USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Biographical review of Hancock County, Illinois : containing biographical and genealogical sketches of many of the prominent citizens of to-day and also of the past > Part 11
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of his comb foundation manufacture or in the importation of bees. The occupation proved both genial and profitable and yielded marvelous results. In 1873 he made a trip to Italy to import bees from that country to the United States on a large scale. He made a close study of the best methods of shipping bees, selling the Italian queen bees at ten dollars each or a colony for twenty dollars. In 1869. his son. Camille P. Dadant, whose name introduces this review, was admitted to a partnership and from that time for- ward until the father's death they were closely associated in their business rela- tions and interests and the account of the father's work for the development of their enterprise is also the account of the son's labors. In 1878 they began the manufacture of comb foundation, intend- ing the product only for their own use, as they were extensive bee keepers. The first year they manufactured five hun- dred pounds. Others. however, sought to become purchasers and this led them to increase their output to two thousand pounds the second year and six thousand pounds the third year and the increase has been continued at a proportionate or even greater rate until in the year end- ing July 1, 1904. they had manufactured one hundred and fifteen thousand pounds, thus giving them leadership among the manufacturers of comb foun- dation not only in America but in the world. A visit to the factory shows that it is equipped with every device neces- sary for the successful conduct of the work. the greatest care is taken in every department toward securing perfection and the absolutely perfect comb founda-
tion secures a most extensive and profit- able sale.
Mr. Dadant's business consisted not only in the comb manufacture and the production of honey, the latter reaching way up into the thousands of pounds annually, but he also did much for bee culture throughout the world through the articles contributed to the leading bee journals of America and foreign lands as well. It is a noticeable fact in his history that when he came to the United States at the age of forty-six years he was unable to speak the English lan- guage. but the strength of purpose and will shown by him is indicated by the fact that he at once subscribed to the New York Tribune and denied himself any French papers or books so that he should be compelled to acquaint himself with the English tongue. using freely a dictionary for this purpose. Within three years he had acquired a mastery of English sufficient to enable him to write articles for the American Bee Journal, then published in Washington. D. C. He wielded a pen of still greater power when writing in his native lan- guage and it was due to his efforts through his published articles that the movable frame hive is today so much in nse among French-speaking people. the Dadant and the Dadant-Blatt hives being among the most common in France. In 1886 he revised and republished the book of Langstroth on the Honey Bee, which has been styled the "classic in bee cul- ture." This work was published almost simultaneously in America, France and Russia. The three latest editions were printed at Keokuk, lowa, near his home.
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
His teachings spread over the world and there is not a civilized country where his name is unknown to progressive bee keepers. In 1874 he published a small book, Petit Cours d'Apiculteur Pratique. in the French language. His attention was given to the business of raising bees. producing honey and manufacturing the comb foundation up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1902, when he was in his eighty-fifth year. His busi ness integrity was unassailable. He was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction but was a soul of honor and straightforward dealing in all business affairs. He was moreover a man of kindly purpose, of generous spirit and genial disposition and made friends of all with whom he came in contact. He possessed a most cheerful disposition and those who have had the pleasure of an acquaintance with him in his own home will testify to his genial and cordial spirit. He possessed, too, much of the spirit of the philanthropist, taking the most kindly interest in those whom he employed. He encouraged all of his French workmen to have homes of their own and allowed them certain times in which to cultivate their vines and work their ground. Ideal relations exister in the home. U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Dadant were born two daughters and a son: Mary: Mrs. E. J. Baxter, of Nauvon; and C. P. Dadant, whose name intro duces this record.
