USA > Illinois > Biographical and memorial edition of the Historical encyclopedia of Illinois > Part 76
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In 1884 Aaron Hodgman Cole was graduated "from Colgate University, with the degrees of A. B. and A. M., and later took up post graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, and was a student there in 1893, 1896, and 189S. After graduation he became an instructor of natural science in a well known institution, serving as such from 1884 to 1SSS, and from the latter year until 1892, was a lecturer on zoology and geology at Colgate University. In 1893, he became in- structor in zoology in the biological laboratory, at Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y., but in 1895, left in order to become lecturer on biology for the extension division of the University of Chicago, which position he held for a year. In 1896, he became instructor of the technique of biology projection, and the anaesthesia of animals at the University of Chicago. From 1895 until his demise, he was a popular lecturer on bacteri- ology. Mr. Cole had the inventive faculty, also developed and turned his attention towards pro- ducing apparatus to use in his lectures, and was the inventor of much screen type machinery, one appliance being for projecting likenesses of microscopic plants and animals on the stereop- ticon screen. He made many discoveries in his experiments on anaesthesia of animals, and de-
veloped a successful system of culture of the amoeba, as well as a method of showing the movement of sap in leaves. He belonged to a number of literary and scientific organizations, including the American Association for Advance- ment of Science, the American Health League, Chicago Advisory Committee and Authors' League, the National Educational Association, the Illinois Siate Microscopic Society, the National Geographical Society, and the Illinois State Academy of Science. He was also a mem- ber of the Reta Theta Pi college fraternity. For some years, he was associate editor of the United Editors Encyclopedia and Dictionary, and was the author of numerous scientific and valuable papers entitled "The Projection Microscope and Its Ese," and "Anesthesia of Animals and Plants." He was the author and publisher of the "Manual of Biological Projection and Anesthesia of Animais," in 1907. In religious faith he was a devout Baptist.
On December 29, 1855, Mr. Cole was united in marriage with Sarah Mason of Greenwich, N. Y., a daughter of Alonzo Truman and Julia (Heath) Mason, natives of Little Rock, Ark., and Green- wich, N. Y., respectively. Mr. Mason was an attorney who practiced at Greenwich, N. Y. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Cole were sent as the missionaries to Little Rock, Ark., in a day when that section was still a wilderness. The trials of those excellent people in that In- dian-infested territory, are interestingly re- corded in a journal still in the possession of the family.
HENRY PRENTICE WALTON.
Whole-souled love of humanity, intimate knowledge of the requirements of his less for- tunate fellow-men, kindliness of heart and true Christianity are traits that go to the making of Quincy's greatest philanthropist, Henry Prentice Walton, one of the venerable residents of the county seat of Adams County. He is a man whose efforts in behalf of his kind have made him a distinguished figure throughout the state, and yet he bears his honors quietly and modestly, content that he has forwarded a noble work, and brought sunshine into many a darkened life.
Henry Prentice Walton was born at Arling- ton, Mass., April 25, 1532, and comes of a long fine of distinguished men. Ile is a son of Jonathan and Eliza (Locke) Walton, both na-
tives of Massachusetts. His grandfather, Ben- jamin Walton, and his eight brothers, nine members of the Walton family, and Joseph Locke, the maternal grandfather, served in the Revolutionary war. Edward Monroe, the great- grandfather of Mr. Walton on his mother's side, was a grandson of William Monroe, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America in 1652 and settled in Lexington, Mass. Edward Monroe enlisted in the king's army at the age of twenty-one, serving in the French and In- dian war, and was present at the capture of Quebec, and twelve years later was fighting the British at Lexington and Bunker Hill. He later enlisted under General Washington and served as a colonel until near the end of the war, when his death was caused by a cannon ball
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as he was leaving famous Valley Forge with his soldiers. Ile is buried at Lexington, Mass. The American founder of the Walton family, Rev. William Walton, came from Exeter, Eng- land, to Reading, Mass., as early as 1632. With such military ancestry, it was but nat- ural that Mr. Walton should desire to serve his country during the Civil war. He enlisted in the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Infantry, but to his extreme regret, was refused on account of physical disability. His brother, Joseph Locke Walton, was more fortunate, and served five years in this struggle, receiving his hon- orable discharge at the close of the war. In 1873, Mr. Walton came to Quincy, and since then has been one of the controlling factors of the city, holding with distinguished capability many positions of responsibility in business, political and humanitarian circles. From the time he cast his vote for John C. Fremont, Mr. Walton has voted the Republcan ticket in state and national matters. He served efficiently and conscientiously as superintendent of streets of Quincy, for sixteen years, and for fifteen years as president of the cemetery board. In the marts of business, he was equally active, being president of the Sheridan Stove Company for many years, and has also been on the board of directors of many of the leading industries here, as his name is valued as giving absolute promise of careful administration of affairs, and solidarity of policy. The Congregational church has, in Mr. Walton, a faithful and gen- erous member, while Mrs. Walton is equally prominent in the Episcopal body. For half a century Mr. Walton has taken a very active part in Masonic affairs, being a thirty-second degree Mason, and he also takes great interest in the Knights of Pythias.
