Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 111

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972

USA > Illinois > Winnebago County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II > Part 111

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When Dewitt C. Pepper was one year old the family moved on the old Pepper homestead in southeast Rockford, and on it he grew to manhood, and attended the schools in his dis- trict. He resided on the old Pepper farm until 1875, when he bought a farm in Scott Township, Ogle County, Ill., and conducted it for thirty years, then retired, and moving to Rockford bought a modern frame house at No. 425 Jilton avenue. His farm of 120 acres is now rented. Mr. Pepper died December 28, 1914. He be- longed to the Court Street Methodist Church of Rockford, and prior to that was connected with the church of the same denomination at Davis Junction, serving on its official board. A Demo- crat, Mr. Pepper served his township as super- visor. He was one of the charter members of Black Hawk Camp No. 51 of Stillman Valley, Ill., M. W. A., and was popular in that order as he was in the outside world.

On December 15, 1869, Mr. Pepper was mar- ried to Delia V. Kimbell, born in Byron Town- ship, Ogle County, Ill., May 21, 1850, a daughter of Pardon Y. aud Amanda (Salsbury) Kimbell, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts. Mr. Kimbell came to Rockford and entered a claim where Camp Fulton was later located, which is now covered with handsome residences, but soon sold and went to Byron, and with two comrades lived on his land. He then took up a pre-emp- tion claim, but in 1869 he returned to the East, and farmed there for a number of years. Still later he sold and came back to Rockford, where he lived for some time and then bought Sam Holton's farm. Subsequently he went to Mis- souri and bought a farm, conducting it until he again returned to Rockford. His last change was made when he weut to Elsmore, Cal., where he died in 1902. His wife died in 1857. Their children were: Eugenia, who is Mrs. Henry Hunt of Monrovia, Cal .; Amina,' who also lives at Monrovia, Cal .; Myron, who lives at San Miguel, Cal .; Mrs. Pepper; Eva, who is Mrs. Miles Fickes, of Shirland, Ill .; and Ida, who is Mrs. Milton Davis, of New Haven, Ind.

Mr. and Mrs. Pepper became the parents of the following children : Grace E., who lives with her mother; Catherine, who is Mrs. George Bennett of North avenue, Rockford ; Blanche L., who is Mrs. Harry Woodburn of Byron Town- ship, Ogle County, Ill .; Ray D., who lives at Chicago; and Homer, who also resides at Chi- cago, married Susanna Smith and they have three children, Homer, Adelle and Frank. Mrs. Pepper attended the public schools, and Smithet's private school of Rockford. She taught school in Winnebago and Ogle counties for three years prior to her marriage, and her mother was the first teacher in Ogle County, Ill. The Pepper and Kimbell families are very well known and universally respected in this locality.

PEPPER, William. It took courage in the early days to make investments in Winnebago County land, but the foresight of those pioneers who showed confidence in the future has resulted

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in large gains for their descendants, many of whom are now wealthy because those who went before appreciated the advantages here offered. One of the men who came here at an early day and bought land that has since become exceed- ingly valuable, was the late William Pepper of Rockford. He was born at Leesburg, Va., in 1808.

Leaving home in young manhood, William Pepper went first to Laporte, Ind., where he entered land from the government and lived on it until 1836, when he came to Rockford, Ill., and entered land in what is now the south- eastern part of the city, and the entire 160 acres which he then bought is now included in the city proper. This land was all platted and sold for residence and factory purposes long ago, excepting ten acres, which was held at $1,200 per acre, and which have since been sold. Mr. Pepper was an intelligent man, having been carefully educated, not only in the private schools of his native state, but in college as well, and he was an important factor at Rock- ford until his death, which occurred in Novem- ber, 1866. In religious faith he was a Metho- dist. Politically he was a Democrat.

In 1836 Mr. Pepper was married to Mary Hat- field, who died in 1896, and they were the parents of eight children, all of whom are de- ceased excepting Anna E., who is the youngest. Mrs. Pepper was a granddaughter of General Hatfield, who was prominent in the War of 1812. As long as her mother lived, Miss Anna made her home with her, and then she lived with her brother, Charles B. With his demise, slie rented the family residence at No. 1015 First avenue, with the stipulation that she board with the family, and there she makes her home. She is a lady of many virtues and is highly esteemed by the people of Rockford, both on her own account and also because she belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Winnebago County.

