USA > Illinois > Schuyler County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume 2 > Part 93
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In Ist Mr. Stover bought the old home farm, and under his management it has been made a most productive and desirable piece of country Property. Here in company with his sister, Zulma E .. he spends his summer vacations, and devotes the balance of the year to the educational field. to which he is so ardently attached and in which he has earned such eminence.
STRONG, Charles Kennedy, the present Tras- urer of Schuyler County, was born on the farm he since has occupied near Pleasantview, June 15, 1857. This farm is one of the landmarks of the township, and under the management of two generations of the family it has taken on both financial and home-making value. Settled Upon at an early day by George W. and Frances (Quinn) Strong, parents of Charles Kennedy, it has been added to as prosperity tavored its in- dustrious owners, and now consists of 160 Heres. George Strong was a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, while his wife was born in Lonis- ville, Ky .. a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Kennedy ) Quinn, natives of Virginia aidt Kell- tucks, respectively. George String. father of George W., was born in Ireland, and was the only member of his family to emigrate to Amer- ica.
As an occupation, Charles Kennedy Strong has always followed farming, and has achieved snc- cess in his chosen calling. being engaged in both general farming and stock raising. At a com- paratively early age he began to take an active interest in politics, and has held many offices within the gift of his fellow Democrats, On two occasions he served as Assessor of Bain- bridge Township, and was also Supervisor of the sante township for two ferns, serving as Chair- man of the Board, and having charge. as one of the committeemen, of the erertion of the present county jail. He was elected Counts Termer in 1902, and his conduet of the financial affairs of the county has met with general satisfaction.
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August 28, 1SAT, Mr. Strong married Adelaine Corman, who was born in Rushville Township, and educated at Christian Neck School. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are the parents of four children : Homer W., Rachel M .. George W., and Frank C. Mr. Strong is fraternally connected with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. In religion he is a Methodist. In a community where his entire life has been passed, where his face is familiar to almost every resident, and where he has been called upon to fill positions which test character and involve sacrifice for the public good, this prominent farmer and politician has the repu- tation of being a sanare and reliable man, and one in whom the community may implicitly place reliance.
STRONG, Moro S .-- Of the men who are help- ing to maintain a high standard of farming and stock raising in Rushville Township, credit is due Moro S. Strong, whose constant rescarch and painstaking efforts have resulted in the owner- ship of one of the valnable and paying properties in his neighborhood. Born in Bainbridge Town- ship, Schuyler County, January 3. 1863, he was educated in the public schools of Pleasantview, and on his father's farm received practical train- ing in the occupation to which he is devoting his life. His parents, George W. and Praudis ( Quinn) Strong. were born in Columbiana County. Ohio, and Louisville, Ky., respectively, the former July 6, 1822, and the latter .July 28, 1820. Both the paternal and maternal fami- lies bad to do with the pioneer history of Schuy- Jer County, and the mother, at the time of her death, had lived here sixty-four years. The father died October 4. 1809.
Moro S. Strong married Laura Furness, also a native of Schuyler County, and of their union there were two children : Jesse D., deceased, and Anthony V., a farmer of Rushville Township. Mrs. Strong died in 1887, and for his second wife Mr. Strong married Mary Gossage, daugh- ter of William and Nancy Gossage, and of this union there are two sons: Charles M. and Giles H. Mr. Strong owns 140 acres of land in Section 25. Rushville Township, a large part of which Is under a high degree of cultivation. This for- merly was known as the Quinn farm and was settled by Mr. Strong's maternal grandfather. in 1842. It came into Mr. Strong's possession in 1887, and he moved on to it two years later. finding there a small frame dwelling, which since has been replaced by a modern farm house. He has been engaged In general farming and stork raising continuously, and in 1903 began the extensive breeding of Hereford cattle, of which he now has a fine herd of registered stock. Un- derlying the farm is a five foot vein of coal, and he has opened up a mine with a capacity of from two hundred and fifty to three hundred bushels per day of as fine coal as can be found in the State of Illinois.
With his farming Mr. Strong combined an In- terest in the general welfare of the community,
and though emphatically opposed to office hold- ing, has stanchly supported the Democratic party and has lent practical assistance to the political aspirations of his friends. Fraternally he is pop- ular and much in demand, and is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.
