of England, whore they spent their entire lives. Of their children all are now deceased with the exception of George Pickering, who was the youngest. His parents were both members of the Church of England and the father died at the age of sevtmtyeight years, while the mother's death occurred when she was more than eighty years of age.

Their son George was educated in the public schools and in 1856 crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at Hull, England, and eventually reached the harbor of Quebec. He thence proceeded by steamer to Hamilton, Canada, and by rail to Neponset. He spent the first year of his residence in this county in Mineral township, where he engaged in farming and then removed to Neponset township. Throughout his active business life he carried on farming and stock-raising, being thus engaged until 1900, when he purchased a home in the village of Neponset, where he is now living retired. In early days he broke the wild prairie with ox teams and converted the land into richly cultivated fields. He had only fifteen dollars when he arrived in this county and with that meager capital he began life in Illinois, his diligence and perseverance being the salient features in a success which is as honorable as it is gratifying. He eventually became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land and greatly increased its value by the cultivation and improvements whiih he placed upon it. He continued to own this property for many years but eventually sold it to his son.

Mr. Pickering married Miss Ann Stabler, who was born in Yorkshire, England, March 22, 1837. They traveled life's journey together for many years and were then separated by the deatli of the wife on the 28th of August, 1895. In their family were sixteen children, of whom twelve are now living: Betsy Ann, born March 24, 1857; Sarah Jane, July 16, 1858; Susanna D., November 29, 1859; Harriet 0., July 18, 1861 ; David, March 18, 1864; Emma Eliza, May 19, 1866; George W., Julv 27, 1867; John E., October 4, 1868; Isabel, March 25, 1870; Lottie May, July 22, 1871; Charles, May 24, 1873; and Fred. March 9, 1877.

Mr. Pickering was a school director for eight or ten years and has always been interested in the material, intellectual and political progress of the community. On taking out his naturalization papers he became the champion of the democracy and has always voted with that party. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in America, for here he found the opportunities which ho sought and which, by the way. are always open to ambitious, resolute young men. By improving these advantages he made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity and is now enabled to live retired.

Christian Simon Peterson

CHRISTIAN SIMON PETERSON. Christian Simon Peterson, who has made farming his life work, was born in Denmark and is a son of Simon and Mary (Jergerson) Peterson, who came to America in 1854. They first located in Potter county, Pennsylvania, where the father purchased a farm and thereon they remained until 1865, when they came to Bureau county, Illinois. Three years later the father purchased eighty acres of land for which he paid twenty dollars ])ct acre, and to the further development and improvement of that place he devoted his energies throughout his remaining days, passing away at the age of fifty-four years. His wife long survived him and died at the age of seventy-four years.

Throughout his entire life Christian S. Peterson has lived on a farm with the exception of a brief period of five years when he worked at the carpenter's trade in Chicago. He was but a young lad when brought to the United States by his parents and he attended the common schools of Manlius township. In his youth he early became familiar with the best methods of carrying on farm work and cultivating the fields and he is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in the raising of good farm horses and sliorthorn cattle. His life has in a way been quietly passed and yet it shows forth many commendable qualities by reason of his faithfulness to every duty that has devolved upon him and his reliability in his business life.

On the 14th of February, 1878, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Belle Christina Nelson, a daughter of Christian Xelson. a farmer of Gold township. They have three children. Anna Sarena, who was born September 9, 18T9, is the wife of Albert Peterson, proprietor of a hotel at Manlius, and they have one child, Herman. Wilbur Herbert, born July 11, 1881, is a bookkeeper in the ^^'estern Trust & Savings Bank of Chicago. Asa Simon, born in February, 1886, is at home.

Mr. Peterson is a stalwart republican and has filled various positions of honor and trust. He was for about twelve years school director, has also been highway commissioner, was justice of the peace for four years and drainage commissioner for nine years. He belongs to the Danish Lutheran church at Sheffield and was acting as one of the trustees during the erection of the parsonage. His farm is in a perfect state of cultivation and he has placed modern buildings upon it. Interested in the material, intellectual, political and moral progress of the community, he is justly accounted one of the leading citizens of Manlius township.

Ed Maloney, engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Gold township, is a native of County Cork, Ireland, born in 1849, and is a son of William Maloney, now deceased. He spent the first si.xteen years of his life in the land of his nativity and acquired his education there. In June, 1865, he crossed the briny deep to America, and, making his way to Illinois, settled in Sheffield, since which time he has liocn largely engaged in agricultural pursuits. His business life has been marked by the steady progress which follows consecutive and well defined labor, and as he advanced from a humble financial position to a place where he could command some capital, he made investment in land, and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, whereon he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation, and he also keeps on his place good grades of stock, which he raises, feeds and sells.

Mr. Maloney was married in January, 1876, to Miss Nora Jones, a daughter of Roger Jones, who came from Wales in 1870 and was employed at railroading and on public works. His last days were spent in the east, where he went to live with relatives, and there he died in 1898. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maloney have been born two children: William, who at the age of twenty-six years, is at home and assists his father in the operation of the farm ; and Rosa May, nineteen years of age, also at home.

In his political views Mr. Maloney is a stalwart democrat, and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. About two decades ago he was chosen for the office of bridge and road commissioner, and served in that capacity' for about six years. He was also tax collector for one year and district overseer for one year, and his official duties have been promptly and faithfully executed. He and his wife are Catholics in religious faith and attend St. Patrick's church at Sheffield.

Sylvester Walrath

Sylvester Walrath, who by earnest, persistent toil has gradually worked his way upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence, and is now the owner of good farming property in Walnut township, was born August 25, 1846, in the state of New York, and when only two years of age was brought to Illinois by his parents, Daniel and Mary Ann (Shaffer) Walrath. In the paternal line he comes of German ancestry, the father having been born in Germany in 1831. The mother, however, was born in England, in 1826. The former was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for, arriving in Illinois in 1848. he passed away in 1851. He had located with his family in Hennepin, and there his death occurred about three years later. His wife long survived him and died in 1886.

Sylvester Walrath was largely reared in Bureau township, and acquired his education in the district schools. When twentv-five yeare of age he removed to Walnut township, where he has since resided, and he is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-six acres of very rich and productive land, situated on sections 12 and 13, Walnut township. He started out in life a poor boy, but he has toiled and saved until he has a fine home, standing in the midst of a valuable iam\. and is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of the community. He has continuously made his lionu^ in Walnut township for thirty-five years,

Mr. And Mrs. Sylvester Walrath

On the loth of March, 1808,, Mr. Walrath was married to Miss Hattie Westbrook, who was born September 21, 18-1!). They traveled life's journey happily together for more than a third of a century, and were then separated by the death of the wife, on the 20th of June, lilOU. She was a ladv who possessed many excellent traits of character, and her good qualities of heart and mind endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. By her marriage she had become the mother of three children, one of whom is deceased. The others are Albert Melvin, born June !1, 18611, and Amv L., born December 3, 1872.

