USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 24
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In 1841 Mr. Fridley was married to Miss Eliza S. Kelley, of Geneva. who survives him. Her paternal grandfather, William Kelley, was a native of Pennsylvania and was usually known by the title of Major, by reason of his service in the state militia. With his wife, Mrs. Mary Kelley, he came west in an early day and both died in Chicago. Mrs. Fridley was born in Erie. Pennsylvania. December 6, 1828, and her parents were also natives of the Keystone state, her father having been born in Erie county and her mother in Mercer county. He was major of the regular army for many years and in 1831 removed westward to Chicago. It was not until a year later that the Black Hawk war occurred and six years passed before Chicago was incor- porated as a city. Eventually Mr. Kelley removed to Missouri, where he owned a large tract of land, and at length was killed by being thrown over a horse's head when he was yet in middle life. His wife removed to Geneva, Illinois, at an early day when there were but a few houses in the town, and her death occurred there when she was fifty-eight years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kelley there were born five children, a son and four daughters:
B. F. FRIDLEY
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Prudence, deceased, who was the wife of Christian Sackrider; Mrs. Fridley ; John Robinson Kelley; and Adaline and Susan, both of whom have passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Fridley became the parents of four daughters and one SC11. Eliza Catherine, the widow of Frederick Dunn, resides at Asheville, North Carolina. They had one daughter. Luella F., a graduate of Vander- bilt College. Mary Grace, now deceased, was the wife of a Mr. Patten, by whom she had two children: Benjamin Franklin Patten, now in the regular army ; and Louisa, the wife of Mr. Holden. Benjamin Franklin Fridley, Jr., departed this life at the age of thirty years and his death was much regretted, for he was a young man of fine character and much promise. Ella Frances died in Florida when twenty-two years of age and her demise was also the occasion of deep sorrow on the part of many who had come to love her. May. also deceased, became the wife of Frederick Needham, by whom she had one son, Franklin Fridley.
During the last forty years of his life Mr. Fridley took but little part in the work of the courts or in political affairs. He was a man somewhat unique in character, particularly in his expressions, which were always notably to the point and which have been frequently quoted in the courts for iong years. Many a jury has been influenced more than its members would care to admit by his well told and forcible stories. He possessed keen insight into situations and was enabled to make others see the question from the same position at which he looked at it. He was a believer in Christianity, although he was not biased by creed or man-made doctrine, but gave liberally to all the churches and exemplified in his life his belief in those principles of conduct and character which were enunciated in Palestine more than nine- teen centuries ago. In disposition he was mild and genial, never scolded his children nor spoke a cross word to his wife. He was kind to the poor and always benevolent and public spirited. Having prospered in his undertakings. he built one of the most beautiful homes in Aurora at No. 65 View street and there he passed away May 29, 1898, at the age of eighty-eight years. He was one of the most venerable residents of the city, a man honored and respected by all and most of all where he was best known, so that his mem- ory is still enshrined in the hearts of those with whom he was associated.
MICHAEL HUSS.
Michael Huss, a successful farmer and dairyman residing west of Virgil. where he has under lease a tract of seventy-seven acres of land, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, born on November 19, 1866, and is the son of John and Barbara ( Hersich) Huss, both now deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation.
Michael Huss is indebted to the district schools of Luxemburg for his education. On leaving school he aided his father in the work of the farm. Ambitious to better his condition in life, at the age of twenty-eight, he boldly
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ventured forth to try his fortunes in the new world. He landed in New York, May 6, 1894, and came direct to Kane county. He knew more of farming than of any other industry and it was naturally to this work that he turned his attention. That he has been successful is evidenced by the fact that he now owns a valuable property of two acres of land in Virgil, on which is situ- ated a nice residence, the estimated value of which is about four thousand dollars. In addition to his farming interests he conducts a dairy, having six- teen cows, whose average output of milk is about forty gallons daily. He has taken advantage of any opportunities that have presented themselves for his financial betterment and the progress he has already made bids fair to continue under the excellent judgment he displays in the management of his business.
