DeKalb County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 6 of 28)

The marriage of Mr. Willis took place in Genoa Township, Dec. 24, 1865, to Mary M., daughter of Alonzo and Rhoda (Rogers) Hedger. The parents of Mrs. Willis are natives of New York, and had three children, namely, Ann E., Mary M. and Enoch O. The daughter was born Nov. 30, 1844, in Hampshire, Kane Co., 111. Of her marriage to Mr. Willis three children have been born - Lizzie A., Laura R. and Stella B. The latter died in infancy.

1'ohn Waterbury, farmer on the northwest quarter of section 8, Cortland Township, was born in North Castle, Westchester Co., N. Y., May 12, 1830; was brought up on a farm in his native place, living there until September, 1858, and learned the shoemaker's trade before he was 21. Commencing this trade at the age of 19, he followed it for six years, then went, at the above date, to the city of New York, where he spent three years in draying. He then came to this county and for ten years resided in the township of Pierce, and in 1868 came to his present place of residence. It was then but partially improved, but Mr. W. has since made it one of the best farms in the township, having upon it a. first-class frame residence, barns, etc. In his political views Mr. W. is a Republican, and he stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens.

He was married Dec. 25, 1855, to Miss Rebecca A. Brundage, and they have 'had five children, all of whom are living, viz.: George I., born Nov. 6, 1857, in New York city, in December, r88i, married Florence Rathbun and is living in Iowa; Charles, born Oct. 27, 1861, in Pierce Township, this county, is living at home; Harvey C., born June T7, 1865, in same township; Mary F., Nov. 5, 1867, in same township; and John A., Oct. 23, 1880, in Cortland Township.

Mr. W.'s father, John Waterbury, was a carpenter by occupation, and died in March, 1878, at the age of8i years, on the old homestead; and his mother, Sarah H., nee Palmer, died in June, 1880, at the age of 79 years, also on the old homestead. Mr. Waterbury 's paternal grandfather was a guard in the

Revolutionary War, but was never in action on the battle-field. Mrs. W. was born Jan. 20, 1838, in North Castle, Westchester Co., N. Y., of which county her parents were also natives. Her father, Allen Brundage, was a farmer, and her mother's maiden name was Fanny Smith. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

enjamin Nilson, Clerk of the City of Sycamore, and member of the grocery and provision house of Nilson Bros., was born July 31, 1850, in Sweden. Pehr Nilson, his father, was a farmer and prominent in politics and public life. He was a member of the Legislature of Sweden in 1865-6 and held the position of State Juryman 14 years by election, eventually resigning.

Mr. Nilson was a pupil at school until he was 14 years of age and passed three years subsequently on the farm where he was born. At 17 he entered the High School to complete his education, remaining a student there until 19 years old. He came to America in 1871, and on landing proceeded at once to Sycamore, where he had friends. He obtained employment as a farm assistant, in which he was occupied three months. At the end of that time he went to Chicago and was employed in the Rock Island car-shops until Jan. i, 1872. At that date he returned to Sycamore and attended school to learn the English lanuguage. In the fall following he entered the grocery of Rowe & Shurtliff, where he was a clerk four years. In 1876 he became an assistant of C. Brown & Son, druggists and grocers. July 12, 1880, associated with his brother, Knut P.. Nilson, he founded the business which they have since conducted. Their stock comprises lines of goods suited to their patronage and represents a cash value of about $6,000. The proprietors are enterprising men and citizens of the best type, who have secured the confidence of the community. Mr. Nilson of this sketch is a stock-holder in the Cornwall Silver Mining Company of Colorado, a corporation of seven members who own several mining claims. In the spring of 1879 he was elected Clerk of Sycamore,

The marriage of Mr. Nilson to Betsey Swanson occurred at Sycamore, Oct. 3, 1873. Their family now (1884) includes three children, - Bertha Edusa, born Jan. 14, 1875; Elsa Urania, July 24, 1881; Edward Pehr, Nov. 17, 1883. Mrs. Nilson was born in Sweden in 1846, and is the daughter of Swen and Elsa Paulson, who are well-to-do farmers and own a large flouring-mill near the city of Sawesborg in Blikings Lan.

3nry Martin, general merchant at Cortland, was born in Chelsea, Orange Co., Vt, Oct. 10, 1840. His father, John Martin, was born Dec. 20, 1804, in Chelsea, was afarmerin his native State until 1855, then real-estate dealer here in Cortland until his death, in March, 1880. His mother, Sarah, nee Percival, was born Dec. 15, 1803, and died Feb. 19, 1875, in Sycamore, this county.

Henry passed the first 15 years of his life in his native county, and came with the family in 1865 to Sycamore, was educated in common and graded schools and at an academy; and in 1862 he enlisted in the army for the cause of the Government. He was first employed for about eight months as chief clerk in the ordnance department at Columbus, Ky., furnishing ordnance to Grant's army at Corinth ; was then transferred to Memphis, Tenn., in the same department ; next to Huntsville, Ala. ; then into Mc- Pherson's army, the Army of the Tennessee; followed Sherman's army from Chattanooga to Atlanta ; ordered back to Nashville, Tenn., where he awaited orders from November to February; then was at Chattanooga until 1865; next, at the Macon (Ga.) Arsenal until the fall of 1866, when he was appointed Clerk for the Sub-Commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. He was thus stationed still at Macon until 1868, and finally at Augusta, Ga., until the Bureau was abolished. Then, in 1869, he was appointed Deputy Marshal for the District of Georgia, in which relation he served until 1876, when he returned to Sycamore.

store in partnership with Mr. Matteson, under the firm name of Martin & Matteson ; but soon they dissolved and then he started alone. Was in Mr. Jordan's store for a time, then removed back to the old store, which he occupied until he built the new store, in the fall of 1883. This is the best building in the town, where Mr. Martin carries the largest stock in the place.

He was married March 3, 1870, to Miss Florence J. , daughter of George and Martha Flewellyn; she was born in Georgia, and is now 37 years of- age. The two living children of Mr. and Mrs. M. are Sadie B., born Dec. 6, 1870, in Atlanta, Ga., and Bessie, May, 6, 1880; three were lost in infancy. " Johnnie " was born in 1875 and died when a month old, and Florence was born in 1877, and died in 1879; the remaining one died at birth.

.vin Shurtleff, druggist at De Kalb, is a * native of the Province of Quebec, where s he was born March 22, 1830. His parents md grandparents are natives of Massachu- ( setts. He was reared in the Dominion with the exception of a period of four years spent at Derby Academy in that town, just across the Canadian border in Vermont. After the completion of his educational course he engaged in teaching in Canada, and was occupied three years in that voca- v tion in his native province. In 1851 he decided on a change of base and came to Illinois, teaching two years at Rock Island. In 1853 he went to Ottawa, 111., and passed about the same length of time similarly occupied. At the end of that time (about 1855) he bought a farm in Kane Co., 111., on which he settled and held his residence about eight years, engaging meanwhile in teaching. In 1863 he sold his f farm, and, going to Sycamore, passed three years in the business of a lumber dealer, and afterwards devoted his time and attention for several years to .* traffic in stock and produce. Making another ven- & ture, he engaged in a mercantile enterprise at Sycamore, in which he was interested three years.

lished his present business, which includes the sale of drugs, groceries and crockery. His place of business is of extensive proportions, beiftg 120 feet deep.

In politics Mr. Shurtleff is a Republican. He has officiated as Township Assessor and taken an active interest in all matters pertaining to education within his sphere. He has been connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church for 30 years ; is present District Steward and President of the Board of Trustees. His family are also members of the same religious body.

Mr. Shurtleff was married in Kane County to Sarah J. Arnold, their union taking place Oct. 22, 1857. Their children were born as follows : Willis, who died when nine months old, Wilfred C., Jessie B., Elmer K. and Alice F.

arnum V. Viner, farmer in Cortland Township, having 55 acres on sections 15 and 16, was born in the town of Parishville, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 23, 1824. His father, Charles Viner, was born May 6, 1797, in Bristol, England, and was killed by a cyclone in Mazon, Grundy Co., 111., April 18, 1861. Mr. V.'s mother, Sarah, nee Banister, was born in Rutland, Vt., May 4, 1797, and died in January, 1868, in Grundy 'County. Mr. Charles Viner was a farmer, and came to America in 1812 as a British soldier. He afterward left the army, when Corporal of the Guard, and with six others crossed the St. Lawrence into the States. He married in 1815, and had four sons and four daughters.

The subject of this sketch is the third child in the order of birth in the above family. His parents moved, with him, when he was four or five years of age, to Madrid, then to Pierpont, then to Canton, and when he was 20 years old they emigrated West, locating in the town of Seneca, McHenry Co., 111. After living there eight years with his father, he was married, Jan. i, 1847, to Miss Mary T., daughter of David S. and Catherine (Marshall) Wickes. Dr. Wickes was born in Troy, N. Y-, Nov. 29, 1800, and died Oct. 15, 1844, in Meed's Creek, Steuben Co., N. Y. ; and Mrs. W. was born May 21, 1800, in Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and died Sept. 15,

1876, in Elliottville, Fillmore Co., Minn. Mrs, V. was born in Dundee, Yates Co., N. Y., July 30, 1829. She suffered a paralytic stroke in 1876, losing the use of her left hand. Dr. W. was a successful physician of the old school, and died from the effects ii of overwork.

