Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 87

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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While still a young girl, Elizabeth Furbee becatne the wife of John G. Quinn, and two children were born of their union, namely : Thomas D .. now living at North Yakima, Wash. ; and Evengiston, a rancher and merchant in Wyoming. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Quinn settled on a farm in Frederick Township and began to improve the same. When gold was discovered in California Mr. Quinn became in- terested in the West and decided to accompany his father-in-law to the mines. The journey was made without disaster. Shortly after his arrival in California and after purchasing a claim, he was taken ill and soon died. Far from wife and children, his body was laid to rest by his father- in-law.

The second marriage of the subject of this sketch took place in 1952. when she was united with Joseph M. Purdy, who was born in Leb- anon, Ky., and was one of a family of twenty- three children, all but one of whom attained years of maturity. Three of the sons and three daughters came to Illinois; the others becoming scattered in various parts of the United States. The Purdy family was founded in the United States by three brothers from Ireland. one of whom settled in Kentucky. another in New York and the third in Ohio. From the time of his settlement in Schuyler County in 1831 until his death in 1978, Mr. Purdy was actively identi- fied with its agricultural development and aided in the transformation of its wild lands into fer- tile farms. Publie enterprises received his sym-

pathetie co-operation. The cause of education had in him a firm friend. Religious movements benefited by his assistance. As a farmer he was especially interested in the development of our lands. For a time he cultivated the farm now occupied by Mrs. Dunlap, but in ist1 he moved to the place still owned and occupied by his widow.

The following-named children comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Purdy : Anna, wife of Dr. S. D. Bader, of Peabody, Ind. ; Emma. de- ceased, was the wife of R. Jordan, of Alma, Ore .; Maggie, (Mrs. George Doane). of Los Angeles, Cal. : Bettie, who married Grant Hen- dricks and lives in Salina, Kan. ; Henry, of Bal- lard, Wash. ; Joseph M. who was born March 21, 1866, and is living on the old homestead; and Eva, who remains at home and cares for her mo her, tenderly ministering to her comfort in her age, and Millard, who is deceased.

Among ber neighbors Grandma Purdy (for it is by this name she is affectionately known) is loved and honored. Many an interesting hour may be passed in her society as she narrates events of the early days. Retaining an excellent memory of the happenings of pioneer times. she loves to recount to younger generations incidents familiar to her youth. The winters were very severe and the settlers suffered greatly from the extreme cold. especially because their cabins did not afford suficient protection from wind and weather. Fires were started by the aid of a fint. In the evenings the neighbors would gather in and sit by the large fireplace where, aiter enjoying one of Grandma Purdy's tine suppers, they would crack nuts and tell stories. She retains her love for the old-fashioned fire- places and believes that, for comfort and beauty. they cannot be surpassed by the modern methods of heating. The telephone has never interested her. for she desires to see the face of the person with whom she is conversing: and in addition she thinks that the old spirit of neighborliness that was evinced in frequent visits has been lost through the introduction of the 'phone. Ouly two of her old neighbors are now left. The others have been called to their eternal rest, but the near-by presence of devoted children and fre- quent letters from those far away, prevent her from becoming lonely and enable her in her age to remain happy and contented. For many years she has been a member of the Christian Church and her faith in a reunion with loved ones gone before, cheers the evening of her days.

RAPER, William G., one of the best known and most highly respected farmers of Littleton Township, Schuyler County, Ill., where his life has kept pace with the advancing stages of the county's development from the early days of its settlement. was born in Guilford County. N. C .. December 28, 1829. Ile is a son of Solomon and Asenath (Miller) Raper, Datives of that St .... His grandfather. William Raper, was born in Wales. Solomon Raper, who followed farming in North Carolina, moved with his family to

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

Illinois in 1811, making the journey across the country by team, and settling in Buena Vista Township, Schuyler County. After living there on rented land for several years, he located in Littleton Township, where he spent the remain- der of his days, dying in 1855. His widow sur- vived him for many years, passing away Febru. ary 18, ISSS, while making her home with the subject of this sketch, at the age of seveny-nine years. William G. Raper received his early education partly in the common schools of Guil- ford County, N. C. ; and partly in those of Buena Vista Township. Schuyler County, which be ut- tended for two terms. He lived at home until he was twenty-one years old, and then rented a farm in Littleton Township, on which he re- mained twelve years. At the end of this period, he bought 80 acres of land in Section 11, of the same township, 20 acres of which were cleared and contained a log cabin. After clearing the rest of the place, he put up buildings and made all necessary improvements. Fifteen years later, he added 40 aeres to the original purebase, and subsequently acquired some timber land, now · used for pasture. On June 12, 1907, he bought 80 acres of prairie land, all in the same section. Ile has about 120 acres under cultivation, and besides general farming, is engaged in raising cattle and hogs.