On January 1, 1903, Mr. Huss was married to Miss Rosa Kunderd, who was born in Switzerland, June 27, 1875. They have become the parents of two children, namely: John J., born October 26, 1903; and Willie, born July 26, 1907. By his ballot Mr. Huss supports the republican party. Religiously he is a faithful member of the Catholic church.
PETER HANSON.
Peter Hanson, a successful farmer and dairyman of Campton township, was born near Motmo, Sweden. June 17, 1862, the son of Hans and Hannah (Pearson) Nelson. Both parents were natives of Sweden, where the father engaged in farming. He was a member of the Lutheran church. The family numbered five children : Nelse, a farmer residing near Elburn; Jonathan, who conducts farming operations in Sweden; Betsy, the wife of Jonathan Jalanders, a cement worker near Elburn; Peter; and Johannes, who left home sixteen years ago and has not been heard of since. He has an estate awaiting him now.
Peter Hanson attended the district schools of Sweden until he was fifteen years of age. He then secured employment as a farm hand, which occupation he followed for four years, when, in 1881, he determined to seek his fortune in America. He located first at Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he secured employment as a laborer on railroad work. This he followed for a few months until he secured a position in the gas works. Hearing of the success of so many of his countrymen on the fertile prairies of Illinois, he resolved to visit that portion of the state near Aurora. Here he secured work, first as a farm hand, while later he purchased the transfer line in Elburn, which he con- tinued to operate for fifteen years, at the expiration of which time he sold it and engaged in farming.
Mr. Hanson married Miss Hannah Anderson, who is also a native of Sweden. They became the parents of two children, Hattie Charlotte, the wife of Clinton Phelps, a farmer residing near Sugar Grove; and Ford A., who resides at home.
Mr. Hanson gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Masonic order and of the Modern Woodmen
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of America. He is an active and valued worker in the Congregational church, in which he holds membership. The success he has achieved in life is entirely due to his own unaided efforts, for he started out to make his way in the world empty-handed and by industry, perseverance and good management has worked his way upward until he now owns over three thousand dollars" worth of personal property.
EDWIN WILFRED STUBBS, M.D.
Edwin Wilfred Stubbs, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Aurora, his native city, was born December 2, 1863, and has won a notable and creditable measure of success, his life record, therefore, being in contra- distinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country. The family is of English lineage, the grandfather of our subject having been a lacemaker of Nottingham. He died in England when about eighty-six years of age, while his wife reached the age of eighty years. They had a large family, mostly sons, two of whom, Joseph and Matthew, came to America. The former was the father of our subject. He first settled at Schenectady, New York, but Matthew Stubbs came directly to Aurora and afterward went to Minnesota, where his last days were passed. Joseph Stubbs was born at Nottingham, England, and was an engineer and machinist, follow- ing those pursuits throughout the greater part of his life. He was one of the first engineers on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and ran a con- struction train at the time of the building of that line. He was afterward fore- man of the locomotive machine shops for some years and remained in the com- pany's employ until his demise, which was occasioned by pneumonia in 1891, when he was seventy-one years of age. In religious faith he was an Episco- palian, as was his wife, who died in 1900, at the age of seventy-nine years. She bore the maiden name of Sarah Smith, was a native of Yorkshire, Eng- land, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Clover) Smith, who came to America and settled in the state of New York, near Schenectady, there remaining during the remainder of their lives. The father was a cutlery manufacturer in Shef- field, England, and in this country lived retired. He died when about seventy- nine years of age and his wife when about eighty-three years of age. They had a large family, and their daughter, Mrs. Stubbs, preceded them to this country several years. By her marriage she became the mother of nine chil- dren, five sons and four daughters, of whom five are now living: Harriet, the wife of John Greenway, of Aurora; Mary, a graduate of the Aurora high school; Frank, living in Aurora; James J., also of this city; and Edwin W.
