USA > Illinois > Ford County > History of Ford County, Illinois : from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 9
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Removing westward with his family Newell P. George first located in Ken- dall county, Illinois, where he rented land and engaged in farming until 1869. when he removed to Livingston county and purchased forty acres of land in Broughton township. He improved this place with good buildings and added to his landed holdings until his place comprised one hundred and sixty acres. Although for two years after his removal to this state he engaged in teaching school in addition to his farming interests, his later years were entirely devoted to general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He was ever known as a public-spirited citizen, giving loyal support to many movements which tended to promote the welfare of his section of the state. ITis political allegiance was given to the democratic party and for twelve years he served as road commis- sioner, while for a quarter of a century he acted as school director.
His family numbered the following children : Charles H., who died in Livingston county; Eugene II., of this review; Isabelle, who died in infancy; Edward, who died in infancy; Carrie, who died at the age of two years; Bur- ton, who resides in Kankakee county, Illinois; Frank S., of Bradley; Adelbert, who resides in Emington, Livingston county, this state; and Ed who makes his home in Kankakee eounty.
Engene Henry George was an infant when the parents removed to Newark, Kendall county, Illinois, where they resided eleven years, after which they took up their abode in Broughton township, Livingston county. He continued under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age and was trained to habits of industry, economy and unfaltering diligence. Ile was married at the age of twenty-four years and began farming on his own aecount in Broughton
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township, Livingston county, where he remained for four years. Ile then removed to Gross township in the same county, where he resided for five years. after which he again took up his abode in Broughton township. When eight years had passed he came to his present place of residence in January, 1902. Here he cultivates a half of section 22. Rogers township. the place being the James Oglevie farm. It is devoted to the raising of grain and stock and in his business interests Mr. George is meeting with well merited success. Two years ago he purchased an improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson county, Minnesota, and still owns this property.
In 1885 Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Kate Hughes, who was born in Wisconsin, November 18, 1859. and when about six years of age was brought to Ford county by her parents. John and Mary (Morris) Hughes, both of whom were natives of Wales and spent their last days in this county. The father was born August 15, 1818, and when about thirty-five years of age crossed the Atlantic to New York. He was married in that state near Bridge- water to Mary Morris, who was born in Wales in 1828 and came to the new world on the same vessel on which Mr. Hughes crossed. After a short resi- dence in the Empire state they removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm hand for a time and afterward began farming on his own account. In 1865 they arrived in Rogers township, Ford county. and for thirty-six years thereafter Mr. Hughes carried on general agricultural pursuits prior to his retirement from active business life. He took up his abode in Cabery about ten years ago and there resided in the enjoyment of well earned rest until called to his final home June 27, 1905. His wife passed away January 23, 1903. Soon after coming to the county Mr. Hughes purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and afterward bought an adjoining tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres, and at his death he left his valuable farming property of three hundred and twenty acres, together with a good house and lot in Cabery. When his farm came into his possession it was wild prairie land and all of the improvements upon it were made by him. He lived in a neighbor's barn until he could erect a small house but as the years passed he was enabled to add modern improvements and substantial buildings to his place and his energy and well directed activity gained for him a handsome competence. Both he and his wife were members of the Cabery Presbyterian church. Unto them were born six children: Mary, now the wife of N. C. Hall, of Kankakee county; Anna, the wife of D. A. Bouk, of Kempton; Mrs. George; David, of Missouri; John, of Emington ; and Thomas, who is living upon the old home- stead place.
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. George have been born three children : Oliver and Olive, twins, born April 21, 1887; and Harry, born October 9, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. George are well known in this locality, having for many years resided in this part of the state and they have a large circle of friends in Rogers township.
J. YOUNG SIIAMEL, M. D.
Dr. J. Young Shamel, a prominent representative of the medical fraternity, with experience and ability that places him foremost in the ranks of those who are successful in the profession, was born February 20, 1871, in Springfield, Illinois. 'His parents were Conrad and Caroline (Alkire) Shamel. The father, a native of Bavaria, Germany, was thirteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents, the family home being established north of Springfield, in Sangamon county, Illinois, theirs being one of the pioneer homes of that locality. The grandfather purchased land there and upon the home- stead farm Conrad Shamel was reared. He completed his education in the publie schools, assisted in the farm work and eventually was married and resided in that locality until his son, Dr. Shamel, was three years of age. He then removed with his family to Christian county, Illinois, settling near Taylor- ville, where he purchased land, and as his financial resources permitted invested more and more largely in property until he became the owner of eight hundred acres of as fine farm land as can be found in the entire Mississippi valley.
