USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > Biographical and genealogical record of La Salle County, Illinois. Volume I > Part 14
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both of whom are now deceased. Her sister, Matilda Green, was the first wife of Jacob Strawn, the great cattle king.
Mr. Armstrong, father of our subject, has led a very busy and useful life and is a prominent and influential citizen. For a year or two he operated a sawmill on Wauponsee creek, in Grundy county, and then built and opened a general store, which he later sold. For nineteen years he served as a super- visor and for twelve years was the chairman of the board. For ten years he was a member of the state legislature, being elected first in 1844. He was a member of the constitutional convention in 1847. He was elected to the legislature again in 1871, after which he served for six years without inter- ruption. He was an active working member of the house and aided in secur- ing the adoption of many important measures which have proved of great benefit to the state. He was also a member of the first county convention of LaSalle county, and at all times has been a progressive, public-spirited and loyal citizen. He was a war Democrat at the time of the hostility between the north and the south and was an ardent admirer of Stephen A. Douglas, the Little Giant of Illinois. Probably no man in LaSalle county has been more prominent in public affairs or done more for her best interests than George W. Armstrong, who has left the impress of his individuality upon many departments of our public life. A valued member of the Masonic fra- ternity, he was one of the active promoters of Seneca Lodge, in which he held his membership. He was a man five feet and seven inches in height, erect in carriage and quick in movement. He was of high moral character, firm in his convictions, and the temerity with which he made known his posi- tion and his marked ability well fitted him for leadership. His wife passed away February 25, 1893. Like her husband, she shared the high regard of all who knew her, for she. possessed many sweet, womanly qualities which endeared her to all. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were born nine children, eight of whom are now living: William, of Pueblo, Colorado, who served for four years as a Union soldier in the civil war, being captain of Company A, Fifty-third Illinois Infantry; Rev. Julius C., a pastor in the Congregational church, who served for three years with the Ninety-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers; Millie Eliza, wife of William Crowley, of Burlington, Kansas; Joseph L., who is living on the old homestead farm; Marshall W., a well known attorney of Ottawa: Susan Ida, wife of L. B. Laughlin, of Bridge- water, South Dakota; James E., principal of the high school at Englewood, Illinois; Charles G., an electrician in Chicago: and John G., who was a suc- cessful lawyer, and died in Ottawa in 1890, at the age of fifty-four years.
Joseph Armstrong, whose name begins this sketch, was reared and edu- cated in LaSalle county, and having arrived at years of maturity he was mar- ried, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Miss Laura J. Henderson, the daughter of
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John P. Henderson, now deceased. They located on the old home farm, which comprises four hundred and thirty acres of rich and arable land. Alto- gether Mr. Armstrong owns eight hundred and sixty acres, and from the golden harvests which he garners he secures a good income. He is accounted one of the leading agriculturists of the county, and in his methods he is pro- gressive, practical and systematic. His dealings are also characterized by the utmost fairness, and he justly merits the confidence reposed in him.
Politically Mr. Armstrong is a Democrat, having supported that party since attaining his majority. He keeps well informed on the issues which divide the country politically, and is therefore prepared to give intelligent support to his views. He has served for four years as a county supervisor, and has been a member of the school board for fifteen years, discharging his duties in a most prompt and satisfactory manner. Not only as a representa- tive of one of the prominent pioneer families of the county, but also because of his own personal merits, does he deserve mention in this volume among the leading citizens of his section of the state.
HENRY PECK.
In the vicinity of Ottawa, LaSalle county, is some of the finest farm land in the northern part of Illinois, and much of the prosperity of this section is due to this fact and to one other of equal importance, that the agricultur- ists hereabouts are thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the times and are progressive in the extreme.
One of the successful farmers of this locality is Henry Peck, whose birth occurred in the town of Ottawa, September 27, 1846. He is a son of David and Jane (Griffith) Peck and a grandson of Baker Peck, who was a native of Vermont. David Peck was born in Clark county, Ohio, where his father had located at an early day. When grown to manhood he mastered the trades of brick-mason and tailor, and, concluding that he would fare better in the west, where towns were rapidly being built up, he came to Ottawa. Here he found plenty of employment for years, but when still in his prime he was summoned to the home beyond. He left four children, namely : Anna, who is the wife of Albert McIntyre, and Ruth, May and Henry. The mother subsequently (about 1858) became the wife of James Pickens.
