Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 39

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

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John Dawson, growing up in Kentucky amid the strictest of pioneer conditions, became hardy and self-reliant, so that when lie enlisted in the second war with England, he was able to bear the hardships of that struggle better than many, as well as the sufferings imposed upon him after being taken prisoner in the battle of tlie River

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Raisin. Here he was wounded and carried the bullet In his left lung up to the time of his death. For all of the winter that followed he was held by the enemy, and in after life did not like to think of that period of his existence. After his honorable discharge he returned to Kentucky and continued farming. On October 9, 1817, he was united In marriage with Cary R. Jones, and they had ten children, ali of whom are now deceased except Minerva Isabelle Rouse. Mr. Dawson became a trader on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and in the intervals con- tinued farming. On his trips, which sometimes extended to New Orleans, he was on the out- look for a suitable location, so that when he decided that Sangamon County was a good one, he came here in 1827, locating a timber tract in the eastern part of Mechanicsburg Township, on the edge of the prairie. To this he added, both by entry and purchase, until he owned 640 acres. From that time on he was Intimately associated with the development of the county, giving to It his best efforts. A strong Whig, he represented his party in the State Legislature, both at Vandalia and Springfield, upon several occasions. Mr. Dawson was one of the "Long Nine" who brought about the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. Probably no one man contributed more than he to the advancement of Springfield and Sangamon County, and his memory is tenderly cherished by those who appreciated what he accomplished.

Mrs. Rouse, the only surviving daughter of Mr. Dawson, was born in December, 1833, In the home she now occupies, which stands on the land her father entered from the Govern- ment. Her girlhood was spent in the county, where she attended district school and learned from her mother the household graces which made her so excellent a wife. She now owns the homestead of 250 acres, but since the death of her sister in 1909, rents this farm and re- sides with a frlend, a Miss Nellson. The home- stead has been highly improved, all but twenty acres being cultivated, and It is now very valu- able. Mrs. Rouse is a consistent member of the Christian Church.

John Dawson has passed away but the memory of the good he accomplished remains. Many of the decisions he gave while acting as Magistrate in his vicinity have stood as pre- cedents for later decisions. He never allowed personal feeling to bias his action but was in- fluenced solely by the highest purpose, and his daughter has every reason to be proud of hlm and the fact that she is descended from so patriotic, loyal and true a man and public servant.

DAWSON, John. (Vol. I, p. 129.)

DAY, Edward Chester .- Farming rich Sangamon County land is a very profitable business, now that agriculturists operate along scientific lines, and one who is making a success of his work is Edward Chester Day, of Section 26, Illlopolis

Township. He was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., May 6, 1842, a son of Frank and Amelia (Hogal) Day, natives of Massachusetts, the father having been born May 16, 1816. He was a farmer, who emlgrated to Springfield, Ili., in 1852, spent three years farming in that vicinity, and was also superintendent of a saw- mill. In 1855 he moved to Decatur, to become superintendent of a saw-mill, where he remained until 1862. In that year he embarked in a grocery business, continuing for twelve years, when he moved to Michigan. Spending two years in that State, he then went to Oakley, Ili., where he established a general store, re- maining there until his death, which occurred in 1901. He and his wife had two daughters and one son: Amelia, who became the wife of Edward Bullman, a traveling salesman, who lived in Chicago until his death, when hls widow married Waiter Griffith, Superintendent of the Knickerbocker Roofing Company, of Chi- cago; Miranda, who married A. Fitzgerald and lives in Chicago; and Edward C.

The education of Edward Chester Day was obtained in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and Springfield and Decatur, Ill. He assisted his father in all his undertakings, until the latter left Decatur. The young man then went to Lake Fork, Logan County, Ill., where he farmed until his enlistment, on August 9, 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Sixth Iiiinois Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He participated in many bloody en- gagements, including the Siege of Vicksburg, Little Rock and others. One of his painful duties was assisting in burying twenty-seven of his own regiment in a well. Food during those terrible days was very scarce, so that cattle were seized and cooked with gunpowder as salt. After many exciting experiments and many narrow escapes, Mr. Day was mustered ont at Pine Bluff, Ark., July 12, 1865, and iion- orably discharged at Camp Butler, Springfield, Ill .. August 9, 1865. He then went to Michigan, where he remained during the winter, but later went to the southern part of the State and spent six months. He then went to Traverse Bay, Mich .. but a short time later moved to Manistee, Mich., returning to Sangamon County in 1868. He located four miles south of Illl- opolis, where he farmed five years, then went to Illlopolis and lived there five years more. He then bought the farm he now owns, con- sisting of eighty acres in Section 26, Illiopolis Township, which has become very valuable.

