Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 76

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 76

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The Pecatonica News is a bright weekly journal that has aided in no small way in pro- moting the interests of the village where it is published. It is a true representative of the peo- ple of this place and its valne to the community cannot be overestimated. Tireless in its defense of the right and fearless in its dennnciation of the evils of the age, it has won an enviable repu- tation among the best people of the connty, and its popularity is proved by a constantly increas- ing subscription list.

COLEMAN, John S., page 704.

COLLINS, George W. The progress of agricul- tnre was forwarded very materially in Winne- bago County by the late George W. Collins, who, for years was a prosperous farmer of Guilford Township. He was born in Lewis Connty, N. Y., February 23, 1834, a son of Sylvestor and Betsy (Glasgow) Collins, natives of New York state, although the family originated in New England and Scotland. In 1844 the parents moved to Hillsdale Connty, Mich., where they bonght land.

George W. Collins lived with his parents, and in addition to his attendance at the public schools, he had the further advantages of a year in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. In 1855 he came to Winnebago Connty, Ill., and tanght school for several winters, and in the summer did work on various farms. Later he bought a farm of 126 acres on section 5, Guilford Township, on which he erected all the present buildings, which are fine ones, and made many substantial improvements. For a few years after locating in this township, he tanght. school during the winter, and he traveled for J. P. Manny Reaper Works, and also was general

agent for the McCormick reaper. He conducted lıis farm, carrying on general farming and stock- raising nntil 1908, when he built a tenant house and afterward lived retired, renting his farm. He died April 3, 1913, and his bnrial was in the Harlem cemetery.

On May 6, 1857, Mr. Collins was married to Eliza Hart, who was born at Victor, N. Y., Octo- ber 21, 1837, a daughter of Frederick and Sylvia (Rowley) Hart, natives of Ontario County, N. Y. The Harts came to Winnebago Connty in 1854, and the parents bonght a farm on which they lived until the father's death, after which the mother lived for a time in Rockford, and then spent the remainder of her life with Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Mr. and Mrs. Collins became the parents of the following children: Rnfns G., who is a physician of Chicago, married Cora Gibson, and they have Ruth, Vera, and George and Forrest, twins; Howard, who lives in Gnil- ford Township on his own farm, married Min- nie Nichols, and they have Josephine, who mar- ried Wm. J. Ferguson and have two children, Howard and Raymond ; and Eva May, who lives with her mother, and they reside on a farm in the summer and at Rockford in winter.

Mr. Collins and his wife were charter mem- bers of the Christian Union church. He served as a justice of the peace and also as supervisor of Gnilford Township, holding the latter office for seven years, and being elected on the Demo- cratic ticket. He was on the board of the Old Peoples' Home of Rockford. A inember of the Grange, he was deeply interested in agricultural matters and helped to organize the first farmers' institute. He was also an important factor in the Winnebago Connty Fair and served it as president for several years. Mr. Collins was one of the organizers of the Farmers Mntual Insnr- ance Company of Gnilford Township, was its president many years, and had stock in the Rockford Star newspaper from the beginning of that journal. Always a very progressive farmer, he directed his influence toward the bettering of farm conditions, and was recognized as an expert on agricultural matters.

COLLINS, R. S., president of the Rockford Leather Washer Company, represents the class that stands highest in business and commercial circles at Rockford. Personally he is a man of unusual capability and judgment. He was horn in McHenry County, Ill., May 29, 1874, and there educated. His business life commenced when he was employed in a creamery, but after a year in that establishment he came to Rock- ford, and here learned the wood carving trade, at which he worked for about four years. He was then with A. E. Soverign & Company, manufacturers of neck yokes and similar special- ties, for twelve years, rising to be foreman of a department. In 1903 he went to Manila, P. I., and bought a ranch of 800 acres, and spent two years there. operating his property and dealing in grain and lumber and also conducting a livery stable. After selling out his varied interests, he returned to the United States, and resumed his

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

duties as foreman with the C. E. Soverign Com- pany, but after two years, returned to the family homestead, in McHenry County, and for several years was engaged in farming. In 1910 he completed plans for the organization of his present company, which was iucorporated on February 5 of that year, with himself as presi- dent; F. W. Trostle as secretary and treasurer ; and M. B. Trostle as vice president,

On May 27. 1896, Mr. Collins was married at Beloit. Wis .. to Nettie Woods of Rockford, born July 19, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have become the parents of the following children : Pearl F., who was born February 19, 1899; Clayton L., who was born April 22, 1901; and Everett E. and Carrie B., twins, who were born August 23, 1904. Mr. Collins is a member of the Royal Arcanum, the Yeomen of America, the Elks and the Germania Society. He belongs to and is an active member of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. In politics he is a Republican and attends the Methodist Church. His varied experiences have broadened liis views and given him an insight into men and affairs that fit him for his duties as chief executive of a large concern. His business is in excellent condition, and its prosperity is the outcome of his policy.