The last named was a youth of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to America. From this time forward his youth was passed
at the old homestead near Hamilton and at the age of twenty-four years he was admitted to a partnership by his father and the firm style of Dadant & Son has since been well known among the bee culturists of America and foreign lands. He now keeps about two hundred and fifty hives of bees and sold one hundred then sand pounds of foundation for honey comb in the year 1905. One of his building -. constructed of iron and then painted. con tains only beeswax and holds something like twenty thousand pounds. It is usually kept full, for it is the purpose of the firm to have on hand always a large supply of the only suitable material for making their excellent comb foundation. The bulk of the foundation made by the firm is the Weed process, which refers to the method of sheeting the wax be- fore milling it. The largest crop of honey for one year was forty-five thou- sand pounds, from which they realized twenty-eight hundred dollars net of all expenses. They use the Dadant hive. which is of their own invention and manufacture and they believe in having large hives and big colonies and thus have practically no swarms of bees. After the death of his father Mr. Dadant of this review admitted his sons. Louis C. and Henry C., to a partnership and thus the firm style of Dadant & Sons was maintained. Mr. Dadant has also ex- tended his business interests to other lines, being one of the organizers of the State Bank of Hamilton, of which he is the vice president. He was also one of the promoters of the water power of the Mississippi river for building a dam across the river from Keokuk to Hamil
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ton. The company formed for this pur- pose is composed of twenty-five mem- bers and Mr. Dadant became one of the executive committee of three, his asso- ciates being William Logan and A. E. Johnstone. of Keokuk. A man of re- sourceful business ability. keen enterprise and sound judgment, he carries forward to successful completion whatever he un- dertakes and has developed a business at Hamilton which has become one of the important productive enterprises of his county.
On the Ist of November, 1875, Mr. Dadant was married to Miss Mary Mari- nelli, who was born in St. Louis, Mis- souri. August 9, 1854, and was a daugh- ter of Luigi Marinelli, a pioneer of the French Icarian community that settled in Nauvoo in 1848. His wife was Fran- coise Marinelli and their daughter, Mrs. Dadant, attended the common schools of Saint Clair county. Illinois. She shares with her husband in extending a warm- hearted. attractive and gracious hospi- tality to their many friends. They have a beautiful new home, a substantial brick residence. which was completed in 1904. From the rear is had a splendid view of the Mississippi river as it flows south- ward for nearly fourteen miles and across the river stands the city of Keokuk. In addition to this Mr. Dadant owns other property interests in and about Hamil- ton. Unto him and his wife have been born three sons and four daughters. namely: Louisa. the wife of Leon Saugier, of Hamilton; Valentine MI .. who attended the University of Ilinois and is president of the Hamilton library. an organization which was formed sev-
eral years ago and of which the town is justly proud, Louis C., who married Eza Miller and lives near the main factory of the firm, being associated with his father in business: Henry C., who is also a partner and resides at home : Maurice G .. who is a student in the Illi- nois State University at Champaign ; Clemence and Harrietta, who are at home.
In his political views Mr. Dadant is a republican and has served as school trus- tee of Montebelle township, but other- wise has neither sought nor held public office. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Naturally, however, his attention is chiefly directed to his business interests. which are now of a varied and extensive nature and are a source of gratifying profit. The name of Dadant & Son has ever been synonymous with honorable dealing and success has come as the mer- ited reward of business integrity, enter- prise and diligence. Uniformly courteous and considerate of others, he at the same time possesses a force of character that everywhere commands respect and accom- plishes results and is today accounted one of the most honored and respected citizens of Hancock county.
ROBERT A. BARR.
Robert A. Barr, a farmer living near Colusa, whose success in life is attribut- able entirely to his own efforts, was
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
born February 13. 1871, upon the okl family homestead in Dallas township. his parents being George W. and Mary E. (Dean) Barr. The father was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, near Louisville, in 1844. while the mother's birth occurred in Ohio in 1848. He be- came a resident of Dallas township on the 2d of April, 1859, and is still the owner of the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on which his son, Robert ... now resides. Unto him and his wife were born three children: Etta E .. now the wife of Elmer Royse, of Aledo, Illi- nois: Robert A .: and Mary Otellia, who is living with her parents in Dallas City. the father having retired from active farm life to enjoy a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.
