History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 100

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

USA > Illinois > LaSalle County > History of La Salle County, Illinois > Part 100

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Mr. Marco was married in Millington, Illinois, on the 16th of November, 1897, to Miss Gene- vieve Bernard, who was born and reared in this county, a daughter of David Bernard, a prom- inent farmer of Northville township, who is ex- tensively engaged in general agricultural pur- suits, owning a large and well improved farm. Mr. and Mrs. Marco have two daughters, Gladys Mary and Bernice Rachel.

In politics Mr. Marco is a stalwart republican but was reared in the faith of . the democratic party. He was also reared in the Catholic church, while his wife was connected with the Lutheran church. Well known in La Salle and De Kalb counties Mr. Marco bears an excellent reputation as a representative business man and one of Serena township's most successful farm- ers. He has the confidence and good will of all who know him and in his business has devel- oped an enterprise of large and important pro- portions. Thoroughly reliable in all that he does his name stands as a synonym for business integrity as well as activity.

MICHAEL SULZBERGER.

Michael Sulzberger is a representative of the German-American citizenship which has long been an important element in the national prog- ress and material advancement of this country. He was born in Alsace, Germany, October 28, 1837, a son of Michael and Caroline (Cackler) Sulzberger. His father was born November 25, 1810, and died December 6, 1898, while the mother departed this life August 30, 1885, at Ottawa, having come to this county in 1855.

Michael Sulzberger was reared in his native land and in 1856, when a young man of nineteen years, came to the United States. Making his way to La Salle county, Illinois, he settled in Waltham township, and after gaining a start in the business world through farm labor, pur- chased, in 1861, a small tract of land in Allen township. He came to this country a poor young man but through industry and economy has ac- quired a good property and is today the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, of which eighty-one acres lie on section 22, and one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Allen township, the latter being the homestead. In connection with the control and management of his farming interests, Mr. Sulzberger also en- gaged in the grain trade and operated the Ran- som elevator for eleven years, but in 1903 he sold his grain business. He owns business prop- erty in Ransom and his varied interests all indi- cate a life of activity, crowned with successful accomplishment.

On the 11th of April, 1862, was celebrated the marriage of Michael Sulzberger and Miss Albertina Dorman, a native of Switzerland, born October 24, 1844. her parents being Joseph and Barbara (Barnhart) Dorman, who came to the United States in 1856 and settled in South Otta- wa. In 1873 they removed to Vermillion town-

MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL SULZBERGER.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

ship, where Joseph Dorman departed this life October 20, 1892, while his wife, surviving him for seven years, passed away in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Sulzberger became the parents of eight children: Joseph A., born January 25, 1864; Albertina, October 24, 1866; Eugene F., Octo- ber 10, 1868; William H., June 20, 1870; Philip E., February 21, 1875 ; Harry M., July 24, 1877 ; Bertram L., August 31, 1882 ; and Reno L., No- vember 19, 1887. Several of the family are now married. Philip Edward married Myra Mulva- hill and has one child, Evert. Harry M. wedded Martha Ketz, and is a merchant of Ransom. They have three children, Edith, Melvin Michael and Earl Milton. William Henry married Anna Miller, lives retired in Ransom and has five chil- dren, Reno, Floyd, Edward, Evelyn and Herald Matilda. Eugene wedded Alvina Voights, lives in Ransom and has one child, Frederick Eugene. Theirs is one of the finest homes in the township.

In his political affiliation Mr. Sulzberger is a stalwart republican and his wife holds member- ship in the Evangelical church. His business interests are now extensive and of an important character, and though he came to the new world handicapped he has fully realized the hope that led him to seek a home on this side of the Atlantic. His accomplishment has been in con- sistent harmony with the possibilities and oppor - tunities offered by the new world, for he has so labored here as to advance from a humble financial position to one of affluence.

JOHN FAHLER.

