USA > Illinois > Kane County > History of Kane County, Ill. Volume II > Part 67
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GEORGE F. ARVEDSON.
George F. Arvedson was born at Algonquin, Illinois, April 26, 1855. He is one of the twelve children of Rev. Peter Arvedson and Hannah A. (Cornish) Arvedson, the latter's grandfather. Dr. Andrew Cornish, having been one of the first to settle at Algonquin, at which place he established a ferry across the river, which gave to the place its first name, "Cornish Ferry." At the age of fourteen the subject of this sketch began his business career as a clerk in a general store at Dundee, Illinois, where he continued for six years, since which time his home has been at Carpentersville, where he was married April 22, 1875, to Lillian Eugenia Buck, born at Carpentersville, Illinois, June 15, 1854, and whose mother was the daughter of Charles V. Carpenter and the sister of Julius A. Carpenter.
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Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Arvedson : Ire .. e Esther, born May 13, 1876: Arthur Eugene. born July 2, 1877: Alice Eugenia. born February 25, 1879; and Raymond Peter. born August 31. 1889. Irene died July 5, 1891. The others are now living at Carpentersville.
G. F. Arvedson is now engaged in the lumber, coal and feed business, under the firm name of G. F. Arvedson & Company. He has been member and president of the board of trustees of the village and is now serving his sixth term as a member of the board of education. His chief interest. how- ever, has always centered on the work of the parish of St. James' Episcopal Church, Dundee, Illinois, and which parish he has served in various capacities for many years, being now senior warden and lay reader.
HENRY BERKES.
Henry Berkes, who is successfully engaged in farming in Virgil town- ship, was born in Prussia on the Rhine, September 29, 1839, his parents being Jacob and Rosie ( Raush) Berkes, also natives of that country, both the father and mother having been born in 1800. Jacob Berkes, who was a laborer, did military duty as a soldier, and in 1856 emigrated with his family to America. locating in DuPage county, Illinois. He passed away January 10. 1886. and his wife survived him only until the 5th of July of that year, their remains being interred at Winfield, DuPage county, Illinois. Their family numbered three children. Elizabeth, who was born in Prussia in 1827, married Nick Fachesen, a farmer of that country, who died in DuPage county, Illinois, in 1889. His widow makes her home at Winfield, DuPage county. Nick whose birth occurred in Prussia in 1830, served his country as a soldier for three years. He came to America in 1854. and in 1860 wedded Miss Barbara Daeleiden, a native of Prussia, who now resides at Winfield, her husband having passed away there on the 18th of March. 1900. He is buried at Wheaton, Illinois.
Henry Berkes, the youngest member of the family, emigrated to America in 1856, settling in DuPage county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming, this line of activity having claimed his attention to the present time. He now rents a tract of two hundred acres known as the E. W. Thatcher farm, located three miles northeast of Maple Park. He conducts an extensive dairy, owning thirty cows and delivering on an average of fifty-six gallons of milk daily to the Maple Park creamery. His cows are mostly of the Holstein breed and he also has some Jersey Red hogs and stock from regis- tered sires. Ile is also largely interested in poultry raising, having three hundred Plymouth Rock chickens, and in the different branches of his busi- ness has gained a most gratifying and creditable measure of prosperity.