Mr. Walrath gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He is a member of the Church of Christ, and he has in his possession an old bible which belonged to his grand])arents, and which was printed in the eighteenth t'entury. It is one of the oldest bibles of tbe county, and is a treasured heirloom in the family. A life of activity, usefulness and honor have won for Mr. Walrath the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated, and his name is a synonym for business integrity and honor wherever he is known.

Theodore B. Matteson

Theodore B. Matteson, living upon a farm in La Moille township, was born in Oswego county. New York, September 12, 184-5. His parents were Sylvanus and JIary (Turk) Matteson, the former a native of Vermont and tlie latter of Oermany. In their family were twelve children, of whom Theodore B. is the sixth in order of birth. He remained a resident of the east until eighteen years of age, when in 1863 he came to Bureau county, Illinois, and was employed at farm lal)or, thus making a start in his new home. His education had been acquired in the public schools of his native county and under the j)areiital roof he was trained to iiabits of industry, frugality and perseverance.

On the 2;)th of January, 1866, Mr. Matteson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wilkie, a resident of this county at tlie time of her marriage and a native of Ohio. They became the parents of two children: William S., born January 29, 1867; and Bertha B., born March 20, 1874.

As soon as his labors had brought him sufficient capital to justify his purchase of land Mr. Matteson began farming on his own account and is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres of choice land, upon wliich he has lived for thirtythree years. It is improved with a commodious residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, which afford ample shelter for grain and stock. There are fine old trees upon the place, some good fruit, and the fields are well cultivated, while in the pastures are seen good grades of cattle and horses. A life of industry has been crowned with success and his farm is now a valuable property, bringing to him a gratifying annual income.

Mr. Matteson has long supported the republican party and is in thorough sympathy with its policy and its principles. Both he and "his wife are devoted and faithful members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Matteson has served as school director and roadmaster, but while neglectful of no public duty his time and attention have been chiefly given to his farming interests. Both he and his wife enjoy the confidence and good will of all who know them, for they have led lives of uprightness and integrity. Mr. Matteson is a man of public spirit, generous and kindly, and their neighbors attest the excellent qualities of this worthy couple.

Eige.Ne A. Rippley

Eugene A. liippley, a jirogressive farmer of Bureau county, operating one hundred and twenty acres of land in Ohio township, is a native of England, having been born in Sheffield county, April 1."), 183'J. His parents are Dustin and Melvina (Palmer) Rippley, likewise of English birth. They removed to .\merica in 1841, believing that in this country they might enjoy greater business opportunities than were ollVred in their native land. Accordingly they made their way to Boston, Massachusetts, where they remained until 1889, when they took up their abode in Bureau county, Illinois. In their family were three children, of whom Eugene A. is the eldest and the only surviving member.

Eugene A. Ripjiley was only two years old when brought by his parents from England to the United States. He was reared in the east and acquired a good e(]ucation in the schools of Boston. After completing his education he followed the sea for a time but later learned the boilermaker's trade, but thinking agricultural pursuits would be more congenial to him, he engaged in farming and for the past four years has operated a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, whicli is situated in Ohio township. He has been very successful in this venture and follows practical methods in the cultivation of his fields. lie raises corn, oats and hay and each year reaps abundant Jiarvests as the result of the care which he bestows upon the land.

Mr. Rippley was nutrried to Miss Emmagene M. Remsburg, who was born in Bureau county, Illinois, November 6, 1868. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Waldo R.. iiorn December l.j, 1886: Edward E., March 15. 1888; Louis E., February 16, 18!>4: and Willie, May 14. 1898. Mr. Rippley is a republican in his political faith but is not active in the work of the party, giving liis entire time and attention to iiis Imsiness interests, in which he is meeting with desirable success. He is orthodox in his Christian

Mr. Rippley is a great student of nature and has traveled e.xtensively through the United States as well as in foreign lands, so that he is an interesting conversationalist, having gained that broad knowledge which can only be acquired by visiting the different points on the globe. Honesty and industry have marked his business career and through these good qualities he has gained gratifying success and is accorded the high esteem of his business as well as social friends.

Clement V. Field

One of the attractive farm properties of Bureau county is in possession of Clement V. Field. A splendid set of farm buildings, commodious and substantial, stand in the midst of beautiful shade trees and green fields which promise golden harvests. In front of the same stretches a green, velvety lawn, while flowers and shrubs adorn the place. Everything about the farm indicates the cultured taste, progressive spirit and marked enterprise of the owner, who is a careful, accurate business man, and who has added to his property until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich land. It is indeed a valuable farm, worth two hundred dollars per acre, and its owner is accounted one of the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in Berlin township. Mr. Fieki was born in this township Novemlx'r 1-"). 1865, and is the fifth child of John and Catharine (Schnebly) Field, who were married in Peoria, Illinois, and came to Bureau county in 18.53. The father was born in Virginia, May 22, 1818, and at an early age became a resident of Ohio, whence he removed to Illinois, taking up his abode in Bureau county more than a half century ago. His wife was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 18.36, and is still living, but Mr. Field passed away in IftOO.

The usual exneriences which fall to tlie lot of a farmer bov came to Clement V. Field in the days of his boyhood and youth. He aided his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, and in the winter months attended school. He was a student in Dover Academy and completed his course at Dixon, Illinois. He was married on the 5th of October, 1802, to Miss lietitia Barrett, a daughter of John H. and ilartha (Perkins) Barrett, who on coming to this state located first in La Salle coimty, whence they afterward removed to Bureau county. In their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Field is the youngest.

Following his marriage Mr. Field located on his present farm, and he nearly doubled the property which he inherited from his father. This is one of the attractive homes of the county. He has splendid buildings upon his place and beautiful shade trees, which shelter his residence from the hot rays of the summer sim and add to the attractive appearance of the farm. A well kept lawn surrounds his home, and everything is as attractive as skill, labor and a knowledge of scientific farming can make it. In the care of the fields he is never at error in matters of business judgment, his practical experience and enterprise having made him a man of sound discernment.

Politically ilr. Field is a democrat, following in the footsteps of his father, and giving stanch support to the party principles. He and his wife are Presbyterians in religious faith, attending and supporting the Arlington church. For six years he has served as school director, but otherwise has never been an office holder. The cause of education, however, finds in him a wann friend, and his efforts in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial. Mr. Field has not been actively engaged in farming since 1902, since which time he and his wife have spent a portion of each year in travel and sight-seeing. He is hardly yet in the prime of life, but has gained a measure of success which many an older man might well envy, and his position in business circles is attributable not to the fact of his inheritance, but to his capability and strong purpose, supplemented by a broad outlook into business conditions and by thorough deference for the rights and privileges of others. He is regarded as a man thoroughly reliable in all that he does, and has thus won an honored name, as well as a fine property.

