Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 6 of 28)

On the 5th of May, 1886, Charles E. Curtis was married to Miss Louise R. Ix)tts, of Independence, Iowa, a daughter of William and Sophia Lotts. Her father, a farmer by occupation, died in 1892, but her mother is still living. They have two children : Bessie Belle, who is a graduate of the high school of Sheffield of the class of 190() : and Cheryl Maria, a student in the high school. Mr. Curtis is president of the board of education of Sheffield and is a well known champion of progress in this direction, believing in the maintenance of good schools and the employment of competent teachers. He is a member of the Antlers Club of Sheffield and in a wide acquaintance he has gained many warm friends, being a popular citizen as well as a successful and capable business man.

Axdkew Swaxzy

Andrew Swanzy, now living retired in Princeton, his native city, was born February 3, 1838, a son of Dt. James Swanzy, who was a graduate of a prominent medical college of London, England, and at one time was a leading physician and surgeon of Princeton, with large and important practice. He was very prominent here, both by reason of his professional skill and his personal worth, and both he and his wife died in Bureau county.

Andrew Swanzy was educated in the country schools of Bureau county and in early manhood went to Xew York, where he spent the greater part of his business career. He was a dry-goods salesman for a Xew York firm for forty years. He would visit merchants in different parts of the country and send them to the house which he represented to buy goods, and he maintained a splendid reputation as an able salesman, who was always popular with his patrons and who had the full confidence of the house which he represented. When his labors had brought to him a handsome competence and he desired to put aside further liusiness cares he determined to return to the home of his youth and is now living in Princeton. He has traveled extensively all over this country and made one trip to Europe, and, possessing an observing eye and retentive memorv, has a broad knowledge of the countries and peoples he iias visited, gaining thereby the culture and experience which only travel can bring.

Mr. Swanzy was married in 18(>2 to Miss Watie Walker, who was horn in T)e Kalb, Illinois, a daughter of the Rev. 0. A. Walker, who canu^ to Princeton in 1847 and with the exception of six years spent the remainder of his life here. He was a very prominent citizen and wielded a wide influence. At one time he held the office of county treasurer and for some years was presiding elder in his district. His labors in behalf of the church were not denied the full harvest nor the aftermath, and his efforts and influcme nroveil a potent element in the moral development of this part of the state.

Mr. and Mrs. Swanzy now occupy a fine large residence at 208 South Fourth street, Princeton, it being one of the old and beautiful homes of the town. Botlt are members of the Methodist church and are held in tbe highest esteem by all who know them. In his {)olitical views Mr. Swanzy is a democrat with prohibition proclivities. He is much interested in politics and has attended twelve national conventions of the two parties. His business career was marked bv consecutive advancement and in all life's relations he has stood for progress and improveincnt, bcmg especially helnfiil in his support of those measures which have had for their object the material, intellectual and moral upbuilding of the conimunitios with which he has been connected.

Norman F. Morris

Norman F. Morris, who devotes his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits in Indiantown townshi]). is a native of Montgomery county. New York, wdiere he was born March 4, 1849. His parents. Hart N. and Susan (]\Iills) ;\Ioi-ris, were likewise natives of the Empire state. The father came to Bureau county, Illinois, in September, 1850, and went by canal to Buifalo, by the lakes to Chicago, and by the Illinois and ilichigan canal to La Salle, this state, whence they drove across the country to their destination, settling east of the present farm of our subject, where Hart N. Morris purchased two hundred and forty acres of land. He also liought and sold other land at different times. When he located here there was a log house on the place and he afterward erected more modern buildings. He placed his fields under a high state of cultivation and the land, for which he paid about seven dollars per acre, became vei-y valuable. He was a successful agriculturist who carried on general farming and later engaged more extensively in dairying. He lived for twenty years in Princeton, but the last four years of his life were spent upon his farm and he passed away in October, 1900, in his ninetieth year. His wife died in 1898, wdien about eighty-six years of age. Mr. ilorris was one of the first members of the Congregational church, in the work of which both he and his wife took an active and helpful part. He traveled life's journey for nine decades and his was a most useful, active and honorable as well as extended career.

Noriuan F. ^lorris, after attending tbe district schools, spent one term as a student in Princeton and two terms in the Tiskilwa schools. Subsequently he began farming near the old home place and later he piirchased a tract of land adjoining his father's farm in 1878. He has since extended its boundaries until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land, well improved. He has been practical as well as progressive in his business methods and in addition to the tilling of the soil he is now engaged in the dairy business, keeping twenty cows. Ilis home is pleasantly located about four miles from Tiskilwa and the farm in its well kept appearance indicates his careful supervision.

In 1875 Mr. ilorris was united in marriage to Mi.ss Elizalx'th Stuchel. of Princeton, a daughter of John Stuchel, who came to this county at an early day. ^Fr. and Afrs. Jlorris have become the parents of five children: Lulu, a graduate of the Tiskilwa biirli school and for one vear a student m Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, has for six years engaged in teaching. Howard is living near the old home place. Mabel was graduated from the high school in Tiskilwa in 1902. Elmer completed a similar course in 190G. He and Ruth are living at home.

ilr. Jlorris is an active and influential member of the Congregational clnirch of Providence, in which he is serving as deacon. He votes with the republican party and for many years has oeen a member of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm and helpful friend. In fact he is deeply interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral progress of his community and his influence has ever been exerted on the side of right, justice and truth.

Daniel Gingery

Daniel Gingery, who for many years was identified with farming interests in Indiantown tow^nship but is now deceased, was born in Germany, February 2, 1824, and was a son of Jolin and ]\Iagdalena (Eekhart) Gingery, who were likewise natives of the fatherland, whence they came to the United States in 1825, settling in Pennsylvania. In 1831 they removed to Tazewell county, Illinois, wdicre the father died the same year. His widow survived him until the fall of 1852 and passed away at the home of Joseph Albrecht, one of the German pioneer residents of this county. She was the mother of eight children, namely: Catherine, Peter, Barbara, Joseph, Phebe, Louise, Christian and Daniel.

The last named was reared in Tazewell county, Illinois, having been brought to America by his parents when a year old and a part of his early life was also spent in Bureau county. He obtained his education in the public schools and learned and followed the carpenter's trade in Woodford county. Sulisequent to his marriage he removed to Tazewell county, where he lived for seven years, and in the spring of 1865 he again came to Bureau county, locating in Arispie township, where he resided until 1881. He then took up his abode in Indiantown township, where he owned one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, his remaining days being devoted (o farming pursuits upon this pro|ierty.

On the 3d of April, 1857, Mr. Gingery was married to iliss Calbarine Gassier, wliose birth occurred in Baden, Germany, June 9, 1835, her parents being Ileni-y and Elizabeth (Esterly) Gassier, of Germany. They became the parents of nine children: .John, now living at Independence. Iowa; llciii-y. living iirar the home farm; Edwin, yet with his mother: Anna, who became the wife of Thomas Stevens and died in February, 190(;, leaving three children: Bertha, the wife of Peter Gingerich, who lives near Bradford, Illinois: Ijouise. at lionie; 'Mary, residing at Seattle,

Washington; Willie, a farmer residing in Indiantown township, who married Anna Kehn; and Josephine, the wife of William S. Reed, of Joliet, Illinois.

Mr. Gingery held membership in the ilennonite church, to which his wife yet belongs, and his political support was given to the republican party. He traveled extensively in the west but never saw any country that pleased him as well as Bureau county and he had a warm attachment for this section of the state. In his business affairs he was found reliable as well as active and whatever success he enjoyed was attributable to his own labors, lie passed away November (J, 1891), respected by all who knew him, and his widow now resides on the old homestead farm on sections 11 and 1-1, Indiantown township, where she has a nice home.

William E. Sapp

William E Sapp, well known in financial circles as president of the Wyanet Bank, was born June 13, 1859, in the city which is still his home, and is a son of Andrew Sapp, who was born in Kent county, Delaware, November 11, 1834. The father became a resident of Bureau county in 18-12, when he came to the middle west with his parents, who settled in Wyanet township. The grandfather, Hezekiah Sapp, secured a farm upon which he resided until 1874, when he removed to Iowa, where he spent the residue of his days. He long survived his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Bosket, who passed away in this county in 1846. In their family were six children, Andrew, Elizabeth, Major, Unity, Lusina and Mary Jane.

Andrew Sapp was reared in this county from the age of eight years, and when a j-oung man of twenty years began working for himself. He had previously had but meager educational privileges, and, ambitious for further mental development, he attended school after starting out in life on his own account. For many years he followed the occupation of farming, and his career was an almost phenomenally successful one, for, without special advantages at the outset, he worked his way steadily upward, becoming a capitalist and extensive real-estate owner. He followed farming for a number of years and then removed to Wyanet, where he spent his remaining days. After taking up his abode in the village he was engaged in buying grain and stock, and at the same time supervised his farming interests. He possessed keen business sagacity that left him rarely if ever at fault in a business transaction, so that he was very successful, and liis judicious iuvostinents in real estate made him the owner of twelve hundred and seventeen acres of land in Wyanet and Bureau townships. He was a firm believer in the principles of the democratic party and was a man whose position upon any question of moment was never an equivocal one, for he was firm in honest support of his convictions and never wavered in his allegiance in a course which he believed to be right.

