USA > Illinois > Ford County > History of Ford County, Illinois : from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 28
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Mr. and Mrs. Reep began their domestie life in the east and remained residents of their native state until 1879, when they sought a home in Illinois. They spent one year in Kankakee county and in 1880 came to Ford county,
DAVID REEP
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settling upon a farm near the place upon which Mrs. Reep now makes her home. A little later Mr. Reep purchased the present farm and became the owner of two hundred and ninety-seven acres of rich and productive land. With characteristic energy he began the development of his fields, which he brought under a high state of cultivation and to his place he added many modern improvements and equipments, making it one of the fine farms of the county. Ilis life was one of untiring industry and in all of his business affairs he was honorable and straightforward.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reep were born eight children who are still living and they lost two who died in infaney. Those who still survive are: John F., a resident of Oregon; Minnie, the wife of Orval Phebus, who is living near Sheridan, Indiana; Elizabeth, the wife of William Martin, also a resident of Indiana ; Alexander, at home; James C., also at home; Albert, who is superin- tendent of schools at Fortville, Indiana; Iva M., the wife of Charles Coulter, who makes his home near Paxton; and Charles E., who completes the family.
In his political views Mr. Reep was a prohibitionist-a fact which indicates his position on the temperance question. He served as school director and commissioner of highways and he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, his life being in harmony with its principles. Ilis family are also identified with the Methodist church at Paxton. In manner Mr. Reep was quiet and unostentatious but his many good qualities of heart and mind made him well loved in the community as well as in his own household. As the years passed the careful conduct of his business affairs brought him a com- fortable competence and he was thus enabled to leave his family in good financial circumstances when on the 16th of December, 1906, he was called from this life. Mrs. Reep still resides upon the farm and, like her husband, has many friends in the community, where she has now lived for twenty-eight years.
J. F. DONAIIUE.
J. F. Donahue, who owns and operates two hundred and forty acres of rich farming land on section 31, Mona township, was born in Preble county. Ohio, on the 29th of August, 1854. his parents being Peter and Elizabeth (Laughlin) Donahue, both natives of Ireland. They emigrated to the United States in 1850, taking up their abode in Ohio, where the father worked by the
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month for four years at a salary of seven dollars per month. He then operated a rented farm for three years and in 1858 removed to La Salle county, Illinois, also renting a farm there for several years. On the expira- tion of that period he purchased a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in La Salle county, whereon he made his home until the time of his demise. He was one of the early settlers of this state and largely aided in the work of pioneer development and upbuilding. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Donahue were seven children, namely: J. F., of this review; James, who lives in Oklahoma; Thomas, who also resides in that state; and four who have passed away.
J. F. Donahue acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had reached maturity, when he rented a farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 31, Mona township, Ford county. At the end of four years he purchased the place and has continuously resided thereon to the present time, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation by reason of the practical, progressive methods which he follows in the conduct of his farming interests. Ile has also added to his original purchase until his property now comprises two hundred and forty acres and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of Ford county.
In 1887 Mr. Donahue was joined in wedlock to Miss Maggie Gardner, a native of La Salle county, whose parents were born in Ireland, emigrating to America at an early day. The father is deceased but the mother still survives him, now making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Donahue. The latter is one of a family of seven children, is a graduate of the Paxton high school and was engaged in teaching for ten years. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children: William J., who is a student in the State Univers- ity; John F., deceased; Elizabeth, who is now attending the Cullom high school ; Elmer J., who is also pursuing his studies in the Cullom high school; and Margaret C., Lester P. and Marie II., at home.
In his political views Mr. Donahue is a stanch democrat and is quite prominent in local political circles, having served for several years as drainage ditch commissioner, while for twenty years he has acted as school director. Fraternally he is connected with Woodmen lodge, No. 1886, at Cullom, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church, of which his wife is also a communicant. Almost a third of a century has passed since our subjeet came to Ford county. This state was then largely a wild district, its lands unclaimed, its resources undeveloped. In the years which
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have since passed, Mr. Donahue has not only witnessed a most wonderful transformation but has also aided in the labors which have transformed the wild tract into a splendid commonwealth. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the entire community, having gained many friends during the long period of their residence here.
MYRON LEWIS SHERMAN.
An excellent farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 30. Pella township, well developed and well improved. is the property of Myron Lewis Sherman, who since 1868. with the exception of a period of fifteen years has resided in Ford county. He was born at Watertown. New York. June 6, 1863, a son of Nicholas and Electa J. (Lewis) Sherman, who were natives of the state of New York and came to Illinois in 1855, settling in Kendall county, where the father followed farming until 1868. Ile then removed with his family to Ford county, purchasing land in Pella township, whereon he lived for five years and then returned to Kendall county. Another period of five years was there passed, after which he came again to Ford county. settling once more on their farm, which remained the place of residence of the father and mother until 1893, when they retired to Piper City, where their last days were passed.
