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 20
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and John and Edith, twins, the former a resident of Lebanon, Nebraska, while the latter is the wife of Reuben Hummel, of Nauvoo.
Henry Weber of this review was edu- cated in the district schools of Nauvoo, Illinois, and remained upon his father's farm until he had attained his majority. On the 3d of January. 1884. he was mar- ried to Miss Sarah Luella Thomas, who was born in Sonora township, Hancock county. February 23, 1855. a daughter of Isaac T. and Louisa ( Nichols) Thomas, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer and took up his abode in Hancock county, Illinois, about fifty-three years ago, settling on a tract of land in Sonora township, where for many years he carried on general agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in 1899 and his remains were interred in that township. His widow, who is two years his junior, is living in Carthage. Illinois. Mr. Thomas was a democrat in politics and served as school director and in other local offices. IIe belonged to the Christian church, of which he was a deacon and elder and he was widely known as a worthy citizen, faithful in friendship and loyal to his home ties. Ile was a large landowner, prospering in his business undertaking's until he had six hundred acres of land at the time of his death. Mrs. Thomas also belongs to the Christian church. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, of whom six are now living, namely: Lil- burn Thaddeus, who married Elizabeth Honce, of Elvaston : Laura, a twin sister of Lilburn and now living with her mother : William Henry, who died in Feb
ruary, 1904; Mrs. Sarah Luella Weber; Naomi Jane, who is with her mother; Martha Emily, the wife of Orville Honce, of Montebello township: James Harvey. also at home; George Milton, who died at the age of two and a half years: and Purliett, now deceased.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weber began their domestic life in Appanoose township, where they lived for a year and then removed to a farm in Montebello township, where they resided for five years. Later they spent a year and a half upon a farm west of Ferris. taking up their abode there in 1890 and making it their place of residence until 1904. He remodeled the house. built a fine barn and all the necessary outbuild- ings for the shelter of grain and stock and was always very successful in his business affairs. He raised stock quite extensively and this branch of his business proved profitable. Coming to Carthage in November. 1904, he retired from active life on account of ill health, having had to leave his farm for two seasons pre- vions to this. He purchased a beautiful modern home on North Main street. where his widow now resides and there he spent his remaining days. He was in ill health for abont four years prior to his death and was a great sufferer dur- ing the last year and a half. He died October 23, 1905. his remains being in- terred in Moss Ridge cemetery.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Weber were born but two children, both born in Hancock county, namely : Grace May. the wife of Frank Thornberg who is living on her father's old farm near Ferris: and Jessie Viola, the wife of Dr. Claude Thomas.
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a practicing dentist of Keokuk, lowa. knew him. Mrs. Weber still resides in They have one child, Lowell Weber Thomas.
Mr. Weber started out in life empty handed, his possessions consisting at the age of twenty-one years of but one horse. lle possessed instead good mental and physical activity and his energies and labor brought to him gratifying success. making him one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transac- tion, but was straightforward and reliable in all his dealings and thus won the un- qualified confidence of those with whom he was associated. He was a devoted member of the Christian church, in which his wife still holds membership and for a number of years he served as deacon of the church at Ferris. In politics he was a stalwart democrat and filled the posi- tions of township trustee and road su- pervisor. while for several years he was a school director. A man of quiet and unobarnsive nature and at all times !! ostentatious in his demeanor, his genuine personal worth nevertheless gained him the esteem and honor of all with whom he was associated. He was interested in the welfare of the community, was a good neighbor, a kind husband and loving father. His name was above reproach. for his religious belief permeated his everyday life and actions. His word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal and he stood high in public estimation. He left behind an honored name and a memory that will long be cherished. not only by his im- mediate family but also by many who
her beautiful home in Carthage and in addition owns the old home farm and forty acres of good land in Sonora township.
