USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 31
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
Lawrence A. R. Olesen attended the country school until sixteen years of age during the winter seasons, while in the summer months he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. After leaving school he worked for his father for three years and then formed a partnership with his brother, but subsequently purchased his brother's interest and started out in business life for himself. He now owns a productive and well improved farm of one hundred and thirty acres two miles west of Elburn, and in the conduct of his agricultural interests is meeting with a most gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity. The place is beautifully situated and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful supervision and enterprising spirit of the owner. In addition to the work of general farming he also con- ducts a dairy, having thirty-one cows.
On the 11th of May, 1905, Mr. Olesen was united in marriage to Miss Lena Larsen, who was born at Geneva in 1887. her father being Jacob Lar- sen, who carries on farming near Kaneville. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Olesen have
319
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
been born two children, namely: Clarence, whose birth occurred April 18, 1906; and Clifford, born in January, 1908.
Politically Mr. Olesen is a republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Lutheran church. Although still a young man, he has already attained a good measure of success in his undertakings and his many friends prophesy for him a bright future.
CHARLES F. THEURER.
Charles F. Theurer, who is energetically and successfully carrying on agricultural interests in Aurora township, was born in this township on the 29th of July, 1874. His father, John Adam Theurer, was a native of Wur- temburg, Germany, and emigrated to America about 1863, settling in Kane county. In Aurora, in 1871, he wedded Miss Elizabeth White, of Baden, Germany. For twenty years he engaged in the operation of the John Spillard farm, situated two and a half miles west of Aurora on the Galena road and comprising one hundred and fifty acres of very fine land. In connection with his farming interests he also conducted a milk route in this county for twenty years, and is widely recognized as a progressive and enterprising citizen. Since 1906, however, he has been living retired in Aurora, enjoy- ing in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil. In March, 1908, he celebrated his sixty-sixth birthday, while his wife had passed the sixty-third milestone on life's journey in April, 1908. Unto this worthy couple have been born three children, namely: Mary, the wife of James Mitchell, of Marinette, Wisconsin; Charles F., of this review; and Lydia, the wife of Mike Nenno, of Waynesville, Missouri.
Charles F. Theurer acquired a common-school education, mastering the branches of learning which equip one for the practical and responsible duties of life. When his father retired from active life in 1906, Charles F. Theurer leased the Spillard farm on his own account and has since been successfully operating the same, meeting with a gratifying and well-merited measure of success in the conduct of his farming interests. He is a man of laudable ambition, progressive spirit and unfaltering determination and will doubtless soon acquire capital sufficient with which to purchase property of his own.
On the 17th of March, 1896, Mr. Theurer was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Lawyer, of Joliet. Illinois, a daughter of Adam and Magdalena (Emerick) Lawyer. The mother passed away in October, 1883, and in 1886 Adam Lawyer was again married, his second union being with Elnora Boltz. He was called to his final rest in February, 1908, and his widow now makes her home with her stepdaughter, Mrs. Theurer. Adam Lawyer had five children, as follows: William F., of Wyncote, Wyoming: Dessie. the wife of Nelson Macier, of Joliet, Illinois; Frank, deceased; Mrs. Theurer, and Grace, the wife of Jesse Spooner, of Chicago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Theurer have been born the following children: Edna May, whose birth
320
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
occurred September 4. 1896; William Adam, born March 2. 1898, and Theodore Charles, whose natal day was June 19. 1905.
Mr. Theurer is independent in his political views, while fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen of America. A native son of this county, he is well and favorably known and has gained an extensive circle of friends by reason of his genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character.
JACOB M. EBY.
No matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge as to the causation of success, careful investigation will always bring to mind the fact that business advancement is attributable to two causes-industry and sound judgment. It is evident that these have constituted the basis of Mr. Eby's prosperiy, making him one of the leading business men of Aurora, where he is now conducting a successful enterprise as the head of the Eby- Loser Company, wholesale confectioners and jobbers. He was born in Ontario, Canada, July 31, 1859. his parents being Moses and Marie ( Miller) Eby, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a son of George Eby, also a native of the Keystone state, and of German lineage. His life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and the maternal grand- father was also a farmer. He was born in Germany, and on coming from Saxony to the new world settled in Erie county, Pennsylvania. Moses Eby engaged in business as a contractor during the greater part of his life, and now resides in Berlin, Waterloo county, Canada, where he has made his home for many years. His wife died in 1902, at the age of seventy-six years and her many sterling traits of heart and mind made her loss one deeply re- gretted in the community. She held membership in the Mennonite church, of which Moses Eby is also a devoted member. Their family numbered ten children, nine sons and one daughter, but only four are now living: Isaac and George, who are residents of Ontario, Canada; and Jacob M. and Moses, of this city.
Jacob M. Eby was reared upon the home farm in Waterloo county, Ontario, and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The district schools afforded him his early edu- cational privileges and when he was about sixteen years of age he left home and learned the baker's trade, which he followed continuously until 1906. The year 1879 witnessed his removal across the border into the United States, at which time he settled in Detroit, Michigan. He afterward went to New York city and in 1884 came to Aurora, where for three years he was in the employ of J. B. Roberts. On the expiration of that period he formed a partnership with Reuben Johnson, and established a restaurant and bakery business. They were together for two years and in 1889 Mr. Eby withdrew and opened a business on his own account at No. 38 Downer place. Two years later he admitted Edward Hinman and Peter Michaels and the firm became Eby, Hinman & Co. Later Mr. Hinman sold his interest to his
321
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
partners and the firm became Eby & Michaels. Eventually, however, Mr. Eby purchased Mr. Michaels' interest and admitted Christe Loser, this part- nership forming a stock company, which is known under the style of the Eby-Loser Company. The business was incorporated and the house, repre- sented on the road by a number of traveling salesmen, has become well known and has a large trade. They manufacture confectionery and also do a job- bing business. The quality of their manufactured product is such as to in- sure a continuance of the liberal patronage which they now receive. They have always aimed at excellence in their output and have also adhered to a high standard of business in the personnel of their house and in the service which they have rendered to the public. Thus along legitimate lines of trade Mr. Eby has gained success and is now numbered among the prosperous business men of Aurora.
On the 22d of September, 1887, Mr. Eby was married to Miss Florence Clark, a daughter of Richard and Lucy (Cone) Clark. They have become the parents of five children, Irene, Clifford, Mildred, Laverne and George. Mrs. Eby is a member of the New England Congregational church, while Mr. Eby's membership relations extend to Aurora Lodge, No. 254, A. F. & A. M., to the Elks and the Woodmen. Politically he is a republican but the honors and emoluments of office do not prove alluring to him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business, and the evidence of his prosperity is found not only in his manufacturing interests but also in the property which he owns. This includes a beautiful home at No. 158 North Lake street and two good brick residences on West Park avenue. Throughout his life he has been energetic and determined, brooking no obstacle that could be overcome by persistent effort, and thus through the stages of orderly progression he has advanced to his present creditable place in the business world.
CHARLES HOPKINS BARRETT.
Charles Hopkins Barrett was born at Lenox, Massachusetts, October 16, 1850. His father, Sylveser Barrett, was also a native of Lenox, Massa- chusetts, where his birth occurred January 8, 1819. He was a stonemason by trade and in 1857 came to Illinois, locating at Geneva. At that place he enlisted in a volunteer company which was afterward called the Fox River Tigers. Sylvester Barrett bore the distinction of being the best snare-drum- mer under the division command. At Brainard, New York, in 1849, he had wedded Miss Carolina Adelia Hicks, and their children were as follows : Lottie E., the wife of Willis Richardson, an engineer of Lafox, Illinois; Frank, deceased; Anna Irene, a school teacher at Batavia; Frank E., who has also passed away, and Charles Hopkins, of this review.
The last named attended high school until sixteen years of age, and on putting aside his text-books secured employment as a farm hand. Care- fully saving his earnings, he was at length enabled to purchase a farm of
322
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
one hundred and fifty acres near Lafox, which he has since sold. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with a most gratifying measure of prosperity and his success is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has been gained entirely through his own efforts.