Myron L. Sherman remained with his father during the period of his minority and acquired a public-school education. He rented land from his father when he had reached adult age and thus carried on farming on his own account for five years, after which he bought eighty acres on section 30, Pella township. This was the nucleus of his present farm, the boundaries of which have been extended from time to time until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres on section 30, Pella township. It is a valuable farm. neat and thrifty in appearance and well improved with good buildings and modern equipments.
In 1881 Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Ella Keller, who was born in Pulaski, New York. Her parents are now living in Estherville, Iowa, and in their family were nine children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have been born four children but Cora, the eldest, is now deceased. The others are: Jennie E., the wife of Hugo Trunk, of Livingston county; George E., at home; and Jessie, the wife of John K. Reed, of Piper City.
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In his political views Mr. Sherman is a stalwart republican and has served as highway commissioner for fourteen years, also filling the office of school director for nine years. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, No. 608, at Piper City, to Fairbury Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M., at Fairbury, and St. Paul Com- mandery. No. 34, K. T., of Fairbury. He is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church. In the Masonic lodge he has filled all of the chairs and is most loyal to the teachings of the craft. His interest in the community, its substantial development and its improvement along social, intellectual and moral lines, has led to his endorsement of many movements that have been of material benefit in accomplishing desired results. His business record is commendable in that his industry, unfaltering diligence and keen business discernment constitute the basis of the success which he is now enjoying.
THOMAS J. LIDDLE.
Thomas J. Liddle, one of the most prominent farmers of Ford county, was born in Knox county, Illinois, March 9, 1859, his parents being James and Elizabeth (Brown) Liddle, who were natives of England and eame to America in 1858. The father was born in Northumberland county, England, and was a ship carpenter by trade. He traveled extensively, having worked in all of the large ship-building yards of England, and when he determined to come to America he crossed the continent from New York until the interior of the country was reached, settling in Knox county, Illinois, where he rented land and thus engaged in farming. For about fourteen years he continued in that county and in 1872 removed to Livingston county, where he purchased a farm upon which he made his home until 1881. In that year he became a resident of Ford county, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of land, upon which but slight improvements had been made. In his farm work he was always progressive and energetic and was the first man in the county to do any tiling but foresaw the possibilities in this direction and by his progressive efforts converted uncultivable land into a tract of rich fertility. The farm for which he paid thirty dollars per acre is today worth two hundred dollars per acre. owing in great measure to the labor and improvements which he placed upon it. He reached a ripe old age, passing away August 5, 1905, in his eighty- seventh year. His widow still survives and resides at Cropsey. In their family were four children: Susanna M .; Margaret E., the widow of James
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Hill, of Francisville, Indiana; T. J., of this review ; and William R., a resident of Ford county.
Thomas J. Liddle was educated in the district schools of Livingston and Knox counties and from early boyhood assisted in the work of the home farm, becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of twenty-one years he began working on his own account but continued to make his home with his father and attended to the business of the farm. Ilis early practical experience well qualified him for the work which he undertook after he had reached adult age and as the years have passed his experience and sound judgment have been manifest in the excellent results which have followed his perseverance and well directed labor.
On the 8th of February, 1905, Mr. Liddle was married to Mrs. Marie Luther, nee Walker, of Fairfield, Iowa, an accomplished young woman of rare attainments, who has filled many positions of honor in the lodges and Methodist Episcopal church of that place, a faithful and successful worker in all social and charitable undertakings of her community. Mrs. Liddle is a daughter of Jonathan and Anne (Molden) Walker, who were natives of Newcastle, England. Emigrating to America in 1850, they settled in Fairfield, Iowa. where they procured land at once and prospered as industrious and energetic farmers. Mr. Walker is now living retired at the age of eighty-nine years, and has lived to see his children well settled in life, all residing near the old home place. Mrs. Walker was educated in the Duchess school of Alnwick, England, and was a woman of unusual energy and of high intellectual ability. She passed away June 28, 1901. Both were active members and stanch supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church and the cause of temperance. Mr. Walker has always been a prominent republican and was a gifted public speaker. Their good work and prayers will live for years and years in the hearts of many. In their family were nine children, namely: Mary, the wife of E. R. Best. of Jefferson county, Iowa; Michael, who is deceased, his widow and three children residing in lowa; William, who has also passed away; Elizabeth, the wife of B. N. DeGood; Mrs. Liddle; Susan, the wife of James Campbell; Thomas L .; Byron ; and David.
