Bureau County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1906 (part 1 of 28)

Biographical sketches

Edward A. Wasliburn, president of the Farmers National Bank, was born May 23, 1847, on Cherry ishmd in Jett'erson county. New York. His paternal grandfather, White Washburn, was a representative of an old Massachusetts family and served in the war of 1812, participating in the battle of Saekett's Harbor. His son, Alva Washburn, a native of New York, served in the Civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Kighty-sixth New York iVoluntcer Infantry, participating in the Virginia campaign and in various engagements before Petersburg. By occupation he was a farmer, devoting his entire life to the tilling of the soil. He married Miss Clarissa .\dams, a daughter of Ambrose Adams, a well known and respected farmer of Jefferson county. Now York, who was also a soldier of the war of 1813 and participated in the battle of Saekett's Harbor, and their family numbered four children, one of these being the subject of this sketch.

Edward A. Washburn was educated in the schools of Jefferson county. New York, and afterward engaged in teaching school until 1870, when he became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, settling in La Moille township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. His capability and enterprise in bnsiness were soon manifest and the favorable regard which he won from his fellow townsmen led to his selection for public office. He wa.« chosen a member of the board of supervisors in 1873 and re-elected in 1874 and 1875. In the latter year he was chosen county treasurer, filling the position for four consecutive terms - a record scarcely paralleled in the history of the county and unsurpassed for official integrity and capability. The first three terms were for two years each and the fourth term, which came under the new constitution, was for four years, while one extra year of service was given the county officers before the new constitution came into full force, making in all eleven years. In 1886 Mr. Washburn was elected to the state senate as the candidate of the republican party and left the impress of his individuality upon the statutes of the state. Before his term as senator expired he removed to Holdrege, Nebraska, where he remained about four years, being engaged in banking. While there his worth as a citizen and business man was recognized by his being elected mayor of the city and he was called upon to take part in the political councils of the state. In 1894 he returned to Princeton to take the presidency of the Farmers National Bank, where his business interests are now centered, and the safe, conservative policy of the institution as promoted by Mr. Washburn is one of the salient features in its siiccess and substantial growth.

On the 4th of January, 1871, Mr. Washburn was united in marriage to Miss Firona A. Lowe, who was born at Pillar Point, New York, January 19, 1850, a daughter of Jacob and Betsy (Hancock) Lowe. Mr. and Mrs. Washburn have two children: Gertrude C, who was married December 28. 1893. while residing with her parents at Holdrege. Nebraska, to Edward G. Titus, of that city, where they now make their home; and Elva L., who was married at the home of her parents in Princeton, November 23, 1904, to Corwin Radcliffe, of Merced, California, where they now reside.

Mr. Washburn is a thirty-second-degree Mason, being affiliated with Oriental Consistory of Chicago. He is prominent among the energetic and successful business men of Bureau county, and his life record most happily illustrates what mav be accomplished bv fiifbful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose.

Dr. Thomas J. Gunning, engaged in the practice of veterinary science in Neponset, was born near Trov, New Yorlv, August 7, 1851. He is a son of John and Margaret (Porter) Gunning, who were natives of County Down, Ireland, born near Belfast. The father's birth occurred February 22, 1828, and lie passed away in 1903, while the mother died in 1889, at the age of sixty years. John Gunning liad come to America in June, 1849, accompanied by his bride, for this was their wedding journey. They crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel, having a rough voyage. They were shii)wrecked off the banks of Newfoundland and lost three men overboard. The ship was dismantled of hor spars and it was hard work to keep her afloat, but by working the pumps for three weeks .=he was saved, although she drifted back to the coast of Ireland. There repairs were made and she sailed again, this time safely reaching the harbor of New York. On coming to America, John Gunning and his young wife located at Troy, New Y'ork, where he worked for one year at si.x dollars per month. He resided in New Y'ork state until 1856. when he came to Neponset, Illinois, and soon afterward located on section 24, Neponset township, where he afterward added to his original holdings until he owned a half of that section. His property was valuable, owing to the excellent improvements which he placed upon it. In community affairs he was active and influential and served as road commissioner and in other positions of public trust. In politics he was a stanch republican and in early life held membcr.ship in the Presbyterian church in Ireland, but in Neponset became a member of the Congregational church. His wife was also indentified with the same church and they were most worthy people. In their family were two sons and three daughters, of whom three are now living, Thomas J. ; Catherine, of Kewanee ; and Hugh G., a resident of Neponset township.

Thomas J. Gunning was only about four years and a half of age when brought by his parents to Bureau county in ^larch, 1856. He spent his boyhood days upon the home farm and pursued his early education in the public schools, after which he attended ^[oniiioHth College. Soon after his marriage he began farming for himself on a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which he made many modern and excellent improvements, carefully conducting his agricultural interests until 1875, when ho took up the study of veterinary science. lie has since been connected with the profession and is a graduate of the Chicago Vetcrinarv College of tlie class of 1890. His skill and ability in this line arc so pronounced that he is frequently called to different parts of the state in a professional capacity and he was summoned to Tavlorville as an expert witness on a case. He is making a specialty of the treatment of diseases of the eye and his prominence in professional circles is indicated by the fact that he was at one time president of the Illinois State Veterinary Association. Since 1894 he has resided in Neponset and in this place and the surrounding country he has a large and growing practice.

On the 27th of January, 1880, Dr. Gunning was united in marriage to Miss Alice L. Carpenter, who was born in the state of New Y''ork, August 3, 1860, a daugliter of Sylvester and Calista (Lick) Carpenter, who were likewise natives of New York. The father, born December 9, 1833, is now living in Neponset, but the mother, whose birth occcurred May 21, 1834, died October 13, 1884. In their family were two sons and a daughter: Charles, who was born July 18, 1858, and died April I], 1862: Alice L.. born August 3, 1860; and Charles M., born January 27, 1865.

The marriage of Dr. and ilrs. Gunning has been blessed with six children, of whom four survive, namely : John, who is farming on the old homestead ; Thomas, a dentist of Princeton; Alice; and Lee Charles. Dr. Gunning is at this writing serving as supervisor of Neponset township and has held nearly all of the township offices cluring the jiast twenty-five years, ever discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that has made his record most creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. In politics he is an earnest and unfaltering republican and he is a devoted member of the Congregational church, in which he has been a member of the board of trustees for the past twenty years, while at the present writing he is serving as president (d' the iioard. He is a man who in all life's relations has commanded the respect of his fellow citizens and as a leading resident of Neponset he well deserves mention in this volume.

CLAKK J. McilANIS. Clark J. ^IcManis, postmaster of Princeton and an influential factor in political circles, is equally well known as a representative of industrial interests, having been for many years engaged in bridge building. lie was born in Ijivingston county, Illinois. January 6. 1S()0. His father, George G. >rcManis. a native of Clinton county, Ohio, became a resident of Bureau county in 1842 and followed farming six miles southeast of Princeton, giving his time and energies for many years to general agricultural pursuits. In 1880, however, he retired from {\w farm and turned his attention to contracting an(l bridge building as a member of the firm of ^ifcManis & Son. This firm has done considerable important work in many states, large contracts being awarded them, and his father is still the head of the firm. He has always been an active and vigorous man, prominent and popular, and in business circles has attained an enviable position through cla=e application and that qual-

Past And Pijesent Of Bureau Couxty

Clark J. ilcManis acquired his education in the country schools and in Princeton high school and after putting aside his text-books was engaged for a few years as a clerk in Princeton and in Walnut. In 1882 he entered his present line of business with his father, taking charge of the engineering department, and has since continued in close connection with bridge building, a steadily growing patronage classing him with the prominent representatives of industrial interests in Bureau county. Moreover, he has been for a number of years recognized as a leading factor in republican circles and one whose opinion is often a decisive element in local councils of the republican party. On the 1st of April, 1899, he was appointed postmaster of Princeton, which otfice he has since filled, giving a businesslike administration characterized by promptness and unquestioned tidelity. He has also been chairman of the county central committee for seven years and has so guided the interests of the party as to win notable successes and bring out the full party strength at elections.

Mr. j\rcj\[anis was married, on the 14th of September, 1886, to Miss Laura R. Kennon, a daughter of Henry Kennon, a lawyer of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who removed thence to Newark, that state, where he was called to the bench. After serving as judge he became a resident of Princeton, Illinois, in 1864 and resided in Bureau county up to the time of his death in 1890. Jlr. and Mrs. McManis has one daughter, Eumana. His fraternal relations are with the Princeton lodge of Masons, the council and the commandery and he is also identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and other organizations. Alert and enterprising, he is a typical representative of the times - a man of action rather than of theory, who has demonstrated in a successful Inisiness career and capable pul^lic service the strength of his character and the power of his energies in coping with intricate problems, which arise just as frequently in political life as in business.