COLTON, Austin. When a man is thrown upon his own resources and is forced to fight the battle of life for himself without backing or money, all the more credit is due him if he succeeds in his life work. Austin Colton, for- merly of Rockford, was a man who was essen- tially selfmade for he was forced to work for his own support from the time he was eleveu years old, losing his father at that tender age. He was born at Northampton, Mass., January 30, 1817, a son of Reuben and Roxanna (Atkins) Colton, natives of Northampton and Westfield, Mass. The mother died in her native state and the father at Niles, Mich.

After the death of his father, Austin Colton began a seven years' apprenticeship to the printer's trade on the Worcester Spy, and re- sided in Massachusetts until 1839 when he came to Winnebago County. He lived at Pecatonica until he bought out a newspaper, when he moved to Rockford. This paper he issued for many years, but subsequently bought a farm in Rock- ford Township, near Rockford, containing 160 acres. To this he later added many acres, and operated his farm a long while. Among his other purchases of property, he bought forty acres now included in the present Fourth Ward of Rockford, and all of this land is now divided into building lots bearing residences, the greater part of them having been sold at excellent prices. In 1853 Mr. Colton sold his uewspaper, in order to devote all of his time to farming, although he continued to reside in the central portion of Rockford. After his arrival in the city he served as constable, but aside from this office, he did not accept public honors. The Republican party had his earnest support from its inception. His death occurred November 3, 1893, and at that time he was serving as presi-

dent of the West End Furniture Comany, in which he had invested considerable money. Mr. Colton was one of the original boosters of the West End of Rockford and among other things set out the fine maple trees in Sunset Park. On his seventy-fifth birthday he set out seventy- five elm trees around his property. A greater part of this beautiful park was originally owned by him, and it is a recognized fact that Rockford owes much to his public spirit and foresighted- ness.

On May 30, 1856, in Massachusetts, Mr. Colton was married to Harriet Fowler, born at West- field, Mass., March 20, 1828, a daughter of Royal and Harriet (Smith) Fowler, natives of West- field and West Haven, Mass. Both parents died in their native state. Mr. and Mrs. Colton had the following children ; Albert Lewis, who was born June 18, 1858, lives at Rockford, married Edith M. Pitney ; Abraham Lincoln, who was born March 9, 1860, married Catherine M. Barnes, and they have two children, Katherine Harriet and Joseph Barnes, and they live at San Jacinto, Cal .; Miriam M., who was born November 3, 1863, resides with her mother ; and Royal Fowler, who was born April 19, 1868, mar- ried Marion D. Collier, and they reside at Grand Bay, Ala. They have three children: Clarence Fowler, born October 23, 1895; Ethel Collier, born June 18, 1897; and Royal Clayton, born April .3, 1903. Miss Miriam has devoted much time to study of the piano, with her mother occupying a handsome new brick residence at No. 2205 W. State street, Rockford. Mrs. Colton possesses a very retentive memory and is as active and bright as many persous many years younger. The Colton family is one of the most highly respected in Winuebago County, the repu- tation of the father being fully sustained by the children.

COMSTOCK, Norte R. It is interesting to note that many of the most enterprising men of Winnebago County are either natives of the county, or those who were brought here in the early days when still children by parents who became pioneers of this section. This condition goes to prove the contention of Winnebago County people that it is difficult to find a locality better suited for the carrying on of varied lines of business. One of the meu who is a native son of not only the county, but also the township in which he resides, is Norte R. Com- stock of Rockton. He was born iu Rockton Township, January 8, 1854, a sou of Richard H. and Hannah (Horton) Comstock, most excellent people who came to the county in 1837. A sketch of them appears elsewhere in this work.