Mr. Day was married near Illiopolis, in 1868, to Mary Gassaway, born in Ohio, in March, 1842. Her parents both died in her infancy, and she did not remember either. Her death occurred in January, 1884, after she had borne her husband four daughters and two sons, three of whom survive: Frank R., who lives with his father ; Amella, wife of John Denlian, a farmer of Butler County, Kan., and Mary E., wife of L. A. Bullman, of Chicago, an officer of one of the lake vessels. There are seven grand-chii-

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dren iu the family. A veteran of the Civil War, Mr. Day is entitled to distinguished honor for his bravery and patriotic spirlt, and his after efforts to establish himself, overcoming the dis- abilities from which all soldiers suffered, in greater or less degree, as a result of exposure and hardship. He enjoys hls connections with the Illiopolis Post, G. A. R., of which he Is Adjutant, as well as with the Knights of Pythias. The Methodist Church holds his mem- bership. Always a strong Democrat, he has been called upon to hold the offices of Commis- sioner of Highways, Assessor and Collector, all for one term, in Illlopolis Township.

DAY, John W .-- When the last member of the Grand Army of the Republic has given a final response to the eternal roll call, then will the veterans be properly appreciated. As long as many remain, the soldiers of the Civil War are considered as belonging to the present, and nothing is truly valued until it is takeu from us-this is human nature. However, while full honor is not yet accorded those who be- longed to the "Boys in Blue," still a large amount is already given and they stand high In the esteem of their fellow citizens where- ever they are found. One of the representa- tive old soldiers of Springfield is John W. Day, born in Muskingum County, Ohlo. April 9, 1840, a son of John and Mary (Carr) Day, natives of Pennsylvanla. They were farming people, who came to Ohio in an early day and died there. The Grandfather Day also came west to Ohio, spending his remaining days on a farm in that State.

John W. Day was reared like any country boy, receiving a district school education and a thorough training in cultivating the soil and obeying hls parents. In 1862 he found expres- sion for his patriotism in enlistment in Com- pany B, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, and was mus- tered out in 1865, receiving final discharge at Camp Butler. He participated in the battles of Bayou Metoe, Prairie Grove, Little Rock and Cane Hill, as well as others of minor impor- tance. For the past forty-three years Mr. Day has been a resident of Illinois and is loyal to his adopted State. For many years he was en- gaged In farming in Gardner Township, owning sixty acres, but in 1900, came to Springfield, which has since been his home. He owns 160 acres near Manito, Ill. He belongs to Ste- phenson Post, G. A. R., and is much interested in it. His political associatious are with the Re- publican party and for years he served his town- ship as School Director. Mr. Day is a con- sistent member of the United Brethren Church and gives liberally towards its support.

In Springfield occurred the marriage of Mr. Day and Louisa Williams, the ceremony being performed March 20, 1851. She died and he mar- ried (second) Lucy Ann Babcock who died Jan. 6, 1909. Mrs. Day was born in Springfield in 1839, the year the city became the State Capital. Her father and his family came originally from

Delaware, but for years were connected with Sangamon County and its affairs. Mr. Day Is the father of children as follows: Clarence, who lost his life In the United States service during the Spanish-American War; Walter and Miles, who are both deceased, and Charity, wife of Henry Moore, of Bradford, Ill. While Mr. Day has been a man of unassuming manner and retiring disposition, devoting his energies to his farming, he has always given his sup- port towards securing good educational advan- tages and the best government, and can rightly be called one of the public-spirited men of the city.

DEDRICH, Frederick, who has been a resident of Springfield siuce 1870, has for several years been retired from active life. He has occupied hls present home, at 1059 North Sixth Street, for the past forty years, and has seen many changes and improvements in the city during that time. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., Feb- ruary 28, 1833, a son of Frederick and Margaret (Nicbolas) Dedrich, both of whom were born in Lorraine, Germany. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to America in 1826, locating iu St. Louis, where he spent the rest of his life. The mother died at the age of ninety-two years.

