USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > Biographical and genealogical record of La Salle County, Illinois. Volume I > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43
170
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
kindliness of nature render his presence something to be wished for, and thus his friends are numerous.
The father of our subject, William G. Fletcher, is still living, and is now in his eighty-second year. He is a native of Virginia, and has fol- lowed the occupation of machinist as a means of gaining a livelihood. His wife, the mother of William F. Fletcher, bore the maiden name of Hester Griffin. To the marriage of William G. and Hester Fletcher four sons and two daughters were born, of whom the eldest sons, John and Stephen, are deceased, and the others are named, in order of birth, Catherine, George, Mary and William F. The mother is now seventy-eight years of age.
Our subject was born in Baltimore, Maryland, March 26, 1855, and when he arrived at a suitable age he commenced attending the public schools of Baltimore, where he laid the foundations of the liberal educa- tion which he now possesses. In 1875 he came to Ottawa, where he has been engaged in the manufacture of cigars since 1886. He enjoys an exten- sive patronage, which he justly deserves, owing to the high grade of work which is turned out under his supervision. He is the manufacturer of the celebrated Red Back brand, the reputation of which is not confined to La- Salle county limits, and also Fletcher's Key West and the original Monte- zuma, all of which are strictly hand-made.
The pleasant home of Mr. Fletcher is located at No. 927 Walnut street. He was married in 1875 to Miss Christiana Baisch, a daughter of Jacob Baisch. Mrs. Fletcher's parents were born in Germany and emigrated to America in 1848, coming direct to Ottawa, where they resided until 1887, when they moved to Madison, Nebraska, where they still reside. Our subject and wife have one child, Lillie B., born June 15, 1876, and is a well- educated, accomplished young lady, living with her parents. Mr. Fletcher is essentially a domestic man, usually passing his leisure time at home. He is not a politician, but discharges his duty as a voter, his preference being the. Republican nominees and principles.
JOHN FUNK.
John Funk, one of the leading and public-spirited citizens of Ottawa, LaSalle county, is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in the town of Coblentz, on the river Rhine, August 1, 1838. When he was five years of age he accompanied his parents, Francis J. and Elizabeth (Burger) Funk, to America, taking passage in a sailing vessel, the Victoria, at the port of Havre de Grace, France. After a long, tedious voyage of many weeks the little party landed at their destination, New Orleans, and
I7I
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
proceeded by steamer up the Mississippi river. At first the family lived in LaSalle, but later removed to the vicinity of Rutland, where the father purchased a tract of land of John Green. The wife and mother was sum- moned to her final rest in 1847, and soon after that sad event the father bought a lot and built a house near the old Fox River Hotel, in Ottawa, making his home here until 1852.
The year mentioned was a notable one to John Funk, for though but fourteen years of age, his father permitted him to become his companion on a trip across the plains. They started with an ox team on April I, and reached Shasta, California, on the 8th of September following. For eleven months they prospected, being at the placer mines of the Pitt and Grace rivers chiefly, and at the expiration of that time they returned to this state, better satisfied than ever before with its advantages. Francis J. Funk married Esther Morton, a native of Massachusetts, and two children were born of their union. Eliza, their daughter, was reared in the family of a Mr. Reddick, by whose surname she was called. The death of Francis J. Funk occurred in 1880, when he was in his eighty-second year, at his homestead adjoining the town of Streator.
Upon his return to this state from California John Funk resumed agricultural pursuits, to which he gave his attention until he reached his majority. Then, going to Streator, he embarked in the lumber business, selling out his interest in the same in 1870. His next venture was to be- come a member of the firm subsequently known as McCormick & Funk, grain dealers, and in this enterprise he met with great success. At the close of a year and a half he bought his partner's interest and moved the build- ings and business to Long Point, Livingston county, Illinois. He remained there for eighteen months, then leasing the property and returning to his father's old homestead near Streator. He assisted in the management of the farm during the last years of the elder man's life, and continued to carry on the place until 1888. For the last eleven years he has lived in Ottawa, and has occupied the residence on Columbus street which was formerly owned by his sister, who died a number of years ago. He is the owner of one thousand acres of excellent farm land in Valley county, Nebraska, and of a valuable improved homestead of two hundred and forty acres near the town of Wallace, LaSalle county. Many of the leading industries of Streator found an influential friend and supporter in Mr. Funk. One of the founders of the Streator Coal Company, he was a stockholder and a director of the organization for years, and was a director and vice-president of the Streator Bottle and Glass Company for several years. In political principles he is clear-minded, and, though he never sought or desired public office, his friends and neighbors frequently brought forward his name as
172
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
a candidate for local positions, with the result that he was elected and served as one of the trustees of Streator, as assessor of the town, and as assessor of the town of Bruce, and held various other offices, acquitting himself in a creditable manner.