Norte R. Comstock attended the public schools of his township, and is a well iuformed man. When he was twenty years old he began learn- ing the barber's trade, although his business career began a year earlier when he became an employe ot the Rockton paper mill. After finish- ing his apprenticeship, Mr. Comstock estab- lished himself in this business in 1875, and has conducted it ever since. In 1885 he began con-

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

ducting a jewelry repairing business in connec- tion with his barber shop, and has the only establishment of this kind in Rockton. This branch of his business grew to such an extent that in 1900, he built another store room to accommodate it.

On September 1, 1880, Mr. Comstock was mar- ried to Margaret Hickey, and they have had three children : Ray H., who lives at Milwaukee, Wis .; Bessie L., who is Mrs. William Polk of Madison, Wis .; and Floyd, who died in in- fancy. In politics Mr. Comstock is a Progres- sive, but has not desired public honors, his time being so fully occupied with his private affairs. A sound business man he has been able to recognize opportunities when presented, and to mold them to his own advantage.

COMSTOCK, Richard H. No history of Winne- bago County would be complete without men- tion of those men who during their lives tilled the soil and brought about the present desirable agricultural conditions. One of these representa- tive farmers was Richard H. Comstock of Rock- ton Township. He was born at Igme, Conn., June 14, 1815, a son of Calvin and Zarviah (Newton) Comstock, of English descent.

During his boyhood Richard H. Comstock at- tended the schools of his neighborhood, and so anxious was he to secure an education that he walked two and one-half miles each way in order to reach the schoolhouse. Prior to 1837, when he came to Rockton Township, Winnebago County, he worked as a carpenter in Chicago, Toledo, Ohio, and Ypsilanti, Mich., and built the first building on Randolph street, Chicago, also other buildings. Chicago at this time was ealled Fort Dearborn. In 1837 he purchased a farm in Rockton Township upon which he re- sided until 1893 when he moved to Rockton, and bought a residence set in two and one-half acres of land, on which his widow still lives, the farm having been sold. Mr. Comstock's farm had a fine stone quarry on it, and he ran two kilns for years and sold lime to many surrounding towns. Here he died January 18, 1894, respected by all who knew him.

On January 10, 1848, Richard H. Comstock was married at Morris, Ill., to Hannah Horton, born in Shelby Township, Jefferson County, Ind., a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Miner) Horton, natives of Norfolk, Va., and Lexington, Ky. James Horton was a millwright and fariner and lived in Indiana after moving to that state, until his death. Mrs. Comstock was born March 21, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock became the parents of the following children: Cecelia N., who is Mrs. George W. West of Beloit, Wis .; Alta M., who is Mrs. Hiram W. Young of Rockton, Ill .; and Norte Ray, who resides at Rockton, Ill. In addition to farming, Richard H. Comstock worked at his trade of earpenter and joiner to a considerable extent. In politics he was a Republican. He served as constable and as town commissioner. A man of solid qualities, he achieved considerable success be-

cause of his good judgment and his willingness to work and save.

CONANT, Cyrus C., a prosperous retired farmer of Rockford and one of the leading men of Winnebago County, was born at Sycamore, Ill., December 15, 1844, a son of Abraham and Delia (Marble) Conant, the former of whom was born at Boston, Mass., in 1794, and the latter at Cleveland, N. Y. Abraham Conant grew to man- hood in Massachusetts but subsequently went to Oneida County, N. Y., where he engaged in a boot and shoe business. After five years he went to Sycamore, Ill., and there continued in the same line. In 1863 he left Sycamore and went to Ogle County, Ill., and lived on a farm owned by his wife until his death in 1864. His wife survived him until June 2. 1870, her deatlı occurring in Monroe Center, Ill., when aged sixty-seven years. Abraham Conant was a Re- publican. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. The paternal grand- parents spent their lives in their native state of Massachusetts where they were farming people. The maternal grandparents were natives of Ver- mont, but went to New York state and became large landowners.

Cyrus C. Conant passed his boyhood at Syca- more . where he was educated, and went to Ogle County, Ill., with his parents. There lie farmed and dealt in stock for thirty-eight years. He then retired and now lives at No. 1533 Kis- waukee street, Rockford. In addition to the beautiful home at Rockford, Mr. and Mrs. Conant own 200 acres of valuable farm land in Ogle County, and he is one of the substantial men of his locality.

