History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II, Part 59

Author: Joslyn, R. Waite (Rodolphus Waite), b. 1866
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 958

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At the end of that period Mr. McVicker, being about twenty-four years old, began to make arrangements for a home and industry of his own, and for one year he farmed rented land on his own account. During the next three years he was employed by the National Biscuit Company in Aurora, but mercantile life was not to his taste. The farm still called to him in pleading terms and the farming interests seemed most promising to his hopes as well as most suited to his desires, and he yielded to the call. On February 16. 1905, hie leased the Whittemore farm two miles and a half west of Aurora, which he now occupies and on which he has shown himself to be a thoroughly practical. resourceful and up-to-date farmer. He devotes his whole time and energy to his work, applying assiduous industry and careful management to all his farming operations and using good judgment with refer- ence to every detail of his undertaking: and his success in results is in full accordance with his diligence and intelligence in planning for them and working toward them.

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Mrs. McVicker, his mother, died on a farm near Aurora on June II, 1897, and the father of the family is now living near Batavia. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living. Samuel's brothers and sisters are: Maggie, wife of Andrew Spritzer, of Aurora; Jolin, also a resi- dent of Aurora; Jane, who married Daniel W. Robinson, of Aurora, and is living in that city; Robert. of Aurora township; Martha, wife of C. J. Lyons of Batavia ; and Henry, an esteemed citizen of Aurora.

On January 9, 1902, Mr. McVicker was united in marriage with Miss Selina Eleanor Boyer, who was born in Aurora, May 20, 1882. and is a daughter of Alfred and Emily (Defoe) Boyer, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. McVicker are Catholics in religion and belong to Holy Angels church of that sect in Aurora. The husband is a democrat in politics and a Modern Woodman in fraternal life. He is averse to official station and has never sought nor desired a public office of any kind. He finds enough to fully occupy his time and energies in looking after his farm and pushing it to the highest development and productiveness. At the same time, he is not indiffer- ent to the welfare of the township, but does all he can to promote it and foster every movement for the advancement of the community and the greater comfort, convenience and enjoyment of its people. He is accounted an excel- lent and representative citizen and is highly esteemed as such.

GEORGE E. HANKES.

George E. Hankes, who for almost a quarter of a century has been suc- cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 27, Blackberry township, was born in Sugar Grove, Kane county, Illinois, June 1, 1860. His parents were Michel and Margaret (Dicks) Hankes, natives of Holland and Lux- emberg. Germany, respectively. The father's birth occurred in 1836 and in the year 1848 he emigrated to America, locating in Aurora, Illinois, where hie resided for one year. On the expiration of that period he removed to Sugar Grove, purchased land from the government, and there carried on farm- ing throughout his active business career. Coming to this country with limited financial resources, it was only by dint of untiring perserverance and unre- mitting energy that he gained the prosperity which crowned his efforts in later years. During the progress of the Civil war he was twice drafted for service but each time purchased his exemption. In politics he was a democrat, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. His demise occurred in 1880 and his remains were interred in St. Nicholas cemetery on the east side of Aurora. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Pierce M., who follows farming near Aurora; Katie, the wife of Con B. Birong, a traveling salesman residing in Madison, Wisconsin; Henry, of Aurora, Illinois, who is employed by the American Well Boring Company: Elizabeth, the wife of Theodore Weydert. foreman for the American Well works: Margaret, the wife of Charles

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Duckendorf, a retired agriculturist; and Nicholas, a farmer of Blackberry township.

George E. Hankes, the other member of the family. attended school until fourteen years of age and subsequently assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained the age of twenty-six years. Being married at that time, he commenced farming on his own account and has now for twenty-three years been most successfully connected with this line of activity in Blackberry township. He, likewise, owns some registered Chester White hogs, and is widely recognized as one of the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of the community.

