History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 35

Author: Kiner, Henry L., 1851-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1138

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Howard A. Deming resided in Ohio to the age of sixteen years, his home being in Ashland during the last thirteen years of that time. He came to Gene- seo in 1854. He brought with him some horses sent by his father, and he and his uncle, Richard Deming, conducted a livery stable together for a year. He then returned to Ohio, while his uncle continued the business for several years thereafter. In 1856 Howard Deming again came to Geneseo but after a few weeks went to Winona, Minnesota, where he remained for eight months, and then again went to Ohio. In 1859 he was married in Ashland county, Ohio, and the same year returned with his bride to Henry county, building a home in Geneseo, which he kept until April 1, 1865. He then removed to his farm in Geneseo township, five miles northeast of the city, owning there four hundred and eighty acres of land. He improved the property, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and adding all of the accessories and equipments of a model farm. Year by year he carefully carried on his work with the result that he achieved prosperity, and he remained upon the farm until November 4, 1896, when he took up his abode in Geneseo. He still owns two hundred and forty acres of land, and in the town he has a beautiful residence, which he erected in 1896, at the corner of Mechanic and Pearl streets.

It was on the 25th of October, 1859, that the marriage of Mr. Deming and Miss Celesta Willard was celebrated, so that they have now traveled life's journey together for a half century. She was born in Conneaut, Ohio, May 6, 1841, a daughter of Luman and Emily (Bacon) Willard, both of whom were natives of New York. Her paternal grandparents were Asa and Sarah Willard of Vermont, while her maternal grandparents were James and Comfort (Eastman) Bacon, who were born near Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Deming have two sons and a daughter. Edward, an artist living in New York, married Theresa Osterheld, and they have four children, Alden O., Catherine, Henrietta Hall and John Willard. Gail E., a lawyer living in Chicago, married Harriet Barrett; Grace, the youngest of the family, is at home. The parents are members of the

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Congregational church, and Mr. Deming belongs to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M. His political support is given to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have never had attraction for him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and in the careful direction of his farming interests has met with success.

SEYMOUR S. THOMAS.

Seymour S. Thomas, an honored veteran of the Civil war, has been a resi- dent of Cambridge since 1886 and is now living retired. His birth occurred in Chillicothe, Peoria county, Illinois, on the 23d of March, 1847, his parents being Thomas and Isabel (Norris) Thomas, both of whom were born in Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Thomas, was a native of Virginia and a farmer by occupation. Leaving the Old Dominion, he located near Zanesville, Ohio, and afterward became one of the early settlers of Peoria, Illinois, erecting one of the first brick buildings in that city. He was successfully engaged in the conduct of a grocery and dry-goods store at Peoria until he passed away at an old age. He was twice married, and his first wife, Mrs. Isabel Thomas, was the grandmother of our subject. His second wife, Mrs. Jane Thomas, was a native of Ireland and lived to a ripe old age. Thomas Thomas had a family of seven children, namely: Daniel, Stephen, John, Thomas, Alexander, Jane and Cynthia. The maternal grandfather of Seymour S. Thomas died in Virginia.

Thomas Thomas, the father of Mr. Thomas of this review, followed mer- chandising throughout his active business career. He became an early settler of Peoria and later took up his abode in Chillicothe, Illinois, where he con- ducted a grocery store. His demise there occurred in 1866 when he was about fifty-five years of age. For a short time he had loyally defended the interests of the Union as a soldier in the Civil war. Both he and his wife were devoted and consistent members of the Baptist church, and the latter was called to her final rest in 1854 at the age of thirty-five years. Unto them were born five children, three sons and two daughters, as follows: Isaac deceased; Seymour S., of this review; James K., a resident of Chillicothe; Sarah Jane, who has also passed away; and Asenith, the wife of Levi Thorndyke, of Nebraska.

