USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 62
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By his ballot Mr. Heitschmidt supports the men and measures of the democracy, and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Lutheran church. Although he has met with misfortunes since coming to this country, he has steadily overcome all the obstacles in his path and is today enjoying a comfortable competence, which has been secured through his own unaided efforts, and he well deserves the property that has come to him, for his life has been an honorable, industrious and useful one.
FRANK E. MARLEY.
One of the best known editors of this part of the state is Frank E. Marley, proprietor of the Batavia Herald. He was born at Marley's Mills in Randolph county, North Carolina, and is a worthy representative of a good old southern family. Since boyhood he has been identified with newspaper work and he stands high in the esteem of his professional brethren. As a writer he is bright, versatile and very original, as well as progressive, and he not only conducts his own paper with marked success but is also a correspon- dent for Chicago and other dailies.
As a boy Mr. Marley was apprenticed in the office of the Red Oak (Iowa) Express, where he worked at his trade with the same energy that has char- acterized him in the journalistic profession, and within a short time became a capable printer. He began his editorial labors in connection with the news at Plano, Illinois, and from the start met with success. Finally selling out to
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his brother he removed to Sandwich, becoming editor and proprietor of the Sandwich Free Press, which at that time was in a sad condition. Before long, however, a marvelous change became apparent, and the paper, which was once dull and profitless became bright and interesting, as well as profitable. On disposing of that sheet. Mr. Marley came to Batavia, where he established one of the best equipped offices in this locality, and the Herald has become one of the leading publications of the county.
Mr. Marley is a great lover of fine horses and good dogs, and can fre- quently be seen out for a canter on his Kentucky thoroughbred-Billy MI .. which is a famous saddle horse of magnificent action, using four gaits with equal facility.
Among the most notable social events of Batavia are the annual south- ern banquets given by Mr. Marley, who has been instrumental in bringing to the city the most prominent men ever entertained here. including governors. senators and congressmen, who have been very influential in public affairs. These gatherings have proven most delightful events, southern hospitality reigning supreme, and those who have once been a guest never refuse a second invitation if it is possible for them to be present.
JAMES DICKERSON FOX.
While the practice of law and real-estate interests have at different times claimed his attention and his energies, James Dickerson Fox is now devoting his time largely to literary pursuits. A native of New York, he was born in Pitcher. Chenango county, on the 26th of November. 1837. The common schools afforded him his preliminary education, while later he studied in the New York Central College. a well known institution of learning at that day conducted under the auspices of Gerritt Smith in Cortland county. New York.
Mr. Fox was a young man of twenty years when, attracted by the oppor- tunities of the West, he came to Illinois in 1857 and engaged in teaching school in North Aurora. He regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to other professional labor and soon after began reading law with the late C. J. Metzner as his preceptor. He thus studied until June. 1863, when he was appointed second lieutenant of Company H of the Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. He then remained on duty until January 3. 1864. when his com- mand was overwhelmed by superior numbers and with his comrades he was captured at Jonesville. Virginia, after an all day's fight. He then remained in the Confederate prisons until February 27. 1865. being confined a part of the time in Libby, also in a stockade at Mason and at different times in Savan- nah, Georgia: Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina, and several other places, undergoing all of the experiences of the southern prisons. Previous to this time he had met all of the experiences which come when in the line of battle or in the execution of marching orders.
After his parole Mr. Fox resumed his law studies and was admitted to the bar on the 19th of June. 1865. For a number of years he was connected
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JAMES D. FOX
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with the profession and enjoyed a good clientage, but of later years he has engaged in the real-estate business and is now devoting much of his time to literary pursuits. He has become well known as a writer for papers and possesses a fluent, easy, attractive and entertaining style. His sketches of the early history of Aurora, Kane county and Illinois are most interesting and have been much sought by the general press. He has also written a partial history of the Civil war and possesses considerable ability in poetic lines, many of his verses being most attractive. Those who know him, and his friends are many, find him a most entertaining and congenial companion and he well deserves representation in this volume as a well known and leading citizen of Aurora.
