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 77
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BIOGRAPHICAL RET'IEN'
medicine for one of his years, having al- ready attained a reputation which many an older practitioner might well envy, was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Sep- tember 17, 1875. His father, Dr. Charles B. Roberts, was born on a farm in Ohio in 1848. and is a graduate of the Ens- worth Medical College of Missouri. He was a minister of the Baptist church prior to the time that he took up the profession of medicine, preaching in Illinois and Mis- souri with great success. He now makes his home in McLean county, Illinois, and is practically retired. He married Miss Sarah Ellen Bulkley, who was born in Upper Alton, Illinois, in 1854, and like him. she is a devoted member of the Baptist church. In their family were seven children : Hazelteen Ruth, the wife of Harry Tilburg, of Towanda, Illinois ; Roy B. : Luther, deceased; Alice M., the wife of Arthur L. Rainalter, of St. Jo- seph, Missouri; Francis N., who lives in the Alberta district of Canada: Lathrop E. and Horace B., also of Canada,
Dr. Roberts of this review, having ac- quired a good preliminary education re- solved to make the practice of medicine his life work and is a graduate of the Ensworth Medical College of Missouri. and of the Rush Medical College. of Chi- cago. He first practiced in Brooklyn. Illinois, where he remained for two years, and in August, 1901, located in Augusta, where he has met with excellent success, having a large practice in both the town and county. He keeps in touch with the progress of the medical fraternity and is continually broadening his knowledge and efficiency by reading and investiga- tion. lle has demonstrated his ability to his years.
successfully solve intricate problems con- nected with the restoration of health, and he has the regard of his professional brethren by reason of his conformity to a high standard of professional ethics.
Dr. Roberts was married in 1902 to Miss Bertha A. DeGroot, who was born in Augusta, January 7, 1876, and is a daughter of John E. and Mary Josephine (Davis) DeGroot. residents of this state. Her father is a native of Quincy, and is a retired farmer now sixty-three years of age, while her mother has reached the age of fifty-five years. In their fam- ily are four children, and the circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. These are: Maude, the wife of Arthur J. Laughlin, of Macomb, Illinois ; Mrs. Roberts ; Eugene, a practicing physician living at Muskogee, Oklahoma: and Mabel, the wife of Frank Deiley, of Ber- wyn. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. DeGroot are members of the Methodist church. For many years he was a dentist, engaged actively in practice for a long period. Dr. and Mrs. Roberts now have two children : Brockway DeGrott, born in Augusta, April 6, 1903; and Elsie Monica, born January 26, 1906.
Dr. Roberts votes with the Republican party but is not active in its ranks. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and he and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church. They are prominent socially in Augusta and their own home is justly celebrated for its gracious and attractive hospitality. professionally and fraternally Dr. Roberts is popular and has made an excellent record as a medical practitioner for one of
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
SAMUEL H. ATHEY.
Sammel H. AAthey, deceased, who was engaged in carriage making in Hamilton. was born in Washington county, Ohio. May 16, 1831, a son of Walter and Clara (Goldsmith) Athey, who were natives of Maryland. In that state they were mar- ried, after which they crossed the moun- tains to Ohio on horseback, spending their remaining days in the Buckeye state.
Samuel 11. Athey was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools in Washington com- ty. He lived with his parents until the 23d of November. 1852. and was then married to Miss Sarah M. Campbell, who was born near Marietta, Wood county. West Virginia, a daughter of Robert and Letitia ( Wright ) Campbell, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Hunt- ington county, Pennsylvania. Their mar riage was celebrated in the Keystone state and they afterward removed to Virginia. where AMr. Campbell purchased four hun- dred acres of land. He was a shoemaker by trade, but in the Old Dominion gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he resided for a time in Erie county, Pennsylvania, but afterward re turned to Virginia, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. In their fam- ily were five sons and six daughters.
After his marriage Samuel 11. AAthey and his bride began their domestic life in his father's okl home. where they lived until 1855. when they removed to the vicinity of Keokuk, settling upon a rented farm. There Mr. Athey carried on gen- eral agricultural pursuits and taught school for a year. He afterward went to
St. Francisville, Missemmi, where he re sided until shop, when he came to lun- ilton and purchased fifteen acres of land in the northern part of the city Here he was first employed at carpentering, but later turned his attention to carriage building and was thus engaged during the latter part of his life.
