USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 64
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102
One more in heaven, One less at home !
A sense of loss that meets us at the gate; Within, a place unfilled and desolate ; And far away. our coming to wait.
One more in heaven !"
DEAN, Elias .- The progenitor of the Dean family in America was an Englishman. whose craving for religious freedom led him to aban- doy his native land and sail with that intrepid company which since has been immortalized itt
810
HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
song and story as the Pilgrims of the Mayflower. The immigrant Dean laid the foundation of his colonial fortunes in Virginia, and one of his suc- cessors, the great-grandfather of Elias Dean, the latter a farmer of Birmingham Townsh'p, Sehy- ler County, 11., followed the martial fortunes of Washington during the Revolutionary War, His son left his peacetul tiells in Virginia and enlisted in the War of IS12. John Dean, son of the sol- dier of 1812, and father of Elias Dean. also was born in Virginia, and married Catherine Heave- nor, daughter of Nicholas Heavenor, of West Virginia, the latter a native of Germany. To John Dean and his wife were born fifteen chil- dren, of whom Elias, the third youngest, was born in Lewis County, W. Va., April 11, 1539. of the other children in the family. Nicholas died at the age of ninety-three years; William attained to the same unusual age: Julian, Mary, Matilda. Elizabeth and Malinda are deceased ; Eliza, now sixty-four years old, is the wife of Allen Keissling. of Virginia: Jacob Marshall lives on the old Virginia homestead; Solomou lives in Buchanan, Va .; John is a farmer of Hancock County, Ill. ; George is a farmer of Up- shur County, Va .; Jacob farms on the old home- stead on the old Virginia homestead; Elias is the farmer of Birmingham Township, Sehuyler County ; and Perry, of Weir, Kan., served dur- ing the Civil War in the Upsbur County Bat- tery. John Dean stanebly supported the Union during the Civil War, and ever was on the side of the unfortunate and oppressed wherever found. ITis heart reached out to the need of all mankind, and he would share his last cent or sack of flour with one who needed it more than himself. He was an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. held some otlice therein, and contributed generously towards its charities and general support. Throughout this part of the country he was known as "Unele John," and was much beloved by children and frequently consulted by the older class.
The early subscription schools afforded the first educational advantage to Elias Dean, his father paying so much a year for the schooling of each of his many children, usually from three to four dollars a season. Ile helped on the home farm until bis sixteenth year. when there returned to Schuyler County his uncle Jacob, who had made a comfortable living in lowa, and was much enthused over the prospects in that State. In 1856 Elias went to lowa with his uncle, and near Burlington found work on a farm at ton dollars a month for two years. In ISAS he came back to Schuyler County and worked for fourteen dollars a month, and while taking advantage of the small social diversions afforded in the neigh- borhood, met Miss Eleeta T. Graham, daughter of Wm. W. Graham, whom he married August 16. 1860. The young people set up housekeeping on a farm owned by Mrs. Dean's father in Section 22, Birmingham Township, and about 1502 par- chased 100 acres of land in Section 14, the same township, making, in all, with the 520 acres in the first farm, 920 aeres. Of the first farm he
gave his son a quarter-section, said to Peter Greenleaf 200 acres, and bought 110 acres in Section 14. Upon the 400 acre farm he had, at the time of the panic of 1893, 140 head of blooded cattle, for which he was obliged to buy corn in Nebraska tor feed, and the price dropped down until he soll his stock ontright for three cents a pound. This farm Mr. Dean sold. but he now owns 340 acres of as fine land as the county contains. well stocked and improved, and equipped with well constructed and capacious buildings. It is an ideal home and farming property. practically insuring good returns each succeeding year, and netting its owuer a large surplus over even the most unexpected demands.
