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 45
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Leon Chevillon was educated in the public schools of Keokuk, lowa, and re- mained upon his father's farm for some time. He was only ten years of age at the time of his mother's death and he and his sister kept house together and he farmed the home place until twenty-three years of age. but thinking that he would find commercial pursuits more congenial. in 1876 he entered the employ of an im- plement house of Keokuk, lowa, which he represented upon the road as a travel- ing salesman. After traveling for three different firms of that city he finally repre-
sented a New York firm and eventually traveled for an (the house and then with the capital saved from his earnings le made investment in a mercantile enter prise and in January, Foot, opened a large implement house in Carthage, having m the meantime made his home in this city. while traveling for a number of years. This is not only the largest implement house in Carthage but of the county as well and in addition he handles hard ware. He is the senior member of the firm of Chevillon & Clere and they deal extensively in farm machinery, carriages buggies and wagons, selling to the retail trade. Their place of business is on Main street and employment is furnished to three salesmen. The trade has gradually grown until it has now reached very es- tensive and profitable proportions and the business is constantly developing along substantial lines.
In 1879. Mr. Chevillon was married to Miss Sophia Clere, who was born in Han cook county, Illinois, a daughter of Frank and Josephine ( Miller) Clere. Her father was a native of France and her mother of Ohio. Mr. Clerc, however, was but eight years of age when he came to America and throughout his active bust- ness life he followed farming, living at different times in Ohio, Hancock commits. Illinois, and in Arkansas He died in the last named state in Sor and was atto rest in a cemetery there Is the side of his wife, who had passed away if they They were the parents of the dette Mary, deceased: Frank 11 i Bili Illinois, and Sophia. wife vi our see !
Unto Mr. and Mrs (Tenimno Live
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living: Frank and Fred. twins, now in school; Leonore and Blanche, twins, at home; and Ruth, who is also attending school. Fred will graduate from the high school in the class of 1906, and the daughter is now studying bookkeeping in a business college. The family residence is on Cherry and Main streets, where Mr. Chevillon purchased a nice home. He and his wife are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and he belongs to the Odd Fellows society. His political alle- giance is given to the Republican party. but his business interests leave him no leisure for political preferment or office holding. He has concentrated his ener- gies upon the development of his business, which has grown rapidly and along sub- stantial lines. He is methodical in all that he does. has systematized his inter- ests and in his trade relations is found thoroughly reliable, his name being a syn- onym for business integrity in commercial circles in Carthage. The history of the American people is replete with illustra- tions of the fact that it is only under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed. If anything can inspire the youth of our country to persistent, honest and laudable endeavor, it should be the life record of such men as he of whom we write.
J. T. FRAZER.
J. I. Frazer, one of the most promi- nent and prosperous residents of Rocky
Run township, has devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits and his intense and well directed energy has been the salient element in his success. He is seldom if ever at error in a matter of business judgment and his keen sagacity has enabled him to make judicious invest- ments, which, viewed from a financial standpoint have resulted beneficially. His life record began in Adams county. Illi- nois, September 8, 1848. He was the elder of two sons born unto Lafayette Harrison and Caroline (Wilson) Frazer. The father was born in Kentucky in 1818, and was a little lad of eight years, when, in 1826, he came with his parents to Illi- nois, the family home being established in Adams county, near Quincy. He ar- rived in Hancock county in 1846, and cast in his lot with its pioneer residents. He first purchased two hundred and sixty acres of land in Walker township and there lived in true pioneer style, his home being a log cabin. He served in the Mor- mon war in 1844 when the attempt was made to drive the followers of Brigham Young from the county, and he took part in many other events which are now of historic importance. He shared in all the hardships and privations incident to pio- neer life while converting raw prairie land into a good farm, and he assisted in the material development and upbuilding of the county, which recognized in him a valued citizen. His political support was always given to the democracy but he never sought or desired office. His wife was born in Ohio in 1829. and their mar- riage was celebrated in this state. Her death occurred in September, 1882, and Mr. Frazer passed away in January. 1886.
