USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 89
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ROBESON, Delano G .- The State of Ohio has been a never failing recruiting ground for the successful farmers of Schuyler County. Il .. and a representative of the best to come from that earlier settled community is Delano G. Robeson, the chief activity of whose career lies in the past rather than the present of Astoria Township. Mr. Robeson was born in Danville, Knox County, Ohio, in 1838, and comes of a family long identified with Maryland, where was born the paternal grandfather, Solomon Robeson. the founder of the family in Knox County, Ohio. On the farm in Ohio was born, in 1513. Jacob W. Robeson, father of Delano, and in the same county and State was born Delano's mother. Louise (Giffon ) Robeson, in 1820. The material grandfather, Robert Giffon, was born in Scot- land, and by occupation was a millwright. He was a man of great business sagacity, and be- enie a large landed proprietor in Coshorton County, Ohio, owning at one time 4,000 acres of land near Newcastle, and 3,000 acres in another part of the county. He acquired great general in- finence, and was one of the very substantial and prominent men of his community.
Jacob W. Robeson was reared on the Ohio farm and eventually embarked in an independent farming enterprise. For a time after his mar- riage he combined farming and the keeping of a country tavern, thereafter removing from Knox to Coshocton County, Ohio, and still later locating in Fulton County. Il .. bringing his fami- ily in 1556 to Astoria Township, in that county, where he was engaged in farming and stock- r: ising until shortly before his death in 1950. Ile was a kindly disposed and quite successful man, and left a property which reflected credit mpon his industry and good judgment.
Delano G. Roleson came to Rushville, Sehuy-
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
ler County, from Fulton County, in 1870, and two years later, bought sixty acres of land in Sections 10 and 15, Rushville Township, going in debt for the same to the extent of $1,000, for which he paid ten per cent interest. Eventually he added to this property as opportunity came his way, until at present he owns 320 acres, be- sides two valuable lots in the city of Rushville. For the management of this property Mr. Robe- son was well equipped. for he was over an apt pupil in the public schools, and had so far felt the need of further training that he taught school before and after, in order to complete the course at the Jones Commercial College, at St. Louis. Ile also gained some business experience as a clerk in the general store of Mr. Seripps, of Rushville. Ile had a special aptitude for farming. however, and was always glad to get back to the freedom and independence of rural life. . In 1822 he temporarily left the farm and located in Rushville, returning to the farm five years later. and in 1905 taking up his permanent residence in the city of Rushville, He has a splendid farm, improved to the best known to the modern agriculturist, and upon it may be found a high grade of horses, cattle and boys. besides a tine residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. His thousand-dollar debt did not long remain uncancelled, for the debtor was a man of energy and push, who left no stone un- turned to achieve the best possible results in bis line.
The marriage of Mr. Robeson and Sarah M. Haffner occurred in Fulton County, 111 .. in 1862. Mrs. Robeson being a native of Virginia, and born in 1843. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robeson : Banning H., Ro-+ 11 .. Daniel W .. Harry IL., Celia 31., and Louise V., de- ceased. Mr. Robeson is a Democrat in politics. and local activity has redonnded to clean gov- ernment and fair official dealing. He served as Assessor of Astoria Township four years and filled the same position in Rushville Township for twelve consecutive years. He was also Collector in Astoria Township two years. Fail- ing health bas interfered somewhat with the usefulness and happiness of his later years. but his good spirits remain undiminished, and his interest in the people and happenings around bim is as keen as when he was an active co- worker. His inherent honesty and rare good sense have been manifest in all of his dealings with bis fellow men, and he enjoys the respect and good will of all who know him.
ROBESON, Jacob H .- An example of intelligent farming and refined country life is found in the home surroundings of Jacob H. Robeson, the greater part of whose career has been spent in Rushville Township, Schuyler County. Mr. Robe- son was born on a farm in Ohio in 1853. his parents, Jacob W. and Louise (ifin) Robison. being natives of that State. The family moved from Ohio to Fulton County. Ill., when Jacob II. was a young lad. and when he had reached the age of fifteen years, they settled in Schuyler
County, where he complied his education in the public schools and developed into a capable farmer and useful citizen. Further particulars in regard to the Robeson family history may be found in a sketch of Ddoro G. Robeson appear- ing elsewhere in this connection.
