USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > Biographical and genealogical record of La Salle County, Illinois. Volume I > Part 17
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Our subject's mother became the wife of George Henny after the death of her first husband, and by her second union had one daughter, Priscilla, now a resident of Fonda, Iowa, and wife of Jacob Sanders.
Born in 1825, upon the parental homestead, in Stark county, Ohio, Levi Clay early learned the proper management of a farm. His education was limited to an occasional three-months term of school, and, as he was young when his father died, the cares of life fell upon his shoulders when he was a mere boy. He remained in his native state until 1844, when he came to this county, with but seven dollars and an ax to start with. The seven dollars was stolen, leaving only the ax! For several years he resided in Ottawa or vicinity. In 1846 he enlisted in the First Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, for service in the Mexican war, and saw some hard fighting, taking part in the battle of Buena Vista and other engagements. Upon his return he worked at plastering in Ottawa for a year and a half.
In 1848 he was married, and, settling upon a farm in Livingston county, in the vicinity of Streator, cultivated the place many years, greatly improved it, and in the course of time added more until his possessions amounted to three hundred and ninety-one acres. His buildings and everything about his homestead were kept in fine condition, and the supervision of the prac- tical, painstaking owner was apparent to the most casual observer. In the raising and feeding of cattle and hogs he was quite successful, realizing a large income from this source alone.
More than half a century ago, in 1848, Mr. Clay married Miss Cordelia M. Ecker, of LaSalle county. Her parents, John and Lucy (Roberts) Ecker, were natives of New York state, and at an early day became residents of Illinois. Mrs. Clay was summoned to the silent land in 1895. The only son. Cassius M., is now occupying the family homestead in Livingston county. He makes a specialty of breeding fine Morgan horses and Jersey cattle, and is a progressive, wide-awake business man and agriculturist. He married Miss Barbara E. Zeigler, daughter of William Zeigler, of Livingston county, in 1874, and four children bless their home,-Ora M., Edward C., Avis B. and Mabel R.
The only daughter of our subject is Lucetta J., wife of William M. Bentley, of Osage township, LaSalle county. She has three children,
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namely: Ola M., wife of Edgar J. Hakes; Minnie E., wife of R. Bailey; and Arlie M.
In his early life Mr. Clay was affiliated with the Whig party, and upon the founding of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has been faith- ful to its principles from that day to the present. His career has been marked by rigid integrity, and to his posterity he will leave the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and record.
AARON KLEIBER.
Aaron Kleiber was born in Rutland township, LaSalle county, Illinois, August 25, 1833, and in this county he has thus far spent his life, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits, his present location being in Bruce township.
Mr. Kleiber traces his ancestry along the agnatic line to the French. His grandfather, John Henry Kleiber, was born in France, and early in life became a resident of this country, living for some years in Pennsylvania. In Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, Joseph Kleiber, the father of Aaron, was born, and in Licking county, Ohio, he was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Daniels. In 1830 the young couple left Ohio and came out to Illinois, settling in LaSalle county. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Mary, Margaret A., Jonathan, Malissa, Aaron, James, William and Stephen. All of this number are now deceased except Aaron and Stephen, and the last named resides on the old homestead, in Rutland township. The father died at the age of seventy-one years. He had lived for nearly forty-two years in this county and had not only seen the land developed from its primitive state into fine farms, with substantial buildings thereon, but also had done his part toward bringing about this change. Politically he was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Aaron Kleiber grew up on his father's farm, his boyhood days being spent not unlike other farmer boys of the neighborhood, and after reaching manhood he purchased a farm in Allen township, three and one-half miles southwest from Ransom. He now has a well cultivated and valuable farm of two hundred acres, and is ranked with the prosperous and influential farmers of his township and county.