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He was a splendid type of an enterprising. sturdy citizen of high principles, belmed by all who knew him. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in a cemetery in Rocky Run township. They had two sons, the younger being George W., who is non living in Walker township.
J. 1. Frazer was educated in the schools of Walker township and remained under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age. He assisted in the arduous task of developing a new farm. His birth place was a log cabin, in which his parents lived during the pioneer epoch in the his- tory of the county and from personal recollection he can relate many incidents of pioneer times and tell of the conditions of life which then existed when the frontier homes were heated with huge fireplaces and lighted by candles, and when the farm work was largely done by hand, for the fine machinery of the pres- ent day was then unknown.
On the 15th of April, 1873, Mr. Frazer was united in marriage to Miss Jiney Re- becca Crenshaw, who was born in Lima. Hancock county, Illinois, in 1852, a daughter of Theophihuis and Martha ( Martin ) Crenshaw, both of whom were natives of the southern part of this state. The father was a farmer by occupation and removed from southern Illinois to Adams county. The grandfather of Mrs. Frazer lived for a time in Hancock county, and her father was a soldier of the Mormon war of 18444 and also partici- pated in the Indian warfare of 1848. His name was thus closely associated with pioneer events and he left the impress of his individuality upon the early develop- ment and progress of the county. Both
he and his wife are now flerered the graves having been made of Heden cemetery in Rocky Run township I their family were six children bill two are now living - Celatha, they Hem F. M. Jacob, of Lama. Adams cup and Mrs. Frazer.
Following his marriage Mr. Frazer e- ceived as a gift from his father two hum dred acres of land on section 30, Rock, Run township, bordering on the southern boundary of the township. Since then he has added to his original holdings until he was at one time owner of over seven hundred and seventy acres but he has given to each of his children two hundred acres. In (888 he built his large, beauti ful and modern residence, and he has also built a fine barn forty by sixty feet The home is surrounded by a well kept lawn and there are many modern improvements and accessories upon the farm, all inchi cating the progressive spirit and enter- prise of the owner. He has been very successful in his farming operations Since 1898 he has practically retired from active farming and rents most of his hand. With a good start received from his father he has made steady progress in business affairs, adding largely to his holdings until he has become one of the extensive landowners of his township
Mr. and Mrs. Frazer have every reason to be proud of their family of two souls who are an honor to their family. Lafay- ette Harison Frazer, the eller, married Miss Catherine E Slope, by whom he has two children. Carolme and Linette Harrison Frazer. Ir Their home is III Uninet, Illinois William | Travel. born AAugust 15, 188%. is a grado. te mi
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the Gem City high school at Quincy of the class of 1902. He is now at home with his parents.
Mr. Frazer gives his political support to the democracy and is serving for the second term as supervisor of his township and chairman of the board. He has passed all of the chairs in the Masonic lodge to which he belongs and has several times been master. Both he and his wife are members of the Southern Methodist church, of which he is trustee and they contribute generously to its support and take an active and helpful interest in its work. Their home is noted far and wide for its generous and warm-hearted hos- pitality. It is most beautifully and taste- fully furnished and moreover is the en- bodiment of good cheer and kindly spirit. Their friends are numerous and the warm regard in which they are uniformly held is justly merited. They have done much for the township in which they make their home, never living selfishly to themselves but standing for progress and improve- ment along all lines which benefit the com- munity at large. July 4, 1906, while at the breakfast table he was stricken with paralysis and although all was done that skill could do, he passed away on July 6th. He is laid to rest in the family lot in Fletcher cemetery in Rocky township.
toil making it possible for him to live in leisurely manner without recourse to further labor. He was born in the village of Many, Department of Meurthe and Moselle, France, in 1838. He came to America in 1856 with his mother and family, consisting of an uncle and a brother and sister. All these have passed away except Mr. Antoine. and the resting place of their mortal remains is in Basco cemetery. The family settled upon a farm in Bear Creek township. Hancock county, Illinois, where he worked until 1867. He then began to consider the subject of having a home of his own and consummated his purpose through his marriage to Miss Celina Ancelet, who was born in the village of Le Sourd. in the department of Aisne, France. Her parents were also natives of that coun- try and her father, who was a weaver by trade, settled in Bear Creek township. Hancock county, upon his emigration to America in 1855. Purchasing land, he then carried on general farming and stock-raising until his death, which oc- curred in 1877. His wife survived him until 1893 and both lie buried in Basco cemetery. In their native land they were communicants of the Catholic church. Their family numbered four children, of whom three are living: Ernest and Adonis, both of whom reside in Bear Creek township: and Mrs. Antoine.
