USA > Illinois > Ford County > History of Ford County, Illinois : from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. I > Part 26
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In political affairs Colonel Bogardus has been a prominent and influencing factor. He has served two terms, 1884 to 1888. in the lower house of the state legislature, and at the close of his second term as representative. he was elected. in 1888, senator, was reelected to the senate in 1892 and again reelected in 1896, from the eighteenth senatorial district, serving as a member of the legislature for sixteen consecutive years. In the fifteen county and senatorial conventions before which he was a candidate for nomination for House and Senate, he received a unanimous vote in each case. One of his important bills, and the first to become a law on the subject in Illinois, is that compelling instruction in the public schools, in physiology and hygiene, with reference to the effects of alcoholic beverages, stimulants and narcotics on the human system. Another bill worthy of mention is that regulating the weight of flour, compelling full weights under severe penalties. The indigent soldiers' bill, the bill establishing a State Board of Pardons, and the bill to promote the educa- tion of children to prevent truancy, are among the valuable laws that bear his name. In the thirty-fourth general assembly he was one of the republican members who in that memorable senatorial contest, which lasted four months. succeeded in electing General John A. Logan to the senate of the United States. Subsequently the one hundred and three republicans who stood so firmly by the general, organized themselves into a society called the "Logan 103," of which Colonel Bogardus was secretary and treasurer from its organi- zation until he declined to serve longer. In the thirty-fifth general assembly he was unanimously chosen chairman of the republican house caneus for the session. At each session he was appointed on some of the most important committees and held several important chairmanships. In 1895 he was chosen president pro tem by acclamation in the republican cauens-the highest place in the gift of the senate. In 1895, in the absence of the governor and lieutenant governor, he was constitutional governor of Illinois for some time. Strong and positive in his republicanism, his party fealty is not grounded on partisan prejudice, and he enjoys the respect and confidence of all his associates. irrespective of party. Of the great issues which divide the two parties, with their roots extending down to the very bed-rock of the foundation of the republic, he has the true statesman's grasp. Well grounded in the political maxims of the schools. he also studied the lessons of actual life, arriving at his conclusions as a result of what may be called his post-graduate studies in the school of affairs. Such men, whether in office or ont, are the natural leaders of whichever party they may be identified with, especially in that movement toward higher polities which is common to both parties and which constitutes the most hopeful political sign of the period.
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Colonel Bogardus has but one living child, Maria L., wife of Oscar R. Zipf, an attorney of Freeport, Illinois. He has four grandsons: Oscar Robert, Charles B .. George K. and Theodore F. He lost his only son, Edgar A., in 1889, aged fifteen and one half years.
Our subject has also been interested in local politics, having for six years served as a member of the city council, and for nine years on the school board, of which he was president a part of that time. He was a trustee of Paxton Collegiate Institute for years. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades, is a member of Paxton Post, No. 387, of which he was the first commander. He is likewise a member of Paxton Lodge, No. 416, A. F. & A. M., Ford Chapter, No. 113, R. A. M., Mount Olivet Commandery, No. 38, K. T., Gibson Couneil, No. 72, R. & S. M., and Patton Lodge, No. 498, K. P. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church, to the support of which they contribute liberally, giving generously to all church and charitable interests, as did also the daughter, who is gratefully remembered at Paxton for her exemplary character, her interest in church work, and particularly her suc- cessful career as teacher and superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school when she was but a young miss herself. Her kindness of heart was well known among the less fortunate and their needs when known to her had quick attention, with always a wish on her part that only The Master, the recipients and herself should know.
The terms, progress and patriotism, might be considered the keynote of Colonel Bogardus' character, for throughout his career he has labored for the improvement of every line of business or public interest with which he has been associated, and at all times has been actuated by a fidelity to his country and her welfare. The difficulties which he had to encounter in his own business career have made him ever ready to extend a helping hand to young men who are starting out in life without eapital as he did, to whom his business record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
MRS. CHARLES BOGARDUS.
Mrs. Charles Bogardus, nee Hannah W. Pells, only daughter of the late William H. Pells, one of the founders of Paxton, first saw Paxton in 1860, on a visit with her father and brother, little thinking it was destined to be her future home, where the greater part of her life would be spent.
In April, 1872, she left her old home in Ridgeway, Orleans county, New York, where she was born and married, and with her husband, Colonel Charles Bogardus, their little daughter and her father, Mr. Pells, came to Paxton, where a family home for them all was established.
Mrs. B., as she is familiarly called by many, is much like her father in disposition and ways, inherits his business traits in a marked degree. She has always been the confidant of her husband, who always counsels with her on
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propositions of any moment. and he says: "She never advised him wrong." Simple and domestic in her taste, her home is her earthly Heaven.