J. Frederick Schultz

J. FREDERICK SCHULTZ. J. Frederick Schultz, who since 1867 has been a resident of Bureau county, spending the entire interim upon a farm in Bureau township, which is now his home, was born in Powesheik county, Iowa, on the S-ath of September, 18.58. His father, Gustave Schultz, was born in Germany and came to the United vStates in 1854. He made his way to Princeton before the Chicago, Burlintrton i^' Quincy Railroad had extended farther than rliat city. He married Miss Mary Hechtner, who was also a native of Germany, their wedding being celebrated in this country. Unto them were born four children, of whom J. Frederick was the third in order of birth. In 1861 the parents came with their family to Bureau county, Illinois, where they remained for three years, and in 1864 removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, where the succeeding three years were passed. On the expiration of that period they returned to Bureau county, settling upon the farm which is now owned by the subject of this review, who has resided here continuously since 1867.

In the common schools of Bureau county J. Frederick Schultz acquired his elementary education, which was supplemented by study in West Bureau Academy. After putting aside his textbooks he took up farming as a life work and now owns a half interest in the old homestead property, his landed possessions aggregating three hundred and sixty-five acres of very valuable and productive land. He was the first man in the county to pay a hundred and fifty dollars per acre for land and today the place is worth two hundred dollars per acre, owing to the substantial improvements he has made thereon. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and they annually yield good crops. Everything about his farm is kept in excellent condition and his broad acres are so well tilled that they produce among the best crops in the county. The full corn cribs and the high grades of stock seen upon the place all indicate the progressive spirit of the owner, who is accounted one of the most successful farmers of his community.

In 1881 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schultz and Miss Mary Lempkey, who was a daughter of Conrad and Mary Lempkej', natives of Germany, who came to America in the "nOs and located in Chicago, where Mrs. Schultz was born. They afterward removed to Bureau county during the early girlhood days of their daughter. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born nine children, eight of whom are still under the parental roof, while one is married and lives upon a farm in Bureau county.

Mr. Schultz belongs to Wyanet lodge. No. 231, A. F. & A. M. He contributes to the support of the German Lutheran and the Wesleyan Methodist churches and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, political and moral progress of the community. His political allegiunce is given to the democracy and he ha.s been honored with various township offices. He has served as supervisor for seven years and is still the incumbent in that position. He has also been school director since 1888 and the position which he holds in public regard is indicated by the fact that he ha.s long been continued in these offices. He is a man of sterling pur]ioso, of unfaltering industry and is tireless in support of liis honest convictions. His success is attributable to his own labors and he is regarded as one of the foremost farmers of the county, keeping in touch with advanced ideas of agriculture and standing as a worthy representative of the industrial life of this nart of tlic state. His residence here covers a period of almost four decades, so that he has witnessed many changes which have occurred, and as the years have passed by he has borne his full sliare in the w^ork of general progress.

H. F. Oakford, interested in the Citizens Bank of Walnut, and also the owner of fine farming land, is a native of Bureau county, having been born in Dover township, June 26, 1856. He is a son of S. M. and Elizabeth (Evans) Oakford, the former a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Germantown, that state. The parents came to Illinois in 1854, settling in Bureau county, where for a number of years the father was engaged in general agricultural pursuits but of late years has been engaged in the insurance business and now makes his home in Walnut. He served as postmaster of Walnut for four years during Cleveland's administration, and has always been an active worker in the progress and development of his town and community. He has now reached the advanced age of eighty years. His wife, however, is deceased, having passed away April 7, 1903. Besides our subject they had two sons residing in this county, Eugene E., a farmer residing near Walnut, and Howard M., a resident of the village of Walnut and the owner of farming interests in North Dakota.

B. F. Oakford was reared to farm life and received his education in the common schools of Bureau county. After starting out in life on his own account he was a salesman on the road for a lumber firm for five years and later was the owner of a lumberyard in Walnut, which was operated under the name of the B. F. Oakford Lumber Company, but he finally disposed of his business. He is now the owner of one hundred and six acres of land on section 1, Gold township, and owns a third interest in eighty acres on section 26, Walnut township. He also owns a nice home in Walnut, and has real-estate in ]\Iilwaukco. Wisconsin. In November. 190"2. in connection with John E. Knight, Mr. Oakford organized the Citizens' Bank, in which he owns a half interest, and this has proved a very successful venture. From the beginning the bank gained favor with the general public and today the Citizens' Bank is one of the important and successful enterprises of the village of Walnut. The partners arc reliable in all dealings with their fellowmen and thereby have gained a large and increasing patronage.

On the 19th of Juno, 1899, was celebrated the marriage of B. F. Oakford and Miss Mary Ella Baxter, a native of Bureau township. Bureau county, and a daughter of Harvey and Hannah (Conklin) Baxter, both natives of the Keystone state. They were among the early settlors of thi.s cnuntv. having come here in tlie fifties, where the father engaged in general agricultural pursuits and bore they spent their remaiuiug days, the former passing away March 27, 1865, and the latter April 27, 1896. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Oakford has been born one son, John Howard, November 2, 1902. Mr. Oakford has been prominent in local affairs, having for two years been a member of the village board. He is a Mason, belonging to Walnut lodge, No. 722. In politics he is a democrat. He is interested in the advancement of his town and county and gives hearty endorsement to every movement which tends in that direction. He possesses sound business judgment and has been very successful in the management of his aiiairs, being now a partner in the Citizens' Bank of Walnut and also owning valuable farming land in Gold and Walnut townships. He is a genial and pleasant gentleman and he and his wife have a host of warm friends.

Lewis Kent Thompson

LEWIS KENT THOMPSON. Lewis Kent Thompson is largely living retired in Princeton, although he engages to some extent in the real estate business. He represents one of the old and prominent families of Bureau county, tiis father having been county clerk and county siieriff at a very early day in the development of this part of the state. The son was born in Milo township, September 16, 1844, his parents being Joseph V. and Mary E. (Kent) Thompson, both natives of Tx)ndon, England. They came to America in 1837, settling in Geneseo county. New York, wliere the father engaged in farming until 1839. when with his wife and brother he started for Illinois. They journeyed westward by canal to Toledo and thence by wagon to Bureau county, where Mr. Thompson arrived with a cash capital of fifty dollars and a team of horses. He settled in Milo township, made arrangements for the purchase of a farm and began clearing his land. Soon after his arrival one of his horses died and ho traded the other for a yoke of oxen. He and his brother then hauled logs to the sawmill all winter in order to get lumber to build a house. Soon after the erection of the new home, however, it caught fire and was burned to the ground, leaving the family homeless; but with resolute spirTt and unfaltering diligence the father soon built ;.notlicr home. They cleared off the land, plowed the fields and in course of time gathered good harvests, engaging in general farming there until the death of Mrs. Thompson in September, 1847. Soon afterward 'Mr. Thompson was elected county shcrifl" and held the office for one term of two years. He saved his money during that period and then purchased a farm of two hundred and sovcnty-nine acres west of Princeton in Princetownship, where he began general agricultural pursuits. Ho was afterward elected county clerk and filled that position for four years. During this time his son, Lewis K, who was at home, assisted in farming upon the father's land near Princeton. In 1862 the father bought a farm of four hundred and eighty acres in this county, and he afterward bought a home on East South street in Princeton, where he lived retired. Indolence and idleness, however, were utterly foreign to his nature and he could not content himself without some occupation, so that he gave considerable time to auctioneering and became well known throughout the county in that capacity. He was also one of the directors of the Illinois Grand Trunk Railroad and was greatly interested in the project in early days. In fact he was the champion of every movement that tended to promote the growth and development of the county and his labors were effective and far-reaching. Having lost his first wife in 1847, Mr. Thompson afterward married Miss Maria A. Mosely, the eldest daugb.ter of Roland Moselj', also a representative of a pioneer family of Bureau conty. The second wife died in Princeton in 1881, having for ten years survived Joseph V. Thompson, who from the time he left the farm continued to live retired in Princeton until his death on the 13th of May, 1871. By the second marriage there were three children : Mary, a resident of New York ; Joseph, an attorney of New York; and Lucy, deceased wife of 0. G. Lovejoy, of Princeton.

Lewis Kent Thompson was educated in the schools of Princeton and at Notre Dame, Indiana, being thus well equipped by advanced educational training for the practical and responsible duties of life. Having put aside his textbooks, he began work in Princeton as a bookkeeper for the firm of Fisher & Company, who were then the largest merchants and grain-buyers in Bureau county, their business being located near the old depot here. Mr. Thompson remained in their employ for a year and then went south, where he remained for three years.

While in Athens, Alabama, Lewis Kent Thompson was married to Miss Rebecca E. Boshart, who was born in Limestone county, that state, and reared there by an aunt, Mrs. Nancy M. Rice, who died at the home of Mr. Thompson in Princeton in 1880. Seven children graced this union: Joseph v., who died in 1880; George P., who is engaged in the lumber business in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lewis K., who is engaged in railroading at Underwood, North Dakota; Herbert S., a lumber merchant of Minneapolis; Inez, who died in infancy: Mary K.. the wife of E. .1. Best, who is living in Princeton ; and Jennie M., at home.