Mr. Viner lived nine years at Seneca, McHenry County, and then moved to the township of Mazon, Grundy Co., 111., purchasing a farm of 80 acres, then a wild place, where he first attempted to make a home ; but he soon afterward sold it to his brother ) and returned to McHenry County and bought 122 % acres of improved land. After living there three or I four years he sold out and moved again to Grundy County and purchased an improved farm of 80 acres, but a year afterward he sold this and removed to Portage Co., Wis., where he bought new land, built upon it and improved it some, and in four months went back to Grundy County again, purchased 80 /- acres, built a house upon it and dwelt there a little more than a year. He sold again and moved to > this (Cortland) township, bought a farm of 86 acres i and lived upon it for 20 years. He then rented this * farm and moved to Morris, Grundy County, lived ^ there a year, relumed here and sold his farm on sec- * tions 26 and 27, and finally purchased his present place, in 1882.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Viner are : Sarah C., born May 10, 1849, in Mazon, Grundy Co., 111., and married March 5, 1868, Emery Willmarth, and lives in Cortland village ; Charles D., born in Seneca Township, McHenry Co., 111., Feb. 4, 1853, and March 2, 1876, married Ada Brown, and now living in this (Cortland) township; Thomas D., born also in Seneca Township, Sept. i, 1855, married March 28, 1883, Alice Smith, and is now living in Nebraska; Alva V., born in Mazon, III"., Dec. 21, 1857, married Maggie Ellis Jan. 31, 1883, and is now a merchant in Waverly, Iowa; William E., born in Cortland Township, this county, Aug. 16, 1860, is now a clerk in Morris, Grundy County; Frank L., born in this -, township, Feb. 26, 1867, lives in Nebraska; Joseph £ C., born May 25, 1869, also in this township, died Aug. 6 following; and Ellis F., born Dec. 23, 1871, in Cortland Township, is living at home.

Win. L. Viner, oldest brother of Varnum V., while on a visit, by permission of his father, to an uncle in Pennsylvania, Jonathan Banister by name, taught school there during the winter of 1841-2, worked on a farm the next spring near his uncle's, then went down the Ohio River on a raft of lumber, and thence up the Mississippi River to Galena, from which point his family received a letter from him, and since that time he has never been heard from. His father went to Galena and spent three weeks in search of him.

obert D. Lord, resident at Genoa, has been a citizen of the township since 1845. He was born Sept. 9, 1817, in Saratoga Co., N. Y., and is the son of Ebenezer and Mary (Morris) Lord. His parents were natives re- 1 spectively of Connecticut and New Jersey, and settled in Saratoga County, where they resided many years, removing thence to Yates County, in the Empire State, and there died. Of ten children born to them nine grew to mature years.

Mr. Lord accompanied his parents at the age of eight years' to Yates County, and he was a member of the parental household until his marriage. After that event he managed his father's farm three years, when he came to Illinois and bought 80 acres of land in Genoa Township, became resident thereon and continued its management until the summer of 1862- He enlisted at Sycamore in the losth 111. Vol. Inf., and was elected and commissioned Second Lieutenant. After three months' service he resigned on account of ill health. On returning to De Kalb County, his medical adviser recommended change of climate and he went to California, returning nine months later for his family, and set out with them in the spring following, crossing the plains in wagons. They remained in Calirornia six years, Mr. Lord engaging in various occupations. He returned in 1869 to De Kalb County and resumed the calling of a farmer on his farm in Genoa Township. At the end of five years he removed with his family to the village of Genoa, where he interested himself in butchering and in dealing in butter, cheese and other farm produce. After a period of three years he closed his business in those avenues and returned to his farm. In 1883 he determined to retire and erected a fine residence in the village of Genoa, to which he removed in the winter of 1884. Mr. Lord retains the ownership of 80 acres of valuable land in Genoa Township and also of 160 acres in Iowa. He is a Republican in politics. While a resident of Genoa Township he was Postmaster at New Lebanon one year, resigning the position at the expiration of that time. He was Justice of the Peace for a long term of years.

He was married March 17, 1840, in Yates Co., N. Y., to Olive Hogeboom, and they have been the parents of nine children, but three of whom survive - Julia, Joseph and David. Mrs. Lord was born April 24, 1820, in the State of New York, and is the daughter of Andrew and Julia Hogeboom. Her father was of Dutch descent and was born in the Empire State. The mother was a native of Connecticut. The family located in Genoa Township in 1845. The fatherdied there about 1855; the mother is living and is 88 years of age.

enjamin P. Whipple, farmer on the northeast quarter of section 9, Cortland Township, was born in Muncie, Lycoming Co., Pa., Oct. 25, 1857. Both his parents were also born in that county, and are now living three miles north of Sycamore, this county. His father, James Whipple, was born March 4, 1831, of American ancestry, and his mother, Mary, nee Warner, was born 1833. They came to this county in 1870, arriving March 18, locating upon a farm which he had purchased the year before of Arnold Brown, and which is now occupied by a brother of Benjamin.

The subject of this sketch lived with his father until he was 23 years of age, when he bought a threshing-machine, in company with his brother, which they ran for seven seasons, ending with that of 1883. At that business they were very successful. He purchased his present farm in 1879, of Mr. Meeker, who had the use of it for a year afterward. In March, 1880, Mr. Whipple moved upon the place. In 1883 he bought 80 acres of Joseph Gandy, adjoining on the south.

^Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1815, engaged in a grist or saw T) mill or other enterprises, and since he came West in > 1857 he has followed banking in Sycamore and farming. Mrs. Dean was born in Fallsburg, Sullivan 5 1 Co., N. Y., Jan. 26, 1816, was married June 13, 1840, and had seven children, of whom Mrs. Whipple is the fourth in order of birth. Mrs. D. died April 26, 1884, in Sycamore, greatly respected by the community, as indeed are the whole family yet living. Mrs. Whipple was born Sept. 19, 1854, in Hasbrouck, ^ N. Y., and was carefully educated and disciplined in ^ ) an affectionate family. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have had two children, namely : Warner D., born Dec. 23, ' 1880, in Sycamore, 111., and Le Roy J., Dec. ir, 1882, in Cortland Township. In politics Mr. W. is a Republican.

.Ithorn Rogers, of the firm of Hoyt & Rogers, general merchants at Sycamore, was born Sept. 13, 1848, at Ballston Springs, Saratoga Co., N. Y. His father, Elam Rogers, was born in 1800 and commenced life as a farmer, afterwards in the employment of the Scythe Manufacturing Company at Ballston, where he is now living in retirement. The mother, Caroline M. (Prentiss) Rogers, was born in Worcester, Mass., and is still living. The family circle is yet intact. Their nine children were born in the following order: Rachel P. married W. H. Dodge, a lumber, dealer at Rochester, Minn. Caroline M. is the widow of John C. Waterman, formerly a prominent capitalist of Sycamore. Elvira is the wife of C. R. Bassett, a wholesale notion dealer in Brooklyn, N. Y. Amelia married T. W. Stebbins, a hardware merchant at Rochester, Minn. Emily is an invalid, and is a member of her sister's family at Rochester. Melissa married M. Pinner, real-estate broker in the city of New York. Ethan, twin brother oi Mr. Rogers of this sketch, is an ax manufacturer at Cohoes, N. Y. Jennie is the widow of H. H. Hurst, a former druggist of Ballston, N. Y.

Mr. Rogers obtained a good education at the excellent schools of the several grades in his native county, completed by an academic course of study. About the age of 18 years he entered the factory with his father, where he remained a few months and afterwards became a clerk in a dry-goods store at Ballston, where he was employed until 1871, the year of his removal to the West. He continued his former occupation at Rochester, Minn., until his health, became affected through confinement, and in 1875 he went to the Atlantic coast. In the year following he came to Sycamore to take a position as salesman in the mercantile establishment in which he is now a proprietor, then owned and managed by Waterman & Hoyt. In 1878 the firm became Hoyt, Rogers & Co., by the admission of the latter as a member, and its affairs were conducted under that style until t88o, when the business and its relations became the property of the present proprietors by the purchase of the interest of Mr. Waterman. The invested capital of Messrs. Hoyt & Rogers is estimated at $18,000, and they are doing a satisfactory business in the sale of general merchandise. They are also interested in the Marsh Harvester Company as stockholders.

Mr. Rogers was married May 6, 1880, in Sycamore, to Jennie L. Byran, and they have two children : Martin L., born Oct. 7, 1881, and Urania B., born Nov. 8, 1883. Mrs! Rogers was born Feb. 24, 1857, in Sycamore, and is the daughter of Dr. O. M. and Jane L. Byran, of Sycamore. She is a graduate of Wellesey College.

Ibert A. Olmstead, farmer, section 16, Genoa Township, was born Jan. 19, 1838, in Delaware Co., N. Y. He is the son of Caleb andSamantha (Wager) Olmstead, whose biography is given on another page. He was still in childhood when his parents removed to ' De Kalb County, and he remained at home until about 22 years of age, having been engaged for nearly three years previous in farming on shares. He prospected some time for a satisfactory location, and eventually located on r2o acres in the township where he has since been a citizen. His estate now comprises 440 acres of land, nearly all under improvement. His farm stock includes about 100 head of cattle and 20 horses, and he sends to market annually an average of 50 hogs. Mr. Olmstead has been identified with the interests and issues of the Republican party since he became eligible to the privileges of citizen-

\f order of birth of 10 children born to her parents, Jacob and Hannah J. (Setzer) Siglin. Her brothers and sisters were named Rachel, Mary, Jacob, John, Josiah, Tayler, Michael, Jennie and Ella. Her parents were pioneers of De Kalb County and still reside at Sycamore.

