Grundy County, Illinois - Thk Part of Biography Ix General History, 1914 (part 11 of 11)

WHITMAN, Roscoe, M.D. - The modem physician gains experience, as well as training, hefore beginning a practice which places in his hands the lives of his patients. Formerly this valuable knowledge had to be acquired after the doctor had left behind him his college days; now his hospital training is a part of his course. For this reason, the physician of today, no matter how short a period he may have been iu practice, is better fitted in every way to render efficient service, than his predecessor was after years of experience. One of the highly trained and capable physicians of .Morris, who has proven his real worth and the value of his skill is Dr. Roscoe Williams, lie was horn at Dodgeville. AYis.. June fi. 1SS1, son of Joel and Anna Belle (McClure) Whitman, the former horn in Hamilton County. X. Y.. and the latter, in Prince Edward Island. Canada. Her parents went to Blue Mounds. Wis., when she was a child, and in 1S55, .loci Whitman also located there, and the two met and married. He was a man of prominence, serving in the State Assembly two terms, as well as held the offices of postmaster, clerk of the Circuit Court, and county clerk, dying in 1900, aged eighty-three years. His widow survives, making her home at Dodgeville. Mr. and Mrs. Joel Whitman had the following family ; George R.. who died at the age of thirtyone years; Piatt, of Highland. Wis.; and Roscoe. who was the youngest.

When lie was nineteen years old. Roscoe Whitman entered the general science department of the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in V.h<\. securing his degree of A. P.. He then entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1007. with the degree of M. D. Following this he was interne tit the Cook County institutions for three months, and for sixteen months following this. he was interne at the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago. Then feeling well equipped for his great work, he located at Morris, in January, 1000. since which time be has built up a large and lucrative practice. In political faith, be is independent. Fraternally. Dr. Whitman is a Mason. A scholarly man be keeps abreast of the progress in his profession, and ranks high among the medical men of Grnndy County. He was married December 14. 1012. to Jessie .F. Collins, daughter of Joshua and Emma (Cryder) Collins, natives of Grundy County.

WHITMORE, Benjamin Franklin. - Among the citizens of Grundy County whose careers are worthy of more than ordinary mention because of the success they have attained, is Benjamin Franklin Whitmore, now living retired at Gardner, Ilk. who for more than a half century was engaged in agricultural pursuits here. During this time he secured financial independence, reared a family that did credit to him and his community, and at all times has Conducted himself according to the highest ideals of citizenship. Mr. Whitmore was born at Hagerstown, Md., September 1"_\ l ^ II . and is ;i son of Daniel and Nancy (Lehmen) Whitmore, natives of Maryland, who removed to Ohio in 1S43. There were twelve children in the family, namely: John, deceased, who was a resident of Ohio; Abraham, who is deceased; Isaac. Jacob and Daniel, all of whom died in infancy; Samuel. deceased; David, a retired farmer living near l'oungstown, Ohio; Joseph, deceased; Renjamin Franklin: Xoah. deceased; and Elizabeth and Ann. twins, both of whom are deceased.

Renjamin Franklin Whitmore was but an infant when taken by his parents to Ohio, and there Ik- received a liberal public school education, in the meantime assisting his father in the work of the home farm. He was twenty-one years of age when lie came to Illinois, locating in Greenfield Township, where he hired out on a farm. In the following spring he rented a farm. which he conducted for two years, and then purchased ICO acres of good land. This he brought to a high state of cultivation, but after ten years sold it ami bought 120 acres in Muzmi Township, which he still owns. He retired in LS01, although be still resided on the farm until 1S99, when he bought property in the village of Gardner, erected a modern home and moved his family here. He is a member of the Church of God. In political affairs he is a stalwart Republican, although he has taken only a good citizen's interest in public matters. During his long residence in Grundy County, he has formed a wide acquaintance, in which he numbers many friends, who have been drawn to him by his many admirable qualities of mind and heart.

