Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 65

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126

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The marriage of Allen Dewitt and Cora G. Snyder occurred November 22. 18SS, Miss Sny- der being a daughter of Jacob and Margaret ( Rush) Snyder, of Mount Sterling, 111. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder were the parents of niue children, six of them living as follows: John B. resides at Cooperstown, Brown County, Ill. ; Ida, wife of J. 11. Chute of the same place; Mrs. Allen Dewitt : Charles II. of Cooperstown, Ill. : Oliver E., of Mt. Sterling, Ill .: Arthur L. of Ripley, Brown County, IN. Those deceased were: Joseph F. of Cooperstown. Ill .; Luella B., wife of Shelton Hoffman, of Mt. Sterling, Ill .; Angie N., wife of Martin T. Howell, of Coopers- town, Ill. ; Mrs. Snyder, the mother of this fam- ily, passed away December 15, 1832.

Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt are the parents of six children : an infant who died unnamed : Ruth, born Aubust 9. 1891: Margaret, born July 8. 1:93; Gladys, born October 2, 1596; Dena, born April 30. 1901: Aline. born May 17. 1903. Mr. Dewitt is popular socially, and is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Ripley, IN. In politics he is affiliated with the Republican party,

DEWITT, Cyrus L .- Of the men whose half- century of experience has been centered in Schuyler County, none express in more forcible language the value of homely, sterling virtues than Cyrus L. DeWitt. The industry, honesty and public-spiritedness of this well-to-do retired citizen of Rushville. has been a source of un- failing pride to his fellow towusmen for many years, and his rise from small beginnings, and with comparatively meager early advantages, has been an inspiration to many of the youth of the present generation. Mr. DeWitt was born in the then very small village of Littleton. Sehuy- ler County. December 20, 1857, and his early in- fluences were such as to bring ont the best traits of his character. Of his father. Rev. James DeWitt, an old time Methodist Episcopal clergyman, mention is made elsewhere in this work.

Mr. DeWitt received his preliminary training in the public school of Littleton, and. what was better, acquired a taste for learning which has increased steadily with the passing years. He

remained on his father's farm until about twenty years of age, in 1887 locating on a rented farm near Littleton, where he engaged in general farming and stock-raising until his marriage, February I. JASs, to Bertha MeKre, daughter o. William Mckee, one of the successful and hon- ored pioneers of Schuyler County. Mrs. DeWitt was born hear Rushville, IN .. July 2, 1863, and was educated in the public schools. The young people began housekeeping on the old MeKre homestead, in Section 18, Rushville Township. making that their home, and devoting its 320 acres to produce and stock-raising until Mr. DeWitt retired from farming and purchased his present beautiful and costly home in Rush- ville in the fall of 1906. Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt are the parents of one daughter, Helen. born Oct. 27, 1895. As a result of his unremitting industry and good judgment. he now is the owner of 160 acres in Littleton Township, 100 arres in Rushville Township, a part of which lies in the town of Rushville. William McKee died several years ago, and his wife, who now is in her eighty-third year, is living with Mr. and Mrs. De Witi. Mrs. McKee retains her faculties practically unimpaired, and delights in recalling the pioneer days of which she was an important and industrious part.

In addition to his substantial success as a farmer, Mr. DeWitt has achieved notice in the coadrumiry in a variety of ways, and at the pres- ent time is General Superintendent of the Grange Telephone Company, the most extensive tele- phone organization in Schuyler County. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of this organization. and its present excellent stand- ing speaks well for the enterprise and practical interests of its present Superintendent. tlongh stanelily in favor of Republican principios an 1 issues, he has steadfastly refused official honors, preferring the duties which have lain closer at hand, and which are less variable in their demands upon his time and strength. He is a keen appreciator of the advantages of fra- termal associations, and has been a member of the Masons for many years. Education. ethics. good roads, charitable organizations and county Interests in general, have received his earnest and practical support, and his advice regarding ingorrant issues in the community ever has been sound, far-sighted and worthy of confidence. Many good deeds and many disinterested kind- nesses are attributed to him. and his nanie stands for the strong character and worth of the cour- munity.