In 1868 Mr. Fox was united in marriage to Miss Julia Coy, and after her death he was again married, in July, 1890, to Miss Helen Hart, a daughter of Hon. Joseph Hart, deceased, who was a member of the constitutional con- vention in 1870 and was also a representative in the Illinois legislature.
While an officer in the Civil war Mr. Fox became thoroughly acquainted with the lot of a soldier and has written many interesting poems along that line, the following being written shortly after the Spanish-American war :
"PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TO MEN."
The swain with plowman's speed Supplants the bounding steed, While stirring files of serried warriors yield To Ceres' nobler reign The strong contested plain With all its waste of life and battered field.
From cheery vantage ground See fruitful fields abound, And cast exultingly a circling glance On joyful prospects grand ; O'er all the beauteous land
Let peace prevail throughout the wide expanse.
No blare of beastly fray Nor clang of martial sway ; The venging blade now sleeps within its sheath; The swelling stream of fight Has ceased its work of might And stainless Vesta wears her smiling wreath.
No more the crimson flood Of patriotic blood Invites the vulture or supplies the sod With fertilizing dead To crown one only head Or make of mortal man a demi-god.
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O, wealth of golden rule ; O, joy of hearth and school ; The artsman's voice and haleyon call of bell Now aids to shield the land From war's relentless hand, Where plenteous peace and sweet contentment dwell.
WILLIAM H. ELLITHORPE.
Owning and farming his parental homestead of three hundred and twenty acres in Burlington township, on which he was born May 31. 1848, and hav- ing eighty acres additional three miles and a half from Burlington, both well improved. William H. Ellithorpe is one of the prosperous men in the town- ship and one of its leading citizens. He is the son of Stephen R. and Emily C. (Smith) Ellithorpe, the former a native of Franklin county, Vermont, born near St. Albans, April 19, 1819, while the latter was born at Colwells Manor. While yet a mere boy Stephen R. Ellithorpe secured employment as a clerk in a store. At the age of twelve he left his home and got a position as a cabin boy on a ship trading between New Orleans and the West Indies. This service continued until he reached the age of nineteen, when he became a pilot on a Mississippi river boat. a capacity in which he worked faithfully and to advantage for seven years.
Having by this time become desirous of a more quiet and settled life. he returned to Vermont and married Miss Smith, whose father was a carpenter. Soon after their marriage the young couple became residents of the west, locating on a farm in Burlington township. Kane county. Here their six children were born and all but one were reared, those in addition to their son William being: Benjamin F., who is deceased ; Marion R., a farmer in the province of Alberta, Canada; Phoebe E., the wife of John Reser, who is a farmer in Kansas; Antoinette M., who became the wife of Alva Ashcroft and lives in Madison, Wisconsin; and Nathan S., a real-estate agent in Alberta, Canada. On this farm the parents died and their remains were buried in Baker cemetery in Campton township. The father was a Universalist in religion and a democrat in politics.
William H. Ellithorpe's career has been an eventful one. His education was begun in the district school near his Burlington township home, which he attended during the winter months, working on the farm in summer until he was eighteen. At that age he began a course of special instruction in the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College in Chicago, from which he was graduated in March, 1865. During the next nine years he taught school in De Kalb county. finally retiring to the old home on which he has ever since lived.
Hle has always taken an active interest in public affairs and has rendered his township valued service in several official stations of importance. He was township school treasurer for eighteen years, township trustee of school for
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six years, and township school clerk for a similar period. He also served as township supervisor for a number of years. Many of the improvements of which the township is proud were made under his supervision, and the school system is indebted largely to his vigor for its present high standing and development.
On October 15, 1875. Mr. Ellithorpe was married to Miss Martha J. Worden, a native of DeKalb county, who died March 10, 1882, and was buried in DeKalb cemetery. They had two children, Benjamin F. and Stephen R., both of whom are living at home with their father and helping him in the management of the farm. This farm is well watered from its own artesian well, has very productive orchards and is highly cultivated. The improve- ments on it cost twelve thousand dollars. It is on the Burlington Center road about half way between Burlington and Virgil Center, and has a schoolhouse just across the road from one of its corners. The eighty-acre farm owned by Mr. Ellithorpe also is supplied with water by an artesian well which yields an abundant supply for all necessary purposes.