In his family were four sons. The eldest, Charles HI. Shamel, won the degree of Bachelor of Science at the Illinois University, while the degrees of Master of Science and Bachelor of Laws was conferred upon him at University of Michigan and those of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy by Columbia University in New York city. IIe is now living with his mother on the old homestead near Taylorville and is managing the estate, having previously practiced law for a short time. Clarence A. Shamel, the second son, after being graduated from the Illinois University with the degree of Master of Science, is now editor and business manager of The Orange Judd Farmer at Chicago. He also owns a large wheat ranch in Canada. Archibald D. Shamel is a graduate and was formerly an instructor in the Illinois University and is now one of Secretary Wilson's experts on farming in the department of agriculture at Washington, D. C. The last two brothers are married.
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Dr. Shamel attended the district schools and for one year was a student in the preparatory department of the Illinois University, where he spent three years, remaining there until his father's death in 1890. In 1891 Dr. Shamel entered the University of Pennsylvania for the purpose of pursuing a medical course and was graduated with honors in the class of 1894. While in college he became a member of the John Ashhurst, Jr., Surgical Society. Following his graduation he came to Gibson City, where he has since been located in the successful practice of his profession. In addition to a large private practice, he is official surgeon for both the Wabash and Illinois Central Railroads.
Dr. Shamel was married October 18, 1899, to Miss J. Anita Snyder, a daughter of W. E. Snyder, of Moweaqua, Illinois, where he follows farming. Mrs. Shamel is a graduate of the high school of that place and also of the Cumnock School of Oratory at the Northwestern University of Chicago. She likewise pursued a two years' course in the Illinois Training School for Nurses. By her marriage she has become the mother of three sons: Clarence A., Dixon S. and John Hayden, the first two being twins.
Dr. Shamel belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a past master of Gibson Lodge, No. 733, A. F. & A. M., also a chapter Mason and a member of Mt. Olivet Commandery, K. T., at Paxton. Ilis political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is now serving as president of the board of education for the second term. He belongs to the Lotus Club and is a gentleman of genial, social nature. Professionally he is connected with the Iroquois-Ford Medical Society, the State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and the American Association of Railway Surgeons and the Wabash and Illinois Central Railroads Associations. He takes delight in his work from the scientific standpoint and also because of the humanitarian spirit, which rejoices in the good that he can do for his fellowmen.
PATRICK GALLAHUE.
Patrick Gallahue dates his residence in Ford county from 1869. He was a lad of seven years at the time of his arrival here in company with his parents, Peter and Julia (A'Hlern) Gallahue, who were natives of the Emerald Isle and came to America in 1851, settling first in the state of New York. There they lived for a year, after which they took up their abode in Pennsylvania and a year later, in 1854, they became residents of La Salle county, Illinois. Set-
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tling upon a rented farm, the father there continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits for several years or until 1869, when he brought his family to Ford county and purchased land, upon which he lived until 1892, when he moved to Piper City, where he died April 26, 1898. He was one of the enterprising, well known and respected farmers of this part of the state. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, of whom four are yet living namely : Ellen, who resides in Piper City; Thomas, who makes his home in Pella township; Patrick, of this review; and Katie, the wife of Patrick O'Mara.
Patrick Gallahue was born in La Salle county on the 10th of July, 1862. He early became familiar with all the work of the farm as he assisted his father in tilling the fields from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn. Ile continued upon the home farm until twenty-six years of age and then rented the old homestead property, while now he has two hundred acres on section 24, Pella township, which is a part of the old homestead. His education was acquired in the common schools and in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons. In his farm work he has been energetic and diligent, realizing that upon these qualities the most substantial success is builded. His farm is well developed, giving evidence of his care and supervision in the neat appearance of the fields and the improvements upon the place.
In 1891 Mr. Gallahne was married to Miss Ella Russel, who was born in this county in 1862 and is a daughter of Patrick and Mary Russel, who were natives of Ireland. They came to America in 1856, 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 fall of 1859, casting in his lot with the early settlers who were reclaiming a wild region for the purpose of civilization. At that time deer were seen on the prairies in great herds and much small game was to be had in abundance. Mr. Russel has lived here continuously since but his wife died in 1893, leaving a family of four children to mourn her loss. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Russel were born seven children, as follows: James, deceased ; Maggie, who has also passed away; Mrs. Gallahue; John and Joseph, both of whom reside in byman township; and William and Katie, who have departed this life. The father is now living a retired life, making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Gallahue. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Lyman township and likewise a traet of forty acres in Pella township. His property has all been acquired since coming to this eounty and is proof of the life of industry and enterprise which he has led. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and in his younger days he took an active part in
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polities. He was called to serve in a number of local offices and discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that won him high commendation. As one of the worthy pioneers he well deserves mention in this volume, having for almost a half century lived in this county and therefore witnessed the greater part of its growth, while in the work of development and upbuilding he has borne his full share.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gallahue was blessed with seven children : Peter J .: John P .; James T .;. Mary and Margaret, deceased; Edward; and Ellen. Mr. Gallahue gives his political allegiance to the democracy, of which he is a stalwart champion, and he is now serving as drainage commissioner for the pan handle district. Ile and his wife are members of the Catholic church and are greatly esteemed in the community where they reside. Mrs. Gallahne taught school for ten years before her marriage and is a lady of culture and refinement. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gallahue enjoy in large measure the friendship and regard of those who know them and it is with pleasure that We present the record of their lives to our readers.