DEWITT, Rev. James (deceased) .- Arrivi .: in Schuyler County in the latter 'thirties as ahnost penniless pedestrian in search of a wider field of labor. Rev. James DeWitt remained 1.o. associate of the growing fortunes of this part o' the State until his death. September 9. 1.07. achieving success in the moontime as a fire merchant. Methodist Episcopal clergyerin politician. Mr. De Witt was born in Hope, Wo ren County. N. J., November 5. 1817. 2 500 ".

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

James and Anna (Coales) DeWitt, both natives of New Jersey. the former born In Sussex County. The family came to Oakland County, Mich., in 3812, and here the elder De Witt died at the age of ninety-six years, his wife dying at the age of seventy years. They reared a family of eight children, of whom Rev. James was next to the youngest.

James DeWitt know few advantages in his youth, and the responsibility of self-support set- tled upon his life when but thirteen years had passed over his head. Ile then began to clerk in the store of an older brother, and about 1830 went to Pennsylvania, and filled a similar posi- tion in the general store of another brother. In the spring of 183S he came by canal, river and rail to St. Louis, Mo., thence by boat up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Schuyler County, where he clerked for the rest of the sun- mer for Dr. B. V. Teel. Thrifty and economi- cal, he saved all possible of his meager earnings. expending the same on a trip back to New Jersey, where he spent the summer of 1839. Returning to Schuyler County in the fall of the same year. he secured a position with Wilson & Greer, which he held until 1842. when his marriage, on January 25th, to Ellen Little, became the determining factor which resulted in his remain- ing in Rushville as a clerk in the general store of his father-in-law, James Little. Mrs. DeWitt was born in Columbia, Lancaster County, P'a., and died in Schuyler County at the age of sixty- one years. She was the mother of seven chil- dren: James L., John M., George W .. Euphemia E., who died at eleven years of age, Elizabeth, widow of John A. Young, living in Schuyler County : Cyrus L., mention of whom may be found elsewhere in this work ; and William 1. James and Rebecea Little, parents of Mrs. De- Witt, were born in Ireland. and came to the United States in 1801, their deaths occurring in Schuyler County at the age of seventy and eighty- four years respectively. October 3, 1883, Mr. DeWitt contracted marriage with Mrs. Catherine It. (Pittinger) Waddell.

Leaving the employ of his father-in-law in 1844, Mr. DeWitt engaged in business for himself with Mr. Greer, eventually having other business partners, but in 1850 disposed of his business and with his brother-in-law. Dr. W. 11. Window. en- gaged in conducting a general store in Littleton Township, with which he was connected for about ten years. In 1862 he located on a farm and intelligently developed its resources up to the time of his death. In the meantime. the com- Inercial side of life had by no means over- shadowed the large moral usefulness which in- spired his activity for more than half a century. With but limited scholastic advantages. he xet secured an excellent education, and he made study one of the great objects of his life. Hay- ing determined upon the ministerial life he colt- pleted a theological course in one year. and thereafter exerted a wide in fluence in the Metho- dist Episcopal Church as a local preacher. Hle had earnestness and enthusiasm, and compara-

tive religious breadth and torrance, and his half century in the ministry was prolitie of good to urroumed thousands. Politically also he was prominent and influential, serving as County Treasurer. Postmaster, Deputy Marshal. Census Himmerator for one half of the county, as Rep- resentative in the State Legislature one term ( 1875-76), and Supervisor for ten terms.

DIETERICH, Judge William H .-- The present Indre of Selmyler County and former City At- torney of Rushville and Master in Chancery of Schuyler County, not only is a strong and force- ful exponent of legal science, but is a politician of more than average influence and ability, a popular member of various social organizations, and a public-spirited promotor of enterprises that tend to the permanent well-being of the com- munity. In addition, he belongs to the pre- dominating class of self-made men, and from earliest youth has shown a resourcefulness in keeping with his well defined and purposeful ambitions.

A native of Cooperstown. Brown County. 111., Mr. Dietrich was born March 31, 1876. a son of George II. and Anna K. (Berg) Dieterich, both of whom were born in Germany. Mr. Dieterieli's home training included a knowledge of the German language, which has been of great help to him in many emergencies of his career. llis people were early settlers and farmers of Brown County, where he attended the public schools and evidenced tastes and abilities which must needs sock other environment for their proper development. At the age of seventeen years in 1-93. he came to Rushville and entered the Normal School, returning to Cooperstown the following spring. In 1895 he was appointed an official of the Illinois Central Hospital at Jacksonville, Ill., a position which he resigned in September, 1896, that he might return to the Normal School, from which he was graduated with honor in the class of 1597. For the follow- ing four terms he served as one of the faculty of his home school at LaGrange, Ill., where he achieved merited popularity both as a teacher and associate of his pupils.