On November 20, Inch, Mr. Whitmore was married to Matilda Shelby, a native of Pennsylvania, who came West with her parents. Milki and I.avina Shelby, to Livingston county. Ilk, in 1S55. To this union there were born two sous and one daughter : Nathaniel, who died May 15. 1012; William Wallace, an attorney of Bloomington, Ilk; and Iva, deceased, who passed away in infancy ai d was buried at Round Grove cemetery, Livingston County. Dr. Nathaniel Whitmore was born September 2.1, ls07, and was given his preliminary educational training in the public schools of Mazon Township. At the age of seventeen years he commenced his veterinary studies under the preceptor ship of Dr. J. Y. Lehman, his father's cousin, at Sterling. 111., and after one year of preparation entered the Chicago Veterinary College, where he was graduated at the age of twenty-one years. He then returned to Gardner and entered upon the practice of his chosen vocation, in which he gained widespread reputation. Tn June. 190S, he built a veterinary hospital in Gardner, which is second to none iu the State. Here he had bis laboratory, operating room, office, sleeping apartments, and 'full equipment for the successful practice of his calling, the barn being fitted with electric lights in order that he might work at nights to save the life of a stricken animal. He became known as one of the siirgeons in the State and a times honored his professii in Wheeler cemetery, Ma? Whitmore is survived by children.

WICKS, Lewis K. - It is given to some men to come into possession of proportj owned by their parents, and such take great pride in further developing the land to which they are connected by so many pleasant ties. Lewis K. Wicks of Nettle Creek Township owns and operates the homestead of his parents, although he was born in Big Grove Township. Kendall County. October 1. 1SG5, a son of Knnte K. and Emily (Larson) Wicks, natives of Norway, who. after their marriage, left the land of their birth and came to Morris, 111., about 1*57. Soon thereafter, they moved to Kendall County ami remained there uiiti-1 1**7. In the latter year they came to Nettle Creek Township, buying a farm of eighty acres to which they added until they owned ICO acres. The father died upon this property in 1*82. and his widow in 31100. Their children were: Emily, who married John Olson, died in the spring of 1VV7: Krone, who died in November, 1S93 ; Lewis K. ; Ella, who married John Wilker of Morris: Thor, who died in .Tune, 1*04 : Martin, who lives in Aux Sable Township; and Edward, who resides in Lrienna Township, this same county.

Lewis K. Wicks has spent his life upon the home farm, alternating assisting his father during his boyhood days, with attendance in the district schools. In the fall of IMC! he purchased the property and since has been engaged in grain farming and raising horses, cattle and hogs. On June 10. 1S93. he married Mary Osman, born February G, 1870. in Kendall County, a daughter of Soran and Margaret (Anderson) Osman, natives of Norway. The ceremony was performed by the Lev. O. Anderson of Newark. 111. Mi-, and Mrs. Wicks have had the following children: Newt li.. born July 20, 1*04. died August 15. 1*04; Lelioy. born November 22. 1S95; Esther, born December 6, 1*07; Russell, born July 8. lOnr,, and Fern, born August 2.",. 10n7. all of whom are at home. Mr. Wicks belongs to the Lisbon Lutheran Church. Politically he is a Republican and has held the office of school director since 1903. An earnest and hard-working man. he has forged ahead and has honorably earned his present standing In his community.

WILKINSON, Blanche William, is a prosperous farmer cultivating 2GG acres of land in Mazon Township, and his successful efforts point out a way for a man to gain substantial rewards by tilling the soil, lie was born in Benton County. Ind., in 1SGG, and came to Grundy ("-.unity with his parents when three years old. lie attended the district schools of Mazon Township and at the age of seventeen years began fanning for himself. For one year lie fanned in Minnesota, then returned to Grundy County and in 1010 located on what is known as the Harriet Meyers farm, on section 21, Mazon Township. Here he -rows corn and oats, raises Belgian horses and feeds cattle for the market.

In 10U7 Mr. Wilkinson married Ethel Scurrah, of l'.raceville, 111., a daughter of Alfred and Ethel (Edmunds) Scurrah, the latter deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson have three children: Earl B.. Burl W. and Mabel V. The Methodist Church holds his membership. A Democrat in politics, he was his party's candidate in 1912 lor collector, and was defeated by only thirty votes. Mr. Wilkinson is capable of entertaining independent views on public questions, takes much interest in local matters and personally is well liked by his neighbors.

WILKINSON, Samuel Henry.- The interests of Mazon are ably ami worthily represented by Samuel Henry Wilkinson, proprietor of the City Meat Market, who has not alone taken a prominent part in business matters, but has aided in the progress and development of the community as a member of the Town Board of Trustees. Like many of his successful townsmen, he is a product of the farm, having been bom on his father's homestead in Benton County, Ind., in 1*75. a son of William and Mob vina (Mulen Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson's father was born in Canada, and as a young man went to Michigan, where he was married, subsequently going to Benton County, Ind. lie later came to Grundy County, Ilk. and here passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, dyiii- in 1904. the mother having passed away during the previous year. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel Henry; George, who is deceased ; Blanche; Verl : Forrest and John, who are deceased: Mrs. Cora Strauss: and Grace, who is deceased.

