USA > Illinois > Kendall County > Genealogical and biographical record of Kendall and Will Counties, Illinois : containing biographies of well known citizens of the past and present > Part 80
USA > Illinois > Will County > Genealogical and biographical record of Kendall and Will Counties, Illinois : containing biographies of well known citizens of the past and present > Part 80
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The education of our subject was acquired principally in the schools of Newark and York- ville, Ill. When nineteen years of age he began to teach school, which he followed for three win- ters in Illinois and one in New York state. He began the study of law in Rochester, N. Y., with Jesse Sheppard, city attorney, and E. B. Fenner, state's attorney, and later continued to read under A. W. Windett in Chicago. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1876. Immediately afterward he began to practice, establishing his office in Mor- ris, Grundy County. In 1882 he came to Joliet, where for two years he was a partner of J. B. Fithian, and since then has been alone, conduct- ing a general practice of law in its various de- partments. His attention is given unreservedly to his profession, and he is not connected with any secret organizations or social clubs; nor is he active in politics, although a stanch Republican and deeply interested in local affairs. He was married in Laddonia, Mo., to Miss Kate Wilder, daughter of Judge B. H. Wilder. They are the parents of three children: Laura, Wilder and Arthur.
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la ANIEL JONES DARNELL, of Little Rock Township, Kendall County, was born in the old fort in Wenona, Marshall County, Ill., November 7, 1833. He is a descendant of one of the old colonial families of America. Hisgrand- father, Benjamin Darnell, was bound out at a very early age, his father and older brother hav- ing been killed in the Revolutionary war, which left him dependent upon his own resources. Not liking the family he was with, he started out for himself and went to North Carolina, where he married and reared his family. From there he started for Illinois. He came to Marshall County and had charge of the building of the fort there. Later lie removed to what is now Kendall County. His death occurred when he was eighty-five years of age.
John, son of Benjamin, and father of Daniel J. Darnell, was a native of Ashie County, N. C. While his father was still living in the south, he left home and went to Indiana, where he planted and harvested a crop. However, Illinois was his objective point, and as soon as he had disposed of his crop he came to Illinois, making his way to Marshall County, where he remained during the Indian troubles. During the three years he spent there lie helped to build the fort. He came up the Fox River before his father, and built the first log house north of the river. A part of this house still stands, the surrounding farm being now known as the Hathaway place. He took up government land and broke and improved it. Being a good mechanic, lie also carried on a blacksmith shop, and was accustomed to shoe oxen for his neighbors, using for the purpose any old iron he could get. He helped to build the first school house in his locality and in other ways aided local progress. On this place he died when forty-six years and ten months old. As one of the pioneers of liis neighborhood he was closely connected with the development of material re- sources, and his name should be carried down to future generations for the noble, self sacrificing work that he did in a life that was all too brief to enable him to realize to the full his cherished hopes.
Before leaving North Carolina John Darnell
married Leah Jones, daughter of Daniel Jones, who was a justice of the peace and a man of in- fluence in his community. To their union were born seven sons and three daughters. The eldest of these, Polly, became the wife of John Snyder, whose mill in the southern part of Little Rock Township is one of the old landmarks of this re- gion. She died shortly after her marriage. The other living members of the family are: John, Daniel J., James, Aaron and Alfred; and Mrs. Martha Elliott, of Little Rock, and Mrs. Coulson, of Hinckley. John lives in Little Rock Town- ship, Aaron in Sandwich, James in Plano, and Alfred in Colorado. Two older sons, Enoch and Eli, died in Illinois.