John Fahler, a thoroughgoing business man, who has acquired most of his property through his own labor, is now engaged in merchandising in the village of Troy Grove, where he owns and conducts a well equipped general store. One of the native sons of La Salle county, he was born on his father's farm on section 26, Troy Grove township, his parents being Daniel and Maria (Kleinfelter) Fahler, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Coming to the middle west in 1849, they cast in their lot with the pio- neer settlers of La Salle county. They were not in affluent circumstances but made the most of their opoortunities and the father, in order to establish a home for his family, purchased forty acres of land on section 26, Troy Grove town- ship, which is now owned by his son John. He tilled the soil, planted his seed and in due time harvested good crops. Year after year this labor was continued until he owned three hun- dred and twenty acres in Troy Grove township.

He was a successful grain grower and a glance at his fields in the spring or summer months would show growing crops which gave promise of rich harvests. Everything about the place was well kept and he did not falter in perform- ing any task that would advance his agricultural interests. His methods, too, were such as did not require disguise and he left to his family not only a comfortable competence but also an hon- orable name. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fahler were born six children: Elizabeth, who is living in Mendota; Levi, a resident of Mendota; Lydia, who resides near Newburg, Iowa; John, of this review; Moses, a farmer in Troy Grove; and Mary, who is living in Sheldon, Illinois. After losing his first wife the father married again, his second union being with Mrs. Croft, of La Salle county. They had two children: Irwin, who is living in Dakota; and Anna, who resides in Meriden, Illinois.

Under the parental roof John Fahler spent the days of his boyhood, attending the public schools through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he worked at farm labor, early becoming familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When still quite a young lad he took his place in the fields and gained practical knowledge of farm work, to which he gave his attention until about seven years ago, when determining to enter commer- cial circles he established a general mercantile store in Troy Grove, where he has now been located for seven years, having one of the larg- est stores in town. His business is continually increasing and he has constantly enlarged his stock to meet the growing demands of his trade. He carries a well selected line of general goods and the store, with its tasteful arrangement, its reasonable prices and straightforward methods, is a center of considerable commercial activity, while the business being there carried on makes the owner one of the representative merchants of his part of the county. In addition to his store he also owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land in Troy Grove town- ship, also two hundred acres at Harvard, Illinois, and fourteen acres in the village of Troy Grove which is very valuable. He also owns a resi- dence and store in the village and is one of its most prosperous citizens. His property has been acquired largely through his own labor and he made his start in growing grain. He was also at one time a successful cattle feeder and actively continued his farming operations until he opened his store.

Mr. Fahler was married to Miss Amanda Dowling, a daughter of Asa and Sarah (Weis- ner) Dowling. In their family were eight chil-

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

dren: Clara, who is married and lives in Troy Grove; Sarah and Myrtle, who are also mar- ried and reside in Troy Grove; Arthur, at home ; Ollie, who is married and resides in Dimmick township; Robert, at home; May, who is mar- ried and lives in Troy Grove; and Oscar, who is yet under the parental roof.

Mr. Fahler votes with the republican party and has served as school trustee for nine years. He is interested in all that pertains to public progress and in matters of citizenship displays a spirit of enterprise and advancement that are most commendable. His co-operation can al- ways be counted upon to further any movement for the general good and he is one of the most valued residents of his section of the county. Moreover, in his business life he has made a most creditable record. Fearing not the labo- rious attention to detail which is necessary to success, he has never been dilatory nor negligent to the slightest degree in his business interests, but through close application and energy has steadily progressed and has made a most credit- able record and won a measure of prosperity that classes him with the representative citizens of this part of the state.

OSCAR HAEBERLE.

Oscar Haeberle, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Ottawa, has been connected with the institution since the Ist of December, 1893, and has thoroughly acquainted himself with the banking business, wherein he has mani- fested a capability and fidelity that have led to consecutive promotions. He started out in life on his own account at the age of sixteen and without special family or pecuniary advantages to aid him he has made steady progress and today occupies an enviable position in business circles in La Salle county. His birth occurred in Brookfield township, this county, on the IIth of January, 1873, his parents being John and Regina (Schneply) Haeberle, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, who was born March 9, 1821, came to La Salle county at an early date in its development and progress, settling in Brookfield township as a pioneer farmer, who aided in subjugating the wild land and reclaiming the hitherto uncultivated district for the uses of civilization. He married Miss Schneply, who was born April 16, 1835, and Oscar Haeberle is their only child. The father passed away August 20, 1877, while the mother's death occurred April 2, 1894.