Mr. Berkes has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Magdaline Riehm, who was born in Prussia in 1845, and died and was buried at Winfield, Illinois, in 1875. By this union were born four children. Nick, whose birth occurred December 29, 1868, wedded Marie Schneider, of Virgil, and
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is a steelworker residing at Joliet, Illinois. Theresa, who was born in Winfield, Illinois, September 29, 1870, married Chris Enders, a stonemason of Winfield. Barbara and Otto are both deceased. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Berkes was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret Deutsch, who was born in Prussia, May 23, 1851, a daughter of John and Margaret (Packer) Deutsch, the former born in Prussia in 1817 and the latter in 1819. John Deutsch was a laborer, celebrated his marriage in 1841 and passed away in Virgil township in 1888. His wife's death had occurred in Prussia in 1857. Their family numbered six children. Nick Deutsch, who was born in 1844, is a farmer residing in Chickasaw county, Iowa. Valentine, who was born in 1846, was a French soldier for three years and for a year and a half participated in the Franco-Prussian war, being wounded at San Quintin. He now follows farming in Prussia. George, whose birth occurred in Prussia in 1848, is engaged in farming near Elburn, Illinois. Magdalena, born in Prussia in 1850, now makes her home in Ellensburg, Washington. Mrs. Berkes is the next in order of birth. Anthon, born in Prussia in 1853, died and was buried at West Chi- cago. The marriage of Henry Berkes and Margaret Deutsch was celebrated in Winfield, November 30, 1877, and has been blessed with the following children : Antony H., who was born in Winfield, Illinois, January 24, 1879, and is a carpenter by trade; John, born April 30, 1880, who passed away August II, 1880; Juliana, who was born July 27, 1881, and is also deceased ; George J., whose birth occurred February 6, 1883, and who is a carpenter by trade; Marie M., whose natal day was May 25, 1884; Jacob V., born February 28, 1886, who is now serving as school director; Katherine, whose birth occurred June 22, 1887, and who died on the 30th of July of the same year; Anna Marie, born March 13. 1889; Magdalena M., who was born February II, 1891 ; and John A., born November 20, 1893. The surviving children are all yet under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Berkes is a stanch democrat. while his relig- ious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Catholic church. His sons are members of the Catholic Order of Foresters. A highly prized and valuable heirloom in the family is a French soldier's certificate issued to Valentine Deutsch, Mrs. Berkes' grandfather, by Napoleon I. Mr. Deutsch was at Waterloo with Napoleon and served in the French wars for sixteen years.
DAVID J. PEFFERS, JR.
The professional ranks in Aurora find a worthy representative in David J. Peffers, Jr., who in the practice of law has displayed a thorough familiar- ity with legal principles and precedence, while his logical discrimination has enabled him to apply with accuracy to the points of litigation those points in the law which are applicable thereto. His life record began in Scotland, on the IIth of January, 1873. His father. David J. Peffers, came to the
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United States in 1879, bringing with him his family. He settled in Kane county, Illinois, and here entered the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company as bookkeeper. He has now been a represent- ative of the company for twenty-eight years and is one of its most trustworthy as well as efficient employes. He is also numbered among the respected citizens of Aurora, and his personal traits of character have won him a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He married Catherine Guild, a native of Scotland.
Their son, David J. Peffers, is indebted to the public schools of Aurora for the early educational privileges he enjoyed and in the preparation of a legal career he entered the office of A. J. Hopkins in 1896, pursuing his studies under the direction of that well known and prominent attorney until 1899, also acting as his private secretary, while Mr. Hopkins represented the state of Illinois in the United States senate. Continuing his law studies he was graduated from the Columbia Law School at Washington, D. C., in 1900, and in 1902 he began practice in Aurora as a member of the firm of Hopkins. Peffers & Hopkins. He has since been connected with the bar of this city and has enjoyed a most enviable reputation. His experience in Wash- ington proved invaluable and in Aurora he has shown the ability to ably cope with the intricate questions that are involved in an extensive clientage. The business of the firm largely rests upon him as the senior partner spends most of his time in the capital city, while J. F. Hopkins looks after the Chicago business, the firm having offices in the metropolis as well.
Mr. Peffers was married in 1903 to Miss Fannie Hopkins, daughter of Senator A. J. Hopkins, and they now have one son, Hopkins Peffers. born June 22, 1905.
Mr. Peffers is a member of the Masonic lodge of Aurora, and is well known in this city, where he has spent the greater part of his life. His record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in this city where he was reared and where his life history is known to all his fellow townsmen he has gained dis- tinction as an able and conscientious lawyer, who is faithful in the work of the courts, careful in the preparation of his cases and clear and forceful in their presentation. His ability is evidenced by the large number of verdicts which he wins that are favorable to his clients' interests and by the high respect entertained for him by his fellow members of the profession.
HENRY BANKER.