The earliest recollections of our subject cluster around pioneer scenes and incidents in Kendall County. He was two years of age when his father moved to this county, hence he remembers 110 earlier home. There are few now living who have been identified with the history of the region for a longer period than he, and certainly no one has been more deeply interested in its progress. After the death of his father he remained at home and worked for his mother until he was twenty- one, after which he worked a portion of the land for himself. When he left home he began to break prairie land and operate a threshing machine. At twenty-five years of age he went to Iowa, but remained there less than three years, wlien lie sold out and returned to Illinois. In 1861 he bought the place where he has since re- sided. Scarcely had he settled on his new farmi when the war between the States assumed such proportions that new recruits were called for in large numbers by the president. He enlisted at Little Rock in July, 1861, and went into camp at Aurora August 19. His name was enrolled as a member of Company E, Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, which was assigned to the army of the west. He took part in all the engagements of his regiment from Pea Ridge to Kenesaw Mountain. His brother Aaron, who was in the same company, was seriously wounded at Stone River. He himself was three times wounded, and to this day the effects of these wounds re- main. After the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he
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was taken to the hospital, where he lay between life and death for weeks. In fact, nothing but a vigorous constitution saved him. His physicians expected to be obliged to amputate both of his limbs, but, to the surprise of everyone, he rallied and amputation was rendered unnecessary. As
soon as he had recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital he returned home, his regiment having already been discharged from the service.
Since his army life Mr. Darnell has given his attention closely to farm work. He is the owner of two hundred and eighty-eight acres, on which he engages in raising hogs and cattle, also farm produce, and besides carries on a dairy business. He has between forty and fifty head of Short- horns on his farm, where there is a spring of water that never runs dry, hence the land is well adapted for stockraising. The milk from his dairy is sold almost entirely in Little Rock. While he has been very successful in his occupa- tion of agriculturist, he has not hoarded his ineans, but has aided relatives and friends less fortunate than himself, and he has never been known to turn a deaf ear to the appeal of the worthy poor.
Since the days of John C. Fremont Mr. Dar- nell has been a stanch Republican. He is interested in local matters, but has avoided offices, preferring to devote himself to his private interests. His wife is connected with the Meth- odist Church and he attends the services of the same and contributes to its support. His mar- riage took place October 21, 1878, and united him with Olive C., daughter of George W. Rowley, an estimable lady, who shares with him the respect and confidence of neighbors and acquaint- ances.
DEERING STEWARD, mayor of Plano, has the honor of being the youngest man who ever has been called upon to fill this important office. Moreover, he received the largest majority ever given in this city to an occupant of this chair, his personal popularity and well known general business and legal qualifications all having due weight
in the minds of the people. He possesses the enthusiasm and energy of a young man, and, unlike many of the older politicians, he is sincere and earnest in his desire to further the welfare of the public, holding his own interests secondary. He has been sent as a delegate to numerous county and state conventions of the Democratic party, and has served as a magistrate until he tendered his resignation, in the spring of 1899, in order to enter upon his present duties. His name has been mentioned in connection with the office of representative to the legislature, and, as he already has become such a factor in the coun- cils of his party, higher honors await him in the future.
The birthplace of William Deering Steward is his present home in Plano, and the date of the event is July 12, 1872. His father, the Hon. Lewis Steward, one of the leading citizens of Kendall County for several decades and now de- ceased, is represented upon another page of this work. When he was ten years old W. Deering Steward met with an accident which abruptly terminated his school life, as for several years he was an invalid and was an inmate of a hospital in Indianapolis. When he returned home he took up some of his studies by himself, as his strength permitted, and thus by the hardest route he worked his way to knowledge. During his father's term in congress the young man was of valuable assistance to the elder man in many ways, aiding him in the management of his busi- ness when his attention and time perforce were divided. In the spring of 1897 he entered into partnership with his brother, Julian R., in the banking business, and in the spring of 1900 the brothers bought the fine business block formerly owned by Mr. Henning. Also, in connection with his three brothers, he is financially inter- ested in the Electric Lighting Company of Plano, being treasurer of the same, and other business enterprises of great importance. He is president of the Plano Improvement & Manufacturing Company.
In 1895 Mr. Steward entered the Chicago Col- lege of Law, where he pursued legal studies for two years, being graduated in that institution in
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the class of 1897. He is a member of the Delta Chi, a legal college fraternity, and the Modern Woodmen of America, while in the Masonic or- der he has attained the Royal Arch degree, being a member of the blue lodge and of the chapter. He is president of the Blackhawk Social Club of Plano, and chairman of the County Democratic Central Committee.