Robert .A. Barr began his education in the district schools of Dallas township and continued his studies in Carthage College, where he remained for two years. Through the period of his youth and after attaining his majority he re- mained with his parents on the old home- stead. living with them until thirty-one years of age and during the latter part of that period practically carrying on the work of the home farm. On the 26th of February, 1902. he was united in mar- riage to Miss Ethel Elizabeth Massic. who was born in Fountain Green town- ship. Hancock county. August 13. 1882. a daughter of John S. and Mary E. ( Myers) Massie. The father was born in Rock Creek township. this county, Oc- tober 24. 1855. and the mother's birth occurred in Iowa, October 21. 1850. She was four or five years of age when brought by her parents to Hancock
county. Mr. and Mrs. Massie are well known residents of Pontonsue township and in the control of his business inter- ests the father has become well-to-do and is accounted a representative agricul- turist of his community. Unto him and his wife have been born eight children : Ethel E., Stuart M .. living in Montana : Goldy V .. deceased: Grover C .; Fern F .: Cheryl Beatrice; Ralph Emerson; and Ruby Marie.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Barr rented his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36. Dallas township, which is one of the best farms in Hancock county, and he has since given his time and energies to its further cultivation and improvement. He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and is regarded as one of the model farmers of the community. As the years have passed the home has been blessed with the presence of three chil- dren: Homer Dysinger, born Decem- ber 17. 1902: Emmet Cleophas, July 0. 1904: and Ada Cheryl. December 15. 1905. All were born in the house in which their father's birth occurred and they constitute a most interesting family.
In his political views Mr. Barr is a democrat and has served as constable for two terms but has never been a politician in the sense of office-seeking, as he has preferred to devote his time and energies to his business interests. He had no money when he was married and started out in lite on his own account. but through his comony, energy and un faltering industry and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed been a helpmate to him, he has accumulated
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BIOGRAPHICAL RET'IEIN'
a considerable share of this world's goods and is accounted one of the leading and representative farmers of his community. He is well read. keeping informed on all matters of general interest as well as the political questions of the day and is a man of genial, jovial disposition, who has many warm friends. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen lodge of Colusa and for three years has been clerk and holds a certificate of efficiency from the Court of Honor. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and Mr. Barr is a man of domestic taste. thoroughly devoted to his family, their welfare and happiness.
CHARLES E. CLARK.
Charles E. Clark, a retired farmer liv- ing in Dallas City. was born March 10. 1868, in the city which is still his home, and is a son of William J. and Abigail (Ellis) Clark. The father was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, October 16. 1837. and the mother in Vevay, Switzer- land county, Indiana, May 25. 1836. She became a resident of Hancock county in 1841. and William J. Clark was only about six years of age when he accom- panied his parents to this county, where they were married February 27. 1859. Both were representatives of honored old pioncer families of this portion of the state. The maternal and paternal grand- parents settled here in an early day and for some years lived in log cabins, spend-
ing their days in true pioneer style amid the environments of frontier life. The father of our subject cleared and devel- oped several farms which he sold at a good advance, and as the years passed by he successfully carried on general agri- cultural pursuits. He died October 10, 1870, his widow surviving until July 23, 1905, and both were laid to rest in Har- ris cemetery. in Dallas township. Mr. Clark was a soldier of the Civil war, en- listing as a member of Company F. Fif- tieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which he joined near the close of hostilities. He was with the company that responded to a call for the protection of Chicago and thus served until mustered out. He stanchly advocated republican principles and was a faithful member of the Chris- tian church. They had three children but the two daughters died in early child- hood.
Charles E. Clark, the only surviving member of the family, was educated in the common schools of Dallas City and at the age of twelve years went to the country with his mother, settling upon a farm in Durham township where he lived until 1899. He was then married to Mrs. Martha Ackerson, widow of George Ack- erson, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Martha E. Howard. She was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1851. a daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Howard. the former born April 23, 1825, and the latter February 18, 1827. Mr. Howard was a native of Dayton, Ohio. and his wife of Indiana. He devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits and when eighteen years of age became a resident of Crawford county, Illinois,
HANCOCK COUNTY. ILLINOIS.
where he resided for seven years, then re- moving to Adams county where he re- sided until about 1857 when he came to Dallas township, where he made his home for many years until the time of his death. In politics he was a democrat and having removed to Hancock county in 1857. he served for nineteen years as township treasurer here. His wife died May 7. 1885. and his death occurred on the 17th of March, 1808, both being laid to rest in Harris cemetery. They had ten chil- dren, of whom four are now living : Mrs. Martha E. Clark: Mary Ann, the wife of William Robinson, of Dallas township: Charlotte, the wife of Edward Gill. of Dallas township: and Angeline, the wife of Philip Ritchey, of Dallas township.