To Mr. and Mrs. Dean have been born the fol- lowing children : John Franklin, who is mar- ried and has five children -- Robert F., Nellie, Myrtle. Eltha and Harry, and who farms near the old homestead ; Mary E., deceased at the age of sixteen years; Catherine, wife of John E. Moon, a farmer of this township, and mother of four children-Bessie. Iva, Jacob J. and Ervin Elias Moon; Charles S., married to Lona Math- eny. and has four children-Ethel. Raymond. Mark, and Paul; George, married to Ona Math- eny, and has five children-Roscoe, Elmore, Alina. May and Hazel; Hattie, wife of Leander Hold- croft. and mother of Albert, Floyd. John and Electa E .. and three children who died in in- fancy. Mr. Dean cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and he ever since has sup- ported the Republican party. notwithstanding the fhet that he was born in the South, and had ab- Sorbed its spirit and traditions. Ile is socially a member of the Union League, and his wife is Hlentified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The idea of progress and stability have guided the endeavors of Mr. Dean ever since he began to work by the month for the modest sum of ten dollars. When he first began an independent life he had no money to buy harness for his horses, and was obliged to fashion this necessary article out of pieces of rope. During the day time he would grub stumps, cut down timber and burn brush at night. He has come the long way possible only with true determination and grit : and yet his life has by no means been a self-rentered one. but has reached out to influ- "Ice and help all with whom he came in con- taet. Ile is what is known as a "good mixer." a genial, sociable and sympathetic gentleman. and he has greatly benefited the township while serving as School Director and Road Commis- sjoner.
DEANE, Judge Hudson M., better known among his intimates, and by the general public in Schuyler County, Ill .. as "Hnd" Deane, is one of the leading citizens of the town of Frederick. Schuyler County, which has been his home (ex- cept during a short absence) for more than haif a century. He was born in the city of New York August 2. 1823. At an early age he re- moved to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and there re- ecived a liberal education. After completing his
811
HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
studies, he accepted a position as clerk in a wholesale diy goods establishment in New York City, and, at a later period, discharged the duties of a similar connection in Albany, N. Y., for two years. Returning then to New York City, he resumed work in the concern where he had first been employed. A short time after he attained his majority (in 1855), he met Maro Farwell of the firm of Farwell & Co., Frederick, 11., who was on a visit to the eastern metropolis for the purpose of -purchasing goods for the store then conducted by them in Frederick, and was in- duced by the latter to accompany him on the homeward journey, and to enter their employ. on April 2, 1555, he commenced work in the Farwell store, continuing thus until 1558. In the latter year, he embarked in the mercantile trade under the firm style of H. M. Deane & Co., but in 1850, sold out the business, In 1861, Mr. Deane assumed charge of the Schuyler Hotel in Frederick, changing its name to the Deane House. Later, he withdrew from the manage- ment of this place on account of ill-health, and after an interval of one year (in 1867) went to Macomb, MeDonough County. 111 .. where he was proprietor of what had formerly been the Brown Hotel. The name of this he also changed to the Deane House, making many alterations and im- provements in the establishment. There he re- mained nearly two years, when he returned to Frederick and there conducted the Hotel Deane until March. 1902. In that year be sold the ho- tel property, and retired from active business responsibilities. He maintains an office, how- ever, attending to legal matters and pensions. as well as loans, real estate and insurance, lle is still agile and sprightly at the age of seventy- four years, and as genial in temperament and cordial in manner as in the most vigorous days of his prime. During his long career as a publie entertainer he became exceedingly popular, and no man'is more widely and favorably known in Schuyler County than "Hud" Deane, Mr. Deane has acemulated considerable financial means. and is now in possession of a handsome compe- tency, being the owner of 195 acres of very de- sirable land in Frederick Township, besides sev- eral pieces of improved property in the town of Frederick. Apart from the twenty months spent in Macomb, he has lived continuously in Fred- erick since 1855, and his face and figure are familiar to all of its people. He has always manifested a creditable publie spirit, and has been a diligent and useful member of the com- munity. On his first arrival in Frederick the Imsiness affairs of the town were in a lively con- dition, as it was the freighting point for nearly all the villages within a radius.of forty miles. Then, all the goods sold in Macomb were hauled from Frederick.
On February 17, 1859, Mr. Deane was united in marriage with Elizabeth Messerer, a damngh- ter of Anthony Messerer, who was one of the most highly respected among the pioneer settlers of Schuyler County. The father of Mis. Dyane was a native of Germany, and came to the United
States early In the last century locating in Simgier County about the year 1827. He was the first man elected to represent the village of Frederick, on the boar I of Township Supervisors. after the organization of Frederick Township, and held that office many years, being the in- culent at the time of his death. Seven chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Deane. four of whom died in infancy. A son, Will MeGeorge Prane, who was born in Macomb, 111. September 24, 1868, was drowned July 10, 1879: Loutena May, a daughter, is the wife of Charles E. Causey. residing in Peoria : and Stella W., an- other daughter, married Walter J. Soverns, of Bushnell. Il .. and has one son. Deane J. Mrs. Deane, who was a woman of many graces, was possessed with most excellent traits of character, died March 8, 1902.