Dr. Stubbs was reared in Aurora, was a public and high school student, and thus completed his more specifically literary education, while he prepared for a professional career by study in the Marion Simms College of Medicine of St. Louis, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then began practice in this city, where he has remained continuously since, attaining a measure of success, which is the best evidence of his capability and the trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.
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On the 6th of October, 1886, Dr. Stubbs was married to Miss Harriet Ann Chalfant. a daughter of Jackson and Anna ( Norton) Chalfant. Her parents came from West Virginia to Illinois at an early day and settled at Beardstown. Cass county, where they spent their remaining days. The father died in 1897. at the age of seventy-four years, and the mother passed away in 1881. at the age of forty-eight. They were the parents of seven children, of whom five now survive: Helen, the wife of David Treadway, of David City, Nebraska : Matilda, the wife of William Dunn, of Kansas; Gertrude, the wife of Frank McClure, of Beardstown, Illinois: Walter Chalfant, also of Beardstown; and Mrs. Stubbs. Unto the doctor and his wife have been born five children: Edwin, Alice, Walter, Helen and Marion. The parents are members of the Claim Street Baptist church and reside at No. 172 North State street, where Dr. Stubbs erected a modern residence in 1905. Politically he is a republican and is now serving as county physician. He has never sought office outside of the strict path of his profession and is most loyal in his devotion to the interests of his patients and all who need his professional aid. He holds to high standards in his practice and continually promotes his efficiency by reading and investigation, so he is an able physician of liberal knowledge and broad experience.
WILLIAM J. KING.
William J. King is one of the representative business men of Elgin, being proprietor of the only exclusive plumbing, gasfitting and heating establishment in the city. He is a native of Kane county, born in Batavia on the 17th of January, 1874, his parents being Joseph and Mary ( Egan) King. His father, who was born in Argyle, New York, January 14, 1843, is now a resident of Elgin and is foreman of the paint department of the Elgin National Watch Company. Our subject's mother has spent her entire life in Kane county. being born here in 1853.
About 1886 William J. King accompanied his parents on their removal to Elgin, where he attended the public schools for some years, and later was a student at Drew's Business College. When in his fifteenth year he went to Chicago and commenced learning the plumber's trade, remaining in that city until about 1895, when he returned to Elgin and worked at his trade in the employ of others until 1902. In that year he began business for himself along the same line at No. 119 West Chicago street, and remained at that location until his removal to his present place of business-No. 15 North State-in May, 1908. Success has attended his well directed efforts and he now carries a large stock and enjoys an excellent trade.
On the 28th of May, 1898. Mr. King married Miss Bertha Krause, a native of Berlin, Germany, who died May 27. 1905. Her father died in Ger- many, and her mother is now a resident of St. James, Minnesota.
By his ballot Mr. King supports the men and measures of the republican party, but takes no active part in politics aside from voting. Fraternally he is
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connected with the Odd Fellows' society and is a prominent member of the Master Plumbers' Association, of which he was elected president in January, 1908, having previously served as secretary and treasurer for two terms. As a plumber he has no superior in this part of the state and as a business man he stands high in public esteem.
JOHN LARSON.
John Larson, successfully engaged in farming and dairying in Campton township, was born in Sweden. September 20, 1859, his parents being August and Hannah (Gustafson) Larson, also natives of that country. The father's birth occurred October 17, 1817, and he passed away in his native land in March, 1896. His wife, who was born in April, 1821, died in Sweden in April, 1893. The record of the brothers and sisters of our subject is as fol- lows: Augusta, born in Sweden in January, 1853, became the wife of Lavin Swanson, an agriculturist, and still resides in that country. Hulda Mary, whose birth occurred in Sweden in September, 1855, also still remains in the land of her nativity and is a housekeeper. Olivia, born in Sweden, September 15, 1857, is also a housekeeper in that country. Ida Sophia, whose birth oc- curred in Sweden, April 16, 1861, is a housekeeper and resides in Chicago. Josephine, born in Sweden, July 4, 1863, came to America in 1883 and is the wife of Pete Johnson, who conducts the bottling works at Sycamore.