£.on. Chauncey Ellwood, Mayor of Sycamore (1885). The portrait of this gentleman, which appears on the opposite page, is a most fitting accompaniment to the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF DE KALB COUNTY, from the relations he sustains to its citizens and from the fact that he has been a resident within its borders for more than a quarter of a century. He has been a landholder at Sycamore since 1837, when he entered a claim to 80 acres of Government land, receiving his patent for the same dated the loth day of July, 1844, and signed by the President, John Tyler. His residence is located on a portion . of this land now included within the incorporated limits of Sycamore. The comparative condition of the now beautiful city with those primitive days may 'be estimated from the fact that, when Mr. Ellwood removed hither in 1858, a broad field of wheat fronted on what is now one of the main thoroughfares of Sycamore.

Mr. Ellwood was born Dec. 24, 1816, in Minden, Montgomery Co., N. Y., and is the son of Abraham and Sarah (Delong) Ellwood. The former was born Nov. 7, 1792, in Montgomery County, and was a farmer in the early years of his life ; a respected citizen, having filled various town offices in the town where he resided in New York State ; an active business man, having constructed several sections upon the New York Central Railroad and also upon the enlargement of the Erie Canal, and in the latter years of his life carried on the cooperage business. He died at Sycamore, whither he and wife removed in 1856, his demise occurring August 24, 1872. The mother died at Sycamore Jan. 18, She was born in Montgomery Co., N. Y., Feb.

23, 1795. Both parents belonged to hardy races, tenacious of life and of robust physical development, all of which characteristics are perpetuated in the present generation. The mediate ancestral stock had its origin in the sturdy, stalwart inhabitants that settled the valley of the Mohawk in the State of New York. Of eleven children born to Abraham Ellwood and his wife ten survive. Nancy, the oldest child, was married in Montgomery County, her native State, to Livingston D. Walrod, and removed to Sycamore after the birth of her first child, Joseph, in the fall of 1836. Her second son, James W. Walrod, now deceased, was the first white boy born at Sycamore in 1838. Malinda is the widow of Joseph Sixbury, and resides at the home of Mr. Ellwood, of this sketch, who is her immediate successor in the order of birth. A sketch of herself and husband will appear upon another page in this volume. Eliza married Aaron Barringer, and, after his death, became the wife of O. Bowman. She is now a widow and a resident of Cherry Valley, Otsego County, N. Y. Chauncey, Reuben, Alonzo, Livingston, Hiram, James E. and Isaac L. were born in the order named. Chauncey, Reuben, Alonzo, James E., all reside at Sycamore, and are represented in this work. Livingston is a physician in Schenectady, N. Y. Hiram and Isaac L.,both prominent business men at the city of De Kalb, are the subjects of biographical sketches in the ALBUM of this county. Alida, youngest child, married E. P. Young (deceased), the record of whose life may be found on another page.

Mr. Ellwood acquired an academic education at Amsterdam, N. Y., carving out his educational course by his own exertions. While pursuing his studies, he conducted classes in mathematics, philosophy and the rudiments of Latin in the same institution, thereby paying his board and tuition. He went to the village of Frankfort, where his active temperament brought him into prominence through his interest in general and local political affairs. He was an ardent Whig, and in 1849 he secured the appointment of Postmaster at Frankfort under President Taylor, and remained in the position through the administration of Millard Fillmore. He was elected Superintendent of Common Schools at Frankfort for a number of years. He entered the law office of Judd & Cleland in the same village and read under their instructions until his admission to the Bar of the Empire State, when he formed a business association with his junior preft ceptor, and they established a legal practice at Frankfort, under the style of Cleland & Ellwood, their connection existing three years. Mr. Ellwood's wide-awake, alert, mental organization kept him always, so to speak, " on deck," and his readiness for any amount or quality of hard work pushed him into places of responsibility and effort, and during the years 1854-6 officiated as Superintendent of section No. 5 on the Erie Canal, including a distance of 25 miles, and extending from Little Falls to Whitesboro, one of importance on the line of the canal, extending through the city of Utica; and its gradual descent along the hanks of the Mohawk to Little Falls necessitated numerous locks and created an enormous amount of labor every year.

Mr. Ellwood's connection with the political history of his native State was during, the period in which the Republican Party was organized. Mr. Ellwood frequently represented his district in the Congressional Conventions during the existence of the old Whig party as well as since the organization of the Republican party. On the isth of September, 1855, the last Whig District Convention of Herkimer County convened in the village of Mohawk, which was attended by Mr. Ellwood in the capacity of Delegate from Frankfort, and he was unanimously chosen Delegate to the Whig State Convention to be held at Syracuse on the 26th day of the same month.

Sept. 13, two days before the meeting above referred to, the Republican element of Herkimer County issued a call for a cpunty convention to be held at Herkimer, Sept. 22, to appoint delegates to a Republican Convention to be held at Syracuse on the same day, which had been fixed for the convening of the Whigs in that city. The Whig Convention of Sept. 26, 1855, which met at Syracuse pursuant to the call, was the last assembly under the banners of the old regime in the Empire State. The party in New York practically expired in 1854, and the delergates who went up to Syracuse in September, 1855, went there to pay a last melancholy tribute to a defunct organization. A feeble attempt to re-galvanize the Whig party took place, but the delegates, fairminded, conscientious, reflective men, revolved in their thoughts the principles set forth in the preamble to the call, pursuant to which call another body was in session in another quarter of the same city.

party, and such as are opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and hostile to the further extention of slavery in sentiment, and determined to exercise their rights of suffrage in such a manner as to carry out their views in future political action," were words which rang in their ears and reechoed in their consciousness, while the old-liners affirmed that Whiggery and Republicanism were essentially identical, and that the latter, being a temporary offshoot, would die early, unless safely gathered into the sheltering bosom of the former. Before the day closed the Whigs marched from their chamber of assembly to that of the Republican convention.

Oct. 1 8 following, 22 days later, Chauncey Ellwood was a Delegate from Frankfort to a Republican Convention called for the purpose of nominating county officers. One of the distinctive actions of the Convention was an endorsement of the resolutions and nominations of the Republican State Convention at Syracuse. To the sentiments and principles, which he adopted without qualification or reservation, Mr. Ellwood has since consistently and inflexibly adhered.

He came to Sycamore in the spring of 1858, and on the 7th of May following he was admitted to practice in the State Courts of Illinois. He formed a business relation with a law association already established at Sycamore, which conducted a successful enterprise covering a period of two years, under the style of James, Lowell & Ellwood. On its termina-. tion the relation of Owen & Ellwood was formed, which existed two years and was ended by the withdrawal of the junior partner.

In April, 1861, Mr. Ellwood was appointed Postmaster at Sycamore by President Lincoln, and retained the position until November, 1866. Meanwhile he figured in local and State politics, having represented his county several times in State Conventions, his career being a continuation of the line of action he had pursued in the State of New York, and the records attest the vigor and persistency of his public attitude. In the 25111 General Assembly of Illinois, from 1866 to 1868, he was elected First Assistant Secretary of the Senate under Gen. Chas. E. Lippincott, and on the resignation of his chief became his successor. In the next sessions (1868-1870) he was elected Secretary of the Senate. In the fall of 1869 he was nominated for State Senator from his District, but failed of election on account of dissension in the Convention. In the fall of 1877, without solicitation, he was made the candidate of the National Greenback Labor element for State Senator and made a gratifying run in his District, which is strongly Republican. His own town, which was Republican by a majority of more than 300, gave him 235 majority and he came very near an election. In 1879 he was elected a member of the Board of Education. He served as its Secretary in 1880 and 1881, and was re-elected in

Mr. Ellwood has operated in the general business interests of Sycamore with the same alertness, energy, persistency and industry that have characterized his entire career. In 1866 the Sycamore Bank suspended, with heavy liabilities, and Mr. Ellwood closed its affairs with the creditors. In 1867, associated with Dr. O. M. Bryan and Alonzo Ellwood, he started a flax-mill, which is still in existence and operated under the ownership and management of Messrs. Loomis & Luther. In 1874 he engaged in the boot and shoe business at Sycamore, which he conducted until his promotion to the place of chief executive of the city. He is a Director in the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company, and one of the managers and President of Elm wood Cemetery. On the organization of the Marsh Binder Manufacturing Company, he became a stock-holder, and was elected a Director. In the year following he declined a re-election from press of other business. From 1875 to July,

1883, when the road passed into the ownership of the Chicago & Northwestern corporation, he was Vice- President and General Manager of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad. One of the achievements of his administration was the erection of the fine brick depot at Sycamore. The kindly nature of Mr. Ellwood is as clearly shown by his consideration for the residents of Sycamore during the period of his management, as in any other phase of his career, many being granted the favors of magic slips signed " C. Ellwood," which secured to them the privileges of the road. Many a boy will bear in lasting remembrance the man who sent him to the conductor with a chalk mark on his back, bearing a significance most gratifying to the wearer of the brand which passed him over the road.