Flowers are to her a great pleasure, and with the ample grounds of the home, she has gratified her taste with careful selections of choice kinds, among which were forty varieties of roses.
< Her large circle of friends is made up for their true worth without a thought of wealth or social position. Many people of lowly station are among her most cherished friends, and by whom she is greatly beloved. It is not strange that she is so well beloved by all. Kind of heart and charitable, but always wanting her charities unknown. A friend of education, for many years she and her husband kept a certain number of pupils in Rice Collegiate Insti- tute at their own expense; trying to keep it secret. but the young people benefited told it, much to their regret. The writer learns that many young men and women had a helping hand from them. Some are teachers and others occupy business positions today.
Paxton was without a park and she gave a block of ground set to trees for that purpose. The public wanted an addition to the park, again she responded with a gift of more ground, with the only stipulation that the gifts should bear the name of "Pells Park," in honor of her father.
The University of Michigan needed grounds for their engineering studies and other university work, and they had but a small appropriation for it. She and her husband talked the matter over with the university committee, learned their needs and together gave them a deed to one thousand, four hundred and forty-one acres. with three miles of lake frontage. worth about twelve times the amount of their appropriation as appraised by the committee representing the university.
A good wife. best of mothers. a kind-hearted neighbor. most considerate of the welfare of her friends ; a noble woman, well worthy to be the wife of her distinguished husband who has been the recipient of high military and civil honors constantly since he attained his majority.
We were told a little story by one of her intimate friends, in confidence, vet we are going to tell it, knowing she would objeet, as it best illustrates her kindness of heart and consideration of the poor better than a volume could express it. Some years ago during the game season, her husband sent some quail to her, of which she is very fond. A few moments after the quail had been received and put away, a tramp came to the back door and asked for something to eat. Mrs. B. overheard him asking for some meat, saying he had not tasted meat for days. There happened to be none in the house. She at once invited him in, her cook being indisposed, she dressed the largest quail and cooked it with other things, giving him a breakfast that rarely falls to the lot of a tramp. The cook told of it, and her friends of course joked her; her reply, was that she only did her duty and would feed quail to one of God's unfortunates again if he seemed worthy. She said the thanks and look of thankfulness given her by the aged man and his words, as he raised his much
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JOHN A. MONTELIUS
WILLIAM A. PIPER
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worn cap, "Lady, that is the best meal I have eaten since I had a home of my own." were worth many times the trouble of dressing and cooking the quail and getting him a breakfast. No person was ever turned away hungry from her door.
Mrs. Bogardus inherited from her father and brother large property interests in Michigan, Illinois, city of Paxton and elsewhere, in which she takes a keen interest. She and her husband spend much of their time at Pellston, the namesake of her father; her deep interest in the growth, and her constant thoughtfulness for the welfare of this youthful city, and the better- ment of its people have caused her to be called "The Mother of Pellston," and still her love for Paxton and Paxton interests and her people have never diminished.
She has kept pace with her husband, in all his undertakings has been his faithful helpmate and most valued counselor.
Dies ar Peleston. mich July 9. 1923- 7 P.m
HON. JOHN A. MONTELIUS.
The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments but rather to leave the per- petual record establishing his character by the concensus of opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Throughout Ford county Hon. John A. Montelius is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life has been so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of Piper City and has also left an impress upon the annals of the state. While in one sense he cannot be called a public man, al- beit he has held some political offices, he has nevertheless exerted an immeasure- able influence on the city of his residence; in business life as a financier and promoter of extensive commercial and industrial enterprises ; in social circles by reason of a charming personality and unfeigned cordiality ; in politics by reason of his publie spirit and devotion to the general good as well as to his compre- hensive understanding of any questions affecting state and national welfare; and in those departments of activity which work for the bettterment of man- kind through his benevolence and his liberality.
Mr. Montelius was born in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1844, and is a descendant of Frederick Marens Montelius, who started across the Atlantic in the winter of 1773, landing in Philadelphia, on the 25th of August. He carried on merchandising there for some time and afterward removed to Reamstown, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. John Montelius, his son, and the grandfather of John A. Montelius, took up his abode in Mifflinburg, Pennsyl- vania, about 1800, and followed the trade of a tanner as a means of livelihood. He became one of the prominent and influential residents of his loeality, which
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he represented in the state legislature, also serving as associate judge of the county.