W. S. Remsburg, representing the agricultural interests of Bureau county, where he owns and operates a valuable tract constituting one hundred and ten acres, situated on the southeast quarter of section 8, Ohio township, is a native son of the township in wliich he yet makes his home, having here been born March 29, 1868. His parents were Louis E. and Emily J. (Cole") Remsburg, the former a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, born December 28, 1831, and the latter a native of Marvin, Chautauqua county. New York, born in 1832. The father came to Bureau county in the year 1853, and the mother arrived a year later. In their family were born six children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth.

W. S. Remsburg received his education in his native township, and on putting aside his textbooks started out in life on his own responsibility. He inherited some property, but through industry and the careful management of his busiuess affairs he has added to this until he now owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres, situated on the southeast quarter of section 8. Ohio township, where he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He has here added many improvements and accessories, making his property one of the valuable farms of the county. He has a nice home and substantial outbuildings, good farm machin- ery which is used in the care and cultivation of the fields, and each year good crops are harvested as the result of his well directed labor.

On the 14th of .J;inuary, 1903, Mr. Remsburg was united in marriage to Miss Maggie C. Hardersen, a popular young lady of Ohio township, where she was born on the 3d of October, 1881. She is a daughter of Claus and Elizabeth (Parchen) Hardersen, the former a native of Germany, whence he came to this country at ihe age of eighteen years. The mother was born in Bureau county, Illinois. Mrs. Eemsburg is the eldest of five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hardersen. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Remsburg has been blessed with two little daughters: Lila M., born February 27, 1904, and Etta J., born July 16, 1905.

Mr. Remsburg has always supported the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, although he takes no active interest in political questions, preferring to give undivided attention to his farming interests, and that he has been successful in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that he is now in possession of a valuable tract of one hundred and ten acres, on which are found many modern improvements and conveniences. Mr. Remsburg and his wife are excellent young people, the hospitality of their home being greatly enjoyed by their many friends.

Joseph Albrecht

Joseph Albrecht, a prominent merchant of Ohio. Bureau county, where he is engaged in the hardware business, having conducted his store for the past fifteen years, is a native son of Bureau county, Illinois, his birth having occurred on the 11th of August, 1856. He is a son of Jacob and Barbara Albrecht, natives of Bavaria, Germany, and our subject is the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children born of the father's second marriage. By a previous marriage there are four children.

Joseph Albrecht, whoso name introduces this record, was educated in the schools of his native town and at Princeton, and after putting aside his text-books started out to make his own way in the world. He had no capital, but possessed a strong will and a determination to succeed, and that he has not been thwarted in his plans is indicated by the fact that he is today conducting a prosi)erous business in Ohio, dealing in all kinds of hardware and farm implements, in which he has built up a large and increasing trade. He has studied the needs of his patrons and carries a large and well selected line of goods to meet the general demands of the public. He is ever straightforward in his business motliods. and has by honestv and fair dealing won the good will of all with whom he comes in contact. In addition to his hardware business Mr. Albrecht also owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Wisconsin, besides a house and lot and a store building in the village of Ohio and one hundred and sixty acres near the town.

On the 23d of May, 1878, Mr. Albrecht was united in marriage to Mi.ss Emma Knuth, who was born in Bureau county, December 21, 1859, A daughter of Ludwig and ]x)uisa Knuth, both natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to America in the early '50s. In their family were nine children, of whom Mrs. .Vlbrecht is the sixth in order of birth. She has lately come into possession of a part of the estate left by her parents, who are now deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht has been blessed with five children, of whom one died in infancy. Those surviving are: Maria L., born February 23, 1880; Peter J., November 1:3, 1883; Lee R.. April 16, 1891; and Mabel J., born February 7, 1897.

In politics Mr. Albrecht is a republican, although he does not adhere strictly to party ties, often casting an independent ballot, supporting the men whom he regards best qualified for otfice, regardless of party affiliation. He holds membership with the Mennonite church, and fraternally is connected with camp No. 17, M. W. A.; lodge No. 47, Mystic Workers; and lodge No. 627, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has pas.sed all of the chairs.

Mr. .\lbrecht is a self-made man, for he started out in life with nothing save industry and perseverance, and with the possession of these qualities he worked his way upward year by year until he accumulated a comfortable competence. Later he inlieritcd some property from his father's estate, and to this he has added until he is now numbered among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Bureau county, having for the past fifteen years conducted a hardware business in the village of Ohio, which is one of the leading enterprises of the town, and in addition to his interests here he also owns a fine tract of land, constituting three hundred and twenty acres, situated in Wisconsin, and one hundred and sixty acre* near the village of Ohio, and also owns a store building and a nice home, which he occupies. Tie is an enterprising business man, ever watchful of opportunities that will lead to success, and he has many business and social friends, all of whom speak of him in terms of highest praise an<l commendation.

Wallace D. Anderson

WALLACE D. ANDERSON. Wallace D. Anderson, who has already achieved a measure of success in farming interests that argues well for the future, makes his home iu La iloille township, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land, lie was born November 5. 1867, in this county, his [larcnts being David and Sarah (Kennedy) Anderson. The fatlier. a native of Pennsylvania, tame to Illinois in 1858 and the year of the mother's arrival here was 1860. Five children were born of their marriage, of whom Wallace D. is the third in order of birth. Reared to manliood under the parental roof, without special event to vary for him the routine of life, he devoted considerable of his youth to the mastery of those branches of learning which constitute the public-school curriculum and when not busy with his text-books aided in the labors of the home farm. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and his boldings today comprise one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is well located and is very arable. From the age of seven years to the present time he has lived upon this place and it is now a valuable farm, to which he has added many modern equipments and accessories. The home is surrounded by well tilled fields and every evidence of care and progressive supervision are here seen.

On the 28th of January. ISHS, ilr. .Vnderson was married to Miss .\lice McDonald, who was born April 3, 1873, in this county, and is a daughter of Lester and Rachel (Clark) McDonald, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. In the family were seven children, of whoni Mrs. Anderson is the second, anil by her marriage she has l)ecome the mother of one daughter, Alta P., born December 22, 1893.

The social relations of the parents are very gratifying, being indicative of the genuine personal worth which always wins recognition by those who have regard for intelligence and culture. Mr. Anderson attends the United Brethren church, of which his wife is a member, and he votes with the republican party, but while keeping well informed on questions and issues of the day he has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his energies upon liis business afl'airs. and although he is yet a young man he has won a place among the leading farmers of the county and it needs not the spirit of prophecy to foretell a still more prosperous future. He stands as a champion of education, of substantial development and of improvement in all those lines which have direct bearing upon the welfare of the community. He possesses, moreover, a generous spirit which has prompteil him to extend a hel|iing hand to friend and neighbor. His nephew. Cadet Anderson, seventeen years of age, is living with him and assists in the operation of the home farm.