Following his marriage Mr. Antoine lived upon a farm in Bear Creek town- ship for thirty-five years and carefully cultivated the fields and managed his property until it brought to him a good financial reward. He then sold his farm
John F. Antoine is a retired farmer living in Basco, the years of his former and in Basco built a pretty cottage. He
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JOHN F. ANTOINE.
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owns forty acres of land there and is en- gaged in raising vegetables. He and his bride began life on limited financial cir- cumstances but through their united ef- forts they have accumulated a comfortable competence and are now well situated financially. They also own twenty acres of timber land. In the community they stand high in the regard of those who know them. Mrs. Antoine is a lady of domestic tastes, devoted to her home and is especially fond of reading. from which she derives much benefit, as she possesses an excellent memory. In politics Mr. An- toine is a republican, but has never cared for office and the concentration of his energies upon his business affairs to the exclusion of other interests resulted in the acquirement of a measure of success that now enables him to enjoy life in quiet and retirement.
THEOPHILUS OUTHIER.
Theophilus Outhier, whose home is on section 1. Montebello township, for many years has resided in the township where he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and the raising of high grade stock. He was born in France, October 5. 1830, and is a son of Francis and Fran- ces (Gandard) Outhier, and a grandson of Pierre Gandard. The father was a farmer of France, where he followed . g ricultural pursuits until 1847. when he came with his family to America, sailing to New Orleans and thence proceeding up
the Mississippi river to Korku' Il. cated in Henry county, Illinol and afterward purchased sixty five acre vi land on section 20, Sonora towillen Hancock county, a part of which s. timber and part prairie land. The farto was located a mile from the Mississippi river and thereon he devoted his energie to general agricultural pursuits until 1850. when he sold that property and re- moved to another farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34. Sonora township. This was prairie land which he soon brought under a high state of cultivation, also erecting there a good residence, substantial outbuildings, to gether with well kept fences, which di vided the place into fields of convenient size. He was not long permitted to en- joy his new home, however. for his death occurred in 1857. He had for ten year- survived his wife, who died about 1847.
Theophilus Outhier was the eklest of a family of three sons and two daughters. and only two are now living. his brother being Amiel Outhier, who resides in Adams county. Iowa. Our subject was educated in the public schools of his na tive country and Illinois and was reared to farm life. He came to the United States with his parents when sixteen years of age and remained under the parental roof until his marriage on the 20th of November, 1856, to Miss Sarah Haycraft. a native of Kentucky and a daughter of John and Lyda Au (190) Haycraft. Following his marriage Me Outhier removed to a farm of forty des constituting a part of the see de 0000 which his father had purchase ] Ile proved all of his father's band mellanbed
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the lumber from Nauvoo for building fences and making other improvements upon the farm. He also erected a house upon that forty-acre tract, which his fa- ther gave him and he there carried on general farming for about two years. after which he traded it for one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 36, So- nora township. This was only partially improved. There was a small house and well upon the place and a little orchard of about thirty-five trees had been set out. Mr. Outhier's next purchase of land made him owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 1, Montebello township. This tract came into his possession in 1864. and he continuously carried on farm work there. He built a two-story frame residence and in 1875 built a large barn thirty-two by sixty feet. He also built a double corn crib thirty-two by thirty feet and he set out many soft maple trees. covering about four acres. The land has natural drainage and the farm is well equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. In 1903 Mr. Outhier pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 36. Sonora township. all of which had been placed under a high state of cultivation, while a good house and barn had been built. Here he car- ries on general agricultural pursuits and also raises Norman and Percheron WILLIAM ROASA. horses. Durham cattle and Poland China hogs, keeping between two and three hun- dred head of hogs on his farm annually. Hle also has about three acres planted to apples, peaches, phuums, cherries and pears and he likewise raises the various small fruits adapted to soil and climate. His farm is a well developed property and in tives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany.