Mr. Hankes was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Kohley, who was born December 15, 1866, a daughter of John Kohley. The latter still survives at the advanced age of eighty-two years, making his home in Aurora, but his wife was called to her final rest in 1880. The members of their family, in addi- tion to Mrs. Hankes, were as follows: Catherine, the wife of Henry H. Patterman, a painter of Aurora : Charles, a farmer of Kane county ; Margaret, of Aurora; Mary, who likewise makes her home in Aurora; Jacob, who follows agricultural pursuits in Naperville : Agnes, the wife of William Sachen, of Aurora ; Anna, who became the wife of Charles Plain and lives in Streator, Illinois ; and John, a miller of Aurora. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hankes are: Margaret, Charles, Jacob, Pierce and Henry, all at home.

Politically Mr. Hankes is a republican, while in religious belief he is a Catholic. A native son of Kane county, where he has now resided for almost a half century, he is well and favorably known here and has gained an extensive circle of warm friends.

CHARLES P. EKSTROM.

Charles P. Ekstrom, residing in Campton township, this county, where he is engaged in farming, dairying and stockraising, was born near Helsing- borg, Sweden, September 26, 1872, the son of P. and Johanna (Johnson) Ekstrom. Both parents are natives of Sweden, the father having been born there, April 16, 1840, and the mother, July 19, 1849. The father served his regular time in the Swedish army and is now engaged in farming in the land of his birth. He is a faithful and consistent member of the Lutheran church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ekstrom have been born eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, namely: Gustaf, born November 6, 1867, a farmer residing in Sweden; Charles P., of this review ; August, who was born June 3. 1871, and died in America in 1891; Hilda, who was born June 3, 1874, and died September 12. 1890; John E., born September 20, 1875, a farmer residing in Sweden; Emma S., who was born October 9, 1877, and was married in 1895 to John August Fritz, a grocer of Rockford, Illinois; Otto, who was born December 7, 1879, and died in Sweden, June 6, 1884; Fred, born July 26, 1882, a carpenter residing with Charles P., of this review ; Otto A .. born January 25, 1885. a farmer residing in Campton township;

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Frida, deceased, who was born October 18, 1887; and Joseph, who was born March 24, 1890, and resides at home with his parents and aids his father in the work of the farm.

Charles P. Ekstrom attended the district schools in his native land until fourteen years of age, at which time he discontinued his school work in order to devote his entire time to his father's farming interests. At the age of twenty he emigrated to America and located in Kane county, Illinois. He was nat- urally of a thrifty, industrious disposition and was quick to take advantage of any opportunities that presented themselves for his individual advancement. He knew more of farming than of any other industry and, naturally, it was to this work that he turned his attention, ever keeping in mind the ambition he entertained in coming to America, which was that of conducting a farm of his own. His ambition has long since been realized, and the advancement he has already made bids fair to continue under the excellent judgment he displays in the management of his business. In addition to the raising of hay and grain he is engaged in the dairy business, keeping thirty cows for that purpose, and engages extensively in the raising of Berkshire hogs, of which he makes a specialty. He now estimates the value of his personal property at about two thousand dollars.

On August 21, 1897, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ekstrom and Miss Emma Lovis Anderson, who was born in Campton township, October 28. 1876. They have become the parents of two children, namely : Esther Olive, who was born August 10, 1899, and died January 6. 1900; and Carl Elmer, born December 8, 1901. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ekstrom are faithful and consistent members of the Lutheran church, and in politics he is a republican.

Mrs. Ekstrom is a daughter of Gustaf and Anna Christina (Johnson) Anderson, both natives of Westergotland, Sweden, the former born February 25, 1835, and the latter December 23, 1838. For forty years they have now made their home in America, and throughout his active business life the father has followed farming. He is a republican in politics, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church. In their family were four daughters : Augusta. born May 31, 1864; Amanda Josefina, who was born in Sweden, December 15, 1868, and died in America in 1870; Emma, who was born in this country, December 22, 1871, and died in August, 1872; and Mrs. Ekstrom, who is the youngest of the family.

BENJAMIN P. ALSCHULER.

The name of Alschuler has ever figured prominently in the legal circles of Aurora and has come to be regarded almost as a synonym for success in the trial of cases before the bar. B. P. Alschuler sustains the reputation borne by his brother, Samuel Alschuler, who formerly practiced here, and is now suc- cessfully practicing as a member of the firm of Murphy & Alschuler. He was born in Aurora, November 8, 1876, his parents being Jacob and Caroline (Steifel) Alschuler, both of whom were natives of Germany.