William H. Winter

WILLIAM H. WINTER. William II. Winter displays in his business career that close application and persistency of purpose, combined with a tborougli understanding of his trade, which never fails to win success, and lie is now recognized as one of the leading painting contractors and paper-hangers of Bureau county, employing a force of about fifteen workmen throughout the year. He also conducts a store for the sale of wall-paper, mixed paints, white lead and oil, etc., and has a large and liberal patronage in this line as well as in his contracting business as painter and paper-hanger.

Mr. Winter is one of Princeton's native sons, having been born in this city in 18(31. His father, W. M. Winter, came here in the early '50s from New York, and had previously settled in the Empire state on his emigration from England to the new world. He was a grocer and conducted a Ijakcry for some time, but is now living retired, his home being on East South street, in Princeton. He and his wife are well preserved old people and are highly esteemed, their good qualities having gained for them many warm friends. Mrs. Winter bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Abbott, and is also a native of England.

At the usual age William II. Winter began his education in the schools of Princeton and passed through successive grades. In 1875 he went to Hastings, Nebraska, when that was a small and inconsequential town. Later he engaged in the drug business in Juniata, Nebraska, not far from Hastings, whore he remained until 1893, when he returned and began business in his present line, which he has since followed. Gradually he has devolo])ed his business until it has assumed very extensive j)roportions, and he now does more painting and ])aper-hanging than any other house of the kind in the county. His work always gives satisfaction, and he shows considerable artistic ability in the adornment of homes through the utilization of the industrial art with which he is connected. He carries the largest and best stock of wall-paper in this part of the state, together with a complete line of mixed paints, also the leading brands of white lead and oil and paste for wall-pajier. He buys in very large i|uantities, thereby getting the ])ottom price and also securing a big saving in time for his men, who would otherwise have to do the mixing by hand. His large store is located Just east of the postoffice in Princeton, and Mr. Winter is the best posted man in his line (if trade in this part of the state. He is about to add to his store and enlarge his stock by placing a comjilete line of painters" supi)lies, being the only establishment of its kind in Bureau county. His pay roll is more extensive than that of any other representative of industrial, manufacturing or commercial interests in Princeton, and he has the ability to capably control the labors of those who work for him, so that pleasant relations are ever maintained between employer and employe.

In 188 I Mr. Winter was married to Miss Clara B. Gentsch, who was born in South Bend, Indiana. They now have two children living, and they lost their first born, Alice Lucile, who died in September, 1901, at the age of seventeen years. Those living are Marguerite, born February 17, 1900; and William S., born February 9, 1904. The

Mr. Winter is a member of the Tribe of Ben Hur and also of the Mystic Workers. He is esteemed as one of the most prominent, energetic and prosperous business men of the city, belonging to that class ui>()n whom the commercinl advancement and growth of the community depends. He allows no olistacles to obstruct his path if Uiey can be overcome by determined and honoraljle effort, and, moreover, he is a thorough master of his trade, possessing, too, not a little artistic taste, which is manifest in the excellent results which are produced through ell'ective device and coloring in painting and paper-hanging. He well merits the liberal patronage that is accorded him, and he is today enjoying constantly growing success.

Richard Hall

The attractiveness of Bureau county as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of her native sons have remained within her borders since attaining their majority and ha\e found opportunity here for advancement in business life and the acquirement of the success which each individual seeks. Mr. Hall was born in this county, August 31, 1859, being the sixth in order of birth in a family of ten children, whose parents were John and Charity F. (Smith) Hall. They were natives of New Jersey, and in the spring of 1859 took up their abode in Bureau county. In the fall of the same year their son Richard was born, and the days of his boyhood and youth were spent in his parents' home, while in the public schools he acquired his education. He was trained to farm work, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors of the fields, and throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits. He has today a farm of two hundred and forty acres under his management and he owns eighty-five acres in anotlii?i- pai't of the township.

On the 27th of November, 1879, Mr. Hall wedded Miss Martha J. Wade, who was born in Tuscarawas county. Ohio, June 1, 1859, and in 1866 was brought to Bureau county by her parents, in whose family were ten children, she i)eing the fifth in order of birth. Mrs. Hall was also educated in the schools of Bureau county, and to her husband has been a faithful companion and helpnuite on life's journey for more tlian a (|uarter of a century. He affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America, his nu-mbership being in camp No. 827. and his political views accord with republican principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are a worthy Christian couple, who have always enjoyed the confidence of neighbors and friends. They have long been permanently settled in this community and are now comfortably situated in life, meeting with a spirit of fortitude every adverse condition and steadily progressing toward the goal of prosperity by reason of their careful management and business capacity. They are citizens worthy of the unqualified confidence of their fellow townsmen and are well deserving of mention in this vr)lume.

Among the native sons of Bureau county still residing within its borders is numbered John Henry Huseman, who was born in Princeton. March 16. 1858. He is of (ierinan lineage. His parents were Frederick W. and Mary (Kassing) Huseman, who came from Germany to the United States in 1852, settling first in St. Louis, Missouri, whence they removed to Princeton in 1856, remaining residents of the county seat until 1874. They then removed to Dover township, and in 1878 took up their abode in Kansas. There Mr. Husoman followed general agricultural pursuits, and he passed away in the Sunflower state in I.S99. at the age of seventv-seven vears, and his wife died in 1889.

John H. Huseman is indebted to the publicschool system of Princeton for the educational privileges he enjoyed, and when he entered upon his business career he took up the life of the farmer, but subsequently worked in a nursery. In 1877 he went to Kansas, where he engaged in farming until 1880. when he returned to this county and was here employed at farm labor. Ambitious and energetic, however, he could not content himself by passing his life in the service of others, and, desirous of having a farm of his own, he carefully saved his earnings, and now has one hundred and twenty acres of huul in .Maid ins township, on which he has recently erected a handsome modern home. He also has si.xty-six acres in Greenville township, and in addition to cultivating his own land, comprising about two bundled acres, he has also rented and tills about four hundred and eighty acres besides. He is thus extensively engaged in carrying on agricultural pursuits, and in addition to ctdtivating the soil he also raises a high grade of cattle, horses and registered Poland China hogs. .\ nuin of resourceful business ability, he is constantly watchful for opportunities to extend the scope of his activity, and in addition to managing his farming interests he assisted in establishing the Independent Telephone Company, and is a stockholder in the grain and coal company of Manlius.