STRONG, Peter .-- The retirement of Peter Strong to his pleasant home in the village of Browning in 1901 was justified by many years of shecessful activity as a general farmer and storkraiser, and by an example of character and kindliness which should be an inspiration to the vonth seeking the material and moral compensa- tions of a country life. During the fifty-seven years of his life Mr. Strong has known no other home than Schuyler County, where he was born in Bainbridge Township January 26, 1851, and where, on the farm of his parents, Stephen and Elizabeth ( Brines) Strong, he was reared to the arduous work in which he for so many years engaged.
Stephen Strong was born in Ohio, and as a lad came with his parents to Bainbridge Town- ship. Schuyler County, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1859. 1His wife. for- merly Miz: beth Brines, was born in lilinois, and died in 1894. She was the mother of three chillren, both younger than Peter, of whom Lewis lives on the tarm in Browning Township; Laura died at the age of six years. In 1800 the family moved from Bainbridge to Section 20, Browning Township, finding here a dilapidated and altogether discouraging property, as far as general improvements were concerned. the greater part of the land being covered with timber or underbrush. Mr. Strong lived to see his industry bear fruit and his home transformed into one of the best places in the county. He was essen- tially a home-loving man, of quiet and nuambi- tious tastes and a generous contributor 10 churches and charitable organizations. He had no political aspirations and never was willing to accept political honors.
Peter Strong was nine years old when he came to Browning Township, and though by no means a robust lad, he at once undertook the hard work of entting down trees and clearing away brush, and eventually. long before his father's death. succeeded to the entire management of the place. Both father and son made a specialty of high grade stock, and In the hands of the son. since his purchase of the place after the death of his parents, this paying resource has been greatly inercased. He has an average herd of thirty Short-horn cattle, fully half of which are registered, and also raises fine horses and hoss. His farm is equipped with ample facill- ties for caring for slock in Increasing numbers. and he also has storage for grains and general produce. besides an excellent dwelling and well kept fences, drainage and fine water supply. The oversight of this beautiful farm Mr. Strong re- Hnquished upon moving to Browning in 1904, but It unquestionably still fills a larse place in hls
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
heart and life, representing, as it does, a com- . mendable and altogether worthy dream and its fulfillment. Its 260 acres represent what a man may accomplish who sets out to carve h's way unaided along agricultural lines, and who allows neither discourage meir por occasional failure to interfere with the steadiness of his action and purpose. Mr. Strong is a Democrat in politics. but has never aspired to a place among the of- fice holders of the township.
STRONG, Thomas Q., recognized by all who know him as one of the kading farmers of Bain- bridge Township, Sebuyler County. III., and one of the most prominent and influential citizens of his loralily, was born on the home farm where his brother Charles K. Strong, now lives, L'eb- ruary 1, 1847. He is a son of George W. and Frances Strong, natives of Ohio and Kentucky. Early in the 'forties his father came from Ohio and settled on the farm, in Section 1, Bainbridge Township, which was the birthplace of all his children. Thomas Q. Strong received his edu- cation in the Pleasantview school, and assisted his father in the work of the place, remaining at home until he reached the age of twenty-one years. Then he rented land from his grand- mother, and started out for himself. When his father's health began to fail. Thomas was in- duced to return home, and after the death of the former. the son assumed management of the homestead property which he continued for two years. In 189, he purchased eighty acres in Section 15 of the same township, to which he moved during that year, occupying a log cabin of one room. For ten years this was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Strong, and in it two of their children were born. In 1893, Mr. Strong built a now, five-room dwelling, and now has one of the comfortable residences in the township. He has added ninety-one acres to his original purchase. and is the owner of 171 acres lying in Seetions 10 and 15. Bainbridge Township. When he took possession, the land had been partially cleared. and he applied himself to the task of completing the clearing and preparing fifty acres for culti- vation, ultimately developing the traet into a highly productive farm. Il. has I tu a persever- ing, diligent and thorough-going farmer, having done his full share to promote the agricultural interests of Schuyler County, and has been closely identified with its growth and welfare. Too busy to travel and deeply absorbed in local interests, he has only onee passed beyond the boundaries of his native State in a lifetime ex- tending over three-score years.