John Larson attended the schools of his native land until about fifteen years of age, mastering the branches of learning which equip one for the practical and responsible duties of life. For about twenty-five years he has resided in Kane county, Illinois, and ten years ago purchased the farm on which he has since continued to make his home. It comprises one hundred and eighty acres of highly improved and valuable land in Campton township, its worth being estimated at twenty thousand dollars. He owns forty cows and operates a large dairy, taking about eighty-five gallons of milk to the creamery daily. He likewise has about two hundred chickens, and raises corn, oats and hay principally for stock feeding purposes. The prosperity which has attended his efforts is entirely the result of his well directed energy and capable business management and he is now widely known as one of the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of the county.
On the 22d of October, 1884, at St. Charles, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Ida Larson, who was born in Sweden, March 6, 1857, and by whom he has the following children: Albert Victaulis, whose birth occurred August 5, 1885, in Campton township, near St. Charles, attended the common schools until sixteen years of age and subsequently entered the St. Charles high school. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, and in August, 1906, wedded Miss Anna Johnson. He now resides near Wasco, following his trade of carpentering. George William, born January 15, 1887, attended the district schools until sixteen years of age and now assists his father in the work of the home farm. Arthur, whose birth
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occurred at Wasco, June 15, 1890, was a pupil in the common schools until sixteen years of age and now resides at home. Amos was born in Wasco, June 10, 1893. attended common school until fifteen years of age and is now at home.
In his political views Mr. Larson is a stalwart republican, while fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. Coming to this country as a young man. he here found the business opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization has gained a gratifying and enviable measure of success.
CHRISTIAN PETERSON.
Christian Peterson, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Virgil township, was born in Thisted. Denmark. August 9, 1881, his parents being Peter and Hedwid (Jensen) Peterson, also natives of that country, the former born in 1848 and the latter in 1854. Their marriage was celebrated in 1876. in Denmark, where they still reside. Peter Peterson, who is a farmer by occu- pation. has served in the Danish army. The record of his children is as follows: Anna Margaret, who was born in Denmark in 1878 and who became the wife of John Muller, of that country, a farmer by occupation, now residing at Kaneville, Illinois; Soren Peter, whose birth occurred in Denmark in 1879 and who is married and follows farming in South Dakota; Christian, of this review; John Brun, born in Denmark in 1883, who is a laborer residing at Virgil; John Chris, born in Denmark in 1885. who died in Elgin. Illinois, in 1906, being buried at Maple Park; Catharine, whose birth occurred in Den- mark in 1886 and who is a housekeeper at Maple Park: Karen Marie, born in Denmark in 1889, who resides in that country with her parents and is a housekeeper ; and Helen Patria, whose birth occurred in Denmark in 1891 and who also lives with her parents.
In 1900 Christian Peterson emigrated to America, settling near Hinckley. Illinois, where he remained for three years and subsequently spent a similar period at Maple Park. He afterward removed to his present location two miles southwest of Virgil, where he operates a rented tract of land of eighty acres known as the Jacob Steffes farm. He is largely interested in dairying. owning sixteen cows and delivering on an average of forty gallons of milk daily to Virgil for the Chicago market. He likewise has one hundred and fifty hens, twenty-four hogs and eight horses, including colts. The success which has crowned his efforts is entirely the result of his own well directed labor and indefatigable energy and he is now numbered among the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community.
On the 2d of February, 1907, at Kaneville, Illinois, occurred the marriage of Mr. Peterson and Miss Elsie Anderson, whose birth occurred in Plano, Illinois. December 2, 1887. This union has been blessed with one son, Edward. who was born in Virgil, November 15. 1907.
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In his political views Mr. Peterson is a stanch republican, and both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. Coming to this country in order that he might take advantage of the broader business opportunities here offered, he has worked earnestly and persistently as the years have gone by and has already attained a creditable degree of prosperity for one of his age.
JOSEPH ALBERT BARTLETT.