The marriage of Mr. Steward and Miss Etoile Miner was celebrated September 26, 1895. She is a daughter of John Miner, then of Kansas City, but now employed as a mineralogist in Colorado. The two sons born to our subject and wife are named respectively Lewis Hollister and John Coulter.
EV. JOHN HENRY RABE. The pastor of the flourishing Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kendall Township, Kendall County, the Rev. John H. Rabe, is a scholarly, capable servant of the Master, and under his wise ministrations a great and good work is be- ing accomplished in this locality. A review of his history and of the mission church with which he became identified a few years ago appears be- low, and will be perused with deep interest by his hosts of friends, both here and elsewhere.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 25, 1856, the subject of this sketch is a son of William and Clara (Wlecke) Rabe, natives of Prussia, Ger- many. They were wedded in the Fatherland, and in 1855 emigrated to the United States, mak - ing their home in Cleveland, in which city they were instrumental in the organization of a large Lutheran Church. The father departed this life March 21, 1894, and of his five children only two sons survive, our subject and a brother whose home is in Cleveland.
Until he reached his fifteenth year the Rev. John H. Rabe attended the parochial schools in his native city, and at that age entered Concor- dia College at Ft. Wayne, Ind., with the inten- tion of fitting himself for the ministry. There he spent six years in literary studies and then was admitted to the Concordia Theological Sem- inary, where he pursucd a three-years course.
In the fall of 1880, when he was graduated with honors at his Alma Mater, he received a call from the board of missions of his denomination, and was assigned to an important field of labor in the vicinity of Kansas City-the territory of eastern Kansas and western Missouri. He re- mained there, faithfully laboring until the autumn of 1881, when he was called to his present pas- torate.
In December of that year the Rev. John H. Rabe was installed as the spiritual head of this little flock, which then had but thirteen voting members. They assembled in a small building now used as a school-house, and within a short time the rapidly increasing congregation began to feel the great need of a suitable place of wor- ship. In 1882 a convenient, modern parsonage was erected at a cost of $1,500. From that time onward the work of raising funds for a church building progressed. Through the continued personal efforts of the pastor and his willing helpers in the great work, the necessary amount finally was raised and on the last Sunday in August, 1896, the church was dedicated. The building, which easily seats two hundred and fifty people, could not be duplicated to-day for $6,000. It was constructed with reference to putting in a gallery later, when the needs of the congregation render it advisable. The church was finished throughout with hard-wood in the. interior, and beautiful stained glass windows; comfortable pews and other fittings make the audience-room attractive and restful. The con- gregation now numbers forty six voting men- bers, and the work in this vicinity has reached a very hopeful state. It is under the general su- pervision of the Missouri Synod, which is the largest German speaking organization in Ameri- ca. Though Rev. Mr. Rabe habitually preaches in the German tongue, he addresses his hearers in both languages on special occasions and at some funerals, when both the English and Ger- man-speaking people are present. Every third Sunday he delivers a sermon and conducts relig- ious exercises at Plano. Two weeks subsequent to his arrival here he started a parochial school and has been at the head of this enterprise ever
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since, at present having thirty-six pupils under his instruction. Both languages are taught in the school, classes in arithmetic and geography being carried on in English.
The marriage of the Rev. Mr. Rabe and Mary Hemann was solemnized February 16, 1882. They have four sons and two daughters, namely: Walter; Martin, who is attending school in DuPage County, Ill .; Theodore, Amanda, Ru- dolph and Helen. Mrs. Rabe was a schoolmate of her husband and was born in the same city, a daughter of John Henry and Clara Elizabeth (Placke ) Hemann, natives of Hanover, Germany.
ENRY VAN TASELL, who has made his home in Fox Township, Kendall County, since 1848, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., January 18, 1834. His father, Lewis, son of Green Van Tasell, was a native of New York and a machinist by trade. For years be- fore he came west he engaged in the manufacture of cloth. In 1848 he started west, traveling via Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by lake to Chicago, and from there by team to Kendall County. In the spring of 1849 he began farming on eighty acres that he bought and afterward improved. In politics he was a Whig and in religion a Meth- odist. By his marriage to Dorothy, daughter of . Elijah Scott, he had two children, one of whom, a daughter, died at the age of eighteen months. The father was seventy-seven at the time of his death.