Though not a subscriber to the tenets of any ecclesiastical denomination, Mr. Ellwood lends countenance and substantial aid to the maintenance and V~) furtherance of religious influence. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is characteristically liberal and generous in its support. His interest in its welfare was most appropriately recognized by his selection as an eminently proper person to pronounce the address of welcome in behalf of the local society on the occasion of the convening of the 42d Session of jj the Rock River Annual Conference held at Syca- I more, in October, '88r. His remarks were published in full in the City Weekly and were made in the genial vein and liberal spirit of their author. A resolution was presented and adopted by the Conference expressing the thanks of the organization for the address, and also for the courtesy extended by Mr. r Ellwood to its members in passing them on the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, of which he was >->, Manager. The appreciation of his efforts was em- ^ - phasized by additional mention in the general reso- £+ lutions adopted at the close of the Conference. ££

Mr. Ellwood has been twice married. He formed -jv a matrimonial alliance with Jane E. Budlong in 1846, . in Frankfort, N. Y. She was the daughter of Dr. Caleb and Susan Budlong. Murray, only child of this union, was born in 1847, and died before he was six months old, after a brief illness of less than 24 hours' duration. The young mother, in the weariness of broken health and hopes baffled by the sudden death of her blooming, beautiful babe, did not rally . from her depression, and on the i4th of April, 1848, ] she sank away to eternal rest. She belonged to prominent family, and her untimely death was the ' subject of much comment in the local press. The order of Odd Fellows, to which her husband and father belonged, passed resolutions of condolence and attended her funeral in a body, wearing the badge of mourning. She has been in the realm of the blessed nearly 37 years, but on earth her memory *Q) is still fresh and green, and is perpetuated by the copy of the action of Oneontha Lodge, bearing under * its official seal the expressions of sympathy passed at a special meeting April 15, 1848.

uel and Anna Dexter. Three children were born of this marriage: Florence was born Nov. 14, 1858, and died Sept. 30, 1859; John D. was born Feb. 9, 1860, and is now a resident of De Kalb. He married Emma, daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Combs, of the city of De Kalb. Anna was born Sept. n, 1864. Their mother died March 5, 1866, at Sycamore. She was a lady of finely disciplined mind and possessed unusual earnestness and decision of character. Her married life was passed in the conscientious discharge of every duty as wife and mother The qualities she exercised as a friend and neighbor built for her a memorial more enduring than marble, and she is still mentioned with admiration and appreciation by those who were the objects of her consideration and esteem.

The residence of Mr. Ellwood at Sycamore is located on a plat of ground containing 12 acres, belonging to his original claim, of which he became the possessor in 1837. The spot where the house stands is in the same state in which it was when its owner first selected it, its soil having never been broken by the plow. In the rear of the residence is a small artificial lake, of a half-acre in extent, and stocked with fish.

Mr. Ellwood was a charter member of Oneontha Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 215, at Frankfort, in which he was prominent and passed all the chairs. He was also made a Mason in Olive Branch Lodge there, and passed the various offices, including that of Master of the Lodge ; and on removal to Sycamore he transferred his membership by demit to Blue Lodge No. 134. He is now a Royal Arch Mason at Sycamore.

Oae of the most notable occasions in the history of Mr. Ellwood's connection with the home of his adoption was the event of the presentation of an elegant gold-headed cane by his friends at Sycamore. The cane cost $100. The engraving embraces an appropriate inscription, and the design of a locomotive with tender and passenger coach attached. But over and above the value and beauty of the gift was the abounding enthusiasm which characterized the arrangement and consummation of the presentation ceremonies. It was a perfect ovation and the assemblage was gratifying in point of numbers and enthusiasm. The militia and the fire companies, embracing the members of four organizations and led by the Band, made a most imposing parade, after which the concourse gathered m Wilkins Hall and were called to order by the President of the occasion, Judge Charles Kellum. The leading addresses are presented intact. Mayor Nathan Lattin spoke as follows:

Chauncey Ellwood

" Mr . President : - We have met on this occasion and in this hall in a different capacity and for a different purpose than we have been wont to meet here. Sometimes we have met here for pleasure, sometimes as political factions, and sometimes we have met when excitement and passion have largely predominated in our deliberations ; but on this occasion we meet much differently. The war-club and the tomahawk are, for the time being, buried deep out of sight, and all meet to x show respect to and good will toward one of our active, enterprising and public-spirited fellow townsmen, one whose interests have been largely identified with the interests and prosperity of Sycamore for the past 20 years - not only have been but still are. We have also met to present him a slight token of our appreciation. I need hardly say that the citizen referred to is HON. CHAUNCEY ELLWOOD.

" He came to Sycamore about 20 years ago, when the place was but a village of a few hundred /Inhabitants, - no buildings of very large pretensions, either for business, residences, hotels or places for religious worship; no large manufacturing establishments, or machine shops ;. no flax or grist mill ; no railroad ; Mill's stage coach was the only public conveyance by which to communicate with the outer world ; the steam whistle had scarcely broken upon the primeval stillness. He identified himself with the interests of the place of his adoption and has been identified with them up to the present time, and, I may say, is more closely identified with them now than at any time in the past. He has seen the village of 20 years ago grow to be one of the most beautiful cities of the present and still in the height of her ambition ; the unpretentious buildings disappear and in their place's appear substantial business blocks, handsome residences, beautiful churches, mills, machine shops and manufacturing establishments; in place of the stage coach, the railroad; the shrill whistle of engines is heard morning, noon and evening. The surrounding country has had to contribute new territory f< its growth. He has not only witnessed these changes f~\ ^m^j^ef geJkVS^-^^Vf?)

" But more particularly has his efficiency been demonstrated in the capacity of General Manager of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad. To-day our little railroad commands the respect of not only individuals, but also of other railroad corporations, and by it Sycamore is made one of the principal railroad points of Illinois, and its importance is appreciated by all the commercial centers east and west. It is but justice to say that to Chauncey Ellwood belongs the credit largely of our enviable position, and also a fair share of the credit of other improvements of the past years. And when years have passed away, and with them he and ourselves, then his name will shine bright on the roll of honor among those who stood faithful and true to the interests, welfare, growth and prosperity of this, the most beautiful little city in the world, with this sentiment ever before him : ' Sycamore : may she ever be right ; but, right or wrong, nevertheless, Sycamore ! '

" For his fidelity to the interests of the city, his friends have met on this occasion to present to him, in the name of the citizens of Sycamore, a token of their appreciation, and I may say, all join in approving.

" Mr. Ellwood, in the name of your friends, in the name of the citizens of Sycamore, I have the honor of presenting to you this cane as a token of their appreciation of your fidelity to the interests of this city. Take it and use it, and by its use may you be able to lengthen out the span of life a little at least ; and when you are through with it, and your work done, may your posterity preserve it as an heirloom to your remembrance ; and may it be an incentive to them to serve their town, county, State and country well and faithfully."

" Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen : I have often been called upon to express my views upon the various matters pertaining to the general welfare of our city's prosperity ; but never with the same emotions as at the present time, as I see before me so many of the professional and business men, the militia companies, the elements of our city's prosperity, the laboring men, also the elements of its preservation, the fire companies, to respond to the kind sentiment you have expressed - to be the recipient of a testi-

" You have so kindly referred to my long residence in this place that I may be pardoned in saying that I have witnessed its prosperity and growth, that I have seen it gathering strength year by year, by the united and energetic efforts of her business men, until it has grown from a mere hamlet to a beautiful and prosperous city of some four or five thousand inhabitants, unsurpassed by any city in the State for the high moral standing of her business men, whose energetic aid has never been wanting to further any enterprise that would tend to the advancement of the city's prosperity.

" As to the management of the railroad, it is due from me to say that I have ever received th'e hearty co-operation of the president, officers and directors for all the changes and improvements that have been made upon it. It is also due from me to say that our business relations with the general officers of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company have been and are of the most friendly character, and to them is due much of the success which our road has obtained, never having asked them for a reasonable favor in behalf of our road, or for the business men, which has not been readily and cheerfully granted.

" I accept this beautiful cane, not so much on account of its intrinsic value, nor for its beauty, but as coming from my old friends and neighbors, as a memento of their friendship and esteem. I shall keep and prize it as long as I live ; and, as the ever changing years roll round, the sweet memories and recollections of this hour will ever grow brighter and brighter, dearer and dearer to me. Again I thank you, my friends, with the assurance that this occasion will ever be treasured and remembered by me as one of the happiest events of my life."

"-Ladies and Gentlemen : It is gratifying to me. as doubtless it is to all of the citizens of Sycamore, to participate in an assemblage of this character. We have met to show our appreciation of the business ability, zeal and fidelity of one of Sycamore's oldest citizens, Hon. Chauncey Ellwood. He has witnessed and been a part of the city's growth, and has been largely identified with its prosperity and success as a business center, but has more particularly distinguished himself in his management of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad. Amid the manifold perplexities incident to the railroad business, his uniform courtesy and obliging manners, his civility and complaisance, have reflected honor upon his management. This occasion is worthy of Sycamore, whose citizens are always willing to do honor to the men who do most to promote her material interests. All asperities, bickerings and heart-burnings, growing out of political or other interests, are forgotten and

* tottering step you walk the down hill of life, you will find more support and comfort in the cheering memories of this scene than in leaning on this staff, carrying with you, as you will, to your life's end the assurance of the esteem and approbation of your fellow-citizens."

the United States the land where his homestead is now located, in the limits of Sycamore. He has been identified with many and perhaps most of the leading business enterprises of the town for years. He has given a good word and a helping hand to many a man who stood in need of them. It is quite impossible for a man to lead an active public or business life without often meeting with harsh criticism and unjust opposition. Our friend here has had his full ^ \ share of that kind of experience ; but it is better to

[ appreciate and to commend and reward the good deeds of those with whom we associate than to magnify the errors such as all men are liable to commit. I am all the more pleased with this demonstration, as it shows a disposition on the part of the people to stand by one another and by the town.