its neat and thrifty appearance gives evi- dence of the careful supervision of the owner.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Outhier has been blessed with the following named: Emma, the wife of James Jones, of Hamilton. Illinois: Arthur Douglas, who is living in Blaine county, Oklahoma ; Mrs. Addie Emmons, of Prai- rie township; Albert, of Gage county, Ne- braska: Frank, of Montebello township; George, of Prairie township; Justin, who is in the commission business in Ferris, Illinois : Estella, the wife of George Ale- shire, of Carthage; Clarence and Bert- rand, who are residents of Blaine county. Oklahoma ; and Elsie. the wife of Erastus Hanson, of Hamilton. Illinois. The par- ents have reared a family of which they have every reason to be proud, as their sons and daughters have become respect- ed men and women esteemed in the va- rious localities where they reside. Mr. Outhier has served as school director and as overseer of roads and is interested in public affairs to the extent of not only giving his approbation to many move- ments for the general good but also a hearty and generous support.
William Roasa, who since 1802 has resided upon his present farm on section 1, Wythe township, was born in Keokuk. Towa. August 16, 1860. He is of Ger- man lineage, his parents. Charles and Elizabeth ( Kaufman) Roasa, being na-
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They were married. however, in Phillip- burg, Pennsylvania, where they were liv- ing at that time. The father was a stone- mason by trade, and following his mar- riage removed to Lonisville, Kentucky. where he worked at his trade until 1854. and then went to Keokuk, lowa. where he worked as a stonemason until 1861. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment of Missouri Volunteers at St. Louis and was in the service for ten months, at the end of which time he sustained injuries in his back that necessitated his discharge. He then returned to Keokuk, where he again followed his trade until 1865, in which year he removed to Elvaston. Illi- nois, and for four years cultivated a rent- ed farm. On the expiration of that pe- riod with the capital he had saved from his earnings he purchased two hundred acres of land in Clark county. Missouri. whereon he resided until 1880. carrying on general agricultural pursuits. In the year mentioned he traded that farm for eighty-two acres of land in Prairie town- ship. Hancock county, a mile and a quar- ter south of Elvaston, to which he after ward added ten acres. There be contin- ned to carry on general agricultural pur- suits until his death on the 27th of Sep tember. 1893. This was occasioned by injuries sustained by being thrown from a wagon while on a trip to Scotland coun- ty. Missouri. His wife survived him and died upon the old home place October 5. 1904.
