USA > Illinois > Ford County > History of Ford County, Illinois : from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 2
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JOHN L. KREITZER.
John L. Kreitzer has been identified with blacksmithing, farming and merchandising but is now living retired, the activity of his former years being succeeded by a period of well earned rest in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. Of foreign birth, he first opened his eyes to the light of day in Prussia, Germany, in 1849, his parents being Rudolph and Wilhelmina (Velkner) Kreitzer, who were also natives of Prussia. The father was a blacksmith and farmer and also practiced veterinary surgery. His wife died in Germany, after which he came to the new world and is now living in Wichita, Kansas.
John L. Kreitzer spent the first sixteen years of his life in the land of his birth and then determined to come to America, believing that he might have better business opportunities in this country. He crossed the Atlantic alone in 1865. IIe sailed from Liverpool on the boat Wieland and landed at Quebec, whence he made his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was employed at an early day as a farm hand by the month by George Nolan and later worked for an uncle in a blacksmith shop at Graften, Wisconsin. Subsequently he spent a short time in the employ of M. L. Sullivan, at Sibley, Illinois, breaking prairie. and afterward worked on the railroad to some extent. He used every oppor- tunity that opened to him for earning an honest living and by untiring industry and careful saving he at length acquired a sun sufficient to justify his purchase of land. In March, 1885, therefore, he invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Champaign county, for which he paid forty dollars per acre. Ile then rented it to Giles Gardner for a year, after which he sold it, in 1888, for forty-seven and a half dollars per aere.
Mr. Kreitzer next bought three hundred and twenty aeres from R. Fairbank situated three miles south of Elliott on section 35, Dix township, Ford county. lle cultivated this farm for two years and then sold the south half to Charles Johnson for forty-seven and a half dollars per acre, clearing seven and a half dollars per acre on the purchase price. He next invested in forty acres in
J. L. KREITZER
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Indiana, but traded that property to W. A. Cameron, of Elliott, for a large store in the village. He was afterward identified with merchandising for ten years, from the 1st of March, 1893, until 1903, when he turned the business over to his son, W. A. Kreitzer, who now condnets it. Since that time Mr. Kreitzer has bought and sold different pieces of realty and has usually realized a good profit on his investments. He purchased a house and two lots from Charles Sanberg in the northeast part of Elliott and afterward bonght a store building. which he later gave to his danghter Mrs. Jones, she and her husband there conducting a store and restaurant. Mr. Kreitzer purchased a nice home from Mrs. Wilcox in the north part of the town, including four lots and the dwelling. He also bought a lot of Louis Lorenz and sixty acres of land from Clarence Alexander, which lies within the corporation limits of the village at the north. Mr. Kreitzer was the first to put in a concrete sidewalk in Elliott and his son, W. A. Kreitzer, was the second. He now owns two hundred and twenty-six aeres of rich and valuable land in Dix township and from his property interests derives a good income which enables him to live retired.
On the 18th of February, 1872, occurred the marriage of Mr. Kreitzer and Miss Avery Stowater, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of August and Fredericka Stowater. Her father was a teacher and taught in both English and German. IIe also possessed more than ordinary mechanical skill and ability. Coming from Strassburg, Germany, to the new world, he settled in New York eity, where he remained for ten yaers, and then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, after which he became a resident of Cedarburg. Wisconsin. He next purchased four hundred aeres of land but rented it. He died about thirty-five years ago and is yet survived by his widow, who resides in Iowa.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kreitzer have been born three children: Gertrude, the wife of Oscar Jones, conducting a store and restaurant in Elliott; Emma, the wife of Charles Cameron, who is connected with his father in the banking bnsi- ness at Elliott; and William, who married Bertha Frederick and is now conducting the large general store which was formerly carried on by his father in Elliott. He is a prominent and leading citizen and business man of the village and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Kreitzer is a stalwart republican in his political views and for one year served as village director. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and is interested in all that pertains to the material, intellectual, political and moral development of the community. Ford county finds in him a worthy and valued citizen and, moreover, he deserves to be classed with the self-made men who have been the architects of their own fortunes and have builded wisely and well. He
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never had a single cent given him but from an early age has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. IIe became imbued with a laudable desire to attain something more than a bare living and through the improvement of his opportunities and the recognition of his possibilities he has gradually worked his way upward, building his prosperity upon a sure foundation of diligence, perseverance and untiring effort. His fellow townsmen respect him for what he has accomplished and admire him for the honorable methods he has followed in attaining his snecess.
AUGUST ONKEN.