LUMAN B. WILCOX.
Luman B. Wilcox is an enterprising and successful agriculturist, who since 1868 has resided on his present farm on section 1, Lyman township. He came to Illinois from New York, his native state, his birth having occurred in Loraine township, Jefferson county, in April, 1840. His father, the Rev. Luman Wilcox, was a native of New Hampshire and married Elizabeth C. Bliss, who was born at Long Meadow, Connecticut. Both were representa- tives of old New England families. The father largely devoted his early life to work in the temperance and anti-slavery movements in the Empire state, lecturing extensively on those subjects throughout New York. He was a minister of the Congregational church and spent the greater part of his life in New York but in 1862 became a resident of La Salle county, Illinois, and about 1868 removed to Ford county, where he resided up to the time of his death on the 10th of January, 1872. when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife survived him for about four or five years, also passing away in Ford county.
They had seven children: Samuel Mills, who died in La Salle county, Illinois; Henry Martin, now a resident of Onarga, who came to Ford county
L. B. WILCOX AND FAMILY
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in 1868 and still owns a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres here, while he has sold one hundred and forty acres which he owned on section 1, Lyman township; Elizabeth C., the deceased wife of S. H. Penney; George Whitfield, living in Jefferson, Iowa; William W., now of Prairie City, Iowa, who came to Ford county in 1868, as did his brothers, George and Henry; Luman B., of this review ; and Mary M., who died while a student in Onarga.
Luman B. Wilcox spent the period of his minority in the Empire state and in the spring of 1861 went to La Salle county, Illinois, where he joined his brother. In August, 1862, in response to the country's need, he enlisted from La Salle county as a member of Company C, Seventh Illinois Volunteer Cay- alry, under Captain Bartlett. He participated in the battle of Nashville, the Grierson raid and the battle of Franklin, his services being mostly against Forrest in Tennessee. He was at the front for three years, doing a soldier's full duty in defense of the stars and stripes, and was mustered out in August, 1865. He then returned to La Salle county, where he lived until the spring of 1868, when he came to Ford county and settled upon his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 1, Lyman township. It was largely un- broken prairie, for which he paid ten dollars per acre. Today it is well cultivated property and the improvements have all been made by Mr. Wilcox. He and his son each have a good dwelling on the place and there are good out- buildings providing ample shelter for grain and stock. Ile conducted the place as a dairy farm for four or five years. In 1884 he went to South Dakota, where he owned a half section, but later sold that property and returned to the old homestead farm, which is now devoted to the raising of grain and stock. IIe makes a special feature of Percheron draft horses and this branch of his business is proving profitable.
While living in South Dakota Mr. Wilcox assisted in organizing the populist party in that state and was a candidate in his district for the legislature. He is now a supporter of William Jennings Bryan, but does not take a very active part in politics here. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic in South Dakota but there is no post in Roberts.
It was in the spring of 1868 that Mr. Wilcox led to the marriage altar Miss Ida B. Norton, who was born in Genesee county, New York, August 18, 1846, and was there reared and married, being brought to Illinois as a bride. Her parents were Herman and Laura (Brown) Norton, also natives of the Empire state. Mr. and Mrs. Wileox have become the parents of two sons and two daughters. Ernest Norton, who assists his father in operating the home farm, married Emily Sprague and has two children, Dorothy and Ida C.
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Alice is the wife of Harold Remsburg and they reside with her father. Lloyd died at the age of six years; Elizabeth C., completes the family.
When Mr. Wilcox made his way to the middle west from New York he had very limited capital but he possessed strong purpose and resolute will and these qualities have enabled him to work his way steadily upward until he is now numbered among the successful agrienlturists of his community. He is, moreover, a citizen of worth, giving loyal support to many measures for the public good and his influence is always found on the side of general advancement and improvement.
JOIIN II. JORDAN.