In the meantime Mr. Dieterich had planned to devote his energies to the profession of law, and in 198 became a student in the law office of Glas< & Bottenberg, the following year entering the law department of the Northern Indiana Unl- versity at Valparaiso. After his admission to the bar of Illinois, on June 5, 1901. he settled permanently in Rushville, where he has sinee been engaged in a general practice of law, and has advanced to a degree of success rarely realized by anyone in so short a time. Ilis election as City Attorney of Rushville occurred in 1003, and the same year was appointed Mas- ter in Chancery for Schuyler County, which office he hell for two terms. His allegiance to the Democratic party dates from his first voting days, and has been characterized by its strenu- ons support as a campaigner. official and dele- gale. In the former capacity he is aided by

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

special gifts as an orator, inchiding clear and logical thinking, and perfect command of the subject upon which he intends to speak. was a delegate to the senatorial convention at Plymouth in 1900, and a committeeman of the senatorial district, which latter position he still holds, as well as that of Chairman of the Demo- cratie Central Committee of Schuyler County. Ile was a delegate to the State Convention in 1902, and to the Judicial Convention at Pitts- field in 1903, and was chairman of the special Judicial Convention which met at Jacksonville in 196 to fill varaney caused by the death of Ilon. Thomas Meehan. He also has served as AAlderman of the Third ward, and as Treasurer of the Rushville Union schools for three terms. In November, 1906, he was elected County Judge of Sebinyler County, a position which he still holds.

The family of Mr. Dieterich consists of his wife, Nona J. (Runkle ) Dieterich, who was born in Littleton. Schuyler Comny, and educated in the public schools of Rushville. They have one child, Ruth, another daughter, Ilelen, having died May 22. 1907, at the age of five years and seven months. Fraternally Mr. Dieterich is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Modern Wood- men of America. He is one of the most erudite and capable members of the bar of Schuyler County, which fact, taken in connection with his predilection for public affairs, would seem to as- sure him a future of great promise and useful- ness.

DIXON, Robert Bruce. - No farmer of Schuyler County bas achieved greater success in agricul- tural pursuits than has Bruce Dixon, whose beautiful homestead lies on Section 2 of Hickory Township and whose landed possessions com- prise S52 acres. Through his unaided exertions he has risen to prominence as a farmer. Noth- ing aided I'm in his struggle except the fact that he was born of fine pioneer parentage and in- berited the splendid traits which characterized the men who developed our western lands, flis early home was in a log cabin destitute of nearly every comfort. Now his home is one of the most comfortable and convenient to be found in the entire county. Hot and cold water are to be found in every room, while gasoline furnishes light for the residence. By the aid of a gasoline engine, water is forced from a spring to a tank on a high hill back of the house. From the tank the water is forced into the house, the barn and the feedlots, sufficient being furnished the latter to water 200 head of stock. The stock- barn, 82x65 feet in dimensions, is one of the most complete in this region, in fact in all the western part of the State. Every facili y has been provided for the prompt and easy care of from one to two hundred head of stock. and only the best cattle and hogs are bred on the place.

The Dixon family was founded in America by Jolin Dixon in 1-32. he being accompanied by his family, which included a son, James, born in

county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1$16. After landing in New York. the family traveled overland to Ohio and settled in Coshocton County, that State, where the parents died about is11. One of the children. Jane, remained in Obio, dying there in 1813. Three salle, James. Robert and Stewart, came to Illinois, where James secured employ- ment on the canal. Later he went to lowa and worked as a fan hand for nine dollars per month. At the end of three years he had drawn only four dollars of his wages, and with the balance of the money he bought a tract of wild land in lowa. From there he came to Schuyler County, Ill., where he bought eightly acres now known as the Fisher farm. This he sold tor $8,000, which, with $1,000 additional, he in- vested in 292 aeres of land where his son now resides. At the time of his death, on September IS, 1906, he owned 132 acres of as fertile land as could be found in the county.