August Onken, now living in Gibson City, was in former years closely associated with the agricultural interests of Ford county. He is a self-made man and he deserves credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed. He was born in Ost Friesland, in northern Germany, October 21, 1840, a son of Welki and Elizabeth (Hoyne) Onken. The father was in limited financial circumstances and provided for his family by strenu- ous effort at farm labor. £ The oportunities which his son August enjoyed in youth were rather meager. He had the advantage of only three years' train- ing in the schools and afterward worked on different farms in the vicinity of his birthplace for thirteen years until twenty-six years of age, when he deter- mined to seek a home and fortune in America, believing that he might have better opportunities in the new world. When he crossed the Atlantic his pos- sessions consisted of little more than the clothes which he wore. The middle west was his destination and he made his way direct to Jacksonville, Illinois, while later he went to Tallula, Menard county, west of Petersburg. It was in the year 1867 that he crossed the Atlantic as a passenger on a sailing vessel, which was forty-two days in completing that voyage. Mr. Onken worked as a farm hand for two years and nine months in Menard county and then began farming on his own account on rented land.
In the year 1871 he was married to Johannah Harms and unto them were born two daughters, but both died in infancy, and the wife and mother passed away in 1873. In 1876 Mr. Onken was again married, his second union being with Teany Elizabeth Weakman, of Ford county. They had four children : Louis, who is now a broker of Spokane, Washington; John, who is also located in Spokane; and Henry and Emma, who died in childhood.
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After cultivating rented land for several years, Mr. Onken, as the result of his unwearied industry and careful expenditure, was enabled in 1882 to purchase one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid forty dollars per aere. From that time on he has steadily progressed in the business world and as his financial resources have increased he has from time to time added to his property holdings until he became the owner of seven hundred and eighty acres in Ford and Champaign counties. He gave three hundred and twenty acres of this to his sons and the remainder he now leases for general farming. Two years ago he removed to Gibson City and bought a fine home, which he occu- pies in the enjoyment of well earned rest. IIe is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the democracy. Well known throughout this section of the state, he has a wide and favorable acquaintance and enjoys in large measure the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. Arriving in the United States with no capital save a stont heart and willing hands, he realized the fact that while in this country labor is unhampered by caste or class it is only by unfaltering diligence, guided by sound judgment, that success can be seenred. By the exercise of these qualities he has made steady progress and is now one of the substantial residents of Gibson City.
WILLIAM M. MILLER, M. D.
Dr. William M. Miller, a physician and merchant of Cabery, who is meeting with success in both professional and commercial lines and is regarded as one of the foremost residents of the village, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, October 28, 1858. His father, Dr. G. M. Miller, was also a physician and a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He prepared for his chosen calling as a student in Philadelphia Medical College, from which he was grad- uated, and during his residence in the east his time and energies were always devoted to the practice of medicine. After removing to the west he retired from active life and spent his remaining days on a farm. His death occurred at Ottawa, Illinois, when he had reached the age of sixty-four years. In early manhood he wedded Rebecca Chrover, a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who still survives and is now living in Ottawa. In their family were five daughters and four sons.
Dr. Wiliam M. Miller was a youth of twelve years when he accompanied his parents on their removal westward to Illinois, the family home being
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established at Ottawa. There he resided until 1884, when he came to Cabery, Ford county, where he has since lived. He completed his literary education in Ottawa high school and then, determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he supplemented his preliminary reading by a course of study in Rush Medical College at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1884. He located for practice in Cabery and in the same year established a drug store. Six years ago he removed to his present quarters and increased the scope of his business by adding a stock of general merchandise. In this enter- prise he is associated with W. H. Clayton under the firm name of Miller & Clayton. They are conducting a growing and gratifying business, which is pleasantly housed in a building erected by Dr. Miller-a one-story brick structure, thirty-seven and a half by eighty feet. They carry a well selected line of drugs and general merchandise and a liberal patronage is accorded them. As a physician Dr. Miller is very successful and keeps in touch with the general trend of progress and improvement made by the medical fraternity through his reading and investigation.
In 1886 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. William Miller and Miss Alice Clayton, a daughter of William Clayton. Their children, four in number, are Hazel, Clayton, Genevieve and Charles, all born in Cabery. The family is one of prominence here, having ever ocenpied an enviable position in social circles. Dr. Miller is a stalwart Republican, and was at one time very active in political cireles, serving for a number of years as a member of the school board; was also a member of the town board and for three or four years was its president. In that capacity he capably administered the municipal affairs of the village, and his devotion to the public good was manifest in his effective effort toward promoting publie progress and improvement.
WILLIAM A. WALLRICHS.
A valuable farming property comprising two hundred and forty-three aeres, situated on section 2. Pella township, is the home of William A. Wallrichs. who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising, making a specialty of the latter. He was born in Germany, March 11, 1852, where his parents lived and died. He is the oldest of a family of eight children, the others being: Ricka, the wife of J. J. bantry, of Kansas; Thomas J., who makes
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his home in Livingston county, Illinois; Wallace, deceased; Delia, who has also passed away; Chris, who resides in Colorado; and two, who are deceased.