Seymour S. Thomas was reared in the place of his nativity and there received his early education in the common schools. After putting aside his text-books he lived with a man named John Gates until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted for three years' service as a member of Company H, Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In 1864 he reenlisted in the same company and regiment and later was transferred to the United States Military Secret Service, Depart- ment of the West, with which he remained until the close of hostilities. He was wounded at the battle of Jackson, Mississippi, and subsequently lost his right eye while on picket duty in the campaign from Black River to Meridian, Mis- sissippi, the vision of his other eye being also impaired. In that campaign he was also struck in the shoulder with a bullet. Only sixty-six out of the entire regiment escaped, the rest being killed, wounded or taken prisoner. Mr. Thomas

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fought in many of the important battles of the war, including those at Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg and likewise took part in innumerable skirmishes. When he enlisted at the age of fifteen years he entered the ranks of a private, later became corporal and then sergeant and when he was transferred to the secret service was made first lieutenant. When the country no longer needed his aid he returned to Chillicothe, where he was married and worked at the blacksmith's trade for a time. The year 1886 wit- nessed his arrival in Cambridge, Henry county, and here he followed various pur- suits until 1904, when he became totally blind and has since lived retired. He receives a good pension from the government and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and respected citizens of the community.

On the 27th of October, 1870, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Marilla Seely, a native of South Hampton, Peoria county, Illinois, and a daughter of William and Adelia (Stackhouse) Seely, who were born in Vermont but became pioneer settlers of Peoria county, this state. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, later removed to Chillicothe, where he died in 1873 at the age of sixty-three years. His wife subsequently came to Cambridge, here passing away in 1885, when in the seventy-ninth year of her age. Their family numbered six children, namely: Almira, the wife of William Blossom; Emma, the wife of A. H. Ramy; Mrs. Thomas; Mary, the wife of Henry Ridenour; Ida May, who gave her hand in marriage to George Beresford; and Lilly L., who is the wife of H. A. Lukens. Benjamin Stackhouse, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Thomas, was a native of Vermont and became a resident of the state of Pennsylvania, where he following farming as a means of livelihood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born two children. The eldest, Minnie A., who passed away in 1908, was the wife of Robert L. Boyd, by whom she had a daughter, Mildred Evelyn Boyd. M. Louise Thomas is employed in a store at Princeton, Illinois.

Mr. Thomas gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party and for six or eight years capably discharged the duties de- volving upon him as postmaster at Nebraska, Illinois. He was made a Mason in Mississippi during the Civil war and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and Cambridge Post, G. A. R. His wife is a faithful member of the Methodist church, in the work of which she is deeply and helpfully interested. In every relation of life he has manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command confidence and awaken regard and is therefore well worthy the esteem which is uniformly accorded him.

BERNARD KIRLEY.

Bernard Kirley who during the years of an active business life was a promi- nent factor in the development of mining interests and real estate operations in Henry county, owed his success entirely to his own efforts. He came to this county without a dollar and died the possessor of thousands. His record of in- telligently directed labors and carefully formulated plans constituted an example

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that is indeed worthy of emulation. He was born in Ireland, March 10, 1838, acquiring his education in the schools of that country, and came to America at the age of eighteen years. He at once made his way to Kewanee where he ar- rived on the 30th of June, 1856. Here he sought and obtained employment as a miner, but laudable ambition prompted him to seek the opportunites of en- gaging in business for himself and after two years he began mining coal on his own account. He then operated mines in this part of the state for over twenty years. He made a great deal of money and by careful investments secured a position among the most substantial citizens of Kewanee. At the time of his death he had accumulated considerable property and was a director of the Ke- wanee National bank.

On the 8th of February, 1867, Mr. Kirley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Moore, a native of Long Island, New York, and a daughter of William and Catherine Moore, who arrived in Kewanee in 1857. Shortly after his arrival he established his home on a farm and now resides in Kewanee township, having been for many years one of the leading and honored agriculturists of the com- munity. He has reached the venerable age of eighty-seven years, while his wife is eighty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kirley have become the parents of seven children, namely: Kathryn, at home; William H., who is conducting a billiard hall in Kewanee; Philip J., engaged in the coal business; Mary and Eliza- beth at home; and Bernard and John, who are proprietors of a cigar store.