Politically Mr. Barrett is a republican, while his religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Congregational church. An heirloom which he now has in his possession and which has been in the family for four gen- erations, is a combination bureau and secretary. He is well known throughout the community by reason of his long residence here and is widely recognized as a most public-spirited and progressive citizen.
EUGENE B. MIX.
"There is no royal road to wealth," is a statement which finds verifi- cation in the life record of Eugene B. Mix, who, though a successful representative of financial interests, has won his prosperity through close and unremitting application and keen discrimination in business affairs. For some years he was a factor in banking circles and is now handling invest- ments and securities, gaining a liberal clientage in this line.
One of Aurora's native sons, he was born June 27. 1845. of the mar- riage of R. C. and Sophronia (Ewell) Mix, both of whom are now deceased. The father, a native of Vermont, came to this city in 1841. He was a mill- wright by trade and removed to the middle west for the purpose of building the Black Hawk mill at this place. Being pleased with the country he de- cided to remain permanently and brought his family to Aurora, where he continued to make his home until his demise, which occurred November 18, 1871. The growth of the city, attributable to the efforts of its public-spirited citizens, found an advocate in Mr. Mix, who cooperated in many measures for the public good. In 1856 he was appointed postmaster of Aurora and filled the position through two administrations, discharging the duties of the office in a most prompt and businesslike manner. In 1861 he established the bank of Mix & Miller, which was conducted until 1873, when the company sold out to the Second National Bank.
Eugene B. Mix at the usual age entered the public schools and passed through successive grades in the acquirement of a good practical English edu- cation. He commenced his business life in the postoffice, where he performed such humble duties as sweeping the floor and other odd jobs. He also went for the mail, which was received once a day. When his father entered the banking business Eugene B. Mix became associated with him and has since been prominently connected with the financial and banking circles of Aurora. When the Mix & Miller Bank was sold to the Second National Bank, Eugene B. Mix became connected with the First National Bank and remained with that institution until 1905 as clerk, bookkeeper. teller. assistant cashier, cash- ier and president. Thus through successive promotions he worked his way upward until he became the chief executive head of the institution and so con-
323
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
tinued from 1899 until 1905, when ill health forced his resignation. In order that he might benefit by more outdoor life, as he felt that close confinement was detrimental to him, he turned his attention to the placing of investments and securities and has handled much commercial paper. His long experience in banking had given him a comprehensive knowledge of its value and he has conducted the business with good success, having now a liberal clientele.
Mr. Mix was married in 1881 to Miss Fannie Woodworth, a native of Aurora, and they are widely and favorably known in the social circles of the city. While he does not seek to figure in political circles, he has been a promi- nent factor in other public connections. He served as treasurer of the Aurora Hospital Association, and he belongs to Aurora Lodge, No. 254. A. F. & A. M .; Aurora Chapter, R. A. M .; and Aurora Council, R. & S. M. While he had the benefit of starting in business under his father's direction, he was made to realize that success depends upon individual effort, and, without placing dependence upon parental influence, he has worked his way upward, utilizing the means at hand and improving each opportunity as it has been presented until he stands today as a recognized and forceful factor in business circles.
CHARLES J. WATERHOUSE.
Charles J. Waterhouse, a popular and enterprising business man of Wasco, where he is employed as station agent and telegraph operator, was born in Holton, Kansas, December 9, 1869, the son of Robert J. and Martha A. (Spencer) Waterhouse. His father was a veteran of the Civil war, serv- ing in the Twentieth Kansas Cavalry as second lieutenant. He was a promi- nent citizen of Jackson county, where he served as sheriff for ten consecutive years. Following his retirement from public life he engaged in the grocery business, in which he continued until the time of his death in 1905. In poli- tics he was a democrat, and socially was a member of the Masonic order, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of Pythias, and of several insurance orders. The mother was born in Upper Stillwater, Maine. Her father was for many years a sea captain. Two children were born to this union, but Edward J. left home at the age of fourteen years and has not been heard from since.