In the same year of his removal to Hamilton, Mr. Athey enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company ( of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ilmois Infantry in the spring of 1804 11 served until the end of the war but was fifteen months in the hospital at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was discharged at Springfield, Illinois, after the close of his- tilities.
Umo Mr. and Mrs. Athey were born three daughters and three sons: Clara. the wife of William Morgan Oakley, of Quincy, Illinois: Addie, at home: Mary. s ho became the wife of John Finley Mal- colm, and died at Libertyville, Ihnois, m 1895 : Robert, of Hamilton ; and Eugene. who is a painter and paper hanger ni Hamilton. The husband and father died March 24. 1803, when almost sixty two years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his po litical view - were in accord with repul lican principles. He served as const able in Lee county, lowa, bin was never an of- fice secker, preferring to give hus time and attention to his business interests. He led a busy, active and useinl hie and all that he possessed was obtained through his own persistent efforts. In citizenship he ever manifested the same loyalty which he displayed when upon southern battle- fields
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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEII
MRS. JANE L. HAWLEY.
Mrs. Jane L. Hawley, living in Hamil- ton, was born in Hector. New York, in May. 1831, a daughter of Jeremiah and Martella (Kelly) Robinson, both of whom were natives of New York. Re- moving westward, the parents settled in the vicinity of Connersville, Indiana, in 1837. taking up their abode upon a farm there. The mother's death -occurred in 1838 and the father passed away in 1856. Mrs. Hawley spent her girlhood days under the parental roof, acquired a public school education and was carefully trained in the duties of the household, so that she was well qualified to take care of a home of her own at the time of her mar- riage. She left Indiana in 1843 and went to McLean county, Illinois, where she lived with a sister, Mrs. Harriet Trow- bridge. until seventeen years of age. She afterward returned to Indiana and was there married in October. 1849, to Jo- seph Laramore, who was born in 1810 and was a son of Daniel and Mary Brooks. Her husband was conducting a hotel in the village of Eagle, Boone coun- ty, Indiana, and in 1856 came to Adams county, settling at West Point, where he purchased a farm and resided until 1862, when he sold that property and bought a farm in Wythe township. Hancock county. He was engaged in its cultiva- tion and development until 1875, when he sold the property and bought a large brick house with a store front on Main street in Hamilton. Here Mr. Laramore died in August, 1877, leaving one daugh- ter. Celesta, who was born in January, 1852, and became the wife of Trever
Slattery. She died in 1881, leaving two daughters, of whom one is yet living, Iva. now the wife of Edward McQuarry. of West Point, Illinois. By a former mar- riage Joseph Laramore had two sons : Thomas, who died at the age of forty years ; and James, a practicing physician residing in Greenfield, Indiana. Having lost her first husband. Mrs. Laramore was again married in August, 1881, becoming the wife of George A. Hawley, who was born in the state of New York in 1820, He was an attorney at law, who practiced in Iowa for many years. He had been married before and had one son who died in infancy. Mr. Hawley passed away March 31. 1902, since which time his widow has been living alone in Hamilton. She is well known here as a lady of many excellent traits of character that have gained for her a wide circle of friends.
J. L. ESSLEY.
J. L. Essley, of Dallas City, was born in Washington, Iowa, on the 9th of De- cember, 1880, and is a son of Mark and Emma Essley, who are residing upon a farm near Washington. They have four children : Estella, the wife of Lester Rank, a resident of Oklahoma: J. L., of this review: Oliver and Esther, both at hone.