During the early years of his residence here Mr. Kirley served as a mem- ber of the city council and his duties as alderman were discharged in a prompt and progressive manner. He was a Catholic in religious faith and from the in- ception of the church here was one of its most liberal and generous supporters. In all of his business dealings he was thoroughly reliable and enterprising, his success being the direct outcome of persistent and earnest labor and careful in- vestment. He died July 17, 1902, and the county mourned the loss of one of its valued and representative citizens who resided within its borders for forty-six years. He left to his family not only a handsome competency as the result of his business activity but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

JOHN N. PENWELL.

John N. Penwell, who was formerly identified with farming interests and is now devoting his attention to horticultural pursuits in Geneseo, was born in Elkhart, Indiana, March 20, 1838. He is a son of David and Mary L, (Crook) Penwell, both of whom were natives of Erie county, New York. The former was of English lineage, his father having been a native of England, whence he came to America, settling in Erie county. He was a farmer by occupation and spent his last days in Washington, Kansas. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Penwell was Asa Crook and he, too, was a native of England and established his home in Erie county, New York, when he came to the new world. He after- ward cast in his lot with the early settlers of Whiteside county, Illinois, and for a number of years conducted a hotel at Prophetstown. Later he removed to

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Henry county and engaged in farming in Loraine township. He died when well advanced in years as did his wife, who spent her last days in Atkinson town- ship. They had a large family but only two are now living: Mrs. Cynthia Brown, of Iowa; and Mrs. Laura Matson, who makes her home with her children in Iowa.

David Penwell was reared to farm life and chose that occupation as a source of livelihood when he attained his majority. At an early day he removed to South Bend, Indiana, and afterward went to Iowa, where he died of typhoid fever, when about thirty-two years of age. There were three children granted to him and his wife, but two died in early live, leaving John N. Penwell as the only survivor. The mother married again, becoming the wife of Andrew Thompson Bracken, by whom she had five children, two of whom survive: James L., a banker of Tama City, Iowa; and A. J., of Prophetstown, Illinois.

John N. Penwell was taken to Iowa by his mother when only about a year old. He was a little child of three years when she married again in Prophets- town, Illinois, and he was reared to manhood on a farm in Whiteside county. On the 15th of June, 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for sev- enty-five thousand volunteers, he enlisted in Company D, First Regiment of Nebraska Volunteers, under command of Captain J. C. Potts. He served for two and a half years with the infantry forces and then became a cavalryman. being mustered out as such. He served altogether for three years and three months and was a non-commissioned officer until sent to the St. Louis Hospital because of illness. He took part in thirty-six battles and skirmishes, including the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, Iuka and Cape Gir- ardeau and was also in the ninety-five mile race after the rebel General Price in Arkansas and Texas. He was one of the seven color bearers at Shiloh, where five of the number were killed. When the war was over Mr. Penwell returned to Whiteside county, Illinois, and for two years was in poor health as the result of the rigors and hardships of war. He was then married and turned his attention to farming which he followed in Atkinson township, Henry county, for twenty-four years, having eighty acres of land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. About 1890 he sold that farm and removed to Gen- eseo, where he has since made his home. He owns a good residence on South Mechanic street and, as indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, he devotes his attention to the raising of fine fruit.

On the 16th of June, 1867, Mr. Penwell was united in marriage to Miss Hor- tense Frances Fones, at Atkinson, Henry county, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. M. R. Odell. Mrs. Penwell was born in Atkinson township and is a daughter of Harry and Sara A. (Mitchell) Fones. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children. Fred B., the elder, was a fine scholar both in English and German. He was born in Geneseo, January 28, 1871, and died October 5, 1895. Harriet G., who was born July 2, 1876, was married November 12, 1895, to George H. Reig and died October 9, 1907. She left four children, a son and three daughters: Fred Leslie, Grace May, Laura and Maude Lorena.

