USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > Biographical and genealogical record of La Salle County, Illinois. Volume I > Part 37
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LORENZO HAYER. ,
Owning and occupying a nice farm and a pleasant rural home on section 16, Miller township, LaSalle county, Illinois, not far distant from the little town of Danway, is found the subject of this review, Lorenzo Hayer.
Mr. Hayer was born and reared in the township in which he lives, the date of his birth being July 14, 1853, and is a son of Norwegian parents. Hans Hayer, his father, was born in Norway, July 28, 1822, and in his early manhood came to America, settling first in Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1842, where he remained two years, until 1844. That year he came to Illinois and took up his abode in LaSalle county. Here, in the year 1849, he was married to Miss Sarah Elefson, who was born January 13, 1831.
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They lived on a farm in LaSalle county until 1885, and reared their family here. Since 1894 they have been residents of Iowa. They are the parents of five children, four daughters and a son, viz .: Lorenzo; Julia, wife of M. J. Danielson, of Lamoni, Iowa; Ellen; Sarah, wife of W. E. Hougas, of Iowa; and Carrie.
Lorenzo Hayer was reared to farm life and has never been engaged in any other business. His present farm on section 16, above referred to, com- prises one hundred and forty acres. It has a good residence and other farm buildings and is among the desirable farms of the locality.
Mr. Hayer was married March 17, 1881, to Miss Bertha Danielson, at Earlville, this county. Mrs. Hayer is a daughter of Christopher and Ann Danielson, early settlers of LaSalle county. Their family comprises nine children, namely: M. J., D. C., Bertha, O. M., Ida, E. A., D. N., Mary Gaard and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Hayer have four children-Minnie E., Lida, Andentia and Vernie.
Mr. Hayer is a Republican, and is now serving his district as school trustee. He and his family are members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
B. FRANK GAGE.
On the old family homestead of the Gage family the subject of this sketch was born, March 30, 1858, his parents being Isaac and Lucy Gage. His father was one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county and for many years was numbered among the leading farmers of this section of Illinois. He was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, November 7, 1815, and in 1837, when twenty-two years of age, he determined to try his fortune in the then far west. Accordingly he made his way to Illinois, casting in his lot with the early settlers of LaSalle county during the formative period of its development. Throughout his life he devoted his energies to agri- cultural pursuits, and so capably managed his business interests that he became one of the extensive land-owners of the community, his possessions aggregating one thousand acres, partly in LaSalle county and partly in northeastern Iowa. Here Mr. Gage was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Little, a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of James Little, who came to this county at an early day. The young couple began their domestic life on the farm in Brookfield township, which is now the home of our subject, and there they reared their family of four children, named as follows: Louisa C., wife of S. T. Osgood, of Marseilles; Mrs. H. E. Baughman, of Mar- seilles; Mrs. Ida Atkin, who is deceased; and B. Frank. The father exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of
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the Republican party and for a number of years acceptably served his township as supervisor. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he was a director in the National Bank at Marseilles, and his reputation was that of a reliable and substantial business man. Both he and his wife were con- sistent members of the Presbyterian church, and both died when seventy years of age.
B. F. Gage spent his childhood and youth on the old home farm midst play and work. He attended the public schools of Marseilles, acquiring a good practical education, and was trained to habits of industry and perse- verance in the fields. He is now living on the old family homestead, which comprises four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, under a high state of cultivation. He has a high-grade stock farm and is known throughout this section of Illinois for the excellence of his cattle. The improvements on his place are many and modern, consisting of a pleasant and commodious residence, substantial barns, good fences and the latest improved machinery.
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gage and Miss Cornelia V. Carr, a native of LaSalle county and a daughter of Nathan Carr, now deceased. Her father was a prominent farmer in Brookfield township, where her mother still resides. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gage has been blessed with four children: Ida A., Carrie L., Lawrence and an infant son. Mr. Gage is a Republican in his political faith and is deeply interested in the growth and success of his party, but has never sought office. Like his father, he is a director in the National Bank of Marseilles, and it is such substantial stockholders that have made the institution one of the most reliable financial concerns in the state. In manner he is cordial and courte- ous, and has gained a large circle of friends, including many who have known him since his boyhood days.