Andrew Sapp was married in Wyanet township, April 6, 18.58, to Miss Ann Eliza Ziegler, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1833, a daughter of Joseph Ziegler, and came to Wyanet township, this county, in 1855. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sapp are now deceased. Two sons survive : William E., of this review; and Elmer, who was born June 15, 186G, and is now cashier in the Wyanet BanK.

Upon the home farm in Wyanet township William E. Sapp was reared and the public schools of that locality afforded him his educational privileges, with the exception of one year in a commercial college in Davenport, Iowa. He early developed those strong traits of character which have distingiiished him as a man, and he was soon entrusted by his father with the supervision of large business interests, becoming familiar with business methods, and having decided talent for conducting large enterprises, for co-ordinating forces and producing the best results obtainable he naturally managed with ability and success the important interests given over to his care. His work, too, has been of a nature which has proven of the utmost value to the city. He is the owner of the fine brick business block occupied by H. W. Cate & Company, and is a member of the firm, this being probably the finest structure of the kind in the county. He is also the president of the Wyanet Bank, a private institution and one of the most sound and reliable financial concerns of this part of the state. He likewise owns an elegant residence north of the depot and other houses whicli he has erected, so that he has valuable real-estate interests here. With abundant means placing him far beyond the necessity of any exertion for a livelihood, he yet engages actively in business and other enterprises which are of direct benefit to his town in its commercial and material progress. He co-operates in every movement for the general good, and has done much to beautify and improve Wyanet. He regards the accumulation of wealth not as the end of life but as a means to an end, and realizes that the most enjoyment from this possession comes from placing it in circulation, where it can prove of assistance to his fellowmen as well as a source of continued income to himself. He is generous in spirit, kindly in disposition, and not slow to assist others less fortunate than himself.

In his early manhood Mr. Sapp was married to Miss Cora Sparks, of Wyanet, and unto them has been born a son, Ray, who is being educated at Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois. The family home is one of warm-hearted, gracious and liberal hospitality, which is greatly enjoyed bv their many friends. The residence is a beautiful dwelling, supplied with all the furnishings that wealth can secure and relined taste suggest. Mr. Sapp and his wife have traveled extensively, not only in their native country, but in foreign lands, gaining that experience and culture which only travel can bring. After a trip abroad he complied with an urgent request to address an audience at the Methodist Episcopal church of the city on his travels in Europe and his visit to Rome and the Eternal City. He delivered a most entertaining address, relating particularly to his visit to Pope Leo, who granted him an audience during the last days of his papal rule when he was in his ninetieth year, and so enfeebled by age that he had to be carried about the place in a chair.

In manner Mr. Sapp is quiet and unassuming, yet possessing that genuine worth of character which gains recognition in every land and clime. He stands for all that is progressive in citizenship and in private life and supports every measure and movement which has for its object local advancement or national development. Honored and respected by all, there is not a man who occupies a more enviable position in business and financial circles in Bureau county than William E. Sapp, which fact is due not alone to his extensive business interests and valuable landholdings, but to the straightforward methods he has ever followed. It is true that he came into possession of a large estate from his father, but he has extended the scope of his business interests through his own activity, energy and keen foresight and his life record proves that success is not a matter of genius as held by many, but is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and wise investments.

Elmer Sapp

Among the native sons of B\ireau county who have made creditable records as repre.sentatives of commercial and financial interests is numbered Elmer Sapp. of Wyanet. Valued and respected by all, his position is attributable not to the fact that his father before him was a successful business man and capitalist, but arises from his own enterprise, his spirit of progress and the capability with which he directs the interests which come under his control. He has wrought along new lines in keeping with modern ideas of business development and progress, and is particularly well known as cashier of the Wyanet Bank.

Mr. Sapp was born in Wyanet, June 15, 1860, and is a son of Andrew Sapp, whose birth occurred in Kent county, Delaware, November 11, 1834. He was a youth of about eight years, when, in 1842, he came to Bureau county, Illinois, with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Heze'kiah Sapp, who settled in Wyanet township. Here the mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Bosket, died in 1846, and Hezekiah Sapp retained his residence in this county until 1875, when he removed to Iowa, wliere he spent the remainder of his life. In the family were six children, including Andrew Sapp, who was largely reared in this county, and at the age of twenty years began working for himself. Although subsequent to that time he attended school, but he was desirous of acquiring a more advanced education, as he realizecl its value in the ]>ractical affairs of life. He followed the occupation of farming until 1865, when he removed to Wyanet, where for a number of years he was engaged in the grain and live-stock business, at the same time superintending his farming interests. He met with splendid success, becoming the owner of twelve hundred and seventeen acres of land in W^vanet and Bureau townships, and for a long period he was accounted one of the foremost business men and prominent citizens of the county. He deserved distinction by reason of the fact that his labors were the reward of his own perseverance and well directed energy. He was married in Wyanet township, April 6, 1858, to Miss Ann Eliza Ziegler, who was born in Pennsylvania in 18.33, a daughter of Joseph Ziegler. By this marriage there were born two sons, William and Elmer, who now constitute the banking firm in charge of the Wyanet bank. The father was a democrat in his political allegiance. He remained a prominent and representative resident of Wvanet until his death, which occurred in 1893, while his wife survived until IfDl.

After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Wvanet, Elmer Sapp devoted a year to studv in Knox college, at Galesburg, and one year to the mastery of a business course in the Davenjiort Business College, at Davenport, Iowa. For three vears he was connected with the grain trade before turning his attention to the banking business, with which he has been identified as cashier of the Wyanet Bank since 1893. The bank was organized in 1877 bv L. F. Houghton, and was then purchased by Isaac Phillips, who sold out to William and Elmer Sapp in 1893. The elder brother acts as president and the younger as cashier of the bank and they conduct a general banking and loan business. They now own and control a private l)ank. which is considered one of the safest financial institutions of the county because of the large amount of real estate of the very choicest kind which forms its security. There is probiiblv no institution of the kind in northern Illinois that stands any higher in the confidence of the people than the Wyanet private bank. From the beginning Elmer Sapp has acted as cashier, and is a popular and accommodating official, of good business ability and keen sagacity. In the year 1900 they took up their abode in their present quarters, liaviug a well equipped bank building, which tliey erected of brick, and stands ou the corner of Main and First streets. It contains an absolutely burglar and fireproof safe and is complete in all of its furnishings. While giving much of his time to the daily work of the bank, Mr. Sapp also has other interests, owning two tine farms in Wyanet and Bureau townships, while he is also a partner in the ownership of the largest and finest store in Bureau county - that of H. W. Gate & Company.

In 1891 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sapp and Miss Edna Olds, a lady of culture and refinement, well known in Wyanet as a leader in social circles. She is a daughter of John H. Olds, deceased, who was born in Princeton, ilay 21, 1S47, a son of Justin H. Olds, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts, September 6, 1806. The latter was there reared, becoming a resident of Bureau county in 1834. He was here married to iliss Louisa ('. Bryant, a daughter of Peter Bryant, and their marriage ceremonv wa? the first performed after the organization of the county, her brother, John H. Bryant, officiating. Mr. Olds died at the ripe old age of seventy-two years, and his wife was sixty-two years of ago when called from this life. The father of Mrs. Sapp remained a resident of Princeton to the age of fifteen years, when, in company with the family, he reiuovcd to Peoria, the father having been a|)i>oint('d t'nited States inspector of distilleries there. When eighteen years of age he was graduated from the public schools of Peoria, and later he pursued a business course in Bryant & Stratton Business College of that city. Taking up his abode in Wyanet. he spent his remaining days in tins place, and on the 15th of April, ISTfl, was married to Miss Annabel Kimmel, a native of Pennsylvania, who when a child came in ISofi to Bureau county with her father, Samuel Kimmel. ^[t. and Mrs. Olds had eight children. His death occurred July S, 1001, while his widow still resides in Wyanet. Mr. and Mrs. Sapp have one daughter, Gladys, now twelve vears of age.

Tn his political views 'Mr. Sapp is an independent democrat. Tie has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commaiidery. and to the My.stic Shrine in Chicago. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they own and occupy a beautiful home on ^fain strecl in Wvanet, which was formevlv the residence of his father, and whicli i.s noted for its gracious and warm-hearted bospitalitv. Ix-ing greatly enjoved bv tlioir manv friends. Pnhjic-spirited, ^[r. Sapp stands for all tliat is )irogre.s>ive in relation to the u])building and improvement of the town and withholds liis aid from no movement thai is calculated to promote the general welfare. He is alsf^ generous in bis contributions to tlie needv and is ever willing to assist any business enterprise thai jiromiscs for the benefit of the comiiimiitv.

He is a worthy type of the enterprising American citizen of the present day, who carries forward to successful completion what he undertakes and yet finds at the same time the opportunity for practical assistance in those lines of activity which are of benefit to the communitv at large.