February 20, 1856, he was married to Miss Rosanna McKernan, a native of Otter Creek township, LaSalle county, Illinois, and a daughter of Captain J. McKernan, an old and well known citizen of this county. Captain McKernan was born in Ohio, son of John and Polly (Stowder)
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McKernan, and in his native state was married to Miss Mary Cramer, daughter of Henry Cramer. They had a family of nine children, namely: Rosanna, now Mrs. Kleiber; Mrs. Candis Ackerman, of Iowa; Ann Eliza Gochanour, of Otter Creek township, LaSalle county; Samuel; Celanda Lockwood, of Streator, Illinois; Charles, of Iowa; Augusta McKernan, of Streator; and George and Ralph, deceased. The mother now resides with her daughter, Miss Augusta McKernan, at Streator. The father died at the age of sixty-three years. He was a man of prominence in the county, was a Republican, and filled a number of political offices. His military title was earned during the civil war. He was captain of a company in the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was held as prisoner at Huntsville for some time during the war.
Mr. and Mrs. Kleiber have had eleven children, five of whom are living, as follows: James, who married Miss Harriet Cramer, resides in Bruce township; Mary, wife of Fred Zigler, of Manville, Illinois; Joseph, at home; Elma, wife of Alfred Patton, of Allen township, this county; and Grace, wife of Perry Snyder, of LaSalle county. The other members of the family died in childhood,-Stephen, Milton, Candace, Mabel, Maud and Myrtle.
Mr. Kleiber is identified with a number of fraternal organizations, and politically he gives his support to the Democratic party. Honorable and upright in all his dealings, and frank and genial in manner, he enjoys high standing among his neighbors and many friends.
HENRY SMEETON.
Some forty-four years have passed since this worthy citizen of Ottawa cast in his lot with the inhabitants of this little city, and he enjoys the dis- tinction of being one of the oldest business men in the place. His fellow townsmen esteem him highly, and his reputation for integrity and upright- ness is something of which he may justly be proud, as it is well merited.
The parents of Henry Smeeton were William and Jane (Berridge) Smeeton, of Devonshire, England. Thomas, a brother of William Smeeton, was an inventor, and an excellent business man. He operated a large fac- tory, where seamless undervests were manufactured. John Smeeton, a rela- tive, was the keeper of the famous Eddystone Lighthouse, which is situated off the south coast of England. William Smeeton was a manufacturer of Brussels carpets. Both he and his wife were members of the Congrega- tional church. Of their five children John and Jane died in England; Har- riet is the widow of Robert Scott, and is a resident of Chicago, Illinois, and George still lives in England.
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Henry Smeeton was born April 2. 1825, in Northamptonshire, Eng- land. His boyhood was happily passed in the beautiful country of his birth, and when he was quite young his enjoyment of music became marked. He made a flute all by himself, and when he had learned to play it he set his heart on possessing a violin, and this, too, came to him in time, and he mas- tered that instrument. He has never lost his love for music, and many of the happiest hours of his life have been spent in this pastime.
On reaching man's estate Mr. Smeeton concluded to settle in the United States. Sailing from Liverpool, he had a long, tedious voyage of five weeks and two days' duration. Proceeding westward, he arrived in Chicago, then a small city, bearing little promise of the great future in store for her, and there he found employment as a carpenter. Later he became interested in the manufacture of roofing, and has since given much of his time to the development of this line of business. In 1855 he came to Ot- tawa, and established himself in the manufacture of various articles of hard- ware, household utensils, roofing, metallic shingles, etc. By judicious meth- ods of transacting his business affairs, and by industry and well applied energy, he built up a remunerative patronage and amassed a competence. Politically he has always been a strong Republican, and keeps thoroughly posted in the history of the world, current events, and matters affecting the welfare of this great republic, of which he is a devoted son and a true patriot. Like his venerated parents, he attaches due importance to religion and everything else which tends to develop the better part of man's nature, and for years he has been a member of the Congregational church.
The marriage of Mr. Smeeton and Miss Eliza Crowden was celebrated in 1850. Their three daughters are Susan, wife of D. B. Snow, a leading attorney of Ottawa; Louisa, who married Rev. Mr. Paisley, a Presbyterian minister; and Anne, wife of William Paisley, now the business manager in the factory established here by our subject. Mrs. Anne Paisley is a very successful and popular musician and teacher of the art, and apparently inherited her talent from her father. He looks on the bright side of things, and by his genuine optimism sheds an atmosphere of cheer and pleasant- ness wherever he goes.
AMMON S. JOHNSON.