Frederick Dedrich, the subject of this sketch, recelved hls education in a log school house in the vicinity of St. Louis, and at an early age learned the trade of blacksmith. He conducted a blacksmith shop in St. Louis for many years, but after coming to Springfield worked three years In the rolling mills. He was afterwards employed twenty-six years by the Wabasb Rail- road Company as blacksmith, but retired several years ago. He has been Industrious and thrifty and has been able to accumulate some city prop- erty. He takes a commendable interest in pub- lic affairs and In politics is a Democrat. He is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church and belongs to St. Joseph's Parish.

Mr. Dedrich was married, in Springfield, June 10, 1857, to Miss Bridget Maloney, who was born in Ireland in 1840 and dled in Springfield iu 1890. Her parents spent their entire lives in Ireland. Mr. Dedrich and his wife had six children, all of whom are living, namely : James, of Little Rock, Ark .; Joseph, of Los Angeles, Cal .; Mary, living at home; Nettie, wife of Thomas Rhodes, of Buffalo Hart, Ill .; Ada, of Scranton, Pa .; Mrs. Cora Alpizer, a widow, liv- ing In Chicago. There are three grand-children in the family. Mr. Dedrich is well known and enjoys tbe companionship and society of his friends.

DeFRATES, James .- There are several lines of business which are absolutely necessary to a community, enterprises which the people must depend upon for their dally sustenance, namely : the bakery, the meat market and the grocery. Probably the latter is the most important, and

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the former often combined with it. The gro- cery business is profitabie if properly conducted, if the stock is complete and of good grade, the prices scaled reasonably, and (above all) if the proprietor has learned by experience or keeu- sightedness what his patrons want. James De- Frates, who conducts a flourishing grocery busi- ness ou Enos Avenue, is one of Springfield's self-muade men. He is a native of the Capital City, born April 1, 1870.

Antony DeFrates, the father of James, was born on the Isle of Madeira, iu 1822, where he carried on a retaii mercantile business. Soon after his marriage he came to the United States, landing in New York City, wheuce he came direct to Springfield, and arrived there in very humble circumstances. One of his first employments was chopping wood for Abraham Lincoln, but later he engaged in a teaming busi- ness, became successful, and spent the latter years of his life in comfort. His first residence was No. 1012 Miller Street, but he subsequently built a home at Fourteenth and Madison Streets, where his death occurred in 1896. Antony De- Frates married Mary Govia, also a native of Madeira, who died in Springfield about 1899, in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, to which both she and her husband belonged. Their children were as follows: John, Joseph, Mary, Heury Lewis, Mrs. Joseph Barbour and Mrs. Victor Fraucis. John is a resident of De- catur, Ill., while the rest live in Springfield.

After attending the public schools of Spring- field until fourteen years of age, James De- Frates drove a grocery wagon two years for Joe Roderick, and the foliowing fourteen years were spent in the employ of his brother. He was careful with his earnings and finally ac- cumulated enough to euter the field himself, subsequently opening an establishment at Sixth and Madison Streets, iu 1902. His business grew to such an extent that he was forced to find larger quarters and sold out, removing to No. 503 North Sixth Street. In April, 1907, his business demanded a larger store, and he sold out to Frank Elshoff. He built his present place of business at No. 711 Enos Avenue, where he has conducted a first-class establish- ment to the present time, carrying fancy and staple groceries and provisions of all kinds, and catering to some of the best trade in the city.

On June 20, 1890, Mr. DeFrates was married in Springfield to Irene M. Uhler, born on East Capitol Avenue, Springfield, September 28, 1870, and educated at St. Mary's and McCier- mond public school. Her father was born at South Eighth and Monroe Streets, Springfield, a son of John and Margaret ( Hughes) Unler. John Uliler was born in Pennsylvania, and after his marriage in Maryland, came West, settling in Springfield, where he carried on blacksmith- ing. Mrs. DeFrates' father spent ali his life iu Springfield until 1900, when he went to Quincy, Ill. As a lad he helped his father in the blacksmith shop, later carried on a livery busi- ness for a few years, and then entered the feed

business, operating a sawmiii near Sherman. When he was eighteeu years oid the first call for volunteers for service in the Federai Army during the Civil War was made, and lie enlisted in the Seventil Reginueut, Iliiuois Volunteer In- fantry, for three months. Later he re-enlisted for three years and serving throughout the war with signal bravery, participating in some of the fiercest struggies of the great Rebeiiiou, ill- cluding Shiloh and Corinth. He is a charter member of Stephenson Post, Grand Army of the Republic. His wife died in 1896, having been the motiver of but one child, Mrs. DeFrates.