Ilis family numbered six sons and six daughters, including Charles Monte- lius, who was born in Mifflinburg in 1811. In early manhood he learned the tanner's trade but afterward engaged in merchandising. In 1837 he wedded Rebecca Howard Piper, who died in 1866 and the following year Mr. Montelius came to Piper City and resided with his son, John A. They were in business together through the succeeding six years, after which Charles Montelius re- tired. At his death in 1882 his remains were taken back to Pennsylvania and laid by the side of his wife. His early political allegiance was given to the whig party and upon its dissolution he became a republican. A prominent member of the Presbyterian church, he served as one of its elders for many years, and his life was ever upright and honorable. Of his family two children died in in- fancy. One son, William Piper, completed his literary education in Lafayette College and spent two years in Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny. He then became connected with the Christian Commission and in the fall of 1864 was stationed at Huntsville, Alabama. He died June 15, 1865, at Mifflin- burg, Pennsylvania, from disease contracted in this service. Harry G. Montelius, the youngest brother of our subject, was born in Mifflinburg, Sep- tember 2, 1859, and died in California, February 18, 1899.
At the usual age John A. Montelius began his education as a pupil in the public schools of his native city and when he put aside his text-books in 1859 he entered upon his business career as a salesman in a store in Milton, Pennsyl- vania. He also spent one year in Lewisburg and in 1861 he enlisted at the first call for volunteers, going to Camp Curtain, at Harrisburg, but was rejected. He then reenlisted on the 17th of June, 1863, for one hundred days' service, becoming a member of Company D, Thirty-first Pennsylvania Infan- try, which time he spent at Cumberland, Maryland. He was discharged at Harrisburg. August 8, 1863, and on the 12th of July, 1864, again joined the Union army, as a member of the First Battalion of Pennsylvania Infantry, with which he continued until honorably discharged on the 11th of November following. Thus before he attained the age of twenty years he had three times enlisted for defense of the Union.
In the fall of 1865 Mr. Montelius further qualified for the business world as a student in Quaker City Business College of Philadelphia, and in the sum- mer of 1866 he held a position in the Corn Exchange National Bank of Philadelphia. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the middle west he arrived in Piper City on the 14th of November, 1866, and has since been a resident of Ford county, where he has figured most prominently in business affairs. On the 6th of December he joined his uncle, Dr. Piper, in whose honor Piper City was named, in the conduet of a general mercantile enter- prise. Changes in the partnership from time to time induced the adoption of the firm style of Piper, Montelius & Company, C. Montelius & Son and J. A. Montelius, for in later years Mr. Montelius became sole proprietor. He
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has figured prominently in the financial circles of the city since 1867. He was originally connected with his father in banking and sold out to Campbell & Thompson, with the intention of devoting his time to his extensive landed interests. He organized the First National Bank of Piper City and from the beginning, April 14, 1900, has been its president. Previous to this he conducted the Piper City Bank, a private bank, which he bought of Durham Brothers in 1896. The National Bank is capitalized for fifty thousand dol- lars, and his son, Joseph K., is associated with him in this enterprise. The bank has become recognized as one of the strongest financial concerns of Ford county and this part of the state, having been established on a safe, conservative basis, while the policy maintained has always been such as to merit the unqualified confidence and trust of the public.
Almost from the beginning of his residence here Mr. Montelius has like- wise been engaged in the grain trade. Ile is a man of resourceful ability, recognizing and utilizing opportunities that others pass by heedlessly. He owns two grain elevators in Piper City, the business being now conducted by his son, George D., under the firm name of George D. Montelius & Company. For forty years he has been associated with the grain trade and his operations in that line have brought him a gratifying financial return. From time to time Mr. Montelius has made very extensive investments in realty and is now the owner of over five thousand aeres in Ford and Iroquois counties. He and his three sons are conducting their business interests under the same roof and the name of Montelius is one of the strongest in trade and financial eir- cles in this part of the state. The youngest son, John A., is conducting the implement business which was established by the father about three decades ago. At one time Mr. Montelius also conducted a branch agricultural imple- ment store at Kempton but has withdrawn from that field, since turning over this department of his business to his son.
Not only in business lines but also in many other ways Mr. Montelius has been a most active and potent factor in the life of the city. In early manhood he served for a number of terms as supervisor of Brenton township and was chairman of the board. In 1900 he was elected representative of his district in the general assembly and his legislative course was so satisfactory to his constituents that he was reelected in 1902, serving in the forty-second and forty-third sessions of the house. In the latter he had the honor of introducing the local option bill, drawn by the Anti-Saloon League, of which he is a member. He also introduced amendments to the farm drainage law. which were of great benefit to this section of the state. He served on the revenue and banking committees and was chairman of the committee of Sol- diers and Sailors Home and the Orphans Home at Normal. He stood with thirty-nine Sherman men who went to defeat together. Ile laeked but a few votes of election to the speakership of the general assembly at the time when John H. Miller was chosen. He is a warm personal as well as political friend of Shelby M. Cullom, and has a wide acquaintance and friendship among many
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of the distinguished political leaders of the state. In 1904 he was chosen the presidential elector and cast his ballot for Roosevelt. Mr. Montelius has been a student of the problems which constitute political interest at the present day and of the great issues which divide the two parties with their roots extending down to the bedrock of the foundation of the republic, he has a true statesman's grasp. His ideas and labors concerning polities and those interests which are to be conserved through political labor have been at all times in- tensely practical.