Henry Banker, who is one of the prominent and successful farmers of Sugar Grove township, is a native of Kane county, and has passed the whole of his industrious life within its boundaries, engaged. for the most part, in tilling its fertile and productive soil. He was born in Aurora township. May 15. 1856, on a farm owned and operated by his parents,
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Frank and Mary (Barthel) Banker, and obtained a good common-school education at the district school in the vicinty.
Mr. Banker's grandfather. Andrew Banker, who was a native of Germany, brought his family to the United States when his son, Frank, was a young man, and located near Aurora in this county. The family consisted of the parents and four children, and from their rather humble home in the new world the father went forth to provide for them by working as a hired hand on a neighboring farm. He was industrious and economical, and in a few years liad accumulated a few hundred dollars beyond the needs of the household. With this he bought a small farm on which Ludwig Schaub is now living. His son Frank, when not attending school, assisted him on the farm, remaining at home until he attained his majority, when he began life on his own account by getting married and renting a farm as a home for himself and his bride. A few years later he moved to Blackberry township, buying and taking up his residence on the farm now owned by Charles Levy. A few years afterward he sold this farm and bought the one on section I, now owned by his son, Julius Banker. His first purchase at this location was a small tract, but he gradually enlarged his holdings by additional purchases of adjacent lands, until he acquired one hundred and eighty-eight acres, all of which he owned at his death, August 22, 1901. His wife died December 19, 1874. Three of their children are living, Henry and his brothers Conrad and Julius, both of whom are residents of Aurora.
Henry Banker was married October 14, 1879, to Miss Fredaricka Ziegler at her home in Aurora. They have ever since lived on the farm they now occupy, which is one of the choice country homes of Kane county. The land is generous and responsive, and, as it is wisely and thoroughly cultivated, its yield is large. The improvements are far above the average of farm buildings in this section of the country, and the whole place bespeaks enter- prise, thrift, and good judgment on the part of its proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Banker are the parents of five children : Barnes, who is a resident of Sugar Grove township; and Frank G., Clara, Agnes and Mildred, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Banker is a republican in politics and he and his wife are members of the German Methodist church of Aurora.
Michael Ziegler, the father of Mrs. Banker, was a resident of Kane county for nearly fifty years, and was active and prominent as a citizen. holding high rank as a mechanic and taking an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his community. He was born in Bavaria. Germany, December 31, 1827. Before the dawn of his manhood he acquired the trade of a locksmith, at which he worked for a few years in his native land. In 1854 he emigrated to the United States and found his first home in this country in New Jersey. There he was married to Miss Mary M. Schoeberlein, whom he brought to Aurora as a bride. For a few years after his arrival in this county he worked as a blacksmith, being employed in the old wagon shop at the west bridge on the Fox river owned by Mr. Woodward. He soon, however, returned to his original line and found employment for several years as a locksmith for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. While thus engaged he invented a car seat lock, which proved to be of
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great value. It was soon afterward adopted for use by a number of the principal railroads in the United States, all of which paid him royalties on it. A little while after this he started in business for himself, opening a shop on Fox street in Aurora, in an old wooden store building on the site where the imposing new brick block which bears his name now stands. This was built by him in 1896.
Mr. Ziegler was a charter member of the German Methodist church in Aurora and for forty-four years was one of its main supporters and lead- ing workers. At his death in 1903 he left a widow and ten children as his survivors. His widow followed him to the grave a few months later, dying on September 18, 1903. Their children are: Mrs. Rosa Keck, of Chicago; Mrs. Mary Schaub, of Sugar Grove township; John, Edward and William, all of Elgin, Illinois: Charles and George of Aurora, who are engaged in the plumbing business in a part of the building erected by their father: Mrs. Lydia Haffner, of Oak Park, Illinois; and Mrs. Clara Knuth, of Aurora. At the time of their demise Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler had thirty-four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Ziegler was one of the solid men of Kane county. He had great industry, great energy and sterling integrity, and by his capacity and good management he amassed a large fortune. His advice was often sought on all kinds of business and public matters, and always had weight. About a year ago a fine photograph was taken of a reunion of the Ziegler family. Seventy persons were present, nearly all of whom were descendants of Michael Ziegler.