Following his marriage Mr. Thompson returned to the north in 1R68 and settled upon his father's farm in Walnut township, this county, where he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In 1882 he was elected supervisor of the township and held the office for one term. He was afterward reelected three different t'lnes to the same position and proved a capable and trustworthy official, as is indicated by the fact that he was so many times chosen by popular suffrage. He engaged in farming until 1891, when he removed to the village of Walnut, this county. He has almost continuously held some office and while living in Walnut was made postmaster, in which capacity he served for five years. He resided there until 1899, when he took up his abode in Geneseo, Illinois, where he lived until March, 1900. He then removed to the west, spending six months in Livingston, Montana, after which he located in Springfield, Utah, where his brother was living. Mr. Thompson lived retired at that place for five years, during which period he spent much of his time in traveling in order to see the western country. He afterward located in Provo, Utah, where he remained for a year and thence returned to Princeton, where he has since resided, living a retired life. He still, however, spends much of his time in traveling. He is interested to some extent in real estate and owns property in the county seat. He is, however, practically a retired farmer.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Princeton. In politics he was a stanch democrat until 1896, when he became a republican. Since 1883 he has been a member of the Knight Templar commandery of Princeton and was a charter member of Walnut lodge, A. F. & A. M. He has a fine residence at No. 423 West South street, where he and his family reside. A life of activity, guided tjy sound judgment, has been crowned with success, making him one of the prosperous and substantial residents of this part of the state and as one of Bureau county's native sons he well deserves mention in the history of her representative citizens.

Edwin Watson Lawton

Edwin AVatson Lawton, a capitalist of Sheffield, who in former years controlled important business interests but is now living retired save for the supervision which he gives to his investments, was born August 30, 1864, in the city which is still his home. He is a son of Watson Freeman and Carrie (Estabrook) Lawton, both of whom have now passed away. The father, who is represented elsewhere in this volume, was for many vears one of the most prominent business men of Bureau coimty, constantly enlarging his business in scope and importance until he became a foremost repre.sentative of trade circles in this part of the state.

The son Edwin was educated in the public 'chools of Sheffield and in tlie Northern Illinois Normal College, at Dixon, from which he was graduated in the class of 1882. He afterward engaged in teaching school for two years and entered business life in connection witli his father, with whom he was associated in all his extensive business ventures. In 1872 the fatlier began the operation of a farm of eight hundred acres in Mineral township, two miles west of the village, but continued to reside in the town, the actual work of the fields being done by those whom he employed for the purpose. He also began breeding stock and feeding cattle for the market, afterward devoting his entire attention to that business, his son being his partner in the enterprise for seven years, or until the father's death, which occurred on the 10th of February, 1898. Following the fathers demise Edwin W. Lawton continued in business alone and was accounted one of the best known and most successful representatives of farming and stock-raising interests in this country. In 1906 he rented his farms and is now practically living retired. Throughout an active business career he displayed keen discernment, his judgment being rarely, if ever, at fault in business affairs, his keen sagacity, supplementing unfaltering industry and perseverance, and the growth of his business was most gratfying. Recently he was one of three to organize the Farmers State Bank of Sheffield, of which he is now president.

On the 18th of May. 1889, Mr. Lawton was united in marriage to Miss Nina V. Simington, of Boston, ^Iassachu,=ctts, and they became the parents of two daughters, Gladys M. and Carolyn F.

Mr. Lawton is deeply and helpfully interested in commimity affairs and is now supervisor of Concord township. He is also president of the Sheffield school board, which position he has filled for the past six years, doing effective service in behalf of the system of public instruction here. He IS likewise president of the library board and he stands as the champion of intellectual and educational progress. He is likewise a member of the board of trustees of the Unitarian church and he withholds his co-operation and substantial assistance from im movement calculated to benefit the comm^mity at large. He looks at life from a broad, humanitarian standpoint, recognizing quickly needs and possibilities and utilizing the means at hand to produce practical results. He is the worthy son of an honored sire and his own record adds luster to an untarnished family name. Fraternally he is a member of Ames lodge. No. 193, A. P. & A. M., of Sheffield; Princeton chapter. No. 28, R. A. M. ; and Princeton commandery, No. 20, K. T., the two latter of Princeten.

William Smith Wilson

WILLIAM SMITH WILSON. William Smith Wilson, well known in financial circles as president of tlie bank of Wil.son, Pomeroy & Co., of Oliio, has spent almost his entire life in Bureau county and is numbered among the representative and honored pioneer families who opened up the way to civilization in this region and laid the foundation tor its present prosperity, ilr. Wilson is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born May 15, 1831, and is a son of Stephen and Amy (Smith) Wilson. The father was born in New Jersey July 20. 1793, and tiie mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania, December 28, ISO.T. They were married in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1824, and resided in the Buckeye state until their removal to Bureau county on the 1st of April, 1837, when they settled at Princeton. They resided in or near the city until 18.51, when thev took up their abode in Ohio township and were there identified with farming interests. By trade tlie father was a carpenter, but much of his life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He took an active and helpful interest in public affairs and acceptably filled various official positions in his township. Both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Protestant church and their earnest Christian lives won them the confidence and respect of all. The death of Jlr. Wilson occurred upon the old homestead farm in Ohio township, ^iareh 30, 1873, when he had reached the age of four score years, and his wife passed away in 1890 at the age of eighty-five years. In the family of this worthy couple were five children. Rebecca, who was born April 26, 1826, became the wife of John Warfield, of Princeton, who died August 4, 1896, while her death occurred in 1887. William S. is the second of the familv. Joseph G., born August 20, 1833, died May i3. 1884. Nancy, born in September, 1835, was the wife of L. T. Pomeroy, who departed this life in JanTiarv, 1896. Edwin is also deceased.

William S. Wilson was reared to manhood in Bureau county, residing upon the home farm up to the time of his marriage. He is still interested in agricultural pursuits, owning almost fifteen hundred acres of valuable and productive land, so that he is now one of the extensive- landholders of the county. He has also dealt in stock to quite an extent and these branches of his business have proven profitable sources of income. Following his first marriage he settled upon a farm in Ohio township, where he resided until 1876, wdien he removed to the village of Ohio. In 1870 he had established a mercantile enterprise there and continued in its conduct for ten years. In 1882 he established his present banking b\isiness in Ohio and has since figured in financial circles as president of the bank of Wilson. Pomeroy & Company, the institution maintaining a conservative, trustworthy policy that makes it one of the strong moneyed concerns of the county.

On the 7th of October, 18.52, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Maria .Tones, of Princeton, who was born April 29, 1834. in that city. Her father, .\l)raham Jones, was one of the early settlers of Bureau county and was born September 5, 1801, while his wife's birth occurred on the 18th of March, 1802. They arrived in this county in 1831, the year prior to the Black

Hawk war, and found that Princeton was a small village and that many of the now thriving towns of the county had not yet sprung into existence, while the greater part of the land was still unclaimed and imcultivated. Mr. and Jlrs. Wilson had no children of their own but reared two: Emma Morse, who was born April 25, 1859, and is now the wife of Fenwick R. Anderson, of Ohio, this county; and Addie Doty, born May 25, 1873. In 1890 Mr. Wilson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the village of Ohio on the 25th of November of that year.

On the 10th of August, 1893, he married Mrs. Anna Rebecca Rutf, nee Remsburg, who had served as postmistress of Ohio for four years under President Harrison's administration. She had three children by her former marriage, Maude E., Blanche and Arthur Claude. Maude E. was born December 6, 1874, and was married December 7, 1897, to Avery C. Golden, of Walnut, Illinois. They resided in Walnut until 1904, when they removed to Eockford, Illinois, where Mr. Golden is now engaged in carpentering. They have two children: Lee W.. born November 18, 1898; and Marguerite Blanche, born November 23, 1904. Arthur Claude, born January 31, 1879, was married April 25, 1905, to Mabel F. Nash, at Burlington, Vermont, and after a brief residence in Rockford they came to Ohio, Illinois, where Mr. Ruff is assistant cashier of the Wilson, Pomeroy bank, of which Mr. Wilson is president. The younger daughter, Blanche, was born April 14, 1876, and made her home with her parents in Ohio. In 1893 she entered college at Adrian, Michigan, where she studied for three years. After teaching for two years in the public schools at Princeton she became a student in Kansas City University, from which she was graduated two years later with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. The succeeding year was spent as a teacher in Kansas City. She was a member of the Adrian chapter of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was a most earnest worker in the People's church at Kansas City. She found time to devote to slum work and was a most earnest worker in the Young Women's Christian Association. She passed away Febriiary 16, 1906, at the age of twenty-nine years, ten months and two days. Her death came as a great shock and calamity to the community, for she was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. She was just returning from a meeting of the Eastern Star lodge, of which she was a member and faithful worker, when she was stricken down with Bright's disease and instantly became unconscious, her death occurring shortly afterward. At the time of her demise she was acting as assistant cashier of the Wilson, Pomeroy bank. A young lady of exemplary Christian character, she was the leader of tlic church choir and was especially prominent in the young people's society, while no work in which she engaged was to her of deeper interest than that of the Junior

Christian Endeavor, of which she was superintendent. At the time of her death she was acting treasurer of the northern Illinois branch of the board of Women's Foreign Missions of the Methodist Protestant church. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. T. Evans, who preached from the text : "And Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him. (Jenesis 5 :24.'' At a special meeting of Friendship chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star the following preamble and resolutions were adopted : "Whereas, The golden chain that binds us in sympathy and fellowship has been suddenly broken by the death of Sister Adah, Miss Eva Blanche Rutt', and one link has dropped away. Whereas, It is just that a fitting recognition of her many virtues should be had. Therefore be it Resolved, That in the death of Eva Blanche RufE this chapter laments the loss of a sister who was ever ready to give to her sisters and brothers advice in their troubles, sympathy in their sorrows and aid in their misfortunes, an active member of this society, a friend and companion who was dear to us all, a sister whose upright and noble life was a standard of emulation to the world at large. Resolved, That the chapter be draped in mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this chapter be extended to her parents and relatives in their afflictions. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the chapter and a copy thereof be transmitted to the parents of our deceased sister and the Ohio Herald for publication.