PEPPER, William A., who, during his lifetime was one of the successful business men of Rock- ford, was a native of the city, having been born here April 30, 1847, a son of William A. and Mary (Hatfield) Pepper, who were among the first settlers of Rockford. They located on a farm in what was then but a wilderness, but was afterwards included in the city limits.

William A. Pepper attended the schools of Rockford, and lived with his parents until 1878 when he began working on a farm. In 1881 he embarked in business at Rockford, and con- tinued to conduct his own concern for twenty- five years. He built a fine brick building on S. Main street, and later bought a valuable brick block at No. 215 S. Church street, which is now rented for business purposes. After buying a residence at No. 1901 S. Main street, Mr. Pep- per remodeled it, making it one of the most desirable ones in the city, and there he died August 2, 1911. Mrs. Pepper continues to re- side here. In 1906 Mr. Pepper retired from busi-

ness and from then on until his death he took life easily.

On October 16, 1878, Mr. Pepper was married to Mary McCourt, born at Dyersville, Iowa, a daugliter of Henry and Ann (Ford) McCourt, natives of Ireland, who married in New York state, and then came to Rockford, which city they later left for Iowa. Mr. McCourt was a civil engineer. He died at St. Charles, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper became the parents of two chil- dren : Carrie, who is the widow of Earl Gay, and lives with her mother; and Lillian, who married C. S. Bather, secretary of the Manu- facturers and Shippers Association, lives at No. 1925 S. Main street, Rockford. In politics Mr. Pepper was a Democrat, but did not desire any public office.

PERRY, Seely. The records of Rockford are filled with the names of enterprising, zealous and capable men who through the application of energy and foresight to their business interests, developed into substantial citizens, and among them is that of the late Seely Perry. He was born at Stockbridge, Mass., August 10, 1822, a son of Ezra and Anna (Ball) Perry, natives of Massachusetts, where the former was engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Seely Perry was graduated from Union Col- lege, Schenectady, N. Y., and immediately thereafter opened a boys' training school near Lexington, Ky., which he conducted success- fully for several years. About 1849 he came to Winnebago County, Ill., and taught school at Rockton. In 1851 he started a boys' training school, in the basement of the Methodist church, Rockford, and as he was a born teacher, and well educated, not only in English, but the classics, he made a success of his undertaking. However, he was forced to leave this profession on account of ill health, and became interested in the lumber business, his being one of the first of the lumber yards in this city. The firm became Perry & Reber, and in 1890 was consoli- dated with Lawler & Keeler, as the Rockford Lumber and Fuel Company of which Mr. Perry was the first president. so continuing until liis death occurred September 14, 1900. He came from Revolutionary stock from both sides of the family. and was proud of his ancestry. The Congregational church held his membership. and he served it as a member of the building committee, and was president of the board of trustees. A Democrat, he was a member of the city council for several terms, and for one term was mayor of Rockford, displaying exceptional zeal in the discharge of his public duties. A Mason, he served the Blue Lodge as master for many years, and he was also a Knight Templar. Mr. Perry was twice married, his first wife having been Mary Elizabeth Benedict of Verona, N. Y. They had two children, namely: Lewis S., who is deceased ; and Mary E., who is Mrs. Philip N. Moore of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have two children, Elizabeth and Perry.

On March 16, 1876, Mr. Perry married Marie

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Thompson, born near London, Canada, a daugh- ter of James Thompson and Sarah (Schnurr) Thompson, the former a native of New Salem, Mass. Mr. Thompson went to Canada where he married, and was there engaged in conduct- ing different factories until 1842 when he came to Roscoe, Winnebago County, Ill. There he built the first woolen mill west of Detroit, Mich .. and imported weavers from England. The death of this enterprising pioneer occurred in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Perry who were married at La Crosse, Wis., had one daughter, Marie T., who is Mrs. Walter A. Forbes of No. 633 N. Main street, Rockford. Mr. and Mrs. Forbes have two children, namely, Alexander Duncan and Seely Perry.

An interesting bit of family history is related by Mrs. Perry relative to her mother's capabil- ity. When Mr. Thompson migrated to Roscoe, he left his wife and nine children in Canada until he could prepare a suitable home for theml, when Mrs. Thompson disposed of the business interests. and with a train of five wagons came across the wilderness from London, Canada, to Illinois. Among others with her was a faithful negro, a servant in the family for over sixty years, who died at Joliet, Ill., while living with Major Thompson.