Politically. Mr. Doane is a lifelong Democrat. and has been very prominent and influential in the local affairs of his party. He has attended nearly all the Democratic State and County Con- ventions for many years, and has filled various township offices with credit to himself and with the commendation of his constituents, At one time. he held eleven positions by commission and appointment. He was successively Assistant Postmaster and Postmaster of Frederick. his service in both capacities covering a long period. For nearly thirty years, he discharged the duties of Coroner of Schuyler County, and acted as Deputy Sheriff fourteen years. He had an extended experience as Justice of the Peace, his incumbency in that office cov- ering a period of thirty-six years, in which time he became versed in legal routine and performed the marriage ceremony on nearly five hundred different occasions. In fraternal circles, he is identified with the K. of P., Lodge No. 207, Beardstown. Ill., in which he has passed through all the chairs, including that of Chan- collor Commander. He is also affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees of the World. in which he bas likewise passed through all the local ebairs. In the sunset period of life. "]Ind" Deane enjoys the unreserved confidence and hearty good wishes of the entire community in which his busy and useful career has been spent.
DE COUNTER, Samuel .- A lifelong resident of the locality which is still his home, and still in the days of his prime. one of the most vigorous, successful and useful characters of Schuyler County, was born in Ripley (once a part of Woodstock) Township. Schuyler County, Ill .. October 4, 1827. He Is a son of Peter Frederick and Nancy De Counter. natives of France. His father was a soldier in the Napoleonic wars, and was with Bonaparte when the great Emperor was captured. Having effected his escape. the subject of this sketch immediately came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. After teaching school there for awhile he went to St. Louis, and then to Boone's Liek. Mo., where about the year 1523 he was married to Nancy
812
HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
Sconts, a lady of Scotch-German descent. In the spring of 1927 they came to Ilinois, settling in Schuyler County, in the southeast quarter of Sie- tion 3, Woodstock Township. Peter F. De Counter cleared and cultivated a weil comheted farm in moderate extent, on which he remained until the time of his death, in 1-55, his wife having passed away in 1933. They were the parents of two children, Jeanett and Samuel. The former married Jonas Albert. by whom she had three children, as follows: William Albert, lda and Samuel Albert. 'William A. is now a resident of Kansas, living in Smoking Valley. "Ida first married Alpheus Eday, and after his death, Jonas Albert, by whom she had one child, Sherman Dalgreen, now living at Los Angeles. Cal., both of his parents being deceased, the death of the mother having occurred in Isst. Samuel Albert has been for twenty years lost to the fam- ily, no tidings of bim having been received dur- ing that period.
In early youth, Sanmel De Counter had an opportunity of attending school about three months only. He left home when he was a little more than twelve years of age. his father having married a second time. When quite a young man, he had some experience in riding race horses, and from that drifted into teaming. About the year 1850 he turned his attention to farming in the vicinity of his birthplace, and in 1500, bought eighty acres of land in Section 27. Woodstock Township, four acres of which had been cleared. A log cabin with a wide fireplace stood in the opening, and into this Mr. De Couu- ter moved, and applied himself to the arduous task of clearing the ground of timber and brush, and making a comfortable home and productive farm. In this effort he achieved a signal ste- eess. Under careful and sagacious management, all his undertakings were attended by profitable results. To his original SOhere purchase he made additions amounting to 958 aeres, and the home farm now comprises 1038 avres, of which 668 acres are in Camden Township. His career has been one of the most prosperous ever known in Schuyler County. Beginning without the ad- vantages of even ordinary schooling and desti- tute of financial resources, he gained his educa- tion through keen observation and by availing himself of every opportunity of self-instruction. and this, together with energy, perseverance, thrift and integrity. is the foundation of his present handsome competency. Naturally pos- sessed of a strong mind and sound judgment. he became a leader in connection with the agricul- tural interests of the county, and for many years was conspicuous in all enterprises pertaining to its progress and development. In the period of his activity, he was always a man of goutal dis- position. of jovial bearing and kindly impulses. and never declined to relieve the needs of any- one aproaching him in distress.