SMITH YOUNGES.
One of the most prominent stockdealers of northern Illinois is Smith Younges, of Elgin township, Kane county, where he has made his home throughout the greater part of his life. He is a native of the Empire state, being born in Schoharie county, New York, on the 17th of October, 1852. but was only eight years old when brought to this country by his parents. Charles and Magdalen Younges. He acquired his education in the public schools of this locality and, being reared on a farm in Plato township, he early became familiar with agricultural pursuits so that on starting out in life for himself he was well qualified to take up farming as a life work.
On leaving the parental roof at the age of twenty years, Mr. Younges worked for his brother-in-law. W. W. McDonald for a year and a half, and then rented one-half of the old homestead, known as the Edson Kimball place, for three years. At the end of that time he purchased the farm and as his financial resources have increased he has added to his property from time to time until he is now the owner of four hundred and seventy acres of as valuable farming land as is to be found anywhere in Kane county. He has made many improvements on the place, and in connection with general farming has paid particular attention to the raising of stock, dealing ex- tensively in horses, mules and cattle. He makes a specialty of Holstein cattle.
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which he ships largely to Mexico, and he has become widely known as one of the leading horsemen of Kane county. For the past ten years he has done an extensive business as a stockdealer, and has steadily prospered in his undertakings, becoming quite well-to-do. In 1897, in connection with his brother-in-law W. W. McDonald, he opened a general store at East Plato, which they conducted together until the death of Mr. McDonald, and Mr. Younges then carried on the business alone until the store was destroyed by fire.
On the 24th of December, 1874, Mr. Younges was married at St. Charles to Miss Carrie Ferson, and unto them were born four children, namely: Clyde, who is associated with his father in handling stock, married Miss Maggie Gadke, a daughter of George Gadke, and they have two sons, Smith Parker Younges and Kenneth George. Nellie is now the wife of George Slimpin, of Houston, Texas. Maude is the wife of Jesse Murphy, a farmer of St. Charles township. Elizabeth E. is at home with her parents.
Mr. Younges served as postmaster of Youngsdale from the estab- lishment of the office in 1889 until it was discontinued in 1904. He also filled the office of school director, but has never cared for political honors, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his extensive business interests. Upright and honorable in all the relations of life, his word is considered as good as his bond, and he has the entire confidence and respect of those with whom he comes in contact either in business or social affairs. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order and Elks, and his life has ever been guided by its principles and teachings.
JOHN PHILPOTT.
John Philpott, deceased, was born in Virgil township, Kane county, Illinois, November 18, 1860, his parents being Thomas and Rachel (Russell) Philpott. The father, a native of Ireland, came to the United States about a half century ago, making his way direct to Illinois. Locating near Maple Park, he there successfully carried on agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life.
John Philpott attended the district schools in his boyhood and subse- quently became a student in Elgin Academy, later entering Wheaton College. On putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the operation of the old homestead farm, but subsequently purchased a place of his own. In addi- tion to the conduct of his agricultural interests he was also engaged as travel- ing salesman for the Estey & Camp Piano Company of Chicago, and in both undertakings met with success, being an excellent farmer as well as business man. About two years prior to his death he took up his abode in Maple Park and there passed away on the 30th of June, 1898.
On the 4th of May, 1885, Mr. Philpott was united in marriage to Miss Etta Palmer, a daughter of Isaac and Laura Ann (Gay) Palmer, of New York. The father died in the east and the mother died in Elgin, Illinois,
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February 8, 1905. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, namely : Chester Arthur, born August 5, 1886, whose demise occurred Janu- ary 23, 1887 ; Frank Esmond, of Elgin; one who died in infancy; John Ezra and Myrtle Naomi, of Elgin.
Politically Mr. Philpott was a stanch republican and served on the school board for three years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stalwart champion. He attended the Methodist Episcopal church and was a man of unfaltering integrity and upright character, who won a host of friends. Hav- ing made his home in this locality throughout his entire life, he was well and favorably known here, gaining the esteem and regard of all with whom he came in contact. A year and a half after her husband's demise Mrs. Phil- pott removed to Elgin, where she has since made her home and where she has gained an extensive circle of warm friends.