On February 7. 1878 Mr. Strong was united in marriage with Augusta Crozier, who was born in New York October 9. 1851. a daughter of Richard Crozier, a narrative of whose life ap- pears in another part of this work. The children resulting from this union are: Eva, wife of Watson Dodds, detailed mention of whom is also made in this volumine: Stella, who died in in- fancy : and Anna, who was married to George W. Ward, September 11, 1906. Mr. Ward. who
has charge of Mr. Strong's farm, is a son of Jackson Ward. a biographie. I record of whom may be found on another pagt herein.
Politically, Mr. Strong is identified with the Democratie party. He has rendered able and faithful publie service in various township of- fires, having Been Collector. Road Commissioner and School Trustee for twelve years. When he was elected to the last mentioned office the finan- cial condition of the schools was not encouraging, but during his ineumbeney it was Hard on a sound basis. His colleagues on the School Board wore W. 11. Reeve and Vincent BoPaty. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are earnest and active members of the Methelist Episcopal Church. South, and have long taken a deep interest in church and educational work. For twenty cars. he was Superintendent of the Mt. Carmel Sunday school. Both husband and wife enjoy the sincere respect and cordial regard of a wide circle of friends.
STUMM, Jeremiah, who served as County Sur- veror of Schuyler County, for nearly forty years. was born April 13, 1527. in Springhill Town- ship, Fayette County, Pa. He was a son of Philip and Rebecca Burchinal Stumm and re- sided with his parents until his eighteenth year, when he left home to learn the carpenters trade.
From 1845 to 1857 he worke I at his trade and was employed as superintendent on several large contrary. In January, 1557, Mr. Stuium came to Rushville from Peoria, III, and took the con- traet to build the new county jail, which is now. after an existence of fifty years, in a good state of preservation and used as a city calaboose. This contract kept Mr. Stumm employed until Angust, 1858, and, while the county g t a fool j ce of work, Mr. Stumm was a loser of $900 on his contraet.
In 1863 Mr. Stumm was elected County Sur- veyor, serving two years. From 1567 to 1875 he was Deputy Surveyor under Surveyor James W. Watts, and did practically all thesur- veying in and about Rushville during these years. In ISS5 he was appointed to fill the onex. red term of W. J. Horney and served as County Sur- vovor until 1904.
During the time he was Surveyor Mr. Stumm made his home at the court house, and what he became forble from age, went to the county form to live. He made his home here from the spring of 1905 until his death, which occurred May 5. 1008. llis remains were taken to the old home at Ada. Ohio, for interment.
"Jerry" Stumm, as he was 'amiliarly known to almost every resident of the county, was a man of more than ordinary intellectual all tv .. and had he been inclined to follow the pur-mts for which he was so ably fitted. he would have made his mark in the business world. But M reverses in his younger yours apparently his spirit, and he took a pigistes that made innatent his marked alider although he gave up the st nelle i. . competition of a business career, his 1 bright and vigorous, and his memory w. ..
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
remarkable one, even up to the time of his death.
Since his death the County Board of Super- visors has purchased his old compass and chain. and they will be preserved in a case at the court house as a relie for future generations.
SUTHERLAND, H. Ralph .- The seeker after success along farming lines may learn much from the lite efforts of H. Ralph Sutherland, whose home, character and ideals place bim among the most progressive and substantial of the upbuilders of Brooklyn Township and Schuy- ler County. As much as any of whom we have knowledge. Mr. Sutherland is entitled to the credit of being a self-made man, a man who has carved his way practically unaided. and to whom the storm and stress and discouragement of life never has offered sufficient incentive for skirking of duty or a substitution of profitless pleasures. Hle is a worker who loves his work as he does his fellow men, who ever has looked forward to the tasks of a new day with hope and gladness. and at night has been willing to acknowledge his debt to the merciful hoon of labor.
On March 1, 1545-the inauguration day of President James K. Polk, -- Mr. Sutherland was born in Sunbury, Ohio, and was but three years old when occurred the death of his father. Joseph Sutherland, who was born in Trumbull County. Ohio, and who for many years was employed by . the Hopkins Soda & Bottling Works. @ San bury. The elder Sutherland was a man of quiet and refined tastes. a gool citizen kind husband and father. and an earnest voter of the Whig ticket. His wife, formerly Jane Eaton, also a native of Ohio, subsequently married :: Mr. Hems Schoonover, with whom and her son. II. Ralph. she left Ohio in 1958, stopping for a time in Vermont. Fulton County. Il .. bur during the following year locating in Brooklyn Township. Schuyler County. In the spring of 1861 the family rented land from a Mr. Fisher. the next December moving to rented land east of Little- ton, in the township of that name. lle soon afterward moved to his grandfather's farm, and on May 1. 1865. located on the farm which Mr. Sutherland now owns, Here the stop-father died in 1566, and here has dwelt Mr. Sutherland with his beloved mother, one of the most viva- cious and interesting young old ladies in the county. By her second marriage she had two children. hoth of whom died in infancy. At the age of eighty-five she enjoys excellent health, and is the joy of the household because of her kindly disposition and freedom from the traits usually associated with one of her years.