"Mrs Emm.\ Jackson, "Mrs. Anna Spencer, "Mrs. Eva Howard." The remains of Blanche Ruff were laid to rest beside those of her father, James G. Ruff, in Union cemetery, the services being conducted by the Eastern Star in charge of twenty-five members of the Walnut chapter. Few people are as greatly and uniformly beloved as was Miss Ruff, whose circle of friends was co-extensive with the circle of her acquaintance. She possessed a kindly nature, a genial, cordial disposition and, moreover, displayed a beautiful Christian character which gained for her the highest esteem of all with whom she came in contact. For years to come her memory will be cherished and remain as a blessed benediction to all who knew her.

Politically a democrat, Mr. Wilson has taken an active interest in the local work of his party and for many years has been supervisor of Ohio township. He is equally loyal to the best interest of the community whether in office or out of it and his labors in behalf of general progress have been farreaching and beneficial. An earnest Christian gentleman, he is a faithful member of the Methodist Protestant church and is known as a straightforward, reliable business man, whose upright, honorable course has gained the confidence of all with whom he has come in contact, while his en- ergy, capable management and diligence have brought to him a measure of success that makes him one of the leading representatives of the commercial and agricultural interests of Bureau county.

Colonel Jacob T. Thomson

Colonel Jacob T. Thomson, deceased, was a leading business man of Princeton, and one of the prominent politicians of the city, where he served as mayor. He came to the city in 1S4G and established a general mercantile enterprise. From that time forward until his death his influence wa.-; an active factor in general progress and improvement here and his labors resulted in the acquirement of a handsome competence. A native of Changewater, New Jersey, he was born November 26, lcS12, and was of Scotch lineage. His parents, however, were also natives of New Jersey, where they spent their entire lives. In the public schools of his native town Colonel Thomson acquired his education and in 1846 he came to Princeton, where he entered into partnership with his brotlier Robert in the establishment and conduct of a general mercantile store in the southern part of the city. They dealt in groceries, dry goods, drugs and other commodities and engaged in business together for many years, conducting a very successful store. At ths same time Colonel Thomson iuiproved favorable opportunities for investment in farm lands in Bureau county and became the owner of much valuable property in various localities. He afterward sold his store here and in partnership with Milo Kendall and J. A'. Thompson purchased one hundred acres of land in the northern part of the city, which they divided into town lots and sold. This proved a profitable venture, and the district became one of the loading residence districts of the city. From that time forward Mr. Thomson lived retired until his death.

Colonel Thomson was married twice. He wedded Miss Mary Weise, a native of New Jersey. and a daughter of Jacob Weise, one of the early settlers in Princeton, the record of whose family is given elspwhero in this work. Mrs. Thomson died in Princeton in 18.57, leaving two sons. The elder, ^[ajor Samuel P. Thomson, won his title by service in the army and afterward went to Denver, Colorado, in the vicinity of which city he owned a ranch. Subsequently he became a city officer in Denver and died there. Jlatt, a farmer of Princeton township, married Ellen R. Robinson, of Princeton, but both are now deceased. He died in 1878. and his wife in IPOO, leaving two sons, Jacob T. and David R.. both living in Colorado. For his second wife Colonel Thomson wedded Miss Pernina Weise, a sister of his first wife, and there were four children by this union : Miss Neal now resides in Princeton with her sister, Mrs. Fawcett. Franklin P. wedded Mary Baumbaugh, a resident of Princeton, and died in 1SS4, leaving one daughter, now Mrs. Nina C. Prime, who lives in New York. Jacob W., who is now living retired in Pueblo, Colorado, and is the owner of a large ranch near there, married Flora Boggs, of Princeton, who died in 1888, leaving two sons, Arthur T. and Harry, both residents of I'ueblo. Julia M. is the widow of Charles Fawcett, who was a respected and prominent business man and citizen of Princeton for many years.

Charles Fawcett was born in Clinton county, Ohio, and was a son of J. H. Fawcett, who came west in an early day, establishing his home in Henry county, Illinois, where he taught school for a few years, while later he came to Princeton and established a dry-goods business in the northern part of the town. There he conducted his enterprise for several years, after which he became agent for the American Express Company in Princeton and filled that position for several years. He then gave up all business and official service and retired to private life, since which time he has enjoyed a well merited rest, his home being now in PasadenA, California. He was a prominent Mason in Princeton, recognized as one of the valued representatives of the craft in this city. His son, Charles Fawcett, also became agent for the American Express Company here and occupied that position for some time. Because of ill health he was forced to resign, and in 188.") went west to California, hoping that he might be benefited in that land of flowers and sunshine, but the change proved unavailing, and he died on the Pacific coast on the 15th of May, 1887. His remains were then brought back to Princeton for interment, and he was laid to rest amid the deep regret of many friends, who sincerely niourned his loss, for he was a gentleman of many good traits of heart and mind and enjoyed in large measure the friendship of those with whom he came in contact. There were two children born unto Mr. and l^frs. Fawcett: Jacob T. married Libbio Babcock, of Princeton, and is connpfted with the drug business in that city. J. Fred, n veteriTiary surgeon of Erie, Wliiteside countv, Illinois, married Ida Ells, of that place, and they have one child. Julia Marzie.

The death of Colonel Thomson occurred on the 22d day of February, 1876, and his wife survived him for about twenty-seven years, passing away on the 4th of September. 190.3. He was a leading and influential resident of Princeton, who exerted a widely felt and beneficial influence in public affairs, giving a stanch and stalwart support to the domocrncy. In his political service be ever had an eye to practical results and not fflittering generalities. Strong and positive in his democracy, his party fealty was not grounded on partisan prejudice, and he enjoyed the respect and confidence of all his associates irrespective of party. Hu was well groimded in the political maxims of the schools and in the issues which divide the two great political organizations. Such men, whether in office or out, are the natural leaders of whichever party they may be identified with, especially in that movement toward higher politics, which is common to both parties and which constitutes the most hopeful political sign of the period. His jnililic-spirited citizenship being recognized by his fellow townsmen, Colonel Thomson was called to the office of mayor, and by re-election was continued in that position for several years. He also served as a member of the city council for several years and took much interest in everything pertaining to Princeton's progress and upbuilding. Both Colonel Thomson and Mr. Pawcett were widely and favorably known in Princeton, having a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mrs. Fawcett owns an interest in the old Thomson home at No. 504 South Main street, where she and her sister reside. This is a brick residence and was one of the first fine homes to be erected in the city, and in addition to this property Mrs. Fawcett also owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable farming land in Bureau township, besides other city property.

Rev. William Anderson

REV. WILLIAM ANDERSON. Rev. William Anderson, pastor of the Dover Congregational church, was born in the parish of Clatt, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, November 2, 1853, a son of William and Margaret (Maconachie) Anderson. For forty years the father cultivated a rented farm which his father had rented before him. He took an active interest in the cause of education and for many years filled the office of chairman of the school board. He was also an ardent worker in behalf of temperance and in the Sunday-school, and his services were much in demand as a speaker at local, social and religious gatherings. He conducted a Sundayschool in his own home for over forty years and was long a deacon in the Congregational church at Rhynie. His life was honorable and upright and he may well be termed one of nature's noblemen. He was married October 15, 1850, and continued his residence in his native country until 1889, when he came to the United States, making his home with his son, first at Imlay City, Michigan, and afterward in Dover, Illinois, to which place he removed in 1894. His wife died in Dover in October, 1897, at the age of eightythree years. Three children were born unto them, two sons and a daughter, all born in Scotland. The eldest, Alexander J. Anderson, was married in Scotland, had five children before coming to America, while three were added to the family in this country. He died at Greencove Springs, Florida, Spetember 2, 1899, leaving a widow and eight children. The daughter, Margaret Anderson, was born in Scotland, October 28, 1856, and lived with her parents until 1889, when she came to America to make her home with her brother. She died at Greencove Springs, Florida, January 10, 1900. She possessed many lovable traits of character, was an earnest church worker and was active in behalf of many other good causes.

