Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 67

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 67

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1885 Mr. Bancroft was married in Johnson County. Iowa, to Miss Henrietta D. Cornwall, who died in 1887, leaving a son, Clyde H. In 1890 Mr. Bancroft was married (second) to Mary L. John, of West Liberty. Iowa, and they have two children, namely : Maurice H., who is employed by his father ; and Zenas D.

Mr. Bancroft has done remarkably well and deserves much credit for what he has accom- plished. Since locating at Durand he has been an active factor in boosting the village and securing many desirable improvements. A man of high ideals, he also possesses sound judg- ment and practical notions for carrying them out, and he may be relied upon to support any movement looking toward progress in any direc- tion.

BANNEN, Rev. Hugh Martin, the beloved pas- tor of Trinity Lutheran Church of Rockford and a man of rare scholarly attainments and per- sonal magnetism. is one of the striking figures in the religious life of the city that is now his home. He was born in Northumberland County, Pa .. October 27, 1859, a son of James and Eliza- beth (Martin) Bannen, and grandson of James Bannen. The latter came to the United States from the North of Ireland. The mother of Rev. Bannen came of Scotch-Irish and German descent.

Rev. Hugh M. Bannen laid the foundation for

his educational training in the public schools of his native county, and as soon as he was able to obtain a teacher's certificate, he taught school for three winters. In 1SS1, he went to Kalamazoo, Mich., but seven weeks later left Michigan for Illinois, in order to begin his college work at Mt. Morris. After two years at that point, he went to Carthage, Ill., and was graduated from the college at that place, in 1SSS. From that institution he went to the Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa., and fol- lowing his graduation therefrom, located at Princeton, Ill., where he was placed in charge of a small mission. His first sermon as a clergy- mian was preached at that point, and he not only succeeded in spiritual matters, but demon- strated his ability as an organizer, and built a church. In 1896 he was called to Rockford to take charge of Trinity Lutheran Church, a newly organized mission, and has continued in charge ever since, developing the resources of the church, and increasing its religious power very considerably.

On May 30, 1SSS, Mr. Bannen was married at Mt. Carroll, Ill., to Cora E. Maloney, who was a student at Mt. Morris during his term at that college. She is a daughter of James and Frances (Basliaw) Maloney, the latter of whom was born in Canada of French and English parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bannen have four children as fol- lows: Mrs. Grace R. Farnsworth, who resides at La Grange, Ill .; Howard J., who is a printer of Rockford ; Hugh F., a teacher of physics and chemistry in the high school at Paris, Ill., and Robert William, who is pursuing a college course.

BARB, Abraham M., who has directed his efforts very successfully along varied lines, is justly numbered among the enterprising men of Rock- ford. He was born in Lewis County, W. Va., in 1864, a son of William and Anna Elizabeth (Riggs) Barb, both of whom died in Lewis County. Attending the public schools of West Virginia, and making himself useful to his par- ents, Abraham M. Barb grew to manhood in his native place, where he continued to live until he was twenty-three years old. At that time he went to Topeka, Kas., and worked in hotels and restaurants for four years, when he located at Burlington, Iowa, and continued in the same line for two more years. He then came to Rockford, and for two years was associated with the restaurant business here, when he opened a restaurant for himself at the Nelson House, on S. Main street, and conducted it for three years. After selling it, he went to Harri- son, Ill., and conducted a grocery for six years, then sold and returned to Rockford and con- ducted a grocery in this city for two years, on Kilbourne avenue. In the fall of 1914 he sold this business, and since then has been inter- esting himself in realty transactions, buying property, building upon it, and then selling.

In 1904 Mr. Barb was married to Alice Startup, born at Rockford, a daughter of Wil- liam Startup, now deceased. Mrs. Startup sur-

Kil- Sangen

987

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

vives and lives at No. 611 Acorn street, Rock- ford. Mr. Barb is a Democrat in his political opinions. The Modern Woodmen of America order, of Harrison, Ill., holds his membership, and has his interested support. A man of varied business experience, Mr. Barb is able to carry on his undertakings intelligently aud profitably, and as he has earned all he possesses, deserves uruch credit for his success.