On November 13, 1873, Mr. Walton was mar- ried in Quincy to Sarah E. Jackson. Mrs. Wal- ton was born in Boston, one block from the old State House. Her paternal great-grand- father was one of the colonists who, disguised as Indians, participated in the celebrated "Bos- ton Tea Party."
It is, however, in connection with his work as president of the Humane Society, that Mr. Walton feels that he has carried out his ideals of life. As is well known, the work of the Hu- mane Society in Adams County is to distribute
suitable literature on humane subjects to the school children, so that their plastic minds be given correct ideas relative to their responsi- bility towards weaker creatures; to visit the in- mates of the charitable institutions and see that these wards of the county are treated humanely and considerately ; and to provide for the crec- tion and maintenance of proper drinking foun- tains. In conjunction with these objects, the society has also cared for unfortunate children. Some of the prominent people who have been associated with Mr. Walton in his charities and work in the Humane Society are: Judge Lyman MeCarl, S. R. Woods, H. S. Brown, Fred G. Wolfe, John HI. Best, John Fowley, George F. Miller, J. W. Brown, C. W. Breitwieser, E. R. Chatten, J. W. Markus, Mrs. James Woodruff, Mrs. E. K. Sweet, Mrs. Margaret Dick, Miss Louise Maertz, Miss May M. Croket, and others, who have the welfare of all at heart. For the past sixteen years, Mr. Walton has held the presidency of this society. He no longer takes an active part in business affairs, although re- taining his interests. Such a man, with so profound a sense of responsibility for others and an inherent piety, is a power in any commu- nity. His executive force has been fully dis- played in occupying the presidency of the Hu- mane Society, for he admirably organized and carried on to successful completion many phases of the work, so that the future of this powerful force is assured. He gained a remarkable hold upon the thinking men and women of the county, and opened up to them avenues of endeavor never before appreciated, through which their naturally charitable impulses could find suitable egress.
Mr. Walton is a man who has ever possessed and showed forth an industrious spirit, untiring zeal, a real love of humanitarian work, com- bined with ideals of the highest nature, so that when he directed these virtues in charitable channels, the result was bound to be beneficial to those who were most of all in need of such action. In the course of nature, his earthly chapter will be completed, but finis will not be written to his work. Its influence is mightier than his humanity, and will live long after him, for it was built upon the sound foundation of unselfish devotion to the unfortunate and with a Christ-like love for those in need.
منوع نهف
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OSCAR PAUL HUCK.
When the aged branch is lopped from the human tree, no poignant regret may be felt, for realization comes that its time of usefulness is over and in the course of nature it must make way for the younger sprouts, but when the storm strips off one of the limbs which is still filled with sap, and needed to support part of the structure, then is it difficult indeed to under- stand the plans of divinity, or to appreciate the reasons for such a loss. The city of Quincy suffered just such a loss when death came to Oscar P. Huck of that city, for he was recog. nized as one of its representative and important men. Not only had he made a success of his business life, but he left his impress upon events as a scholar and versatile man.
Oscar Paul Huck was born January 25, 1862, at Kenosha, Wis., a son of Matthew and Mary Ann (Tetard) Huck, the former a native of Alsace, France, who came to the United States in 1849, and after a short period in New York City, went to Wisconsin, where he established himself in a shoemaking business of which he subsequently became the proprietor, it being the leading shoe establishment of that city. His wife was also of French extraction, her parents having come from Lorraine, but she was born in New Jersey. Her death occurred about 1898, the mother of the following children: Bertha, Josephine, Louise, Oscar, Clara, Hattie and Robert.