Aaron W. Fetrow

Aaron W. Fetrow, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Berlin township, having one of the fine farms of the county, is a native son of Princeton, born January 18, 1858. Ilis parents were Joseph and Mary A. (Stoner) Fetrow, natives of Pennsylvania, who in 1857 came to Illinois. They were married in the Keystone state in 1855 and two years later started for the west, hoping to enjoy better business opportunities in this section of the country. Accordingly they located in Princeton and as the years went by the home was blessed with a family of six children, of whom Aaron W. Fetrow is the eldest.

Carefully reared by his parents, Aaron W. Fetrow obtained his education in the Princeton schools and was trained to habits of industry, perseverance and economy by his father and was stimulated to put forth his best efforts in a liusiness way that success might cro^vn his lal)ors and make him one of the substantial residents of his community. He has led a life of diligence and enterprise, which has resulted in the acquirement of valuable property interests. He owns eighty acres of very arable and productive land and his farm is a splendidly improved property. There are fine buildings standing on a rise of ground, so that the home commands a splendid view of the surrounding country. His residence is built in modern style of architecture and the well kept appearance of the house and outbuildings, all of which are well painted, form an attractive feature in the landscape worthy an artisf s brush. The farm is carefully cultivated and the fields bring forth rich harvests. He raises diversified crops, corn, oals and hay being his principal products.

On the 2-id of February, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of ^fr. Fetrow and iliss Mary Jury, who was born in Bureau county, December 22, 1859. She is a daughter of George and Katharine (Null) Jury, who were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Bureau county in 185T. In tlieir family were six children. Mrs. Fetrow being the third in order of liirth. By lier marriage .she has become the moljier of one daushter, Bessie JI,, born June 23, ISSl.

,A[r. Fetrow in his political views is an earnest republican, always voting with that party since he cast his first presidential ballot for Benjamin Harrison in 1880. The iionors and emoluments of office, iiowever, have no attraction for him, as he prefers to do his public service as a private citizen I'atlier tlian an incnndient in office. Ifnw- ever, he does what he can to aid in the material, intellectual, political and moral progress of the community. Whatever he has achieved in a busine.-;s way is the result of his own perseverance and labors and, working persistently and energetically as the years have gone by, he has accumulated a property which classes him with the foremost farmers of the county.

Joshua W. Mapkee

Joshua W. Markee. who is now farming two hundred and eighty acres of the old ilarkee homestead, was born upon this farm in Neponset township, January 3, 1S66. a son of Joseph and Jane (Waite) llarkee, of whom mention is made on another page of this work. He is indebted to the public school system of Bureau county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth and which prepared him for life's practical and responsible duties. His training at farm labor was not meager, for from an early age he assisted in the active work of the fields. AVhen twenty-five years of age, he began farming on his own account and in 1902 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in northwestern Missouri. After selling that property he bought one hundred and si.xty acres in Linn county, Missouri, which he at present owns. He is now farming two hundred and eighty acres of the old homestead in Neponset township and in addition to the raising of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged in stock-raising and keeps good grades of cattle, horses and hogs upon his place. His indefatigable energy and perseverance combined with his laudable ambition are manifest in the well kept appearance of his farm, which is indicative of the care and supervision which he bestows upon it.

On the 14th of February, 1899, Mr. Markee was united in marriage to Miss Josephine G. Eldridge, who was born in Neponset township, March 26, 1871, a daughter of Joseph G. and Mary (Bowen) Eldridge. Her father was born in Canaan, Somerset county, Maine, June 21, 1833, and died July 26, 1898. His wife, who was born in Derbyshire, England, October 19, 1848, is now living in Neponset. Mr. Eldridge arrived in Hlinois in 1855, locating on a farm southwest of Neponset. Subsequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie land, which he converted into rich fields and which he improved by erecting thereon a comfortable residence in 1861. He married and later on purchased more land, adding to his property as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable farm land in this county together with one hundred and sixty acres in Towa. In 1889 he purchased a residence in Neponset and there lived a retired life up to the time of his death. He was an exemplary member of Neponset lodge, No.

803, A. F. & A. M., and belonged to Kewanee chapter. No. 47, R. A. M., and Princeton commandery, K. T. His early political allegiance was given to the republican party and later he endorsed the principles of democracy. It was in 1859 that he married Miss Mary Bowen, and unto them were born seven cliildren, of whom six are now living: George; Sarah, the wife of E. Roberts ; Harriett ; Josephine, now Mrs. Markee ; Mary E., the wife of S. S. Lewis; and Trew W.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Markee has been biassed with a daughter and son: Lois Edna, born December 11, 1899; and Joseph Eldridge, born May 22, 1903. The parents are members of the Congregational church at Neponset, taking an active interest in its work and progress. Mr. Markee has served for twelve years on the school board, and the cause of education has been promoted through his active co-operation for advancement along that line. In politics he is a republican. Almost his entire life has been passed in the township, which is still his home and his life record is therefore known to many of his friends who recognize his sterling traits of character and gave him their kindly regard and good will.

Joseph K. Schwarzentraub

Joseph K. Schwarzentraub, who is engaged in general farming and in the breeding of pure blooded shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, making him one of the leading stock-raisers of this community, resides in Bureau township. His birth occurred upon the old homestead farm in Concord township on the 2d of October, 1860, and he is a representative of one of the old German families of Bureau county. His parents were John and Barbara (Kiefer) Schwarzentraub. The father was born in Germany, December 27, 1820. and the mother's birth occurred in France in 1828. She was brought to the LTnited States by her parents when but two years of age and Mr. Scharwzentraub crossed the Atlantic to the new world when a youth of fifteen years, locating in Warren county, Ohio, where he lived to the age of thirty-one years, when he became a resident of Concord township. Bureau county, Illinois. There he reared his family of seven children, four of whom are still living.

Joseph K. Schwarzentraub su])ploiiiented his early education, acquired in the district schools, bv studv in Princeton high school and later in the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. He was thus well equipped by liberal mental training for the solution of the difficult problems which come in a business life. L;iying aside his textbooks, he took up the active work of tlie farm on the old homestead which his father had located in the year 1861, just prior to the Civil war. Since that time he has been engaged in farming here and he purcliased the old liomestead in l'J04. He now has one hundred and sixtj- acres of land which is highly improved and owing to the care and labor which he has bestowed upon the place it has greatly increased in vahie. being now worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. His crops are mostly corn and oats and the fields are well tilled. He i,* also a breeder of pure blooded shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and his stock-raising interests are an important branch of his busines.~.

On the 28th of February. 1906. Mr. Schwarzentraub was married to Miss .\nna Hinze, who was born in Wyanet township in June. 1875. She is a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Roggy) Hinze. the former a native of Germany and the latter of France. They came to the United States in childhood days and were married in Bureaii township, Bureau county, Illinois. Thev are now. however, residents of Germany, where the fathei' is living retired from business cares. .A[r. Schwarzentraub is a supporter of tl.e Christian diurc-h. of which his wife is a member, and he is interested in matters relating to i)ublic improvement and progress. He has demonstrated his worth as a business man by the success which has followed his eilorts and l)y the honorable, straightforward metliods he has ever followed. He has worked persistently and energeticallv as the years have gone by and his labors have brought to him the reward which always follows earnest and conscientious work.

Henry C. Smith

Henry C. Smith, a farmer and stock-shipper residing north of Princeton on section 4, Princeton township, was born in Bureau county, September 18. 1846, and represents an old New England family. His paternal grand fatlier was Chester Smith, who was born JEarch 2, 1771. He was married December l.i. 1796, and in his familv were nine children, nanielv: Fannie, Noadiah. Clarinda, Allan. Eli. Elijah, Melinda, Louisa and .\nn. Of this number Eli Smith, father of our subject, was born in Deerficld, Massachusetts, in 1804, and in his native state was reared. When he had arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Clarissa Childs, who was also born in Deerfield, Ma.ssachusetts. in 1804 and was a daughter of David W. Childs. Her father was born November 17, 1778. anil was married September 7, 1802, to Eunice C. Clapp, who was born in May, 1777. They had five children: Herrick, Claris.sa. Sylvia, Eunice and David.

