Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 123

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

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STERLING, Fred E., editor of the Rockford Daily Register-Gazette, was born at Dixon, Ill., June 29, 1869, being the third son of Edward and Irene Bivins Sterling, early settlers of that section. The first ten years of his boyhood were spent in Dixon, where he attended the public schools until 1SS0, when his parents removed to Huron, S. D., and settled on a farm near that

place. They were among the pioneers of Cen- tral Dakota (then a territory), the subject of this sketch assisting his father and brothers in developing one of the first farms in Beadle County, which was widely known as the "Sun- flower Ranch." He attended the public schools at Huron during the winter terms and worked on his father's farm during the summer until the age of fourteen, when he entered newspaper work as a reporter with the Huron Daily Times, which avocation he has since followed, with the exception of two years, 1901-2, when he served, under appointment of the Circuit court, as receiver of the Manufacturers' & Merchants Mutual Insurance Company, of Rockford, wind- ing up its affairs, paying all loss claims in full and receiving his discharge within two years.

Mr. Sterling, in his boyhood, was constantly thrown in contact with men of more mature years than himself, socially, politically and in a business way, in the development of the Terri- tory and thus acquired a knowledge which the schools could not have given him and which has proved useful in the years since. On the pro- motion of Judge Louis K. Church, of Huron, to the governorship of Dakota, Mr. Sterling, who in spite of his youth had been his close friend and companion, was appointed to the position of assistant commissioner of immigration, in which capacity he had much to do with the preparation and distribution of literature and statistics extolling the wonders of the Terri- tory, resulting in its rapid settlement by home- seekers from the eastern states. Near the close of his term of office he resigned this position to accept the editorship of the Dakota edition of the St. Paul Globe, a supplement issued with the daily each Saturday and devoted to the interests of the Territory. In 1890 he came to Rockford to accept the city editorship of the Morning Star, which paper he served for a year and left to take a similar position with the Register-Gazette on the consolidation of the two afternoon newspapers. He assumed the editorship of the Register-Gazette on October 1, 1903.

Ever since he became a resident of Rockford Mr. Sterling has taken an active, aggressive part in the political, social and business life of the city and lent his hearty assistance to every movement looking to its progress, welfare and upbuilding. For ten years he represented the „old Third Ward in the city council, enjoying the distinction of being the youngest man ever elected as an alderman in this city. In the spring of 1903 he retired from the council, be- cause of other conflicting duties, declining a unanimous caucus renomination. He secured the Blake school building for his ward, together with many other improvements, served for three years as secretary of the Board of Local Im- provements and on his retirement from the council was presented by his friends with a handsome diamond ring, which is still the only jewelry worn by him.

Mr. Sterling is a stanch Republican and has taken an active part in county and state politics.

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He has been a delegate to many state conven- tions and in 1912 was a Roosevelt delegate to the Republican National convention in Chicago, serving as secretary of the Illinois delegation. For many years he was a member of and secre- tary of the Winnebago County Republican Cen- tral committee, later being chairman for several terms. He resigned from the county committee when, in the primary of 1914, he was elected a member of the Republican State Central com- mittee for the Twelfth congressional district, which position he still holds. In the presiden- tial and gubernatorial campaign of 1900 he was secretary and manager of the press bureau con- ducted by the Republican State committee, sup- plying party literature and statistics to the country press. In 1901 he was appointed by Gov. Richard Yates as land commissioner of the Illinois & Michigan canal and during the legis- lative session of 1903 served as a secretary to , the chief executive at Springfield.

In 1904 Mr. Sterling was appointed by Gov. Yates as a member of the board of managers of the Illinois State Reformatory, continuing in this capacity under the two terms of Gov. Deneen, until June, 1912, when he was appointed by the latter as secretary of the State Board of Arbitration. His resignation of this position was tendered promptly on the inuaguration of Gov. Dunne, in January, 1913, but was not accepted for six months. In 1908 Mr. Sterling was a candidate in the primary for the Repub- lican nomination for secretary of state and in a large field of candidates received the support of over 70,000 voters throughout the state. He enjoys an extensive acquaintance with and the friendship of a host of prominent citizens and politicians, of both parties, throughout the state. Mr. Sterling is a member of the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias, Royal League, Modern Woodmen, Loyal Order of Moose and the Ham- ilton Club, of Chicago.

On December 17, 1891, Mr. Sterling was mar- ried to Miss Anna C. Parmele and two children have blessed the union, Arthur Edward, who graduated from Dartmouth College in June, 1915, and Olive Irene, now a student at Vassar College. His home is at 100S North Main street.