In the autumn of 1864 Mr. Funk and Miss Mary Rich, of Streator, were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents, H. and Mary (Strockbien) Rich. Eight children bless their union, namely: Elizabeth, now the wife of E. S. Kempton, of Adams, Livingston county, Illinois; Amelia, Mrs. William H. Hendricks, of Sandwich, Illinois; Ella, who mar- ried Frank Egan, of Ottawa; Mary, wife of R. H. Smith, a member of the firm of Funk & Smith, grain dealers of Streator; Lydia, Fannie and Sylvia, who are at home; and Frank, who is a high school student.
THOMAS SULLIVAN.
Thomas Sullivan, of Allen township, LaSalle county, is one of the sub- stantial and influential farmers of northern Illinois and represents that type of citizenship of whom any community might well be proud. He has amassed a considerable property by hard work and good judgment dis- played in looking after his business, and his achievements in this regard cannot but be a source of gratification to him and his family. Starting in life a poor boy, with no one to help him to prosperity, he has shown what an American lad can accomplish when possessed of ambition, industry, per- severance and frugal habits. His example will act as an incentive to the youth of this age, by firing their ambitions, and his life is well worthy their emulation. He was born in Norway, on May 2, 1835. The death of his father left his mother and three small children without means. She was a woman not easily daunted, and at once set to work to earn a living for herself and little ones. She was not afraid of hard work and the endurance she displayed in caring for her family was one of the characteristics which made her successful in her efforts. She was called to the higher life in 1846, leaving one daughter, Julia, and two sons, Thomas and Avian, of Norway township, to bless her memory.
Thomas Sullivan was reared to manhood by Samuel Pierson, of this county. He first labored three years, receiving no wages, and when he reached an age when he was able to engage his services for wages he worked for Ole Anderson, the first year receiving a pair of calves and the second year four dollars per month. He was frugal in his habits, and soon was able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land, paying therefor six dollars per acre. He continued to save his earnings and add to his
I73
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
original purchase until he had secured six hundred and forty acres of land in this township. This is well improved and cultivated, and is as valuable as any land in the state. It is provided with good groves, which furnish the necessary shade for the stock, while the large, commodious barns and a modern residence, which was constructed at a cost of five thousand dol- lars, make his land one of the most attractive in this section.
Mr. Sullivan and Miss Margaret Ann Thompson were joined hand and heart and have traveled the path of life together for many years. Ten children have blessed their union-six daughters and four sons-namely: Isabella Curren, of Aurora, Illinois; Mary Ann Nelson, a resident of Minne- sota; Sarah; Martin; John Allen, who resides in Meeker county, Minnesota, on a farm of three hundred acres, which is the property of his father; Nellie, who lives at home; Ila Anderson, Minnesota; Lydia, Frank and Marshall, all at home. Mr. Sullivan and his family are attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are members, and where they are earnest workers. He is a Republican in politics and represents that party as assessor of Allen township. He also renders effective service as a member of the school board and is one of the most honorable and esteemed men of the county.
ALBERT E. BUTTERS.
About sixteen years ago Albert E. Butters was admitted to the bar of LaSalle county, and for eleven years of this period he was engaged in the practice of his profession alone. Since 1894 he has been associated in partnership with Robert Carr and George J. Gleim, under the firm name of Butters, Carr & Gleim. They enjoy an extensive practice, of the most representative type, and number on the list of their clients many of the leading business houses and prominent citizens of Ottawa and LaSalle county.