On May 1, 1866, Mr. Conant was married to Harriet Riseborough, a daughter of William and Esther (Plane) Riseborough, of Monroe Center, Ill. Mr. Riseborough was a native of England, and came to the United States when young, locating first in New York state where for nine years he was engaged in a milling business. During that period he married, his wife also being a native of England, and they came west and settled in Ogle County, Ill., securing land from the government, their farm consisting of 640 acres, on which he lived until his death, passing away in 1857, aged forty-nine years. Mrs. Riseborough lived until 1914, dying at the age of ninety years, at Monroe Center, Ill. Mr. Riseborough was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Conant became the parents of the following ehil- dren : Ella, who married Frank Sheaff of Hol- comb. Ill., and they have one daughter, Harriet C. ; Mary F., who married David Sheaff of the same place; Abraham, who is at home; and Frank, who died in 1893, aged twenty years. Mr. Conant is a Republican, but has not cared for public honors. He belongs to the Methodist Church which he faithfully attends. Fraternally he is a Mason and is as popular in that order as he is among his fellow citizens.

CONRAD, Frank Henry, one of the progressive and substantial men of Rockford, was born at

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Brookville, Ogle County, Ill., September 23, 1867, a son of George and Samantha (Flemming) Conrad, born in Northumberland County, Pa. They came west in 1856, stopping first at Chi- cago, but later buying land in Brookville Town- ship, Ogle County, Ill. The trip was made by boat to Chicago, from whence they later drove to their new home.

Until he was fourteen years old, Frank Henry Conrad attended the district schools during the winter months but when only eight years old he left home and went to work for a family of the name of Stoner, of the Dunkard faith. After the death of Mrs. Stoner, Mr. Conrad went into the family of a Mr. Paul, in Ogle County. He worked for other families in Ogle County, but later went to Rockford where he worked in furniture factories for some years. He then be- came shipping clerk for the paper mills, and then was appointed pipeman of Fire Station No. 1, but after years of service, on account of a change of city administration, he was not re- appointed until 1901, when he was given the same position at station No. 2, and soon became third assistant engineer. After ten years in that position he became second assistant en- gineer at Station No. 4, but in February, 1913, he resigned. He owns the patent and manufac- tures the spring-grip tickets which are used to clamp tags on new clothing, and his trade is a very large and extensive one, he having received orders from New Zealand, Canada, and other points equally far away from his plant. His business is known as the Spring Grip Ticket Company.

On March 14, 1889, Mr. Conrad was married to Lyda J. Gibbs, born at Brookville, Ill., a daughter of Henry and Harriet (Haupt) Gibbs, natives of Oswego County, N. Y., and North- umberland County, Pa. They came to Ogle County, Ill., in 1844, and were early settlers of that section. At the time of his death the father was vice-president of the Old Settlers Associa- tion. The mother died April 2, 1872, and Mrs. Conrad was reared by an aunt, Mary Ann Fisk, of Chicago, with whom she remained until she was twenty years old, when she returned to Ogle County, and was soon thereafter married. Mrs. Conrad was educated in the grade and high schools of Chicago, and taught country schools for one year, in Carroll County. She belongs to the Woman's Club, the Rebekahs and has passed all the chairs in that order, as well as having represented the local order upon four occasions in the state assembly.

While Mr. and Mrs. Conrad have had no chil- 'dren of their own, they have given loving care to numerous nephews and nieces, and Mr. Con- rad was very generous to his parents. Mr. Con- rad is a member of Winnebago Lodge No. 31, I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican. He owns a fine modern residence at No. 1015 First avenue, and a block of stock in the Mechanics Furniture Company, in addition to his business, șo that he is in very comfortable circumstances.

COPPINS, John F. When a man has shown himself able to establish an honorable business and develop a reliable trade through a steady and healthy growth, he has proven his worth and placed himself in a desirable position in his community. This has been accomplished by John F. Coppins, a prosperous flour and feed merchant at No. 119 S. Third street, Rockford. He was born at Buffalo, N. Y., March 5, 1851, a son of Samuel W. and Mary (Johnson) Coppins.

Samuel W. Coppins and his wife were both born in County Kent, England, where they mar- ried, and came to the United States in 1846, settling first at Buffalo, N. Y., but later at South Rockford, Ill., where Mr. Coppins worked for Richard Montague. He remained with this em- ployer for three years and then moved to Ly- sander, Ill., north of Pecatonica, where he rented a farm for a year. Once more he established himself at Rockford and did teaming for the Fisher and Lake Lumber Co., for a number of years. Leaving this concern he went with the old Manny Reaper and Mower Works, and then bought a small farm in Guilford Township where he remained for three years. Selling this farm he went to Chickasaw County, Iowa, and farmed until his death, in October, 1874. His wife died on S. Church street, Rockford, in 1864, when she was thirty-two years old.