After a year's residence in the south Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Clark located in Dallas City. Hancock county, he owning a farm of eighty acres in Durham town ship. Mrs. Clark also owns eighty acres in Dallas township. He was a successful farmer and stock-raiser. He and his wife occupy a beautiful home at the corner of Front and Pine streets which Mrs. Clark purchased from her father's estate in 1800. Since then Mr. Clark has retired. having rented the farm but he still over sees it.
In his political views Mr. Clark has al- ways been a strong republican but with- out aspiration for office. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Chris- tian church, in which he has been a deacon for a number of years, and in the work of the church they take an active and help- ful interest. Of a studious nature, very fond of books, he reads broadly, thinks deeply and is an intelligent man. Both
he and his estimable wife have the warm regard of many friends, she being a lady of pleasing address, presiding with gra cious hospitality over her home. They are now surrounded by all the comforts that go to make life worth living, accu pying an attractive and pleasant home in Dallas City.
S. E. HAARNEST.
S. E. Harnest, a retired farmer living in Carthage, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, March 8, 1835. his parents being John and Anna ( Spitler ) Harnest. the former born September 20, 1797. and the latter April 3. 1800. their birth- place being Upshire county, Virginia. The paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. valiantly aiding in the struggle for independence. The an- cestral history of the family was one of which the descendants have every reason to be proud. for the men have displayed activity and honor in business and fidelity in all life's relations, while the women have been marked by the true womanly traits of character which command the highest respect. The paternal grand- parents. John and Anna Harnest, were charter members of the Myrtle Tree Bap- tist church in Champaign county, Ohio. This church was organized April 24. 1830, by Elder William Fuson the first meeting being held on the first Sunday in .April. 1830. It was estimated that one thousand people were in attendance on
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this occasion, every section of the county being represented. The name of the church was chosen because of the follow- ing circumstance. A short time before the organization, the wife of Elder Fuson had a dream that she had read the first chapter on Zachariah before retiring for the night and meditated on the beauty of the myrtle tree, and in her dream she saw the tree in the lovely valley, beholding it in all its glory. The dream so impressed her that at her request the church was called the Myrtle Tree church. Its orig- inal members were George Pine, Bryant Moody, John Harnest, James Pine, Wil- liam Fuson, Phebe Moody, Ann Hamest, Saralı Pine, Sarah Pine, Sr .. Deidamia Fuson, Lucy Comer and Elizabeth Whit- more. All of the above have entered into the church triumphant. Eight of the number received their letters of dismissal from the Symm's Creek Baptist church in Lawrence county, Ohio, in order to at- tend the newly-organized Myrtle Tree church, while the remaining five had for- merly been members of the Nettle Creek church. John Harnest. the grandfather of S. E. Harnest, was the first baptismal candidate. He had served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war in connection with the father of Elder Fuson and he was the first person buried in the ceme- tery of the new church, his death occur- ring on the roth of September, 1830. John Harnest, Jr., was elected clerk and John Harnest. Sr .. deacon of the church. . \ house of worship was erected shortly after the organization of the church on land purchased of Sammel Kite, the consider- ation for the property being a calico dress for Mrs. Kite. Elder Fuson con-
tinued pastor there until September 25, 1841, when old age compelled him to resign.