Charles J. Waterhouse received his early education in the public schools of Holton, Kansas, passing on through consecutive grades to the high school, spending his vacation periods in railroad construction work. From the high school he entered the Campbell Normal University, of Holton, where he took a two-years' course, and then entered upon the active duties of railroad life, with which he has since been connected. He has received a broad educa- tion in this work, gained through a vast experience in adapting himself to vari- ous positions. He was agent at Cambridge, Kansas ; Shaw, Agricola, Holton, Mineral, Columbus, Junction City ; Adair, Indian Territory ; Savonburg, Kan- sas; Chanute, La Harpe, back to Chanute, Carl Junction, Missouri; Texar-
324
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
kana. Texas; Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Byron, Illinois; South Freeport, Illinois ; Graf. Iowa; back to Byron, Illinois ; thence to his present position in Wasco, where he has resided for the past three years.
While a resident of Shaw, Kansas, Mr. Waterhouse met and married Miss Sarah A. Allen, a native of that city. They have become the parents of two children : Paul Preston, born April 9. 1895 ; and Lillian, born July 5, 1905.
In his political views Mr. Waterhouse is a stanch republican, though he has never aspired to public office. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, of the Modern Woodmen of America, and of the Order of Railway Telegraphers.
MOSES WILLIAM HAWES.
Moses William Hawes was long well known in Elgin and was a factor in its business development and growth. He was a wide traveler and possess- ing an observing eye and retentive memory his mind was stored with many interesting reminiscences of his trips to foreign countries. He is still sur- vived by his widow, who is yet an esteemed resident of Elgin. He was born September 2, 1814, at Watertown, New York. He acquired his early educa- tion there and later went to Baltimore, where he learned civil engineering. In 1837 he was sent to Point Conception, Chili, to build and put into operation the second flouring mill of that country. He was chosen for this position from among one hundred applicants. In the South American country he became prominent and for many years was in the employ of the government, doing contract work.
While in the south Mr. Hawes married a Spanish lady and unto them were born six children. Three reached years of maturity, but all are now deceased. Having lost his wife and being in poor health himself, Mr. Hawes went from Chili to China in 1859 and thence returned to the United States, having circumnavigated the globe. On the 12th of February, 1860, he was married to Miss Jennie R. Rosencrans, a native of New York, born near Hammondsport. Her parents were Asa and Jane (Cole) Rosencrans, natives of New Jersey, whence they removed to the Empire state, where the father owned a good farm on Crooked lake. He removed westward to Elgin with his family in 1837, Mrs. Hawes being at that time but four years of age. The family was prominent in pioneer days and aided in the early development and progress of Kane county.
Two sons of the family, Horace and Frazier Rosencrans, arrived in 1836 and entered a tract of land in Cook county near Elgin. The following year the father and other members of the family came to Kane county and with the work of pioneer development and progress were closely associated, aiding in extending the frontier which in due time took on all the evidences of a modern civilization. Another son, Garrett Rosencrans, served as assessor of Elgin township for many years and was city surveyor for a long period. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was an active and
MOSES W. HAWES
327
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
prominent member of the Young Men's Christian Association. He was also a director in the Home National Bank for many years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rosencrans died here.
They were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, but Mrs. Hawes is the only one now living. The eldest, Horace, is now deceased. Frazier was drowned in the Fox river near Elgin in 1838. Mrs. Maria Scott Smith, the third of the family, is deceased. Dr. Halsey Rosencrans was a physician, located in Texas at the outbreak of the Civil war. Owing to his Union sentiments he was forced to leave that country and he became a sur- geon in the northern army. He was very successful in his treatment of yellow fever patients, losing only two cases during a long epidemic. After the war he returned to Texas, where for many years he was a prominent physician, but lost his life in Indianola, Texas, during a cyclone in 1886. Garrett, the next of the family, was prominent in business and political life here. Eliza- beth and Katherine are now deceased. Hiram D. resided in Elgin until 1852 and then went west to Utah, where he died. The youngest member of the family is Mrs. Hawes, who is also the only survivor.