Mrs. Liddle owns property at Guthrie, Oklahoma, where she was post- mistress several years, and she also has property at Piney Ridge, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Liddle have one son, Thomas J., who was born September 27, 1906, and completes the happiness of their pleasant home.
Fraternally Mr. Liddle is a member of Burr Oaks Lodge, No. 621, K. P .. and has filled every chair in the order, also representing his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the state for the past five years. His wife is a member of
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the Rebekah lodge. In polities he is a republican and has served in several local offices, being elected township assessor in the fall of 1907. A social, genial manner, kindly spirit and deference for the opinions of others have made him popular and he is practically prominent in the Knights of Pythias order, being most loyal to the teachings of the society. His entire life has been passed in Illinois and most of it in this section of the state, and he stands as a splendid representative of the progressive agricultural element in our citizenship.
JOHN J. RUSSELL.
John J. Russell, who is now living retired in Roberts, was formerly actively and successfully connected with the agricultural interests of Ford county. He was born in this county on the 20th of December, 1863, his parents being Patrick and Mary Russell, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Patrick Gallahue on another page of this work.
John J. Russell acquired his education in the district schools of Ford county and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-six years. He then started out in life on his own account as an agriculturist and the success which attended him in his farming operations enabled him to retire from active business life in 1904, and he now lives in Roberts in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He is still the owner of eighty acres of rich and productive land on section 23, Lyman township, being recognized throughout the community as a substantial and enterprising citizen.
In 1886 Mr. Russell was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary T. Dingnan, a native of Iroquois county, Illinois, and a daughter of Michael and Mary Ding- man, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America at an early day. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Mrs. Russell; Esther M .. deceased ; Lawrence F., who makes his home in Montana; Michael M. and Anna A., both at home ; and Katherine H., who has also passed away. Mr. Dingnan departed this life in 1881 but the mother still survives him and resides on the old homestead in Iroquois county, Illinois.
In his political views Mr. Russell is a democrat and has served as assessor of Lyman township. Fraternally he is connected with Woodmen lodge, No. 2039, at Roberts, Ilinois, and both he and his wife are communicants of the
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Catholic church. A native son of the county, he has witnessed its development from a pioneer region into a rich agricultural district and has, moreover. taken an active part in the arduous toil which was necessary to bring about this wonderful transformation.
JOSEPH P. RUSSELL.
Joseph P. Russell, who cultivates his father's old homestead property, which comprises three hundred and twenty acres of good land, and who also owns one hundred and sixty acres of farm land on section 26, Lyman township. is a native son of Ford county, his birth having occurred on the 19th of March, 1865, a son of Patrick and Mary Russell, natives of Ireland. They emigrated to America in 1852, settling first in Chicago, Illinois, where the father worked as porter in a hotel for four years. He then came to Ford county in the spring of 1859, and has since resided within its borders, now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Patrick Gallahue, his wife having passed away in 1893. Their family numbered seven children, namely : James, deceased; Maggie, who has also passed away; Ella, the wife of Patrick Gallahue; John, a farmer of Lyman township; Joseph P., of this review; and William and Katie, who are deceased.
Joseph Russell was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-four years, when he rented land from his father and started out upon an independent business career. After he had cultivated that land for four years he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Nora Riordan. Mrs. Russell was born in Livingston county, Illinois, in 1872, a daughter of Michael and Katherine Riordan, and one of a family of six children. She is a well educated lady. having graduated from State Normal at Bloomington, Illinois, after which she engaged in teaching for two years prior to her marriage. Her mother passed away in 1901 but the father still survives. now making his home in Minnesota, where the other members of the family reside.
Following his marriage. Mr. Russell purchased eighty acres of land in Lyman township, to which he removed. After cultivating this for two years he returned to the old homestead farm of three hundred and twenty aeres and has since cultivated this property, in which he is meeting with gratifying
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snecess. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land situated on section 26, Lyman township, which is a valuable property. In his farm work he follows the most progressive ideas and each year adds to his financial income.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Russell has been blessed with nine children, John P., Mary E., Francis M., Katherine M., Joseph W., Lucy N .. Ellen L., Richard Leo and Eugene. The latter, however, is deceased. In politics Mr. Russell is a democrat and for the past ten years has served as highway commissioner, while for a similar period he has filled the office of school director. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. Having spent his entire life in Ford county, Mr. Russell has a wide and favorable acquaintance. He is energetic and enterprising in his work, and as a result of his labors he has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity, thus being classed with the substantial agriculturists of Ford county.
JOIIN CRAWFORD.