William Roasa, the seventh in order of birth in a family of four sons and six daughters, made his home with his par- ents until he had attained the age of
twenty-four years, and in the mentine acquired a district school education m Clark county, Missouri, and in this county. On starting out in life on his own account he worked by the month as a farm hand. and about two years later he made ar rangements for establishing a home of his own through his marriage on the 5th of October, 1886, to Miss Amelia Heagy. who was born in Montebello township. Hancock county. December 23. 1865. She acquired her education in the public schools of Elvaston, while spending her girlhood days in the home of her par ents. George and Theresa (Bauer) Heagy, the former a native of Alsace. Germany, and the latter of Waldurn, Ba- den, Germany. The maternal grandta ther was Joseph Bauer. Both Mr. and Mrs. Heagy's paternal grandfathers came to the United States, and the latter estab- lished his home in Ohio, where he spent his remaining days. Mr. Bauer. hon ever. died in Hamilton, Ontario, Can- ada. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Heagy was celebrated in Pittsburg. Pen- sylvania, on the 24th of June, 1852, and in the following year they removed to Keokuk, lowa, where Mr. Heagy worked at his trade until 1854. He then pur chased land in Montebello township and began farming, in connection with which he continued to work at his trade mul 1800, when he purchased sixty -two aci of land in Prairie township There le still resides, being one of the respected and well known agriculturists of beowulf munity, but in 180; he was Filled up to mourn the loss of his wife. A cefm August of that you
After his marriage Mr Kassetab
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lished his home in Wythe township and also operated rented land in Prairie town- ship. He was thus engaged until 1892 when he purchased his present place of forty acres on section I, Wythe township. They have resided upon this farm con- tinuously since their marriage, and in the fall of 1905 MIr. Roasa added to his pos- sessions through the purchase of the place of ninety-two acres in Prairie and Bear Creek townships, which he had previ- ously rented. He carries on general agri- cultural pursuits and stock-raising and finds both branches of his business profit- able, owning to his careful management and his indefatigable enterprise. In 1892 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Hodgeman county, Kan- sas, which he rents out for pasture.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Roasa has . been blessed with four children : Olga Louisa, born April 14. 1887; Wilma Amelia, December 31, 1888; Gretta Juan- ita. February 10. 1895; and William Ivan, February 5. 1893. The family at- tend the Evangelical chunch at Hamilton, of which the parents are members, and Mr. Roasa is identified through member- ship relations with the Modern Woodmen of America at Elvaston, while his polit- ical support is given to the Republican party. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life empty-handed, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by determined purpose and honest effort, and he has gradually worked his way upward from a humble financial position to one of aMuence, having an excellent farming property in Hancock county, Illinois, on which he resides.
WILLIAM EDGAR LYON.
The business enterprises of Carthage find a worthy representative in William E. Lyon, who figured prominently in com- mercial and industrial circles here, his wise counsel and unflagging industry be- ing the dominant factors in the success- ful control of a large lumber and house finishing business and at the same time he is a dealer in coal and wood and as a member of the firm of W. E. Lyon & Company is engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile. Of resourceful busi- ness ability and strong determination, he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes if his end can be accomplished by honorable means.
Mr. Lyon is yet a young man, for his birth occurred in Burlington, Iowa, on the 5th of April. 1870, his parents being William and Mary ( Barkley) Lyon. His father was born in Linden, Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1851 and the mother's birth occurred in the same county. The former was a grandson of a Presbyterian minister. Dr. McMillan. who was one of the first preachers of the gospel west of the Alleghany mountains and established the Washington College in Washington county, Pennsylvania. He preached for many years, riding the cir- cuit on horseback. He was over six feet tall. weighed three hundred pounds and was a most jovial and good-hearted man and very witty. Moreover his earnest- ness of purpose and his strong humani- tarian principles were manifest in his un- tiring efforts to promote the cause of re- ligion. A great-uncle of our subject on the paternal side was a soldier of the war
WILLIAM E. LYON
PUBLI. ...... RY
1
TONS
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HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
of 1812 and his father has in his posses- ston the old German rifle mounted in sil- ver belonging to his uncle and which will eventually be inherited by Mr. Lyon of this review.
Mr. and Mrs. William Lyon have re- sided in Burlington, lowa, for the past thirty-seven years and for a considerable period he was engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor, but eventually turned his attention to the lumber trade. becoming a member of the Burlington Lumber Company. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the U'nion army. running away from home to become a drummer boy, and he remained at the front until the close of hostilities. Fra- ternally he is an Odd Fellow and has passed all of the chairs in the local lodge. Both he and his wife are devoted and ac- tive members of the Presbyterian church of Burlington, in which Mr. Lyon has served as elder for many years. When Mr. Lyon arrived in Burlington the joint capital of himself and wife was but ten dollars. He is today a wealthy man. owning a fine residence and in control of an extensive and profitable business. His aged father still lives in Pennsylvania. William Lyon is a self-made man in the truest and best sense of the term and his well-directed labors have been the source of his prosperity. He is seldom at error in matters of business judgment, has the power to co-ordinate plans and forces and through the utilization of opportunity has developed extensive trade interests until the name of William Lyon com mands respect and admiration wherever it is heard. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and for
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