William Anderson, the second son, inherited Celtic and even royal blood on his mother's side, being recorded as the lineal descendant of King Donahugh, one of the early tribal kings, whose fame was mighty among his loyal Highland subjects at a time when history was somewhat uncertain. On the father's side Rev. Anderson is of Anglo-Saxon descent. He acquired his early education at the parish school of Clatt and afterward pursued a classical course in the grammar school at old Aberdeen. He then entered the University of Edinburgh and subsequently the Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1880. He had many famous teachers, studying Greek under John Stuart Blackie; physics under Professor Tait ; psychology under Henry Calderwood ; mathematics under Philip Kendall ; and English literature under John Ma.sson. He also studied theology under Dr. William Lindsay Alexander. Following his graduation in 1880 he received a call to the Congregational church at Newry, Ireland, where he was ordained in February. 1881. He remained for two and a half years and in 1883 emigrated to the United States, ifter which he accepted a call from the church at Laingsburg, Michigan, in July of that year. He remained in charge there for five and a half years, on the expiration of which period he accepted a call to the church at Imlay City, Michigan, where he labored for nearly six years, and then came to Dover on the 1st of September, 1884, remaining there to the present date.

The Dover Congregational church was organized March 24, 1838, by the Rev. Lucian Farnham, of Princeton, from whose church came by letter the nine persons who were the charter members of the Dover church, namely: Eli O. Thorp, Lydia Thorp, Lyman and Amanda Stowell, Sylvester, Eliza and Joseph H. Brigham, Wealthy Poole and Oramel A. Smith. The first resident minister of the church was Rev. Asa Donaldson, whoso labors began about one year after the church was organized. Other pastors have been : Rev. Ami Nichols from 1846 to 1849; Rev. Allen Clark, 1850; Rev. E. G. Smith, 1850 to 1857; Rev. F. Bascom, D. D., 1857 to 18(M ; Rev. S. G. Wright, 1864 to 1866 ; Rev. Otis F. Curtiss, 1867 to 1874; Rev. W. T. Blenkarn, 1874 to 1877; Rev. M. F. Howe, 1877-78; Rev. W. E. Holvoke, 1878 to 1879; Rev. A. Ethridgc.. 1880; Rev. Israel Brown, 1880 to 1888; Rev. Roger M.' Sargent, 1888 to 1891; Rev. J. F. Ellis. D. D., 1891 to 1892; Rev. Wni. R. Hench. 1893 to 1894;

Rev. William Anderson, commenced September Ist, 1894. The following have been deacons of the cliurch. namely: Sylvester Bripham, Isaac Delano, R. A. Leeper, George Wells, Asahel Wood, T. W. Nichols, Jonathan Hoyte. The following deacons are at this date in active service, namely: Aaron Dunbar, J. B. Allen, Alfred Westover, C. J. Pierce, J. C. Field and William Geisweller. 'J'he trustees are Henry G. Wells, George F. Carter, C. J. Pierce, Warren Poole and George Steele. The Sunday-school was organized by Isaac Delano soon after the church was formed and the present superintendent is Henry G. Wells, who lias filled the ofifice for a number of years, chuich roll contains tno names of over two hunflred members, who are lecugnized as an active working force in the various dejiartmeiil^'. Besides supporting a Sunday-school and m wei>kly prayer meeting the church has a large and vigorous Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, a strong woman's missionary society and a men's league. It is in close touch with the various lines of benevolent work of the denomination, for which it contributes liberally every year from its funds- - tlie amount varying usually from six hundred to seven hundred dollars. The Deaconess Home at Dover was organized mainly through the efforts of the church and its pastor and has afforded an opportunity for practical philanthropy, of which the members have not been slow to avail themselves.

Rev. Anderson was married at Laingsburg, Michigan, August 25, 1885, to May Eliza Hollister, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Hollister. She was horn and reared in Laingsburg, acquired her early education in the public schools and was afterward a student in Olivet College at Olivet, Michigan. Her father was one of the first graduates of the ]\Iichigan Agricultural College at Lansing and was a life-long member of its board of trustees. Mr. Hollister was a surveyor and civil engineer and owned several farms. At one time he had a government contract for clearing a portion of the Red river in Louisiana. He was a deacon and trustee of the Congregational church at Laingsburg and for many years su- - perintendent of the Sunday-school. lie was one of the most active supporters of the church until the time of his dcatli, which occurred in 1900. He enlisted in the army and served until the end of the Civil war. His wife, Minnie A. Alverson, a woman of rare gifts, was a school teacher at the time of her marriage in 1863. She survived her husband only about two years. Their only son, Oliver Cary llollistcr. is also a graduate of tlic state agriculturnl college and now occupies "Seven Oaks," the old liomcstead near Laingsburg. He enlisted and served in Cuba during the Spanish- American war and was promoted to the office of chief clerk in his regiment.

at Princeton in 1900; and Minerva, who is a student in the public schools of Dover. Beside their own family, the father, William Anderson, Sr., and a niece, Wilhelmina Anderson, of Greencove Springs, Florida, made their home with them. Mrs. Anderson has been a most active worker with her husband in their several fields of labor, her efforts being more particularly directed in missionary, Sunday-school, young |ieople'.s society and deaconess' lines, beside having charge of the church music and the training of the children for public exercises. The work which Rev. and Mrs. Andcr'^on are doing is most effective and farreaching and under his guidance the church has made rapid and substantial growth, while his influence is a most potent element in the moral development of the community.

The growth and prosperity of a city depend upon its industrial and commercial interests and the enterprise and character of the men who control its leading business concerns, in which connection Mr. Skoglund may be mentioned as a representative citizen, having been since 1903 an active factor in commercial circles in Princeton as a member of the firm of Greenwood, Skoglund & Company, proprietors of a plumbing and heating establishment. In this connection he has wrought along modern business lines and with ready recognition of opportunities and appreciation of advantages which have come to him he has so directed his labors that he is now in control of an extensive and profitable trade.

A native of Sweden, Mr. Skoglund was born in ISfiS and in 1871 came to America with his parents, John J. and Johanna E. Skoglund. The father followed farming near Princeton after his emigration to America and both he and his wife have now passed away. In their family were seven children, of whom four are still living: 0. H., of this review; Mrs. Emma E. Christian, of Chicago; Mrs. Anna Lundgren, living in Mitchell, Sanborn county. South Dakota: and Mrs. I'Mwin Holmes, who resides at Spring Valley, Bureau county.

O 11. Skoglund acquired a common-school education and in his youth was denied many privileges and advantages common to most lads because of hi.s mother's invalid condition for thirteen years. When still a youth he engaged at farm labor and after ten years of his early manhood devoted to general agricultural pursuits he came to Princeton and nrcepted the position of dejuity sheriff under ^[njiu- Clark. In ISDS ho was elected sheriff and filled that otTlcc imtil 1002, when he turned his attention to the plumbing and heating business in connection with Mr. Greenwood. During his incumbency in the office of sheriff he appointed Fred Tjehman as otTice deputy with T. W. Mercer and R. R. Elliott as bailiffs and thus, with competent assistance, the duties of the position were discharged with promptness and capability.

In the meantime, as stated, he joined Mr. Greenwood in the plumbing and heating business and the firm of Greenwood, Skoglund & Company was formed. Their store is located in the American House block in Princeton and they install all kinds of plumbing and heating plants, their trade covering all of Bureau county, including much city work in Princeton. They now have the contract for the plumbing work and heating of the Congregational church in this city and many other important contracts have been awarded them, their patronage steadily increasing until it has now reached extensive and gratifying proportions. The firm employs three men throughout the year and many more during the busier seasons and also has a young lady for office work. They carry a large and complete stock of plumbing and gasfittings and their equipment is unsurpassed between Chicago and Galesburg.

Mr. Skoglund was married in 1886 to Miss Jennie E. Anderson, who was born in Princeton and is a daughter of Jonas Anderson, deceased. Her father arrived in this county about 1850 and devoted his attention to the carpenter's and builder's trade and also to moving. Unto Jlr. Skoglund and his wife were born four children who are yet living and they lost one, who died in infancy. Those who still survive are Ida E., Eugene, Iva and Violet, aged respectively eighteen, seventeen, five and two years. Politically Mr. Skoglund is a republican, who for a long period, served as constable of Princeton. He is a member of the blue lodge of Masons at Princeton and he and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.

William H. Gould

William H. Gould is a leading and successful business man of Neponset, his native village. He today owns five hundred acres of valuable farming land, from which he derives a good rental, and he is identified with the corporate interests of the town as president of the Neponset Electric Light Company. He was born April 17, 1852, a son of Abraham and Hannah (Bowen) Gould, natives of England. The father was born in Eastchurch, county of Kent, October 13, 1828, and came to this country in 1849, landing on the twenty-first anniversary of his birth. From New Yoi-k he went to Chicago, where he arrived with a cash capital of only fifty cents. He went to work rolling salt barrels and after three weeks, having earned some money, he started to walk out into the country, arriving at Summit at night. He thought to continue his journey after dark, but the wolves were so numerous that he dared not venture far sind returned to Summit, where he spent the night, starting the following morning for Neponset, where he spent the first winter splitting rails. He then began work as a farm hand and, following his marriage, began farming on his own account on a tract of wild prairie land of one hundred and sixty acres. The first thing he did was to set a post to which he could tie his horse, for there was not a single tree on his land or other thing to which he could fasten the animal. He built a frame house which he continued to occupy until 1884, when he retired from farm life and removed to Neponset, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. As the years had passed he had lived frugally and industriously and as he had prospered he had made judicious investments in real estate until he was the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land at the time of his death. This he had improved from wild prairie, turning the first furrows upon much of it and converting it into very productive fields. His life record of industry and business activity is well worthy of emiilation. He was a member of the school board for many years and the cause of public education profited by his efforts in its behalf. His vote endorsed republican principles by the support which he gave the candidates of the party.