Mr. DeFrates is a Republican in his political views. He and Mrs. DeFrates are consistent members of the Third Presbyteriau Church, aud have been active iu church and charitable inove- ments. They have one daughter, Ruth, at home.

DE FRATES, Manuel .- Portugal has given San- gamon County a number of residents, and they are numbered among its most respected and useful peopie. Some of them have become specialists aloug certain lines, and the work they produce is second to none in the country. Que of the best representatives of this far-away country in Sangamon County is Manuel De Frates, residing at No. 1102 East Miller Street, Springfield. He was born on the Island of Madeira, Portugal, September 25, 1848, being a son of Anton and Josephine (Greray) De Frates, both of Portugal. The parents canie to Springfield in 1852, where the father became a peddler, thus coutinuing until his demise in 1905.

Manuel DeFrates was brought up in Spring- fieid, receiving an education in the public schools there. His favorite pastime during boyhood was playing ball. Later he became interested in horses and for fifteen years was engaged in the race horse business. In 1880, however, he began learning the painting and graining busi- ness, eventually embarking in this line of work. He has become so proficient aloug this line that he now specializes on high-class work only. A true artist, he takes great pride in his finished work and his services are in great demand ali over the county.

The marriage of Mr. DeFrates occurred in Springfield, in June, 1867, when ile was united with Addie Garden, aiso a native of Portugal, a daughter of Joseph and Frances Garden, natives of the same land. Joseph Garden was a sea captain, who amassed considerable prop- erty in New York City, but did not live long to enjoy it, being drowned in the Gulf of Mexico, while on one of his voyages. His widow sur- vived him, living until about six years ago, when she too passed away in Springfield. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. DeFrates : Ervie, Henry, Bonnie, Lulu, George, Fannie and Myrkle.

Mr. DeFrates' religious connections are with the First Portugal Presbyterian Church of Springfield, of which he is a inember. In poli-

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tics he is a Democrat, while fraternally he is a Modern Woodman, having joined in 1900. Qniet in manner, devoted to his work, conscien- tious in carrying out contracts, Mr. DeFrates has firmly established himself in the confidence of the business public.

DE FRATES, Manuel .- While there are some large farms in Sangamon County, many others which are smaller in extent are so highly cul- tivated that they are almost priceless in valne, and produce magnificent crops that yield a handsome income to their owners. The ciimatic conditions of the county make it an ideal place for fruit and truck farming, and many of the farmers devote themselves to one or both of these special llnes, with very gratifying results. One of the men who have proven the value of Sangamon County farm land and one who has succeeded far heyond his hopes, is Mannel De Frates, residing on his ten acre farm in Clear Lake Township. He was born on the Island of Madeira in 1850, being a son of Frank and Joanna (Fernandes) De Frates, natives of the same place. Realizing that their home place afforded few opportunities, the parents left it and came to America in 1857, selecting Spring- field as their destination. Arriving In the city they located there, and made it their home until they passed away, the father dying in 1900, and the mother In 1906. They had three sons and fonr danghters and three children still survive.

Mannei De Frates received a good common school education in Springfield, and after he lett school worked at teaming for several years, when he left that occupation and for thirty years carried on farming northwest of Springfield, then moved to his present place of ten acres, in Clear Lake Township.

The marriage of Mr. De Frates occurred in Springfield, November 18, 1872, when he was nnited with Elizabeth De Frates, born in Springfield, November 14, 1853, but her parents came from the Island of Madeira to Spring- field in 1850. Her father was a farmer and he and his wife hoth dled in their new home, where they had made themselves respected by all who knew them. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. De Frates: six daughters, in- clnding Mrs. Manuel De Frates, and four sons, of whom five children survive. Manuel De Frates and his wife have had three children: Maude, wife of Kenneth Polk, a carpenter of Springfield; Ralph who is in the employ of C. A. Power, and one who is deceased. There are three grandchildren in the family, who are the pride of their grandparents' hearts.

Mr. De Frates is a member of the Presby- terian Church, and contributes liberally towards Its support, for he believes in the good infinence exerted hy religious hodies. In political faith he is a Republican, hut has never aspired to public honors. Hard-working, earnest and con- sclentious, Mr. De Frates has made the success of his farming which he deserves and it has

been gained through his own efforts intelligently directed.