The wedding trip of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith consisted of their journey to Illinois by way of the lakes to Chicago and thence by o.\ team to Bureau county, riding the o.ven part of the way. Wit!) them came Mr. Smitii's brother and thev located upon the present farm of their son Henry, comprising one hundred and thirty acres. The year of their arrival was 1831, at which time the father entered the land from the government, and it has since remained in possession of the family, Henry C. Smitli now holding the original patent. After reaching Bureau county Eli Smith and his wife stop])ed for the first night at the cabin of P^lijah Eperson, of Princeton township. Their first home was built of logs and ^Ir. Smith, who was a carpenter by trade, erected the first frame house in Princeton. He had never engaged in farming before, so that his first experience at farm labor was upon his wild prairie land, which he broke, plowed and planted, giving to it his entire attention. As the years passed and he brought his fields under cultivation he was rewarded with good harvests. He also made the first coffin in the county and his mechanical skill and ingenuity enabled him to turn his hand to many kinds of work. He was numbered among the prominent pioneers of this region and aided in subjugating the wilderness and extending the frontier. The ditticultics. dangers and hardships of frontier life were all familiar experiences to the family and twice they were driven from the farm during the Black Hawk war in order tQ save their lives. Notwithstanding all these disadvantages and the privations incident to frontier life Eli Smith continued to work at farming and stock-raising and as the years went by he prospered. He took an active part in conducting the underground railroad through this .section, owning an old sorrel horse named John, which was often used in carrying negroes on their way to freedom. His first experience as a conductor on the underground railroad took place at the home of his brother, Elijah Smith, whose cabin stood just across the township line in Dover township. In the summer of 1835 two colored girls belonging to Major Dougherty of St. Louis made their escape and found refuge at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Some months later a professional slave catcher named Harris learned of their whereabouts and captured theiTi and was on his way back to St. Louis with them, where ho expected to receive a larce reward offered for their return. He traveled on horseiiack, leading another horse on which the two girls were riding. One cold December night with his two captives, whose feet were badly frozen, he arrived at the home of Elijah Smith and asked for entertainment. Eli Smith and his wife with another neiglibor were there spending the evening and on hearing the sad story of the girls they became interested in their behalf and a plan was adopted for their rescue. Eli Smith hitched up his hor.se and brought the two girls to his farm, where he hid them in the hay mow until he could take them north to the next station on the underground road.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith numbered eight children, five of whom are now living, althnush Hi'iirv C. Smith is the onlv one in this county. Botli the father and mother liave departed this life, the former having passed away August 30, ISTl, and the latter on the 17th of January, 1892. They were members of the old Hampshire Colony, in which Mr. Smith took an active and leading part. In politics he was first an abolitionist because of his pronounced views in regard to slavery and later he became a stalwart republican. He was known as a most highly respected and valued citizen, whose influence and labors aided in shaping the destiny and molding the policy of the county during its formative period and in its later-day development. In 184(5 he built the brick residence upon the farm where the subject of this review now resides.

Henry C. Smith was born in the house which is still his home and under its sheltering roof grew to manhood, acquiring his early education in the common scho<ils, while he completed his studies in Dover Academy at Dover, this county. He has always lived upon the home farm, residing with his parents until they passed away, and he is now the owner of the old home property. He has erected all of the buildings upon the farm except the residence and has made all of the modern and substantial improvements which today characterize the place and render it one of the fine farms of the county. He owns here eighty acres of valuable land on section 4, Princeton township, and carries on general farming and stockraising. In connection with J. B. McBride he also Ijuys and ships cattle, hogs, horses and sheep and ho is regarded as one of the most wide-awake, alert and enterprising farmers of Princeton township.

On the 19th of December, 1867, Mr. Smith was nuirried to Miss Annie M. Cusic, who was born in Dover township, August 4, 1849, and is a daughter of Dennis A. and Betsy (Cox) Cusic, who came to this county from Ohio in 1840, settling in Dover township, where they made their permanent home, the father devoting his entire life to agricultural pursuits. He died August 15, 187G, while his wife survived until September 6, 1894. She was a member of the Methodist Protestant church. In their family were twelve children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children : Cora A., a resident of Colorado ; Virgil H., deceased ; and Marshall H., who is living at home.

Mr. Smith is a stalwart republican, active in the work of the party and recognized as one of its local leaders. The probabilities are good for his election as the next county treasurer of Bureau county. He has been a member of the Bureau County Agricultural Board for twenty-five years, has acted as its president and has been ticket superintendent for many years, serving in that capacity at the present time. He was a member of the board of highway commissioners when graveled roads were first introduced and for eighteen vears filled that office. He has alwavs fought for good roads and has done much for the improvement of the public higiiways. In fact his influence has always been given for substantial progress and he has stood for the material, intellectual and moral development of the county. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Mystic Workers. His life has l)een in harmony with the record of a worthy and honored pioneer family and his own memory goes back to the time of primitive development here and compasses the jieriod of later-day progress and improvement, in tlie work of which he has been keenly interested to the extent of giving active eo-operation thereto.

Feed S. Westoyer

Fred S. Westover, who is identified with the farming interests of Bureau county, his home being in Berlin township, was born in Eden, La Moille county, Vermont, August 8, 1861, and is a son of Charles and Julia A. (Parker) Westover. The father was born in St. Armand, Canada, October 6, 182.5, died on the 30tli of September, 1901, but the mother, whose birth occurred in Fairfax, Vermont, February .5, 1826, is still living. In their family were five children, namely: Madison J., Nellie, Fred S., Edson C. and Ella. The last named is deceased.

Fred S. Westover's educational privileges were aft'orded by the country schools of his native state, wherein he pursued his studies to the age of eighteen years, when ho put aside his text-books and made his way to the middle west, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in this part of the country. He arrived in Bureau county in the year 1883 and has since been connected with its farming interests. For sixteen years he has been engaged in farming on his own account and is today the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land. His farm is well improved, the fields being under a high state of cultivation, while the place bears every eviilenco of careful, jtractical and progressive supervision.

On the 30th of September, 1893, at Dover, Mr. Westover was united in marriage to Miss Margaret B. Mcintosh, who was born July 23, 1866, in Bureau county, her parents being John C. and Lydia Ann (Hoyt) Mcintosh, both natives _of New York. Her father was born August 13, 1813, and died September 24. 1881, while her mother was born March 28, 1828, and died on the 9th of March, 1901. They had eight children: P. H.. a dentist of Bloomington, Illinois; Margaret B., wife of our subject; and Increase, Elizabeth, Albert E., Eliza A., George, and James P., all deceased. Mrs. Westover was reared and educated in Bureau county and by lier marriage has become the mother of three children, one having died in infancy; Lydia A., now ten years of age; and Charles P., aged five years.

Past And Present Of Bureau Coixty

.Mr. and Mrs. Westover are faithful members of the Congregational church, with which he has been identified for eighteen years and his wife for twentv-four years. They take an active interest in its work, contribute generously to its support and do all in their power to promote its growth and progress. Mr. Westover is also deeply interested in the cause of education and serves on the board of directors of the public schools of Dover. In politics he is a stanch republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the party since casting his first presidential vote tor James G. Blaine, but he has neither sought nor held elective office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, and although he started out in life empty-handed, coming to Illinois with very limited capital, he is now one of the substantial farmers of Berlin township. Moreover, he is a man of many excellent personal traits, which have made him popular, gaining for him the warm regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Mrs. Carrie E. Cater

Carrie E. (Fish) Cater is the widow of Henry Milton Cater, and resides upon a farm whicii she owns, of two hundred and seventy-three acres, situated a half mile east of the village of Dover. She was born in Princeton, October '>, 18G6. Her parents were both from N"ew York state, whore her father, Lucien Fish, was born October 9, 1834, and her mother, Lucv E. Dc Wolf, in 18;56.

Carrie E. Fish was one of a family of seven children, and on the 17th of December, 1889, she gave her hand in marriage to Henry Milton Cater. The latter was born in Bureau county, Illinois. April 26, 1863, his parents, James and Susan Cater, having come from the state of Ohio to this county at an early day. He acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Dover, and afterward was a student in the academy at that place. He became a successful farmer, carefully cultivating and improving his fields, so that as the years went by his farm became one of the valuable properties of the community. He was also wid(dy recognized as a man of good charactei' and attainments. In politics he was allied with the republican party, giving earnest support to the principles which he believed were most conducive to good government. In religious belief he was a Methodist, holding membership in the church at Maiden. His death was occasioned by pneumonia, which followed an attack of grip, and throughout the community where be was widelv known his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. All who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard, for he was progressive and loyal in citizenship, faithful in friendship and devoted to the welfare of his wife and children.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cater were born six children : Dexter L., born October 6, 1890 ; Edith L., October 3, 1S'J2 ; John Perry, July 1, 1894; Lida B., April 8, 1896; James M., July 18, 1898; and Adna F., July 4, 1900. The children have all attended the public schools of Dover, and Dexter and Edith are now students in the high school at Princeton, while they and their brother Perry are members of the Congregational church at Dover. The family occupy a very enviable position in the social circles in which they move and have a large number of warm friends in this part of Bureau county.

Joseph B. Allen

JOSEPH B. ALLEN. Joseph B. Allen, of Dover township, lias a beautiful home in the midst of a fine farm equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories. The place comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres pleasantly and conveniently located about four and a half miles from the courthouse in Princeton and his attention is devoted to general farming and stock-raising with the result that his enterprise and business cai)acity have made him one of the prosperous and prominent agriculturists of his conmiunity.