STEVENS, George A. The birth of George A. Stevens occurred at New Brunswick, N. J., August 31, 1858. He came to Winnebago County, Ill., in July, 1877, and ten years thereafter, on April 21, 1887, he was married to Amelia B. Whittle, a daughter of Frederick and Matilda (Beers) Whittle.

Frederick Whittle was born in Ontario, Can- ada, September 5, 1818, and came to Illinois about 1840, locating in Guilford Township, Win- nebago County, Ill. His death occurred April 26, 1854. Matilda (Beers) Whittle was one of the pioneers of Winnebago County. She was born January 22, 1831, at Somerset, Orleans County, N. Y., and when five years old was brought by her parents Daniel and Mary (Her- rick) Beers, to Rockford, Ill., they arriving in that city June 13, 1836. At that time there was

but one store and a few log cabins in the place. This pioneer family came by way of the lakes to Chicago, where they bought a wagon and two yoke of oxen with which they completed their long and tedious journey. There were no bridges across the streams, many of which were very difficult and dangerous to ford at that sea- son of the year. Upon their arrival in Guilford Township, Mr. Beers purchased a farm and cut the logs from it for building material for his home. The timber was of heavy growth and the land had to be cleared before crops could be planted. This homestead comprised eighty acres bought from the government in 1836 for $1.25 per acre. Matilda Beers was married to Frederick Whittle on March 25, 1849. From this union there were born two daughters, namely : Emily J., who was born February 28, 1850, became the wife of Leonard March, on December 15, 1869, and she died September 17, 1885; and Amelia B., who was born December 15, 1853.

On August 23, 1855, Mrs. Whittle married (second) Willard Convers, who was born Janu- ary 22, 1822, in Litchfield Township, Bradford County, Pa. In 1839 he came with his parents to Illinois, the family locating in Guilford Town- ship, Winnchago County. In 1844 Mr. Convers · made his first purchase of land, upon which he continued to make his home until 1886, when he bought the adjoining property and on it he and Mrs. Convers spent their remaining years, he dying May 11, 1893. Mrs. Convers survived her second husband until she was called home June 22. 1914, having resided on the homestead until that date. In March, 1893, Mr. and Mrs. George A. Stevens moved on this farm, which has since continued to be their place of residence.

STILES, Amos D., one of the most progressive of Winnebago County's agriculturists, has proved in his work that it is possible to con- duct a farm as a business proposition, and to make it pay well on the investment of time and money. He was born iu Rockford Township, this county, June 17, 1861, a son of Richard S. and Sarah (Stilson) Stiles, the former of whom was born at Nelson, N. H., August 15, 1811. These parents were married at Rockford, Ill., December 10, 1846. The father had come to Rockford, in 1837, settling on a government claim, having purchased 245 acres of timber and prairie land. This he improved, and lived on the farm until his death on September 2, 1890. The mother died January 4, 1889. Their chil- dren were as follows: John Abram, who lives in Rockford Township; Lucy A., who lives at St. Petersburg, Fla .; Richard L., who lives at Petersburg, Fla .; Luther A., who lives in Rock- ford Township; and Amos D., who was the youngest born.

Amos D. Stiles attended the public schools in his district, and the Lounsbury Academy, Rockford. As long as his parents survived, he lived with them and gave them a dutiful atten- tion. After the death of his parents he bought the interest of the other heirs, and now owns

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the entire homestead his father secured from the government. This he devotes to general farming, and is very successful. In 1912, he completed his fine, modern nine-room residence, which is supplied with gasoline gas light and a hot air furnace.

On April 7, 1892, Mr. Stiles was married to Donelda McGeachie, born October 9, 1865, in Winnebago Township, this county, a daughter of Peter and Ellen (Campbell) McGeachie. He was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and she also in Scotland. The father came to Winnebago County, Ill., at an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles became the parents of the following children: A. Ed- ward, Ellen Lucy and Sarah Donelda, all of whom are at home. Mrs. Stiles was educated in the public schools in her district and the Selsby private school. Mr. Stiles belongs to Lodge 51, Modern Woodmen of America, of Rockford, and he is a member of the Second Congregational Church of Rockford. In politics he is a Republican. His wife belongs to the Household Science Club of Winnebago County, which is an auxiliary of the Farmers Institute of Illinois.