On the Ist of August, 1860, Mr. and Mrs. Hawes sailed for Chili, where about seven years were passed, returning to the United States in the autumn of 1867. Mr. Hawes then engaged in the lumber business at Mendota, Illi- nois, but his health failed and he sold out, going to Europe in 1873 with his wife. Following his return home he was closely associated with other busi- ness interests. In 1877 he was called to serve as president of the Home Na- tional Bank of Elgin and remained as its chief executive officer until 1879, when he resigned. His remaining days were spent in honorable retirement in the enjoyment of well earned rest and he passed away November 22, 1894, respected and honored by all who knew him. Mr. Hawes was an able busi- ness man, diligent, active and reliable, his name being a most honored one in both commercial and financial circles. He reached the venerable age of eighty years and a life of usefulness and honor was terminated when he was called to his final rest.
SOLEMNUS DAY SEAMANS.
The history of Aurora's commercial development and upbuilding would be incomplete without mention of Solemnus Day Seamans, a prominent and successful representative of its commercial and industrial interests. With keen understanding in business situations and displaying at all times a thor- ough mastery of every problem which is presented, he has gained a place among the prosperous and able business men of the city, his career winning him the entire respect of his colleagues and the admiration of his contempo- raries. He is now conducting a large trade as a dealer in lumber and build- ing materials, and is also the president of the Aurora Corset Company.
A native of Richfield Springs, New York, Mr. Seamans was born October II, 1848, his parents being Nelson and Lorinda A. (Day) Seamans. The
328
KANE COUNTY HISTORY
father was a plow maker when a young man in the Empire state. He lived principally in Herkimer county, New York, but in early manhood, attracted by the gold discoveries in California, he went to that state by way of the isthmus route, and was there engaged in mining and milling. Subsequently he went to Oregon and engaged in that trade at Port Orford, but the Indians becoming hostile to the white men he was killed by them in 1858, when about forty-eight years of age. His wife survived him until June, 1879. and died in Aurora, at about the age of sixty-five years. She had made her home here for a number of years, and had gained many friends in the community. She held membership in the Baptist church. They were the parents of three chil- dren : Solemnus D. ; Charles D., of Los Angeles, California ; and Cornelia, the wife of L. F. Gay, of Los Angeles, California.
Solemnus D. Seamans lived in New York to the age of twelve years, and in 1860 became a resident of Illinois. He remained upon the farm east of Aurora until April, 1861, when he took up his abode in the city and entered the public schools. He afterward attended Clark Seminary, and when his education was completed he accepted a position in the postoffice under George S. Bangs, there continuing for four years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the production of strawberries and other fruits and one year raised three hundred bushels of strawberries. He continued in that business for a number of years, after which he owned a lumberyard in part- nership with an old schoolmate, William Elliott, under the firm style of Sea- mans & Elliott. They were together for two years, after which Mr. Seamans purchased his partner's interest and admitted his cousin. Truman H. Day. They were together for a year, after which he bought out Mr. Day's interest and admitted John Loomis to a partnership. The latter was a practical lum- berman and the firm of Loomis & Seamans continued for five years. Since the Ist of June, 1878, however, Mr. Seamans has conducted the business alone. He has enjoyed an excellent and constantly increasing trade and has furnished lumber and building materials for thousands of houses in Aurora. His business methods have ever been straightforward and reliable, and his earnest efforts to please his patrons have secured him the large measure of success which has crowned his efforts. He has also been the president of the Aurora Corset Company since its organization and is fourth owner of this enterprise, which is now one of the important productive industries of the city. employing about two hundred and forty people. A man of resourceful busi- ness ability, he has extended his efforts to many lines, and various enterprises have felt the stimulus of his commercial activity, his sound judgment and keen business discrimination. He is also a director in the Western United Gas & Electric Company. is also a director in the German American National Bank and has various interests outside of the city. He is now part owner in a large jewelry store in Los Angeles, California, in partnership with his brother-in- law, J. G. Donavan, under the firm style of J. G. Donavan & Company. He is likewise largely interested in the Hamilton Watch Company, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and is a stockholder in three banks in Los Angeles, California. His investments have been judiciously placed and return him a gratifying income.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.