He was born in Princeton September 2, 1848. His father, Charles S. Allen, was a native of Bernardston, Massacliusetts, born Feliruary 3, 1801, and represented an old New England family. He came from New York to Illinois in 18.18. arriving in the month of June and, being pleased with the country and its prospects, he returned in the fall of the same year and brought his family. In his l)oyliood days he had gone from Massachusetts to the Empire state, where he was reared to manliood and married Emily D. Smith. On arriving in this state he settled in Princeton, where he followed the blacksmith's trade until 1853. when he purchased tiie farm upon wliich his son Joseph now resides, spending his remaining days there, his death occurring on the 19th of May, 1867. while his wife survived until August R, 1875. He was the father of ten children, two of whom are now living: Joseph B. ; and Marcia M., who makes her home with her brother. Mr. .Mien was an abolitionist in early days and his home was a station on the famous underground railroad, whereby many a fugitive slave was assisted on his way northward to freedom. Later he became a republican when the party was formed to ])revent the further extension of slavery and in Bureau county in pioneer times was known as an influential and representative citizen.

J(>se])h B. Allen, reared under the {)arental roof, continued his education, begun in the common schools, as a student in Dover Academy. He has always followed farming and from his boyhood days has resided on the old homestead which he now owns. He has here one hundred and fifty- five acres of land that is rich and productive and he carries on general farming and stock-raising. His home is pleasantly situated about four and a half miles from the courthouse in Princeton, so that the advantages of city life are easily obtainable and at the same time the family enjoy those of a rural existence. The residence is a beautiful one, commodious and attractive in its style of architecture, and there are very fine buildings upon the place. In fact this farm is one of the most attractive features of the landscape with its excellent improvements and richly cultivated fields, all indicating the care and supervision of a progressive owner. There is a natural gas well which has been sunk to a depth of one hundred and fifty feet and which furnishes light and heat for his home. He also owns six hundred and forty acres of land in western Nebraska and has been very successful in his business interests.

Air. Allen was married to Miss Florence K. Nichols, of Dover township, a daughter of Deacon T. \V. Nichols, of the Ci)ngr(^gational church at Dover, who came to Bureau county in 1838 from Vermont, where he was recognized as a prominent representative of his church and an influential citizen. He lived in the village of Dover, was a mason by trade, and also owned a farm which he cultivated for a number of years. He died in the year 1887. while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Abigail A. Kidder, is now living in Dover, having attained the age of ninety years on the 2.5th of May, 1906. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen was born a son. Parish C. who died when nineteen and a half years of age. He had attended the Moody school in Massachuetts for three years, also spent one year as a student at Oberlin. Ohio, and was just ready to enter upon a collegiate course when he was called from this life in 189fi.

Jlr. Allen is an ardent advocate of the republican party but without aspiration for office. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, in the work of which they take a very active and helpful part, doing all in their power to l)romote its growth and extend its influence. Their upright lives have won for them the esteem of all with whom they have been associated. They are numbered among the valued and representative citizens of Bureau county, where Mr. Allen lias spent his entire life and where he has so directed his labors as to gain a position among its most substantial residents.

Chistopher C. Studley

CHISTOPHER C. STUDLEY. Christopher C. Studley is living practically retired in Neiionset, but is still the owner of four hundred and ninety-five acres of very valuable farming land, from which he derives a good income. He was born in that part of Morgan county which is now included in Scott county, Illinois, his natal day being June 30, 1835. TTo'is a son of William and Ann (Chapman) Studley and his father was the first settler of Neponset township and one of the first residents of Morgan county, Illinois, where ho located in 1833. Four years later he came to Bureau county, taking up his abode in Neponset township and he aide([ in subduing the wilderness and extending the frontier. He figured prominently in early days in connection with events which are now matters of historic importance, and he is mentioned at length on another page of this work. He first took up one hundred and twenty acres of wild prairie and timber land, upon whicli he built a log house. In later years he n\ade additions to this house and throughout his remaining days it was his place of residence. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political views was a democrat. In the fjtniily were twelve children, of whom four are now living: Mrs. Ann Norton; Thomas; Christopher C, and Elizabeth, the wife of J. P. Bumphery.

Few residents of Bureau county have longer remained within its borders than has Christopher C. Studley, the family being the first to settle in Neponset township. He was brought here when only two years of age, so that for almost seventy years he has lived in this locality - an interested' witness of the changes which have occurred and the transformation that has been v/'rought. He .shared with the family in all of the hardships and privations of jjioneer life, and also aided in the arduous task of transforming wild prairie and timber land into richly productive fields. His educational privileges were afforded by the public schools of this county and when not busy with his text-books he was engaged with the duties of the farm, there being few idle hours in his boyhood days.

On the 14th of October, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Abbie N. Heath, and tlioy traveled life's journey happily together for about twenty-two years, when, in September, 1878, the wife was called io her final rest. Of their five children three are now living: Edwin C. ; Wilbur D. ; and Grace E.. the wife of J. F. Stevenson. On the 6th of April. 1880, Mr. Studley was again married, his second union being with Olive R. Thompson, who was born in Industry, Franklin county, Maine, March 2, 1845, a daughter of Robert and Emma (Russell) Thompson. Her fatlier was also born in Industry in 1795, and died at tliat place in 1854, while licr mother was born in Madison, Maine, in 1808, and died in 1873.

When twenty-one years of age i\Ir. Studley started out in life on his own account as a farmer of Neponset township, and afterward removed to Mineral township, locating on eighty acres of land to which he added from time to until he was the owner of about six hundred acres. His holdings at the present writing, in l!t(i(l. com|H-ise about four hundred and ninety-five acres, making him one of the substantial residents of the community. He has always bred a good grade of stock and at one time was engaged in the breeding of draft horses. He also bought, fed and sold stock to some extent, and in addition he has carried on the active work of the fields, transforming his land into a very valuable and richly prodiictive farm property. In 1888, however, he retired from the farm and took iip his abode in Neponset. and since 1896, he has practically left the work of the farm to others. His life has been one of industry and well directed labor, resulting in the acquirement of a handsome competence, and he is now one of the substantial citizens of his community, having a capital sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

He belongs to iSTeponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. & A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen camp, and his attitude upon the political issues and questions of the day is indicated by the support which he gives to the democratic party at elections. His memory compasses the period of early development here and forms a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He can remember when the great majority of homes were log cabins, when much of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated and when there were numerous wild animals to dispute with man the dominion to the territory. He has watched with interest the changes that have occurred and the improvements tliat have been wrought and he has ever stood for practical progress.

William C. Bloom

WILLIAM C. BLOOM. William C. Bloom, a farmer residing on section 10, IndiantoWn township, who in his business affairs displays keen discrimination and execnitive force as well as industry anl enterprise, was born where he now lives in the year 1860. His parents were William 11. and Eliza M. (Hester) Bloom. The father was born in Eaton, near Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, October 10, 1833, and was a son of Peter Bloom, and a grandson of William Bloom, who came from Germany to America about 1800. He first settled in New Jersey but later removed to Ohio, where his last days were spent. He was a farmer and weaver by occupation and reared a family of six sons and daughters, including Peter Bloom, a native of New Jersey, who canu' to Bureau county with his family about 1842, settling on section 12, Indiantown township, where he cleared a tract of land and developed a good farm, upon which he made many modern improvements. He drove across the country from Ohio to Illinois with his family and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which he transformed from a wild, uncultivated tract into a |>lace of rich fei'tility. His death occurred near Tiskilwa, May 16. 1867. He married Miss Jane Hankins, who was born amid the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia, a daughter of Thomas and Anna Hankins, who were likcwi.<e natives of the Old Dominiun. ilrs. Hankins" mother was one of the many children who were captured in Ireland at an early day and sent to this country, ilrs. Jane (Hankins) Bloom died in Bureau county, December 12, 1870. She was the mother of nine children: Eliza A., Mary, Catharine, Elizabeth. Sarah, William H., Martha J., James and Francis.

William H. Bloom, father of our subject, spent his early years upon the home farm in Ohio and came to Bureau county with his parents when a youth of nine. He was educated in the common schools and has followed farming during the greater part of his life, but for a time was a grain dealer and lumber merchant at Buda, Illinois, and subsequently was a contractor on the Southwestern Railroad in Iowa for one year. In 18.55 he returned to Tiskilwa, where he engaged in merchandising for a year, and then followed farming, owning five hundred acres of vahuible land in Indiantown township. He also owned a part interest in a large ranch in Nebraska, and in 1890 he went to Omaha, that state, where he now resides, owning city property there. He was nuirried December 16, 1856, in Clinton county, Ohio, to Eliza M. Hester, who was born Dcccnmer 16, 1834, and was a daughter of David and !Mary (Vanderwort) Hester, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state and were of (lerman descent. Mr. and Mrs. Bloom became the parents of seven children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are: Emory C, who is in the telephone business at Cahoky, Missouri; David H., who is a giaduate of the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, and is now a practicing lawyer of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Jennie, the deceased wife of II. L. Whiting; William C. ; Cora, who nuirried .1 esse Pope and lives in Joliet, Illinois, where lie is engaged in the drj'-goods business; and Ii!a, the wife of John Menary, living in Trenton, jVIissmiri. The parents were both members of the Metlodist Episcopal clmrcli. In politics Jfr. Bloom is independent and fraternally he is connected with the JIasons and the Odd Fellows. He still lives in Omaha, Nebraska, Init his wife passed awav in 1899.