After attending the parochial and public schools of Kenosha, at the age of thirteen years Oscar P. Huck became a student in the St. Francis Catholic Normal school, and then took a four-year course at Pio Nono College, Mil- waukee, from which he graduated in June, 1880. On August 16, 1880, he located at Quincy, Ill., as a teacher in St. Boniface school, thus con- tinuing, having in addition the direction of the choir and the position of organist, until Sep- tember. 18SS, when he became bookkeeper for the J. Knittel Show Case Co., with which con- cern he remained for two years. In 1890. he formed a partnership with Gottlieb Burge. his father-in-law, under the style of the Burge-Huck
Manufacturing Co., for the purpose of manu- facturing show cases and general store fixtures. Mr. Iluck because the sole proprietor of the business on October 3, 1902, when his partner died. The factory was destroyed by fire July 15, 1903, but the energetic young man soon had taken possession of a factory building, on the southeast corner of Tenth and Vermont streets, where he continued until his death. His product was sold throughout a territory which extended across the country from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada. in addition to conducting the affairs of this large business, Mr. Huck was prominent along other lines. From 1859 to 1903, he offici- ated as organist of St. Francis Church, while from 1889 to 1901. he served on the public school board. He belonged to the Knights of Colum- bus. the St. Boniface Society, the St. Aloysius Orphan Society, Post A of the Travelers' Pro- tective Association, the St. Mary's Hospital Am- bulance Society, and the St. Boniface social club in all of which he took an active and helpful part.
On May 23, 1835, Oscar P. Huck married Miss Edith Burge, and they became the parents of eight children: Alvina, who died in infancy ; Edith, who died in 1901, at the age of fourteen years ; and Marguerite. Oscar Paul and Richard Felix (twins), Barcellus, Ralph and James, all of whom survive. Mr. Huck died June 1, 1913, at bis residence No. 1401 Maine Street, Quincy, Ill., having been a patient sufferer. for some years, from an incurable malady, although his energy and vitality sustained him and enabled him to continue in his sphere of usefulness long after another would have given up in vain. During his honorable life which extended but a a few months over the half century mark, he held close to his religious faith, and in his busi- ness and social life, as well as in the immediate church associations, showed forth the faith that was in him. Through the influence of his noble, kindly, upright life. many were bettered, and the good he accomplished has not passed away with his mortal life, but lives on and will be helpful to those who come after him.
EDWARD CALVEN COFFEY.
It would seem that the rising generation should profit by the lessons daily set for them to read in the records of the lives of men who have lived usefully and honorably, thereby dis-
covering the difference between lasting and fleet- ing reputation. A man cannot live unworthily and continue to be held in high esteem after death. During his lifetime he may be able to
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blind the general public, but when his person- ality is removed, people judge correctly, and he is accorded his place in their estimation by the true value of his deeds. Thus it is that when a whole community is united in sorrow over the death of one of its citizens, proof of the most convincing nature is indicated as to his ability, integrity, blamelessness and devotion to high ideals, especially when it is also true that his life work has resulted in tangible accom- plishments. In every gathering of people for the purpose of residence, there are sure to be found men of unusual capabilities, who rise above their fellows to a considerable degree, and are by them honored and respected. Peoria is no exception to this rule, and revered and ad- mired the late Edward Calven Coffey.
Mr. Coffey was born in the city where he developed into a useful, purposeful man, a son of James and Isabelle ( Handyside) Coffey. He attended the common schools of Peoria, and began his business career as an office boy on the Star Union line when only twelve years old, and even then displayed those qualities which were to prove so valuable to him later on in life, so that he won rapid and successive promotion and was still a boy when he was agent of the Southwest Fast Freight line. Few men have shown more natural ability for railroad work, and fortunately for him he was associated with men who appreciated this fact and promoted him until he became general agent for the Rock Island Railroad at Peoria, and continued to hold that important position until 1908, when he re- signed to become assistant general freight ageut of the Chicago & Alton at Peoria, and was discharging the duties of this position when he died.