DeFRATIS, John, an honored veteran of the Civil War and a valuable citizen of Springfield, has spent most of his life in that city, having come there with his parents as a small child. By his honest, npright life and his habits of industry he has heen successful In a financial sense and has won the esteem and confidence of all who have had business or social dealings with him. Mr. DeFratis was born on the Island of Madeira, about 1846. The father was a re- tail merchant there as a young man, but not many years after his marriage brought his fam- ily to the United States, coming direct to Springfield. Further mention of the family is to be found in connection with the sketch of Joseph DeFratis, a brother of John, which ap- pears in this work.

John DeFratis acquired his education in the public schools of Springfield, receiving hut lim- ited opportunity for attending school, and as a boy began to earn his own living. While still young he engaged in driving a team in the city. He enlisted in Company B, One Hundred Forty- third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for ninety days, and served one year altogether.

Mr. DeFratis was married in Springfield, to Miss Mary Gardner, and four children have blessed this union. He erected a one-room house, in which the family lived for a time, and by subsequent additions from time to time, as he was able to make thein, has now completed a very comfortable home on East Miller Street. Mr. DeFratis is a member of the Republican party and greatly Interested in everything per- taining to the public welfare.

DeGAN, George A. (deceased), spent most of his life in Chicago, but since his death his widow has resided at 407 Sonth Sixth Street, Spring- field, in the home that was formerly occupied by her parents. Mr. DeGan was a native of Canada, born September 22, 1859, came with his parents to Chicago, as a boy, and there received his education in the public schools. His father was a stone cutter hy trade. When the son reached manhood he became active in political affairs and all his life was a stanch Democrat. He became a member of the Cook County Dem- ocracy and served some time as Sergeant of Pollce in Chicago. He was connected with the Chicago Drainage Canal Board. He was a prominent and well-known citizen, and his death occurred in Chicago, hy drowning in Lake Michigan, July 3, 1902. He was buried in Graceland Cemetery, and his widow soon after left the city. He left inany warm friends and his death was widely mourned. He was a mem- her of the Catholic Church and the Catholle Order of Foresters.

Mr. DeGan was married, in Chicago, June 17, 1891, to Miss Anna Evans, who was horn in Streator, Ill., December 10, 1870, daughter of

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John and Mary (Jones) Evans, hoth natives of Wales. Mr. Evans, and his wife came to America and settled at Streator, where he pur- chased a farm and conducted it many years. Later they located In Springfield, where he died September 29, 1895, and his widow March 22, 1904. Both are interred In Oak Ridge Cemetery. Their former home is now the property of their daughter. Mrs. DeGan has won many friends in Springfield and Is a woman of high character and refinement. She and her husband had no children.

DEICKEN, Adolph F., Assistant Cashier of Ridgely National Bank, of Springfield. The interests of any financial institution must he carefully guarded and none hnt the most con- servative and experienced men are placed In official positions by carefnl stockholders. Upon these officials rests the responsibility for the safe condnet and guarding of the standing of the hank and the interests of the depositors. Ridgely National Bank Is one of the sound, re- liable, conservative moneyed institutions of Sangamon Connty, and numbers among its de- positors many of the hest hnsiness houses in its locallty. It has always been the pollcy of the hank to have in its office men whose probity is beyond question and whose experience In the financial world would be of service to it and its patrons. In Adolph F. Delcken, the present in- cnmbent of the office of Assistant Cashler In this institution, they have found a man in every way worthy of the trust reposed in him.

Mr. Deicken was born in Mecklenburg- Schwerin, Germany, July 15, 1848, helng the son of John and Johanna Deicken. After spend- ing his boyhood in Germany, where he reeclved a cominon school education in the excellent public schools of his native place, at the age of sixteen years, Adolph F. Delcken, with his widowed mother, came to America, landing In New York, in 1864. There he found employment as a clerk nntil 1868, when he came to Spring- field, and since that time has been associated with the husiness and financial interests of that city. His association with banking affairs dates from 1871. and in 1896 he became As- sistant Cashier of the hank with which he is now connected. IIls long career as a banker has been marked by a conservative policy and governed by a keen, shrewd comprehension of the conditions with which he has heen sur- rounded.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 39

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774