BARGREN, August Edward, chief of police of Rockford, and one of the most conscientious, efficient and experienced men the city has ever honored with this important office, has demon- strated his ability and forcefulness in handling the problems of his department, and has main- tained his control over the law abiding and the law breaking contingents alike. He was born in Westergotland, Sweden, March 1, 1863, a son of Johu P. and Mary C. (Johnson) Bargren, natives of Sweden who came to the United States when Chief Bargren was five years old, and located at Rockford. Here the father worked as a laborer until his death in 1896, aged sixty- three years. His burial was iu the Swedish cemetery. The mother still lives and is now cighty years old. These parents had the follow- ing children : Charles G .; John P .; Anna Chris- tena, who died in 1897 ; Nellie, who is Mrs. John Peterson, lives at Mendota, Ill., her husbaud being an engineer ou the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad ; and August Edward. It is a pleasant arrangement that permits the entire family with the exception of Mrs. Peterson, whose home is in another city, to live in one building, occupying different flats.

August Edward Bargren attended the public schools of Rockford, and after completing his educational training, learned the candy making trade, at which he worked for about eight years. He then was with the United States Express Company for three years, and with the Adams Express Company for two years. On May 5, 1900, he begau his connection with the police department of Rockford, as on that date he was appointed a patrolman, aud four years later, in 1904, was made chieť of police, his long association with the department being marked by strength of purpose and unflinching devotion to duty.

On May 28, 1SS3, Chief Bargreu was married to Josephine Spencer, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Williams) Spencer, and they have two children, Howard Spencer and Lucille Isa- belle, the latter lives at home. The former mar- ried Bell Curtis of Rockford. He is a watch- maker by trade.

Chief Bargren was one of the charter mem- bers of the local order of Elks, and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Germania and the Svea Soner societies and the order of Red Men. The First Lutheran Church of Rockford holds his membership. There are few men who stand higher in general esteem than does Chief Bargren, for, although the duties of his office often compel him to proceed against those whom he knows well, his fairness and impartial ad-

ministration of justice have gained for him the utmost confidence and respect of all with whom he is associated in any way.

BARGREN, John. For a number of years the late John Bargren was employed with important business concerns at Rockford. He was born in Swedeu, May 17, 1830, a son of Andrew and Mary (Anderson) Bargren. Andrew Bargren and his wife were also born in Sweden and never left their uative land. They were farming people.

John Bargren's boyhood was spent in Sweden. He there was married to Mary Johnson, a daughter of John and Mary (Erickson) Johnson. Iu 1869 he brought his family to the United States and settled at Rockford, Ill. For sixteen years he was a foreman of the coal yards ot Scott & Co., and then engaged with the Skandia Furniture Co., of Rockford. He was highly re- spected. When his health failed he retired, and he died July 19, 1893, aged sixty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Bargren had five children as fol- lows : Charles G. : John P. ; August, who is chief of police of Rockford; Nellie, who is Mrs. J. A. Peterson, and Anna, whose death occurred August 5. 1895. Mr. Bargren was a Republican, 1Ie belonged to the First Swedish Lutheran Church of Rockford. Mr. Bargren left his widow in comfortable circumstances. She passed away March 25, 1915, aged eighty-two years.

J. A. Peterson, who married Miss Nellie Bar- gren, was boru in Kane County, Ill., April 13, 1870, a son of Peter and Christine (Johnson) Peterson. Until he was of age, Mr. Peterson lived at Geneva, Ill., and then began working for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad as a fireman aud is still in the employ of this road being now an engineer. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have one child, Dorothy Jane. Mr. Peterson's parents were born in Sweden but came to the United States in 1869, and located near Aurora, Ill. There they engaged in farm- ing for two years when they moved to Geneva, Ill., and there the father died August 9, 1914. aged seventy-three years. The mother survives and is living at Geneva, Ill., being now sixty- eight years old.

BARKER, John. The business of writing in- surance has become a very important factor in the commercial life of the country, and the men who are eugaged in it have to be possessed of unusual qualities and be alert, resourceful and excellent judges of human nature. One of the men who has made a success of this line of en- deavor, who is located at Rockford, is John Barker, representative of the American Insur- ance Company, successor to the Rockford In- surance Company. Mr. Barker was born at Terre Haute, Ind., August 15, 1834, a son of Ira and Margaret (Stewart) Barker, he born in New Hampshire, and she in Ross County, Ohio. In 1816 the father was brought by his parents to Fort Harrison, the trip being made on the Monongahela and Ohio rivers on a raft, and up the Wabash River in keel boats. Soon

988

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

after their arrival, the grandfather passed away. About the same time the Stewarts, the maternal grandparents, drove overland to Fort Harrison. General Warren of Revolutionary fame belonged to the paternal branch of the family and was first cousin of Sarah Ann Warren Barker, mother of Ira Barker.