William C. Bloom was educated in the common schools and at Tiskilwa under Professor George P>. Harrington. His youth was spent in the vicinity of his home and he has always followed farming, lie now owns one hundred and fifteen acres of line land on section 10, Indiantown township, which is well improved. There are substantial liuildings upon the place together with modern machinery and the fields are annually producing good erops of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, while in the pastures arc found good grades of stock. He carries on general farming aiul dairying and both branches of bis business are proving profitable.

1861, a daughter of Henry Kitterman. Her father's birth occurred June 19, 1S34, in Arispie townsliip, Bureau county, and her grandfather was Michael Kitterman, who was born in 1800 and died in 1885. His wife, Lydia (Clark) Kitterman, was born in 1810 and passed away in 1891. Henry Kitterman was reared in Bureau county and was never outside its borders until he reached the age of thirty years. He acquired his education principally in the old log schoolhouse of the early day, some of the schools being conducted on the subscription plan. Through his business career he has followed farming and the raising of fine horses and he owns a valuable tract of land of three hundred acres. He was married May 13, 1857, to Virginia Elizabeth Lockwood, who was born in 1838 in Olean, New York, and died in 1881 in Tiskilwa. She was the mother of five children, namely: Frederick L., who was born in 1858 and died in 1862 ; Michael D., born in 1859; Isabelle, now Mrs. Bloom; Irving L. born in 1863 ; and Merton W., who was born in 1865 and died in 1892. After losing his first wife Mr. Kitterman was married in 1882 to Estella Howard, who was born in 1866, and thev have one child. Edna M., born in 1887. Politically Mr. Kitterman was formerly identified with the greenback party and for eighteen years served as school director. He now resides in Tiskilwa and is a representative citizen, who enjoys in large measure the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have been born three children, but Mark Otto, born in 1883, died in 1884. Mildred Virginia, born in 1886, and Eaymond Jlerton. born in 1889, are both at home.

Mr. Bloom exercises his right of franchise in supjiort of the men and measures of the republican party and he belongs to Tiskilwa lodge. No. 137, I. 0. 0. P. His father was one of the charter member of Snatchwine lodge of Tiskilwa and was prdininent in the early church work of the town, hauling the stone to Iniild the foundation for the Methodist Episcopal church in 1855. Of this church both Mr. and Mrs. William C. Bloom are now members and in its work they are deeply interested. They liave spent their entire lives in this county and both are representatives of worthy pioneer families. In his business career Mr. Bloom lias made a creditable record and in social circles he nnd his wiie occupy an enviable position.

John W. Mount

JOHN W. MOUNT. John W. Mount, a retired farmer residing in Wyanet, is a native of Ohio, born near Georgetown, Brown county. His father. William K. Mount, is now living at the venerable age of eightyfive years. His birth occurred in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, August 2. 1821. and he became a resident of Bureau county in 1855, at which time he settled in Wyanot township, where he farmed for others for four or fi.ve years before buying land for himself. He then invested in eighty acres of land, for which he paid thirteen dolhu's per acre, and subsequently lie purchased one hundred acres, for which he paid fifty dollars per acre. With characteristic energy he began the development and improvement of his place and added to it many modern equipments, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and in the course of years making his farm a very valuable one. He retired from active life in 1875, and removed to Wyanet. where he has since resided. When he was a boy lie attended school with U. S. Grant and was well acquainted with the General's parents. He is now eighty-five years of age and ])ossesses his mental and physical faculties largely unimpaired, being clear in mind and active in body. He married Lydia Wright, who died in 1900, at the advanced age of eighty years.

Their son, John W. Mount, was educated in the common schools and began life as a farmer. Having been reared to that occupation, he assisted in the labors of the fields upon the old home place, and in 1873 he made his first purchase of land, comprising forty acres. He was actively and successfully engaged in farming thereafter until 1908, when he removed to Wyanet, where he purchased a beautiful home in the west part of the town. He owns four hundred and fifty-two acres of fine land in Wyanet township, which he rents. He has added lo his original holdings from time to time as his financial resources increased, making judicious investments in property until his farms are now very valuable and laring to him a good income.

In 1872 Jlr. Mount was maiTied to Miss Anna Golding. a daughter of Edward anil Sarah (!\log('lton) Golding. She was born October 1, 1851, in Cambridgeshire, England, and was brought to America by her parents in 1854, when two years of age. Her father is still living on a farm near Wyanet at the age of eighty-one years but is now quite feeble. In the family were seven children, six of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. Benjamin Shawger, who resides southeast of Wyanet; Mrs. Mount; Mrs. Edward Golding, of Glidden, Iowa; Mrs. Newton Manrose, who died at Watertown, Iowa; William L. Golding, of Wyanet ; Mrs. John Anthony, whose home is south of Wyanet; and Mrs. Albert Fletcher, of Perry, Iowa.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mount have been born four children, two sons and two daughters, Blanche. Frank, Earl and Nellie. The elder son married Nellie Eoach, who died leaving one child, William Edward, since which time he has married again, his second union being with Edith Hageman. They reside upon his father's farm. Earl, living at home, operates the elevator in Wyanet. The parents, their two daughters and their son Earl are all members of the Congregational church and are earnest Christian people.

ress to the extent of giving active co-operation to many movements for the general good. In Ins business life he has been very successful and now owns the farm wheio "old Bulbona" (Bourbounais), the swarthy halfbreed and his Indian wife and their halfbreed children lived, old Bulbona trading with the Indians in the early days. ^Ir^. Mount now has in her possession an interesting relic, which is a piece of silver about the si-/,e of a half dollar. It is a Spanish coin, bearing date 1786, and was probably lost by old Bulbona or the Indians. She found it while working among some plants on the place. A glance at the fine farm witli its modern improvements gives one no indication that this was once the abiding place of the red race, for it is now splendidly cultivated and equipped with all modern accessories.

George R. Phelps

GEORGE R. PHELPS. George R. Phelps is a retired farmer whose many years of activity and enterprise have resulted in supplying liini a competence that enables him to enjoy life's comforts and many of its luxuries in a pleasant home in Princeton. A native of Massachusetts, he was born February 20, 1837, his parents being Charles and Mary (Strong) Phelps, who were likewise natives of Massachusetts. The father was born in Northampton, October 24, 1802, and on the 10th of June, 1824, wedded Mary Strong, who.se birth occurred December 24, 1801. They became residents of Bureau county, Illinois. June 29, 18.36. and located in Princeton townphin after residing for a brief period in Putnam county, Illinois. The iourney westward was made bv wagon to .\lban}', Xew York, by canal to Buffalo, thence across Lake Erie to Detroit and from that point they drove across the country to this state. Charles Phelps was a farmer by occupation, and for many years was identified with agricultural interests in Bureau county. He first came here in 1835 and spent one summer, after which ho returned for his family, and, as stated, brought them to the middle west. He was quite successful in his farming operations, and as the years passed by became the possessor of a very desirable competence. He died in Princeton, July 2, 1874, and his wife survived him until the 2d of December, 1877, when she, too, -was called to her final rest. In their family were six children, of whom four are now living: George R., of this review ; E. S., who is engased in the furniture business in Princeton: Charles P., who was born in this county and is a farmer living at Princeton ; and Lucy, who married Gilbert Spalding and resides in Nebraska. Harriet, the second child, became the wife of William Lloyd, and both are now deceased. Elizabeth, the fourth in order of birth, married William Green, and they, inn. have passed away.

George R. Phelps was only nine years of a^-' when his parents left New England and came to Bureau county, Illinois. He was educated here and followed farming throughout his entire business career with the exception of two years spent in tlie furniture business in connection with hi? brother. He always carried on general agricultural pursuits in Princeton township and accumulated some property. As the years passed he brought his land under a high state of cultivation and continued active in the work of the fields^ until 1900, when he retired to Princeton and is now occupying the second floor of a busincsblock which he owns.

On the 17th of May, 1871, occurred the marriage of Mr. Phelps and Julia R. Phelps, who was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, November 19, 1828, and is a daughter of Lewis and Aseneth Phelps. They have one child, Grace M., the wife of Thomas Sisler, who resides near Sterling. Illinois, and by whom she has two children. Mrs. Sisler was educated in the high school of Princeton and in the State Normal. Both Mr. and ^frs. Phelps hold membership in the Congi-egational church, and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Temple of Honor. His first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren in 1848, and since the organization of the republican party he has been one of its stalwart champions. He has served as assistant supervisor, as school trustee and director, and in all local matters has taken a deep and helpful interest, withholding his support from no plan for general advancement and substantial growth in the county. lie is now almost eighty years of age, and through a long, useful and active career lias won the respect and good will of his fellowmen, having many warm friends in his adopted county.