In his boyhood and youth Henry Peck attended the schools of Ottawa, worked on the farm and clerked in a dry-goods store. In 1882 he took up his abode on the fine homestead where he is still living. It is located but half a mile from the town, and was formerly the property of the Rev. Justice M. Clark. Mr. Peck is extensively engaged in the stock business, buying and
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selling cattle and hogs, and in addition to that line of enterprise he has given some attention to dairying of late years, having numerous customers in Ottawa.
When he was twenty-five years of age Mr. Peck married Addie, daugh- ter of James Pickens, and several years afterward she died, leaving two chil- dren. Fred, now in his twenty-fifth year, was one of the patriotic young men who responded to his country's call in the Spanish-American war, and served under Colonel Bennett as a member of Company C. Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Nellie, the daughter, became the wife of Cyrus P. Bradish, who is deceased. In 1882 Mr. Peck wedded Miss Sarah Farnsworth, a daughter of Robert Farnsworth, and five children bless their union, namely: Bertha, Edward, Jane, Belle and Joseph.
Mr. Peck is connected with the Masonic order, being a member of Occi- dental Lodge, No. 40. In his political creed he is a Democrat.
HON. IRVING H. TROWBRIDGE.
During the past decade this prominent citizen of Marseilles, LaSalle county, has been before the public continuously in official capacities, and has demonstrated beyond question his fitness as a representative of the people. A fearless champion of what he earnestly believes to be their rights, he presents his views in a concise manner, carrying conviction with him.
The Trowbridges originated in Scotland, but many generations have come and gone in America since the family was founded in the New World. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Trowbridge. Sumner Trowbridge, the father, is still living, his home being in Delta, Fulton county. Ohio, where he was a pioneer and has passed the major portion of his life.
The birth of the Hon. Irving H. Trowbridge occurred March 16, 1849, on the old homestead near Delta. With the basis of a good common-school education, obtained in the village of Delta, and at Three Rivers. Michigan, he entered Adrian College, at Adrian. Michigan, where he pursued studies in the higher branches of learning. Then, returning to his native town, he found employment in the service of a local druggist, and within the ensuing five years thoroughly mastered the business. In 1876 he came to Marseilles, where he has since carried on a drug-store of his own.
In October, 1873. Mr. Trowbridge married Miss Ella Stall, of Delta, Ohio. She was a lady of amiable disposition and was loved by all who knew her. Six years ago, in June, 1893, the little household over whose comfort and happiness she presided with womanly grace, was called upon
Ving modity. -
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to mourn her loss, as she was summoned to the heavenly mansions. She left three promising children-Leslie J., Ralph E., and Irene.
Though he has always taken an active interest in the election of the nominees of the Republican party and the triumph of its principles, Mr. Trowbridge had never aspired to public office and it was a matter of surprise to him when, in 1890, he was elected as a member of the board of county supervisors from Rutland township. He acted in that important position for six years, to the full satisfaction of the people, and upon his retirement from the office in 1896 he was nominated and elected to the legislature. While serving as a representative he was especially honored for a new mem- ber, as he was made chairman of the mines and mining committee, and served on the committees on education, license, civil service, drainage and waterways, and geology and science. In each of these committees he distin- guished himself by his clear and comprehensive grasp of the questions involved, and his ready and practical solutions of difficulties presenting themselves. When his name came before the people for consideration at the time of the expiration of his first term, he was renominated, with small opposition, and in the fall of 1898 was duly re-elected. In the organization of the Forty-first General Assembly he was made chairman of the committee on education-one of the most important of the house committees-and was also a member of the steering committee, which is the body that shapes all legislation during the session. He was very successful in all legislation committed to his care by his constituents, some of which was of great im- portance. He has a wide acquaintanceship with the leading men of the day and possesses broad, liberal views upon all great public issues.
August 15, 1894, Mr. Trowbridge wedded Miss Rebekah S. Pomeroy, a daughter of Cyrus Pomeroy, of Marseilles, and two children have been born to them-Cyrus P. and Irving Harrison.
HENRY HOLMES.
Well known in Ottawa and within a radius of twenty-five miles of this place, Henry Holmes ranks as a representative citizen of LaSalle county. As an honored veteran of the civil war, as an active worker in the Republican party, and as a conscientious, upright business man, he enjoys the respect of a multitude of friends, and is justly entitled to be remembered as an old settler of Illinois.