After their marriage Ira Barker and his wife located in Vigo County, Ind. There Ira Barker became a farmer and contractor and put in fonr miles of the macadam on the national road. In 1848 he came to Illinois, locating in Ogle County, making the trip with teams. Not only did he engage in farming, but he also kept a hotel at Daysville nntil January 3, 1853, when he came to Rockford. After coming to this city he was eity marshal and he also traveled for an insurance company. His death occurred October 2, 1889. His wife died July 12, 1876.

John Barker resided with his parents and was educated in the common schools and at a com- mercial college in Rockford, and also learned the harness-making trade, which he followed ex- clusively until 1863. In that year he became a solicitor of insurance, devoting a portion of his time to the work until 1868, when he decided to give all of his time to this line for the Rockford Insurance Company. He has traveled mostly over Illinois, and a good deal in Wisconsin, but since 1912 has confined his operations to Rock- ford. With the consolidation of interests that changed the Rockford Insurance Company into the American Insurance Company, Mr. Barker was retained as one of the trusted and efficient men.

On May 22, 1862, Mr. Barker was married to Margaret J. Holly, born at Paterson, N. J., February 27. 1835, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Rude) Holly, natives, of Sussex County, N. J., where the grandfather, Timothy Holly, was also born. In 1836 the Holly family moved to Steuben County, N. Y., settling near Hammondsport. where they lived until 1864, and then came to Winnebago County, Ill. In 1869 they returned to New York, and the father died at Burdett, that state, in 1873. The mother died in 1847. Mrs. Barker came to Ogle County, Ill .. in 1861 with friends, and remained there for a few months, and then came to Rockford, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Barker have two children: Elizabeth, who is the widow of T. H. Radcliff, of Howard, S. D. : and Jennie, who is Mrs. S. S. Hardisty of Cook County, Ill. In politics Mr. Barker is a Democrat. The Christian Union Church holds his membership. A Mason in high standing, he belongs to Rock- ford Lodge No. 102. A. F. & A. M .; Winnebago Chapter No. 24, R. A. M .; Crusader Com- mandery No. 17, K. T .; and Oriental Shrine No. 5, W. S. J .; and he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star. He has held all the offices in the Blue Lodge except two, and is past master of his local lodge.

BARNES, Aubrey, manager, secretary and treas- urer of the firm of W. F. and John Barnes, one of the substantial houses of Rockford, is a man

who carries out in his life the principles he has held since he began his business career, those of sterling honesty and uprightness of purpose. He was born at Rockford, September 30, 1872, and his educational training was received in this city, and at Amherst College, from which he was gradnated in 1895, following which he re; turned to Rockford, where he became identified with his present honse.

Mr. Barnes was married at Rockford to Katherine M. Keller, born at Bridgeport, Conn., and they have a danghter, Barbara T. Mr. Barnes belongs to the Elks, the Country Club, and is a member of one of the committees of the Rockford Manufacturers' and Shippers' Association. In politics he is a Republican. Although he casts his vote for the candidates of his party, Mr. Barnes does not otherwise take part in politics, as his business demands his time and attention. The Second Congregational Church holds his membership, and profits by his generosity. A sonnd business man and reli- able citizen, Mr. Barnes stands well in his community.

BARNES, John, page 736.

BARNES, John S., vice president and superin- tendent of the W. F. & John Barnes Company of Rockford, is a desirable resident of this city, his home being on Guilford Road. He is one of the substantial business men of Winnebago County. He was born at Rockford, a son of John and Jennie E. (Parmalee) Barnes,

Educated in the grade and high schools of Rockford, Mr. Barnes was given excellent train- ing for . Princeton College, from which noted institution he was graduated in 1900, On re- turning to Rockford, he assumed the duties of vice president and superintendent of the firm above referred to, much of its present prosperons condition being due to his enthusiasm and keen business foresight.

Mr. Barnes was married at Providence, R. I., to Hope Walker of that city. A man of genial manner, and social proclivities, Mr. Barnes en- joys his associations as a member of the order of Elks and the Country Club. While he votes the Republican ticket, he has never entered pol- ities, but, however, takes a wholesouled interest in local affairs, and has rendered very efficient assistance as a member of the executive com- mittee of the Home and Farm for boys.