Abraham Gould was married January 5, 1850, to Miss Hannah Bowen, who was born in Derbyshire, England, August 12, 1831. For more than a half century they traveled life's journey together and were separated in the death of the husband, November 3, 1901. Mrs. Gould is still living, a resident of Neponset. They were the parents of four children: William H. ; John B., of Neponset to^vnshin; Eliza, the wife of Stephen

5. Russell; and Addie, wife of Charles Lewis, of Neponset. Mrs. Gould came to this country in 1846 with her parents, George and Sarah (Mocroft) Bowen. who were pioneers of this county, so that for six decades she has lived in this part of the state.

In the public schools William H. Gould acquired his education, pursuing his studies in the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked on the home farm. He assisted his father in the work of the fields up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated January 39, 1876, Miss Laura E. Bennett becoming his wife. She was born near Muncie, Indiana, February

6. 1856. a daughter of Timothy N. and Elizabeth (Russell) Bennett, both natives of Clinton county, Oliio. the former born April 15, 1813, and the latter I^tay 9, 1814. Coming to Illinois in 1856, Mr. Bennett cast in his lot with the pioneer farmers of this county and at one time was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land here. For a long period he served as school director and was a member of the Christian church, thus taking an active and helpful interest in the intellectual and moral, as well as material, progress of the community. He died February 6, 1872, and his wile passed away November 3, 1879. In their family were twelve children, six yet living: Mary Jane, wife of S. M. Williamson, of Kewanee, Illinois; George M. ; Juretta, wife of E. J. Judkins, of Topeka, Kansas ; Alice, the wife of James Gridley, of Iowa; Timothy N. ; and Mrs. Gould.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Gould began farming on his own account on one hundred acres of land and succes-sfully carried on agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he removed to Neponset, where he handled some real estate and bought and sold farms. At the present time he owns five hundred acres of rich and arable land, which he rents, deriving therefrom a good income. He is also part owner and president of the Neponset Electric Light Company and is one of the stockholders and directors of the Kewanee District Fair Association. He was one of its organizers, has been one of its directors the past twenty years and is now its president. He is also one of the directors of the Bureau County Fair Association, and has contributed in no small degree to the success of those organizations. His interest in community affairs is deep and sincere and arises from a public-spirited enterprise and is manifest in hearty endorsement of many movements for the general good. He was serving on the village board when it was decided to put cement walks through the town and he has always stood for progress and improvement in municipal interests. For many years he has been a school director, thus doing effective service in behalf of education. In politics he is a repuljlican.

The greatest sorrow that has come to Mr. and Mrs. Gould was the loss of their daughter, Grace M., who was born October 26, 1877, and died December 2. 1879. They have always been received into the best .social circles, while the hospitality of their own home has been greatly enjoyed by those who know them. Viewed in a personal light Mr. Gould is a strong man - strong in his business activity and in his good name, influential in public affairs and justly regarded as one of the prominent and valued residents of portion of Illinois.

Elijah W. Bey Ant

Elijah W. Bryant, whose life, although devoted i<> the quieter pursuits of the farm, was in harmony witli the record of a distinguished ancestry, figured for many years as a representative and honored resident of Bureau county. He was born December 2, 1836, in this county, where his parents had located in early pioneer times. His father, John Howard Bryant, was the youngest son of Dr. Peter and Sarah (Sncll) Bryant, whose second son, William Cullcn Brvant, won fame as the first American poet of more than local note. John Howard Brvant was horn at what is now known as the Bryant homestead in Cummington, ilassachusetts. and both of his parents were descended from Mayflower ancestry. Dr. Peter Bryant of Cummington was of the fourth generalion from Stephen and Abigail (Shaw) Bryant of Plymouth, Massachusetts. He studied medicine with his father in North Bridgewater, Masj-achusetts, and succeeded to his practice. He was also for a time under the instruction of a French refugee from San Domingo - an able surgeon, under whom he became a dexterous operator. The young physician early fell in love witii the daughter of a sturdy and severe Revolutionary veteran of the neighborhood. Esquire Ebenezer Snell, who was a Puritan of the Puritans and when he later removed to the then ratlier new settlement of Cummington Dr. Bryant followed and in 1792 married the veteran's daughter. "Sweet Sally Snell," as she was called in her maidenhood and who became the mother of America's first famous poet as well as. of a family of vigorous and upright sons and daughters.

Dr. Peter Bryant became known over a wide range of country as a scholarly and skilful physician and at different times had many students in his office. He was endowed by nature witli a strong constitution, but his long rides over rough mountain roads and exposure to all kinds of weather doubtless shortened his days and he passed away at the comparatively early age of fifty-three years. His son, William CuUen, had already at this time given to the world Thanatopsis. To a Waterfowl and other poems, which brought to the father a knowledge of the enduring fame which this son was to attain, although the poet was but twenty-six years of age at the time of the father's death. Dr. Bryant was a man of gentle manner and bearing, of fine literary judgment and took constant delight in the mental exaltation and the music of the greater poets. There was dignity but no aristocracy in the family and the doctrine of the universal brotherhood of man was taught and practiced. The hired men and girls employed in the family, both white and black, all ate at the family table and were treated as equals. Dr. Bryant wielded a wide influence in public affairs as well and was for a time representative from bis district in the state senate, where he formed the acquaintance and won the friendship of such scholarly men in and around Brtston as Buckminster. Channing and others. He was politically a zealous federalist but most democratic in bis practices. He was also one of the first well known rTiitarians of western ilassachusetts. .\ftor the death of Dr. Brvant his widow found al)undant scope for hi'r ability and energy in practical affairs. Her husband, enthusiastic and unselfish in the practice of his profession, had cared more to render aid to the ill and suffering than to collect his fees and as a consequence he left his estate involved, .\ccordingly the sons of tlie fatnilv save, Austin, the eldest, and William

Culleii, wlio had already begun life i'or themselves, were put to work on the farm. (Jyrus Bryant acted as manager of the place and John Howard, then thirteen years of age, became his assistant. In the summer they wrought together at farm labor and in the winter months Cyrus engaged in teaching school, while John Howard looked after the chores at home. In the years 1826 and 1827 the latter attended the select school of Rev. Roswell Hawks and subsequently was a student in the academy in Cummington, Massachusetts. In the winter of 1828 and 1829 he taught school in the town of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, and in the spring of the former year he was a student in Rensselaer school, now the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, New York, then conducted by the able but eccentric Professor Amos Easton.

In June, 1829, he took leave of the Troy school, walking home by way of Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he spent three or four days with his brother Arthur, then a student in Williams College. Later in the same years he returned to Williamstown and spent some time in the study of geometry, trigonometry and Latin. He soon returned to the Cummington farm, however, and in the summer of 1830 took the census of that part of Hampshire county lying west of the Connecticut river. In the winter of 1830-1 he taught school in Plainfield at a salary of fourteen dollars per month and "boarded round."

In the spring of 1831 John H. Bryant started for Illinois. His worldly possessions, consisting of clothing, carpenter's tools and a few books, being stowed in two chests and a trunk, which were carried to the city of Hudson by a tanner of West Cummington, who was accustomed to make business trips to New York. Leaving his baggage at Hudson, Mr. Bryant went down the river to take a look at the metropolis before leaving for the far west. On the 18th of April, 1831, however, he started for Illinois, secured his baggage at Hudson and at .Albany took a line boat on the Erie canal, thus making the trip to Buffalo at an expense, for meals and passage, of four dollars and sixty cents. This trip, which is now made by rail in a few hours, then occupied seven days. On reaching Buffalo he found the lake full of ice, so that it became necessary for him to hire a team to make the next stage of the journey, which was to Dunkirk, New York. He then went on Chatauqua lake to Jamestown and by wagon to Warren, Pennsylvania, where he met two families of English people, who took him on their wateroraft called an "ark'' and thus he proceeded to Pittsburg. He then went by steamer to Louisville, where he was transferred to a boat bound for St. Louis, where he arrived on the 24th of May. After a brief stay in that city he secured passage for Naples on the Illinois river. He was now within twenty-two miles of his destination - Jacksonville, Illinois - and in company with a Mr. Harlan he completed the journey on foot. About a year was spent there in clerking and in farming land belonging to his brother Arthur, during which time he was joined by his brother Cyrus.