When the family came west our subject was alinost fifteen years of age. Arriving at the new home he assisted his father in bringing the land under cultivation. When the grain was har- vested he hauled it to Aurora, which was then the principal market. At the age of twenty-five years he rented a farm and began for himself. For seven years he remained on the rented land, after which he bought forty acres. Later, being prospered, he bought another forty. On the death of his father he consolidated the one hun- dred and sixty acres, forming the homestead he now occupies. The improvements of the place represent years of effort on his part. When he
settled on the land it was merely plowed ground, barren of any improvement. All of the buildings and fences were erected by liimself, and through his labors the land was brought to a high state of cultivation. He still resides on the farm, but since 1890 has rented the land, living retired from active cares.
In politics Mr. Van Tasell is a Republican. He has been connected with the school offices and has shown an interest in this and other worthy movements. In 1859 he married Mary, daughter of DeMarquis Misner, who settled in Illinois in 1836. They have two children, namely: De- Witt, of Newark; and Carrie, wife of Frank Worsley, who operates the home farm.
2 E WITT VAN TASELL. As one of the native-born sons of Kendall County and as a man whose energies have been devoted to the development of its business resources, Mr. Van Tasell well deserves mention in this work. He is proprietor of a store in Newark, where he deals in hardware and agricultural implements. In his store he has a well-selected and complete line of general hardware, as well as carriages and farm implements of all kinds. His reliable deal- ings and recognized honesty have contributed to bring him success, and he now stands among the foremost business men of his county.
At the home of his parents, Henry and Mary (Misner) Van Tasell, in Fox Township, Kendall County, our subject was born April 9, 1866, be- ing one of two children. He was reared on the home farm and received such advantages as neighboring schools afforded. When he attained his majority he left home and started in the world for himself. Going to the Pacific coast he settled in the then territory of Washington, where he embarked in the manufacture of shingles. Sev- eral years later he sold out that business, after which he traveled for some time.
Returning to his native county, in 1894 Mr. Van Tasell established an agricultural implement business at Millbrook, and this he conducted until 1898, when he was burned out. During the same year he bought a hardware business in
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Newark owned by O. G. Worsley, and he has since given his attention to this business. A progressive citizen, he has maintained an interest in local affairs. He has served the Republican party as delegate to various conventions. He is connected with the local camp Modern Wood- men of America, in which he has filled the posi- tion of presiding officer. February 20, 1890, lie married Emma, daughter of Jolin Fay. She died February 26, 1894, leaving two children, Bessie and Glenn. His second marriage took place October 28, 1898, and united him with Margaret, a daughter of Jacob and Mary A. (Greenfield) Budd, a pioneer family of this count- ty. (Sec sketch of Jacob Budd. ) In 1899-1900 Mr. Van Tasell erected the comfortable residence which the family now occupies, and which is fitted with all modern conveniences.
ON. THOMAS FINNIE. The words of Pope, "An honest man's the noblest work of God," recur to one in reviewing the life and studying the character of Thomas Finnie. That sturdy and unflinching integrity which is a char- acteristic of the Scot the world over was particu- larly noticeable in him. Truth and justice had a stanch champion in him, and honesty was his motto and watchword throughout life. Through- out his eighty-eight years he maintained a repu- tation for honor, sound judgment, charity and a broad spirit. While he was not a member of any church, he believed in the teachings of the Bible and endeavored to live up to its high idcals. The example of his life is one that will not soon be forgotten, and its emulation is worthy of the young men of the present day.
The birth of Thomas Finnic occurred in Gala- shiels, Scotland, July 25, 1809, his parents be- ing Alexander and Mary ( Mercer) Finnic. His father, who was interested in the manufacture of woolen goods in Galashicls, came to America in 1821 and settled in Brodalbin, Montgomery County, N. Y., where lic was similarly inter- ested. At the time the family crossed the occan Thomas, the oldest of six children, was twelve
years of age. In boyhood he learned the practi- cal details of the manufacturing business. After his father's death he continued the business until June, 1838, when he came via wagon to Illinois, taking up government land in Kendall County. He passed through all the experiences incident to pioneer life. Sturdy and robust in physical development, he was admirably fitted for the hardships and privations incidents to such a life. He engaged largely in raising stock and became known for the excellence of the breeds he raised. In whatever hc engaged it was his ambition to be at the head, and he attained that result in his stock business, as his herds attained the highest degree of perfection under his intelligent care. He became largely interested in land, and was the owner of about one thousand acres lying along the west side of the river.