BARNES, Joseph, one of the leading agricul- turalists of Winnebago County, is highly es- teemned in Harlem Township, where his farm is located. He was born in Washington County, Wis .. June 1, 1859, a son of Peter and Helen (Mulling) Barnes. Peter Barnes was born in Germany, where he was educated, and when he was twenty-one years old he came to the United States, locating first in Washington County, Wis., where he bought 160 acres of land, and there he lived until his death in 1900, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother was born

989

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

in Buffalo County, N. Y., but her parents were both born in Germany, and came to the United States at an early day, locating first at Buffalo, N. Y., but later going to Washington County, Wis., when Mrs. Barnes was a young child. The maternal grandparents died in Washington County.

Joseph Barnes spent his boyhood in his native county, and upon leaving it came to Harlem Township, this county, where he worked as farm hand for a time. Later he rented a large farm, operated it for twelve years, and then bought a farm of 180 acres in the same township where he still lives. He has always been a very lib- eral contributor to charities, and is active in the good work of the Argyle Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is a Modern Woodman. His political affiliations are with the Republican party.

In 1886 Mr. Barnes was married to Isabelle Ralston, a daughter of A. C. and Mary (Ral- ston) Ralston, at the Argyle Presbyterian Church, and they became the parents of three children, namely : Ralph E. and George R., both of whom are at home, and Ralston, who is de- ceased.

A. C. Ralston, father of Mrs. Barnes, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1815, and his · wife was born there in 1830. He came to the United States with Dan Ralston and family in 1842, six weeks being consumed in crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel. After landing at New York City, the party went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where A. C. Ralston worked for the McCormick Reaper Company for eight years as a skilled carpenter. He also made violins and became famous for these instruments in later days. He was a fine musician and was in great demand at parties where music was wanted. Leaving Cincinnati after eight years, he came to Harlem Township, Winnebago County, Ill., and worked as a carpenter and also did contracting, being very useful even until his death in 1893, when he was eighty years old. Mrs. Ralston died in 1903, aged seventy-two years, and both were consistent members of the Argyle Presbyterian Church. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ralston, as follows: Mrs. Barnes; Peter, who was a musician of considerable note and a imanufacturer of violins, died in 1880, at Al- gyle, Ill., aged twenty-four years ; Martha, who is now living at Beloit, Wis .; Jennette Ralston, who lives at Caledonia, Ill .; Jane Potter, who lives at Mason City, Iowa ; Molly Thornton, who lives at Oscuro, N. M .; John A., who died in 1867 at the age of ten months; Elizabeth Barnes Broadhead, who lives in Wisconsin, and one died in infancy.

BARNES, William Fletcher, Jr., proprietor and manager of the Barnes Automobile Company of No. 207 South Court street, Rockford, is not only a reliable dealer in automobiles, but is an expert in the bandling of them, and his judg- ment is accepted unquestioningly by those who appreciate this kind of service. He was born at Rockford, Ill., January 25, 1884, a son of Wil-

liam Fletcher and Julia (Gould) Barnes. The father was born at Mt. Morris, N. Y., and the inother at London, Ohio. In 1865 the father, after having been educated in his native state, came to Illinois and located at Aurora, where he was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad for a time, but left that city and came to Rockford where he engaged with the Emerson Manufacturing Company. Subse- quently, with his brother John, he formed the W. F. & John Barnes Manufacturing Company. on the water power, later taking in another brother, Frank Barnes. The firm built a large plant on the east side of the river. In 1905 the father sold his interest to H. L. Pratt of Brook- lyn, N. Y., and is now living retired at No. 813 North Main street, Rockford. The mother also survives. Fraternally William F. Barnes, Sr., is a Mason, a Shriner, and belongs also to the Elks. The Christian Union Church holds his member- ship and has his support.

William Fletcher Barnes, Jr., attended tlie public schools of Rockford, Lake Forest Acad- emy. Cascadella Preparatory School at Ithaca, N. Y., and Cornell University. He then em- barked in an automobile business at Chicago with the Ralph Temple Company, which was the branch in that city of the Franklin ma- chines. Later he came to Rockford and for two years was assistant superintendent for the W. F. & John Barnes Company, going then to San Antonio, Tex., to take charge of the San Antonio office of the International Motor Sales Company, and continued there for three years. He then returned to Rockford and organized the Barnes Motor Sales Company, handling the Ford and Studebaker cars for three years, when he sold to the Williamson Motor Company of Rockford. Following this Mr. Barnes organized his present company of which he is president, owner and manager, and has developed a fine business.