Samuel II. Wilkinson received his early educational training in the public schools of Benton County. Ind., and later went t<> the Grundy County schools while assisting his father in working the home farm. Beared to agricultural pursuits, it was but natural that he should adopt the tilling of the soil as his field of endeavor, but in loin, tii-iii- of farm life, he came to Mazon and entered commercial pursuits, purchasing the business of which he is now the owner. lie carries a full line of fresh and salt meals, with game in season, and enjoys a liberal trade, his business having been built up by honorable and straightforward dealing.

In 1*03 Mr. Wilkinson was married to Miss Villa Keepers, who was born in Grundy County. 111., and the following children have been born to this union : Bernice. Beatrice. Bessie. Joe. George, Ruby and Harold, of whom Bessie and George are deceased. Mr. Wilkinson is popular fraternally as a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Fraternal Reserves, the Home Forum and the Masons, in all of which he has numerous friends. A Democrat in politics, he has shown his executive ability as a member of the Town Board, where his fellownieinhers have relied upon his judgment ami

WILSON, Joseph A. - The importance of any community is measured by the public spirit of its leading citizens, and judged by this standard. Morris ranks among the foremost cities of its size in the State. Among those who have aided materially in the advancement of the county seat in every line is Joseph A. Wilson, financier, business man and former mayor, and the present supervisor of Morris Township. Mr. Wilson was born in Putnam County, 111., February 20, 1650, sun of Jonathan and Klma C. (Hoyle) Wilson, natives of Union County, Ky.. and Belmont County, Ohio. Jonathan Wilson went to Putnam County. 111., with his parents in 1^2"-. while the lady who afterwards became his wife arrived there in 1S33, and there they married and began housekeeping. In 1S50 they came to Grundy County, settling on a farm in Vienna Township. In time, Jonathan Wilson became a man of large means, raising cattle on an extensive scale, and lie also bought and sold stock and was a veterinary practitioner of some note. His death occurred in 1SS7, following which his widow moved to Morris where she died in lv'.*s. Xine children were born to them, six sons and three daughters, three of whom survive, all residents of Morris: Edith E., Joseph A., and Orville T., the last named being manager of the Morris Grain Company.

Joseph A. Wilson crew up on his father's homestead learning how to conduct the farm, and attending tbe local schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years old, when he began working land for himself and buying and selling cattle. In those days there was plenty of open prairie on which to herd his cattle, so that the profits were greater, although the prices he received were lower. The first farm owned by Mr. Wilson was in Pulaski County, Ind., but he sold it four years after he bought it. and then purchased land in Saratoga, Atix Sable and Wauponsee Townships. Grundy County, as well in other parts of the State, owning some 1,300 acres in Grundy County alone, and also 400 acres in Jasper County, Iowa. All of this he rents, with the exception of S00 acres which he utilizes for pasturage purposes, also 700 acres in Newton County, Ind. His cattle business is a large one for lie handles from 500 to fiOO head of cattle annually. Mrs. Wilson owns 1,300 acres of land in Grundy County. In 1SS1 Mr. Wilson moved to Morris from the farm, and in 1S93 built a fine frame house containing all modern improvements on the corner of Nettle and Main streets. In addition to his other interests. Mr. Wilson is a director of tbe Grundy County National Bank and of tbe Morris Grain Company.

On March 5, Is79, Mr. Wilson was married to Harriet E. Collins, born in Saratoga Township, daughter of Joshua and Harriet fCryder) Collins, natives of Queens, N. Y.. and Chill icothe. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became the parents of the following children : Mary ]-:., who is now

Mrs. H. Philip Southcomb of Morris; an unnamed babe who died in infancy; Jay Collins, who is at home; and Henry J., who died at the age of seven and one-half months. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Congregational Church. A strong Republican, he has been called upon to represent his ward in the city council and in 1900-02 was elected mayor of Morris. While occupying the executive chair, he gave the city a clean, honest, business-like administration and is regarded as one of the best mayors tbe city ever bad. A man of keen business sense, he has succeeded in whatever he has undertaken, and the city has benefited by his operations.