William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Butters, the parents of our subject, were natives of Scotland. Both were born and reared in the city of Glas- gow, and there was celebrated their marriage. Soon after that event the young couple sailed for America, the land of opportunity, and reached New York city in 1851. They continued their westward journey, coming direct to Ottawa, and within a short time they settled in the village of Harding, in Freedom township. The father opened a blacksmith shop and built up a good trade, but the continuance of California gold discoveries eventually led to his journeying to the Pacific slope. There he spent two years in the gold-mining region. Returning to his old home in Freedom township, he continued to cultivate and improve his farm until the death of
174
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
his loved wife, December 30, 1883. He removed to Ottawa at that time, and died in this city November 29, 1896, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Butters was born in 1821, and was consequently in her sixty-third year at the time of her demise. Of their seven children two, William and James, are deceased. Agnes married a Mr. Wilcox; Elizabeth is the wife of C. C. Carpenter; Anna, married C. H. Stockley, of Freedom township; and Jane is the wife of C. K. Howard.
Albert E. Butters was born in Freedom township, LaSalle county, September 22, 1865. He grew up on the farm and received the customary district school education of the period. Later he graduated in the Ottawa high school and then pursued a course of commercial studies in the Ottawa Business College. Thus well equipped for the practical duties of life, he obtained a position as a teacher, and during the following three years was in charge of schools at Harding and Dayton, Illinois. In the meantime he spent his leisure hours in the study of law, and was admitted to practice in 1883, as previously stated. By strict attention to business, and by the exercise of the talents with which he is liberally endowed, he has risen to an enviable position among the members of his profession, and commands a large share of the patronage of the public. Socially he is connected with Freedom Lodge, No. 194, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and polit- ically he is an active worker in the Democratic party.
On the 18th of February, 1890, Mr. Butters married Miss Ida B. Hayes, a daughter of George Hayes, a leading citizen of East Saginaw, Michigan. November 19, 1892, was the date of the birth of their son, Harold.
GRANT CONARD.
Ottawa boasts of no more ambitious, enterprising young men than he of whom this sketch is penned. Admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Illinois, in 1895, he immediately embarked in the practice of law at Ottawa. He also became interested in the sale of real estate, particularly farm lands in Indiana, Missouri and Texas. To those various states, and to others in the great and prosperous west, he for several years conducted excursions of homeseekers, and was successful in locating a large number of families, happily and to their entire satisfaction. Recently, however, on account of his large and steadily increasing law practice, he has found it necessary to abandon his real-estate operations and devote his entire time to the interests of his clients. In view of the fact that he has been engaged in the practice of law but a few years, and when he started had his reputation to make, his success has been marked, and his future is full of promise.
Franklowand
175
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
The ancestors of Grant Conard were undoubtedly Germans, the correct name being "Conrad." But neither the date of their first settlement in America nor the manner in which the name became changed can be definitely ascertained. Certain it is, however, that for a number of generations prior to the Revolutionary war his ancestors resided in the colony of Virginia and were leading and respected people in that aristocratic old state. The great-grandfather of our subject, Anthony Conard, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and all of his descendants have been noted for patriotism and loyal citizenship. The father of Anthony Conard was John Conard, a native of Virginia. His children were Anthony, John, Jonathan, Nathan, Joseph and Susan. Anthony was born at the foot of the Blue Ridge moun- tains, in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1760, and was but a mere boy when he enlisted in the patriot army. After the war he resided in Virginia, near the plantation of General Washington, with whom he was personally acquainted, and upon at least one occasion General Washington was a visitor at the home of Anthony Conard.
In 1827 Anthony Conard emigrated to the state of Ohio. He lived one year in Belmont county and then located in Licking county, Ohio, near the village of Utica, where he died in 1843. He was buried on the farm of his brother Joseph, near Utica, Ohio.