STILES, John Abram, a prosperous and repre- sentative farmer and dairyman of Rockford Township, is one of the successful agricultural- ists of Winnebago County. He was born in his present township, August 10, 1851, a son of Richard Stoddard and Sarah (Stilson) Stiles, the former born in New Hampshire, August 15, 1811, and the latter at Lobo, Canada, in October, 1822. They were married in Winnebago County, Ill., December 10, 1846, Mr. Stiles having come to this locality in 1837.

John Abram Stiles resided with his parents until his marriage, having been educated in the schools of his neighborhood. In 1884 he rented a farm in Winnebago Township, but within a year bought the property of eighty-seven acres, and developed it, residing upon it until March, 1900, when he sold it and removed to the adjoining farm in Rockford Township, comprising 215 acres. On it he has erected new buildings, re- inodeled others and has as valuable a farm as can be found in the county. While actively engaged in farming, he also is engaged in dairy- ing, and keeps a herd of Durham cows, milking from fifteen to twenty.

On June 5, 1884, Mr. Stiles was united in marriage with Ella J. Hall, born at Prospect, New Haven County, Conn., March 26, 1858, a daughter of Friend C. and Loly (Burr) Hall, natives of Wallingford and Prospect, Conn., re- spectively. In 1857 the family came to Winne- bago County, Ill., and there the mother died, April 11, 1901, and the father, October 15, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles became the parents of two children : Clinton J., who was born April 24, 1885, died May 14, 1887; and Loly B., who was born July 29, 1887, married Fred E. Dales, a merchant of Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Stiles is a Republican politically. Fraternally he is a Ma- son, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Com- mandery and Shrine, and the Freeport Consis-

tory. Both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star, in which Mrs. Stiles has filled nearly all the offices, and has been .worthy matron of Rock- ford Chapter, O. E. S., No. 53.

STOCKHUS, Junius P., although now living retired at Rockford, was formerly well known as an agriculturist and is now a man of con- siderable means. He was born in southern Sweden. April 24, 1840. In 1869 he came to the United States, and located immediately there- after at Rockford, where he worked at his trade of blacksmithing, which he had followed for five years in Sweden. After eighteen years at Rock- ford, he went to Kansas and bought 160 acres of land in McPherson County, and operated it for fourteen years. Selling this property, he returned to Rockford and bought his fine resi- dence, an apartment house and two family flats on Prospect street, all of which, except his home, he rents, and is living upon his income. In September, 1911, he suffered from a stroke of paralysis which affected his right side.

On April 24, 1863, Mr. Stockhus was married in Sweden to Miss Lizzie Johannas, born in Smoland, Sweden, March 21, 1843. Their chil- dren are as follows: Ida, who is Mrs. Conrad Abvelt of Elgin, Ill., has four children, Edward, May, Ethel and Helen; Sista, who is' Mrs. Victor Nelson of Rockford, has four children, Mabel, Elmer, Evelyn and Hildaman ; and Della, who is Mrs. Eugene Hun of Rockford. In poli- tics Mr. Stockhus is a Republican, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity.

STONE, Hialmer H., a veteran of the Civil war, and one of the most substantial and highly re- spected inen of Winnebago County, who has made Rockford his home for a number of years, is worthy of more than passing mention in a work of this character. Mr. Stone was born at Berk- shire, in Franklin County, Vt., November 21, 1835, a son of James (2) and Lucinda (Dan- forth) Stone, natives of Vermont. In 1846 his parents moved to Sheboygan County, Wis., mak- ing the trip by canal to Buffalo, and thence on the lakes to Wisconsin. The father was a mechanic and carpenter, being noted for his skill in his native state. Upon locating in Wisconsin, he bought eighty acres of land on which he erected a log cabin, and cleared a space in the heavy timber. Back of the house was an Indian trail, and during his childhood, H. H. Stone had as playmates the little Indians who traveled with their parents along this trail. Losing the use of his ankles later on, the father was con- fined to the house, but secured appointment as postmaster of the station called Winooski on Onion River. He held this office until his death in March, 1857. The mother continued to reside in Wisconsin until her death which occurred when she was between ninety-six and ninety- seven years old.

Until he was twenty-two years old, H. H. Stone resided with his parents; having in the mean- while acquired a fair educational training in the schools of Vermont and Wisconsin. At that time

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

he went to Winona County, Minn., and began manufacturing farm machinery. Two years later, he went to St. Charles, Minn., and in January, 1874, came to Rockford, where with a Mr. Hess, he conducted a tannery for two years. Later he traded his interest in it for farm prop- erty, holding the latter until March, 1913, when he disposed of it. For seven years he lived on this farm, and then returned to Rockford, which has since continued his home, and where he owns a handsome residence.