On February 9. 1803, Mr. Raper was joined in matrimony with Amelia logger, who was born in Switzerland, March 30, 1875, and is a daugh- ter of Jacob and Marie (Volke) Hogger, natives of that country, the whole of whose lives was spent there. Mrs. Raper came to Littleton, Ill .. in 1892. Four children were the offspring of this marriage, as follows: Jennie Edith, born February 10, 1804: William Henry, born JJanuarv 19, 1895; Julia Esther, born October 20, 1899. deceased in infancy ; and llelen Irene, born April 14, 1902.

In polities. Mr. Raper is an adherent of the Democratic party, and has held the office of Road Commissioner of Littleton Township. Frater- nally, he is affiliated with the A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Knights Templar of Rushville. His religions connection is with the Baptist Church. He commands the respect and confidenee of all classes in the community.

REBMAN, Adam, an honored pioneer of Fred- erick Township, Schuyler County, Ill., where he has a most attractive home on Section 19, and is the owner of 221 acres of very desirable land, is one of the strong characters in connection with the progress and development of this portion of the county. Mr. Rebman was born in the vicin- ity of Albany. N. Y., September 16, 1833, and is a son of John and Elizabeth ( Hoffman ) Rebman. John Rebman was a native of what was French territory at the time of his birth, in 1803, but since the Franco-Prussian War. has become a portion of the German Empire. When he was ah ut 19 years of age he left the scenes of his youth, in order to avoid serving in the army, under the Prussian draft, and crossing the At-

lantic alone, located in New York State, near the city of Albany. There about the year 1:30, he was married to Mirgarette Dorothy Hoff:dan. He remained in that locality unth 1956, and then started with his famdy for the West, intending to make his home in Chicago. The boat on which he had taken passage was destroyed by fire, however, and all his belongings were cousumed. Being a cooper by trade, and hearing of the heavy timber in prirts of Central Illinois, he de- cided that Schuyler County would be a good place for him to establish himself in work, and suiting the action to the decision, settled in the village of Frederick. He was successful in his labors as a cooper, and finally bought a farm near Frederick. John Rebman was a very hon- est and industrious man, and through his mer- itorious qualities, became one of the most sub- statutial and highly respected citizens of his lo- catlity. He died in 1SS1, at the age of TS years, his good wife having passed away in INGS. They were the parents of sixteen children, five of whom died in infancy.

Those who grow to years of maturity are as follows: Andrew, who was born in New York State, and died at the age of seventy years; Adam ; Philip, who lives in St. Louis, Mo. ; John, who died when about forty-two years old, leaving a family ; George F., who is engaged in farming in Rushville Township; Frank, a dairyman, of Frederick. Il .; Maurice, deceased ; Rose, wife of Sidney Geer, a farmer at Atlanta, Neb. ; Mary, who married Abraham Black, a soldier in the Civil War, now living at Beardstown, In .; Ste- phen, who died at the age of fifty years ; and Delia, wife of Frank Grer, a farmer in Brown- ing Township, Sebnyler County.