In the public schools Oscar Haeberle began his education, which was continued in the F. J. Toland Business University at Ottawa. When sixteen years of age he entered the employ of M. B. Mitchell, a tobacconist, with whom he remained for a year, after which he spent two years in clerking for W. H. Hull & Company. It was subsequent to this time that he attended the Toland Business University, for he had come to the realization of the value of thorough business training as a preparation for life's duties. He afterward acted as bookkeeper for the Ottawa Bottle Mould Company for six months and subsequently went with the Ottawa Gas & Coke Company as bookkeeper, continuing in that capacity until the Ist of December, 1893, when he entered the First National Bank as bookkeeper. He served for seven years and was then promoted to the position of teller, while since 1901 he has been assistant cashier. Loyal to the interests of the bank he is at the same time a courteous and obliging official, who has won favor with the patrons of the institution and is regarded as one of its popular representa- tives.

On the 8th of September, 1897, Mr. Haeberle was married to Miss Emily Z. Fennell, who was born in Ottawa January 13, 1873, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Ryon) Fennell, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They became residents of Ottawa in early life. They had five children who are yet living.

Mr. Haeberle is a prominent and valued mem- ber of several fraternal organizations and is also well known in connection with civic affairs. He belongs to Humboldt lodge, No. 555. A. F. & A. M .; St. Elmo lodge, No. 70, K. P., of which he was treasurer for a number of years; and Ottawa lodge, No. 588, B. P. O. E. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in 1899 he was elected city treasurer for a term of two years. He has also been treasurer of the Reddick Library and treasurer of the Ottawa township high school and the fact that various financial interests have thus been entrusted to his care shows that he is abundantly worthy of the honors that have thus been conferred upon him.

EDWIN THORP.

Edwin Thorp, a representative farmer and vet- erinary surgeon living on section 21, Dimmick township, is the owner of property which is known as the old Thorp homestead. He is a son of Moses Thorp, a native of England, born in Lancastershire, February 24, 1824. The grand-

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father, William Thorp, was a veterinary sur- geon, and the son was educated for the same profession, being a graduate of the Roal School in London. On the 20th of April, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jenkins, who was born in Lancastershire, England, January 9, 1824. Almost immediately after their marriage they started for the new world, landing at New York city in the month of June. They did not tarry in the east but made their way at once to Illinois, and after a year's residence in La Salle, Moses Thorp purchased eighty acres of land in Dimmick township, on section 21. Here he car- ried on general farming and also engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery, and as his finan- cial resources increased he added to his prop- erty, leaving at the time of his death a valuable farm of two hundred acres, together with much stock and a goodly bank account. He erected a commodious and comfortable residence upon his place and added all modern equipments and conveniences. He continued in the practice of his profession for fifty-two years with success, and was well known in this regard. He gave much of his time to veterinary practice while leaving the care of his farm to his sons.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thorp were born nine children : Elizabeth; George; Alice, the wife of T. A. Pottinger, whose sketch is represented else- where in this work; Edwin, of this review ; Lou- isa, the wife of Henry Peters, who is likewise mentioned on another page of this volume; Franklin, who is residing in Panora, Iowa ; James F., who died in youth; Isabelle, also deceased; and Fred, also deceased. There were only a few hours' difference in the ages of the parents when they passed away, both dying at the age of seventy-nine years, three months and three days.

Dr. Thorp, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life in La Salle county, and is indebted to the public schools for the early edu- cational privileges he enjoyed. Desiring to ac- quaint himself with the profession which was followed by his father and his grandfather, he entered Champaign College and was graduated therefrom in the class of 1882. He has a very extensive practice as a veterinary surgeon, cov- ering a large portion of central Illinois. He is a specialist on fistula and poll evil and is very successful in the treatment of all diseases com- mon to horses. He also raises fine draft horses of the shire stock and also fine driving stock. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land in Dimmick town- ship, which he has greatly improved and which is now largely devoted to the raising of grain. He annually harvests rich crops and a glance at his place indicates the careful supervision and

practical methods of the owner, who in all of his work has been progressive and has accom- plished excellent results.