On the 1-lth (if Decendier. 1882. Mr. Huseman was married to Miss .\nna Helena Fenn. of Manlius township, a daughter of George Fenn. a resident farmer there. I'nto Mr. and .Mrs. Huseman have been born six children : Mary, who is employed as a clerk in the store at Walnut, Illinois; .\nna, a school teacher; Alvina and Minnie, at- tending school in Walnut ; Emma and Leona, at home. The family attend the English Lutheran church of Manlius, and Mr. Huseman is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Globe. He has been school director, road commissioner and constable and has filled other local offices, and viewed from the standpoint of a citizen or a business man he has made an equally creditable record, while the extensive circle of his friends is indicative of the warm personal regard which he wins from those with whom he comes in contact.

Robert Joseph Stabler

Robert Joseph Stabler, deceased, started out in life on his own account as a farm hand and at his death was the owner of a valuable property of four hundred and fifty acres. His success was attributable entirely to his diligence, perseverance and capable management, and his record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Born in Pocktrop, Yorkshire, England, on the 9tli of May, 1835, he passed away in this county, February 14, 1901. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth (Hood) Stabler, who were natives of England, in which country they were reared and married. They crossed the Atlantic to Quebec in 1857 on the .steamship North America, which was eleven days in making the voyage. They proceeded to Kingston, Canada, by canal and river, thence by rail to Port Huron, Michigan, over the Michigan Central Railroad to Chicago, where they boarded a train on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad that brought them to Neponset, on the 22d of June, 1857.

Robert J. Stabler acquired his education in the schools of his native country and remained under the parental roof throughout the period of his minority, accompanying his parents on their emigration to America in 1857. He was then a young man of twenty-two years and ho began earning his own living in the new world while working as a farm hand by the month. Carefully saving his earnings he was enabled in 1861 to make his first purchase of land and bought from Mr. Lyford eighty acres in Neponset township. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres from Mr. Barrons. As his financial resources increased he made furtiier investments in land until he owned four hundred and fiftv acres in Hlinois. Throughout his entire business career he followed general farming and stockraising, and in his later years he retired, with a handsome competence, making his home in Neponset from February, 1895, until his death. During that period he enjoyed a well earned rest, deriving from his farm an income sudicient tn su|)- ply him with all of the comforts and many u! the luxuries of life.

In early manhood Mr. Stabler chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Martha Bramble, to whom he was married in England on the 22d of March, 1857. She was born in Munston, Yorkshire, England, November 14, 1848, and is a daughter of John and Martha (Willis) Bramble. Mr. and Mrs. Stabler became the parents of five sons and five daughters, namely : John, Henry, Sarah A., Edwin, Nellie, Alice May, Alfred G., Cora E., Walter J., and Ethel M. Of this number John, the eldest, died December 5, 1905.

Mr. Stabler exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, but was never very active in the sense of office seeking. He served, however, as road commissioner and for twenty years or more acted as school director and was a stalwart champion of the cause of public instruction. He also contributed to the support of the Methodist Episcopal church and was an advocate of every movement tending to promote the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of his community. He deserved much success for what he accomplished in a business way, for he depended entirely upon his own resources. He brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by determination and earnest effort and gradually he worked his way upward to attiuence, so that at his death he left his family a goodly .estate and also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His widow still survives and now makes her home in Neponset, where she has many warm friends, and the family occupies an enviable position in social circles in the village, while wherever known they are held in high regard.

Frank C. Jacoby

Frank C. Jacoby owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Westtield township and makes a specialty of the raising of Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle. He was born November 19, 1854, in La Salle county, Hlinois, and is of German lineage, his parents being Mathias and Catherine (Pantenburg) Jacoby, who were born in the old world, the father in Luxemburg province and the mother in Germany. In the year 1852 Mathias Jacoby became a resident of Bureau county, Hlinois, having lived for some time previous in Michigan, where he was engaged in steamboatiug on the lakes. The mother went to La Salle county with her parents in 1847, the family being among the early settlers of this part of the state. About 1849 they removed to Bureau county and resided in W^estfield township, where Mr. anil Mrs. Pantenburg were identified with farming intorcsls until called to their final rest. Mathias Jac()l)y was also numbered among the active agriculturists of Bureau county, for many years continuing in business until his life's labors

Frank C. Jacoby completed liis education in the schools of Westfield township and has always been a farmer. He was early trained to habits of industry and economy and these qualities have proven essential factors in his success in later life. In early manhood he sought a companion and helpmate and was married on the 28th of January, 1879, to Miss Ellen Skeffington, who was born in Gloucester. Canada West, April 2, 1854, her parents being Michael and Mary (Brennen) Skeffington. both of whom were natives of Ireland. They removed from Canada to Bureau county thirty-four years ago, taking up their abode here in the month of May, and the father was thereafter continuously connected with farming until his death, which occurred on the 28th of September, 1880. His wife survived him for about twelve years and passed away August 10, 1892. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby have been born five children, of whom Joseph, Katie and Mar}-, twins, and Robert are still under the parental roof. One daughter, Emmeline, died at the age of five months. Robert was graduated from the high school with honors and is entitled to free tuition at any normal school in the state.

In order to provide a livelihood for himself and family Mr. Jacoby has continuously followed farming and is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land pleasantly situated in Westfield township. Here he cultivates corn, oats and other crops, and is also well known as a stock-raiser, making a specialty of Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle. Both branches of his business are proving profitable and he is meeting with gratifying success in his undertakings. He and his family are all communicants of the Catholic church at Arlington.

John Peterson

John Peterson, who dates his residence in Bureau county from 1864, has resided upon his present farm "since March, 1876, and in the thirty years which have since come and gone he has wrought a wonderful transformation here, for the fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation and the farm has been converted into a valuable and productive property. .\s the name indicates, Mr. Peterson comes of Danish ancestry. He was born on the island of LoUand, belonging to Denmark, August 15, 1844, and is a son of Peter and Marguerite (Miller) Rasmussen, who were farming people of that country, in which they spent their entire lives.

John Peterson was reared in (he land of his birth, and when a young man of about twenty years, believing that he would have difficulty in making rapid business advancement there, and feeling that he would enjoy better opportunities in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to .\merica. The year 1864 witnessed his arrival at Sheffield, and he soon afterward secured employment at farm labor, being thus engaged for two years. He was afterward with the Rock Island Kailway Com- [nuiy at Bureau Junction for some time, and wiicn he had saved from his earnings sullicient capital to justify his purchase of land lie bought his present homestead of one hundred and si.xly acres and has resided thereon siiice March, 1876.