J. L. Essley was educated in the Uni- versity at Towa 'City, completing a busi- ness course there by graduation. He was afterward employed in a grocery store for
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IL.INCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
two years at Washington, lowa, in the capacity of bookkeeper and clerk. On the 11th of December, 1900. he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Moss, Who With born in West Virginia, in 1881. and is a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth ( Rhea) Moss, both of whom were natives of West Virginia, and in 1891 became residents of Hancock county, Illinois, settling upon a farm in Dallas township. where they are now living. In their family were four children, all born in West Virginia : Eva. at home: Iva, the wife of Lloyd Moss. living in Arrowsmith, Illinois : and Mrs. Essley of this review. The last named was educated in the public schools of Dal- las City and in her girlhood days learned the milliner's trade. In 1yot she em- barked in the millinery business in Dal- las City, and in the spring and fall of 1904 employed a manager to conduct her place in this city, while she managed a branch store in Lone Tree, lowa. She has the largest patronage of any millinery estab- lishment in this city and draws her trade from the surrounding country as well. Her place of business is pleasantly and conveniently located on Oak street and she keeps an excellent line of goods, en- ploying a trimmer from Quincy during the busy seasons. Her store is indeed modern and up-to-date in every particu- lar and is tastefully arranged and conve- niently equipped. She well merits the hb eral patronage which is accorded her. her business being one of the leading commer- cial enterprises of the city. She suffered losses in the disastrous fire which swept over the city on the 17th of December. 1905. but she at once resumed business as a milliner and has a good trade.
Mr. Essley was connected with a but tom factory of Dallas City for three years and is now with a well drilling company He votes with the Republican party and his wife is a member of the Methodist church, in which she acted as organist for eight or nine years. Mr. Esley pur chased a pleasant home on West Third street and this worthy couple has it won. Jesse, who was born in Dallas City. So- vember 9, 1901. Both Mr. and Mrs. Es- ley stand well in the community where they make their home and have the warm regard of many friends.
JOHN REID WILLIAMS.
John Reid Williams, a resident of War- saw, has for many years been one of the leading factors in business life in this city. He was a captain on the Mississippi river in the old picturesque days of steam- boat travel upon the father of waters and following his retirement in 1887 he has made extensive and judicious investments in property, becoming one of the large landowners of this part of the state Ile is now spending his days in well earned case, having through well conducted bus news affairs become prosessor of a ver gratifying competence
Mr. Williams was born on Med son county, Kentucky, March 28, 1816. . som of Levi and Mary ( Reid Willams In the year 1831. the parents removed will their family to Hancock, settling three
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BIOGRAPHICAL RETIEIT'
miles below Warsaw on the bluff road, while later they took up their abode on the prairie six miles southeast of the city, Levi Williams there entering one hun- dred and thirteen acres of land, which was at that time wild and unimproved, but which he transformed into a valuable and productive farm. He was a ranger up and down the river during the Black Hawk war and was connected with many interesting events of early history which have shaped the policy and promoted the progress of this portion of the state. He lived upon the old homestead farm until his death, which occurred November 27. 1860. when he was sixty-six years of age and his wife survived until the 2d of De- cember. 1872. In their family were nine children. of whom three are now living : Rice C., who resides at Peoria : Henry, who is living on the old homestead; and John Reid, of this review. Those who have passed away are William, Thomas, Jane. Theresa MI .. Elizabeth and two who died in infancy.
John Reid Williams pursued his educa- tion in the old-time subscription schools and was reared to agricultural pursuits. IIe devoted the winter months to the mastery of the branches of learning taught in the early educational institutions of those days. while the remainder of the year was given to farm work from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. During the years of his early manhood his attention was given to farming and he afterward began boating on the Mis- sissippi river, eventually becoming a cap- tain of one of the okl-time crafts. Before the era of railroad travel the river was
the great highway between the north and the south and with its tributaries formed the source of communication for all points of the middle west and the gulf ports. It is within the memory of many men, when the river crafts were "floating palaces" and a trip down the Mississippi was a most enjoyable occasion, for as the boat proceeded slowly down the stream there was ample time for the forming of new acquaintances, many of which ripened into warm friendships. There was laughter and music aboard and the dance was often a feature of the evening entertainment. As the boat put up at different landings to take on or discharge its cargo the negroes would perform the task of load- ing and unloading, keeping time to a rythmic chant or song. The Mississippi formed not only the highway for pas- senger travel but also for all traffic. The products of many great states that lie in the Mississippi basin were shipped by boat down the father of waters and this method of transportation proved a profit- able business. As before stated. Mr. Williams became captain of a Mississippi river steamer and for some time his run was from St. Louis to Keokuk. He later purchased an interest in the Eagle Packet Company. holding office of president of this company while he was interested, in which he remained a stockholder until 1887. when he disposed of his holdings and retired to private life, since which time he has given his attention merely to the supervision of his private business affairs. As his financial resources had increased he had made judicious invest- ments in property and is now the owner of about seven hundred acres of farming
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
land in Hancock county. He als owns considerable valuable city property and the old homestead, which was once the property of his father. At one time he owned nine hundred and fifty acres of farming land, but later disposed of two hundred and fifty acres.