Mr. Penwell belongs to the Congregational church, while his wife is a mem- ber of the Christian church. His political allegiance is given to the republican

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HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY

party, and he served for one term as road commissioner. Fraternally he is connected with Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M., and belongs also to Jen- kins Post, G. A. R. Throughout his entire life he has been as loyal to his duties of citizenship, as when he followed the old flag on southern battlefields and thus defended the Union cause.

JOHN H. PETERSON.

John H. Peterson was but a boy when his father's family came to the colony of Bishop Hill, but he had some insight into the struggles that confronted those sturdy men and women, and throughout the period of his early manhood had to toil himself that he might raise the debt with which his land was burdened when the colony was incorporated into a village. The task that was set before him was accomplished through the application of determination united with un- remitting industry, and now after having won a generous return from his labors, he has retired to enjoy the rest he so well deserves. The work of the farm, which is upon the outskirts of Bishop Hill, he has passed on to others, but he still makes his home in the house which holds many associations as the result of his own efforts to acquire it. He was born in Westmanland, Sweden, May 6, 1842. His father, Peter Ericson, who was a farmer, came to the United States in 1854 and joined the colony of Bishop Hill, with which he remained for about seven years. A man endowed with gigantic strength, he spent the greater part of his life working in the timber, and upon the dissolution of the colony received sixty-six acres in Galva township, to which he removed in 1861. At that time he was very poor, owing a debt to the colony more than twice the value of his farm, but he was not discouraged and set himself to accomplish the seemingly impossible and until his death, which occurred in his seventy-fifth year, he devoted himself assiduously to the cultivation of the soil.

John H. Peterson was not quite eighteen years of age when his father left the colony, and with a man's realization of the work that lay before him he called into play all his powers, his industry, his ambition and his determination to win success and a fair name from the cultivation of a farm heavily encum- bered by debt. On his father's land he lived until 1897, having in the mean- time not only cleared its title but also added twenty-nine acres to its area and made a number of valuable improvements which were a credit to his ability and foresight. In 1895 he bought a tract of one hundred and forty acres west of the village of Bishop Hill, to which he removed two years later, leasing the home farm at that time. As for crops, he has raised corn and oats principally, and has also engaged somewhat in the stock business, raising annually from twenty to twenty-five head of cattle and from forty to sixty-five hogs, making a specialty of breeding Normandy hogs. Three years ago he retired from the active life and rents this farm, in addition to the old home one, with the ex- ception of the house, barns and pasture, which he has retained for his own use.

JOHN H. PETERSON AND FAMILY

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In Andover township, July 10, 1874, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Johnson, a daughter of Nels Johnson, a farmer of Andover town- ship. Four daughters were born to the couple': Emma, who is the wife of Ed Edson, a farmer of Osco township; and Julia, Esther and May, who are at home. On the 17th of September, 1906, Mrs. Peterson was released from the trials of this world. She was always a devout member of the Swedish Metho- dist Episcopal church, being very active in its work, and her life was brought to the close with the knowledge that as a Christian woman she was entitled to all the consolations which her faith was able to afford to those who had lived in obedience to its tenets.

Mr. Peterson has ever been a stanch adherent of the principles of the re- publican party, evincing a deep interest in local affairs. For three years he served as school director, and was overseer of the highways while that office was elective. He belongs to the Old Settlers Association and few among its members have a greater right to claim affiliation with it, for he knew the strug- gles and hardships of early days, and the success of his later years entitles him to the proud distinction of being numbered among the self-made men of this republic.

THOMAS H. JOHNSTON.