One of the cherished heirlooms belonging to Mr. Ellithorpe is an old family Bible which has been in the possession of the family for many years. Building his fortunes with assiduous industry in youth and early manhood, and preparing himself with diligent study and observation for the higher duties of life to which he might be called, this useful and influential citizen has made much of his opportunities, and that his worth has been appreciated is proven by the long tenure of office he has had and the continued confidence of the public in his ability and integrity which is involved therein. He has served his day and generation well and wisely, winning and retaining the esteem of the people, who look upon him as one of their best and most useful citizens and public servants.
CHARLES H. DARLING.
Charles H. Darling was born in Aurora, March 4, 1872. His father, Duane S. Darling, was a native of Illinois and was one of the pioneer engi- neers in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. He served during the Civil war as a member of the Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, giving valuable aid to the country in its struggle to preserve the Union intact. While he never figured in public life, he was a man of industry whose sterling worth gave him the respect of his associates. He married Clara Shibley, who was born in Aurora and was a daughter of Ralph Shibley. who came to this city during the formative period of its development. He was well known and held in the highest respect by those with whom business or social relations brought him in contact. His daughter, Mrs. Darling, died in 1885, and Duane S. Darling, the father of our subject, passed away in 1908.
Charles H. Darling, after acquiring his education in the public schools. began preparation for the legal profession. He read alone for a time and afterward entered the office of Captain A. C. Little, who directed his studies
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until he was qualified for admission to the bar in 1906. He then engaged in practice in his native city for a short time, but is now located in South Bend. Indiana, in order to fill the position of United States commissioner, to which he was appointed by President Roosevelt in May, 1908. In the practice of law Mr. Darling has been very successful, having charge of a number of important cases. He is thorough and painstaking in the preparation of his cases, is strong in argument and logical in his deductions and if earnest effort and devotion to his client's interests will win success, Charles H. Darling will become a successful man.
In 1901 Mr. Darling was married to Miss Louise Hotopp, a native of Kendall county, Illinois, and they now have three children : Charles, Irene and Duane.
EDMUND B. PHILLIPS.
With quickness of apprehension to see and alertness to seize upon an opportunity for his advancement in life, Edmund B. Phillips has built up on his twenty-acre farm three-quarters of a mile west of Montgomery an indus- try which engages all his faculties and from which he is reaping a golden harvest of prosperity. As he has carried on other business undertakings in company with one or another of his brothers, so in this he is associated with his brother Charles Floyd Phillips, the business being the extensive raising of asparagus for the Chicago market, and. in connection with this, large operations in baling hay and handling threshing machines.
Mr. Phillips is a native of Kendall county, Illinois, and was born near Oswego January 14, 1872. His parents are Albert A. and Amelia Phillips. who now live in Aurora. He attended the Montgomery graded school for nine years and obtained a good common-school education. The father was at that time a farmer, and when the son was nine years old located on a farm one- half a mile west of Montgomery. Leaving school at the age of eighteen and desiring to begin a career for himself. the son secured a position as clerk in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy freight office in Aurora. Later he became bookkeeper for J. T. Rawleigh, a commission merchant of Chicago.
He exhibited industry and capacity in this work and practiced economy in living, and so saved money from his salary. always looking forward to bet- ter things for himself and preparing to get them whenever the chance should come. In company with his brothers. Clarence A. and Charles F. Phillips, he bought a laundry in Chicago, and this occupied the faculties and time of all three for two years. Succeeding in this venture, the brothers were all ready for a more promising and extensive undertaking which was soon availa- ble. They purchased a grocery and conducted the business profitably for two years, this also being in Chicago.