In November, 1860, Mr. Stone was married at Linden, Wis., to Lucy McMurphy, born at Perry, Lake County, Ohio, and died in 1867, a daughter of John McMurphy. One son was born of this marriage, namely : Roy J., ot Plumas County, Cal. In 1870, Mr. Stone married (second) Mari- etta Millard, born in Berkshire County, Mass., a daughter of John and Martha Millard of Massa- chusetts. One son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Stone, namely : Frank, who lives at San Fran- cisco, Cal. The second Mrs. Stone died in 1900. In 1902, Mr. Stone married (third) Lucia I. Ford, a niece ot his first wife. Mrs. Stone was born at Linden, Wis., a daughter of Caleb and Martha Ford of Perry, Ohio.

Mr. Stone's military career was an interesting one. He enlisted in Company D, the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Intantry, during the winter ot 1863-4, for service during the Civil war. His regiment was stationed on the frontier of Minne- sota, and was then transferred in the fall of 1863, to St. Louis, Mo., where it did guard duty. The next change was made when it was sent to Ken- tucky, following which it was in skirmishes in that state and in Tennessee, Mississippi, Ala- bama and Texas. It also was engaged in several small battles. In September, 1865, Mr. Stone was honorably discharged. He belongs to Nevius Post No. 1, G. A. R. of Rockford. Fraternally he is a Mason, being a member of Rockford Blue Lodge No. 102; Winnebago Chapter No. 24, and White Shrine No. 5. He served his post as ser- geant major for nine years, and for one year as senior vice-commander. In politics he is a Re- publican, and served in the city council of Rock- ford for one term from the Seventh Ward.

STRAND, John. The furniture interests of Rockford have attracted skilled workmen to this city, fortunately many of Swedish birth, thus giving to this locality industrious and thrifty citizens. One of these is John Strand, born in Sweden, who in 1879 came to the United States to find a permanent home here. He stopped first at Geneseo, Ill., and worked for the farmers around there for a few months, and then went into railroad work in the employ of the Chi- cago & Northwestern Railroad Company, was transferred to the roundhouse at Clinton, Iowa, and remained until 1885. He then went to Web- ster County, Iowa, and bought 100 acres of land which he farmed until 1895, and then came to Rockford and entered the employ of tbe Mechanics Furniture Company, in which he invested, buying stock. Here he continued to work faithfully until 1911, when he retired,

feeling that he had earned a period of rest from labor. In 1896 he bought his present residence at No. 705 Eighth street, where he has since lived.

On August 25, 1875, Mr. Strand was married to Anna Johnson, born in Sweden, who came to Sycamore, Ill., in 1869. In 1870 she went to Chicago, and after the fire of 1871 in that city, went to Clinton, Iowa, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Strand became the parents of the following children : Millard, who lives at Rock- ford; Elmer, who is at home; and Oscar, who lives at Rockford, the two youngest being mail carriers for the Rockford postoffice. Millard married Dora Gordon and they have three sons, Chauncy, Clinton and Kennetb. Oscar married Edith Engquist, a public school teacher. Mr. Strand belongs to Zion Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. His sons Elmer and Oscar belong to the Masonic order, while Millard belongs to the order of Ben Hur. Mr. Strand and his sons stand deservedly high in public regard, all being honorable, upright, in- dustrious men, fair in their treatment of others and charitable to those who need help.

STURTEVANT, David A. Roscoe, Ill., has some very enterprising business men who know well how to conserve the interests of their locality and attend satisfactorily to the require- ments of their patrons. One of these repre- sentative business men of the county is D. A. Sturtevant, whose mercantile establishment is one of the oldest in this section. He was born October 27, 1825, a son of Cephas and Eliza- beth (Lawrence) Sturtevant, natives of Massa- chusetts, where they married. They both died in New York state.

David A. Sturtevant grew up in New York state and was there educated. When he reached his majority, he left home, and came to Roscoe, Ill., where he worked for the Talcott & Em- merson Reaper & Mower Machinery Co., of Rockford for two years. The gold excitement in California then being at its height, Mr. Sturtevant went to that state, but after a year returned to Roscoe, and worked at shoemaking for a number of years afterward. For some time he was a clerk for A. D. Lawrence, gen- eral merchant, later buying the establishment about 1877, which has continued under his own- ership ever since.