Mrs. Perry is a charter member of the Mon- day Club, which was organized in 1877, and has served it at different times as president. She was the first president of the City Aid Society, which was organized in 1876; was the first working president of the Needlework Guild ; and was the first president of the federation of clubs which afterward developed into the Woman's Club, of which she was at one time president. Mrs. Perry also belongs to the Mendelssohn Club, and she organized the Winne- bago Farm School in her own house, and has been the only president of it. In every respect she is a progressive, live and very intellectual lady, one whose appreciation of her responsi- bilities is keen, and whose capability is unques- tioned. She is one of the best examples of the enlightened modern woman that can be found in Winnebago County. (See page 704.)

PERSON, William, vice president of the Rock- ford Bookcase Company and vice president of the Rockford Cabinet Company, is one of the inen of large means whose commendable efforts have been directed towards thie upbuilding and development of Rockford's industrial su- premacy. He was born in Sweden, June 3, 1867, and there educated. During his younger days he alternated working on a farm with cabinet- making, and then seeing no future to satisfy himself in his native land. he came to the United States, and locating at Rockford, found ready employment as a cabinetmaker with the Central Furniture Company for two years. He then went with the Rockford Cabinet Company as a mechanic and cabinetmaker, and rose to be its superintendent. so serving from 1902 to - 1909. When the company was incorporated. he became its vice president. He is recognized as

an expert in his line. In addition to owning stock in the two above mentioned companies, Mr. Person owns stock in the Haddorff Piano Company, the Rockford Varnish Company and the Rockford Light Furniture Company, all these business organizations being large employ- ers of labor.

On August 17, 1892, Mr. Person was married at Rockford, to Anna H. Henderson, born in Sweden. Their children are as follows: Henry W., who married Ruth Thompson; Fred C .; Elmer R .; and George, who died in infancy. Mr. Person belongs to the Salem Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Person's career is an illustration of the certain fact that any man can succeed in life if he be willing to labor and save, and to wisely invest the results of his thrift. Many may well profit by his example.

PETERS, Peter, one of the substantial agri- culturalists now living retired at Pecatonica, Ill., gained considerable prominence from his farm- ing operations in days gone by. He was born in Hanover, Germany, February 4, 1842, a son of Ulford and Anna (Gordon) Peters, both of whom never left Germany and died there. Peter Peters is the only survivor of his family.

Upon his arrival in the United States, Peter Peters located in Winnebago County, Ill., but in 1871 left for California and spent four years in that state working by the month. He saved his money and invested in land, some of it in Stephenson County, Ill., but after his return from California, he made Winnebago County his place of residence. His present farm is located three miles west of Pecatonica, but he has retired from its conduct and has not oper- ated it for the past ten years.

In 1875 Mr. Peters was married to Miss Will- helmina Hanburg, born in Germany July 6, 1851. Her parents came to America in 1875, and both are now deceased, the father passing away about thirty-five years ago, and the mother in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have two children : Mrs. Anna Myers, who was born April 1, 1880, lives at Pecatonica ; and Mrs. Martha Wismark, who was born August 10, 1883, lives three miles west of Pecatonica. The grandchildren in the family are as follows: May, William, Carl, Betta, Peter, Tillie, Hannah and Katie.

In politics Mr. Peters is a Republican, and has served as a school director for several years, and also as road commissioner. He belongs to the German Lutheran Church of Pecatonica, and is justly regarded as one of the reliable men of the county, and one deserving of respect.

PETERSON, A. T., securely established as a dealer in kodaks and photographic supplies, is one of the representative business men of Rock- ford. His store at No. 100 W. State street is headquarters for those who make the taking of pictures and their development a source of pleas- ure, as well as of those who are photographers by profession. Mr. Peterson was born at Nerikie, Sweden, March 19, 1878, a son of A. E. and

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Caroline Peterson, who were also born there. They came to the United States in 1890, locating at Rockford, where the father is engaged in business. The family residence is No. 424 Long- wood street. In politics the father is a Repub- lican.

A. T. Peterson was twelve years old when his parents brought him to Rockford. Although but a lad he was ambitious and soon secured a posi- tion with the Rockford Desk Company, leaving that concern after a short period to go with the Central Furniture Company, After eighteen months he was employed by the Rockford Sil- verplate Company and remained with that com- pany for sixteen years, when he bought out O. H. Wheat, in the Ashton building, dealer in kodaks and photographic supplies. For three years and three months he was located at this point, and then moved his stock to his present place of business, where he enjoys a large and constantly increasing trade.