During the next five years Mr. Phillips was a conductor on an electric street railway line in Chicago. In August, 1901, he bought the farm of twenty acres three-fourths of a mile west of Montgomery, Kane county, on which he now lives. Soon afterward he was impressed with the great demand for
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asparagus in Chicago and started raising it on a scale which has steadily expanded until now he and his brother, Charles F. Phillips, who is associated with him in the business, are the largest shippers of this product in Kane county, their shipments frequently amounting to one hundred and thirty crates in one day. As has been stated, they also carry on an extensive business in the sale of threshing machinery and in baling and selling hay.
Mr. Phillips has six brothers: Guy A., a prosperous Aurora township farmer ; Frank L., a cement merchant and contractor in Aurora ; Clarence A., a dealer in real-estate in Chicago : Charles F., a resident of Aurora ; Harold E,. who is engaged in farming at Culross, Manitoba; and Fay E., who is also farming at Culross, Manitoba. All are prosperous and esteemed as strong factors in the public and social life of the communities in which they live. The marriage of Edmund B. Phillips occurred August 1, 1901, at which time he was united with Miss Hattie Warren, a native of Menominee, Michigan, born May 5, 1874, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary Warren. She is also one of seven children, having three sisters and three brothers, but two sisters are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are the parents of one child, Ruth Josephine, who was born July 6, 1904. In politics Mr. Phillips is a republican, but he is not an active partisan and has never sought nor desired an office of any kind, being content to serve his country and his fellowmen from the honorable post of a private station. He is a zealous member of the Sugar Grove Farmers Club and one of its most energetic workers. He also manifests an intelligent and serviceable interest in all movements for the good of the county and the welfare of its people, doing always a good citizen's share of the work in connection with such undertakings and bearing a good citizen's portion of the burdens incident to their successful realization. In business he is enter- prising, alert and energetic. In all the other relations of life he is upright and true, and well deserving of the good opinion his friends, neighbors and acquaintances have of him.
DANIEL G. SMITH.
Daniel G. Smith was for many years actively identified with the business interests of Elgin, where he was making his home at the time he was called to his final rest. He was a native of New York, born on the 5th of January, 1849, and in early life followed the occupation of farming, but after his removal to Elgin he turned his attention to the teaming business and also took contracts in concrete work. He was an upright, reliable business man and had the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact.
On the 24th of December, 1879, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hennigan, a daughter of John and Mary (Holmes) Hennigan, of Elgin, and they became the parents of seven children, namely: Harry Eugene; Alberta; Fred, who died in infancy; Lewis Walter; May; John Franklin; and Alfred, who died in infancy.
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The republican party found in Mr. Smith a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples and he took an active and commendable interest in public affairs, filling several town offices in New York prior to his removal to this state. After a useful and well spent life he passed away on the 17th of April. 1891. hon- ored and respected by all who knew him.
FRANK McCANNON.
Both this estimable citizen and his wife were thrown on their own resources early in life, and the success they have achieved is wholly the result of their own native force of character and their industry and frugality in living. Mr. McCannon was born at Essex. Vermont, June 13, 1857, the son of Thomas and Sarah ( Hennessy ) McCannon, the former also a native of Ver- mont and of Scotch ancestry, and the latter born in the same state, but of parents who came to this country from Ireland.
The paternal grandfather of Mr. McCannon, Barney McCannon, emi- grated from Scotland to this country in the early days, and took up his resi- dence in the Green Mountain state, where he and his son after him were actively engaged in farming. His grandson, Frank, lost his parents while he was but a boy, and after their death he lived and grew to manhood in the home of his grandfather, attending the district school in the neighborhood and assisting in the work on the farm. He remained with his grandfather until he was fourteen years of age and then worked on farms in Vermont until 1878, when he decided to seek a new home in the west, coming to Kane county, Illinois. Here he worked as a farm hand for two years, earning but fifteen dollars a month but saving the greater part of it. He was an only child and is now the last survivor of his line in this country except his own descendants.