Adam Rebman was brought to Selmyler County. Il .. by his parents when he was three years old. In early youth he recited his lessons to the subscription schoolmaster in the little fog schoolhouse built on the hill where the Darnell farm lay. He has still a lively recollection of its large fireplace and slab benches, with dosks built by sticks being put into holes bored in the logs. His first teacher was David Berry, whom he well remembers. In early manhood Mr. Reb- man learned the trade of a cooper and carpeu- ter in his father's shop on the farm. and re- mained on the home place until the time of his marriage. After this event, he went with his brother to Liverpool, Fulton County, Ill., where he worked at the cooper's trade. In 1SG2, ho bought a tract of 160 acres in Section 20, Fred- erick Township, where his son. Frank, now lives. The land was covered with a second growth of heavy timber. Mr. Rebman cleared it. making the wood into barrels and ties, which he sold. burning the pine log slabs, and eventually baring a well improved farm. This he disposed of in 1577. purchasing 180 acres of fairly well cleared land in Section 19. in the same township, which he has since developed into one of the most val- uable farms in the locality, making a beautiful and attractive home. For seventy-one years, Mr. Rebman has been a resident of Frederick Town-

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HISTORY OF. SCHUYLER COUNTY.

ship, and has done his full share in promoting its development. He has confronted and en- dured all the hardships and privations of pion er life, and kept pace with the growth of the le- gion, from a barren wild, to a scene of civiliza- tion and plenty. His fir-1 harvesting in this locality was done with the cradle and sickle, and his hay was eut with the old fashioned seythe. Telephones and electric lignes were then a mere dream, if they entered the mind of the most visionary at all. Every kind of machine or implement in use for farming was of the antique style, and taflow dips and molded candles fur- nished the only artificial light. Now, bis farmi is equipped with all kinds of up-to-date machin- ery for the cutting and lifing of hay, and the harvesting of grain.

On May 30. 1861, Mr. Rebman was united in marriage with Lavina llill, who was born in England, and is a daughter of William blitt, a native of that country. William Hill came from England in the fore part of the last century, lo- cating first in Brownsville. Tex .. and after- wards in Galveston, in that State, where his last days were spont. His daughter, Lavina, came to Frederick, Ill .. at an early das. to visit friends. But one member of her family, Mrs. Coates, is located in this part of the country. During this visit Mr. Robman formed the acquaintance that resulted in his marri. o. This union was the source of sixteen chiliren, of whom five died in infancy. and eleven are still living. All were born in Frederick Township, and the names of those surviving are as follows: William, a farmer and miner in the vicinity of Rushville, Ill. : Jessie, wife of Leander Settles, a biographi- cal record of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume: John, who is engaged in farming in Frederick Township: Josephine, wife of Otis Leyles, who follows the same occupation in Rushville Township; Addie, who married War- ren Spillers, a farmer. of Frederick Township; Leora (Mrs. Leander Allen), a resident of Pleas- autview. Schuyler County ; Oscar F, and Prank. twins-both of whom are farming in Frederick Township. the latter being on the old home farm; Annie, who is with her parents; Lucy, who be- came the wife of Charles Nell, a farmer, of Browning Township. Schuyler County; and Dora, who is at home.

In politi -. Adam Robman is identified with the Democratie party, and has creditably filled various local offices. never, however. entertain- ing any ambition for public honors. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the M. W. A. He and his excellent wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both are sin- cetely respected by all classes in the commu- nity.

REBMAN, Benjamin F .- The family repre- sented by this extensive farmer and dairyman of Schuyler County, Il .. originated in Germany and was founded in the United States by John Rob- man, born February 17. 1803. and an immigrant to the new world in 1830. Soon afterward he

began to follow the cooper's trade at Frederick, Schuyler County, and later settled at Pleasant- view, in the same county, where his son, Ben- jamin F .. was born January 12, 18is. Four years after the birth of the son the family moved to a farm on Section #, Frederick Township, where the boy passed the years of youth and was given such advantages as the neighboring school afforded. Being of an observing nature, he learned more by self-culture than from text- books and is now a man of broad information. The family had limited means and it was noces- sary for him to take up the struggle for a liveli- hood at an early age. Grasping the work near- est at hand, he became a farm laborer, and in that capacity, continued for a considerable pe- riod, meanwhile saving his earnings with a view to future investment.

While doyed as an assistant to Davis Curry on the latter's farm, Mr. Robman proved so ea- palde and efficient that, when Mr. Curry felt himself to be fatally ill, he requested that his assistant be retained after his death to superin- tend the work of the estate. This was done, and after the death of Mr. Curry, which occurred May 14. 1573, the farm was operated by Mr. Relman. On January 1, 1STD, he was united in marriage with the widow of Davis Curry, and they remained at the old place for ten years. after which Mr. Rebman bought thirty acres of land, and onworked in the dairy business By degrees he has added to his original possessions until he row owns 160 acres adjoining Freder- ick. and 220 aeres also north of that village. making 280 acres in all. His dairy barn is pro- vided with a coment floor and furnished with every modern equipment, while all the appliances for the care of the milk show a careful regard for sanitary conditions. Twenty-five head of cows are kept in the dairy, and the products of that department of the work are by no means insignificant.