For three years Mr. Holmes has given his attention to the management of his livery, feed and sale stable at No. 417 LaSalle street, Ottawa. The establishment is located near the new bridge and is thoroughly equipped with
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carriages and vehicles of different kinds and a good stock of driving horses. The barn, forty by eighty feet in dimensions and three stories in height, was originally built for a grain elevator, and was used as such for some time, but has been found to be equally well adapted to the purpose for which it is now utilized. In 1896 Mr. Holmes sold out to Mr. C. Campbell, but in October, 1898, he resumed the control of the business, and has since carried it on suc- cessfully.
A son of John Holmes, a hotel-keeper, Henry Holmes was born in Wayne county, Ohio, November 16, 1840, the year of the famous "Tippe- canoe" Harrison campaign. In his youth he attended the common schools of Indiana, and in 1856, when the excitement over gold discoveries in Col- orado was intense, he went to Pike's Peak, but returned home at the end of some three months. In 1861 he offered his services to the United States, enlisting in Company A, Fifty-third Illinois Infantry. For three years and eight months he endured the hardships and perils of a soldier's life, striving to preserve the Union, and among the numerous battles and encounters in which he was engaged against the enemy were those at Shiloh, Jackson (Mississippi), and the siege of Vicksburg, besides the famous march to the sea with Sherman. Since he received the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the Republican party.
About the time he arrived at his majority Mr. Holmes was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Cummings, who died February 26, 1880, leaving three children, namely: George, Harry and Mary. The daughter is now the wife of Henry Arnold of Chicago, Illinois. In April, 1881, Mr. Holmes was married to Miss Emma Walter. Three children bless this union,-Flora, Willie and Lucy. The family reside in a pleasant home and have many sincere friends among the citizens of Ottawa and vicinity.
H. G. KRUSE.
H. G. Kruse, an enterprising young business man of Ottawa, possesses the qualifications which insure success in any line of endeavor, and by the exercise of judicious methods, excellent management and uniform courtesy toward his customers he has won the respect and confidence of the public.
The father of our subject, G. W. Kruse, was a native of Germany, in which country he passed twenty-five years of his life. Then, coming to America in order to obtain the better opportunities for making a livelihood afforded here, he became a loyal citizen of the United States. Soon after his arrival on these hospitable shores he was united in marriage with Miss Annie Gronewald, who died in 1867, and left two sons and two daughters to mourn her loss.
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Of these children, H. G. Kruse was born in Macomb, Illinois, August 20, 1867. He attended the common schools of that place and in Kewanee served an apprenticeship at the wheelwright's trade under the guidance of O. F. Kreidler. In 1887 he became the head trimmer for the firm of Gay & Son, carriage manufacturers in Ottawa, Illinois, with which firm he con- tinued for four or five years. He is now the proprietor of the Kruse Manu- facturing Company, his plant being situated at the corner of Clinton and Jackson streets, in the central part of Ottawa. The building is a new one, substantial in construction, thirty by sixty feet in dimensions, and with a wing thirty by forty feet, used for a shop. The fourteen years of practical experience which Mr. Kruse has had in his present line of business renders him thoroughly familiar with the demands of the trade and abundantly able to supply his customers with just the kind of vehicle which they desire. He manufactures various kinds of carriages, road wagons and carts, and for style and workmanship, excellence and durability of material, the vehicles turned out from this establishment are rarely surpassed.
Five years ago, August 7, 1894, Mr. Kruse was married to Miss Meta Bruck, whose father, J. Bruck, is an old settler of Ottawa, and for many years was engaged in the tailoring business here. The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Kruse is brightened by the presence of their little daughter, Harriett, their only child. In his political standing Mr. Kruse is affiliated with the Democratic party. He is an exemplary citizen, meeting every responsibility and duty in a manly, straightforward way, and seeking ever to forward the best interests of the community in which he dwells.
B. FRANK TRUMBO.
Trumbo is a familiar name in LaSalle county. The family which bears it was founded here along with the Greens and other pioneers of Dayton and Rutland townships and have left to later generations the im- press of their civilizing influence. While Frank Trumbo, the subject of this sketch, is not a descendant of the first Trumbos of the county, he is a blood relative and possesses the same family characteristics which endear Elias Trumbo and his descendants to the population of the above-mentioned townships.