Thomas H. Johnston, the president of the Johnston Lumber Company, was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 25th of December, 1865, his parents being John and Lucy M. (Selon) Johnston, the former a native of County London- derry, Ireland, and the latter of Stark county, Illinois. In 1854 the father came from Connecticut to Illinois, taking up his abode in this county, where he was successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. His death occurred in 1889 and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends during the long period of his residence here.

Thomas H. Johnston supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools of this county, by a course of study in the Galva high school and the Davenport Business College, being graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1887. He continued to reside on the home farm until 1892, when as a young man of twenty-six years he went upon the road as a traveling salesman, being connected with two different firms. Subsequently he became identified with the banking establishment of L. M .Yocum & Company, at Galva, where he remained until elected to the office of county treasurer in 1898. On the expiration of his term, in 1902, he took up his abode in Toulon, Stark county, where he organized the Johnston Lumber Company, conducting yards at Tou- lon, Annawan, Rock Falls and Campgrove. He made his home at Toulon until 1906, when he came to Kewanee and has here since continued to reside. In 1905 he purchased the Whiffen Lumber Yard, now known as the Johnston Lum- ber Company, establishing the headquarters of the firm at Kewanee, from which point the other yards are managed. They deal in all kinds of building materials,

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and the trade is constantly growing, their liberal patronage now bringing to them a gratifying financial return. Mr. Johnston is likewise a stockholder in the State Bank of Toulon and is widely recognized as one of the most substantial, enterprising and representative citizens of the community.

On the 31st of October, 1895, Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Susie E. Calhoun, a daughter of Andrew Calhoun, of Henry county. They now have two children, Mary Janet and William C.

In his political views Mr. Johnston is a stalwart republican and on that ticket was elected to the position of county treasurer in 1898, discharging his official duties in a most efficient and highly satisfactory manner. He is a valued mem- · ber of the Kewanee Club and the Commercial Club and served as president of the latter in 1908. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Wood- men of America and the Court of Honor, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity by his own high moral worth. What he undertakes, he accomplishes, for he possesses resolution, perseverance and reliability, and these qualities have caused him to be enrolled among the best citizens of his native county.

ALEXANDER WALKER.

Alexander Walker occupies a fine brick residence which stands in the midst of five acres of ground at the north end of State street, just outside the corpora- tion limits of Geneseo. He has long been identified with agricultural interests and is still the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres in Henry county. He was born in the old town of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, December 28, 1831, his parents being James and Ellen (Stewart) Walker, who were also natives of the land of hills and heather. The father was a farmer of Scotland, where he died about 1845, while his wife passed away in 1842 in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which they were both members. They were parents of seven children, six sons and a daughter, of whom four are now living : Alexander ; William, whose home is in Munson township; Ellen, the widow of James Richmond, of Orient, Iowa; and George, of Geneseo.

In the common schools of Scotland Alexander Walker pursued his educa- tion, while spending his youthful days upon the home farm. At the age of fifteen years, however, he began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand, and in 1856 he sought the opportunites and privileges of the new world. Here in connection with his brothers, John, James and William, he took contract work in ditching the swamp land in the western part of Indiana. He also did ditching for farmers, and at an early day the brothers came to Henry county but afterward returned to Indiana. A year later, however, they once more came to this county, and Alexander Walker soon resided within its bor- ders. On their return the brothers rented land of P. P. Allan for three years and then began buying land. Mr. Walker, of this review, purchased eighty acres in

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Cornwall township which was partially improved and upon that place resided for twenty years. He also bought one hundred and sixty acres south of the county house but sold it five years later and made purchase of a quarter section in Cambridge township. About the same time he removed to Geneseo, purchasing the attractive home and grounds which he now occupies at the north end of State street. His realty holdings, aside from his residence, comprise two hundred and forty acres, and from this property he derives a good annual income, for it is carefully cultivated under his supervision.

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History of Henry County, Illinois, Volume II, Part 35

Author: Kiner, Henry L., 1851- Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1138

Author: Kiner, Henry L., 1851-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1138