During his long connection with railroad work, Mr. Coffey became known all over the country, and was liked by everyone connected with his roads, as well as by the general public with whom he came into contact. His manner was the same for the president of his road as for the train boys, and he was equally anxious to serve either. Ilis ability in handling the
various and complex problems which confront a man in his position bride him so valuable that it was difficult to fill bis place. Although he had accomplished so much, Mr. Coffey died when still in the very prime of life, passing away on June 26. 1914, when only forty-seven years old. His death had been feared for some time prior to his demise as his health began to fail a year before, but it was hoped that he would recover. The funeral services were held at his late resi- dence, No. 209 Earker avenue, Peoria, the Masonic fraternity having charge of the cere- monies. and the Rev. B. G. Carpenter officiating as minister. Both the Rock Island and Chicago & Alton roads sent representatives to the funeral in order that proper respect be shown his mem- ory and to express an appreciation of his work. The Peoria Board of Trade, with which he was connected, paid high tribute to Mr. Coffey, call- ing & special meeting for that purpose at which T. A. Grier, C. H. Feltman, A. G. Ting and oth- ers spoke feelingly of him as a man, and a com- mittee was appointed to dratt appropriate reso- lutions. Mr. Coffey belonged to the Creve Cœur, the Country, and the Illinois Valley Yacht clubs, and was a faithful member of Central Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Peoria. As a citizen he never hesitated to lend his aid to any measure that he deemed would prove beneficial to Peoria, and loved the city with his whole heart.
On September 9, 1891, Mr. Coffey married Miss Maud Alice Burch, of Newark, N. J., whom he survived. They had two children, Isabelle and Burch, both of whom reside at Peoria. While the Republican party had in Mr. Coffey a faithful adherent. his time was too much occupied by the onerous duties of his responsible positions for him to take any active part in public life. To summarize briefly, then, the leading characteristics of Mr. Coffey's life, it is only necessary to say that he was upright. hon- orable, whole-souled and charitable, in both word and deed. Devoted to his work and to his fam- ily, he found his greatest happiness when dis- charging his duty, and having lived worthily will long be remembered.
AMMON B. MOON.
To some it seems as though success were an evasive thing, but it is found that failure usually results from a lack of one of the characteristics which may be acquired by all, perseverance, energy, industry and resolute purpose. An an- alysis of the life-records of successful men
serves to show that these qualities have been predominant in them and have been the causa- tion of their prosperity. At any rate, such was the case with the late Ammon B. Moon, of Streator, Ill., for many years one of the leading farmers and largest land owners of La Salle
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A.B. Moon
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County. A member of an old and honored agri- cultural family, he devoted his life to tilling the soil, and so well did he direct his efforts in the best years of his manhood. that in the evening of life he was able to live in comforta- ble retirement. enjoying the comforts and pleas- ures which his long period of industrious activ- ity had brought to him. Mr. Moon was a native son of La Salle County, having been born on a farm in Eden Township, January 27, 1534, a son of Albert and Elizabeth (Boyle) Moon. Jacob Moon, the paternal grandfather of Ammon B. Moon, was born in Virginia, of English and Scotch descent, and of Quaker parentage. He came to Illinois as early as 1831, locating in Reading Township, La Salle County, after a long journey overland by team, and there continued to follow farming up to the time of his death, at the age of seventy-one years. He married Leah Moon, also a Quaker, who died at the age of seventy years. Albert Moon was born in Virginia in 1807, hut grew to manhood in Greene County, Ohio. He was twenty-four years of age when he accompanied his parents to La Salle County, Ill .. and here he took up land near Tonica, where he became prominent in agricultural affairs. He was closely identified with the early history of the county, in that he was one of a committee of sixteen men organ- ized at Ottawa to bury the victims of the Indian massacre during the Black Hawk War. In 1833 he was married to Elizabeth Boyle, a daughter of David and Rachael Boyle, who came to Put- nam County, Ill., in 1829. In 1834 Albert Moon sold his farm and bought land in Reading Town- ship, La Salle County, where he continued to follow farming until his death, November 19, 1865. A Republican in politics, he served as a school director and trustee for a ummber of years. In religious belief he was a Presby- terian, as was his wife, she dying in that faith February 4, 1894. Their children were: Am- mon B .; Matilda, who married II. B. Schuler, of Chicago; Salanda, who married L. M. Saw- yer; and Jacob W., who died at Iowa Falls, Iowa, May 19, 1900.