WILLIAM V. S. ANNIN.
A valued citizen of Marseilles is the gentleman of whom this sketch is penned, his residence here dating back almost a score of years. In tracing his lineage it is found that he comes from honored old New Jersey families, and that in him are united two quite distinct nationalities, the Scotch and the Holland-Dutch, both noted for integrity, industry and thrift, for a high sense of honor and for patriotism and many other of the noblest qualities which animate mankind.
John Annin, who was born in Scotland, was the founder of the Annin family in New Jersey. One of his descendants was Jonathan Annin, of Liberty Corner, Somerset county, New Jersey, and one of the latter's chil- dren was Joseph S., the father of our subject. He was a soldier in the war
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of 1812, and was a merchant by occupation. He married Miss Ellen Schenck, a daughter of Ferdinand Schenck, of Dutch ancestry. Mr. Schenck was a successful agriculturist in New Jersey for many years.
William V. S. Annin was born in Millstone, Somerset county, New Jersey, November 28, 1827, and in his boyhood received a liberal education. He remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority, and in 1849, during the great gold excitement on the Pacific coast, he sailed for California, going around Cape Horn. He was not very favorably impressed with the west nor the prospects of acquiring a fortune, and the following year he returned to New York city. At New Brunswick, New Jersey, he embarked in a mercantile business, which occupied his time and attention for twenty years. TLANTA, GA.
In 1870 he concluded to come to Illinois, and, locating found employment with the Marseilles Manufacturing rge of the store of supplies, bolts, screws, and similar ope he will d to act in this position year after year, winning the will of all associated in business with him, and only el him to abandon his post of duty, recently.
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pagardutorick residence of the Annin family is located on West mable lady who presides over the well-being of the ly Miss Harriet M. Plummer, her marriage to Mr. Lar mor qued in Brooklyn, New York, June 2, 1858. She was R on 1 .last R visi city, and is the only daughter of Roswell and Harriet arejer, who were natives of Vermont, but who after their lyn. Seven children blessed the union of our subject Roswell P. is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cali- je wife of Howard M. Weirick, of Phoenix, Arizona; S
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JULIUS L. LEIX.
ung business man of Ottawa, Julius L. Leix is of possesses the sterling traits of the Teutonic race. ans, he is actively interested in whatever is of benefit ch he dwells, and to that end he uses his ballot and
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the Republican party and for a number of years acceptably served his township as supervisor. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he was a director in the National Bank at Marseilles, and his reputation was that of a reliable and substantial business man. Both he and his wife were con- sistent members of the Presbyterian church, and both died when seventy years of age.
B. F. Gage spent his childhood and youth on the old home farm midst play and work. He attended the public schools of Marseilles, acquiring a good practical education, and was trained to habits of industry and perse- verance in the fields. He is now living on the old family homestead, which comprises four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, under a high state of cultivation. He has a high-grade stock farm and ut. this section of Illinois for the excellence of his cattle. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin, of Sarg Neb., are visiting with Mrs. M. on his place are many and modern, consisting of a pleaNewport.
residence, substantial barns, good fences and the latest Our school house is receiving a cor
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ga Mr. Burkhardt is giving his st V. Carr. a native of LaSalle county and a daughter building and dwelling house its ann
deceased. Her father was a prominent farmer in Broo
her mother still resides. The union of Mr. and Mrs. have arrived and are now domici near the school house on the hill. with four children: Ida A., Carrie L., Lawrence ar Communion services at the Cong Gage is a Republican in his political faith and is degational church next Sunday morni CARD OF THANKS growth and success of his party, but has never so The undersigned desire to expr father, he is a director in the National Bank of Myour thanks to all who so kindly mil substantial stockholders that have made the instit tered to us in our sad bereavement, the loss of our son and brother. wish especially to express our appr iation of the sympathy and helpfuln as shown by the teachers and pupils the public school. reliable financial concerns in the state. In manner h ous, and has gained a large circle of friends, incl known him since his boyhood days.