On May 21, 1903, in Rockford, Mr. Peterson married Miss H. O. Johnston, born January 14, 1880, a daughter of John A, and Hedda K. Johnston, of Sweden, who never left their native land. Mr. and Mrs. Petersou have a son, Harry T., born January 28, 1905. Mr. Peterson belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons. An alert, practical business man, Mr. Peterson has worked his own way to the front from boyhood, and he is held in highest esteem because of his many excellent qualities.

PETERSON, Fred, secretary and manager of a Rockford concern that has a country-wide repu- tation for the manufacture of wood-boring and hollow-mortisiug tools, operated under the name of the Forest City Bit & Tool Company, is gen- erally recognized as one of the foremost business men of the city, and is one who has reached his present position through honorable effort, intelligently directed, Mr. Peterson was born September 3, 1872, a son of Gust and Johauna (Jones) Peterson, who came to Rockford in 1883, and lived on Kishwaukee street.

After attending the public schools of Rock- ford, Fred Peterson took a course at Rockford Business College, from which he was graduated in 1900. Following this he became bookkeeper for the Forest City Furniture Company, and in May, 1902, became associated with the Forest City Bit & Tool Company as secretary and man- ager, and has held these important positions ever since. This company was organized Au- gust 20, 1890, by August P. Floberg, Andrew Holland, P. G. Rappson, Oscar J. F. Larson and Thor Munthe, with a capital of $25,000. The plant is located at Nos. 1208, 1210 and 1212 Kishwaukee street, and it is an interesting fact that Mr. Peterson's residence and all his busi- ness connections at Rockford have been associ- ated with this street. Employment in the above plant is given to thirty-six men, all of whom are skilled mechanics. The floor space covers 35,000 feet, embracing the forging room and machine shop, the offices being in a separate building. Since Mr. Peterson assumed charge, the affairs

have been in a very flourishing condition, and the volume of the output has increased in quan- tity and quality.

On June 19, 1901, Mr. Peterson was married to Hilda C. Stromberg of Dayton, Iowa, a daugh- ter of Gust and Anna Marie (Gunarson) Strom- berg. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have three chil- dren, namely : Hazel M., Armour F., and Gordon S., all of whom are at home. Mr. Peterson is a member of the First Lutheran Church of Rock- ford, and has been a trustee for six years. A Mason in high standing, Mr. Peterson has at- tained to the thirty-second degree, and is also a Shriner. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias, and the Royal Arcanum. A man of persistence, he has kept steadily ou in the same line of endeavor, and has sought to give his house the result of his knowledge and business ability, with very grat- ifying results both to himself and those with whom he is associated.

PETERSON, George H., bookkeeper and a stock- holder of the Rockford Frame & Fixture Com- pany, and recording secretary of the board of stockholders of this same company, is one of the foremost business men of Rockford, as well as one of its public-spirited citizens. He was born at Rockford, April 22, 1893, and was edu- cated in the city's grade and high schools, being graduated from the latter institution in the class of 1911. His first business experience was gained with the Insurance Company of the State of Illinois, but he left this company in a short time to go with Peterson Bros., contractors, and remained with that firm for a year. In 1912 Mr. Peterson assumed the duties of clerk for the Rockford Frame & Fixture Company, becoming its bookkeeper in 1913, and has continued to hold this position ever since.

Mr. Peterson is unmarried and lives with his parents at No. 1427 Fourth avenue. He belongs to the Black Hawk, Canoe and Pioneer Ath- letic clubs, and is very fond of outdoor sports, and is proficient in them. He belongs to Zion Lutheran Church of Rockford. In politics he is a Republican. Alert, enthusiastic, and expe- rienced, Mr. Peterson is a valuable man to his company, and his services receive due recogni- tion from the officials above him.