Ammon S. Johnson, who resides on his farm on section 3, Otter Creek township, LaSalle county, Illinois, was born in the township in which he lives, October 6, 1861, the son of Ole Johnson, an old and well known citizen of this county, now deceased, who was born and educated in Norway.
Ole Johnson came to America in 1849. In 1855 he was married to
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Miss Martha Hill, a woman possessing both education and refinement, and who, like himself, was born in Norway. Three children were born to them, a son and two daughters, namely: Ammon S., the subject of this review; Serena, wife of William Harris, of South Dakota; and Bertha, wife of Neal J. Hone, of this township. Ole Johnson died in October, 1896. His widow survives him and is now sixty-three years of age. She is a member of the Lutheran church, with which he likewise was identified.
Ammon S. Johnson was educated in the public schools and at the State Normal School, and since he became a man has been engaged in the occu- pation in which he was reared, that of farming. He located on his present farm in 1886. This place comprises three hundred and sixty acres on sec- tion 3, Otter Creek township, and among its improvements are a beautiful modern residence. Its large barns, granary, well kept fences, etc., and its well cultivated fields, together with the attractive home, are all indicative of the prosperity which has attended the efforts of the owner.
Mr. Johnson was married February 17, 1886, to Miss Frances Horn, who was born and reared in LaSalle county, daughter of Francis Horn, one of the old settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, a son, William A., now ten years of age.
Politically Mr. Johnson has always advocated the principles of the Republican party, and has served officially in several local capacities. He has been a member of the school board for nine years, has been township clerk four years, and has twice served as township collector. He is a man in the prime of life, frank and genial in manner, well posted on all the topics of the day,-in short, one of the "live" men of the township.
GRANT C. STEBBINS.
This gentleman, the present mayor of Marseilles, Illinois, is a man of large public spirit, closely identified with all the business interests of the town, and generally and favorably known throughout the county and state as a business man and politician. He was born in the town of Manlius, LaSalle county, March 27, 1862, and is a son of Burr and Dency (Mullen) Stebbins. His youth and early manhood were spent on the old home- stead, but at the age of twenty he entered the business college at Dixon, Illinois, where he developed his naturally keen insight of the business world.
In 1883 he left school and his native state for the west, and while in the employ of the Sante Fe Railroad Company engaged in the real-estate business in Kansas and Nebraska, handling thousands of acres of rich agri- cultural lands. At the expiration of seven years he returned to Marseilles
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and opened a real-estate and insurance office, and now represents one of the largest insurance agencies in northern Illinois. He represented the Cincinnati Underwriters' Insurance Company as general agent for the west for over four years, having full charge of the state, with over one hundred agents. He has built up an excellent business, both in the insurance line and in the real-estate department. He is a man of keen foresight and executive force, of marked energy and sound judgment, and is seldom at error in regard to his opinion either of men or lands. He has a good stock farm in Brookfield township and other investments in the west.
In 1888 Mr. Stebbins was married to Miss Kate Kritchfield, of Wa- keeney, Kansas, a daughter of Joseph Kritchfield, a prominent citizen of that place. Three children have been born to the union: Dencie E., Gladys B., and James LeRay. The family have a pleasant home on West Clark street, where their cordial hospitality is extended to a large circle of friends.
Mr. Stebbins is a Republican in politics, always having been an active worker in the party. He is a broad-minded, public-spirited man, and has spent freely of his time and money for the promotion of his city's pros- perity, and as a testimony to his merit was elected to the office of mayor of the city last spring, by a very large majority of the votes of the people.
WALTER L. ROSS.
Several years ago Walter L. Ross became identified with the interests of the flourishing town of Streator, and, being connected with the railroad corporation as general agent, is well known to the traveling public of this locality. Strictly attentive to his duties, prompt and reliable, and thor- oughly trustworthy, he is highly esteemed by his employers, and at the same time his genial manner and courteous treatment of all with whom he has dealings make him popular.
Born in Bloomington, Illinois, January 1, 1865, our subject is a son of A. S. and Margaret (Clark) Ross, natives of Somerset county, Pennsyl- vania, and Frankfort, Kentucky, respectively. The paternal grandfather of Walter L. was James Ross, and his maternal grandfather bore the name of John Clark. An early settler in Bloomington, A. S. Ross was engaged in the hardware business there for many years, and was considered one of the representative citizens of the place.