In every line pertaining to automobiles Mr. Barnes has had experience. He drove a racing car for a time for the Mercer Antomobile Con- pany of Trenton, N. J., and also while living in Texas. He bought the first automobile that was ever shipped west of Chicago, on August 16, 1895, and was also the first automobile dealer at Rockford. At present he handles the King, Hupmobile and Dort cars. Mr. Barnes is a val- ued member of the Elks. In 1912 Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Cecille McCaffrey.

BARNETT, Jay A., engineer for the Burson Knitting Company. Rockford, with residence at No. 2215 N. Main street, is recognized as one of the most reliable men in his line in the city, and stands well with his associates and fellow citi- zens generally. He was born in Grant County, Wis., April 4, 1857. After attending the schools of his native place, he took a three years' course in the Wisconsin State Normal School. His first work was with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Panl Railroad, as a laborer, but he was soon given the position of timekeeper. Later he went with the Canadian Pacific Railroad as foreman

990

HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

of a construction gang, and held the same posi- tion with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad in some of their construction work in Illinois. In 1887 he went to Iowa and worked for two years as walking boss for a contractor.

After coming to Rockford Mr. Barnett entered the employ of the Rockford Gas & Coke Com- pany as engineer, and on leaving this firm he went with the Straw Paper Company and con- tinued there for nearly three years. He then was engaged with the Rockford Sugar Refining Company as engineer for seven years, leaving that company to go with the Rockford Electric Company. Following this he worked for the Rockford Water Works Company and for eleven years more was with the Rockford Woolen Mill Company. In 1911 he came to the Burson Knit- ting Company as night engineer and has charge of all the machinery. The position is one of responsibility.

On July 1, 1891, Mr. Barnett was married to Ella N. Keeland, born in Wisconsin, and they have had two children : Grace L., who is teacher in the Rockford public schools, and lives at home, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Barnett is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Rock- ford Nursing and Hospital Association. In addi- tion to other interests Mr. Barnett owns his resi- dence. He takes pride in helping maintain the prestige of his neighborhood and city and in every way is a worthy citizen.

BARNUM, Daniel, page 661.

BARTLETT, Edgar E., publisher of the Rock- ford Register-Gazette, has devoted his life to newspaper business. He was born in Kalama- zoo, Mich., November 30, 1856. He began his career as advertising solicitor on the Kalamazoo Telegraph in February, 1879, and in two years became its business manager. In 1888 the Tel- egrapli was purchased by E. N. Dingley and Mr. Bartlett bought the Kalamazoo Herald, but before he assumed control, the latter paper was merged with the Telegraph, and Mr. Bartlett remained with the consolidated property until he removed from the state.

Mr. Bartlett came to Rockford twenty-five years ago. In January, 1891, in company with W. L. Eaton and Eugene McSweeney, all of Kalamazoo, he purchased the two evening papers, the Register and the Gazette, and con- solidated them under the name of The Register- Gazette. In 1899 Mr. Bartlett purchased Mr. McSweeney's interest, and in 1901 he bought that of Mr. Eaton's. Two years later the capital stock of the Register-Gazette Company was in- creased from $36,000 to $60,000, and F. E. Ster-

. ling, who had been connected with the editorial department for eleven years, became a stock- holder and managing editor.

The coming of Mr. Bartlett to Rockford marked a new epoch in its newspaper field. He had faith in the future of Rockford and time has vindicated his judgment. The Register- Gazette Company immediately secured the aft- ernoon service of the Associated Press, linotypes

were installed and other features of a metro- politan daily were introduced. In a quarter of a century the Register-Gazette has gained a prestige second to none in northern Illinois, and its circulation is today more than three times the combined editions of the Register and Gazette at the time of their consolidation. In 1898 Mr. Bartlett purchased, as a side issue, the Kalamazoo Gazette, F. F. Rowe, formerly advertising manager of the Register-Gazette, assuming charge. Two years later the paper was consolidated with the Kalamazoo News and passed into the hands of Messrs. Rowe, McSweeney and Kettle, all formerly of Rockford.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 67

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