EUGENE ADRIAN WALLACE
Eugene A. Wallace, one of the most enterprising and highly respected agricul- turists of Durham township, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Knox county February 20, 1874. of the mar- riage of James H. and Nancy L. (Lati- mer ) Wallace. Both parents were natives of Kentucky and the mother is still living in Missouri but the father passed away in 1873. He was a minister of the Chris- tian church while living in Kentucky and his life was a potent influence for good in the various communities where he resided. In the family were four children: Ida E .. the wife of Henry Childers, of Mem- phis, Missouri: Mary. deceased: Alvin E., of Chicago; and Eugene A., of this review.
In the public schools of Missouri Eugène A. Wallace acquired his educa- tion. He remained upon the home farm until nearly twenty-one years of age. his time being largely occupied with the duties and labors of the fields After arriving at man's estate he was married on the 12th of September, 1900, to Miss Martha Byler, who was born March 2 4. IS;1. in the house which is now her home. Her parents were Jacob and Martha ( White) Byler. Her father was born
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in MeMinn county. Tennessee. February 23. 1830, and when but five years of age was brought to Illinois by his parents, who settled in Adams county. He was reared to the occupation of farming and at the age of twenty-four years came to Han- cock county, taking up his abode on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Durham township, which he cleared. Here he built an attractive residence which he yet occupies, together with Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. As the years passed his labors brought him a good financial return and, making further investment in property, he is now the owner of four hundred and forty acres of valuable land and his farm is one of the best in Durham township. He made many excellent improvements thereon and has long been known as an enterprising agriculturist and good citizen, as honest as the day is long. In his political views he is a stalwart democrat and he is a member of Dallas City Lodge. No. 235. also a member of Dallas Chapter, R. & S. M .. as well as of the Council of Dallas City. All who know him esteem him for his genuine worth and he well de- serves mention among the representative men of Hancock county. In 1896 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 4th of September of that year and was laid to rest in Union cemetery adjoining the home farm, which tract of land Mr. Byler needed to the trustees for cemetery purposes. Unto this worthy couple were born nine chil- dren, of whom five are now living; Wil- liam H., who resides near Wheeling. Mis- soffri: Andrew J .. of Dallas City : Laura. the wife of Adolph Herweg, a resident
of Nebraska ; Sarah, the wife of Humbert Vass, of Durham township; and Mrs. Wallace.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wallace took up their abode upon her father's farm, for her mother had passed away and they took charge of the home and farm for the father. Mr. Wallace rents the land and he has made many improvements upon the property, which presents a splendid appearance, being one of the best farms of Durham township. Large and substantial outbuildings have been erected for the shelter of grain and stock and everything is in keeping with ideas of modern agricultural progress. He built a barn, sixty by seventy feet. for hay and cattle and also a hog house at an expense of three hundred dollars. This is one of the best in the county. Everything about the place is kept in neat and thrifty condition and Mr. Wallace is regarded as a most enterprising and successful farmer.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, but Beulah Vi- ola. the eldest, who was born December 15. 1901, died September 13, 1902. Pearl Irene, born May 1. 1903, and Herman Le Roy. born November 28. 1905. are both living. All of the children were born in the same house where their mother's birth occurred. The parents are consistent and valued members of the Christian church and Mr. Wallace is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his political allegiance is given to the democracy. He occupies an enviable position in agricultural circles and has made a creditable record. Mr. Byler, the father of Mrs. Wallace, is a
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self-made man, who in an early day paid about five hundred dollars for his farm. Neither Mr. Byler nor Mr. Wallace ever inherited anything of any consequence and the success of both gentlemen is due to their own energy, perseverance and capable management. They are highly esteemed in the community and both have a host of warm friends. Mr. Byler worked his way steadily upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence, being now recognized as a wealthy resident of the county, and Mr. Wallace is displaying the same sterling traits of character, which promise well for his future success.
JACOB P. LA MONTE.