^ Our city is prosperous and we are all proud of it; but its prosperity can only be maintained in the future, as it has been in the past, by harmony and unison among its business men and citizens generally. Let

Syme, W. M. Loomis, R. Ellwood and G. M. Sivwright made brief and appropriate speeches, and after the closing ceremonies the assemblage dispersed, bearing away with them the remembrance and inspiration of one of the most enjoyable occasions in the history of Sycamore. It reflects quite as much, however, on the hearts that instigated such an affair as on the man who was its distinguished object. In January, 1883, Mr. Ellwood set out fora Southern tour and traveled leisurely via Louisville, Nashville and Montgomery, visiting prominent places in Florida and shipping from Cedar Keys for Havana, Cuba. All along the route he wrote his impressions and observations in the form of keen, breezy, descriptive letters, which he sent for publication to the City Weekly at Sycamore. They were characterized by the vein that runs through all his acts, - earnest devotion to and solicitude for the people and interests of Sycamore.

It has been the lot of Chauncey Ellwood to live in the most important period of the history of the Republic, and to share in its chances. His early life was filled with the struggles that were his only inheritance. By diligence and the display of his good judgment and business ability he has accumulated a competency, although beginning active life with no advantages.

,enry H. Slater, merchant at Genoa, was born Oct. 31, 1838, in New Jersey. He was reared to the age of 17 years on his father's farm, attending the common school in boyhood, and at the age named accompanied his parents to Genoa Township, where they joined the community of farmers. On reaching the period of his majority, he returned to the East for a visit and remained one year. He came back to De Kalb County, and in August following his return he enlisted in the iosth 111. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co. A, and shared the fortunes of the regiment until the close of the war. He advanced to the grade of Sergeant, and was afterwards promoted as First Lieutenant. He received his discharge at Washington, D. C.

forming a partnership with Henry Perkins, and they prosecuted their joint interests in that direction three years. Mr. Slater sold his claim and bought a farm in the township of Genoa, and conducted an agricultural enterprise two years. Again selling out, he went to Grundy County, where he engaged in business with A. K. Stiles. Eighteen months later he disposed of his interest to Mr. Stiles and returned to Genoa, embarking in a, mercantile enterprise. In 1876 he erected the fine brick building where he has managed his business since. His yearly traffic amounts to about $30,000.

Mr. Slater is a Republican in political connection and has discharged the duties of several local offices. He is a member of Lodge No. 288, F. & A. M., at Genoa.

He was married to Anna B. Stiles, and they have two children - Samuel A., born April 16, 1868, and Margaret A., born Sept. 2, 1870. Mrs. Slater 'is the daughter of A. K. and Fanny (Smith) Stiles, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Canada. They came to Genoa Township, where they lived during the remainder of their lives. Their family included four daughters and two sons.

Joseph Gandy, farmer, section 10, Cortland Township, was born in Leesburg, Union Co., Ohio, Nov. i, 1834, and when he was three years of age his parents moved with their family to this county, where they have since lived. Mr. G. never learned a trade, but, being naturally a good mechanic, he can build any common farmer's house or barn as well as anybody. He has been a school officer in his township, and in his political views is a Democrat.

He was married Oct. 9, 1859, to Mary Jane Parker, who was born Dec. 10, 1839, in Camden Township, Hillsdale Co., Mich. They have five children, namely: S. Douglas, born July 18, 1860; Sarah E., July 24,1862, was married Nov. 16, 1882, to Fred W. Snow, and is a resident of Cortland village ; Ada, born Jan. 29, 1864; Vida,Sept. 10, 1865; and Henry Harris, April 9, 1874, - all on section 9, this township. Mr. G.'s father was Henry H. Gandy. (See sketch of H. H. Gandy.) Mrs. G.'s father, Abel Parker, was torn in the State of New York, Dec. 14, i8oo, and died in 1851, in Camden, Hillsdale Co., f\ Mich. Her mother, Climena, nee Pease, was also 4P born in New York State, July 4, 1813, and died Dec. 13> I879, in California Township, Branch Co., Mich. Her maternal grandfather was a Revolutionary sol- V& dier.

ramont N. Hollembeak, retired farmer, residing at Genoa, was born Feb. 5, 1816, in Genesee Co., N. Y. Ruluff Hollembeak, his father, was a native of New York, and married Electa Ames, who was born in Ver- I mont. After their marriage they became residents of Genasee County, afterwards removing to Pennsylvania, where the father died. The mother came to De Kalb County, and after a residence of nearly 30 years returned to Pennsylvania, where she died. Their children were named Electa, Betsey, Aramont N., Alfred A., Abram, William and Amy.

Mr. Hollembeak is the oldest son of the children born to his parents, and accompanied them while yet in extreme youth to Crawford Co., Pa. He was 13 when his father died, and he continued to .reside with his mother three years after that event, aiding her in the support of the family. In 1832 he began an apprenticeship to learn the business of a wagonmaker, remaining until the year preceding his majority, after which he pursued his trade as a vocation at different points until the date of his removal to De Kalb County, and afterwards for a season. Among other places where he carried on his business may be named Conneaut, Ohio, where he operated three years.

In 1839 he became a citizen of De Kalb County and entered a claim of 160 acres of land in the township of Genoa, of which he afterwards obtained the patent from the Government. On this he located and was an occupant until Nov., 1877, when he built his present residence, and of which he took possession on its completion. His fine and valuable farm is managed by a tenant. ,

Politically, Mr. Hollembeak is an out-and-out Republican, and he has been an important factor in the general interests of his township. He has been Supervisor two terms, has served several terms Assessor, School Trustee and Road Commissioner,

Jan. 12, 1838, he was married, in Crawford Co., Pa., to Pamelia, daughter of Frederick and Amy Decker. Her parents were residents of Genesee Co., N. Y., where her father died. The mother went to Pennsylvania and later to Michigan, to live with her children, and died at Cassopolis in that State. Their daughters were Betsey, Catherine, Hannah, Amy, Jane and Pamelia, and sons, Barney, Grant and ( Stacey. Mrs. Hollembeak was born May 7, 1817, in Cj Genesee Co., N. Y. The children born to her and her husband are Adelia A., Alfred, Henry, Emily, Ruluff and Ralph.

ohn E. Atwood, merchant at De Kalb, and senior member of the firm of Atwood & Burnside, was born Aug. 26, 1828, in the town of Washington, Berkshire Co., Mass. He remained in the Bay State until 1 1 years old and spent the succeeding four years in Jefferson and Lewis Counties, N. Y. In 1844 he came to Illinois and settled in Rockford, finding employment as a farm laborer. When he reached the age of 22 years he entered a dry-goods store in that city, where he acted in the capacity of salesman. He ceased his connection with his employers at the end of four years, during which he had spent about one year in his native State.

He came thence to De Kalb County and engaged in business in the township of Malta, operating there three years and coming to De Kalb in 1862. He formed his present business relation with A. W. Burnside in 1877, previous to which date he was connected with his brother. The annual aggregate of the business transactions of the firm are estimated at $40,000, and they rank among the leading commercial houses of this section of Illinois. Mr. Atwood adopts the principles of the prohibition element in politics. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

two children: Clara A. resides at Colorado Springs, and J. Harie is in the employment of John V. Far- .well & Co., of Chicago. Their mother died in Malta and Mr. Atwood was again married in that place March n, 1861, to Annie E. Fuller. One child - Walter B. - has been born to them. Mrs. Atwood is a native of Pennsylvania.

ififerson O. Stark, of the firm of Stark Bros., dealers in stock and pressed hay, at Sycamore, was born April 4, 1847, in the town- £ ship of the same name, in this county. His father, Marshal Stark, was born Aug. 12, 1813, in Luzerne Co., Pa., and became a resident of De Kalb County Sept. 14, 1835. Louisa (Tyler) Stark was born in Susquehanna Co., Pa. The senior Stark located a large tract of land on section 31, Sycamore Township, which was deeded to him on its coming into market, and is still in the family. At one time he was the proprietor of a place of public entertainment at Sycamore, known as the Stark House, a part of which is still standing contiguous to the Ward House. He was Sheriff of De Kalb County one term and officiated in other positions of trust and importance. His death occurred Dec. 26, 1882, and his widow is still a resident of the homestead. Their ten children are all living. Harmon M. resides on 360 acres in Kingston Township in this county, which is a portion of the unsettled estate. Martha is the wife of Hosea Atwood, a farmer in Jasper Co., Iowa. Mary married Curtis Harris, of the township of Genoa. Jefferson O. is the fourth in order of birth, and is in company with Henry, his junior brother. Theron resides in Sycamore and is administrator of his father's estate. Ada married James Maitland, and resides on the homestead. Ella is the wife of A. W. Brower, a hardware merchant of Sycamore. Emma married Charles Wiggins, a farmer in Storey Co., Iowa. Hattie is the wife of Burt Lee, a resident of Sycamore.

Mr. Stark was reared to the legal age of manhood on the paternal estate, and on reaching a period of independence he engaged in buying and shipping stock. Three years after he established his business he admitted his brother to an interest, and they have since been heavily engaged in transactions in the

' avenues named. They buy and ship stock to Chicago nd press hay for mark-it, having the requisite facili- *. » ties at Sycamore and also at Kirkland.