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Rebman was blessed with three children. The chlest was born October 17. 1581, and died April 29. 1><2. The second, Gail, was born July 28. ISS, and has been given superior advantages, having at- tended the Blackburn University, spent one your at Eureka College and graduated from the Illinois State University. afterwards accepting a position in the Colfax High School as Teacher of For- lish and Medieval History. The youngest eli !. Ilerman. born November 21. ISSA, was likev. se given good advantages, and is now with his per- rents on the farm. Mrs. Rehman is an active worker in the Christian Church, and Mr. Rob- man is in hearty sympathy with the same. ; - though not a member. It was largely through his suggestion and assistance that the house of worship for that congregation was erected in Frederi k. In habits he is temperate. Liquors he Ir's abstained from. tobacco he has never med. and tea and coffee form no part of his diet. Both by example and by precept he is given his influence to the cause of prohibido. and has been an opponent of the saloons. l.

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

politics, he has been a Republican ever since at- taining his majority. For many years he served as School Trustee, and always has been inter- ested in the cause of general education. In fra- ternal relations he is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

REEVE, Simon A .--- The life of Simon A. Reeve has spammed the distance between the for fron- tier and the twentieth century of Selmyler County. Graven upon his memory, and upon that of the faithful wife who with bim occupies a beautiful home in Rushville. IN., are incidents which never again can enliven the experience of mankind because the conditions governing them have been swept beyond human ken by the forces of civilization. Mr. Reeve himself has done much to bring about the wonderful changes which have taken place since the establishment of his family here in 1829, and perhaps his written observations of the same would consti- tute as true and interesting a narrative as any which have been penned for the delectation and enlightenment of the present generation.

In the peace of his later days Mr. Reeve de- lights to recall the youth of a region which now boasts unexampled progress and prosperity. He himself was but a year old when he came here with his parents in 1529 from Springgekl, Ill., where he was born December 28. 1828. 11is father, Jolm A. Reeve, who was a native of Now York, and who came to Ilinois with his parents about 1820, continued to live in Springfield until

coming Bainbridge Township. Schuyler County, in 1829. The Indians at that time were plentiful. and regarded the paleface as an un- warranted intruder. Game abounded on every hand, and the forests as yet were unaccustomed to the noise of modern firearms. Indian trails were the only thoroughfares. and the wigwam the prevailing style of, architecture. Something of the dread silence of the prairies umst have appalled this intrepid invader of the frontier. for he gave a man of the name of Gordon fifty acres of land if he would live on it and thus become his neighbor. This same land is now valued at $125 an acre, a fact which indicates emphatically the advance made during the past three score odd years.

Simon A. Reeve attended school during the leisure of the winter months, and in summer worked in the harvest fields. The schoolhouse had a juincheon floor. a wooden latch on the door, and a big fireplace to consume logs. The children drank from a gourd, and in many in- stances walked miles over dreary stretches of wind swept road. twice a day. Simon remained on the home place until his marriage, January 12. 154, to Jane Orr. a native of County Far- managh, Ireland, and born October 14. 1833. Mrs. Reeve is a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann ( Burnside) Orr. and came with her parents to America in a sailing vessel in November. 1590, settling in Bainbridge Township. Mr. and Mrs. Reeve went to housekeeping in Bainbridge Township in a log house 18 by 20 feet in dimen-