When twenty-one years old. Mr. Robeson con- tracted the miring fever, which, mentally at least, offered an easy and ry'd way to fortune. For three years he worked in the silver mines of Colorado, and at the expiration of that time re- turned to Schuyler County, content to await the slow but sure rewards of general foaming. Ile still has a fine and valuable farming property, which he has devoted to raising the products for which the Central West is noted, and his buildings and general equipment have always indicated a careful and practical turn of mind. In 1906 Mr. Robeson decided to leave his farm of 200 aeres, and bought an attractive cottage of West Lafayette Street, in Rushville, where he is enjoying the comforts of a well spent ille and the society of many friends.
In 1Sso Mr. Robeson was married to Frituces Strong, of Rushville Township, and they have four children, namely : Jacob L .. Clarence B .. Bertha M. and Grace V. The mother of this family is a daughter of Emis Strong. a pioneer settler of l'instantview, Il., where he operated at grist-mill a number of years. Both of Fer parents died in Schuyler County. Besides her- self there are four sons and three daughters still living, as follows: Thomas, who resides near Lincoln. Neb. : Frank. of Pleasantview. and John. a farmer hear that place; Burton, a farmer in Rushville Township; Ella. wife of Lou Kinnear, of Rushville, Il .; Drudy, wife of George Skiles, of Lincoln. Neb. : and Ida, wife of William Rob- man, who lives just north of Pleasantview.
Although an earnest Democrat since casting his first presidential vote, Mr. Robeson is averse to seeking office, and has never been a candidate for local political honors He has been a tire- less worker, and progressive, thoughtful man. readily adapting himself to the use of such im- provements as appealed to his reason and com- mon sense.
RODEWALD, Adolphus Peter .- One of the most striking exemplifications of what resolute per- sistence. diligent use of opportunity, and fidelity to the dictates of duty will accomplish, in a comparatively brief career, when combined with innate talent, is found in the life of the well- known citizen of Rushville, Schuyler County, Ill., whose name introduces this narrative.
Mr. Rodewald was born in Brooklyn. Schuyler County, Ill., November 4, 1562. He is a son of Charles and Eliese ( Peter ) Rodewald, natives of Germany, where his father was born Feb- ruary 2, 1826, and his mother. October 15, 1833. Charles Rodewald was a blacksmith by trade, and also carried on farm'ng as a means of liveli- hood. In the year 1819 he came to America, and soon settled in Schuster County, Ill., and on March 18, 1852, he was married to Eliese
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
Philippena Peter. at Rushville, At the outset he followed his trade of blacksmithing, but after- wards abandoned that occupation and engaged in farming, operating also to a large extent in real estate, and at the time of his death being the owner of several valuable iarms in Schuyler County, To him and his excellent spouse were horn seven children. as follows: Frederick, Charles William, George Herman (who died in infancy ), Dorothea Catherine, Adolphus Peter, Dustena Eliose and Benjamin Franklin. The death of Charles Redewald es urred on June 21. IST8, and that of Eliese (l'eter) Rodewald. on November 23, 1895.
Adolphus P. Rodewald attended the public schools of his neighborhood when a boy, and in 1873 removed with his parents to Rushville. becoming a pupil in the Rushville Union School. Ile was graduated from the Rushville lligh School in the Class of 1552. For many years he was President of the Rushville High School Alumni Association. His youth was
spent on the paternal farm. After his studies were completed he secured a clerkship in a store, where he remained for several years, and subsequently went into business for himself, being engaged in the hardware and implement trade in Rushville, under the firm name of Rodewald & Darnell.
In politics. Mr. Rodewald is a Democrat, and stands high in his party's local commeils. In 1890 he was elected County Clerk of Schuyler County, and was re-elected in 1894, and through courteous treatment of the patrons of his office. and strict adherence to duty, he gained an envi- able reputation as a county official. At the close of his second term he voluntarily retired from office, and being interested in the Bank of Sehuy- ler County, the board of directors elected him Cashier of the institution, and he has ever since discharged the duties of that position with nolable ability and fidelity. Much of the growth and prosperity of this sound and reliable bank is dne to his conservative management and un- tiring efforts. Ile also serves in the capacity of Secretary of the farm & Town Loan Association, and is President of the Rip brillo Telephone Com- pany, a strong local corporation. To every movement or business industry that is for the lust interests of this home city, he is ever ready to lend counsel and financial aid.