WINS0R, Clarence Ray. - If every farming section of the country showed as good conditions as Grundy County, the cost of living would be materially reduced. This locality is producing a large amount of food stuffs owing to the progressive spirit of its agriculturalists, and among them one worthy of special note is Clarence Bay Winsor of Norman Township. Mr. Winsor was born in Norman Township, November 19, 18S5, son of John and Sarah (Putt) Winsor, and grandson of Thomas and Martha Winsor and John Putt, the grandparents on both sides coming from England, while the parents were natives of Saratoga Township, Grundy County, 111. John Putt located first at Lisbon. Kendall County, 111., but later came to Saratoga Township, Grundy County. III., where he established himself as a brick and tile manufacturer, but later bought land in Norman Township, and operated it until his retirement to Morris, where bis death occurred.

John Winsor and Sarah Putt were married in Kendall County, but commenced their married life on a farm in Norman Township, where Mr. Winsor owned 200 acres. He erected the buildings now standing, and further improved the farm, living upon it until his death January 9, 1907. His widow only survived him until February 3d, of the same year. The children of this excellent couple were: Wilbur, who lives at Peabody, Kas. ; Guy. who died at the age of one year and three months; Leda. who is Mrs. E. B. Beeves, of Norman Township: Clarence Bay: and Otto T. and Chester P., who are on the home place.

Clarence Bay Winsor grew up on the farm owned by his father, and alternated attending the rural* school with agricultural work. When his father died, the farm was left to the five living children, and the three younger sons rented it for two years, and then bought it, and are now conducting it in partnership, and are specializing on Percheron registered horses, Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Their farm is one of the best known in the township, and they are justly numbered among the substantial agriculturalists of Grundy County.

On June 21, 1007. Clarence B. Winsor was married to Georgia Aker, born in Vienna Township, this county, daughter of James and Cora (Passage) Aker, natives of Vienna Township and Wisconsin, respectively. Mr. and Mrs.

Winsor have ono son, Gordou Aker, horn April 21, 190S, and one daughter, Alice 11. .Mr. Winsor belongs to the Zion Methodist Church, of which he has been trustee since 1909. A Republican, he has served as school trustee since 1909. Mrs. Winsor was graduated from the Morris High school and taught school Cor three years in Vienna Township prior lo her marriage.

Otto T. Winsor. who was boni November 17, 1SS6, was married February 9, 1909, to Mabel H. Aker. born in Vienna Township, a sister of Mrs. C. R. Winsor. Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Winsor have a daughter, Dorothy E., bom September 10, 1910. Chester P. Winsor. the youngest of the three Winsor brothers, was born July IT, 1S93.

WINSOR, William Henry (deceased). - While Grundy County boasts some of the best citizens to be found in the State, a number who helped to bring about the present prosperous conditions here- have passed from this earthly sphere, but their memories are still cherished, and their deeds are not forgotten. One of these men who was a good representative of the best class of agriculturalists of tins section, was the late Henry William Winsor. lie was born on the Isle of Man, March 27. ls.V.i. a son of Thomas and Martha (Mann) Winsor, who came to Grundy County in June, ISOO, after an ocean voyage of twelve weeks. From New York City they made their way on the canal and Croat Lakes to Chicago. The father was a farmer and coal miner, as well as brick and file maker, and worked hard at whatever came to his hand. Roth he and his wife passed away at Morris, having seen the first train of cars run through that city. He also made the brick for many of the early buildings of Morris, including the present Commercial Hotel.

When he was twenty-one years old, having in the meanwhile acquired a common school education, Mr. Winsor began farming with his brother, John, and thus continued until his marriage, when he bought 240 acres of land in Vienna Township. He tiled and otherwise improved the place, and operated it until 1007, when, on account of ill-health, he was forced to leave the farm, and then bought a residence in Morris.