Mr. Stark is the owner of his residence and a i second dwelling, which is rented. He was married Nov. 13, 1875, to Lydia Carver, a native of Luzerne Co., Pa., and is the daughter of Jabez and Ellen (Jackson) Carver. She was born in Lemon Township, Luzerne Co., Pa., Aug. i, 1850.

ayne Holdridge, farmer on the northwest quarter of section 28, Cortland Township, was born in Smithville, Chenango Co., N. Y., Nov. 22, 1825, and is a son of Ira and Anna (Howell) Holdridge. His father was born in 1786, in Pownell, Vt, and died Jan. 13, 1869; and his mother was born on Long Island, N. Y., Sept. 26, 1792, and died Dec. 28, 1869, in Chenango Co., N. Y. They had a family of ten children.

Mr. Holdridge, the eighth in the above family, was brought up on a farm and received a practical school education. At the age of 28 he came to this county, arriving in June, 1853, and locating on his present farm of 67 acres, lying just north of the railroad. For 1 1 years he lived in the village of Cortland, where he owned a house and lot and followed painting, and bought his farm in 1864, since which time he has occupied it. In 1864 it had only an old house, but he has placed upon it a good residence, barn, outbuildings, etc. In politics Mr. Holdridge is a Republican.

He was married Sept. 27, 1857, to Miss Clara L., daughter and youngest child of Job and Anna (Sprague) Densmore, of Puritan English stock. She was born Oct. 24, 1834, in McDonough, Chenango Co., N. Y. Her father, a Methodist minister, was born March 25, 1790, in Reading, Vt, and died Sept. 9, 1845 ; and her mother was born May 24, 1791, in Vermont, and died March 23, 1880. Her grandfather Densmore was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Holdridge has a Continental eightdollar bill which he received in pay. Her grandfather Sprague was a Captain of a stationary company at Castleton, in the Revolutionary War. Her oldest brother, H. B. Densmore, came to Kane Co.,

Mrs. H. came to this county with her mother in 1845, they leaving New York State the day after Mr. Densmore was buried. There were 21 in the party, and they came West by team. Among them were Mrs. D., two children, and a sister named Cornelia N Breed, who has married and is now living in New Bedford, Bureau Co., 111. A brother, Joseph, is now living in Shell Rock, Butler Co., Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Holdridge have had one child, Ethelbert by name, who was born July 25, 1861, in Cortland Township, and is now living in Cortland village.

illiam Wallace Bryant, M. D., practicing physician and surgeon at Sycamore, was born Oct. 31, 1832, at Chesterfield, Hampshire Co., Mass. His father, Martin M. Bryant, was born in the same place, and JJ married Nancy A. Skiff, a native of Williamsburg, Mass. He was a physician of the " new school," and in 1838 settled at North Adams, where he pursued his profession until his death in 1844.

Dr. Bryant was a child of six years when his parents went to the town of Adams, and was 12 years old when his father died. He remained with his mother and attended Drury Academy in Adams, and subsequently became a student at Marlow, Cheshire Co., N. H. He began to read medicine under the instructions of Dr. W. W. Gardner, at Pittsfield, Mass., and supplemented the knowledge there obtained by attending lectures at the Medical College at Worcester in his native State, where he was graduated in June, 1856.

In October of the same year, Dr. Bryant came to Sycamore, then in its days of incipiency, and has since been engaged as a practitioner at this point. He has built a substantial and popular business, and has discharged the duties of his profession with little intermission.

Dr. Bryant was married in September, 1856, to Cordelia Sheldon. She was born in Monroe, Franklin Co., Mass., and is the daughter of Hiram G. and Lydia (Ballou) Sheldon. Their children are Charle

H., Austin B., William M. and Nellie. The oldest son was born in Sycamore, April 24, 1857, and was primarily educated in the schools of his native city. He studied medicine under his father's instructions, and at the age of 18 years commenced to attend lectures at the Chicago Medical College, where he was graduated in March, 1879, after a thorough preparatory course covering a peiiod of four terms. He was married in March, 1877, to Lottie V. Harrington, who was born in Iowa. They have one child.

enry Patterson, carpenter and joiner at Genoa, was born Dec. 20, 1829, in Meadville, Pa., and is the son of Joseph and Eleanor (Compton) Patterson. He came from his native State to McHenry Co., 111., in 1845, when he was 16 years of age, and was a member of his father's family four years after their location in Illinois.

In 1850 he went to Chicago for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of the business of a carpenter and joiner, in which he was occupied three years. He came to Genoa in 1854 and established himself in the business in which he has since operated.

He was the owner of 45 acres of land in the corporation of Genoa, ten acres of which was laid out in lots, now known as Patterson's Addition to Genoa.

He was married Feb. 16, 1854, in Genoa Township, to Adelia Crocker, and they are the parents of six children, - Charles F., Edward J. A., Hermon H., Mary E. and Clayton A. One child died in infancy, and Edward died Feb. 2, 1862, in Genoa, when four and a half years of age.

Mrs. Patterson is the daughter of Elder Allen and Sophronia (Tackles) Crocker. Her father was a native of Massachusetts and a soldier in the war of 1812. Commenced preaching when 22 years of age, and continued in the ministry 56 years, preaching in the States of New York, Ohio and Illinois. He died in Genoa, Feb. 7, 187 r. Her mother was a native of New York. She received her education at Wyoming Academy in the same State, and died in Genoa, Nov. 30, 1874. They came from New York in 1846, and located in Genoa Township. Their children ^ were born in the following order: Alvaro, Mary A., Philenia, Elvira, Adelia and Angeline. Mrs. Patterson was born Jan. 16, 1836, in South Leroy, Genesee Co, N. Y.

obert H. Roberts, merchant at De Kalb, senior member of the firm of Roberts & Tyler, was born July 28, 1836, in Oneida Co, N. Y. His father died when he was 12 years of age, and during the year following he was wholly orphaned by the death of his mother. Thrown entirely upon his own efforts for maintenance, he availed himself of the first opportunity that presented for honorable, remunerative labor, and engaged in farm work by the month, also operating as a salesman in a store, being occupied in these two callings for a period of seven years.

In 1855 he cafae to De Kalb County, where he rented a farm for a time, which he worked on shares. He proceeded next to Kansas, bat the State being in a disturbed condition from the strife engendered by the slave element, he remained there but a year. However, he entered a claim of 160 acres of land, espoused the Free-Soil cause and enlisted under the banner and principles of " Jim Lane," serving as need required. He afterwards sold his daim. Returning to De Kalb County, "he obtained a situation as a clerk at Sycamore, where he was occupied three years. In 1861 he started a grocery business at De Kalb, associated with his brother Richard. After a connection of four years the latter sold his interest to S. A. Tyler, the firm assuming its present style. They are engaged in the provision trade, and also do an extensive business in live stock.

Mr. Roberts is a stanch Republican and enjoys the confidence of his townsmen. He held the position of County Treasurer from 1875 to 1882, and has discharged the duties of Village Trustee.

He was married Oct. 20, 1863, in Herkimer Co, N. Y, to S. Emma, daughter of R. H. and M. L. Smith, and they have had two children. Wallace A.

eorge M. Kinyon, farmer on the northeast quarter of section 8, Cortland Township, was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Aug. $, 1827. His father, John Kinyon, was born Nov. 13, 1796, and is still living, with a son in the town of Ridgeway, Orleans Co., N. Y. George's mother, Lydia, nee Post, was born Nov. 28, 1800, and died in March, 1883, in Hartland Township, Niagara Co., N. Y.

The subject of this sketch moved with his parents from his native place to Ridgeway when a lad, where his father bought a farm, which he still owns. At the age of 19 young George arrived in this county, May 15, 1847, and purchased the farm which he still owns and occupies. It consisted of 130 acres of prairie and 17 acres of timber. He and Mr. H. H. Gandy are the only men in this settlement who still own the land they bought in pioneer times when they first arrived here. On his place, when he purchased it, was a double log house, the farm was fenced and a large portion of it " broken " by the plow. Since then he has erected a fine frame residence, barn, outbuildings, etc., and kept the farm in a good agricultural condition.

By his first marriage, Nov. 12, 1848, Mr. Kinyon wedded Miss Marilla Churchill, in Sycamore Township, this county. She was a daughter of David and Maria (Parker) Churchill, and died March 26 following, and now lies buried near the Baptist church in Ohio Grove Cemetery. She was not taken up and buried " under her mother's window," as Boies' history says, but was taken to St. Charles and brought back. There was a second funeral, when she was buried in the same coffin, with the exception of a new lid, in the same grave. Her father was drowned in 1854, in Virgin Bay,on his way home from California, and her mother is still living in Iowa, the wife of Mr. Armstrong. For his second wife Mr. K. was wedded,

Oct. 22, 1849, to Mrs. Nancy P., widow of John Adkinson, who died Feb. 19, 1847, in Dearborn Co., Ind. He was born in Switzerland County, that State, in 1823. His daughter, Vesta A., who was born three weeks after his death, was his only child, and now lives in Washington Co., Kan. Mrs. Kinyon was born April 14, 1827, in the town of Philips, Franklin Co., Maine, the daughter of William Peace Whitney, - her father having been so named because he was born on the day peace was declared at the close of the Revolutionary War. He was born in Cumberland Co., Mass , and died Dec. 29, 1863, at Cortland. Her mother, Nancy J., nee Carlton, is living in Washington Co., Kan., with her son George, a farmer. She was born Nov. 30, 1806, in Cumberland Co., Mass.

By the second marriage of Mr. Kinyon there have been three children, as follows : John William, born Aug. 31, 1850; Dexter D., Oct. 8, 1854; and Lydia G., May 18, 1857.