B. Frank Trumbo is a son of Moab Perry Trumbo, one of the successful farmers of Dayton township, LaSalle county, where he settled in 1853, having come here that year from the "Old Dominion." Moab Perry Trumbo was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, December 16, 1829. The farm upon which he was born has been the property of the Trumbos
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for one hundred and thirty years, having been the property of his grand- father and father, both named Jacob. The younger Jacob Trumbo also came to LaSalle county, Illinois, in the year 1853, and shortly after his arrival here he died. His wife Elizabeth, nee Snyder, will be remembered by the people of Dayton township as living as late as 1873. Their children are: Dorothy, widow of Lewis Hess, of Kingman, Kansas; Oliver, assessor of Dayton township, LaSalle county; Moab P., and Mary J., wife of Isaac Green, of Dayton township. Moab P. Trumbo and his wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Kagy, have two children-Frank and Maie. The latter is the wife of Ed. Bradfor, the proprietor of the Ottawa Steam Laundry.
It was on the old Trumbo homestead in Dayton township, November 25, 1862, that Frank Trumbo was born. He was educated in the public schools and in Drew's Business College, and on completing his studies settled down to the life of a farmer. He has ever since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and is regarded as one of the most promising young farmers in the township.
Mr. Trumbo was married December 3, 1886, to Miss Josephine Rhodes, the daughter of Joseph Rhodes, well known in Ottawa as "the liveryman." Their union has been blessed in the birth of two children: Helena, born in 1887, and Josephine, born in 1892.
Mr. Trumbo is a Democrat and is at this writing the supervisor of his township, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1898. Also he is serving on the public-buildings committee and on the committee to settle with the recorder and to audit the accounts of tlie state attorney. And in this connection it should be further stated that he had been drawn into the public service by being named and elected for office without per- sonal solicitation on his part.
REV. J. J. GROGAN.
The pastor of St. Patrick's church at Ransom, LaSalle county, Illinois, is a familiar figure to the residents of that vicinity and he has made many friends aside from those who come under his jurisdiction as a pastor. His work in the ministry since coming to this charge has been attended with the most flattering results and has marked him as a man of no small executive ability and as a shepherd who watches carefully after the spiritual wants of his flock. He was educated in the University of Chicago, being a student there from 1863 to 1867. The following year he was made curate of St. Patrick's church, on the West Side, Chicago. While there he built St. Jarlath's church, which is located on Jackson street, and had charge of that
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district for about four years. His next charge was at Mill Creek, Lake county, this state, where a handsome church was erected under his guidance, and two years later he was transferred to Sheffield, Bureau county, Illinois, where a parsonage and parochial building were built, at a cost of two thous- and dollars.
The church of St. Patrick's, at Ransom, was built in 1883, at a cost of somewhat over two thousand dollars, and six years later Father Grogan was given charge of the parish. He at once set about improving and remodeling this structure, the cost being about twenty-five hundred dollars. He also purchased six additional lots, and the property as it stands to-day speaks eloquently of the reverend father's energy and forethought. It is beautifully situated in a charming location, and is one of the most attrac- tive spots in this vicinity. The parish organization is composed of about fifty families, and the love and reverence in which they hold their pastor is but a fitting tribute to his worth. The quiet, earnest manner in which he has gone about his work, and the success which has characterized his ministrations, have caused him to be highly regarded by all who have had the opportunity of meeting him, and no citizen stands higher in the esteem and honor of the residents than the faithful, hard-working pastor of St. Patrick's.
MARTIN C. HODGSON.
Ridge Farm, one of the best known horse farms in LaSalle county. Illi- nois, is owned by the Hodgson estate and operated by Martin C. Hodgson, son of and successor to the original founder of the farm, Eli Hodgson. In this connection we take pleasure in referring personally to both gentlemen.