Mr. De Counter has been twice married, his first marriage taking place in 1550, when Cather- ine Miller became his wife. Three children were the issue of this union, namely : Frederick S.,
Maurice and Emma. Frederick first married a lady named Shul, and after her death, was wedded to a Miss Ronery, residing in Camden Township. Schuyler Comty, who is now de- crased. He was the father of seven children by this marriage, as follows: one who died in in- fancy : Harriet. Ama. Dorothy and Brice, all deceased: Peter I. and Clarence of California. Frederick De Conter departed this life in 1995. Maurice De Counter feitried Minnie Houser, and by her had seven children. namely : Dotty and Mary, both of whom died at the age of twenty years; Nettie, who died in 1905; Samuel, de- poised : Susan, Lella and Lon. Maurice De- Counter died in January, 1901, and his widow is a resident of Camden Township. Emma, the third child of Samuel De Counter's first mar- riage, became the wife of Nelson Riding. a farmer in Camden Township, and they had eight children, namely : Laura, Samuel. Katie and Daisy (deceased), Clifford, Logan, Raleigh, and Gny. Catherine ( Miller) De Counter, first wife of the subject of this sketch, passed away in 1554, and Mr. De Counter subsequently wedded Harrit Stubbs, who died, much lamented. No- verher 7, 1900. She was a faithful and de- voted companion and a constant henqueet of her husband for half a century, and much of his shows is attributed to her invaluable assistance. Her mion with Mr. De Conter resulted in one chibl. Catherine, who died at the age of nineteen yeals. The latter Foramue the wife of George Lunes, and was the mother of one child, Clar- elce.
Politically, Sammel De Counter has been an adherent of the Democratic party throughout his na tuto life. but has never entertained any ambi- tion for official distinction. On numerous oc- casions he has been solicited by appreciative friends to become a candidate for public office, but has steadfastly declined, preferring to devote his whole attention to his extensive personal in- Ierests, and to promoting the welfare of the community by his carnest endeavors as a pri- vate citizen. lle is profoundly respected by all classes in the locality where his career has spammed a period of four- core years.
DEMAREE, William L .- Not the least valua- ble of the legacies left Schuyler County by citi- zens of an earlier generation are the sons who bear their names and painstakingly maintain their standards of enterprise by vigorous effort. Something of the iron of this courageous band has entered into the lives of their progeny, who. placed in different and less exacting circum- stances, fulfill their destiny with equally com- mendalle zeal and conscientiousness. Belong-
ing to this class is Willtuum L. Demaree, who was born in Section 16, Rushville Township. June 7. 1558, and who now owns a sdendid farm of 280 acres in Section 22 of the same township. Mr. Demarce is stant the Usamuss dependable men of his section. a man in touch with agri- cultural science, chemistry and all needful farm knowledge, a politician who has proved himself
813
HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
above the petty temptations of the offices he has held, and a promotor of all that tends to make country life broad. enjoyable and useful.
Ludwell II. Demaree, father of William L., was born in Mercer County. Ky., being of French ancestry. He was reared on a farm, and in early life married Martha Yankee. a native of Washington County, with whom he came to Schuyler County in 1557. Locating on Section 16, Rushville Township. he eventually became the owner of 204 acres. the most of it under heavy timber, and considerable of which was cleared at the time of his death on October 10. 1872. The mother of our subject died Septem- ber 4, 18SS. He was a man of broad mind and liberal education, and in his native state and for a year after coming to Schuyler County, was engaged in school teaching with considerable success. Ile became one of the leading men of the community, filled various political offices. including that of Supervisor of Rushville Town- ship. and was extremely active in church work, for practically all of his active life associating himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. For many years he was a church oflieial. serving as delegate to District and General Con- ferences, and was generous in his contributions to local and foreign missions, Socially he was a Mason, and of all the men in the community he was one of the most genial. sympathetic and approachable. One daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ludwell H. Demarce died at three years of age. Of three sons and three danghters living. Me- linda Bell is the wife of Leonidas Scott. of Rush- ville; Laura is the wife of Alexander Acheson, of Bainbridge Township: John II. is a resident of Woburn. Ill. ; George L. is a conductor out of Danville, Ill., and Nora, wife of J. A. Harrison, is now living in Birmingham Township, and Wil- liam L. is the subject of this sketch. Mrs. W. I .. Demaree belonged, to a family of three chil- dron, of whom her brother Robert is living at Bardolph, MeDonough County.