In every community there are certain persons who are looked upon as leaders among men. Such was Thomas Finnie. Owing to his sincere, carnest character all looked to him with admira- tion and confidence. A man of such strong in- dividuality as he possessed could not fail to im- press himself upon his community. However, though earnest, energetic and forceful, he was not aggressive nor selfishly ambitious. He was a man of peaceful disposition. In disputes such as arise in every community his advice was sought and his suggestions almost invariably ac- cepted as the best means of settlement. A stal- wart Republican, he was active in the councils of the party. He was intensely loyal to the country of his adoption. During the struggle of the Civil war he watched the course of events with intense interest. When most of the young men of this county had volunteered and gone to the war the draft was a great hardship. He strongly upheld the plan to raise a fund by taxa- tion to purchase the services of a sufficient 11um1- ber of men; his unselfishness in proposing this plan was apparent, for hic was the largest tax- payer in the locality and the burden would fall most heavily on him. He was a member of the Illinois state constitutional convention of 1860, and served as supervisor for eightcen terms. In politics, as in every department of thought, he
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was honest and despised trickery and deception. He continued always to be a diligent student, keeping posted concerning every advance made in the world of thought. In conversation he was gifted. As a companion he was genial, whole- souled and affable.
ยท October 4, 1839, Mr. Finnie married Mary, daughter of Nathau and Naomi Aldrich, natives of Montgomery County, N. Y. Their wedded life continued for almost fifty-eight years, during which time they shared each other's joys and sorrows, mutually striving to make their home cheerful and attractive for their children and the abode of hospitality and kindness. They built a substantial brick residence in 1859, and in it Mrs. Finnie lived until her death, which occurred October 13, 1900. Mr. Finnie passed away Au- gust 30, 1897. Of his children Mary L. is the widow of D. R. Ballou, of Kendall County; Irene is the wife of Charles M. Scoggin, also of this county; Walter is represented in this work; and Addie is the wife of Charles H. Pluess, of Millington.
ALTER FINNIE, who is connected with the Bank of Millington and also has in- herited the old Finnie homestead in Fox Township, Kendall County, was born August 2, 1851, on the farm where he now resides. When he was a boy he was given good advantages by his father, Thomas Finnie. He attended district schools, the institute at Newark, and finished at the Illinois State Normal School. Returning home, he assumed the management of the home place, comprising almost one thousand acres. This property he has since superintended. In 1888 he erected a residence adjoining the old farmhouse, and here he has since made his home. He superintends five hundred and thirty-five acres, the most of which is under the plow. The supervision of so large a place is by no means an easy task. There are many responsibilities con- nected with it, and he finds his attention closely given to the many details of the work. Much of his time is devoted to the stock business. He raises and also feeds Shorthorn cattle, Norman
horses, Shropshire sleep and a good grade of logs, all of his stock being exceptionally fine. The farmi is well adapted, by reason of running water and shade, for the stock business. Each year he raises about seven or eight thousand bushels of corn, three to four thousand bushels of oats and one hundred and fifty tons of hay, the larger part of which he uses for feed, al- though he sometimes sells a little. Besides the management of this property, he is engaged in the banking business at Millington with his brother-in-law, C. H. Pluess, they being the proprietors of the Bank of Millington, the first bank started in the village. His qualities of mind are such as to fit him for official duties, but as his time is engrossed by his business, he has never accepted any public positions. In politics he votes with the Republicans. His marriage took place in 1888 and united him with Emma D., daughter of Joseph Miller, of Ottawa, Ill. Mrs. Finnie died in 1892 and was buried in the Newark Cemetery in Millington. She left two children, Ruth and Thomas.
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