It was aljout si.\ years before this, when on the 9th of February, 1870, Mr. Peterson was married, the lady of his choice lieing Miss Christina Jensen, of Lojland, Demnark, who came to the new world in 1864. She was a daughter of Jensen and Ellen Christen, who remained in Denmark throughout their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson now have eight living children: James F., who operates a thresher and corn sheller and lives at home with his parents ; Albert C, who is proprietor of a hotel in Manlius ; Ella, the wife of James Hackett, a farmer; Martha, the wife of Dr. T. Sprague, a practicing physician of Siiclfield ; Harry E., an engineer, who for one year has been in the employ of the United States government; Emma G., at home; Carrie, now living in Moline; and Henry v., at home. They also lost one son, Peter Hernum. who died in Colorado at the age of thirty years.

Mr. Peterson has been road commissioner for the past six years, school director for twenty years and a member of the drainage commission for the past I'ight years. lie takes a very active interest in politics as a stanch advocate of the republican party, yet he does not desire ofliee for himself, ami the positions which he has filled have come to him in recognition, on the part of his fellowmen, of his worth and ability. The family are members of the Danish Lutheran church of Sheffield, which Mr. Peterson aided in organizing, becoming one of its charter members, while for manv years he served as one of its trustees. His life has been spent in consistent harmony with his religious professions, and under all circumstances he has been found loyal to justice, truth and right.

Mrs. Mary J. (Smith) Chambers is well known in Bureau county, where she has spent her entire life, now living in Ohio township, where she owns seventy-seven acres of choice land, which is operated by her .son. She was born .\ugust 26, 1852, and is a daughter of Daniel 1'. and Hachel (Matson) Smith, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Belmont county. Ohio. In their family were thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Smith was the third in order of birth.

Past Axd Presext Of Bureau Couxty

in the duties of the household, so that she was well prepared to take charge of a home of her own when on the 30th of March, 1871. she gave her hand in marriage to Leander Chambers, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. August 2(5, 1843. Mr. Chambers was also educated in the common schools of Bureau county, having been brought to Illinois in his early childhood. At the time of the Civil war, when a youth of about eighteen years, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in ISGl as a member of Com- .pany B, Eightieth Ohio Infantry. The regiment was assigned to the Western army, and he particij)ated in the battles of luka, V'icksburg. Savannah, Corinth, the march under Sherman from Atlanta to the sea and in others of lesser note, making a most creditable military record. He was ever found at his post of duty, gallantly and valiantly defending the old flag and the cause it represented, and in 18G5, the war having ended, he was honorably discharged. He had veteranized at the close of his three years" term, and passed through all the experiences meted out to the soldier, and can relate many incidents of the war.

Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have become the parents of two children : Amy Bell, born October 25, 187S, and John W., born Xovember 30, 1873. The son is now operating the farm of seventyseven acres of choice land which his mother inherited from her father, and is accounted one of the enterprising young fanners of the county. He is engaged in the raising of corn, oats and hay, and has good stock upon the place.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are members of the Methodist Protestant church, and he is a republican in his political affiliation. Mrs. Chambers has spent her entire life in this county and is a representative of one of the worthy pioneer families of this part of the state, and in the community where she has now lived for more than half a century she has many wann friends. She has witnessed many changes in the county since her girlhood days, for the work of improvement and development has been carried steadily forward and time and man have wrought a marked transformation here.

William W. Clement

WILLIAM W. CLEMENT. William W. Clement follows farming on what is known as the old Clark farm, on section 19. ^\^leatland township, and is serving as township supervisor, which office he has filled since 1902. He was born in Niagara county. New York, August 19, 1840. and came to Bureau county in 18()5 after the close of the war. Pie is numbered among the veterans who wore the blue in defense of the Union, having enlisted on the 16th of .\ugust, 1862, in the Nineteenth New York Independent Light Artillery from Niagara county. With this command he served until June, 1865. He spent two winter seasons in \\'ashington and afterward participated in the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Courthouse, also in other engagements that led up to the siege of Petersburg and Richmond; in fact, was in eveiy engagement with his company, which he never left for a day, fortunately escaping all wounds. Few men in all of the war saw more hard lighting, and though he was continuously at the front he never faltered in his allegiance to the old flag, loyally and uncomplainingly defending the interests of his country.

When the war was over Mr. Clement came to Bureau county, and for two years was connected in business with L. D. Whiting. He afterward went to Missouri, where he spent two years, and then returned to Bureau county, where for thirtyfour years he has continuously followed farming.

Mr. Clement married Miss Clara E. Clark, who was born on this farm and is a daughter of Stephen M. Clark. They have become parents of ten children: Clarence A., who married Josie Mayo and is a civil engineer living in Chicago;" Emma L., at home: Flora Belle, who died at the age of eight years : William W., who married Ada Revnolds and lives in Oklahoma : Lora E., Jesse W.". Roy G.. Eva C. Leslie C. and Lillian G., all at home. Politically a republican. Mr. Clement has been supervisor of Wheatland township since 1902 and chainnan of the board from 1904 to 1906. He has also been justice of the peace since 1890 and has served as highway commissioner, and his elections and re-elections to these various offices stand in evidence of his capable service and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.

John Behrens

John Behrens, who arrived in this country from Germany empty handed and with no knowledge of the English language and yet who. adapting himself to altered conditions and environment, soon familiarized the different methods and customs of the new world, has gained in the course of years a place among the substantial agriculturists of Bureau county, having now one hundred and eightv acres of land in Manlius township. He was born in Germany, September 22. 1857. a son of John and Dorothy Behrens. who. crossing the Atlantic to America in 1881, made their way direct to this county, where they spent their remaining days, the father passing away at the age of seventy-three years, while his wife died at the age of seventy-four.

John Behrens, of this re\-i('w. on coming to Bureau cininty. secured employment at farm labor and worked for live years for a Mr. Howard. Ambitious to engage in agricultural pursuits on his own account, he then rented the Curtis farm about a mile north of Sheffield and continued its cultivation for six vears. during which time he lived carefuUv and frugallv and thus saved the capital sufficient to enable him to purchase his present farm. It was in 18!)2 that he bought tliis property, comprising one liundred am] eiglity acres in Manlius township, lie has improved the same by carefully tilling the fields and by erecting firstclass buildings, including a house and barn, lie has always followed farming and the success he has achieved has come to him through his close application and ability in that line of work.

On the 18th of December, 188G, Mr. Behrens was united in marriage to Miss Anna Barnokow, a daughter of John Barnokow, who was a native of Germany and came to the new world in 1882. Nine children have graced this marriage and the family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. These are: Carrie, John, Jlary, Carl. Wfred. Max, Bernhard. Lizzie and Martha, all yet at home.

Mr. Behrens is a democrat where national questions and issues arc involved but casts an independent local ballot. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church of Manlius and are esteemed as worthy people of the community. He was absolutely w'itlKjut money when he arrived in the United States and his present possessions are the fruits of his toil, indicating that his has been an active and useful life and showing what may be accomplished in this country where effort is not hampered by caste or class.