John Crawford, who for many years was actively identified with farming interests in Ford county, is now living retired in a comfortable home in Thawville, Iroquois county. Ile is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Albany county, January 2, 1840. He is one of a family of four sons and four daughters, whose parents were John and Hannah (Foueks) Crawford, likewise natives of the Empire state. The father died when our subject was a youth of fourteen years.
John Crawford, whose name introduces this record, was reared under the parental roof and remained in his native state until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when, hoping to find better advantages in the then "far west," he made his way to Illinois, arriving in MeLean county in December, 1864, there remaining for a period of two years, after which he spent five years in La Salle county. In 1871 he took up his abode in Ford county, locating on a farm in Lyman township, and there for many years he followed general agricul- tural pursuits, in which he met with gratifying success. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Crawford was engaged in stock-raising, making a special- ty of Norman Percheron horses, this branch of his business proving a profitable sonree of income to him. He still owns his farm property in Ford county. comprising one hundred and ten acres, situated on section 2, Lyman township, and also owns sixty acres on section 10, Ridgland township, Iroquois county.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN CRAWFORD
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About three years ago Mr. Crawford retired from agricultural pursuits and with his family removed to Thawville, where he erected a modern and commodious residence, containing ten rooms. It was prior to his removal to the west that Mr. Crawford was married in 1861, in Westerlo, Albany county, New York, to Miss Harriett Burch, their marriage being celebrated on the 20th of November of that year. She was born in Westerlo, March 28, 1845, a daughter of Moses and Maria (Petrie) Burch, who were natives of New York and whose family numbered ten children, five sons and five daughters.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford has been blessed with four children: Sidney, who resides on his father's farm in Lyman township, situated a mile and a half west of Thawville, is married and has one child, Clyde; Frank, who is station agent at Onarga, Illinois; Carrie, the wife of Henry C. Smith, by whom she has two daughters, Katherine and Harriett ; and Julia, the wife of William Havens, of Thawville, by whom she has one daughter, Edna.
In his politieal views and affiliations Mr. Crawford is a republican but while giving stanch support to the party has never been aetive as an office seeker. Thirty-six years have come and gone since Mr. Crawford located in this section of Illinois and he has not only been an interested witness of the growth and development that has here been made but has been an active participant therein. In former years he worked hard to acquire a competence which might enable him to spend his last years in retirement and now at the age of sixty-eight years he has seen his wish fulfilled, for he is now living in a nice home in Thawville, where he is surrounded by many friends and acquaintances.
GUSTAVE W. RUDOLPIII, M. D.
Dr. Gustave W. Rudolphi, who is successfully engaged in the general practice of medicine at Elliott, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on the 23rd of September, 1875, his parents being G. T. and Wilhelmina (Rust) Rudolphi, also natives of Mecklenburg. The father followed merchandising in the land of his birth, and in 1885 sailed with his family for the new world. After reaching the shores of America he made his way into the interior of the country, taking up his abode at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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After completing his literary education in the common and high schools, Dr. Rudolphi began preparation for his chosen profession by matriculation in the Illinois Medical College, pursuing a four years' course, after which ho was graduated with the class of 1905. For two terms during his college days he acted as assistant instructor in anatomy and following his graduation he assisted Dr. Boshell, of Melvin, for a year. On the expiration of that period he opened his office in Elliott, where he is now engaged in general practice. He makes a specialty of surgery and children's diseases, and has already gained more than local distinction by reason of his skill and ability in the field of his chosen endeavor.
In 1906 Dr. Rudolphi was married to Miss Fannie Brooks, a daughter of Edward Brooks, of Vermont, and a descendant of Governor Bradford, who came to America with the historie band of pilgrims in the Mayflower, and was chosen the chief executive of the Plymouth colony. Dr. Rudolphi is a member of the Presbyterian church of Gibson City, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Melvin Lodge. A. F. & A. M., and Elliott Lodge, I. O. O. F. In the line of his profession he is connected with the Iroquois-Ford Medical Society, with the State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of his profession through the interchange of ideas and experiences among the members of the medical fraternity. He performs his professional services with a sense of conscientious obligation and strict adher- ence to a high standard of professional ethics.
JOHN A. MONTELIUS, JR.
Among the native sons of Piper City who have made for themselves a ereditable name and position in business eireles is numbered John A. Monte- lius, Jr., who was born on the 10th of November, 1874. After mastering the elementary branches of English learning in the public schools he continued his studies for four years under a private tutor and from 1891 until 1893 attended Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, Michigan. In September of the same year he entered the Armour Institute of Chicago, where he spent two years as a student. returning then to Piper City to become a factor in its business life. Here he entered the implement business as a member of the firm of Montelius Brothers, which connection was continued
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