In February, 1852. James Dixon married Miss Rhoda Welkes, who was born in Ohio, and ac- companied her parents to Illinois, settling in Canton Township. Fulton County. Of her mar- ringe four children were born, namely : Robert Bruce, who is better known by the name of Bruce ; Margaret, who married William Price, a farmer in Hickory Township : John of Peoria ; and Frank, who is in Colorado Springs. Colo .. for the benefit of his health. The recollections of James Dixon extended back to the days when the city of Chicago was only a duck pond: ho remembered also one of the first steam railroads in America, that being the one built from New York City to Hudson, N. Y. In youth he worked on the old canal at Columbus, Ohio, where the work was done with the aid of shovels and wheelbarrows. In politics he was a stanch Domocrat. In early days he underwent many privations and hardships, but his genial Irish wit always saved the day and brought him friends in every circle of society.

Born in Woodland Township. Fulton County. Ill., November 5. 1853, Bruce Dixon remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1971 he married Mary Parker, who died in 1853. leaving two children, namely : Sadie, who is the wife of Lee Bollinger. a farmer near Sheldon's Grove. Schuyler County : and Roy, who married Miss Sackman and lives on a farm in Schuyler County. The daughter has a son. Ernest, while Roy has two sons. Russell and Kenneth. The second wife of Bruce Dixon was Lizzio Lander- bach, who died about 1893. There were three children of this union : Grove, Earl and Lizzie. the last-named having died in infancy. The - present wife of Bruce Dixon was Miss Erta Tay- lor, horn July 29. 1570. in Springfield, Ill., where her father. Jantes Taylor, also was born and reared. The death of Mr. Taylor occurred in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Dixon lost one child who died in infancy, and have surviving one son. Clifford. born April 29. 1997. For fifty-four years Mr. Dixon has made his home in Schy ler County and has been identified with the pro- ple of Hickory Township, where he bought his

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

first piece of land, the same comprising 160 arres on Section 11. From that first purchase he bas built up his present posessions, becoming one of the largest land-owners of the township. Despite the labor connected with the manage- ment of his property he has leisure for partici- pation in neighborhood affairs, keeps posted con- cerning national problems and furthermore fre- quently enjoys a buut in the woods, where lus skilled marksmanship is brought into evidence through the game that falls beneath his unerring aim.

DODDS, Oren E., a farmer of enterprising and progressive tendencies, and a young man of ex- cellent traits of character, was born in Bain- bridge Township. Schuyler County, 111., his pres- ent home. March 3. 1877. His parents were Thomas and Emily ( Ward) Dodds. natives of Schuyler County, whose family history will he found in a separate biographical narrativo in this immediate connection. Mr. Dodds grew to manhood on the homestead farm. his youth being passed in assisting in the rontine of labor upon the place, and attending the district schools of the vicinity. After remaining with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, he began farming on his own responsibility, cultivating a farm belonging to his father. In 1904. Mr. Dodds bought 124 acres of land known as the "McCormick farm," and situated in Sections 12 and 13, Bainbridge Township. to which he moved in the fall of that year. The place was in a neglected condition, and he proceeded to put up fences, build barns, and materially improve the dwelling, until he transformed the property into a comfortable, and attractive home. Besides general farming he devotes considerable atten- tion to stock raising, and breeds a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs.

On March 26. 1902. Mr. Dodds was joined in matrimonial bonds with Margaret L. Bellamy, who was born January 20. 1$$4. and is a daugh- ter of D. M. and Lucinda (Greer) Bellamy, both natives of Schuyler County. Her father, who was a well known farmer. died January 20. 1904. and her mother is still living on the old home- stead farm in Bainbridge Township. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dodds two children have been born, namely: George Madison, born April 12, 1903 : and Ency Bu born March 24. 1.H.

Politically, Mr. Dodds is an adherent of the Democratic party, and hold the office of Tax Collector from 1900 to 1902, di-charging its du- ties with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Fraternally. he is identified with the M. W. .. Pleasantview Camp. No. 2040. Mrs. Dodds is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which her Ims- band is a liberal contributor. He is also a sen- erons supporter of the cause of education. and of all benevolent enterprises, and both he and his wife are highly esteemed throughout the com- mity.