Aside from his experiences on the river in what forms one of the most attractive and picturesque periods in the history of the middle west Captain Williams has had other interesting experiences and adven- tures. In 1852 he went to California, at- tracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast and had the usual life of the western miner with its hardships and dangers during the several months which he spent in California ere returning to Hli- nois. Ile was also in the Mormon war which occurred in the '4os and took an active interest in affairs of that time. The Mormons, coming from the east, endeavored to establish a colony in Han- cock county, but their practices of polyga- my were so abhorent to the citizens of this part of the state that they rose against the seet and drove them from the state. Captain Williams was in the suburbs of the city of Carthage when Joseph Smith and his brother Hiram, Mormon prohets and leaders, were shot. While acting as deputy sheriff he slept many nights in the room where Joseph Smith lost his life.
her father: Thomas, whe resides on al farm in Wise township. and six dubien who died in carly youth The wife and mother passed away March 28, 1001. . the age of seventy two years. She was at native of Kentucky and came to Ilmon with her parents the year following the arrival of the Withams family, the Me Mahan family settling upon an adjoining farm, and it was upon that farm that Captain and Mrs. Williams were married.
In his political views Captam Williams was in early life a whig and cast his first presidential ballot for William Henry Harrison. Upon the dissolution of the party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, of which he has since been a stauch advocate. He was elected coroner, at one time served as deputy sheriff and was also constable for a num- ber of years, discharging the varied duties which devolved upon him with prompt- ness and fidelity. He is a member of the Christian church and is one of the most esteemed and honored citizens of War- saw. lle is a venerable man of ninety years and his life has been one of activity crowned with success. He lived in this county during early pioneer times when many of the homes were log cabins and these were widely scattered, there being long distances betwen the farms The farm machinery was primitive and the household utensils were equally sor Gun- des were in use for lighting aanleg was largely done over the prophe, at 's the sickle and sesthe were seen in the hill- vest fields and the leaves were bound by hand Great chinge IWe errurrel In all Imes of business ffe wilog the nem
In 1849) occurred the marriage of Cap- tain Williams and Miss Angeline MeMa han, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Crawford) McMahan. Nine children were born of this union : Mary, who is now the wife of Dr. J. Eaton Johnston. of Warsaw, Illinois: Flora, who married Thomas F. Howard and is living with ory of Captain Williams Kan Inch
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BIOGRAPHICAL RET'IEI'
pioneer settler he well deserves mention in this volume, for few have been longer, connected with Hancock county, its de- velopment and progress.
O. F. WEISENBORN.
Otto F. Weisenborn, viewing life from the standpoint of a practical, enterprising man, has won a position in business cir- cles that has gained for him simultaneous- ly a good name and creditable success. He is today the senior partner in the firm of Weisenborn & Company, of Carthage, dealers in farm lands in Hancock county. in residence property in Carthage, and also in lands in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas. Iowa and Texas. He was born at Lentner, Missouri, in 1870, his parents being Conrad and Rebecca ( Altdater) Weisenborn. The father, a native of Germany, born in 1832. was twenty years of age when he came to America with his parents, settling near Quincy, Illinois, at a place called Mill Creek. He is a farmer by occupation and now makes his home with his children, being at present in Ma- con, Missouri. His early political alle- giance was given to the democracy, but he now votes with the Republican party. For a number of years he was a member of the police force of Quincy. He holds membership in the German Lutheran church, to which his wife also belonged. She passed away in 1882. her remains be- ing interred in South Union cemetery near Zion church in the vicinity of Clar-
ence, Missouri, at which time Otto F. Weisenborn was but fourteen years of age. In the family were six children, of whom four are now living, as follows: George, who is a manufacturer at Indian- apolis. Ind .; Henry C., an expert me- chanic of Macon, Missouri ; Theodore A .. a traveling salesman of Peoria, Illinois ; and Otto F., of this review.