Mr. Rodewald was united in marriage. at Rushville, 111 .. on June 10, 1596, with Bessie C. Dyson, who was born in that city August 2. 1869. Mrs. Rodewald is a daughter of Joseph and Martha ( Wheelhouse) Dyson.
In 1900, Mr. Rodewald was elected a member of the Board of Education of the Rushville Union Schools, and was re-elected in 1903, serv- ing several years as President of that body. He was the first graduate of the Rushville High School to be elected a member of the Board of Education. In fraternal circles he is identified with the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of superior qualities, and is recognized as one of the ablest financiers in Sehutyler County.
ROSE, John W .-- In its second generation m Schuyler County, II., the Rose family has a sterling representative in Jobn W. Rose, a young man with whom to think and plan is to act, and whose many sided capacity and public spiriteduess supplies a standard of worth of which any community might well be proud. Mr. Rose is first of all a farmer, and his ability in this direction has been augmented by a variety of general experiences, including prolonged po- litical activity. He is now in his sixth consec- utive year as a member of the Board of Super- visors, and during this time he has done much towards the practical development of the town- ship as a member of the committees on roads, bridges and public buildings. He is also serv- ing his twelfth year as Township Treasurer. mid has been Township Clerk, and in fact every- thing afforded by local political preterment. He discharges his responsibilities with rare good judg- ment, unquestioned integrity, and keen appreci- ation of the needs and opportunities of the town- ship, and irrespective of political bias, he is thoroughly appreciated by the residents who cherish worth while political and other ideals.
A farmer in Section 1, Hickory Township, Mr. Rose was born in Woodland Township. Schuyler County, October 16, 1871, a son of Samuel J. and Mahala (Fike) Rose, the former of whom was of German ancestry. The elder Rose set- fled in Fulton County about 1850. and after coming to Schuyler County as a boy, lived for a time with his sister Mars, wife of Squire But- ler. He acquired the average education of the country youth, and married, for his first wife Sarah Shaw, who became the mother of three children : Mary, deceased ; Stewart E., a farmer in Woodland Township; and Rebecca, wife of Columbus Barker, who reside in Mason County, 111. After the death of his wife Mr. Rose mar- ried Mabala Fike, of which union there was but one child, John W. Samuel J. Rose was born in Ohio, moving from there to Pennsylvania. where his father died, and when he reached Sebnyler County, he had nothing in the way of worldly assets to start him upon his independ. ent career. Ile attained to high honor in the community, became one of its well-to-do and in- finential farmers, and in politics held among others the office of Township Treasurer. II .- death occurred March 1, 1895, and that of his wife, January 24, 1905.
The education of John W. Rose was acquired! in the country schools, the public schools . Lewistown. and the Western Normal College. which he attended a year. With these ! vantages as a nueleus, he has been a constant student of men and events, and is one of t . best posted of the younger generation of the township. Following close upon the endirs of his school days, in 1893 he engaged in the me : cantile business in Bluff City, Schuyler Covers luis integrity and knowledge of has occu dos resulting in gratifying financial and 250 success. Upon the death of his father in si he sold out his business to take charge f 1!'
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
old Rose farm of eighty acres, where he en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. Sue- cess has enabled him to increase his possessions, and he now owns 120 aeres in Section 17, Curtis Township. Fulton County, and 230 acres in Hickory Township, Schuyler County, the latter of which constitutes his home place. He raises general produce and a variety of stock, and his farm land represents the best possible develop- ment known to this age of agriculturists.
The marriage of Mr. Rose and Nellie Chr- less occurred April 9. 18. Mrs. Rose is a daughter of J. W. and Jane ( Melntyre) Cur- less, the former being one of the leading pioneers of Sehuyler County. Both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rose have three children: Beatrice, Clifford J. and Home Alice. Mr. Rose has a strong and interesting personality, and inspires confidence in all with whom he is ever . asso- ciated. Ile is vigorously alert to the advantages and responsibilities of the young men of the present, and contributes his share of character and determination and purpose to the enlight- ened community of which he is an integral factor. In fraternal circles, he is affiliated with the Masonic Order and the M. W. A.