DODDS, Thomas .- For half a century the

Dodds family have taken an active and leading poort in the dercultural development and the civic progress of Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County, and their participation has never been changed di als bing suggestive of weak or dis- honorable conduct. Thomas Dodds, the repre- senative so well known in this section of the State, was born in Canfield. Mahoning County, tto, October 25, 1852, a son of Samuel and Mar- llis parents Were both born in County Down, Ireland. the mother coming to America when but a child and the father when a young man. their families seltling in a till where their marriage occurred. Sommel Dodds was born Inne IS. Isis, and came to America in 1815. first locating in Philadel- when. where he plied his trade as a shoemaker. Later he removed to Mahoning County, Ohio. where he married Miss Wilson Inne 16, 1945. and in JS58 came with his family to Schuyler County, settling on a farm in Section 23. Bain- bridge Township. They first arrived at Fred- erich and walked to an unele's place in Bain- bridge Township, where they remained until the father could complete a log cabin on his land. Ib worked at his trade until he couldt clear the farm and derive his living from its products. after which he continued his improvements on the land and added a 40-acre tract to his origi- nal purchase. Finally he had the satisfaction of establishing one of the finest homesteads of 120 antes in Bainbridge Township. and here his widow still resides with her son Samuel. The inisland and father passed away October 25, 1904, at the age of eighty-six years.

The deceased was a strong man intellectually aint morally. In politics he was a Demoerat. and quite prominent in the public affairs of the county, serving as Justice of the Peace for many years, and also as Supervisor of the township. While not a member of any church, he liberally contributed to the support of several Protestant societies, and was always prompt to uphold worthy movements of a charitable and moral nature. Any public enterprise which promised well for Bainbridge Township could rely upon the assistance of Sammuel Dodds to the full extent of his means. While a man of strong and de- vided character, he was free in commending the work of others, and there was no one to whom he gave so much credit for his own success and happiness in the world as to his faithful and life-long partner. his honored wife and now his widow.

The following named children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dodds: William J. Dodds. horn December 25, 1849. and who is a farmer living near the old homestead : Thomas ; Samnel. horn September 25. 1551, and living with his mother on the home farm in Section 23. Bain- bridge Township: Martha, now the wife of J4et- son Ward, whose farm is in Section 12. Min- bridge Township: Mary E., who married Heury Drave, her husband's place being on the south- west quarter of Section 11, same township: Sarah J., wife of Thomas Herron. who reside on

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

a farm in Section 13, and Elizabeth, who died in infancy.

Thomas Dodds, the second child of the family, came with his parents from Ohio to Schuyler County when he was about six years of age. In the district school of Bainbridge Township he therefore obtained most of his education, remain- ing on the old home farm until his marriage ia 1874, at the age of twenty-one years. He then rented a farm of Thomis Herron, making his home with that gentleman's family for some time. lle afterward moved to the farm. which he had also rented and which he successfully operated until 1ST, when he purchased sixty acres in Section 11, Bainbridge Township, then only partially improved, but which he has since transformed into one of the handsomest and most productive farms in this part of the county. He has made several additions to his original pur- chase, so that his homestead now consists of 186 acres. He has a beautiful home and surrounded by his family and numerous friends, is in a posi- tion to enjoy life and benefit the lives of others. llis public services to the community have been noticeable, as he has held with honor several township offices, including those of Assessor and Supervisor. In politie, he is a Democrat. while his ancestry and his warm sympathies make him a member of the Mutual Protective League. Both he and his family are members of the Sonthern Methodist Church. Although well known and highly esteemed as a public man and as a large breeder and shipper of live-stock. Mr. Dodds probably takes the most substantial and the deepest pride in the fact that he has given each of his children a good education and fitted them to be useful menters of society, and from whatever point his life is viewed. it is found to be guided by a strong mind and regulated by a Christian conscience. Mr. Dodds is also a man of strong physical constitution, as is illustrated by a serious accident which hefell him twelve ago. On February 13, 1595, he was sawing a large tree, and. after cutting it through, started to run in the opposite direction from which he expected it to fall. Through some miscalcula- tion, it fell toward and upon him, crushing him to the earth. At first it was thought that he had been killed, but although his injuries were very severe, he has now almost recovered. and his friends prophesy many more years of useful- ness and honor for him.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 65

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1126

Author: Dyson, Howard F., 1870- History of Schuyler County. 4n
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1126