Gilbert G. Weller

GILBERT G. WELLER. Gill)ort G. Woller, whose eighty-acre farm is all under cultivation and yields to him good crops, while in the fields are found good grades of cattle and horses, is one of the native sons of Bureau town.ship, born on the 26th of September. 1868. His ])ai-ents were J. W. and Lucrctia E. Smdyvin) Weller, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of this county. The father came to Bureau county in the early '40s when twenty year^ of age and turned his attention t"" farming in Dover township. He is now living retired at the age of seventv years, making his home in Princeton. For a long period he was clo-ely associ4e^ with farming interests and thereby gained the substantial competence that now enables him to rest from the arduous labors connected with agricultural ])rogross. In 1002 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 20th of June of that vear.

Me. And Mbs. G. E. Phelps Me. And Mrs. Charles Phelps

At the usual age Gilbert 6. Weller entered tile pulilie sehools, mastering the various branches JpS learning until in later years he became a student in a business college in Burlington, Iowa, thus preparing for the responsible duties of a business eai4ei-. In early manhood he engaged in teaching in^the country schools of Bureau county and was a f apable educator, imparting with clearness and conciseness to others the knowledge that he had acquired.

On the 5th of November 1891, Mr. Weller mar- ^ ried Miss Clara E. Fay, a daughter of D. P. and fp Sylvia (Smith) Fay, both of Bureau county, Illinois. The father is still actively engaged in farming in ]>ureau t<nvnshi|i and lioth are worthy people, enjoying tlie friendship and good will of those with whom they have come in contact. Their daughter, Mrs. Weller, was born December 23, 1870, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Vivian H., Gladys M., ami Lillian F.

The parents hold membership in the Wesleyan Methodist church of West Bureau township and their interest in its work is indicated by their co-operation in its various activities and their generous contributions for its support. Mr. Weller exercises his right of franchise for the men and measures of the republican party and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. His liome is situated in the midst of an excellent farm of eighty acres, all of which is under cultivation and is valued at one hundred and fifty dollars or more per acre. The fields give promise of rich harvests and in the pastures are good grades of stock, which find a ready sale when annually placed upon * the market. No event of special importance has occurred to vary the routine of farm life for ilr. Weller and yet his record is worthy of a place among the representative men of the county, for lie lias always been reliable and active in business, trustworthy in friendship and loyal in citizenship and these qualities are such as command respect and confidence in everv land and clime.

John Wesley Pettit

.lohii Wesley Pcttit, who is engaged extensively in breeding shorthorn Durham cattle, Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep, in addition to carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Nepoiiset t( luiship. ,is one of Illinois' native sons, his iiirth ' i,\ing occurred in Peoria county, on the SOtli of J, 1856. He was educated in the public schools. V. hile spending his boyhood days in the Ipome of hi.- parents, John B. and Delana (Wausion) Pettit, both of whom were natives of Oswego county. New York. The father was a son of Robin and Margaret Pettit, and was born February 20, 1825, his death occurring in Chevenne c'oinity, Kansas. June 15. lOOH. when he Jiad readied the advanced age of eighty-one years, three months and twenty-one days. He was the eldest in a family of eleven children, three sons and eight daughters, of whom seven are still living: Drastus and Esther, in New York; Mary, Sarah, Jennie and Ellen, in Illinois; and Anna, in Cheyenne county, Kansas. Two sisters and a brother, Harriet, Madge and Peter, have passed away.

On the 20th of February, 1849, in the Empire state John B. Pettit wedded Delana Wauson, and after several years they removed to Illinois, settling in Peoria county. At the call of President Lincoln for troops to defend the honor of the nation, Mr. Pettit responded and became a corporal of Company E, One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, on the 12th of August, 1863. On the 1st of April of the following year he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged at Springtield, Hlinois, February 17, 1865, after two and a half years' active military duty, in which he proved a loyal and valorous soldier. At the close of the war he returned to his home and al:)out two years later was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 25th of October, 1867. They were the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, while James and Maggie have departed this life. The others are : Henry, of Cheyenne county, Kansas; John Wesley, of this review ; William J., Henry county, Illinois ; Frank and Ernest, who are residents of Cheyenne county, Kansas; and S3'lvester, who is living in Kennai'd, Nebraska. While residing in Wyoming, Illinois, Mr. Pettit became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and lived a consistent Christian life. In 1880 he removed to Blair, Nebraska, and in 1895, became a resident of Cheyenne county, Kansas, where he made his home until his death. His remains were brought liack to Illinois for interment. He was a man of genuine personal worth, honored and respected by all who knew him.

John Wesley Pettit, whose name introduces this record, removed to Stark county with his parents in his boyhood days and there resided until sixteen years of age, when lie became a resident of Ncponset township. Bureau county. Starting nut on his own account, he followed the occupation to which he was reared and his first farm was a tract , of eighty acres of land. In 1902 he purchased two hundred and twenty-two acres of rich and productive land in Neponset and Mineral townships, and is now carrying on general farming and stockraising being recognized as one of the leading agricidturists of this part of the county. His fields annually return him golden harvests as a rewaril for the care and labor he bestows upon them and he is also engaged in the breeding of shorthorn Durham cattle, having at the present time about fifty head upon his place. For twenty-five years he has engaged in the breeding of Poland Cliina hogs, and Slu'opsliii-o slieep for

Past And Pkesent Of Bueeau Couxty

On the 10th of March, 18S0, Mr. Pettit was united in marriage to Miss Eose Ann Lawless, who was born in Bloomington, Illinois, January 29, 1SG2, a daughter of James and Eose Ann (McCabe) Lawless, wlio were natives of Ireland, the former born in Dublin, September 15, 1835. and the latter in County Down, January 20, 1832. They are now residents of Neponset, and Mr. Lawless has throughout his entire life followed the mason's trade. He came to this country in 1856, and after residing in Bloomington, Illinois, for a number of years removed to Xeponset, where he now makes his home. In politics he is a democrat and he and his wife are communicants of the Eoman Catholic church, in which they reared their family of seven children, of whom four are now living, namely: Mary Jane, of Princeton; Mrs. Pettit; Elizabeth, of Kewanee; and Theresa. The home of Mr. and Jlrs. Pettit has been blessed with seven children : Eosa D., who was born December 14, 1880, and is now the wife of A. H. Custer, of Xeponset ; Walter Y., born August 6, 1883 ; Ethelbert G., who was born September 20, 1889, and died in infancy ; Elizabeth, born December 28, 1890; Marian E., September 30, 1895; Paul L., August 11, 1900; and Ida J., December 30, 1905.

Mr. Pettit has never cared to hold public office although he has served as school director for about twelve years and has done ell'ective work in behalf of the cause of public education. He always exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and is in hearty sympathy with its principles. He belongs to Modern Woodmen camp. No. 1427, at Neponset, and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance in the community where much of his life has been passed, having been brought to Bureau county in ids boyhood days. His life record is as an open book which all may read and investigation into his life history will show that his advancement and success has come through his close application and unfaltering diligence.

JOSEPH IHA CAlil'KNTEE. Joseph Ira Carpenter, deceased, who for many years was identified with farming interests in Bureau county and was a citizen of genuine personal worth, who left behind him an lionorable name, was born in Bennington, Yermont, February 25, 1821, his parents being Eeynolds and Mary (Niles) Carpenter. The ancestry of the Carpenter family can be traced back to 1303 and a complete record thereof is found in English history, where representatives of tlie name figured prominently in public affairs. .V copy of this history is in possession of the family. The progenitors of the family in America came from England over a century ago and located in New

England. The father and two brothers of our subject were at one time members of the Vermont legislature and two sisters are still living m th; state.

In the Green Mountain state Joseph li.i 0^- pentcr was born and reared and on the iilif-of Marcii, 1852, he married Miss Augusta E. (i ner at Pownal, Vermont. Of this union onp was born, Joseph D. Carpenter, who is mairied and lives in Malcolm, Iowa. The wife and mother died May 20, 1853, and soon afterward Mr. Carpenter left \'ermont and settled at Harpersfield, Ohio. After a residence there of several years he married Miss Flora H. Bartholomew, the wedding being celebrated May 18, 1857. One son was born to them in Harpersfield in 1859 - Eeynolds Priestley Carpenter, who resides in Council Grove, Kansas. In the same year the parents, leaving ( )hio, came to this state, settling at Cherry Valley, where Mr. Carpenter engaged in the lumber business with e.\cellent success. In early years he had acquired a good common-school education which served him to marked advantage in this portion of the country in the conduct of his business interests. He found that in the course of his business alfairs it was necessary for him to visit many parts of this state and in this way he chanced to come to Princeton. Sometime later there occurred an opportunity to dispose of his commercial connection in Cherry Yalley and he accordingly removed from that place to Princeton in the early '60s. His first home was a brick dwelling just north of the Apollo Opera House, now owned liy ^liss Emma Lou Cunningham. In this residence was born a son, Fred Bcecher Carpenter,

Following liis removal to Princeton i\Ir. Carpenter again engaged in the lumber business, in which he continued until after the Chicago fire. In the meantime he purchased a tract of land southeast of Princeton on section 22. Princeton township, and, determining to devote his time and energies to general farming and stock-raising, he removed to this place, where he spent the remainder of his life. Upon this farm three children were born, two sons and a daughter : Lyman Wade, in 1865; Flora Augusta, in 18G9 ;' and diaries Howell, in 1870. The first two still remain upon the farm, while Charles resides at Necedah. Wisconsin. .\11 of the sons and the daughter of the family arc still living, but in 1871 Ut. Carpenter lost his second wife, who pa.?se»i away on the 5th of January of that year.