The stock raising interests of Hancock county find a worthy representative in Jacob P. La Monte, who is engaged in raising black Galloway cattle, good horses and Duroc Jersey and Poland China hogs. His business interests are carefully conducted and he carries on general farm- ing in addition to his stock interests. Mr. La Monte has now passed the seventy eighth milestone on life's journey, but yet gives active supervision to his business affairs. His birth occurred in Schoharic county. New York, in the town of Char- lotteville, October 15. 1827, and he is a representative of one of the old families of the Empire state. Ilis paternal grand- parents were William and Jane ( Stilwell ) La Monte, who were born on Long Is
land. The grandfather was a represen- tative man, active and successful in busi- ness. He followed merchandising, also owned and operated a water mill and dealt in land. He also held various prom- inent official positions in the county in which he lived and was a very influential resident of his section of Long Island. where his death occurred. His wife be- longed to one of the most representative families of that island. Their son, Thomas W. La Monte, was born in New York and having arrived at years of ma- turity was married to Miss Elizabeth M. l'ayne, likewise a native of that state and a daughter of Jacob and Lucy (.Austin) Payne, natives of New York and of New England respectively. The maternal grandfather was a farmer by occupation. He held membership in the Baptist church and was a strong temper- ance man and was recognized in his com- munity especially in those lines of activity resulting in intellectual and moral prog- ress. All of the grandparents of Mr. La Monte of this review, as well as his par- ents, lie buried at Charlotteville, New York.
Jacob P. La Monte is the eldest in a family of six sons and seven daughters. His brother, George, who was engaged in paper manufacturing in New York. invented the safety banking paper and now has a large establishment in New York city. Four sons and three dangh ters of the family are yet living.
In the state of his nativity Mr La Monte of this review spent his boy hood days and acquired a district school educa- tion. He began teaching when only ses enteen years of age and followed the pro-
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fession for four years during the winter seasons and for one summer term. Sub- sequently he turned his attention to agri- cultural pursuits upon the farm which he had purchased in the town of Davenport in Delaware county, New York, compris- ing two hundred and twenty-seven acres of land. There he carried on farming for some time, but at length traded his property and made a sale, for he had come to the west in 1854 and decided to locate in Montebello township, Hancock county, Illinois. Ilere he took up his abode in 1855. He traded his property in the east for five buggies and one two horse car- riage and in the spring of 1856 all these were shipped to Keokuk, where he sold all of them with the exception of one which he kept for several years for his own use and then disposed of it for more than he gave for it. On coming to Han- cock county he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wythe town- ship which he afterward sold, but he has acquired more land from time to time in Montebello township until he has five hundred acres in all, the entire amount lying within the city limits of Hamilton. Upon his farm in Wythe township he had the best orchard in that part of the county and in 1875 he set out an orchard of apples and peaches, covering thirty acres. lle carries on general farming and in ad- dition is quite extensively engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of horses, black Galloway cattle and Duroc Jersey and Poland China hogs. He is thoroughly familiar with the best methods of cultivating the soil and raising stock and his Isiness interests have been so carefully conducted that although he
started out in life empty handed he is now one of the substantial citizens of his adopted county.
On the 9th of March. 1848, Mr. La Monte was married to Miss Elizabeth Ruth Hinman, who was born in Delaware county, New York, and was educated in Cazenovia Seminary of that state. Her parents were AAmos and Electa ( Clark ) Hinman, natives of New York. the former a son of Titus Hinman and the latter a daughter of David Clark, both of New York state. There was one child born unto Mr. and Mrs. La Monte, Wel- lington, whose birth occurred in 1851 and who died in Hamilton in 1893. The wife and mother died about 1871 and in Jan- uary. 1877. Mr. La Monte married Ce- celia Wiggenton, who was born in La- Grange, Lewis county, Missouri, and was educated in a convent in St. Louis. She was one of the finest musicians in this part of the country. AAt the time of her marriage to Mr. La Monte she was a widow and had one son. Weston .At- wood, who is now engaged in the lumber business in the city of Oklahoma. She clied about fourteen years ago.
Mr. La Monte exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He has, however. held office in the Methodist Episcopal church. of which he is a devoted and loyal mem- ber. He has acted as steward of the church and for about ten or fifteen years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. Hle has lived a life of uprightness and honor and therefore can look back over the past without regret. Few men of his
1
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years continue actively in business, but in spirit and interests he seems yet in his prime and possesses much of the vigor and enterprise of many a man of much younger years.