Gerald F. Stoodley

Gerald P. Stoodley, engaged in farming in Manlius township, was born in Gibraltar on the 18th of July, 1848. His father. John Stoodley, was a military officer and chief of the commissary department in the British army. Prior to accepting that position he was connecte<l with the medical department, and he served in the army until his death, in lS-")7. It was while he was stationed at the military post of Gibraltar that the birth of his son Gerald occurred. His wife bore the maiden name of Eliza Fitzgerald.

Following the return of the family to England, the subject of this review pursued liis education at Crewkerne, Somersetshire, England, and in 1870, when about twenty-two years of age, came to America, making his way to Bureau county, Illinois. About 1878 he purchased his present home of one hundred and si.xty acres and has since resided thereon, his time and energies being given to his farm and his stock. He has standard bred horses, cattle and hogs and has provided ample shelter for his stock and his grain in larg(> barns and sheds. The fields are well tilled and he annually gathers good harvests, for he thoroughly understands the best methods of farming and is practical in all that he does.

favorable regard of many friends. Mr. Stoodley is a member of the Episcopal church or the Church of England, in the faith of which he was reared. Time has sanctioned and proven the wisdom of his resolution concerning his emigration to America, for here he has found good business opportunities and through the improvement of conditions wherewith he has been surrounded he has gained a goodly measure of success.

Chiustian D. Saltzman

Christian D. Saltzman, one of the wealthy and inlhicntial citizens of Ohio township, having extensive landed possessions aggregating four hundred and twenty acres, most of which has been acquired tlii-oiigh his own labors, was born in Millenburg, Louisiana, December 18. 1865. He is a son of Mitchell and Elizabeth (Schrock) Saltzman, the father born in Alsace, France, and the mother in Bavaria. Germany. The subject of this review is the youngest of their family of six children.

Christian D. Sallznuin received a public-school education, which fitted him for life's responsible duties. In 1881 he came to J?ureau county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. He began with eighty acres but through his careful management, industry and well directed labors has worked his way up year by year until he is now in possession of valuable farms of four hundred and twentv acres, which arc among the finely improved tracts of Bureau county. lie has added many modern improvements by building good fences, a beautiful residence, surrounded by fine shade trees, and am])le outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He is practical and progressive in the methods of carrying on his farm work, using only the latest improved machinery for facilitating his work, and thus year by year he harvests abundant crops whiili iind a ready sale on the market, for his products are always of the best quality.

Mr. Saltzman chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss .\nna M. Zimmerman, to whom he was married September 1 1. 1888. She was born in Bureau county, Illinois, May 26, 1870. and was here reared and educated. She is the younger of tw-o children born unto .\ndrew and Elizabeth (Albrecht) Zimmerman, the father a native of France, and the mother a native of Bureau county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Saltzman has been blessed with four sons: Julius A., born April 11. 1890; Otto M., January 2. 1893; Edwin \V.. June 26, 1895 ; and Oscar C. born September 19, 1!K)0.

Mr. Saltzman is a republican in his political views. He has been called to till some township offices, having served as highway commissioner and as school director. He and his wife arc members of the Mennonite church, while three of their sons hold membership with the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Saltzman has acquired the most of his landed possessions through his own efforts, for when he started out he had but eighty acres but has added to this until he now owns four hundred and twenty acres of very valuable land, constituting one of the best improved tracts of the county. He is thus carrying on general agricultural pursuits quite extensively, being assisted by his sons, whom he is training to habits of thrift and industry. He and his family are highly respected in the community in which they live, and he is today clased with the wealthy agriculturists of Bureau county.

Zimri Smith

Illinois, foremost among the great agricultural states of the Union, offers in its broad fields excellent opportunity to him who wishes to engage in the tilling of the soil. The surface of the ground is generally slightly undulating, so that comparatively little artificial drainage is needed, and the rich black soil responds readily to the care and cultivation which is bestowed upon it, so that annually great crops are harvested and sent to the various markets of the country. Among the energetic business men who are devoting their time and labors to farm work in Bureau county is Zimri Smith, whose life record began in Berlin township on the 5th of February, 1858, his parents being Jonathan and Malumba (Ary) Smith, who came to this county in October, 18-iG. The father, a native of Virginia, was born in Rockingham county, October 14, 1814, while his wife was a native of Greene county, Ohio, born in 1818. By their marriage they became the parents of five sons and one daughter, of which number one has passed away.

Zimri Smith is the fifth in order of birth, and under the parental roof the days of his childhood and youth were passed. At the usual age he entered the district schools in Berlin township, and thus continued his education until he became a student in Arlington. Later he engaged in teaching in this township and imparted clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he acquired. Much of his life, however, has been devoted to general agricultural pursuits, and he now owns eighty acres of fine land inherited from his father. By careful management and improvement the property has been doubled in value and is a very desirable farm, in the midst of which stands a beautiful residence amid attractive surroundings. All of the buildings are modern and first class in every particular and are kept in good repair. Mr. Smith is always to be found upon his farm, carefully directing its interests, and in all that he undertakes he is practical, utilizing the means at hand to the best advantage and accomplishing results which are very desirable.

who was born in Bureau county, September 14, 1857. She is a daughter of Richmond and Mary (Borger) McKee, who were natives of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, the former born in 1818 and the latter in 1883. Both are now deceased. By their marriage there were thirteen children, three of whom have departed this life, Mrs. Smith being the seventh in order of birth. She was educated in the public schools of Selby township and in Princeton.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are widely known in this part of the state. They are believers in the Christian religion, and Mrs. Smith belongs to the Presbyterian church at Arlington. Mr. Smith is identified with Levi Lusk lodge, No. 370, A. F. & A. M., at Arlington; Princeton chapter, No. 28, R. A. M., and Bethany commandery. No. 28, K. T., of Mendota, and he and his wife are memliers of the Order of the Eastern Star. He has held various offices in his lodge and represented it in the grand lodge in 1896. For six years he has been a school director and clerk of the school board, and in politics he is an independent democrat, usually voting with the democracy yet not considering himself bound by party ties. He is a man of cordial nature and genial disposition, whose kindliness of spirit, geniality and deference for the opinions of others have made him popular with those with whom he has come in contact. His. entire life has been passed in Bureau county, and that he has lived worthily is indicated by the fact that many of liis stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days down to the present time.

Robert S. Beatty

Robert S. Beatty, pleasantly situated upon a fine farm in La Moille township, manifests in his bxisiiiess career a spirit of enterprise and progress that lias made him a leading agriculturist and he now owns a valuable place comprising one hundred and ninety-one acres of land. He was born August 10, 1865, in the township which is still his home. Ids parents being Franlv and Catherine (Smith) Beatty, the former a native of Canada and the latter of Massachusetts. They became residents of Bureau county about 1855 and were married here. Unto them were born nine children, of whom Robert S. was the fourth in order of birth. Three of the number are now deceased.