The boyhood and youth of Walter L. Ross were spent at his birthplace, his education being obtained in the common and high schools of Bloom- ington. Upon the completion of his course of study he entered the employ
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of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at Pontiac, Illinois, and a year later began working for the Central Union Telephone Company. Since 1882 he has been connected with the Wabash Railroad Company, as a clerk and telegraph operator and in other capacities. During the first two years of this service he was stationed at Pontiac, then was transferred to Streator, and acted as chief clerk here for a year. He was next sent to Forest, Illinois, where he held a position in the office of the train dispatcher for some time. Returning to Streator, he became the agent for the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa, and the Wabash Railroads, and in 1896 he took charge of the entire passenger and freight business of the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad Company at this point. He has been prosperous, as he eminently deserves, and from time to time has invested his carefully husbanded means in real estate in Streator.
In the social circles of this town Mr. Ross occupies a prominent place. He is the president of the Haynes Coal Company, and is a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Politically he favors the platform of the Republican party, and uses his ballot on behalf of its nominees. On the 22d of November, 1888, Mr. Ross and Miss Kate Cox, a daughter of J. N. Cox, deceased, of Streator, were united in marriage, and two children grace their home, namely: Mildred K. and George Sidney. Mrs. Ross is a lady of excellent education and general attainments, and, with her hus- band, enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
BURR STEBBINS.
The inevitable law of destiny accords to tireless energy and industry a successful career, and there is no other path that leads to prosperity save that of persistent and well directed effort. It was in this way that Burr Stebbins became one of the substantial citizens of LaSalle county, where he located in pioneer days, becoming one of the leading representatives of the agricultural interests of this section of the state. He was born in Chautauqua county, New York, on the 3d of January, 1831, his parents being Josiah and Eliza (Case) Stebbins. His father was born in the Empire state and his mother was a native of Connecticut, her birth occurring in Unabilla, in 1802. When seventeen years of age she removed to western New York, where she married Josiah Stebbins. The Stebbins family is of English origin, but was probably founded in America at an early period in the history of the country.
Burr Stebbins spent the first eight years of his life in New York and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Michigan in 1839. There
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he remained until 1854, when he became a resident of LaSalle county, locating in Manlius township, where he improved a new farm, transform- ing the wild lands into richly cultivated fields. As time passed and his financial resources increased he added to his property until the old home- stead comprised three hundred and sixteen acres of the choice prairie land which has made the farms of Illinois justly celebrated throughout the Union. He made excellent improvements upon the place, built good fences, erected substantial buildings, and secured all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm. He was a man of great energy, and his diligence and perseverance brought him gratifying financial returns. In 1886, desiring to lay aside the more arduous duties of farm life, he removed to Marseilles, where he spent his remaining days.
In July, 1859, Mr. Stebbins was united in marriage to Miss Dency Mul- len, of Morristown, New Jersey, the fourth daughter of William and Abigail (Crane) Mullen. She was born in Morristown, November 3, 1835, and by her marriage became the mother of four children, namely: Grant C., a prominent real-estate and insurance agent of Marseilles; Everett J., de- ceased April 12, 1899; Cora F., a talented elocutionist, living with her mother; and Delia, wife of Eugene D. Allen, a pharmacist, of Marseilles.
Mr. Stebbins was a Republican of the most pronounced type, and be- fore the organization of the party he voted the Whig ticket. He served for some time as a member of the city council of Marseilles, and gave an earnest and conscientious support to all measures and movements which he believed would result to the benefit of the city. He passed away April 17, 1894, at the age of sixty-three years, and many friends, as well as his immediate family, deeply mourned his loss. He left to his wife and children the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, for his life had ever been characterized by fidelity to duty and by faithfulness to every trust reposed in him. His widow is still occupying the family home on Wash- ington street, and is a lady held in high esteem by all who know her.
RICHARD FARNSWORTH.
The spirit of self-reliance and independence so universally prevails in the United States that it is a matter of congratulation to the average man when he can truly affirm that he has been the architect of his own fortune,-that he is indebted to no one for the prosperity which at last crowns his labors. Though success does not smile upon many who are thoroughly deserving, it is a well established fact that the undeserving rarely win riches and position. R. Farnsworth, who is well and favorably known
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in Ottawa and LaSalle county, may be styled a self-made man, and the recital of his history may prove an incentive to others.