sions, and part of this original home is still stand- ing on the old place, a witness to the courage and early efforts of the pioneer occupants, Eighty acres of the farm was covered with heavy til- ber, which, owing to the absence of a paying market, was consumed for fuel. Both of the young people were well prepared for their life of hardship and deprivation, and both possessed the industry which moves mountains and raises those who possess it to places of comfort and honor. Mrs. Reeve hvid learned the art of weak- ing, and all of the clothing of the household was made by her, the ernde wool being washed. col- ored, woven and made into garments by ber pa- tient hands. This loyal mother still bas blank- ets and coverlets created by her in the days of long ago, and when her sons grew to maturity and married she gave each of them a blanket for a keepsake. The log house was a popular one in the neighborhood, the center of much hos- pitality and enjoyment, and the people got much out of life with their crude accessories and op- portunities. A common custom was the hitching up of ox teams and attending church in a body, or assembling at the homes to eat and drink and make merry before the blazing logs of the fire- place. A great time was had at the erection of the Reeve barn about 1869, the neighbors coming from afar, and working with might and mam to complete the large structure.

I'mmme children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Reeve, of whom Simon and Isadore died in in- fancy. William HI. now owns part of the old homestead, and Pulaski is a retired farmer, of Rushville. To the first eighty acres more was added as success come the way of the owners, Mr. Reeve finally having 250 acres which he continued to occupy and manage until erecting his present beautiful modern home in Rushville in 1905. Taken as a whole. the lives of this worthy couple have been useful and fortunate ones, and in the twilight of their existence they have much to be grateful for. Their sous are capable, honored Christian gentlemen, reflecting the training with which their youth was so richly blessed, and friends have risen up who delight in an association of great benefit to all concerned. No name stands for greater purity of character or for safe and practical ideals of living, in the annals of Schuyler County.

REEVE, William H .- The opinion has often been expressed that America is too big to love ; that natives of such countries as Switzerland, Ilolland or England may have an affection for the very soil of the fatherland, but that an American can never be imbned with such a love. Such critics need not even go to the old home- steads of the Eastern and Southern States to be disabused of such an idea. for right here in the lone-settled agricultural communties of Illinois. they will find many families who are still living where their lathers located more than half a century ago, and who have a feeling almost of devotion toward every familiar tree and streatt and gently rolling fields, recalling some scene of

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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.

the passing years, A signal illustration of this deep love for the old home place among Ameri- cans is furnished in the life of William II. Reeve, a leading farmer and large land owner of Bainbridge Township, Schuyler County. Born in the township named, on the farm which be now orenpies, on October 17. 1554. he is the son of Simon A. Reeve, whose first home when he came to Schuster Comity, was the little tumble- down of a log cabin, which may still be seen from the comfortable residence of William H1 .. and which is tenderly preserved by him as the place of his birth and the center of his boyhood and youth. The dilapidated home cabin has also been photographed and a handsome framed pie- ture hangs upon the walls of the present family residence. It was here he lived until his eight- eenth birthday, when the paternal family moved into a beautiful dwelling erected on the farm, not far away.

William HI. Reeve remained upon the home farm with his parents until his marriage to Har- riet E. Ackley, March 31. 1879. His wife was born in Admins County, Ill .. in January, 1832, the daughter of Nathan and Pauline ( Spangler) Ackley, natives, respectively. of New York and Indiana, who settled in Huntsville Township, Schuyler County, at an early day.

After his marriage, Mr. Reeve and his father entered into a partnership in their agricultural operations. The latter purchased an eighty-acre timber tract, and as the son was very skillful in grubbing stumps, his part of the clearing was readily assigned. Of that tract sixty acres was cleared. Father and son operated together until January, 1904, when the former retired from active work to a beautiful home in the city of Rushville. the county seat, where he and his faithful wife are surrounded by steadfast friends. and live amid the comforts and peace springing from industrious and well-spent years.

William 11. Reeve is acknowledged to be one of the best grain farmers and live-stock mon in the county. conducting his extensive operations on a magnificent tract of 307 acres in one body, lying in Section 15. Bainbridge Township. He gives special attention to the raising of wheat and clover. Gold Dust being the variety of that grain which is his particular pride, and in the culti- ration of which he has met with remarkable suc- cess. During the past year he had 130 acres de- voted to wheat alone. He also keeps upon the farm the best grade of live stock, his sleek, well- fed animals, the methodical appearance of his fields and the bright, substantial condition of his bulldings, revealing the hand and mind of the master agriculturist. Decided skill as a tiller of the soil, high ability as a manager and neom- promising integrity in his dealings, have inspired a general and a firm confidence which has never been shaken.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2, Part 87

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