In his political views Mr. Thorp has always been an earnest republican, and socially he is connected with the Woodmen camp, at Peru. As the years have gone by he has achieved success and has fully sustained the excellent reputation which was made by his father. Personally he has many friends and is widely known in the county where his entire life has been passed.

JOHN W. CLIFTON.

John W. Clifton, connected with the American Bottle Company in Streator, was born in Salem, New Jersey, June 24, 1871, his parents being William H. and Amanda (Cook) Clifton. The father was born in Philadelphia, May 10, 1852, while the mother's birth occurred March 12, 1853, upon a farm near Salem, New Jersey. They were married in Salem by the Rev. John Heisler, in 1869. Four children graced this mar- riage: Ella, who died in infancy; John W .; Mary E., the wife of C. H. Freas, residing in Atlantic City, New Jersey ; and Alice C., the wife of L. H. Sayer. Mr. Clifton was a manufacturer of brushes in Salem, New Jersey, until 1901, when he removed to Morgantown, West Vir- ginia, where he now lives, being general manager of the Marilla Window Glass Company.

In the public schools of his native city John W. Clifton acquired his education and when fourteen years of age began learning the glass- blower's trade in Salem. He maintained his residence there until about twenty-five years of age, when, in 1896, he came to La Salle county, settling in Streator, where he now resides. At that time he entered the employ of the American Bottle Company, with which he has since been connected, holding a responsible position in con- nection with other business enterprises.

On the 15th of September, 1894, Mr. Clifton was married to Miss Harriet Wells at Salem, New Jersey. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton has been blessed with four children: Wil- liam H., born December 7, 1895 : John W., who was born April 6, 1897, and died at the age of eight years, eight months and twenty-five days; Alice, who was born August 25, 1900; and Nor- man L., born June 21, 1904.

Mr. Clifton is especially interested in matters relating to the city's welfare and progress and as every American citizen should do keeps well informed on the political issues and questions of the day. He votes with the democracy and in

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

April, 1905, was elected alderman of the first ward, which position he is filling at the present time. He is a member of Streator council, No. 1580, Royal Arcanum, is also connected with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and with the Glass Bottle Blowers Association, Branch No. 3, of which he has been president and secretary. He was also sent as a delegate to the national asso- ciation at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1903, and was a delegate to the national association in 1906, at Atlantic City, New Jersey. He has always continued in the same line of business in which he embarked as a young tradesman and his per- sistency of purpose is no doubt one of the secrets of his efficiency and capability.

CHARLES J. GURNEY.

Charles J. Gurney, well known in commercial and industrial circles in Streator, is now secre- tary, treasurer and general manager of the Su- perior Company, manufacturers of Superior windmills, Superior center draft tank heaters, etc., and also dealers in plumbing and steam- fitting supplies. Mr. Gurney is a young man of business enterprise and determination, con- stantly looking for opportunities, for the enlargement of the concern with which he is connected, and the success of the institution may be largely attributed to his business sagacity and untiring diligence.

He was born in Otter Creek township, La Salle county, September 28, 1872, his parents being Charles L. and Mary C. (Baker) Gurney. The father was born in Prussia, July 5, 1824, was educated in that country and served his time as a soldier. His parents died when he was a small boy and thus from an early age he was thrown upon his own resources. He was mar- ried near Streator, January 14, 1854, to Miss Mary C. Baker, who was born in Hanover, Ger- many, September 15, 1836, her parents being Christian and Esther (Hawkins) Baker, who were natives of Germany and were married in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Baker had a family of five sons and a daughter, the living being Henry, William. Christopher and Charles. After coming to the new world Christian Baker built a frame house in La Salle county and at one time was the owner of eight tracts of land of eighty acres each. He was one of the leading farmers in Otter Creek township and was very widely and favorably known. He held member- ship in the Evangelical Association and in poli -. tics was a whig. He died in 1889, at the age

of seventy-nine years, while his wife passed away in 1870, at the age of sixty years. After losing his first wife Mr. Baker married Miss Minnie Stevan, also now deceased.