Reared upon the old homestead farm, Robert S. Beatty acquired his early education in the public schools of Bureau county and continued his studies in Fulton, Illinois. He has always followed tarming and his advancement in business circles is largely attributable to his unfaltering diligence and keen business discernment. He is now the owner of one hundred and ninety-one acres of valuable land, on which he carries on the falsing of grain and stock. This fann was settled by a man of the name of Perkins and was purchased by Mr.

Beatty lour yuars ago at a cost of uiuety-two dollars per acre. Today the place is worth from one hundred and seventy-live to two hundred dollars per acre by reason of the natural appreciation of land values and the improvements which he has placed upon the property. There are excellent buildings on this farm and the home is supplied with many of the comforts and luxuries of life. It is surrounded by broad fields of waving grain, giving promise of abundant harvests, and all of the equipments and accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century are here found.

Mr. Beatty was married November 10, 1887, to Miss Lizzie Cheesman, who was born in Arlington, this county, April 27, 18G8, her parents being Jolm T. and Elizabeth Cheesman, who were natives of England. On coming to Bureau county in 1855 they settled in Arlington, Westlield township, and their daughter, Mrs. Beatty, was the fifth of their children. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children : Charles, born November 2, 1888; Alta, December 3, 1889 ; Frank, June 10, 1892; Robert D., March 20, 1894; Alice, February 26, 1899: Viola, October 25. 1902; and Henry L., June 7, 1905.

Mr. Beatty is a stanch republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party and yet without ambition for public ollice. He and his family attend the United Brethren church, of which his wife and children are members. In the community they are held in high esteem, occupying an enviable position in the social circles in which they move. Mr. Beatty has long been recognized as a stalwart friend of the cause of education and has done effective service in behalf of the schools during twenty years' connection with the school board. He owes his prosperity to his own olforls and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate t<j him. They are both people of many excellent traits of character and the consensus of public opinion regarding them is altogether favorable.

William R. Smith

William R. Smith, for many years a respected and representative agriculturist of Bureau county, died upon the old home farm on section 33, Selby township, on the 18th of December, 1900. He was born near Brownsville, in Brown county, Ohio, September 4, 1829, his parents being Isaac and Lucinda (Bartley) Smith. When their son William was about nine years of age they removed from Ohio to Indiana, locating in Grant county, and later in Wabash county, where they continued to reside until tlie spring of 1852, when they removed to Bureau county. Illinois. The father purchased a farm in the northern part of Sclby township, whereon he and his wife resided until called to their final rest. His death occurred in February, 1869, when he was seventy- four years of age, while his wife died in 1866, at the age of sixtyeight years. Mr. Smitli was from the state of New York, and was of English and Welsh descent, while the Bartley family were from \'irginia. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits, and thus he supported his family of nine children, namely: Eliza and Joseph, deceased; William R., of this review; Margaret and Jane, who have passed away; Alva, who resides in Ottawa, Kansas ; Isaac, Jr., deceased ; Thomas, whose home is in Elfingham, Kansas: and Lucinda, who has also departed this life. Alva and Thomas were soldiers of the ('ivil war, enlisting from Bureau county, the latter being a member of the Ninety-third Illinois Infantry and the fonner of the One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers.

William R. Smith resided in Indiana from the age of nine years until he became a resident of Fulton county, Illinois, in the spring of 1850, and in the following spring he came to Bureau county. Afterward, however, he returned to Wabash county and was married there in October, 1851, after which he brought his bride to Illinois and spent a year or more in farming on Green river. Coming to Selby township, he carried on farming until 1859, when he removed to Douglas county, Kansas, but in 1860 again took up his abode in Selby township, purchasing a tract of land on section 31. This was his home until he .sold the property and bought the present home farm on section 33 in 1876. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. From a small start and by hard work - breaking prairie and tilling the soil - he accumulated an excellent property, and at his death left a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Susan Ilartzell, who was born in Miami county, Ohio, October 20. 1831, a daughter of Leonard and Delilah (Weiss) Ilartzell, who were Pentisylvania Dutch i)eo[)le, and removed from Ohio to Rush county, Indiana, and subse(|uently to Wabash county, that state, where they remained until the death of the wife and mother in IS 17. Mr. Hartzell aftei-ivard removed to Iowa, where he died in 1878, at the age of eighty years. He followed farming as a life w(U-k and owned a good tract of land in Indiana. In his family were eleven children: Willis and Lewis, both deceased: .\dam, who resides in Wyanet ; Susan, now ilrs. Smith; Mrs. Nancy ilcNuslin, of Cass county. .Nebraska; Mrs. Eliza ^founts, deceased; l']dwaril, who has also passed away; John, who resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Philip, living in Tanui, Iowa; Mary, deceased; and .\aron, who has departed this life.

Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born ten children: Melissa, who was born in 1S51 and died in infancy; .\lonzo, born June 25. 1S56; Viola, who was l)orn October 15. 1S5S, and is the wife of .\ugusttis Marity. a resident of Selby township; Lilly 1?.. who was born Decembi'r 19,

18G0, and is thc3 wife of Timothy Kliyne, of Selby township; Mary L., who was born December 27, 1862, and married Carlos Hosiar, of Bureau Junction: John, born February 12, 18(i5 ; Nora, wlio was born February 20, 1.S(m, and l^ocame the wife of Charles Ketch, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and died in 1897; Joseph, who was born April 4, 1869, and died in 1897; Edith, wlio was born December 28, 1873; and Linnie. July 10, 1S75. The last two are still at home. The Smith brothers, Alonzo and John, operate the home farm of one hundred and twenty acres and also own other lands in Selby township, comprising in all two hundred and twenty acres. They have improved the farm until it is now a splendid property, built a new barn and added other modern equipments. They raise good horses, making a specialty of the Norman stock, and own a pacing horse. Cyclone, with a record of 2:151,4. They also raise polled Angus cattle, and are very successful in their stock-raising business. Politically they are supporters of the democratic party, and their religious views are indicated by their attendance at the Congregational church.

William E. Smith, the father, was a stanch democrat, and in early life held membershiiJ with the Methodist Episcopal cliurch, but afterward became identified with tlie United Brethren church, and at the time of his demise was a member of the Congregational church. He lived a life of activity and usefulness characterized by unfaltering diligence and crowned with success. All that he possessed and enjoyed was acquired through his own labors, and, moreover, the business methods which he followed won for him the unqualified respect of his fellowmen, because he conformed to a high standard of ethics. The family is a prominent and influential one in Selby township, and well worthy of representation in this volume.