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No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for B. P. Alschuler in his boyhood and youth. His time was divided between the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground, as he pursued his education in the public schools of Aurora, eventually being graduated from the east side high school. He determined upon the practice of law as a life work and to this end he became a student in the law office of Alschuler & Murphy, of Aurora, the senior partner being his brother, Samuel Alschuler. After thorough preliminary study he passed the required examina- tion admitting him to the bar in 1899. Since 1900 he has been a partner of the firm of Murphy & Alschuler, succeeding his brother upon his retire- ment preparatory to his removal to Chicago, where he is now practicing law. The firm is a prominent one in the Kane county courts. Mr. Alschuler seems to possess a natural discrimination as to legal ethics. He never fails to recognize the main point at issue and never neglects to give a thorough preparation. His pleas have been characterized by a terse and decisive logic and a lucid presentation.

In March, 1900, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Alschuler and Miss Lilian Reinheimer, of Delavan, Illinois, a daughter of S. M. Reinheimer, one of the old settlers of this state. They now have two children, Jacob Edward and Corinne. Mr. Alschuler is a member of the Masonic lodge of Aurora, of the Royal Arch chapter. the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and other organizations. He is an active democrat, stands high in the councils of his party and at the last election was the democratic nominee for congress. While he works earnestly for his party his chief attention is given to his professional duties and his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial.

JACOB WACKERLIN.

The industry, frugality and thrift of the Swiss people are well known all over the world, as are, also, their ardent devotion to their country, their un- yielding bravery in battle and their lofty ideals of government and personal freedom. The little mountain democracy of Europe has given the whole earth valuable lessons in the administration of public affairs and the matter of in- ternal improvements. And when its people have gone abroad into other lands, they have carried with them the lessons learned at home and put them into practice for the benefit of the country of their adoption.

Jacob Wackerlin, one of the leading farmers of Sugar Grove township. belongs to this sturdy race and is a fine example of all its practical virtues and useful elements of character. He was born in the canton of Schauffhausen, Switzerland, March 1, 1870, and lived there, attending school and assisting his parents on the home farm, until he reached the age of eighteen years. At that time he came to the United States and took up his residence in New York. where, for three years he worked as a hired hand on a farm. But he had higher aspirations for himself, and the great west held out opportunities for their realization. In 1891 he became a resident of DuPage county, Illinois.

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There he passed two years again as a farm hand, still looking ahead and work- ing zealously toward his destined goal.

At the end of the period mentioned Mr. Wackerlin felt that he was in a position to undertake the operation of a farm of his own and found a home. Accordingly. November 23. 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Kuebler, who was one of his schoolmates in his native land, and who was born there March II. 1870. When her future husband left their ancestral mountains to seek the realization of his hopes in the new world there seems to have been no thought of their possible marriage in his mind or in hers. She bade him good-by with cheerfulness and encouragement, saying in sub- stance that he was going to wonderful America, where he would become a rich gentleman, and she never expected to see him again. Mrs. Wackerlin's parents were farmers, and like her husband, she acquired in her rural home and under the tuition of her good father and mother strong elements of char- acter and formed habits of industry and frugality. She came to this country in 1891, and after passing two years in New Jersey, moved to Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Wackerlin have four children: Jacob Washington, whose birth occurred February 22, 1895; Nellie Edna, who was born April 15. 1896; Mabel Gladys, who was born May 10, 1900, and Elmer Leroy, who is now six years old, having been born on June 10, 1902. The parents are firm be- lievers in the value of mental training and intend to give their children the best school privileges and advantages available to them. The oldest son, now thirteen, is a student at the Sugar Grove Industrial School.

In 1899 Mr. Wackerlin purchased the farm of one hundred and seven- teen acres in section 31. Sugar Grove township, on which he now lives. Soon after he bought the place the dwelling on it was destroyed by fire, and he thereupon erected a substantial and commodious farm house, which is well arranged and provided with modern conveniences. He has brought his land to a high state of productiveness and made for himself and his family a very comfortable, attractive and profitable country home. In connection with his farming operations he always feeds a large number of cattle in win- ter for the market, and as he gives them good attention and feeds them with judgment he never fails to realize handsomely on the enterprise. He and his wife are not members of any church, but the children are regular attendants of a Sunday school at Sugar Grove.