The two made the journey to Princeton on horseback in September, 1832, and John II. l^ryant here entered land from the government, upon which he built a cabin, while with the assistance of his brother Cyrus he began improving the place. He was married June 7, 1833, to Miss Hattie Wiswall, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and immediately after the wedding the young couple started to Meredosia, whence they proceeded up the Illinois river to Hennepin and from that point came overland to Princeton, arriving at tlie Bryant cabin on the 11th of June, 1833. In that little pioneer liome they lived until the following .spring, when Mr. Bryant built another cabin on the site now occupied by the present spacious mansion which is the home of Elijah Bryant's widow in Princeton. The home farm comprised three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he entered in 1835. He was a very active, energetic man and a most prominent factor in the early development and agricultural progress of the county. He was also influential in public life and held almost every office within the gift of the people. Originally a democrat, he acted with that party until 1854, when on account of its attitude on the slavery question he joined the free soil party and on the organization of the republican party in 185G became one of its supporters. He was present as a delegate at the first national convention of that party in Pittsburg, which nominated the great pathfinder, John C. Fremont. Again in ISfiO he was a delegate to the national convention at Chicago and was active in his championship of .\braham Lincoln. In 1862 he was appointed collector of internal revenue for the fifth district of Illinois and served four vears. When the war was ended and other issues were paramount before the people Mr. Bryant did not accept the republican policy on questions of currency, tariff and other issiies and therefore returned to democratic ranks, the views of that party on such questions being more nearly in accord with his own.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bryant were born two sons: Henry \V., who was born ,\pril 17, 1835, and died April 26, 1854; and Elijah W., of this review. The mother passed away in October, 1888. at the age of eighty years. She was a woman of marked strength of "character, of kindly spirit and noted for her good management and her hospitality in her household affairs. John Howard Bryant passed away in January, 1902.

Elijah W. Bryant, horn upon the old homi-- stead farm, was reared amid the environments of pioneer life and was educated in the Princeton schools. As a life work he followed farming and stock-raising, carrying on an extensive business in the latter department. He owned five hundred and thirty acres of fine land in Bureau coiinty.

which is now iu possession of his widow, and his business interests were capably controlled, making him a successful and prominent man. He possessed natural ability as a nurse and his labors in this particular were often called into requisition, his kindly spirit prompting his ready assistance.

On the Gth of June, 186-5, Mr. Bryant was married to Miss Laura Smith, of Princeton, who was born March 27, 1846, a daughter of Sidney and Laura (Doolittle) Smith. The father was a native of Massachusetts and came to Illinois in 1836. His wife, a native of New York, arrived in 1834, and Mr. Smith was identified for many years with the farming interests of Bureau county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant was blessed with six childdren, of whom five are now living. The eldest, Frances E., is the wife of J. C. Banister, of Kewanee, Illinois, and they have seven children. Kate is the wife of W. C. McVay, a banker of Los Angeles, California, and they have five children. John H. is deceased. William Cullen, who operates the home farm, married Lydia Warfield, of Princeton, and has three children, Janet, Howard and Sidney. He is a breeder of Hereford cattle and Canadian hogs, having a large herd of cattle and from two hundred and fifty to three hundred hogs. He has become well known as a prominent stockman of this part of the county. Laura Sue is the wife of A. H. Ferris of Princeton and they have two sons. John Howard, a graduate of the Chicago Medical College and of the Northwestern University, is now practicing in Galesburg, Illinois. He married Miss Lillian Warfield of Princeton.

In his political views Mr. Bryant was a republican but without aspiration for office. Throughout his entire life he was a resident of Bureau county and one of its honored native sons and pioneer settlers. In all life's relations he maintained a high standard of conduct in harmony with the history of distinguished ancestry and while he prospered in his business his methods were ever straightforward and he was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction. He passed away April 23, 1892. respected by all who knew him, and his name is now on the roll of Bureau county's honored dead. Mrs. Bryant, still surviving her husband, is a member of the Congregational church and makes her home in Princeton, where she has Tn pxtonsivo circle of friends.

La Monte Perkins

LA MONTE PERKINS. The business interests of La !Moille find a worthy representative in La Monte Perkins, owner of an implement store. Wide-awake, alert and enterprising, he keeps in touch with the trend of modern business progress and has made for himself a creditable position in commercial circles. He was Jinrn in La l^Ioille township, October 16,

1857, and was a son of John and Isabelle (Martin) Perkins. The father was born at Whitehall, New York, February 17, 1833, while the mothers birth occurred in Belmont county, Ohio, May 22, 1835. They were married in La Moille February 17, 1857, Mr. Perkins having built his home upon the farm a year prior to that event. As the years passed by several children were added to the household, namely : La Monte, Carrie, Jennie, Edward, ^May, Mary, Frances and J. Martin, of which number three are now deceased. The father and mother have also departed this life. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they took an active and helpful part and were widely recognized as earnest, zealous and consistent Christian people. In the community where they made their home they gained many friends and when called from this life their death was deeply regretted by those who knew them.

La Monte Perkins of this review spent his boyhood under the parental roof and supplemented his early education, acquired in the common schools, by study in Dover Academy, in Princeton high school, and in Bryant & Stratton Business College, in which he pursued a commercial course. He was thus equipped by liberal educational advantages for the practical and responsible duties of a business career. On leaving college he turned his attention to farming and continued actively in general agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he came to La Moille and engaged in the stock business. In 1905 he withdrew from that department of activity and established an implement store, which he is now conducting, having secured a good patronage by reason of his earnest desire to please his cii.?tomers and his straightforward dealings.

Mr. Perkins has been married twice. In 1883 he wedded Miss Alida R. White, who was born in La Moille township and died in October, 1887. On the 26th of January, 1892, Ut. Perkins wedded Estella M. Root, who was born iu Wenona, Illinois, November 22, 1863, and was educated in the high school at Galva, Illinois. There have been two children born of this marriage: Cora, on the 19th of November, 1892; and Emerson, July 17, 1900.

Mr. Perkin.s has filled the office of school director for three years, was justice of the peace for one term and supervisor for five years. He also served as councilman on the village board and in office has been prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties, which have been performed with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he has been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential ballot for James G. Blaine in 1884. The religious faith of himself and family is indicated by their inonibersliip in the Congregational church. Their hoTne is in the village of T>a Moille and in addition to his residence there Mr. Perkins owns one hundred and sixty acres of choice land in La Moille township, which eighteen years ago was purchased for forty-two dollars per acre and is today worth one hundred dollars per acre. In his fields corn, oats and hay are raised and he also does a successful business as a .'^tock-raiser. Nearly all that he possesses has been acquired through his own labors and the value of his present business holdings has resulted from his careful management and industry.

Pearl P. Michael

Pearl P. Michael, editor and publisher of the Ohio Herald, which paper he also founded, and an active factor in community interests in the village in which he makes his home, was born in New Washington, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1852. He is a son of William 'M. and Florinda J. (Humm) Michael, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and there spent their entire lives but passed away some years ago. Their family numbered thirteen children.

Pearl P. Michael, the fifth in order of birth, pursued his education in the public schools of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and after putting aside his text-books he entered upon an apprenticeship to the printing trade in the office of the Messenger, a weekly paper published in the city where his education was acquired. He gained a good knowledge of the business and remained a resident of Pennsylvania until 1876, when he went to Kansas City, Missouri, and was employed on different daily papers of that place for a nimiber of years, or until 1891, when he came to Ohio, Illinois. Here he founded the Ohio Herald and with the exception of a period of seven years has since been its owner and manager. He is now publishing the paper with good success and its large circulation makes it an excellent advertising medium. Viewed from a typographical standpoint it is a well conducted sheet and the patronage which is accorded it is indicative of the fact that it is a bright, newsy journal.

Mr. Michael was married on the 2d of May. 1877, to Mis.« Elmina G. Kirk, who was born in Ohio township. Bureau county. May 28, 1859. Her parents were Bernard and Malvina (Abbott) Kirk, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of the state of New York. In their family were four children, of whom Mrs. Michael is the eldest, and by her marriage she became the mother of two children : Everett Blair, who was born May 28, 1878; and Ethel Kirk, born December 13, 1890. They were called upon, however, to mourn the loss of their son, who died on the rsist of June, 1895. Mrs. Michael was educated in the schools of Ohio township and Princeton, completing a hisrh school course, and she joined her husband in Kansas City.

Interested in community affairs and loyal in his devotion to the general good, Mr. Michael was selected for ten years' service as president of the school board, during which time his labors proved most effective for the advancement of the cause of public education here. He has likewise been president of the board of trustees of the village of Ohio and so continues today. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Ohio lodge. No. 814, A. F. & A. M., and to Princeton commandery, K. T. Both he and his wife are connected with the Christian Science church and their interests are allied with all those movements which tend toward a broader view and toward intellectual, esthetic and moral culture. Mr. Michael started upon an independent business career with no capital or influential friends to aid him. He has found that success is ambition's answer and his friends and neighbors recognize the justice of his claim to the prosperity which he enjoys.

Selby B. Winter

Sclby B. Winter is one of the self-made men of Berlin township, owing whatever success he has achieved entirely to his own efforts. He now has thirty-six and a half acres of good land worth two hundred dollars per acre and his farm i.s the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. He was born in Bureau county, January 3, 1870, his parents being Joseph B. and Syndona (Kenfield) Winter, the former a native of Belcherfown, Massachusetts, and the latter of West Leyden, New York. In 1850 they came to Illinois, locating in Berlin township. Bureau county. Unto them were born eight children, who are still living: Risa, Alice, Selby B., Charles L., Eula M., Louis J., Linnie and Nettie B.