PETERSON, Gust A., foreman of the Player Piano department of the Schumann. Piano Com- pany, of Rockford, with residence at No. 1307 Fifteenth avenue, Rockford, is one of the best known men in his line of work. He was born in Sweden, January 15,' 1872, and came to the United States in 1889. His first stop was Chi- cago, where he began working for the Cottage Organ Company, although he was a moulder, having learned this trade in his native land where he had also secured his educational train- ing. After one year with the Cottage Organ Company, he entered the employ of the Kimball Company, pipe and reed organs, and remained seven years. After this he was with the George P. Banks Piano Company and remained three

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years. From that concern he went to the Cable Piano Company for a short time, leaving to work for the Schumann Piano Company while the plant was still located at Chicago. When the plant was moved to Rockford in 1904, Mr. Peterson went with the company, and in 1912 was made foreman of his present department. He had been working in the side-gluing and fly- finishing departments prior to his promotion, and is an all-round efficient man,

Mr. Peterson was married to Johanna Moback and their children are as follows: Victor, Anna, Oscar, Arthur, Thura and Ruby, all of whom are at home. Mr. Peterson belongs to the Swedish Baptist Church and is in high standing in that organization as he is in his neighborhood, for he possesses many desirable characteristics.

PETERSON, Oscar F., whose business activities find expression in the conduct of a flourishing clothing and shoe store at No. 1014 Fourteenth avenue, is one of the substantial business men of Rockford. He was born in this city, Septem- ber 7, 1886, a son of Carl and Christine (Gron- berg) Peterson. Carl Peterson was born in Sweden, and came to the United States with his mother in 1SS4, locating at Rockford. He obtained work in a furniture factory, but only remained there a short time, soon engag- ing in a retail milk business which he conducted for a number of years. Subsequently he rented a farm in Guilford Township, and conducted it for two years, and then went to a farm in Harlem Township, conducting its 184 acres for five years. Moving back to Rockford, he took charge of all the teaming for the Free Sewing Machine Company and still holds this position. The family residence is at No. 1009 Eighth street. In politics he is a Republican.

Oscar F. Peterson spent his boyhood at Rock- ford, where he attended its public schools. Upon finishing his education he took a position with the Free Sewing Machine Company, and held it for two years, and then became associated in the clothing, sporting goods and confectionery busi- ness with his brother, Frank A. Peterson, at No. 1026 Fourteenth avenue. After two years, however, he sold and assisted his father on the farm in Harlem Township, remaining on the farm for seven years. Coming back to Rockford, he embarked in his present business, which he has developed into a fine one.

On February S, 1911, Mr. Peterson was mar- ried to Miss Edith E. Butterworth, a daughter of John and Anna (Castle) Butterworth, farm- ers, of Boone County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Butter- worth are of English descent, and came from England to the United States in early life, and are still living in Boone County. Mr. Peterson, like his father, is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the order of Moose. A live, enter- prising man, he enjoys a fine trade and his commercial rating is excellent.

PETERSON, Pehr August. When future gen- erations review the history of Rockford and Winnebago County, they will find that during

the period he has lived in this vicinity there has been no more able and vigorous business man than Pehr August Peterson, for he dom- inates many lines of industry. He was born in Sweden, September S, 1846, a son of Peter and Inga Maria (Brissman) Peterson, natives of Sweden. The father was a tailor by trade.

In 1852 Pehr A. Peterson came to the United States and for the following four years lived at Rockford, but in 1856 moved to Cherry Valley Township, where the succeeding six years were spent. He then moved to a farm in the town- ship by the same name as the village and re- mained on it until the spring of 1875, when he returned to Rockford to engage in the manu- facture of furniture. The Union Furniture Company was founded in February, 1876, and since its inception has shown a healthy and steady increase with each succeeding year. In addition to the production of furniture this company also produces articles in various lines, including those of iron, wood and glass. Mr. l'eterson is also connected with other concerns which manufacture many of the articles which have made Rockford known all over the world as a producing center, and his connection with them is a guarantee of their stability and the quality of their goods. These plants show a growth in value and importance with each year, and improvements and additions are made each season.

On April S, 1903, Mr. Peterson was married at Marinette, Wis., to Ida Mae Anderson, born at that place, July 21, 1871. A Lutheran by training and belief, Mr. Peterson has been a valued member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Rockford for many years. While he has not entered upon a political life, Mr. Peterson takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, and casts his vote for the candidates of the Re- publican party. Essentially a business man, Mr. Peterson has bent his energies to the de- velopment of commercial conditions at Rock- ford, and is rightly recognized as one of the leading representatives of the manufacturing interests of this part of the country.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 111

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 972

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Rogers, Thomas H; Moffet, Hugh R; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Muncell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 972