During the Civil war Mr. Sturtevant served his country as a private in Company H, Second Illinois Volunteer Light Artillery, and was dis- charged at the expiration of his one year of en- listment, and came back to Roscoe. On Febru- ary 9, 1855, Mr. Sturtevant became a Mason, joining the local lodge at Roscoe, and is now the oldest Freemason in Winnebago County, and second oldest in Illinois. Although now eighty-nine years old, he enjoys excellent health and still takes a lively interest in his business. For six years, he was postmaster of Roscoe, and has been active in its history since his locating here.

The first wife of Mr. Sturtevant was a Miss

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Susan Wood, who died at Roscoe some years after marriage, leaving two children, namely : Frank, and Hattie, who is now Mrs. Wiggins, of Belvidere, Ill. Mr. Sturtevant married (sec- ond) Harriet Lawrence, a daughter of Judge Lawrence of Belvidere, Ill., who died at Ros- coe, January 7, 1912. There were three chil- dren born of this marriage, namely: Maud, who is at home; Blanche Baldwin, who died at Roscoe; and Marie Blackington who also diea at Roscoe. Mr. Sturtevant is a Republican and once was very active in his party. He is asso- ciated with the Methodist Church, and is hon- ored in it as he is outside.

SULLIVAN, Catherine (Lynch), one of the in- dependent, capable and highly esteemed business women of Rockford, whose dressmaking estab- lishment is ranked among the best in the city if not in this part of the state, was born in Rock- ford, a daughter of John P. and Mary (Conley ) Lynch, he of County Waterford, and she of County Tipperary, Ireland. The father came to Rockford with his mother, at an early age, and Mary Conley was also brought to this city when a girl. They married at Rockford. The father became foreman of the Emerson-Talcott Com- pany, having been in its employ continuously for forty-three years. His death occurred in July, 1906, the mother having died in 1895, and both were highly respected. Their children were as follows: William C., who lives at Rockford; Mrs. Sullivan; and Thomas G. and David, both of whom reside at Rockford.

Catherine Lynch was educated in the public and high schools of Rockford, and remained at home until her marriage, on January 4, 1879, to John Sullivan. Mrs. Sullivan has three chil- dren, namely : Joseph M., who is an engineer of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, re- siding at Aurora, Ill., married Julia Alberts and they have one son, John A .; Katherine, who is Mrs. Charles Lindholm of Rockford, has two sons, Harry and Robert; and Fred W., who is also a resident of Rockford.

For a number of years Mrs. Sullivan has been engaged in dressmaking and has built up a very valuable patronage among some of the leading people of the city and vicinity, who depend upon her for their costumes, and rely upon her taste and artistic perceptions. She is a valued mem- ber of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and belongs also to the Catholic Woman's League.

SULLIVAN, Daniel, whose association with the building interests of Rockford entitles him to a leading position among the foremost men in his line in Winnebago County, was born in Cale- donia Township, Boone County, Ill., April 4, 1868, a son of Jeremiah and Mary ( Rafferty) Sullivan. born in Ireland, but married in New York State. The father was one of the early railroaders and worked himself west, finally arriving in Caledonia Township, where he set- tled. There he bought a farm which he sold in 1890, and then came to Rockford where he

lived in retirement until his death in May, 1914. The mother died in 1875. Their children were as follows: Kate, who is Mrs. Michael Morgan of West street, Rockford; Mary, who is Mrs. T. F. Blake of No. 914 S. Court street ; John, who is a grocer on S. Main and Morgan streets, Rockford; Bridget, who is Mrs. Mike Sullivan of Cunningham street, Rockford ; Sara, who was Mrs. Morris Liston, is now deceased ; Michael, who resides at No. 333 Wall street, Rockford, is night engineer of the water works; James, who lives at No. 1303 S. Church, has been a city fireman on engine No. 6 for the last two years; and Daniel, who is the youngest.

Daniel Sullivan attended the district schools of his native township, and when he was twenty-three years old, came to Rockford and helped to build the first Eclipse gas stove ever put up at Rockford. He then spent two years with the concern manufacturing these stoves, and then began working at the carpenter trade, so continuing until 1908, when he branched out into a contracting business, and since then has been engaged in building, having had charge of the erection of the Orpheum theater and what is now the Star picture building as well as many other buildings at Rockford and in the vicinity, confining his work to Winnebago County. With eight others, he organized the Carpenters' Union of Rockford, on one Labor Day, starting with eleven men on a parade, and before the close have 100 men in line with union badges. Mr. Sullivan was the first president of the Union, and served as such for six years, and as business agent for two years. He was instigator of building member- ship and brought 400 men into the Union. His modern residence at No. 1256 Sanford street, South Rockford, was built by him, and is a fair example of his work.

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 123

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