WILLIAM A. BIDEAUX
William .A. Bideaux, who is engaged in farming in Durham township, in which locality he was born in 1808, is a son of Francis and Catherine ( Whistler ) Bideaux and in the paternal line comes of Scotch ancestry. The father was born in Stark county. Ohio. December 20. 1838, and was married on the 5th of Oc- tober. 1862, to Catherine Whistler. Ile was a carpenter by trade and took up his abode in Hancock county over a half century ago. For a long period he was identified with building operations but in his later life he carried on farming, mak- ing his home in Durham township. There his death occurred on the oth of January. 1805. He was an honest, upright man, possessing the confidence and trust of all who knew him. Conscious that death was approaching, he made his peace with God and bade adien to friends and family . He was a loving husband, a good father and a kind hearted neighbor and he left behind an example that is in many re- spects well worthy of emulation. Mrs. Bideaux still survives her husband and is a resident of Rock Creek township In the family were eight children: Della. gow the wife of Thomas Shaw, of Ddlas four children: Cora. at home: Mrs
township: Emma, the wife of William Worden, of Fort Madison, lowa: Wil liam A .. of this review : Frank, who is hving in Utah : Kate, the wife of Lemuel Bartlett, of Durhamin township: Jacob and French. both of whom are residents of Dallas City : and Lina, who was the wife of Carl Mendenhall, of Coluna, and died in January, 1905. her remains being interred in Myers cemetery. There were two children of that marriage. Carl and Catherine, and they and their father noll live with Mrs. Bideaux, mother of our subject.
William A. Bideaux was educated in Durham township as a public-school student and assisted in the work of the home farm until after he had attained Ins majority. As a companion and help- mate for life's journey he chose Miss Henrietta Harris, whom he wedded De- tober 9. 1892. She was born in Durham township in 1874. a daughter of Eusebius and Rebecca ( Avery) Harris, both of whom were natives of Illinois and now residents of Monmouth, this state. Man- ford Harris, the oldest brother of Euse bius Harris, was a soldier of the Civil war and her grandfather Wery was in the war of 1844 when the Mormons were expelled from Hancock county. Eusebiu- Harris followed farming in Durham township. this county. until toos. when he practically retired from Insine- life but now conducts a barber supply house in Monmouth. He has voted the re- publican ticket since the organization of the party and in this county was recer nized as a most worthy and respected citi- zen. Unto him and his wife were born
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Bideaux ; Guy, who is living near Adrian, Illinois : and Bertram. of Monmouth.
Mr. Bideaux spent the first two years of his married life as a farmer near Colusa and after a residence of several years upon various farms he located in Durham township in 1899 and has since made his home here. Unto Mr. nad Mrs. Bideaux have been born three children : Lawrence, who was born in Pilot Grove in 1893: Virgil. in Dallas township in 1896; and Cecil, in Durham township in 1 899.
Mr. Bideaux exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and meas- ures of the Republican party. He and his wife have worked together persist- ently and energetically in order to make a start in life and gain a comfortable com- petence and the qualities which they have displayed are such as commend them to the confidence and good will of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
GEORGE A. TRAUTVETTER.
George A. Trautvetter is a retired farmer residing in Warsaw and he has valuable and extensive landed possessions. which are an indication of his well spent. active and honorable business life. He derives therefrom a handsome income that enables him now to put aside further business cares and to enjoy in quiet the fruits of his former toil. A native of Germany, he was born in Saxony on the 16th of August. 1842, a son of John
George and Sophia Elizabeth (Derle) Trautvetter, who were likewise natives of Germany, whence they sailed for America in 1853, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, on the 3d of July, after forty- nine days spent upon the water as pas- sengers on one of the old-time sailing vessels. The father was a miller by trade, and making his way from the east into the interior of the country, he settled on section 3, Rocky Run township. Han- cock county, Illinois, where he resided continuously until June, 1870. He then returned to his native country for a visit and there died in the fall of IS71, his re- mains being interred at Rota, Germany. His wife, who was born in ISOS. passed away in this county at the age of seventy- seven years and was buried in Tioga. Walker township, cemetery. Mr. Traut- vetter was seventy-one years of age at the time of his demise. his birth having occurred in 1799. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are living : John M., a resident of Walker township; George A. : and Theodore Frederick, who lives on section 3. Rocky Run township.