Selby B. Winter is indebted to the publicschool system of Bureau county for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He first attended the district schools and completed his education in Princton. With the work of the farm he early became acquainted through actual experience in the fields, for duiing the periods of vacation he assisted his father in the cultivation of the crops and the care of the stock upon the old homestead.

Having arrived at years of maturity he chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey ^liss I'hnnui B. Jury, to whom he was married on ilu' I2tli of .Tanuary, 1S9fi. She wa.« born October 12, ISfifi, and was also educated in this county. Their home is pleasantly located in Berlin town- upon a farm of thirty-six and a half acres of good land now worth two hundred dollars per acre. All that Mr. Winter possesses he has acquired through hard and unremitting labor and his life illustrates what may be accomplished by diligence and perseverence when guided by sound business judgment. The beautiful residence is surrounded with lovely flowers and shrubs and shows the cultured, refined taste of the inmates. Everything about the place is indicative of the care and supervision given to the farm, which is neat and thrifty in appearance and is a desirable property, representing the labor and perseverance of the owner.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Winter are held in high esteem by their neighbors for their many good qualities. They attend the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Winter is a member, and Mr. Winter gives his political support to the republican party but has never sought, held or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which he has so managed that he is now accounted one of the substantial farmers of his commimity.

Harky C. Roberts

Harry C. Roberts, whose business career has been marked by consecutive advancement, coming in recognition of ability, enterprise and laudable ambition, is now cashier of the First National Bank of Princeton, which position he has filled continuou.-;lv for almost thirty years. He is therefore well known in financial circles in this part of the state as a prominent representative of banking interests. His birth occurred in Peru, La Salle county, Illinois, November 6, 18.51, and he comes of an ancestry honorable and distinguished. His paternal grandfather was John Roberts, a native of W^aterford, Ireland, where he engaged in the practice of law. He had three brothers : Major General Abraham Roberts ; Sir Samuel Roberts, who was a captain of the English navy ; and General Thomas Roberts, of the English army. The first named, Abraham Roberts, was the father of Lord Roberts, affectionately termed Little Bobs, the hero of Kandahar and the idol of the English army. Lord Roberts states in his reminiscences entitled Forty-one Years in India, a copy of which he sent to our subject, that he and his father had served the English government in India for over ninety years. He was the recipient of the Victoria Cross for distinguished bravery in front of the enemy when only a subaltern and his rise in the army was continuous until as commander of the forces in South .\frica he won the successes and gained the distinction that made his fame world-wide.

.\brahani Roberts, father of Harry C. Roberts, was born in Waterford, Ireland, came to the United States in the early '40s and resided successively in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Vicksburg, Mississippi : and St. Louis, Mis.souri, prior tn his arrival in Bureau county, Illinois. Here he engaged in merchandising, his last days being spent in Dover, where he passed away in ISfiO, at the age of sixty-five years. He married Mis* Elizabeth Zearing, who was a native of Penn.sylvania and of German descent. The Zearing family is a very old and prominent one in Bureau county, the name being inseparably associated with the history of this locality. Martin Zearing arrived in 1833 and after a return visit to Pennsylvania came again to Bureau county in 1836 with his family, making the journey on a fiatboal down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers to lk'niie|iin. He thence continued on his way to Bureau county and entered from the government a tract of land which is still in possession of the family.

Thus in both the paternal and maternal lines Harry C. Roberts is descended from distinguished ancestry. He was educated in the public schools and in Dover Academy and in 1869 came to Princeton, where he entered business life as a clerk in the book store of R. B. Foster, with whom he remained until 1871. He then spent six months in Ackley, Iowa, as clerk and bookkeeper in a private bank, after which he returned to Princeton and on the STth of May, 1872, accepted the position of clerk and bookkeeper in the First National Bank. On the 26th of August IS?."), he was promoted to assistant cashier and on the 9th of January, 1877, he became cashier, which position he has since filled. He has devoted his time and energies throughout his business life to banking interests and is one of the prominent representatives of financial affairs in Biireau county, proving a competent and popular official, whose service is characterized by promptness and consideration, so that he enjoys in large mea.sure the respect, good will and confidence of the manv patrons of the bank.

On tlie 16th of May, 1878, Mr. Roberts was married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Miss Emma E. Steckel, a daughter of Solomon and Emeline (Heinley) Steckel, of Pennsylvania, and a native of New York city, born September 13, 18.52. Four children graced this marriage : Beulah. who was born June 30, 1885, and died August 8. 1888: Helen M.. born June 24, 1889: Grace E., born February 3, 1892: and Ruth H. born Januarv 1, 1894."

^fr. Roberts takes a keen and public-spirited interest in municipal affairs and in those movements which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He gives tangible support to many measures for the general good and stands for all that is progressive in citizen.«hip. He is likewise a zealous worker in the First 'Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been treasurer for twentyfive years, superintendent of the Sunday-school for fourteen years, and held other positions of trust. He is a member of Princeton lodge. No. .587. A. F. & A. M. : Princeton chapter. No. 28. R. A. M. : and Temple commandery. No. 20. K. T. Tn all life's relations he has borne himself with such signal dicnitv and honor as to gain him the respect of all. He has been and is distinctivelv a man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide influi'iHT. A strong mentality and invincible courage and a most determined individuality liave so entered into his make-up as to render liim a natural leader of men and a director of opinion and yet he has never sought the notoriety whicli comes from public office.

Bradford R. Battey

Bradford R. Battey, deceased, who was for many years the leading lumber merchant of Tiskilwa, was born in Foster, Rhode Island, November 14, 1862, a son of Henry and Zilpha (John son) Batte}', both natives of that state. The father engaged in farming during his active business career and still resides on his farm near Foster, Rhode Island, but is now practically living retired, merely giving supervision to his farm work. Both he and his wife are quite aged.

Bradford R. Battey was reared to farm life and received his elementary education in the public schools of his native township, subsequent to which time he attended a business college at Providence, Rhode Island, where he was fitted to enter business life. He then began learning the carpenter's trade in Foster, and there worked at his trade for a few years, or until 1880, when he went to Florida, where he was engaged at carpenter work for about two years. In May, 1883, he came to Bureau county, locating in Sheffield, where he continued at his chosen occupation and also worked to some extent in Tiskilwa until 1891, when he removed to Tiskilwa, Bureau county, where he purchased the lumberyard, and this continued to be his business pursuit throughout his active career. He was very successful in this venture and built up a large trade both in the town and surrounding country. He was always reliable in his business dealings and thereby merited the large patronage which was extended to him, thus becoming one of the prominent business men of this city. For several years prior to his death Mr. Battey was in very poor hoaltli, and in 1889 went to New Mexico, hoping he might be benefitted by the change of climate. After a year he returned to his home and resumed his business but in 1899 his health became so impaired that he was compelled to abandon all business interests and disposed of his lumberyard to his brother-in-law, H. E. Curtis, who still conducts tlie same, and on the 28th of January, 1900, Mr. Battey passed away.

Mr. Battey was married on the 18th of July, 189.?, to Miss Carrie Curtis, a native of that town, and a daughter of James and Helen (Stephenson) Curtis, of which family a complete record is given on another page in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Battey were born three children, Zilpha Curtis, Bradford Reed and Leslie James, all residing with their mother in Tiskilwa.

of Tiskilwa but aside from filling that office he gave his entire time and attention to his business interests, which grew to mammoth proportions and caused him to be numbered among the inftuential men of his town and community. He was highly respected not only for the success he had achieved but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods in every trade transaction. He was eminently practical, as was manifested in his business undertakings and also in social and private life, and his death was the occasion of deep regret not only to his friends in his home town but in Sheffield, where he had become widely and favorably known, and also throughout Bureau county. His widow owns a fine residence in the northwest part of Tiskilwa, where she and her children reside. She is a member of the Unitarian church at Sheffield, where she has many friends, as well as in her home town.

Charles A. Simington

Charles A. Simington, filling the office of postmaster of Sheffield and engaged in business as an ice dealer, his trade extending also to Buda and Neponset, was born in Des Moines, Iowa, October 6, 1864, a son of John A. and Sarah F. Simington. The father, who engaged in business i.s a furniture manufacturer, was a native of England. Having acquired his education in the common schools, Charles A. Simington learned the business of manufacturing shoes, mastering every detail, and for many years he was traveling salesman for extensive shoe manufacturing establishments. His thorough understanding of the business was a strong element in his success and he proved a most capable salesman, building up a large trade for the various houses which he represented. In 1891 he came to Sheffield and continvied to make his home here during the period when he was not upon the road. He took up his abode Iiere permanently in 1900 and has since given his attention to the ice business, which he had established prior to his retirement as a commercial traveler. He has prospered in this undertaking and his trade now extends to Buda and Neponset, while in Sheffield he has a large local patronage. In all of his business dealings he is enterprising and his labors have resulted in a gratifying measure of prosperity.

In 1906 Mr. Simington was appointed postmaster of Sheffield and is the present incumbent in the office. In politics ho is an active republican, having been a delegate to various county and state conventions, and his opinions have frequently been a decisive factor in the local councils of the party.