It was in the year 1848 that Charles L. Gur- ney came to the United States, locating first in Dimmick· for about a year and then began farm- ing on his own account. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Otter Creek township, where he lived until 1896, when he took up his abode in Streator, where he is now living retired. In his farming operations he was quite successful and at one time had six hun- dred and forty acres of very valuable land in Otter Creek township. He has since given each of his sons a farm and has sold the remainder in order not to be burdened with the care of this property, for he has sufficient to supply all of his wants throughout his remaining days. He has been a valued factor in public life and was school director for many years, while for sev- eral years he was highway commissioner. He holds membership in the Evangelical church and votes with the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children: Louisa, who died at the age of eight years and three months ; William; Carrie; May; Amelia, who died at the age of two years and three months; Louisa Ann ; Lydia M .; Emma C .; Anna M .; Charles J .; and Albert J.

Charles J. Gurney at the usual age entered the public schools and when he had mastered the preliminary branches of learning became a student in the Northwestern College at Naper- ville, Illinois, where he remained in the years 1892 and 1893. From 1894 until 1904 he was engaged extensively, actively and successfully in farming, cultivating four hundred and sixty-six acres of land in Otter Creek township. As the result of the development of the fields he produced splen- did crops and he was a breeder of polled Dur- ham and shorthorn cattle. He also bought and fed cattle and hogs and his business interests were carefully conducted. The knowledge which he eagerly gained of farm work and of stock- raising proved of essential value to him in the conduct of his own agricultural interests and he prospered in what he undertook in this direction.

Following his removal to Streator he became secretary and treasurer of the Superior Com- pany and also general manager. This is an in- corporated company with Albert Duis as presi- dent : George H. Smith, vice president; and Mr. Gurney, secretary and treasurer. They are manufacturers of Superior windmills, Superior center draft tank heaters, pumps, tanks, reser- voirs and compressed air water system, hand drill, pipe vise, gray iron and brass castings, and are

C. J. GURNEY.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

dealers in plumbing goods, steam and hot water heating. pipes, brass and iron fittings. The of- fice and factory are located at the corner of Iowa avenue and East Hickory street and the business has constantly grown in volume and importance until it is one of the large manufacturing interests of Streator.

Happy in his home life. Mr. Garner was mar- ried September 26. 1895. to Miss Roberta Redi- dick. who was born in Otter Creek township. February 10. 1877. a daughter of William and Matilda Wakey Reddick. The father was born in New England and is living in Ottawa. being one of the old settlers of the county. He followed farming until 1902. when he retired from active business life and is now living in the county seat. His wife was born in La Salle county east of Grand Ridge and represents one of the old families of this portion of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Reddick have a family of four daughters and two sons, namely: Lala. Mar- garet. James. Clifford. Mamie and Roberta. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gurney have been born two children : Florence R .. born July 16. 1896: and Edna May. May I. ISgS.

Mr. Gurney is a man of marked force of char- acter and has left the impress of his individuality upon public progress and improvement in more than one direction. He has continuously served in township offices from the age of twenty-one years and upon his removal to Streator he re- signed the office of township assessor. He votes with the republican party and is thoroughiv in sympathy with its teachings. Socially he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and he is a member of the Park Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the elders. In its work he takes an active and helpful interest and his influence is ever on the side of right. prog- ress. improvement and justice.

BOWEN HILL

Bowen Hill. a prosperous. prominent and well known farmer and capitalist. resides upon a farm on section 1. Farm Ridge township. comprising one hundred and eighty-eight acres of splendidly improved land and the extent and importance of his business interests have rendered bim a leading citizen of this community. His business methods have been such as to entitle him to the trust and confidence of those with whom he has been associated. He was born in Luzern township. Favette county. Pennsylvania. in a little log cabin on the banks of the Monongahela river. December 12. 1827, and is of English lineage.

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History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 100

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855 Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Hoffman, U. J. (Urias John), b. 1855
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286