John F. Coppins attended school at Rockford, and his first employer was Dr. F. L. Vincent with whom he remained for eleven months. He then went to work for the Rockford Register and after a year with that newspaper entered the Manny works under W. A. Knowlton, and remained there two years. The following winter lie worked in the old flax mill, and then went to Guilford Township where he had farming experience for three years, specializing on market gardening. For the succeeding ten years he was engaged in farming in Chickasaw County, Iowa, and during this period took up a claim in Lake County, So. Dak. In 1881 he returned to Rockford and went to work in the Der- went factory as a carpenter for his brother, W. J. Coppins. Later he was with Mr. Reitch, the carpenter, and was with the J. G. Chick Co., millers, for some years, after leaving going with Warren Woodruff, a hardware merchant, on W. State street. After a year, Mr. Coppins returned to the J. G. Chick Co. for a time, and then en- gaged with William and W. A. Keyt, as a car- penter, for six months, when he took a position with F. G. Morgan, in a flour and feed business. This association continued for five years, when Mr. Coppins embarked in this line of business for himself; at No. 102 S. Third street. Later he moved to his present location at No. 119 S. Third street, where he has prospered and is conducting a very large business.

In 1875 Mr. Coppins was married to Miss Frances Carpenter, of Albany, Wis., a daughter of Henry and Mary Carpenter, the marriage tak- ing place at Nashua, Iowa. ' Mr. and Mrs. Cop- pins are the parents of three children: Mrs. Frank Bubser, who is of Dayton, Ohio: Mrs. C. R. Kessler who is of Rockford; and W. E.,

Melancethin Stan

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HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY

who is of Rockford. Mr. Coppins is a member of the Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican but does not care for public life. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Wood- men of America. A man of persistence he has never been afraid of hard work, but has forged right ahead to his present prosperous condition.

COSPER, Elias, page 707.

COWEN, James S., who has been a very sub- stantial factor in determining the policy of civic affairs at Rockton for many years, is one of the honored Civil war veterans of Winnebago County. He was born in Ontario, Canada, De- cember 15, 1835, a son of James and Mary (Stimson) Cowen, natives of County Cavan, Ireland, who came to Canada and there farmed until May, 1848, when they migrated to Win- nebago County, Ill., and bought a farm in Har- rison Township, on which both died. Their children were: James S., Ellen, Mary J., Anna, Sarah, William, Ezra and John, and by a later marriage Lizzie, Hattie and Henry.

James S. Cowen attended the Canadian schools and when fifteen years old began earn- ing his own living by working by the month, receiving $4 for his services, and when liis first month's wage was given him in sixteen quarters, the lad felt that he was rich to have so much money. Later he worked in Roscoe Township, and about 1858 bought a farm in Harrison Township but later sold it. On August 6, 1862, Mr. Cowen enlisted for service during the Civil war in Company A, Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed sergeant and his regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He was in some seventeen battles and skirmishes, from Chat- tanooga to Atlanta, and was injured at the battle of Stone River by a gunshot wound which compelled him to be in the hospital at Nash- ville, Tenn., for six weeks. He was sent by boat to New Albany, Ind., and was in the hos- pital at that point for three months. On leav- ing he was commissioned second lieutenant and received promotion to the first lieutenancy while at Johnson's Ford, Tenn. Later he was com- missioned captain of Company A, by President Johnson. Prior to his enlistment he had or- ganized the Rockton Home Guards of which he had been commissioned captain by the governor, so had some experience before he entered actual warfare. Captain Cowen was honorably dis- charged July 10, 1865, and after returning home engaged in farming, and in 1868 bought a six- acre block in the corporation of Rockton. He also owns forty acres in Rockton Township,

In August, 1868, Mr. Cowen was married to Sarah M. Lester, born in Pennsylvania, whose parents were early settlers of Rockton. Mr. and Mrs. Cowen became the parents of the follow- ing children : William E., who lives with his parents : Evalyn M., who is Mrs. Luther Hop- kins of Rockton ; and Mabel, who is Mrs. Harry L. Lacock, of Beloit, Wis. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Cowen lived happily together, their

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Winnebago County, Volume II, Part 76

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