PROFESSOR GEORGE N. SLEIGHT.
Professor George N. Sleight is dean of the Elgin Academy and in his life work has embodied the spirit of Kant, who said : "The object of education is to train each individual to reach the highest perfection possible for him." For ten years he has remained at the head of this institution and under his guidance the school has made substantial and creditable advance, for in his efforts in its behalf Professor Sleight has held to high ideals and that his labors have been successful is manifest in many tangible ways.
A native of Newark. New York, Professor Sleight was born October 17, 1869, of the marriage of George A. and Mary E. (Moule) Sleight, who were also natives of the Empire state. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in early manhood, but the mother still resides in Newark, New York. George N. Sleight, an only child by the father's second marriage, was reared in the village of Newark, attended the public schools and afterward matricu- lated in Williams College at Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He afterward attended the Albany ( New York) State Normal College, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Pedagogy. He taught for two years as principal of the high school at Andes, New York, and subsequently devoted three years to post-graduate work in the University of Chicago.
Mr. Sleight came to Elgin in 1898 as principal of the Elgin Academy and has occupied the position for ten years. In 1899 the title of dean was given to the head of the institution and he has thus since been known. The academy is one of the oldest educational institutions in Kane county and has greatly prospered under Professor Sleight's management, having now an attendance of about two hundred students in the care of twelve teachers. All branches below collegiate work are taught. The work is carefully sys- tematized and the faculty are constantly aiming toward securing the best possible results in a given time. Professor Sleight belongs to the epoch- makers in educational lines, following out new and advanced ideas. He has
GEORGE N. SLEIGHT
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spent a longer period as the head of the Elgin Academy than any other princi- pal except Professor Sears and has found many problems to solve. He came here imbued with ardor, zeal and enthusiasm, resolved to know nothing but the academy and its interests and that resolution has since been a dominant factor in his life. It has been the province of Professor Sleight to guide, to guard and to watch, to develop ideas for improvement or to reject plans unsuited to existing conditions. With unwearied effort he has sought to secure every needed aid for the higher education which is pursued under his direction and to enlarge and emphasize every opportunity by which the academy has reached its present enviable position as a successful institution of learning.
Professor Sleight is a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He was married in July, 1894, to Miss Eda N. Collins, of Chicago, and they have two sons: Alfred C., born in 1895; and Virgil George, born January 31, 1903. It would be tautological in this connection to enter into any series of statements as showing Professor Sleight to be a man of broad scholarly attainments, for this has been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He is moreover a man of wide sympathy and while his ideals of life are high, he is charitable in his opinions of others and always has a hand outreaching to aid those who desire his assistance.
T. CASS ELLITHORPE.
T. Cass Ellithorpe is classed among the wide-awake and progressive agriculturists of Virgil township, owning and operating a well improved and valuable farm of fifty acres conveniently situated within three miles of Virgil station. Mr. Ellithorpe is a native son of Kane county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Burlington township, October 12, 1847.
His parents, Timothy C. and Emily B. (Sells) Ellithorpe, were both natives of Canada. In 1835 they emigrated to the United States, the family home being established first in Chicago, where the father worked for two years at the printer's trade. He then removed with his family to Kane county, entering one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, this tract constituting a portion of that which is now owned by the son. Many Indians were still to be found in this district and were a source of constant annoyance to the white settlers. The father cleared and developed his farm and made it a valuable property, continuing to make his home thereon until the time of his death, which occurred May 1, 1861, his remains being buried in Lily Lake cemetery. He was a republican in his political views, while his religious faith was that of the Universalist church. His family numbered three sons and three daughters, namely: T. Cass, of this review; Myron W., who is engaged in farming in Minnesota; Louis C., a retired merchant of New Lebanon, Illinois; Emma, the wife of T. Watson, who resides in the state of Washington; Clara, deceased; and Etta R., the wife of Charles Roland, a farmer also of the state of Washington.
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