William 1 .. Demaree spent his youth on the home farm, and while performing many hard tasks, developed great stability and strength of character. That he had initiative and resource- fulness was demonstrated during his fourteenth year, when, owing to the death of his father, the management of the farm devolved largely upon him. He left the old place at the time of his marriage April 4. 18, to Relevera. daughter of John and Margaret (Acheson) Hamilton, who was born in Rushville Township December 27. 1455. Her father, Mr. Hamilton, died August 26. 1860. and Mrs. Hamilton on Inne 26. 1872. Settling ou a farm of 110 neres in Section 9. Rushville Township. Mr. Demaree made many improvements thereon, adding sixty acres and having in all 200 tillable aeres, Disposing of this farm in 1893, he bought 250 acres in Section 22. Rushville Township, which he has converted Into one of the best farming properties in the weighborhood. In 1906 he erected one of the tinest rural residences in the county, heated by hot water and with water facilities throughout.
It is furnished in modern fashion. has eleven large and airy rooms, and the best known planb- ine and ventilation. The general aprarance of the form is in keeping with the home of the occupants, suggesting much thought for comfort, souvenirtore al beautiful natural offerts.
To Mr. and Mrs. Demarce have been born three children, namely: Dwight Edgar, born July 7. 1544, and died January 27. 1902; Paul, born May 30. 10, and Morris H., born February 4. 1505.
Mr. Demaree is one of the most useful as well as many-sided men in his township. He be- lieves in bringing outside influences to the farm, in keeping in touch with the happenings without his boundaries, and in cultivating pleasant and suriable relations with those among whom lys lot is cast. He is an earnest and consistent advocate of temperance, a Prohibitionist in poli- thes. and advocates at all times the simple. nos- tentations life. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar. He is one of the most liberal and far-spring men of his com- unity, and his home is the center of a fine and unfailing hospitality.
DEWITT, Allen .-- In the environments in which his activities are centered in Woodstock Township. Allen Dewitt is approved for his in- dustry and good judgment. and respected for his uprightness and public spirit. Years of appli- cation under somewhat discouraging circum- stances have made him the owner of a farm of 17215 acres in Sections 12 and 13. all under cul- tivation, and npon which he has erected a com- fortable home, large barns and outhouses, and added such general improvements as were sug- gested by his conservative and cantions advance- ment. He first became a land-owner in 1899. purchasing ninety-two acres of his present farm, and the best improvement on the place at the time was a log cabin erected in 1820, Into this the family moved and there lived until 1896. when the primitive reminder of the days of the frontier gave place to the present modern moral home. Mr. Dewitt is engaged in general farm- ing. raising also a high grade of cattle, hogs and horses. He has done much to insure the comfart and hipqiness of his family independent of financial remrns, and the place is well suplied with beautiful shade trees, shrubs, gardens and an orchard bearing a variety of fruit.
Mr. Dewitt is a native of Woodstock Town- ship, where he was born on Section 13. October His parents. John and Rebecca ( Skanes) Dewitt. were natives of Ohio and Illinois, respectively, and his paternal grand- father. Heury Dewitt. was born in Kentucky. Both the Dewitt and Skaggs familles came early to Illinois, and John Dewitt married in 1-58. the same year settling in Section 13. Woodstock Township, where he lived until about 1\74. Ile then bought a farm in Section 1. the same town- ship, and two years later his quiet and why- tentations life came to an end. his legacy to those who survived him being well improved
814
HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
-
property, a good name and an example of hon- estly and fair dealing. llis wife still makes her home on the old place, enjoying fair health after a long and industrious life, and after rocking the erade of ten children, five sons and five daugh- ters. Of these the following survive: Laura, wife of John C. Log-don, of Cooperstown. Brown County. IL .: Allen; John, of Woodstock Town- ship; Lizzie, wife of Mr. John Dieterich, of Cooperstown and brother of Judge Dietrich, whose biography appears on another page of this work ; Elmer and Almira, twins, the former on the home place and the latter the wife of F. M. Bowen, of Elleuburg, Wash .; Lucy, wife of Henry Rich. a farmer of Brown County; and Joseph, a farmer of Woodstock Township.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.