WILLIAM V. S. ANNIN
A valued citizen of Marseilles is the gentleman penned, his residence here dating back almost a sc his lineage it is found that he comes from honored and that in him are united two quite distinct natic the Holland-Dutch, both noted for integrity, indus. sense of honor and for patriotism and many othe; which animate mankind.
John Annin, who was born in Scotland, was family in New Jersey. One of his descendants Liberty Corner, Somerset county, New Jersey, ans dren was Joseph S .. the father of our subject. Ha-
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Ray and Ethel Porter are students the High school, and will attend t winter term.
Quite a lot of land seekers went w on the excursion Tuesday from tl place.
Our community was greatly excit last Friday when the news came th John Held had shot himself with t intention of suicide. He left hor Thursday with his gun, and neighbo searched all day for him and could n find him. Friday he was found in : old deserted house. in the cellar, wi a bullet hole in his forehead, but was still conscious. He was taken the hospital in Ottawa, and it is no believed he will recover.
The masons are laying the found tion of the Hagihouse. C. Shaefer h. the carpenter work to do.
Mrs. William Whitmore and so Charles, of Wilmington, are visitir friends here this week.
R. Wormley is talking of having furnace put in his house.
Rev. Taylor now preaches at 0
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Mr. Evans' family of Pennsylvan
WM. VOIGHT AND FAMILY, Kangley, Ill
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
of 1812, and was a merchant by occupation. He married Miss Ellen Schenck, a daughter of Ferdinand Schenck, of Dutch ancestry. Mr. Schenck was a successful agriculturist in New Jersey for many years.
William V. S. Annin was born in Millstone, Somerset county, New Jersey, November 28, 1827, and in his boyhood received a liberal education. He remained under the parental roof until he reached his majority, and in 1849, during the great gold excitement on the Pacific coast, he sailed for California, going around Cape Horn. He was not very favorably impressed with the west nor the prospects of acquiring a fortune, and the following year he returned to New York city. At New Brunswick, New Jersey, he embarked in a mercantile business, which occupied his time and attention for twenty years. In 1870 he concluded to come to Illinois, and, locating in Marseilles, he soon found employment with the Marseilles Manufacturing Company, having charge of the store of supplies, bolts, screws, and similar fittings. He continued to act in this position year after year, winning the approbation and good will of all associated in business with him, and only his severe illness caused him to abandon his post of duty, recently.
The substantial brick residence of the Annin family is located on West Bluff street. The estimable lady who presides over the well-being of the household was formerly Miss Harriet M. Plummer, her marriage to Mr. Annin being solemnized in Brooklyn, New York, June 2, 1858. She was born and reared in that city, and is the only daughter of Roswell and Harriet (Chamberlain) Plummer, who were natives of Vermont, but who after their marriage lived in Brooklyn. Seven children blessed the union of our subject and wife, and of these Roswell P. is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cali- fornia; Harriet M. is the wife of Howard M. Weirick, of Phoenix, Arizona; Louise E. is the wife of E. R. Spencer, of Marseilles; William S. is living in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mary T. is the wife of Walter Hobart, of Marseilles; and Joseph S. and Nellie W. are at home. In all of the varied relations of life, whether in business, society or in the home, Mr. Annin has nobly performed his duties, and to his children he will leave a record of which they may justly be proud.
JULIUS L. LEIX.
A representative young business man of Ottawa, Julius L. Leix is of German ancestry, and possesses the sterling traits of the Teutonic race. Like all patriotic Americans, he is actively interested in whatever is of benefit to the community in which he dwells, and to that end he uses his ballot and influence.