George A. Trautvetter was a lad of about eleven years when he came with his parents to the new world and his educa- tion, which was begun in the fatherland. was continued in the schools of Rocky Run township. and of Warsaw. He re- mained upon the home farm until he had attained his majority, as did his two brothers, and he assisted in the farm work, carly becoming familiar with the duties of field and meadow. In March. 1865. however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and. respond- ing to the call of his adopted country for
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
aid, he joined the Fourteenth Illinois Vol- as the result of his enterprise, diligence unteer Infantry, and was attached to the and persistent effort, acquired a goodly measure of success. As the years passed he embraced his opportunities for judi- cious investments in land and now owns over six hundred acres, from which he derives a splendid income. army corps commanded by General Sher- man. He followed that intrepid leader during his last campaigns and was under his command in the grand review in Washington. Mr. Trautvetter afterward went to Fort Leavenworth and was mus- tered out in Kansas, subsequent to which time he returned to Hancock county.
In 1863 Mr. Trautvetter had learned the saddler's trade in Quincy, and for a time he followed that pursuit in Warsaw but subsequently he again took up his abode upon his father's farm, where he remained until the 20th of January, 1869. That was his wedding day, Miss Anna E. Shildman becoming his wife. She was born in Germany. January 23. 1848, and in 1858 came with her parents to Amer- ica. Her father was a carpenter by trade but after crossing the Atlantic turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Walker township. Hancock county. Later he lived in Rocky Run township for a time but his last days were spent in Walker township. In the family were five children, of whom three are living : Mrs. Trautvetter: Hannah, the wife of Theodore F. Trautvetter : and Elizabeth. the wife of Henry Wembaner, of Warsaw.
Following his marriage Mr. Trautvet- ter of this review, in 1867, purchased the old home place from his father and there lived until March 9. 1900, when he pur- chased his present beautiful residence in Warsaw and took up his abode in the city. For many years he had carefully carried on general agricultural pursuits and ca- pably managed his business interests, and
On the roth of September, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Trautvetter celebrated the tif- tieth anniversary of his residence upon the home farm, to which he had gone with his parents in 1853. Ile still owns the five acres, also another farm of one hun- home place of three hundred and forty- dred and ninety-five acres and a third one of ninety-five acres. His realty pos- sessions include tenement houses in War- saw beside his own residence. Umto him and his wife have been born six children, four of whom were born in the home which he erected in 1874 to replace the log cabin which had been built by his father and which was destroyed by fire in May of that year. The family record is as follows: Theodore N., the ellest. born March 2. 1870, married Matilda Woolbrink, and lives in Warsaw. Eliza- beth, born January 22, 1872, was married in 1890 to Fred Harold, a farmer living north of Hamilton: Anna Sophia, born September 9, 18;4, was married in 1805 to John Nagel, an agriculturist of Wythe township and they now have two chil- dren. Malinda and George Truman Kolatzky Nagel. Henry Herman, born October 9, 1876, has since 1904 been liv - ing in Omaha, where he is running an electric car. Lillie Frances, born Sep- tember 11, 1870, is the wife of Harry Elder, who resides two and a half miles north of Elderville, Ilinois. William
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.Adolph, born August 29. 1882, is a grad- nate of the Gem City Business College of Quincy, of the class of 1905, and is now a student in the medical college at Valparaiso, Indiana. The children have all been given good educational privileges. and Theodore N. was also a graduate of the Gem City Business College. while later he attended a college in Omaha to learn shorthand. banking. etc. He is now in partnership with Mr. Sharp as a dealer in grain and stock at Warsaw.
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