Mr. Montelius was married on the 8th of October. 1867, in Mifflinburg. Pennsylvania, to Miss Catherine Gast, a native of that city and a daughter of Henry and Mary Gast. They became the parents of six children: Charles Henry, who died in infancy; the three sons mentioned above; and Maggie and Mary Rebecca, the daughters of the family, at home.
Mr. Montelius is a member of the Grand Army post of Piper City, being one of its organizers and the only charter member now living. and he is prom- inent in the order in Illinois. He is an exemplary Mason, being a charter member of Piper Lodge, No. 608, A. F. & A. M .; Fairbury Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M .; and St. Paul Commandery. No. 34. K. T. at Fairbury. He has
also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the Oriental con- sistory of Chicago. While his life has been a most busy one, his extensive business interests and political service making constant demands upon his time and attention, he has yet found opportunity to devote to the higher, holier duties of life, which many men neglect in the press and stress of business interests. For many years he has been an elder of the Presbyterian church and superintendent of the Sunday school, and his efforts in behalf of the church have been far-reaching and effective.
His business career seems in a measure phenomenal when one recognizes the fact that while today he is one of the wealthiest men of Ford county he had a capital of only twelve hundred dollars when he arrived in Piper City and this had been saved from his earnings since the time when he started out in business life empty-handed. He has been generous of his means in sup- port of many valuable public measures. Regarded as a citizen and in his social relations he belongs to that public-spirited, nseful and helpful type of men whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number.
IION. J. P. MIDDLECOFF.
Jonathan P. Middlecoff is a citizen to whom Paxton, in large measure, owes her commercial prosperity, material improvement and architectural adornment. The history of Ford county would be very incomplete and unsat- isfactory without a personal and somewhat extended mention of him. He finds an appropriate place in the history of those men of business and enter-
J. P. MIDDLECOFF
1
.
MRS. J. P. MIDDLECOFF
1
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prise who have established and controlled large affairs and have brought to successful completion important schemes of trade and profit, thus contributing in an eminent degree to the development of the vast resources of the state. One of the prominent characteristics of his successful business career is that his vision has never been bounded by the exigencies of the moment but has covered as well the opportunities and possibilities of the future. This has led him into extensive undertakings bringing him into marked prominence in industrial, commercial and financial circles.
Mr. Middlecoff is a native of Richmond, Indiana, born on the 20th of February, 1838. The father, Daniel Middlecoff, was born in Maryland in 1800 and in the same state, in 1809, occurred the birth of Theresa Newcomer, who in early womanhood became his wife. On removing from Maryland in 1827 they established their home at Richmond, Indiana, where they remained until 1849. In that year they took up their abode in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for many years Daniel Middlecoff was a prominent and successful wholesale grocery merchant there. In 1861 he settled in Patton township, Ford county, Illinois, where he resided until his death in 1866. His widow long survived him, passing away in 1898.
When a lad of eleven years Jonathan P. Middlecoff became a pupil in the public schools of Cincinnati and later continued his education in St. John's College and in the Farmers College of Ohio. In 1857 he came to Illinois and entered business life in this state as a merchant of Ludlow, Champaign county, where he remained until 1862. In that year he removed to a farm in Ford county and was actively identified with agricultural pursuits until 1867, when he became a hardware merchant of Paxton, continuing the business with success for several years. Constantly watchful of opportunities for the extension of his business, in 1881 he became associated with C. Bogardus, P. Whitmer and F. L. Cook in the manufacture of drain tile and brick under the firm name of the Paxton Brick & Tile Company. Mr. Middlecoff was chosen president and general manager and from the beginning the enterprise proved a success. The trade steadily increased, his capable control being manifest in a growing patronage that rendered this a most profitable investment. Mr. Middleeoff continued at the head of the business until 1902.
In the meantime, in 1888, he assisted in organizing the Paxton Canning Company, of which he was also chosen president and general manager. The same spirit of enterprise was brought to bear in its control and thus the snc- cess was assured from the start. In all of his business interests Mr. Middle- coff has been watchful of every detail, has been energetie, prompt and notably reliable and in the exeention of well defined plans and purposes has met with success. From time to time he has made judicious investments in property and now has extensive real-estate holdings, ineluding valuable farms and much city reality. In 1896 he was the organizer of the hotel company which erected the present magnificent hotel at Paxton, a building which would be a credit to a city of much larger size. He was elected president of the company and
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after the completion of the structure the hotel was named the Middlecoff in his honor. It is bnt one of many evidences of his public-spirited interest in Paxton. Although he spends but four or five months of each year here he loves his home city as a father loves his child and does much to further its interests and promote its progress.
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