John H. Jordan, an enterprising farmer and tile manufacturer, is one of Ford county's native sons, born on the 15th of December, 1855. Here his entire life has been passed and his education was acquired in the primitive schools while spending his boyhood days under the parental roof. His parents were Andrew and Amanda (De Vore) Jordan. The father came to Illinois from Kentucky, having been born at Louisville in that state in 1828. A residence in Cass county was followed by a brief sojourn in Champaign county prior to the time when he took up their abode in Ford county in March, 1854. The usual experiences and hardships of the frontier came to the family and yet in the face of difficulties and obstacles they prospered and as the years passed gained a gratifying measure of success, the father owning at one time eleven hundred acres of land, while at the time of his demise his farming interests embraced eight hundred acres. He was also owner of a large briek and tile factory and it was this which John H. Jordan has taken as a part of his share of the estate and which he is now operating. He also has eighty acres of land devoted to the raising of corn and oats. He manufactures an excellent grade of tile and as a result of the quality and fair prices he is accorded a liberal patronage. In his farm work, too, he is systematic and energetic and his agricultural interests contribute materially to his anal income.
In 1878 John II. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Painter, a daughter of George C. Painter, who is now living with Mr. and Mrs. Jordan. They have five children : Marilla B., the wife of O. T. Thorson, a resident of Bloomington, Illinois; Fannie E., the wife of Fred Lucas, of Taylorville, Illinois, and the mother of two children; Amanda E., the wife of O. Davis, of
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Peoria, by whom she has one child; and Vauna May and John D., both at home.
Mr. Jordan votes with the republican party and has served as school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen and he holds membership in the Christian church, in which he was reared. He was early trained to habits of industry, enterprise and integrity, and these have proven strong elements in his success and at the same time have gained the unqualified respect of his fellowmen.
JOSEPH BURGER.
In a history of Ford county it is fitting that mention be made of Joseph Burger, now deceased, who for many years figured in agricultural circles as one who contributed in substantial measure to the development of the rich farm lands of this portion of the state and who by his close application and earnest purpose advanced from a humble financial position to one of affluence. There is perhaps in this volume no record which better illustrates the fact that prosperity may be gained by diligence and honest effort.
Mr. Burger was born near the Black Forest in Baden, Germany, on the 31st of August, 1833. His father, Franz A. Burger, had a family of wife and seven children, four sons and three daughters, whom he brought with him to America in 1850, settling in New London, Connecticut, where both he and his wife died. Of their children, Jacob passed away in that state; John died in Brenton township; George is deceased; Mrs. Mary Hanbach resides near La Hogne; and Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips is also deceased.
Joseph Burger, the youngest of the family, attended the public schools of his native country between the ages of six and fourteen years and when a youth of seventeen crossed the briny deep with his parents, after which he provided for the support of himself and family by farm work in Connecticut until 1866. In 1854 he was married in that state to Miss Mary Gore, a native of New London and a daughter of Asa Gore, who was born in Pennsylvania. He was one of the survivors of the Wyoming massacre, being spared by the Indians owing to his delicate health. They thought he would die soon enough but he lived to be over eighty years of age and reared a family of eleven children, of whom Mrs. Burger was the youngest. In November, 1854, she gave her hand in marriage to Joseph Burger and they continued to reside
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in New London county, Connecticut, for twelve years or until 1866, when they removed westward to Fulton county, Illinois.
Two years later, in the spring of 1869, they arrived in Piper City and the remainder of their lives was passed upon a farm in Brenton township. He secured a traet of raw prairie land and with characteristic energy began its cultivation and improvement. gradually adding to his first purchase until he was one of the extensive landowners of the community. His home place on section 2 comprised two hundred and forty acres of rich land and he also owned other farm property, aggregating four hundred and eighty acres. Besides he had farm land in Iowa. In earlier years he had need to help the other members of his father's family as well as provide for his own support. His success was acquired entirely through his own labors and well directed management and he lived a life of unremitting activity and enterprise. He was making plans for future investment at the time of his death, being sudden- ly taken ill while returning from a trip to southwestern Missouri to look for lands there with a view to purchase. His illness of but a few days' duration was terminated in death January 24, 1900.
Mr. Burger was a democrat in his political views but very independent, not considering himself bound by party ties. He stood as the champion of various measures and movements which he believed to be right. For seven- teen years he served as supervisor of Brenton township and no higher testimonial of his capability could be given than the fact that he was so long retained in this office. In 1884 he was named as a candidate for the legislature on the greenback ticket and although the county did not advocate its party principles he carried the county, showing his popularity in the district where he was best known. He served at different times as road commissioner and school officer and was treasurer of the Pella and Brenton township drainage district. Hle circulated the first petition to establish a system of drainage, which has been of the utmost value and benefit to this section. He was treasurer of the Farmers' Insurance Company for many years. continuing in that position up to the time of his death. His life in its various phases was honorable and upright. Neither influence nor opposition could cause him to turn from a course which he believed to be right. He was straightforward in all of his business affairs and his record proves that success and an honorable name may be won simultaneously. He left to his children not only valuable property but also an untarnished name and his memory is yet cherished by those who knew him. He lost his wife on the 10th of January, 1896, when she was seventy-seven years of age.
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