His grandparents, Abraham and Sarah (Smith) Farnsworth, were natives of Yorkshire, England. His father, Robert Farnsworth, was born in 1822 in Yorkshire. When he was four years of age he was brought by his parents to Belleville, Ontario. He devoted his life to agricultural pur- suits and passed his declining years at the home of our subject and his sister, Mrs. Sarah Peck. For a long period he was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for years served as clerk of the congregation with which he was connected. His wife, Betsy, a daughter of Asa Wilcox, departed this life in 1866, in Ontario, and of their six children five survive, namely: Richard; Sarah, wife of Henry Peck; David, a resident of Ottawa; Robert, and J. C., of Ottawa. Asa died when a child, and Robert departed this life November 17, 1899.
Richard Farnsworth was born in Belleville, Hastings county, Ontario, April 15, 1849, and was reared in that section. In starting out to make his own way in the world he began learning a trade, to which he devoted three years. Then, going to Indiana, he worked on a farm for two years. At the time that he left home he had but two dollars and forty cents, and that sum was stolen from his trunk the first week! He had many dis- couraging experiences, but he bravely persevered, sticking to his task, and winning the commendation of his employers. Husbanding his small means, and gaining an invaluable reputation for honesty and reliability, he pros- pered, and in 1872 purchased the fine homestead which he has since carried on. It is situated but half a mile from Ottawa, comprises two hundred and thirty-six acres, and is considered one of the most valuable farms in the county. The buildings on the place alone cost upward of ten thousand dollars, and many substantial improvements have been made by the enter- prising proprietor since it came into his possession. He has not been afraid of hard work, has met his obligations manfully, has dealt honestly and fairly by all with whom he has had business transactions, and the result is apparent.
As might be expected of a citizen of this character, Mr. Farnsworth has not neglected his public duties. He has served as a member of the local school board, and as one of the supervisors of LaSalle county, his in- fluence being used for advancement and improvement in all lines. His ballot is always given to the nominees of the Republican party. Fraternally he is identified with the A. F. and A. M., belonging to Occidental Lodge, No. 40; Shabbona Chapter, No. 37, and to Ottawa Commandery, No. 10, K. T.
The first wife of Mr. Farnsworth was Edith, daughter of James and
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Elizabeth (Close) Pickens, natives of Massachusetts. She was summoned to her reward on the 2d of February, 1889, and left four children to mourn hier loss, namely: Walter, who is a commercial traveler and at present is living in the Bay state; George, who is a high-school student in Ottawa; Percy and Lizzie, who are at home. In February, 1890, Mr. Farnsworth married Miss Emma Danz, of Peru, Illinois. She was a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Nebel) Danz, and by her marriage was the mother of one child, Gretchen. Mrs. Farnsworth passed away March 3, 1899, mourned by her family and a large circle of friends. With Mr. Farnsworth she was a member of the Congregational church.
NATHAN FLEMING.
The gentleman named above, who is the subject of this biographical record, was born at Chestnut Hill, Chester county, Pennsylvania, January IO, 1827. His paternal great-grandfather was of Scotch-Irish descent and came from Donegal, Ireland, to America early in the eighteenth century. He settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where his son John Fleming was born in 1772. The latter was a carpenter by trade and followed his chosen vocation during the greater part of his life. He married Miss Eliza- beth Hill, who was born in Donegal, Ireland, and came with her parents to Lancaster county when very young. Their only child, John Fleming, Jr., was born in 1803. in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. The mother died soon after the birth of her son, who was carried in his father's arms to Cones- toga valley, in Lancaster county, where he was reared by his maternal grandparents. The "little red schoolhouse," where he pursued his education, was still standing, near Morgantown, Pennsylvania, when Nathan Fleming visited the locality in 1895. John Fleming never married again after his wife's death in 1803, but spent the most of his time in later years in the home of his son. He died in Davenport, Iowa, in 1844, in the seventy-third year of his age. In religious belief he adhered to the faith of the family- the Presbyterian.
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