Although far from their native land, and cut off from all its scenes and associations, except in memory, these worthy people are not without kindred in this country. Mr. Wackerlin has two brothers and a sister within easy reach of him. His brother, George, lives in Aurora and his brother, John, in Montgomery, Kane county, and his sister. Mrs. Cecilia Shultz, is a resident of Star City, Indiana. Another brother and sister are still living in Switz- erland. Mrs. Wackerlin has a brother in Virginia and a brother and sister in Zurich, Switzerland.

The years of their residence in Kane county have been fruitful to Mr. and Mrs. Wackerlin in more ways than one. They have prospered in a worldly way. and they have earned their prosperity. They have also grown strong in public esteem and the cordial regard and good will of their friends

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and neighbors, and this result is also based on merit. They have lived ac- ceptably, usefully and progressively, showing proper consideration for others and performing with fidelity and cheerfulness their whole duty toward all with whom they have mingled or had dealings.

JOHN WILKS MARSHALL.

The subject of this sketch was one of Aurora's older citizens. He was born at Trenton Falls, Oneida county, New York, October 28, 1821. He was the son of Romeo Winchell and Harriet (Van Antwerp) Marshall, being one of a family of eleven brothers and sisters. Being naturally of a studious disposition and possessing a retentive mind, at the age of sixteen years he successfully passed the examination for a teacher's certificate and entered tipon the work of this profession. Becoming interested in surveying. he took a course of study in this line, engaging in this pursuit through the summer seasons and following the occupation of teaching in the winter months. At the time of his majority. in October, 1842, he came to Aurora, Illinois, and during one year conducted a private school on the west side of the river in the old schoolhouse situated near what is now the Dr. Allaire place on North Lake street. Many prominent citizens of Aurora in later years were num- bered among his pupils, among whom may be mentioned George Wilder. R. W. Gates, Mrs. D. B. Waterman. Mrs. Charles Kennedy, Isabelle Hol- brook. Lucius Hoyt, Delos Lake and a number of others. The next year he taught in Joliet and afterward went to Galena, entering the employ of Messrs. Corwith & Brother. These gentlemen were pleased with Mr. Marshall and in the fall of 1846 aided him to start a mercantile business in the town of Mill- ville on Apple river, about twenty miles from Galena. On August S of the same year he was married to Ellen P., daughter of Alpheus H. and Mercy (Wilkie) Hinds, at the home of her parents in Sugar Grove. To Mr. and Mrs. Marshall were born five children, four sons and one daughter, as follows : Frank A., who died in infancy at Millville; Kate E., who for the past eight years has been connected with the Aurora Public Library as reference libra- rian ; Fred C .. a dentist of Chicago, who died April 29, 1892, leaving a widow, Mrs. Ivy B. (Curtis) Marshall, and two children, Fred Curtis and John Wilks, Jr. : Don E., who died in early childhood ; and Clare W., a dentist who died in Toledo, Ohio, in September. 1903. and who is survived by his wife. Mrs. Nellie A. ( McClear) Marshall.

For nine years Mr. Marshall did a flourishing business at Millville but. wishing a wider field for his activities, decided to return to Aurora, where a few years previous he had purchased twelve acres of land, extending from South Lake street west to what is now Highland avenue. This land was later platted as Marshall's addition to Aurora. Upon the Lake street side of this property, chiring the summer of 1855, he built a commodious brick house, it being at that time one of the largest and best residences on the west side of the river, and is still the home of his daughter. The "city fathers" expressed

RESIDENCE OF JOHN W. MARSHALL.