Anthony Conard, Jr., grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia, in October, 1799, and died in Crawford county, Illinois, December 26, 1851. In 1821 he married Nancy Gregg, a native of Virginia. She was born in 1801 and died in LaSalle county, Illinois, in 1847. The eldest son of Anthony and Nancy Conard was David Wilson Conard, father of our subject. (The name "Wilson" was the family name of Nancy Gregg's mother.) David WV. Conard was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, April 7, 1825, and died in LaSalle county, Illinois, April 24, 1899. He removed to Licking county, Ohio, with his parents in 1828, and came to LaSalle county, Illinois, on horseback from Licking county, Ohio, arriving here May 24, 1846. Soon after coming to this county he located on what is now section 30 of Miller township, and engaged in farming, in which business he was unusually successful, becoming one of the largest landowners in this county. His success is a striking example of what may be accomplished by a youth who has the energy and perseverance to seize upon opportunity, and to master it by diligence and perseverance.
David W. Conard was a man of sterling worth. Unassuming, unosten- tatious, he had no political ambitions, but was forced at various times to accept the honorary offices of his town. He practiced strict economy with himself, but was generous to others. He was a splendid example of the citizen farmer, informed upon the matters pertaining to his country's wel-
176
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
fare, regarding these not simply from the standpoint of a partisan, but from the broader view of a patriot. It is with pleasure that we insert here a brief extract from the resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the First National Bank of Marseilles, Illinois, upon the death of this old settler.
"Resolved, That in the death of David W. Conard this board loses a member who for an unbroken period of twenty years had been a director of this association. His long period of service is thus coincident with much of the entire history of the bank; yet his business activities were so intense and extended that his work here was but a small part of that restless energy by which he attained success and became conspicuous in his chosen field of practical enterprise. David W. Conard was pre-eminently a self-made man, of that self-reliant American type which creates and wins success. He always took an active interest in public affairs, and held public positions of responsibility and trust, and yet such was the versatility of his mind that he found time for a wide range of reading, and in his literary attainments had written papers and poems on practical subjects of the day.
"Our departed friend lies in the sleep of death, and after reviewing the activities of his busy life it is hard to realize that he is still in death.
To rest forever, after earthly strife, In the calm light of everlasting life."
David W. Conard was married in LaSalle county, Illinois, March 17, 1853. to Elizabeth J. (Grove) Conard. Of the children born of this marriage but three are living, Wilson, born October 5, 1863, residing upon a farm in Rutland township in this county; Laura, born November 15, 1860, now the wife of Samuel H. Montgomery, of Marseilles, Illinois; and our subject, Grant, born August 5. 1867. Elizabeth (Grove) Conard was born in Licking county, Ohio, January 17, 1828. She was a daughter of David and Anna (Howser) Grove. David Grove was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, October 14, 1804, and died in this county February 18, 1880. Anna (Howser) Grove was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, December 2, 1805, and died in this county August 8, 1849. David and Anna (Howser) Grove were married in Licking county, Ohio, December 22, 1826, and came to LaSalle county, Illinois, in December, 1829, being among the very first settlers of this county. During the Indian troubles and the Black Hawk war David Grove and family lived in the old fort in Ottawa, to which place they had fled when warned by Shabbona of the approach of the murderous Black Hawk and his tribe. The mother of our subject is still living and has a vivid recollection of the stirring scenes of her childhood. She resides with her daughter, Laura, in Marseilles, Illinois. She is one of the few
177
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
survivors of that rugged band of pioneers who prepared the way for the advanced civilization of to-day-who left the comforts and luxuries of their eastern homes, braved the dangers and privations of a new country and on the rough borders of civilization toiled and suffered and died that their children might inherit the promise.
David Grove was a son of John and Barbara (Lienbarger) Grove, natives of Germany, the correct name for Grove being "Graff." Barbara was born in 1773 and died in LaSalle county, Illinois, in June, 1853.
The birth of Grant Conard took place in Miller township, this county, and during his boyhood he attended the district school of the neighborhood at such times as he could be spared from the work of the farm. After attain- ing his majority he attended the Grand Prairie Seminary, Onarga, Illinois; Ottawa Business College; Columbia School of Oratory, Chicago; and the Kent College of Law, Chicago. He taught in the public schools of this county several years, and also taught in the Ottawa Business College. For three years that institution was under the management of Mr. Conard, this being prior to his entrance into the legal profession. He read law in the office of Lincoln & Stead, prominent attorneys of this place. Mr. Conard is a stanch Democrat and has taken considerable interest in local politics.