ROSS, John H., a prosperous and prominent farmer of Littleton Township. Schuyler. County, Ill., and one of the leading citizens of his lo- cality, was born in Brooklyn Township, the same county, in July. 18IS, a son of Tolbert and Catherine (Snyder) Ross, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively. His paternal grand- parents were among the early settlers of Schuy- ler County. and here the father of the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, and after his marriage to Catherine Snyder. followed farm- ing for several years in Brooklyn Township. Selling out his interests there about the year 1851. Tolbert Ross bought 120 acres of land in Section 16. Littleton Township. subsequently pur- chasing more until his farin comprised 160 acres. On this place he passed the rest of his life, dying in October, 1857, at the age of 45 years. In 1874, his widow became the wife of John Beadle, of La Prairie, Il., and lived but a short time after her second marriage. passing away in March. 1875. By the father of the subject of this sketch she had three sons and six daughters. all of whom are still living except a brother. who was the fifth in order of birth. In early youth, Jolm II. Ross received his education in the district schools in the vicinity of his home, as- sisting his mother on the farm until the time of her marriage to Mr. Beadle. Following that event, he took charge of the estate which he afterward bought. The house originally stand- ing on the property was destroyed by fire in 1881. and in the following year he built the present frame dwelling containing seven rooms. also put up a horse and hay barn, tiled the ground and inade other necessary improvements. until he now has one of the finest farms in the county, adjoining the town of Littleton on the .north. Ile Is successfully engaged in general
farming, and in addition to this, devotes a por- tion of his time to raising horses, cattle and hogs. All his undertakings have been attended with profitable re-als.
On February 10, 1575, Mr. Ross was joined in matrimony with Mary J. Peedisty ugh, Who Was born in Littleton Township, Schuyler County, February 6, 183. Mrs. Ross is a daughter of John and Cassandra (Orvin) Perekenpangh, Ha- tives of Kentucky. The marriage of her parents took place in Littleton Towr ship. ller father died in 1%, her brother having ; seed away ... 1-56. Besides Mary J., they Had one other child who died in infancy. In JAS1. Mr. and Mrs. Ross moved to Elk County, Kan .. where they re- mained but a short time, returning the follow- ing year, and since then occupying the home place. Two children resulted from their union : Oel D., born November 25. 1877, who is a min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is located at La Prairie, III. : and John Frederick. born November 20, 1882, a physician and sur- gron, also residing in that town.
Politically, Mr. Ross is a Prohibitionist, and has taken an active and influential part in the local councils of his party. He Iris filled various township offices with notable efficiency, including those of Collector, Assessor. Road Counmissioner and Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, if which he has officiated as Superintendent of the Sunday School since 1895, and Steward since 1555.
ROSS, S. B.,-Schuyler County has no better judge of stock than S. B. Ross, whose forty- four years have been spent in Buena Vista Township, where he was born March 25. 194. and where he now owns 120 acres of land. and operates six hundred acres. This enterprising landsinan is a son of William B. Ross. from whom he learned the rudiments of fargang. and under whose careful guidance he was feared to a practical appreciation of his life mission. Ile was educated in the district schools, but had no advantages over those of his schoolmates who have achieved less success than himself.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Buss at- tained entire control of the home farm, and Feb- ruary 23, 1887, was united in marriage to Mary Moore, daughter of John D. Moore, a sketch of whose life appears on another page of this work. Mrs. Ross was born in Buena Vista Township May 26. 1862, and, like her husband, had only average advantages in her youth. Mr. Ross set- tled on eighty acres of land in Sections 22 and 27. Buena Vista Township, to which he added until he owned 120 acres. Hle built a good cottage on the farm. and cleared abont thirty aeres, making a beautiful and profitable farming property. In IS9% be rented 100 acres in Section 23. For thereon and operated the same until 1904. The latter year he began to operate they are, the increase inade necessary by his rapid rise in the stock industry. Beginning in 1894, he spett- ized in raising, feeding and shipping catto and hogs, and at the present time is one of the larg-
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
est operators in Schuyler County Hle averages about Your car loads rech year, including about two hundred head of hogs, and at present he bas ou hand torty-six horses. 1> farm is equipped with first-class machinery, and general improvements, and in 1907 he raised iBv acres of wheat, and as many of corn. He has made a thorough study of scientific feeding, and has developed a system which makes him one of the most successful men in the business in the State.