HI. Ralph Sutherland was thirteen years of age when he came with his mother and stepfather to Schuyler County, and soon after found employ- ment as a clerk in the general store of his uncle, J. IT. Dexter, at Angusta. Ill. Owing to ill health brought on by confinement in 1562 he quit the store and I cean to work in a wagon shop in istoria, but was not long permitted to follow this occupation as the illness of his step-father compelled his return to the form. of which he
then took charge. The place at that time con- tained 140 acres, with a log cabin and a log stable, but without tences to contine stock or keep out that of other settlers. Over a large part of the land waved wild prairie grass, while but thirty-tive aeres had been broken by the plow, and there were fifteen acres of heavy tim- ber. Mr. Sutherland started in bravely to clear away the thick underbrush, and in time suc- eceded in making the place one of the most val table and protitable in Brooklyn Township. 1le has been the personification of industry and the setting sun often has found him with a large amount of wort. yet to accomplish. He never has shirked or Alighted his tasks, and his place bears the stamp of this conscientious and painstaking devotion to details. He has added eighty acres to the original farm and now owns 220 acres.
On October 3, 1878, Mr. Sutherland was united in marriage to Miss E. A. Pratt, the wedding taking place in Johnston, Licking County, Ohio, the native place of the bride. Mrs. Sutherland is a daughter of Hector and Susan Ellen ( Reed, Pratt, the former an extensive farmer of Licking County, and the parent of eight children, six 01 whom are living: Joseph Pratt. of Marengo. Ohio: Oscar. owner of the old home farm near Johnston, Oblo; Mrs. Sutherland: Mary, wife of Harris Pick, of Johnston: Maggie, dereased wife of Dr. Garnett : Lucy, wife of Dudley Tay- boor: and lizzie, married and Bying in Racine. Wis. The oldest child, a son died at the age of seven year, Two children have been born to Mr. and Mr -. Sutherland, of whom Twilla D. died at the as . of eight years and eight months, taking with her into the unknown much of the joy and gladness of a home which she had brightened inexpressibly with her sweetness of disposition and gentleness of heart. The only won in the family, Glenn C., born August 30, a\\9. was educated in the common schools of Brooklyn. and in the Commercial Department of the Rushville Normal, and is a young man of exceptional promise. He has his father's dignity and uprightness of character. and is much es- tromed for his quiet and unobtrusive manners.
In political affiliation Mr. Sutherland is a Democrat. but has never been weaned from his home and immediate duties sufficiently to accept of local official honors. His farm and its devel- opment have furnished the great and absorbing purpose of his life, and. as in the past, it fur- nished many obstacles and many conflicts, to Liv it is his pride and joy, the evidence of his in- dustry and faithfulness. of his thrift anl far- sightedness during a whole half century in the same township.
SWEENEY, John L .- The long and prominent identification of the Sweeney family with Sony- ler County dates from the arrival in 1-51 of Doctors Josse and Minerva (Sanders) Swertes, who were natives of Kentucky, and born in Ca- sex and Wayne Counties, respectively. Dr. .... Sweeney's useful life began in 1800, bis parcours having settled in Casey County some year- ; rev.
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLER COUNTY.
ious. He was reared on a farm, whose opportu- nities he outgrew comparatively early in life. and a broader field presented itself in the medical profession, for which he prepared at the well known University at Lexington, Ky. He was successful as a physician and surgeon in his na- tive State, and after locating in Rushville in 1831 realized no cessation of his professional popularity, his services being in demand through- out a large part of the surrounding country. His life ending in 1863, he was survived by his wife until isst, and she in turn is survived by four of her ten children: M. C., of Rushville; Charles II., a resident of Des Moines, lowa ; Elizabeth P., wife of J. W. Jones, of Peoria. III .; and John L. Doctor Sweeney in early life was a stanch supporter of the Whig party, and after its establishment in 1856. he was equally de- voted to the intant Republican party. A man of large heart and great generosity of judgment, he filled an important need in the world. and left it better for his earnest devotion to the best tenets of his splendid profession.