Joseph Albert Bartlett, who successfully carries on agricultural pursuits in Kaneville township, was born in Campton township, Kane county, January 24, 1871, his parents being John E. and Elsie ( Richmond) Bartlett. likewise natives of this county. The father, who is now deceased, was engaged in farming throughout his active business career, owning a farm of one hundred and twenty acres near Elburn. Unto him and his wife were born the fol- lowing children: Henry A. and George E., both of whom are agriculturists of this county; Lester W., a school teacher of California; and Walter E., who is engaged in teaching at the Boys' Home in St. Charles, Illinois.
Joseph Albert Bartlett, the other member of the family, attended the district school until fourteen years of age and afterward became a student in the Elburn high school, which he left at the age of sixteen. At that time he entered Wheaton College and was graduated from the business department of that institution when eighteen years of age. On completing his education he returned to the home farm and assisted in its cultivation until the year 1903, when he was married and began farming on his own account. He first established his home in Campton township, subsequently resided in Blackberry township for two years and then took up his abode in Kaneville township, where he has since continued, being here successfully engaged in the operation of his mother-in-law's farm. He is widely known as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist and well deserves the esteem which is accorded him throughout the community.
Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Bateman, a native of Pembroke, Wales, and a daughter of William and Mary Ann Bateman. who came to Illinois in an early day, settling on the farm on which our sub- ject now resides. Mr. Bateman was killed by a mad bull on the 28th of March, 1902, his demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret among his many friends. The record of his children, in addition to Mrs. Bartlett, is as follows: David, a retired farmer, who makes his home in Elburn, Illinois; Peter, who follows agricultural pursuits in Kaneville town- ship; May J., the wife of Edward James, a farmer of Kaneville township; Annie R., the wife of Edmond James, of Big Rock; Augusta H., who became the wife of Will Heig, a farmer by occupation, and resides in Kaneville town- ship; Hannah, the wife of E. McNair, who follows farming in Blackberry township; Rowland and Joel, who likewise follow farming in Kaneville town- ship. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have been born three children, namely :
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Bernice Althea, whose birth occurred May 13. 1904; Rowland A .. born August 25. 1906 ; and Lowell E., whose natal day was September 18, 1907.
A native son of Kane county, Mr. Bartlett is well and favorably known here and has gained a most extensive circle of friends, having been actuated in all his dealings by high and honorable principles and worthy motives.
EDWARD B. QUACKENBUSH.
Edward B. Quackenbush is actively connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community and one which has long been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He has practiced at Aurora since the spring of 1906 and has been a member of the Kane county bar since October. 1900. His life record began in St. Charles, Illinois, November 27, 1872. His father, Marvin Quacken- bush, was a noted educator of Kane county and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. His mother, Eleanor ( Boynton) Quackenbush, was born on a farm two miles east of Dundee, the property being now in possession of the Woman's Club of Elgin. She was a representative of one of the oldest fam- ilies of this part of the state. Her grandfather, George B. McClure, who was a brigadier general in the war of 1812, came to Dundee in 1835 and was the first postmaster of the town. He was closely associated with the early devel- opment of the locality and contributed in substantial measure to its upbuilding.
Edward B. Quackenbush, pursuing a public-school education, passed through consecutive grades to the high school and was graduated with the class of 1889. In the fall of that year he became a student in the Elgin Academy and afterward attended Beloit ( Wis.) College for a year. Later he spent two years in the Northwestern University at Evanston and then matriculated in Hobart College at Geneva, New York, from which he was graduated in 1897. He then turned his attention from the acquirement of a general education to the study of law, beginning his reading under the direction of the firm of Botsford, Wayne & Botsford, of Elgin. In October. 1900, he was admitted to the bar and began practice in Elgin and in Dundee, where he remained for six years. During that period he served for fifteen months as assistant state's attorney. In the spring of 1906. Mr. Quacken- bush arrived in Aurora, where he has since resided and here he has demon- strated his power to successfully cope with intricate legal problems, to turn each point to the best advantage and to present his case in the strong, clear light of reasoning.
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