W. Morris, editor and proprietor of the Malta Mail, was born at Danbury, Conn., in the year 1822, and there resided for 40 years. He learned the woolen business, serving his time with Dick & Sanford, at Sandy Hook, about ten miles from his native place. He was married in 1844, and at that time was carrying on the manufacture of cloths in his native town, and continued to do so until 1848, when he sold out and was appointed Deputy Sheriff under Phil. F. Barnum, a brother of P. T. Barnum, which office he held for three years. In 1851 he was again made Sheriff and held that office until 1862, when he resigned and came West and settled at La Crosse, Wis., and went into the insurance business.

In 1864 he came with his family to Rockford, this State, and there remained until 1874, when he moved to Chicago, where he continued in the insurance business, traveling in the Western and Southern States. In 1877 he bought the Malta Mail, a paper that had just been started, also the Creston Times, in Ogle County, and with his sons, Howard A. and Charles H., they continued until the death of Charles H., in

Barnes S. Waterman, one of the founders of Sycamore, now deceased, was born May 29, 1820, in the township of Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and was the son of John D. and Mary Waterman. In 1822 his parents removed to the village of Fairfield in the same county, where his father engaged in commercial pursuits, and where the son became a student at the academy. The father dying before the latter had reached the threshold of manhood, he was early brought to a realization of the effort necessary to a successful stiuggle with the world, to which he was made heir by the loss of his natural protector.

His mother was a woman of sterling character and more than ordinary intellectual capacity, and her sons entered upon their careers with the double inheritance of brains and business tact. James studied civil engineering, and in 1838 joined his brother Charles in the State of Illinois, making his first location at Newburg, Boone County, and afterwards at Sayersville in Winnebago County. Northern Illinois presented an excellent field for the exercise of the calling for which his educational course had fitted him, and he passed five years as an assistant in the survey and adjustment of the townships and minor divisions. This work developed his natural traits of activity, energy and perseverance, and proved the foundation of a substantial fortune. The intervals of service in the employ of the Government were passed in the mercantile business with his brother at Sycamore, the site of the place being then located on the Kishwaukee River, on the plat made by the New York Company in 1836. He obtained the position of Deputy Surveyor of De Kalb County, and in 1839 made the survey and plat of the site of the present city of Sycamore. His abilities in his profession, and his capacity for unremitting effort, gained for him a substantial reputation as a business man, and an influence which he excited for the general welfare, and in 1842 he brought his prestige to bear materially on the extinction of the State debt of Illinois by aiding in securing the measure designated the "two-mill tax," whose results demonstrated the value of its provisions.

In 1844 Mr. Waterman established a mercantile enterprise at the village of Genoa, situated on the northern border of De Kalb County. In the spring of 1845 he became a permanent citizen of Sycamore, founding the first enduring mercantile business at that place, opening his transactions in that avenue in a room of the old Mansion House, now the City Hotel and situated on the corner of State and Main Streets. He admitted his brother, John C. Waterman, to an interest in his business, and this relation existed until 1852, when he became again sole proprietor by purchase of a circuit of branch stores located in adjoining settlements, and of the main enterprise at Sycamore. He continued their management until 1857, when he sold them to be able to give his undivided attention to banking, in which he had embarked in 1855.

As an evidence of the care, wisdom, judgment and forethought he exercised in his business relations, it may be remarked in this connection, that he passed securely through the financial crisis of 1857, with no other embarrassment than the perplexity unavoidably incident to business of any character in a period of general panic and shrinkage of values. In 1864 Mr. Waterman closed active operations as a banker and devoted the remainder of his life practically to the promotion of agriculture in De Kalb County. His familiarity with the localities of the county and his comprehension of their comparative values had enabled him to make judicious purchases of real estate. He became the owner of farms variously situated in De Kalb County, prominent among which was a tract of 1,000 acres on the southern border of Sycamore township, which constituted a claim and which he secured by purchase when it came into market, and of which he retained possession as long as he lived. His landed estate extended into other States, including extensive tracts of pine land in Wisconsin; and he also owned a considerable amount of real estate in Chicago, which he improved extensively after the great fire. About the year 1 88 1 he made an investment in a mine in Southern California,

Mr. Waterman identified himself with every enterprise in which he could discern a promise of permanent advantage to Sycamore. In 1871 he founded the Sycamore National Bank, and continued its chief official up to his death. He was the primal factor in the construction of the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, and was President of the corporation until the road became the property of the stock-holders of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He was the leader in the establishment of the Marsh Harvester Manufactory at Sycamore, and was its heaviest stockholder in the beginning of the enterprise. When the company was re-organized he retained his interest, and was its Vice- President while he lived. On the organization of the Ellwood Manufacturing Company, he became a heavy stock-holder and was its presiding officer until 1881.

The chief memorial of James S. Waterman is the church edifice of the Episcopal parish of St. Peter's at Sycamore, whose superstructure was erected wholly at his expense. It is built of the beautiful Batavia stone, and is tastefully modeled, resembling the private chapels of the English nobility in form. Mr. Waterman was one of the parish founders, which was established in 1855, and one of the closing acts of his life was to provide in part for the perpetuation of its support. The adorning of the inner walls was planned by him after he was stricken by fatal disease, and completed as he had designed, after he had passed from earth, and for which purpose he had appropriated the necessary means. In the nave of the church on the right of the chancel, a beautiful brass mural tablet, suitably inscribed, has been placed to his memory.

He had been in the habit, during the winter seasons of the latter years of his life, of traveling in the Southern States and in New Mexico and California. In the winter of 1882-3, while in the Golden State, he decided on a trip to view some mining property in New Mexico, whither he went, accompanied by his brother Robert, remaining at Riverside, Cal., until May following, when he returned to his home. His disease baffled the best medical skill to be obtained, and he finally went to Chicago for treatment. All efforts proved futile, and Thursday, July 19, 1883, the electric messenger conveyed to Sycamore the tidings that the weary struggle with the " guest that goes not forth alone " was ended. On the day following he came back to his beloved people and home, voiceless and coffined for everlasting rest and peace. It was the first sorrow he had brought to the portals of the home which had been his pride and joy, and where his living presence had been a comfort and blessing which words are powerless to characterize. In his journeyings he had made many friends, and on the Pacific slope, as in the State of his adoption, a cry of mourning went forth when the intelligence was borne back that James S. Waterman had gone forever from the scenes of earth, which had known him so well.

Mr. Waterman was first married in 1847, on the 5th of January, to Mary A. Person. She died in December, 1850, having borne a son - Douglass Waterman - who died in 1855, aged seven years. Mr. Waterman was again married Jan. 30, 1854,10 Abbie L., daughter of Isaac Cushman, M. D., of Sherburne, N. Y. Mrs. Waterman is a representative of one of the leading families, in point of culture and refinement, in the East. In the years of her wedded life she exemplified, in the truest sense, the highest and best domestic graces. Her home was ever the arena for the exercise of the noblest womanly traits, and in it she wields the sway of an exalted nature under the guidance of a well trained and disciplined spirit.

on. Westel W. Sedgwick, attorney, senior member of the law firm of Sedgwick & Son at Sandwich, was born June 7, 1827, in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., at a point four miles from the city of Rome. His father, Samuel Sedgwick, was a physician, and was born in 1803, in Herkimer Co. N. Y., and married Ruhamah P. Knights. In May, 1844, he removed his family to Little Rock, Kendall Co., 111., and entered a claim of 80 acres of land, subsequently increasing his estate to 163 acres. His death occurred at Little Rock, March i, 1847. His wife was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1807, and she is living with her daughter Elizabeth, Mrs. Oliver S. Hendee, at Sandwich, who is the eldest daughter. Sarah A. is the wife of William Brewer, a farmer of Chariton Co., Mo. James

Mr. Sedgwick obtained an available education in youth and utilized his time and abilities in teaching. He began to prepare for the profession of medicine under the direction of his uncle, Parker Sedgwick, of Du Page Co., 111., and subsequently studied in his father's office, acquiring a substantial preparation for matriculation at Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he was graduated in 1848, after studying one term. The death of his father in the previous year opened an opportunity for him to enter upon and establish his profession, and he succeeded to his father's practice at Little Rock, continuing to operate as a physician until the autumn of 1857. He also conducted a mercantile enterprise three years.

At the date named he came to Sandwich and became by purchase the possessor of 10 acres of land, which he platted, and it is now comprised within the city limits. He bought 80 acres additional soon after, associated with Hon. S. B. Stinson, and later a portion of the tract was platted and is designated "Sedgwick's Addition to Sandwich." On the latter purchase he erected his residence, the grounds accompanying now containing one acre, of which he is yet the owner. On locating at Sandwich, in partnership with O. S. Hendee, he established a drug trade which was in operation nearly three years. His change of locality and business was necessitated by an attack of inflammatory rheumatism, which compelled him to relinquish the practice of his profession, the disease incapacitating him for the severe labors of a widely distributed business An medical avenues, and he engaged in the sale of drugs, for obvious reasons. In 1860 he was elected Justice of the Peace and opened an office for the accommodation of the business pertaining to his official position, in which he has continued mostly without intermission. The relations of his office secured for him a practical knowledge of common and statutory law, and incidentally he entered upon the study of the code, which course eventuated in his systematic application to the acquirement of a comprehensive knowledge; and in the spring of 1862 he passed the prescribed course of examination at Ottawa, and was admitted to practice in the State Courts.

through the sessions of 1862-3 and 1863-4. On being relieved of the duties incumbent upon his official position, he opened an office for the practice of law, and conducted its affairs singly until 1882, when he admitted his son, S. Park Sedgwick, to a partnership. The house is managing with success a large and important practice, and they represent, in addition, 12 prominent fire insurance companies, comprising some of the most reliable in the United States. They are also transacting a considerable business as real-estate and loan agents.