Mr. Wallrichs acquired his education in the schools of his native land, and was a youth of sixteen years when he emigrated to the new world, being attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard concerning this country. Upon reaching American shores he at once made his way to Chatsworth, Illinois, where for a year he was employed on the railroad. He then worked at the blacksmith's trade for two years, subsequent to which time he entered the butchering business, which occupied his time and attention during the succeeding twenty-one years. In 1900, however, he disposed of that business and located on his present farm, comprising two hundred and forty-three acres of rich and productive land, situated on section 2, Pella township. He is here engaged in cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and is also engaged in raising stock, giving the greater part of his attention to this field of activity. Altogether Mr. Wallrichs has followed farming for fifteen years, and is meeting with excellent success in his undertakings, following only the most practical and modern methods in carrying on his work.
In 1876 Mr. Wallrichs chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life, Miss Sophia Dannaman, who is likewise a native of Germany, her birth having there occurred in 1853. and she is one of a family of four children, whose parents are both deceased. Unto our subject and his wife have been born eight children, of whom six are living. The family record is as follows: Tena, deceased ; Henry, who resides in Ford county; Tena, the second of that name, who married John Keefe; Minnie, at home; Mattie, who passed away; Rieka, who is still under the parental roof; Anna, who is engaged in teaching school ; and William, at home.
Mr. Wallrichs gives his political support to the republican party and for the past seventeen years has served as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. He is a member of Chatsworth Lodge, No. 539, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the chapter at Fairbury. Both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, giving freely of their means toward the support of this organization.
Mr. Wallrichs is familiar with the development and improvement that has been carried on in Livingston and Ford counties through almost four decades, for when he located in this section of the state there were many pioneer conditions still to be seen. Much of the land was still unimproved, and deer and other wild game were still to be seen roaming over the prairies. He can
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recall an incident in the winter of 1869, when he shot several deer about a mile north of his present home. IIe is a self-made man, deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished in the business world, for though he came here in early youth, dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood, he has through his close attention, careful management and untiring industry, gained a success which now enables him to enjoy all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
ROBERT E. PURDUM.
Robert E. Purdum, who is engaged in general farming on section 33, Pella township, has a tract of land of one hundred and seventy acres, whose fertility is indicated in the large crops which he annually garners. He was born in McLean county, Illinois, June 16, 1857, his parents being John and Nancy (Hamilton) Purdum, who were natives of Brown county, Ohio, in which state they remained until 1856, coming in that year to Illinois. They settled in McLean county, where their remaining days were passed. Unto them were born seven children, of whom four are still living: Samarimus. the wife of Guy Farr. now living in Lamar, Missouri; Whalen, whose home is in Colton, California; Elizabeth, the wife of Colonel Wilson. a resident of Dallas county, Iowa; and Robert E. The father was a farmer by occupation. following that pursuit throughout his entire life in order to provide for his family.
Mr. Purdum remained at home with his parents up to the time of his marriage. IIe then purchased eighty acres of land and began farming on his own account. He had acquired his education in the public schools and when not busy with his text-books had aided in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. Ile continued upon his original farm for thirteen years, when he sold that property and purchased his present place of residence of one hundred and seventy acres on section 33, Pella township. It has since been his home and the attractive appearance of the place indicates his careful supervision and practical methods. There have been no exciting chapters in his life record but year after year he has worked on diligently and persistently and has thus acquired a comfortable competence.
In 1887 Mr. Purdum was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Stevens, who was born in Livingston county, Illinois, a daughter of Henry and Elnora (Sickler) Stevens, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, their family numbering eight children. Both the father and mother are now deceased.
MR. AND MRS. R. E. PURDUM
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Purdum have been born eight children: John L., Elmora Belle, Ida May, Ruby Margaretta, Edgar R., Clarence LeRoy. Pearl Odessa and Blanche R. The four eldest children are now attending the high school at Piper City, Mr. Purdum desiring that all shall have good educational advantages and thus be well equipped for the duties of life.
He supports the Methodist Episcopal church and is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and also the Modern Woodmen camp of Piper City. His political views accord with the principles of the republican party and he has held several township offices, the duties of which he has discharged capably. for every trust reposed in him is faithfully performed, vet he does not seek nor desire public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which. capably managed, have brought to him a fair measure of prosperity.
JOIIN M. THOMPSON.