Ammon B. Moon received his education in the common schools, and was little more than a lad when he commenced farming on his own account on a tract of land on section 34, Eagle Township, on which he built a home in 1856. He thoroughly developed his property in a pro- gressive and methodical manner. and from time to time, as his finances permitted, purchased
adjoining lands, until he was the owner of 450 acres. In 1572 he replaced his first residence by one of brick, and also erected other struc- tures of a substantial character, ever seeking to improve his place in every possible manner. In addition to the home farm he had 100 acres in section 33 and 160 acres in section 27, Eagle Township, his entire land totaling $00 acres. He became known as an influential citizen in his community, and as one who could be relied upon to uphold progressive principles. In 1892, deciding that he was entitled to rest after his years of strenuous labor, he came to Streator and erected one of the most beautiful homes in the city, at No. 213 South Park street, and there bis death occurred in 1909.
On October 8, 1856, Mr. Moon was married to Miss Mary E. Lyon, who was born August 15, 1$30, in Clinton county. O., daughter of Wil- liam and Elizabeth ( Mills) Lyon, natives of Ohio. Her father, a native of Clinton County, died at Pontiac, Ill., in 1892, and the mother passed away in this city in 1882, at the age of sixty-five years. Their children were: Milton D .; Martha E., who married Emery H. Mathis, of Pontiac; Eugene, who is a resident of Lin- coln, Neb .; Lillie, who married William C. Gal- breath, of Fargo, N. D., and Mrs. Moon. Mr. Lyon settled in Livingston County, IN .. follow- ing farming and mercantile pursuits in Reading Township until 1862, when he moved to Pontiac. He served as sheriff of his county during the 'fifties, was an early Republican, a consistent member of the Methodist church, and a man noted for his interest in improvements of a publie character.
To Mr. and Mrs. Moon there were born chil- dren as follows: Carrie, who is deceased : Lil- lie, who died at the age of five years; William A., who married Mamie Casell and lives at Streator: Nellie, who married William Turner and has two children by that union. Guy and Harry, and after her first husband's death mar- ried (second) Dr. O. J. Raub, and has a son, Stanley : and Estelle E., who married Dr. Hol- land of Streator, and has one son, Park. Mr. Moon was a faithful Methodist, and during his lifetime gave much to the local church. A Re- publican in his political tendencies, he served as a school trustee and director for years, and in this, as in other values of life, he showed himself at all times possessed of honor, capabil- ity and high ideals of citizenship. His friend- ships were many and his death was widely and sincerely mourned.
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CHARLES ELLIOTT BRADT.
Few families of DeKalb stand higher in gen- eral public esteem than that bearing the name of Bradt, representatives of which have been identified with the commercial, industrial and political interests of the city since an early period in its history. One who is worthily rep- resenting the family, and at all times maintain- ing its best traditions is Charles Elliott Bradt, widely and favorably known in manufacturing and financial circles. Born February 27, 1852, at Gloversville, N. Y., Mr. Bradt is a son of Andrew Bradt, who for many years was engaged in mercantile pursuits in DeKalb, and was about three years of age when the family came to Illinois. He was reared in DeKalb, and here passed through successive grades in the public schools, attending the high school and eventually becoming a student in the Northwestern Uni- versity, Evanston. Returning to DeKalb in 1871, he became associated with his father in the wholesale glove business, under the firm style of A. Bradt & Company, but in 1872 M. D. Ship- man became a member of the firm and, the elder Bradt retiring, the firm style became Bradt & Shipman. One of the leading enterprises of DeKalb was built up in the wholesale glove line by this firm, in addition to which they main- tained a plant for the manufacture of glove fasteners at Gloversville, and the trade continued to enjoy a healthy, steady growth. Thus encouraged, Mr. Bradt branched out into other lines of endeavor, becoming associated with the DeKalb Electric Company, with which he was connected up to the time of the reorganization and sale to the DeKalb & Sycamore Electric Light Company. Mr. Bradt was also one of the organizers of the firm of Shipman, Bradt & Company. for the manufacture of specialty wagons, and for some years did an extensive business, until selling out to the Sycamore Wagon Works. In 1902 C. E. Bradt was one of the organizers of the Commercial National Bank and at that time was elected vice-president and a member of the directing board, in which capac- ities he has since served. He also holds member-
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