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their pleasure in this addition to their growing city by building a board walk from downtown up to the place. In the early fall of the same year Mr. Mar- shall commenced business with a stock of dry goods, groceries and hardware in the store now occupied by Dorchester & Wilcox at 27 River street. While in this building the reviving of the Beacon began in the rooms above, under the editorship of the late O. B. Knickerbocker, who in speaking of those times said: "Our purse in those days was very light, our capital consisting almost entirely in hope; and we have cause to remember with much gratitude the many favors extended us by our kind-hearted neighbor." In 1858 Mr. Mar- shall removed his stock to the new building he had erected on River street upon the site now occupied by the J. B. Bishop block, where on Christmas night of the same year he had the misfortune to lose both building and stock by fire, without insurance on either. This misfortune, with the added one of continued ill health, compelled him to leave business. Through his integrity in his business life and close attention to the needs and desires of his patrons he had built up a large and steadily increasing trade and when for a few years he was able to take his place behind the counter in the store of Daniel Volen- tine his trade went with him. After long years of patient suffering with asthmatic consumption, he passed away in his fifty-third year on Saturday, May 3, 1873. His wife survived him for twelve years, her demise occurring on Monday, April 6, 1885. Mr. Marshall was a man of excellent social qualities and won and kept his personal friends. Those who saw him in his last years found him still the courteous Christian gentleman, bearing his trials with patience and still hopeful and persistent. He left behind him the memory of a character which money cannot build and cannot buy. He died rich in the affection of all who knew him and were worthy of his acquaintance.

ANNAS HATHAWAY.

Annas Hathaway, deceased, who. for many years, was a well known, leading and honored citizen of Elgin, Illinois, was born on the 13th of October. 1827. in Steuben county, New York, his parents being Joel and Anna (Babbitt) Hathaway, natives of Massachusetts. The paternal grandfather of our subject, who was also a native of the Bay state, was of English parentage and a farmer by occupation. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill. His family numbered seven sons and three daughters, and he passed away at the advanced age of one hundred years. The maternal grandfather, Edward Rabbitt. also born in Massachusetts, died in middle life, leaving a family of three sons and three daughters.

During his early life Joel Hathaway worked at the stonemason's trade. but later turned his attention to farming. Coming west in 1850. he and his wife made their home with their eldest son, E. T. Hathaway, in Wayne. DuPage county, Illinois. The father was captain of a company during the war of 1812. and while living in Steuben county, New York, he served as

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supervisor and also as county superintendent of the poor for some years. His death occurred in 1870 when he had attained the age of eighty-six years. while his wife, who survived him for five years. died at the age of eighty-one. Both were Universalists in religious belief and were held in high regard by all who knew them. They had a family of five children, all of whom are now deceased.

Annas Hathaway obtained huis education in an old log schoolhouse near his boyhood's Rome, and at the age of fourteen years left the parental roof. entering upon his business career as a clerk in a store, where he was em- ployed for four years. On the 4th of May. 1845. he first set foot in Elgin. Illinois, stopping here to visit friends while on his way to St. Louis, Missouri. After spending eighteen months in Elgin he proceeded to St. Louis, where he made his home for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Elgin, Illinois, and in partnership with W. C. Kimball opened a store in Union, McHenry county, Illinois. On selling out after two years, he removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he engaged in merchandising, while a year later he went to Chicago and gave his attention to bookkeeping. Subsequently he went to Pike's Peak in 1849 and afterward to California, where he engaged in mining. Returning to Chicago in 1860, he remained in the western metropolis until 1861, and then went south, being connected with mercantile interests until 1866. Once more returning to Chicago, he was engaged in the commission business for one year, and then became interested in railroading on the Ist of September. 1869. having charge of the freight department of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for four years. From July, 1873. until October, 1876. he was ticket and freight agent for the Chicago & Pacific Railroad, and later had charge of the outgoing freight for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad for six years. On the Ist of February, 1882, he became connected with the pool line under George H. Daniels, but after its dissolution he came, on the 14th of November. 1882. to Elgin, Illinois, where for eight years he served as freight and ticket agent for the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Going to Tacoma. Wash- ington, on the 31st of March, 1890, he became manager for the Tacoma Trading Company, furnishing coal and building supplies. In December. 1890, he once more returned to Elgin, Illinois. On the Ist of April. 1893. he was appointed chief clerk and secretary of the Northern Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Elgin, Illinois, by John P. Atgeld, governor of Illinois, and held the office until April 2. 1897.

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History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II, Part 59

Author: Joslyn, R. Waite (Rodolphus Waite), b. 1866 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 958

Author: Joslyn, R. Waite (Rodolphus Waite), b. 1866
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago : The Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 958