Since the date of his location at Sandwich, now (1885) covering a period of nearly 30 years, Mr. Sedgwick has been unremitting in his interest and zeal for the material well-being of the place and people. On the organization of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company in 1867 he was one of the earliest to enter heartily into the enterprise ; he was one of the Directors from the outset, and was elected Vice- President, in which capacity he officiated several years and which was terminated by a sale of his interest. He took an active part in the organization and' establishment of the Sandwich Enterprise Company, in which he became a Director and of which he was subsequently made President. He held the position three years, and still remains one of the heaviest stockholders. He identified himself with the Sandwich Cheese Factory Company, was a stockholder therein and became President, holding the chief position in the organization three years.

He has been interested and prominent in local political circles, and is at present serving a second term as City Attorney. He has been Supervisor of Somonauk Township several years, and was President of the Board of Trustees of Sandwich before it became a city. When it assumed corporate dignity Mr. Sedgwick was made its first Mayor, and was reelected to that incumbency. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Illinois in the fall of 1869, and was an important and influential actor in framing the present Constitution of the State. In 1874 Mr. Sedgwick was appointed by Governor Beveridge to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees of the Insane Asylum at Jacksonville, and discharged the duties of the position nearly two years. He went abroad in 1881 and traveled through the most interesting portions of Europe, Asia and Africa, visiting Palestine, and making a trip on the river Nile. During his absence he contributed a series of entert

His marriage to Sarah A. Toombs occurred June 7, 1848, at Little Rock, Kendall Co., 111. Sire was born Nov. 22, 1827, near Buffalo, N. Y., and is the daughter of William and Alta Toombs. To Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick 10 children have been born, five only now surviving, who were born in the following order : Agnes E.; Caroline Gertrude, wife of Webster Dyas, a druggist at Arlington Heights, Cook Co., 111.; S. Park, of Sedgwick & Son ; Charles F., Deputy Postmaster at Sandwich ; and Jennie May.

Mr. Sedgwick is prominent in influence and position at Sandwich, from causes which have been foreshadowed in the record of his career. He possesses great versatility in point of ability, and has been equally successful in medicine and law. In the latter he has won a position second to no other attorney in De Kalb County and has distinguished himself in his connection with some of the most noted cases that have come before the Courts of Northern Illinois. In probity and integrity and soundness of opinion and judgment he is second to none, and is estimated accordingly in the community where he resides. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been largely instrumental in establishing the permanent interests of the Society. Sandwich is greatly indebted to him for its rapid and substantial advancement in all its leading relations.

The portrait of Mr. Sedgwick, which appears on another page, is a signal addition to the collated biographical and historical records of De Kalb County, from his character as a man and citizen and his position in the community of > which he is a member.

orm White, farmer, section 9, Genoa Township, is the son of John and Barbara (Bamar) White. His parents were natives J t of Germany, and had a family of eight chil- ^" dren. Mr. White was the fifth in order of birth and was born in Germany, March 5, 1815. In 846 he emigrated to America from the Kingdom of varia, and on arrival in the United States first settled in Pennsylvania. He remained there between two and three years, and in 1849 came to De Kalb

County and bought 80 acres of land in Genoa Township. He has brought his old-country thrift, energy and persistency of purpose to bear in his efforts to secure for himself the privileges of the land of his adoption, and is now the proprietor of 350 acres of land in De Kalb County, with 250 acres under cultivation. He is a member of the Republican party in political connection.

Mr. White was married in the fall of 1846, in Pennsylvania, to Anna M. Hoffman, a native of Bavaria, and they have had seven children, - Charles, George, Margaret, Caroline, John, Henry and Mary. Mrs. White was born Feb. 10, 1820, in Germany.

lorge W. Dunton, City Attorney of Sycamore, was born Aug. 6, 1854, in Belvidere, Boone Co., 111. His parents, William S. and Almira (Baldwin) Dunton, are natives of Bennington Co., Vt. The bir,th of the former occurred Aug. 31, 1813. He settled in the village of Belvidere in 1846, where he is now residing. The mother of George W. also survives. They had four children. The first-born died in infancy. Mary is the wife of Samuel Kerr, an attorney of Chicago. Nellie was born next in order.

Mr. Dunton is the youngest child of his parents, and passed the years of his boyhood and youth alternately on the farm and at the schools of Belvidere, until he was 17 years of age, when he matriculated at the University of the State of Iowa, at Iowa City. He was a student four years in the Literary Department of that institution, and was graduated in June, 1875, with the degree of A. B. In the same year he entered the Union College of Law in Chicago, where he was graduated in 1877, after two years of close application to the study of law.

Coming to Sycamore he formed a business relation with the late R. L. Divine, which continued to exist till the fall of 1880. Since that date Mr. Dunton has conducted the connections of his office singly, and has built up a fine and popular practice.

Mr. Dunton is a representative of a New England family of the best type; one that has occupied a front rank in the circles of culture and refinement for generations, and whose genuine claims have given it a prominence second to none. He brings to his life work his inheritance of self-respect and the capacity for earnest effort, which is conspicuously the dowry descending to him from his ancestral stock. To young and rising men of his calibre the profession looks hopefully for its redemption from the evils which are upon it in these latter days.

.ohn P. Smith, farmer on the southwest quarter of section 36, Cortland Township, was bom in West Somers, Westchester Co., N. Y., Feb. 28, 1809. His father, Samuel Smith, was born in Westchester Co., N. Y., of English descent, was a cooper by vocation all his life, and died in his native county, about 32 years of age. The mother of John P., Elizabeth, nee Nichols, also a native of that county and of English ancestry, died in the same county, aged about 7 9 years. His grandfather first settled on Long Island, N. Y.

The subject of this biographical sketch lived, after his father's decease, with a man in Putnam Co., N.Y., working for his board and clothing, from the age of nine until he was 16 years of age. He then served an apprenticeship of five years at the wagon-maker's trade, and then never followed it a single day afterward. His next career was as a violinist for a traveling circus most of the time for 12 years, and part of the time as manager, when he made about $14,000. He then bought a farm of 120 acres in Putnam Co., N. Y., and managed it for four years, going then into the milk business in New York city, four years. Next, he returned and purchased another farm in Putnam County, of 1 30 acres, and followed the daily business Tor six years, making a specialty also of fat cattle and sheep; sold this place, bought his father-in-law's farm, and resided upon it two years; sold that to Daniel Drew, came West, to Pike Co., 111., looked around a month, and then throughout the State for a year, when he finally, in 1852, bought the quarter section where he now resides. To his original purchase he subsequently added until atone time he had as much as 700 acres. His present place was clean prairie when he came here, with only a small house ipon it. Although Mr. Smith had no school education with which to begin life, nor even a cent of money, he has taught himself reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as those business principles which have enabled him to accumulate property by the habits of honest industry ; and he has accordingly made his home a substantial one, and earned a high reputation among his fellow citizens. He has been Supervisor, Highway Commissioner, and School Director, and in his political principles he acts with the Republican party.

He was first married Jan. 20, 1836, to Zillah Haines, who was born Oct. 14, 1814, in Westchester Co., N. Y., died July 31, 1871, and is buried in the Maple Park burying ground. Her father, Horace Haines, died in Putnam Co., N. Y., about 63 years of age, and her mother, Jane, nee Youmans, also died in that county, at the age of about 88 years. Mr. Smith was married a second time Oct. 12, r873, to Mrs. Eliza Denton, widow of Solomon Denton and daughter of Harry and Rebecca (Smith) Crosby. Mr. Smith's children are all by his first wife, namely : Lemore M., Leonard Y., Eliza J. and Horace ; and his wife's children by her first husband are, Mary, Rebecca, Julia, Lavinia, Elizabeth, Gilbert, and one deceased.

avid W. Hartman, editor and proprietor of the Genoa Issue, was born Feb. 9, 1854, in Ccrtland, De Kalb County. His parents, Elias and Almira (Churchill) Hartman. are natives respectively of Pennsylvania and the State of New York. In 1837 they came to De Kalb County and " took up " a homestead claim in what is now the township of Cortland, settling thereon previous to the Government survey. They sold the place later and removed to Sycamore, the father engaging in a mercantile enterprise, in which he was interested nine years. At the expiration of that period he disposed of his commercial business by sale and became again a farmer in the the township of Cortland, prosecuting that business about four years. His next enterprise was in the capacity of hotel-keeper in the village of Cortland, and he conducted affairs in that line seven years. He again sold out and removed to Rochelle, 111., remaining three years, and returning thence to Syca-

Mr. Hartman passed the early part of his life in attendance at school, and at 18 years of age was apprenticed to learn the trade of a printer in the office of the True Republican at Sycamore, under the direction of the editor, H. L. Boies. In 1880 he became associated with the latter in the proprietorship of the paper, the connection existing until September, 1884, when Mr. Hartman severed his connection with the journal and established the Issue at Genoa. His enterprise had a gratifying inception, met with favor and support, and is rapidly gaining ground and securing a permanent foothold. Mr. Hartman is a Republican in political preference, but is conducting his newspaper on the neutral principle.