Notwithstanding his increasingly large per- sonal responsibility, Mr. Ross has contributed to the well being of the community in many ways, and has filled several important political offices. He is uncompromisingly Democratic, and fraternally is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Ross are parents of seven children, of whom Mar- garet, a graduate of the Rushvill High School, was born January 30, 18SS. and for the past two years has been a successful teacher in Schuyler County ; Winfield B., a graduate of the high- school class of 1907, was born September 21, 1SS9; John D. and Mary (twins). were born September 25. 1591 ; Araminta was born January 3, 1:03: Beatrice O. was born in September, 1505: and Samuel S. W. was born June 13. 1005.
RUNKLE, James I., a farmer of high stand- ing and abundant financial resources, an honored veteran of the Civil War, and for thirty years a much respected citizen of Littleton Township, Schuyler County, Ill., was born in Industry Town- ship, MeDonough County, Ill., October 6, 1841. His father. Darius Runkle, was a native of Cham- paign County, Ohio, and his mother, Anna M. ( Walker) Rnukle, was born in Adams County. Pa., near the town of Gettysburg. The paternal grandparents. William and Mary ( Ponce) Runkie. were Virginians by nativity, while the birth of the grandparents on the maternal side, Andrew and Annie ( Wilson) Walker, occurred in Pen- sylvania. In 1837, Darius Runkle, father of James I .. located in Doddsville. Schuyler County, Il., and had charge of the general store of Sam- uel Dodds. for about a year. Then he went back to Ohio, staying a like period there, and returning to Doddsville, where he was united in marriage with Auna M. Walker. in 18-10. He made a wedding trip to his native State in a covered wagon. and when the honeymoon was over. came to Brooklyn Township, Schuyler County, and bought SO acres of land. This he soll after awhile, purebasing 160 aeres in In- dustry Township. MeDonough County. There he followed farming until the fine of his death, March 13. 1806, at the age of 83 years. ITis wife died in 1886. when 65 years old. Darius Runkle was a very extensive landholder, one of the largest in Central Illinois, Ilis landed possessions comprised 3,000 acres, including farms in Industry and Bethel Townships. Me- Donough County, and Littleton Township, Schy- ler Conuty. He was a man of much force of character, and considerable prominence in agri- cultural eircles. and wielding a strong influence
in his locality. Politically, he was identified with the Republican party. He and his wife had sis sons and four daughters, of whom but four sons are now living. the surviving members. of the family, besides James I .. being J. C., a farmer of Littleton Township; Charles W., of Macomb, Il. ; and George M., who follows farm- ing on the old home place in Industry Township, MeDonough County.
James I. Runkle was reared to the life of a farmer, and received his education in the coul- won schools, and in Lewistown (fl.) Seminary, On August 2, 1861, he enlisted, at St. Louis. Mo., in Company A, Tenth Regiment, Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regi- meut in the Army -of the Tennessee, dar- ing the Civil War. Ile was within less than a dozen steps of the first commander of his company, Capt. Horney, then Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, when that ofliver was killed, at the Battle of Champion ITifs. Mr. Itt. 1++ was mustered out of service, August 24, 1864. and returned to the home of his parents. After his marriage, he was engaged in operating; one of his father's farms in Industry Township, MeDonough County, until 1877. In that year, he moved to his present location in Section 4, Littleton Township, a little southwest of the vil- lage of Littleton. All of the hnprovements ou this place, which consisted of 160 aeres when he took possession, have been made by him, and he has added to its extent, until the property How comprises 320 acres. The farm is in superb condition, and its owner has been signally suc- cessful in all his undertakings.
The marriage of Mr. Runkle took place in October, 1871, at which time Caroline M. Legg became his wife. Mrs. Ruukle, a woman of the worthiest traits of character. was born in Littleton Township, in December, 1845, and is a daughter of Thomas Legg. a native of Kentucky. The following children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Runkle, namely : Etblyn (Mrs. Asa Finch), residing in Littleton Township: Roy, a resident of the same township: Lois (Mrs. Otto Baxter), of MeDonough County, Ill .; Jo- seph, who lives with his parents; and Mary, who was married to Randolph Black. of MeDonough County.
In political action, Mr. Runkle is identified with the Republican party. His religious conn-e- tion is with the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also belongs.
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