On February 6, 1S79, Mr. Winsor was married to Frances A. Vanderpool, born in Morris, November 20. 1S5S, daughter of John and Maria (Rockwood) Vanderpool, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. They came to Grundy County when the Indians were still here, and settled in Norman Township, where they died, after years of hard work on the farm. Mrs. Vanderpool entertained the celebrated Indian Shabbona at an early date. Mr. Vanderpool was also blacksmith and was a great temperance worker. Mr. and Mrs. Winsor became the parents of two children : Elsie May. wife of A. M. Wallace, living on the home farm, and they have one child, Everett Winsor, born November 15, 100,1: and Vera Marie, born April 25, 1S8S, who died October 23, 190S.

rounding out a blameless, useful life, and is tenderly remembered by his widow and daughter. Mrs. Winsor has lived alone in her home at Morris since the death of her husband. Mr. Winsor was for many years very active in the work of the Methodist Church, and served in the office of steward. A Republican, he was a school director for fifteen years, and always took interest in educational matters. A man of strict integrity, he gave to others what he demanded for himself, a square deal, and won and held a high position among his fellow citizens.

WINSOR, James P. - Modern methods of farming have revolutionized agricultural work, and placed under cultivation much land that would .otherwise be unproductive. Grundy County has benefited largely by the work of these progressive farmers who have eagerly embraced the new ideas, and among those who have done their part in bringing about existing prosperous conditions is James P. Winsor of Norman Township. He was born in Lisbon Township. Kendall County, 111., July 23, 1S53, a son of Thomas and Martha (Thomas) Winsor, natives of England. They were married in their native land, but in 1S4S came to Kendall County, whore Thomas Winsor worked for farmers during the first four years. Later, he bought some land just north of Morris, and finding coal, mined it, and also manufactured brick. In 1S64, he concentrated his efforts on farming, going to Wauponsee Township, and later he bought a farm in Norman Township, where he lived until his retirement, when he moved to Morris, and there died July 14, 1002. his wife passing away in February, 1900. Their children were: Dorcas, who died in 1911; Thomas II., who died in infancy before the family left England; Samuel G., who lives in Richland, Mo. ; Henry W., who died in March, 1909; John P., who died in February, 1007 ; Mary Jane, who died at the age of nineteen years; James 1'.; Richard J., who lives at Morris, 111. ; George T., who lives at Chicago; Esther E., who died in May, 1001; and Sarah E., who lives at Morris.

James P. Winsor attended the neighborhood schools, and growing up on the homestead, developed into an excellent farmer. He remained with his parents until he was of age, when he began farming for himself in Norman Township, continuing ten years, then bought eighty acres on section 22 of the same township, and has developed his property to a considerable degree, erecting new modern buildings and putting in tiling wherever needed, until he now has one of the finest farms in this part of the county. On February 21, 1878, Mr. Winsor married Louisa Putt, born in Saratoga Township, daughter of Richard and Ann Putt, natives of England, early settlers of Saratoga Township. The Putt family lived there until Mrs. Winsor was seven years old, and then moved to Goodland, Newton County, Ind., where her marriage took place. Mr. and Mrs. Winsor have had four children : Cline G., Ritta Z. and Thelma all of whom are at home, and one who died, Inez M.

Mr. Winsor belongs to tho Zion Methodist Church. Politically he is a Republican and his fraternal affiliations are with the Wauponsee Lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. In all of his work. Mr. Winsor has been guided by good sense and an appreciation of its importance, and his success has been fairly won, as has his standing in bis community.

WIX, Martin K. - The story of the success of Martin K. Wix, agriculturist and business man of Aux Sable Township, Grundy County, is short and simple, containing in it no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the valuable secrets of the groat prosperity which it records, and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action - tho record of an honorable life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. Mr. Wix has the distinction of being a native son of Grundy County, 111., having been born on a farm in Nettle Creek Township. December 0, 1s7], j) sun of Knute ami Emily (Larson) Wix. natives of Norway, lie was the third of seven children, the others being: Lewis ; Ella, who married John Welker, of Morris. 111.; and Edward, also of Grundy County; Knute, Emily and Thor, deceased.

Martin K. Wix grew up on the home farm and received bis education in the country schools, where he proved an earnest, intelligent and ambitious student. Upon the completion of his schooling he assisted his mother in the work of the home place until he was married, and then rented land in Erienna Township, but one year later moved to his present property, a tract of 446 acres in Aux Sable Township, with eigbty acres in timber and the balance in pasture and grain. About the year 1S04 he bought IT.", acres in Kendall County, a fine grain farm which he now has rented, in addition to which he rents out his 210 acres in Goodwin Township. Roberts County, N. D. He has interested himself in various business enterprises, being a director in the Minooka Bank and a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Grain Elevator at Minooka : also the Yorkville elevator. Mr. Wix's farm is one of the attractive places of Aux Sable Township, and i< supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences, which give it an air of thrift, comfort and prosperity. It is a hospitable home, a favorite resort with many friends, and the best homes in the community are thrown open to Mr. and Mrs. Wix. They are consistent members of the Lutheran Norwegian Church at Morris. Mr. Wix is a stalwart Republican, and has served his fellowciti/.ens in the capacity of school director since