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The Civil War proved the first break in the monotony of the youth of John L. Sweeney. he having thus far devoted his energies to the home, and to irregular attendance at the district school. In August, J$62. at the age of nineteen years. he enlisted in Company B. One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three years, serving with his regiment through all of its long marches and hard fought bat- tles, and at the expiration of his enlistment in 1\65, receiving an honorable discharge. Re- turning to Rushville after the war, he entered upon his mercantile experience as a clerk for the firm of Thomas Wilson & Company, estab- lished in 1537. and in that capacity mastered ev- ery detail of merchandising as practiced by that oldest of enterprises in the city. In 1882 he had saved sufficient money to purchase an interest in the firm, and the same year witnessed a material change in the business. a fire having swept the south side of the square, and demolished the frame building in which the firm for so many years had conducted their business. In this emergency the present brick structure was erected, two stories in height. and with a ware- room of 200 square feet running back of the main structure. This store is one of the best equipped and best arranged dry-goods establish- ments in Schuyler County, and the high stand- ard of merchandising of the original owner has never been allowed to diminish. In 1ss. Hiram Graff beeame a partner, and the business was thus conducted until 1897, when Mr. Graff re- tired, and fresh blood and energy was infused into the time-honored concern by the entrance into the firm of Thomas W. Sweeney. son of John L., and grandson of the original founder, Mr. Wilson. With this combination of talent and enthusiasm. father and son have produced a introducing thoroughly modern store. features which indicate the greatest known mer- cantile progressiveness, and placing themselves in touch with the most modern of needs and re-
quirements, Special mention is due the dry- goods and shoe departments, although other lines are selected with equal regard for com- Heteness and satisfactoriness. An effort is made to please all without regard to company losses, and courtesy and consideration are recognized as indispensable factors of success.
February 20, 1807. Mr. Sweeney was united in marriage to Amelia L. Wilson, daughter of the old tinte merchant, and founder of the Thomas Wilson & Company. To Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney have been born the following children : Eleanor, wife of Charles W. Graff, and mother of Thomas, Eleanor. Mildred. Francis and John L. Graff; Jessie, wife of IL. B. Fish .r. Superintend- ent of Public Instruction at Geneseo. Ill., and mother of Mary L .. Linda and William C. Fisher ; Thomas W., who married Maud R. Rottzer, of Jacksonville, Il .; Frank R., manager of the Hotel Schuyler, of Rushville, and Susan S., wife of Charles Arthur Gritlith, of The Griffith Hardware Company. Rushville. In. Mr. Sweeney has shown his faith in the future of Rushville by investing heavily in local property, and is half-owner of the Hotel Schuyler, one of the best hostelries in this part of the count: s 1.0 a large stock-holder.and dire tor in the Schuyler County Bank. For the term of his voting life he has stanchly supported the Republican party, and though himself not a member of any church, has donated liberally to local church interests, especially the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a devotel member. Personally Mr. Sweeney is a plain. matter of fact gentle- man, owning to no prevailing weaknesses such as smoking. chewing, swearing or speculating, and leading a life of singular moderation and peacefulness. No man in the community is held in higher esteein. nor would any be sooner trusted with affairs involving integrity and pub- lic spirit.
SWEENEY, Thomas W .- The general store of Wilson & Company is an unbroken link be- tween the Rushville of 1939 and that of 1907. For seventy years this enterprise has stood guard over the commercial destiny of the community, has accurately and unfailingly reflected its growth, and has stood sponsor for its reputation beyond the borders of its immediate activity. No more striking contrast in business methods and opportunities exists than that presented by the establisher. Thomas Wilson, and his grand- son, Thomas W. Sweeney. the present manager of the store. The former struck the sober busi- ness gait of the far frontier. and the latter. with- out changing the base of operations, finds hlm- self the center of a feverish competition. enjoy- ing the profit and influence of a commercial prince endowed with the strong and depend- able qualities which bespeak thorough barmous with the mels, possibilities and splendid useful- ness of the twentieth century.
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