In 1880 the golden thread of sentiment drew him into new relations and changed the current of his life. In that year he was united in marriage with Miss Ella Parker, who was born in Sugar Grove township, Kane county, March 9. 1866, and is a daughter of Perry and Mary (Russell) Parker. natives of Connecticut. Her parents came to Kane county many years ago and, for a considerable time farmed in Sugar Grove township with success. About the year 1888 they retired from active pursuits and took up their resi- dence in Aurora, where they still live. They were zealous for the education of their daughter and she received good scholastic training in schools at Plainfield and Sugar Grove. Mrs. McCannon has two sisters: Mrs. Carrie Sibley, of Mount Vernon, South Dakota; and Miss Kate Parker, a school teacher in Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. McCannon have seven children : May, who was born April 26. 1881, and is now the wife of James Fleming, of Naperville, Illinois ; Maud, who was born January 1. 1883. and is now the wife of Edward Con- verse, of Champaign, Illinois; Mattie, who was born September 8. 1884, and is now engaged in teaching school in Sugar Grove township; Benjamin G ..
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born September 9, 1886, who assists his father in operating the farm; and Minnie B., born October 12, 1888; Nellie, born on December 24, 1890; and Grace, born on July 5. 1892, all three of whom are living at home. There are also five grandchildren in the family.
Mr. McCannon has taken a good citizen's part in the affairs of his town- ship and county and contributed his share to the development and improve- ment of the country around him. He has served as school director to the advantage of the district and his own credit. In fraternal relations he is a Modern Woodman and in political faith a zealous republican. He and his wife are members of the Twentieth Century Club and all his children living at home belong to the None Such Club. This club meets once a month at the home of one of its members and passes the evening in rendering a musical, literary and social programme for the entertainment of its members and guests. All of the McCannon children have attended the Sugar Grove Normal and Industrial school, and Maud. Mattie, Benjamin, Minnie and Nellie are graduates of that institution. Nellie is secretary of its Alumni Association.
Thus from small earnings at first and larger ones later, through the thorny path of self-denial and great economy. yet looking ever to better times and a more generous fortune, toward which they were steadily working their way, these thrifty and worthy people have risen to substantial comfort in a worldly way, and to an elevated place in the regard and good will of their friends, neighbors and acquaintances. They have done well their part in helping to build up the township and advance the best interests of its people, and they have their reward in their present enjoyment of all home comforts and general public esteem.
MRS. BRIDGET CONWAY.
Mrs. Bridget Conway, residing on section 21, Blackberry township, has spent her entire life in Kane county, her birth occurring in Kaneville town- ship, on the 5th of August, 1864. Her father was Michael Keenan, who was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and in early life came to the new world. Decid- ing to make this county his home, he located on the farm in Kaneville town- ship where his daughter was born. He endured all the hardships peculiar to pioneer life and ever made the most of his opportunities. As time passed he prospered in his undertakings and eventually became the owner of a large amount of land. His widow is still living and now makes her home in Maple Park. In their family were the following children : Frank, a farmer residing in Maple Park: Kitty, the wife of J. F. Wilcox, a retired farmer living in Sycamore, Illinois ; William, a retired farmer of Maple Park; Charles. who also makes his home in Maple Park; Mary, the wife of P. H. Boyle, an employe of the Northwestern Railroad at Sycamore ; Rose, deceased ; Maggie, the wife of M. E. Loftus, a barber at Maple Park: Hannah, the wife of L. C. Clyne, of Maple Park; Michael, a farmer living at the same place; and Bridget, of this review.
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During her girlhood Mrs. Conway attended the country schools until seventeen years of age and acquired an excellent knowledge of household affairs while assisting her mother in the duties of the home. On the 26th of February, 1889, she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas M. Conway, who was born in this county on the 29th of January, 1855. They began their domestic life upon the farm in Blackberry township where she still lives. Here she owns one hundred and fifty acres of well improved land under excellent cultivation and upon the place is a good two-story brick residence of nine rooms and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. The farm is conveniently located four and a half miles south of Elburn, and in its management Mrs. Conway has displayed good business and executive ability. She is a lady of more than ordinary ability and is a devout member of the Catholic church.
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