On March 7. 1S94. Mr. Wix was married to Miss Enger Olson, who was born in Big Grove Township. Kendall County. 111., daughter of Theodore and Bertha fThordon) Olson, of Norway. To this union there have been born the following children: Clara, born December 10, 1894, who died February 24. IsOs-. Tilman. born October 11, 1S96; Clara til), born October 29, 189S; Irvin, born September 3, 1901; Rianchard,

WOELFEL, George (deceased), who was the founder of the largest manufacturing industry of Grundy County, the products of which are sold all over the world, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 25, lsMl. but came to the United States in IS.-..",, and to Morris ten years later. Immediately thereafter he established the Morris tannery, and later conducted a boot and shoe store as a side line. Although the tannery was destroyed b.\ fire, be rebuilt it. ami in time Ins sons became his partners. Out of bis initial phuil has grown the Woelfel Leather Company, which gives employment to a large force of men and is recognized as one of the leading leather producing concerns of the country. Mr. Woelfel married November 29, 18G1, Margaret Fleck, and they bad the following children to grow to maturity: Edgar II., George L., Annie I... Albert and Ernest.

Z1EBUL, Gustav. - It is not so remarkable that a child who is given every advantage oftentimes succeeds in life, but it is worthy of consideration when one who has been forced to struggle for all he possesses achieves prosperity. The history of this country shows that some of the most representative of its men came from an orphan asylum, and without family or influence rose to positions of responsibility. A well known example of sucfi a man is Gustav Ziebul, owner of 200 acres of fertile land in Good Farm Township. Grundy County. lie was born at Chicago. June 7, 1S70, and as he lost his parents in infancy, was consigned to Rose Hill Orphan Asylum. Chicago, where be remained until he was thirteen years old. At that tender age the bright lad came to Good Farm Township and began working among the farmers, receiving 913 per month for his services. From this beginning, he has worked up to his present condition. This advancement did not come without persistent effort and unceasing work', but the rewards have been worth the struggle according to Mr. Ziebul's idea.

On February 25. 1002. Mr. Ziebul was united in marriage by Judge White of Pontiac with Miss Mary Zingrebe of Good Farm Township, who was horn December 8, 1S72, a daughter of George and Hannah (AllsesseiM Zingrebe, whose homestead Mr. Ziebul now occupies. The father died February 25. 1002. and the mother died August 17. 1SS3. They were buried in Good Farm Cemetery. Politically Mr. Ziebul is a Republican, hut aside from casting his vote for the candidates of his party, he has not been active, as all of bis time and attention have been required in bis business. He is an excellent farmer, and his property is one of the best, cultivated in his township, for. having worked so hard for' it. he appreciates its worth and takes a pride in its condition. Needless to say he is a good business man and excellent manager, for his rise in the world proves this beyond any question.

MORAN, James (deceased). - In his humble cabin which he had buiU a half century ago. ou the banks of Waupecan creek, in Grundy County, James Moran, [icrhaps the oldest man in the United States, passed away in November, 1914. lie was horn in Inland in 1S03, and what an epoch of history his life covered. For many years, however, the doings of the great outside world have concerned him little, although, until recent years he kept informed as to local matters and enjoyed social companionship, lie came to Morris over sixty years ago and long was a familiar figure in this vicinity. He helped to build the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Rock Island Railroad, bin afterward his brother Michael, who was accidentally drowned in 1869, gave him a life lease of four acres of land, located three miles from Morris, and there, in comparative seclusion and according to his own method of living, Mr. Moran passed the rest of his life, for a number of years preferring to live alone. When age fell too heavily upon him his (laughter Ann, who became motherless at the age of three years, insisted on coming to care for her aged father and his last years were made comfortable through her care, llis two other daughters are: Mrs. Marshall, of Blue Island, and Mrs. Dora 'Webber, of Waupousee, 111. His burial was from the Catholic church, Rev. Father Dairy officiating.

As one of the old landmarks, as it were. .lames M«>ran will be missed. The older residents remember well his sturdy virtues and his independent ideas, and many of them cherished the kindest of feelings toward their venerable neighbor.