In his farming and stock-raising in'orests Mr. Carpenter prospered, being especiallv successful as a raiser of hogs, and he it was who introduced the Poland C!bina breed into this locality. He wa* the owner of about two thousand acres of l.ind in the Green river country in Greenville township, which he divided into farms and pasture lands and made productive and profitable property. Tit the effort to bring about the movement for the drainage of the swamp lands there was perhaps no man in Bureau county worked harder or exerted greater influence and as the result of his hibors many thousands of acres were reclaimed and put under cultivation. He owned in his home place ninety-one and a half acres of rich land, which he improved with good buildings for tlie shelter of grain and stock, and these, togetlier witli the richly tilled fields, indicated the careful supervision of the owner and the prosperity which attended his efforts. His career was not altogether without its trying circumstances and hardships incident to settlement in a new and largely undeveloped region. While he was engaged in the lumber trade in the early days it was necessary to visit the lumber regions of Wisconsin to select stock and occasionally he rafted his lumber down to Chicago, whence it was shipped by rail to this county. He was an active, energetic man, who made good use of his opportunities and worked not only for prosperity in business but also for progress in citizenship, laboring effectively and earnestly for the welfare of his community in many ways. He died September 27, 1903, and the funeral service was held at his home three days later bv the Eev. J. H. McLaren, his remains being laid to rest in Oakland cemetery of Princeton by the side of his wife. He had largely exemplified in his career the ancestral motto of the Carpenter family. Speed, Courage and Fidelity, and he left to his family not only a handsome competence but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

Captain Robeet Bruton

.\niong the citizens of foreign birth now living in Bureau county is numbered Captain Robert Bruton, but no native son is more loyal to America and her institutions or more anxious for her prosress and improvement. He was born near Dublin, Ireland, on the 26th of April, 1838, his parents being Michael and Margaret (Mahon) Bruton, of Ireland. He spent the first eleven years of his life in his native country and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States in 1849. They landed at New York city an.d made their way to the vicinity of Rochester, New York, where Robert Bruton resided until the spring of 18.57. Having heard favorable reports concerning the business opportunities of the middle west and especially of Illinois, he determined to try his fortune here, hoping that the change would prove beneficial to him financially.

Accordingly he came to this state in 1857 and soon afterward secured employment upon a farm in Ohio township, Bureau county, where he worked by the month, receiving at first fifteen dollars per month while in the employ of William Ross. He continued to work by the mouth until the year 18G0, when he began operating a farm on shares and was so employed until July, 1861. He then left his crops, which had already been planted, and responded to President Lincoln's second call for three hundred thousand men, which was issued just after the first battle of Bull Run. He had watched with interest the progress of events in the south, had noted the threatening attitude of the slaveholding states and his spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the government was aroused. Following the battle of Bull Run, which was the first disastrous engagement of the Union troops, he oft'ered his services, enlisting at Princeton and went to the front under Captain Frank P. Farris, who commanded Company I of the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He followed the fortunes of that company throughout the war and during his service was promoted from the ranks to corporal, later to duty sergeant, orderly sergeant and second lieutenant. Subsequently he was conmiissioned captain of the same company, his promotions coming to him in recognition of his fidelity and meritm-ious service on the field of battle. He was wounded at the battle of Altoona Mountains in the right shoulder and has always suffered more or less from his injuries since that time. He considers himself very fortunate, however, in having passed through so many battles with so few injuries. He relates many interesting incidents of his army experiences and with his regiment he participated in many of the hotly contested engagements of the war, including the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the battle of Corinth, Eome Crossroads and Lee's Ferry, the last two being fought on the same day. He was also in the engagement at Dallas and at New Hope church, Kenesaw Mountain and Nickajack Creek. On the 22d of July, 1864, he participated in the engagement east of Atlanta, the battle in which General McPherson was killed, and Mr. Bruton remembers the circumstances well. On the 28th of July occurred the engagement at Ezra Church, followed by the battle of Jonesboro, August 3 1st, and Lovejoy Station. He was also in the last battle of the war at Beutonville, North Carolina, on the Nueces river, and when the war was over and the country no longer needed his aid he received an honorable discharge, returning to his home with a most creditable military record.

Captain Bruton was married just before the close of the war, on the 15th of August, 1864, to Miss Martha Matson, who was born in September, 1842, and is a daughter of Peter and Jane (Dawson) Matson, both of the state of Ohio. They came to Illinois in the early forties, establishing their home in Bureau county, where Mr. ^latson engaged in farming for a number of years as one of the pioneer agriculturists of this portion of the state. Both he and his wife, however, arc now deceased, his death havinir occurreil in 1854, while Mrs. Matson survived until January, 1877. Unto Captain and Mrs. Bruton liave been born five children, but they lost their second cliild, Maggie L. Those who still survive are Enuna J., Joseph Verner, Leslie Vansellar and Vida C'rvstal.

Captain Bruton, after his return from the war, gave his attention to farming and has always been a hard-working man. whose diligence and perseverance are numbeied among his salient characteristics. He is today the owner of two hundred and thirty-four acres of land which has come to him as the reward of his own labor. When he came to this county in early manhood he had but two dollars in his pocket, but he possessed resolution and energy and with these qualities to serve as a foundation he has builded thereon his subsequent success. His land today is now valued at from one liuudred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre, so that his property is an excellent one. The farm is now under the management of his two sons, who rent the land, while Captain Bruton expects soon to retire to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He is a Master Masiui, formerly a member of lodge Xo. 772, at Walnut, Hlinois. He is a supporter of the Protestant Jlethodist church and he votes with the republican party, whicli was the defense of the Union in the dark days of the Civil war and whicli has always been the party of reform and improvement. His interest in matters relating to the welfare of his community is deep and sincere and has been manifest in active co-operation in many movements for the general good. His name is an honored one in the community and as a representative citizen and as a veteran of the Civil war he well deserves mention in this volume.

Hexry S. Swarts

Hcni-y S. Swarts, whose success may be attributed to honesty, industry and economy, is now tlie owner of two hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in Dover township, whereon he is engaged in general farming and in the raising of high-grade stock. He was born in Bucks county, Penn.sylvania, August 27, 1844, and is of German descent in the nuiternal and of Welsh ancestry in tlie ]iaternal line. His grandfather. Philip Brunei', came from (iennany and settled in Pennsylvania sodu after till' riosc of the Revolutionary war, while his grandfather Swarts came from Wales at about the same time and also established his home in the Keystone state. It was there that Owen Swarts and T^ydia Bruner were married. In the Swarts family is an old jiarchment deed which helongcil to the grandfathei' and which bears date 1777, conveying a grant of land from King George.

county and his education was acquired in Princeton. He comi)leted his course in the Princeton Academy under the direction of Jacob Miller, G. W. Wagner and Jacob Ernest, and in 1864, when a young man of twenty years, he crossed the plains to California and returned in 1866 by water by the way of isthmus of Panama, since which time he has followed farming. He was employed as a farm hand for two years and then purchased eighty acres of land which he continued to cultivate and improve until 1879, when he sold that tract for forty dollars per acre, which was an increase of ten dollars over the purchase jjrice. He then purchased his present farm at forty dollars per acre. It comprises two hundred and thirty acres, now worth about two hundred dollars per acre. He has brought the land under a high state of cultivation, the fields annually producing good crops, and in addition he raises Xorman horses, Durliam cattle and Poland China hogs, his live-stock interests proving an important branch of his business.

Mr. Swarts was married, July 13, 1870, to Miss Mary A. Cusic, whose father, Dennis A. Cusic, with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsy Cox, settled in early days upon the farm now owned and occu])ied by Mr. Swarts. In the Cusic family were eight sons and three daughters and three sons were Sdldiers of the Civil war, one of them, Frank Cusic, being held a prisoner at Andersonville for thirteen months. He is now a resident of Chicago.

In his political views Mr. Swarts is a stalwart republican and has been honored with various local olHces. He has been township clerk for one year; collector six years; assessor four years; supervisor for four years; highway commissioner three years; and a member of the school hoard twenty-seven years, and the fact that he lias been called by popular suffrage to these various offices is proof that his duties have been discharged promptly and efficiently else public opinion would speak loud to the contrary and he would no longer be elected. Fratcrnallv he is a Mason and belongs to Princeton lodge,' A. F. & A. M. ; the Knights of the Globe; Jlodcrn Woodmen of America and the Hankers' Union of Des Moines, Iowa. He luis also lieen a member of the Baptist church since 1 867 and his life has been characterized by honest purpose, by strong determination and by unfaltering' enter]iriso. His integrity stands as an unquestionable fact in his career, both public and private, and lie commands the eonlidenee of all with whom he comes in contact.