He is one of the seven children of Dionys and Victoria (Rapp) Leix,
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
who were natives of Germany. Mrs. Leix departed this life July 30, 1899. His brothers and sisters are named as follows: John, Joseph, Frank, Kate, Sophia, and Victoria. Kate became the wife of George Jobst, of Ottawa; Sophia is the wife of L. S. Ball, of LaSalle county; and Victoria married Robert Richardson.
The birth of Julius L. Leix took place in this town, October 17, 1870, and with his brothers and sisters he acquired thorough knowledge of both the English and German languages in his childhood. For several years he has been engaged in the hotel business, for which he seems to have special talent, and is widely known and popular among the traveling public and his local patrons. His father was the manager of the Washington House in this place for some time, but has retired. Julius L. is the proprietor of the National Hotel, which is centrally situated, at No. 303 Main street. The building, which is a commodious, modern brick structure, sixty by seventy feet in dimensions, and three stories in height, was erected just ten years ago. It is furnished with fire escapes, is heated by steam and is fitted out in every way in a neat, attractive manner. There are forty-five rooms in the hotel, thus affording guests abundant opportunity of choice and location.
In 1897 Mr. Leix married Miss Carrie Kummer, of Ottawa, and one child, Andrew, has blessed the union of the young couple. Fraternally Mr. Leix belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the German Benevolent Society. Politically he is independent, using his franchise for the men and principles instead of party.
CHARLES C. STRONG.
What may be accomplished by a young man possessing brains, energy and good principles is exemplified in the life of Charles C. Strong, one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Grand Ridge, LaSalle county, and we are glad to be able to present to his numerous friends in business and social circles, here and elsewhere, the following synopsis of his career and history.
His father, Alfred W. Strong, was one of the honored early farmer settlers of DuPage county, Illinois, while his mother, who bore the maiden name of Orilla J. Crawford, was a native of Hudson, Ohio, and died when Charles C. was but two years of age. He was the second eldest of four children, the others being Emma, now the wife of Dr. M. Bullesfeld, of Troy Grove, Illinois; Caroline, who is unmarried and resides in Waterbury, Conn .; and Emmett, who died in New Mexico, about six years ago. The father, who was a man of liberal education and attainments, was killed by
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the cars while attending a Knights Templar conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, ! ten years ago, and was mourned by all who had known him.
The birth of Charles C. Strong took place four miles south of the town of Naperville, DuPage county, in 1862, and when he arrived at a suitable age he commenced attending the schools of his native place. Later he entered the local college and made good progress in his studies. Upon embarking in the world of business he obtained employment with the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad Company, and was telegraph operator and station and ticket agent and served in other capacities during the fourteen or fifteen years of his connection with that corporation. In 1894 he came to Grand Ridge, where he has invested considerable money, and where he intends to make his permanent home. Five years ago he established the now thriving Bank of Grand Ridge, and was one of the original stockholders in the First National Bank at Earlville, Illinois. He owns valuable real estate in various parts of this county, and brick business houses in Grand Ridge, heated with hot water throughout, with large plate-glass windows and finished in oak, this representing, in part, what he has achieved unaided. In his political views he favors the platform of the Republican party, and votes accordingly, and is usually in attendance at their political conventions. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being identified with the blue lodge, chapter and commandery of Knights Templars. Mr. Strong is a member of the village council and has under his supervision the construction of a sewer for draining Grand Ridge and various other local improvements for the upbuilding of Grand Ridge.
The marriage of Mr. Strong and Miss Abbie L. Aldrich took place at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Laura Aldrich, December 23, 1883. at Mendota, Illinois. Three sons and a little daughter bless the home of our subject and wife, their names in order of birth being as follows: Willis V., Robert, Orilla and Charles Howard. The family reside in an attractive home and within its hospitable walls their numerous friends are frequently entertained. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are members of the Presbyterian church at Grand Ridge.
JOSEPH E. BOND.
The native sons of Illinois are noted the country over for exceptional business ability, and those who have been so fortunate as to serve an apprenticeship in Chicago, the city of marvelous enterprise, must of neces- sity have become imbued with the spirit which prevails there. One of the young and progressive business men of Marseilles. J. E. Bond, was born in
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Champaign county, Illinois, in November, 1865, and consequently is in his early prime, full of ambition and promise.