The name of Thompson has throughout a long period been closely identified with the business and official interests of Melvin and Ford county, representatives of the name having occupied a prominent place in the public life of this section of the state. John M. Thompson is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred near Williamsburg, Noble county, April 24. 1837, and is the fourth in order of birth in a family of children born unto William and Catherine (Dver) Thompson, natives of Virginia and of Ohio respectively. Three members of the family died in infancy and those who still survive are: Mrs. Nancy Grove, of El Paso, Illinois; John M., of this review; T. D., of Paxton : Mrs. Sarah Day. of Melvin; and William II., also of Melvin. The father accom- panied his parents from Virginia to Belmont county. Ohio, and it was there that he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Dyer. In 1843 he removed with his family to Monroe county, that state, but after seven years returned once more to Belmont county, where the wife and mother died April 8, 1863, when she had reached the age of fifty-four years. The year following the father removed to Illinois, settling first in LaSalle county, near New Rutland, where for several years he engaged in farming, which had been his occupation previous to coming to this state. His death, however, occurred in Melvin, in March, 1874, where he had resided for about four years prior to his demise. Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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John M. Thompson of this review, spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. accompanying his parents on their removals in Ohio until 1864, when he was brought to Illinois. He was reared to farm life, devoting his time and energies during the summer seasons to work on the home farm, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district schools. He also attended Barnesville Academy, and taught school in Belmont county, Ohio, for three years, from 1858 until 1861. It was in 1872 that he came to Ford county, and engaged in the dry-goods and grocery business in partnership with his brother, T. D. Thompson, who now makes his home in Paxton, where he is filling the of- fice of circuit clerk. The brothers were quite successful in this undertaking and conducted the business for several years, but in 1878 John M. Thompson sold his interest in the business to his brother, after which he engaged in the implement business, to which he later added a stock of Inmber. He was thus successfully engaged until 1886, when he disposed of his interests to his son, William E., and his brother, William H. Thompson. In his business affairs he met with a gratify- ing measure of success and acquired a competence which now classes him among the substantial citizens of this section of Ford county.
Mr. Thompson has been married twice. He first married in 1861, to Miss Jane Day, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, September 18, 1837, a daughter of John and Anna (Crew) Day, natives of Pennsylvania and of North Carolina respectively. Their marriage was blessed with three children : William E., who was born February 9, 1863, and wedded Miss Maggie Stather. now making his home in Melvin ; Anna C., who died June 17, 1874, at the age of four years ; and Frank M., who was born February 3, 1877, and is now a practicing attorney of Paxton, Illinois. On the 15th of May, 1887. Mr. Thompson was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, and on the 6th of December, 1888, he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jennie Thompson, his brother's widow. She was born in Lancashire, England, March 25, 1851, and when a child of two and a half years was brought to America by her parents, Joseph and Sarah (Brierly) Fletcher, who were likewise natives of England, the family home being established in Kendall county, Illinois. The parents are both deceased, the father having passed away in Illinois, while the mother's death occurred in Iowa. The daughter first gave her hand in marriage to Israel A. Thompson, by whom she has one daughter, Katherine, and by her marriage to John M. Thompson she has one child, Gail Fletcher.
Mr. Thompson has given his support to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His first presidential ballot was cast for Lincoln. Ile has filled many public offices, having for twenty-five
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consecutive years filled the office of justice of the peace. his long continuance therein giving proof of his fidelity and trustworthiness in the discharge of his duties. In 1898 he was elected drainage commissioner and served in four drain- age districts, and has filled the office to the present time. IIe was also elected township supervisor to fill out an unexpired term. He is a charter member of Peach Orchard lodge, No. 179, K. P., in which he has filled all of the chairs. including that of deputy grand chancellor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Melvin, in which he is serving as trustee. It is fitting that the sketches of the distinguished citizens of the county should find a place in this volume, in which connection Mr. Thompson by the consensus of public opinion is rated. He stands today as a high type of American manhood, who has won the good will and confidence of his fellowmen by his public service and private life.
HENRY STEDMAN.
Henry Stedman is one of the younger representatives of the farming interests of Ford county, and one of its native sons. He now resides in Pella township, deriving his income from a good farm of one hundred and eighty acres situated on sections 10 and 11. He was born on the 25th of February, 1881, of the marriage of Nelson and Harriet (Read) Stedman, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of Earl Stedman.
At the usual age Henry Stedman was sent to the public schools and mastered the branches of learning therein taught, thus qualifying for the duties of life which come when one leaves the schoolroom. During the summer months he had been inured to the work of the farm and the occupation to which he was reared he determined to make his life pursuit. When nineteen years of age he began farming on his own account and his first investment in property made him the owner of forty acres. To this he has added until he now owns one hundred and eighty acres on sections 10 and 11, Pella township, being regarded as one of the young enterprising farmers of the community. ITis place has a well kept appearance and the fields annually bring forth rich crops, for the work of plowing, planting and harvesting is systematically done, due attention being given to the condition and quality of the soil.
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