A graduate of the high school of Clar- ence, Missouri, Otto F. Weisenborn thus completed his education, after which he engaged in the operation of rented farms. for several years in Missouri. Subse- quently he spent a few years as a com- mercial traveler and in 1900 as the result of study, investigation and experiment, he invented a patent wire stretcher. upon which he secured a United States patent in April, 1905. He then began the manufac- ture of this device, which he sold in all states of the Union. He disposed of a half interest in the business to L. A. Shipton. of Carthage, and later Becher Jackson, of Adrian, Illinois, became interested with him in the business. He is still engaged in the manufacture of his invention at De- troit. Michigan, and has other patents pending. This wire stretcher is consid- cred the best on the market and took first premium at the St. Louis exposition in 1900. Mr. Weisenborn possesses consid- erable'mechanical ingenuity and original ideas and has brought forth several use- ful devices. After selling a half interest in his patent he entered into general mer- chandising in Carthage, but after a year sold out and lived retired for a few years. He is now. however, engaged in the real estate business with offices in the Mc- Mahon block on Main and Adams streets
OTTO F. WEISENBORN AND WIFE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LFNOX TILDEN FOUST IONS
HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
in Carthage. He is associated with Charles H. Garnett under the firm style of Weisenborn & Company and is one of the leading land dealers of this part of the state, making a specialty of Hancock county farm lands. He also handles resi dence property in Carthage and is agent for the Pecos valley lands in New Mex- ico and also for property in Oklahoma. Kansas, lowa and Texas. He has charge of Santa Fe excursions to the southwest and has made extensive sales of property not only in this county but in adjoining states and in Texas and Oklahoma. ile is largely conversant with property values and has thus engaged many importmt realty transfers.
On the 26th of February. 1902, Mr. Weisenborn was married to Miss Alice M. White at her home near Bentley. Illi nois. She was born in MeDonough county, Illinois, in 1871, a daughter of James and Amelia ( Boyd ) White. ILer parents were natives of Ohio and the fa- ther. a farmer by occupation, lived upon a farm in this state for over thirty years. In his political views he was a strong democrat. He died August 10, 1905. while his widow now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Botts. In their family were seven children, of whom six are now living: Morris, who resides in St. Marys. Illinois: Laura, the wife of Robert Bolls. living in Carthage: Martha, the wife of Tom Stevens, of Dallas City, Ilinois: Jane, the wife of William Ewing. of Dighton. Kansas: Katherine, the wife of George Crump, of St. Mary's. Ilinois: and Mrs. Weisenborn. The Best named was a graduate of the Carthage high school and attended Carthage College
She gained a teacher'scertificate butter followed that profession She v. fim ever, a successful sten grapher for years in the law office ai Miller & Wil liams at Carthage Se was real of the faith of the Christian church but me her marriage joined the Presh terim church with her husband She lagh 1 deep, active and helpful interestom chinel work and prior to her marriage was 1 teacher in the Sunday-school. In coop she became ill with typhoid fever and in the 4th of July of that year passed away. her remains being interred in Moss Rulge cemetery. Her death was deeply regret ted by many friends, for by her excellent traits of heart and mind she had endeared herself to all who knew her.
Mr. Weisenborn is a republican but without aspiration for office and he be- longs to the Presbyterian church. When he became a factor in business hie his capital consisted of not more than es enty-five or eighty cents, but honest la- bor, ambition and energy have enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and oh stacles in his path. In fact, these have seemed to serve as a stimulus for renewed effort and concentration and he is toits in possession of a comfortable en tence. He has a fine automobile w c he uses in his business and he com beautiful home on Vort Main street Whatever he undertakes recentes his me tire attention and his s'rus pio c. cl pable methods and deigs consoante the secret of a well deserved of calle strength and high spamlos mr community. and leave ut In. nie qualities is held in great estech
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