The father of our subject was David Bond, a native of England and for years one of the representative citizens of Champaign county. The mother of J. E. Bond bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Edwards. With his two brothers and six sisters he passed his early years in his native town, attend- ing the public schools, and when he had completed his high-school course he entered the state university. Having spent as much time in preparation for the more serious duties of life as he felt justified in doing, Mr. Bond went to Chicago, where he obtained a position with the well known packing firm of Swift & Company, with whom he remained for eighteen months. Thus thoroughly initiated into the systematic methods of an extensive concern, he resigned his place in order to accept a better one with Baird & Company, and later was employed by the Link Belt Company. In November. 1895, he came to Marseilles and is now the superintendent of the Western Egg Case Company, and vice-president of the Bule Gas-Engine Company. He has worked untiringly for the prosperity of these two companies, and to his efforts are due much of their present success and high standing.
The marriage of Mr. Bond and Miss Margaret Moore, a daughter of the Rev. J. Moore, of Kewanee, Illinois, was solemnized at Lake Forest, Illinois. in September, 1894. They have two sons, Joseph E., Jr., and Roger M. Mr. and Mrs. Bond are members of the Congregational church, and are valued workers in the Sunday-school. They have many sincere friends here and elsewhere, and are justly esteemed by all who enjoy their acquaintance.
ISAAC H. BENNETT.
This gentleman is one of the progressive farmers and leading and public- spirited citizens of Deer Park township, LaSalle county, and as such his biography is of more than passing interest in this work.
Isaac Heman Bennett was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, June 30, 1835, a son of William Bennett and a grandson of Stephen Bennett. The Bennetts are descended from English and Scotch ancestors who were among the early settlers of Connecticut. Stephen Bennett passed his life in that state. His father grew up on the Connecticut frontier, around Great Barrington, among the red men of the forest and was necessarily one of the hardy pioneers of our colonial period. For the most part the Bennetts have been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and wherever they have lived have been among the leading and highly respected citizens of their respective localities. William Bennett, the father of Isaac H., brought his family to
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the west by the lake route to Chicago and by canal to Ottawa, Illinois, in 1852. He chose Deer Park township as his place of settlement and bought a tract of land, mostly wild and with scarcely an evidence of the white man's presence, and upon this tract he spent the rest of his life and died. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Brunson, survived him a number of years, her death occurring in 1899, at the age of eighty-six years. Their children are: Diana, the wife of Rev. A. S. Calkins, of Normal, Illinois; Isaac H .; George A., of Utica township; Henry F., of Deer Park township; Charles Franklin, of California; Edgar, of Mendota, Illinois; Edwin, of Iowa; Nelson G., of Livingston county, Illinois: and Emma, who died aged four years.
Isaac H. Bennett was seventeen years old when he first saw the prairies of LaSalle county. He remained a member of his father's household until his marriage, after which he was for a few years a renter. Then, in the early '6os, he bought a portion of his father's farm, and this he has improved and enlarged in area, and has made it his home. One of the first lessons he learned was that of industry. All his life he has practiced industry and a wise economy, and in consequence has reached a position of financial inde- pendence.
Mr. Bennett was married in January, 1856, to Miss Anna Reed, a daughter of Jonathan Reed, and the fruits of their union are three sons- William is a resident of his native township; Arthur E. is in California; and Milton G. is a minister of the Christian church in Iowa.
Politically Mr. Bennett has no public record. He has found it to his interest to support the Republican party in all elections affecting the state and nation, but has never been ambitious to possess any place of public trust.
A. CLEMENT.
The enterprise of New England and the progressive methods of doing business in the western states find exemplification in the daily life of Mr. Clement, proprietor of the Windsor Hotel, of Ottawa, for he has spent years in both parts of the Union and has thoroughly entered into the spirit of the communities in which he has dwelt.
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