Eli Hodgson was born in the state of Ohio in 1819, son of Joel Hodg- son, who emigrated to Illinois in the year 1831. In this state Eli was reared from his eleventh year, and was here married to Miss Phoebe Kincade, who bore him the following named children: Ellen and Mary, who died in child- hood; Sarah, wife of F. W. Farnham, of Shell City, Missouri; Almeda, who died, unmarried; Martin C., whose name initiates this sketch; Emily, wife of L. B. Pickerill, of Clinton, Illinois; J. W., of Lexington, Nebraska; Martha J., of Clinton, Illinois; and Joel E., of Ottawa, Illinois. Eli Hodgson came to Farm Ridge township, LaSalle county, in 1853, when this part of the country was all wild land, and here purchased three hundred and twenty acres, comprising what is now known as Ridge Farm, and a few years later, in 1858, began dealing in horses. He was one of the first men in the state to give especial attention to fine horses. In 1874 he first imported Percheron
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stock direct from France, and made it a point to secure the best the market afforded. Mr. E. Dillon, another well known importer of stock in this state, was a brother-in-law of Eli Hodgson. The latter built a fine house and barn on his farm and otherwise improved the same, and became well known as one of the leading men of the county, recognized as an authority on all ques- tions pertaining to horses. He was noted for his fair dealing and his hospi- tality. The latch-string of his home was always out, and a cordial welcome was extended to all who came his way. He was politically a Republican, and religiously a member of the Christian church. In physique he was large and well proportioned, weighing about two hundred pounds, and in manner he was always genial and obliging. He died November 11, 1893, and his good wife passed away December 20, 1895; she was born November 6, 1822.
Martin C. Hodgson was born August 6, 1852, in Tazewell county, Illi- nois, and was a babe when brought to the farm on which he has since resided. He received his education in the district schools, the academy at Eureka, Illinois, and in the broad school of experience. As soon as he arrived at adult years he became his father's partner and was associated with him in business up to the time of his father's death, when he succeeded him. Under his supervision Ridge Farm maintains the high standard of excellence which it had attained, and its horses, both black and gray Percherons, are second to none in the state.
Mr. Hodgson has been twice married. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of James Wilson, of Iowa, and to them were given four children,-Edna F., Ethel Maud, Everett Eli and Ernest W. This wife and mother died in 1886, and in 1894 he wedded Miss Hattie M. Zibbell.
Like his father, Mr. Hodgson is a man of large physique and pleasing manner. Indeed, he possesses many of his father's sterling characteristics. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, and has taken the Knight Templar degrees, having membership in Ottawa Commandery, No. 10.
JAMES GORDON.
The extensive landed interests-seven hundred and sixty acres-which are scheduled as part of the property of James Gordon, have been acquired entirely through his well-directed and earnest efforts, and thus he is justly entitled to the proud American title of a self-made man. Although he has now rounded the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten. he possesses the vigor and energy of a man of much younger years, and is still actively
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identified with the business interests of LaSalle county, as a farmer and stock-raiser, his home being one of the fine farming properties of Allan township.
Mr. Gordon, who has been a resident of the county since 1853, and was born in Roxburyshire, on the Tweed, in the north of England, seventy- three years ago, his parents being John and Mary (Davidson) Gordon. His father was a native of Coldstrom, Scotland, while the mother was born in the north of England. They both died in the latter country, where they had spent their married life. Their four children were James; Elizabeth; John, who died in Ford county, Illinois; and Margaret, who is living in England.
James Gordon spent the days of his childhood and youth in the land of his nativity, and there acquired a good common-school education and learned a trade. When about twenty-six years of age he sailed from Liver- pool to New York, hoping to benefit his financial condition in the New World. After eight weeks and four days spent upon the broad Atlantic he landed in the eastern metropolis, whence he at once came to LaSalle county. Here he began earning his livelihood by working in the harvest fields, and the following year he worked in a sawmill in Putnam county. His first purchase of land comprised eighty acres, in Brookfield township, two miles south of Marseilles. With characteristic energy he began its development, and his careful management and practical business methods soon enabled him to extend the boundaries of his farm. From time to time he has added to his landed possessions until he now has four hundred and forty acres in Brookfield township and three hundred and twenty acres in Allan township. He resides upon the latter and on the home farm he has erected a fine modern residence, large and substantial barns and com- modious sheds for the shelter of his stock. He also has a wind-mill and the latest improved machinery. There are also good pastures, supplied with running water, and beautiful groves add to the value and attractive appear- ance of the place. Mr. Gordon makes a specialty of raising blooded cattle and has made a close study of the needs of stock, so that this branch of his business is most ably carried on and has proved a very profitable source of income.
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