John Harnest, father of our subject, was a native of Virginia, later moved to Ohio and removed from that state to Hancock county, Illinois, in 1838. He found a pioneer district and at once be- gan to clear the land and built a log cabin. Every evidence of frontier life was here to be seen, and he killed many deer, tur- keys and wolves in those early days. The homes of the settlers were widely scat- tered and many of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet been founded. Through a long period he carried on ag- ricultural pursuits and bore an active and helpful part in the work of public prog- ress, aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present upbuilding and progress of the county. In politics he was a democrat and for many years served as school director. Both he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church, taking an active and helpful part in its work and for a number of years he served as one of its deacons. In the fam- ily were twelve children, three of whom survive: Daniel S., who is living in Ar- kansas: S. E., of this review; and Mary J., the widow of Palestine Wright, of Carthage. The father died November 1. 1864, and his remains were interred in the Ray graveyard. The mother long sur- vived him, departing this life in June, 1896.
S. E. Harnest attended the district schools of Carthage township and re- mained upon his father's farm until twen- ty-six years of age, assisting in the ardu- ous task of developing new land and shar-
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ing with the family in the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier. In the early days of the family's residence here the winters were very severe. They were visited by many blizzards and the father had settled in the timber that it might afford protection for the stock and also furnish an abundant supply of fire- wood. When the farmers commenced to improve the prairie land for the first time after it had been vacated by the red race he fitted up a team of oven with five of six yoke and started his eldest son. D. S. Harnest and his son Samuel E. of this review to breaking prairie land with a large plow, which woukl turn a 26-inch furrow. They thus engaged in breaking prairie for a number of years, sharpening their plows at the blacksmith shop on Saturdays, using a small anvil and heavy hammer to draw out the shear with the use of several sharp files would run a week at a time. The anvil which was then used is still in possession of S. E. Harnest of this review, who has broken hundreds of acres of land and while thus engaged has encountered numerous large rattlesnakes. The whip lashes were made of buckskin, which were dressed by his father and the stocks were of hickory or ironwood. As it was necessary for them to clear off this land the mother made the sons buckskin trousers as she thought they were stronger and would better stand the wear and tear of such a life. The elder brother. D. S. Harnest, was in the Mormon war, which resulted in the shooting of Hiram and Joseph Smith in 1844. John A. Harnest, a second brother who went through to California with ox team, died in 1853.
On the 21st of February. 1801. S. E. Harnest married Miss Matilda Ann Wal ton, who was born in St. Mary's town- ship. Hancock county, April 6. INp. a daughter of Frederick M. and Emily ( Rice ) Walton. The father was born in Mason county, Kentucky, January it. 1800, and the mother's birth occurred in Boone county, Kentucky, January 10. 1811. They were married January 31. 1831, and became very early settlers of Hancock county, arriving in 1835. at which time they took up their abode in St. Mary's township, residing continu- ously upon one farm until 1880, when Mr. Walton died. His first home was a little log cabin, in which he lived until 1840, when he employed John Harper. who made mortar brick and was also a bricklayer, to build him a house. Mrs. Harnest was the first child in the county born in a brick house. Mr. Walton was a republican in his political views after the organization of the party and served as highway commissioner and was school director for many years. He supported every feasible plan for the benefit of the community and co-operated in many movements that were of direct benefit to this part of the state. Both he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church. In their family were eight children but only three are now liv ing: John, a resident of Plymouth, Illi- nois: Mrs. Harnest, of Carthage: and Simon M., who lives upon the old home stead farm. The father passed away April 10, 1886, and the mother on the 8th of November, tog. their remains being interred in Plymouth cemetery. In his business affairs Mr. Walton pro-
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIENT'
pered and he gave to each of his children about two hundred acres of good land.
His widow resided upon the old home- stead from 1835 until 1902, covering a period of sixty-seven years and there spent her remaining days (except about two years she spent in Carthage), with her daughter. Mrs. Harnest. She was one of the charter members of the Bap- tist church of St. Mary's township, or- ganized in 1837, and outlived all of the other original members, exemplifying each day her faith and Christian belief. She was also the last survivor of the or- ganizers of the Plymouth Baptist church and she had many warm friends who ad- mired her greatly for her Christian vir- tues and good qualities of heart and mind.
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