The year which witnessed Mr. Conard's entrance into the professional world was marked by an event of equal importance in his career, as on November 7th of that year Miss Mildred Shaver became his wife. Her par- ents, George D. and Fidelia (Munson) Shaver, were among the early settlers of LaSalle county, and here Mrs. Conard was born and reared. She was born February 5, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Conard have two children, namely: Horace Milton, born August 6, 1896, and Fidelia Elizabeth, born April 17, 1898.
George D. Shaver was born in this county January 28, 1839. He was a son of Cyrus and Betsey (Hackett) Shaver. Cyrus Shaver was born in Licking county, Ohio, August 30, 1812, and died in this county February 21, 1883. Betsey (Hackett) Shaver was born in Wheeling, Virginia, November 4, 1815, and is now living in this county. The parents of Cyrus Shaver were David and Nancy (Grove) Shaver. David Shaver was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, October 10, 1787, and died in this county January 2, 1848. Nancy (Grove) Shaver was born in Virginia. July 31, 1791. They were married August 8, 1811. The father of David Shaver was Nicholas Shaver, a native of Virginia. George D. and Fidelia (Munson) Shaver were married in this county December 20, 1860. George D. is a prominent farmer of LaSalle county, Illinois, and resides upon a farm in Rutland township. Fidelia (Munson) Shaver was born in this county No- vember 18, 1840, and died in this county, February 28, 1891. She was a
178
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
daughter of William and Rachel (Hall) Munson. William Munson was born in Onondaga county, New York, October 5, 1806, and died in this county February 16, 1879. He settled in LaSalle county, Illinois, in 1833. His father was Hiram Munson, a native of New York. Rachel (Hall) Munson was born in Kentucky, in 1817. She was a daughter of William and Mary J. R. (Wilburs) Hall. William Hall was born in Georgia, in 1787, and his wife Mary was born in Kentucky, the same year. William Hall and wife and their daughter Elizabeth were massacred by the Indians, at the Indian Creek massacre, in Freedom township, LaSalle county, Illinois, May 20, 1832, and their two daughters, Rachel and Sylvia, were taken captive by the Indians. Rachel died in LaSalle county, Illinois, May 20, 1870.
JOHN H. ANDERSON.
No one can hear the story of John Hunter Anderson's life and fail to be impressed with the pluck and fortitude which he has manifested. Nor can one refrain from deeply admiring and respecting this worthy citizen of Streator, and at the same time must learn many lessons from his brave struggles with adversity and obstacles which would have daunted the spirit of most men.
A native of Airdrie, Scotland, born July 8, 1859, our subject is a son of William and Mary (Hunter) Anderson and a grandson of John Anderson and John Hunter. The parents, who are likewise natives of the land of heather, are still living, their home being in Streator. They emigrated to the United States when their son, John H., was an infant but nine months old, and for a number of years Mr. Anderson was inspector of coal mines at Braidwood and Streator, Illinois, later acting in the same capacity at Virden.
The boyhood of our subject was spent in Braidwood, Will county, Illinos, chiefly, his educational advantages being limited, as he commenced working in the coal mines at the early age of ten years. Eight long, tedious years the lad was thus employed, at the end of which time he met with the great calamity of his life. A large portion of the roof of the mine in which he and his brother were working collapsed, and when he was extri- cated it was found that his spine was seriously injured. Paralysis of the lower limbs resulted, and for a long time he was practically helpless. When he had partially recovered the brave youth set about the task of mastering the science of telegraphy, and is entirely self-taught. At length he was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company at Streator, and remained with that concern for twelve years. In 1892 he became the man-
179
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
ager of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company's office at Streator, and still occupies this responsible position. He has proved himself faithful and efficient, and enjoys the confidence and sincere respect of all who know him. In early life he formed careful, frugal habits, and, partly owing to this, and partly to the fact that he has made judicious investments of his savings, he is now the possessor of a competence. He owns three good residences in Streator, and rents two of them, while the third is his own home, and besides he has money invested in the wholesale and retail tobacco business.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.