History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 67

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 67

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W. N. SIMPKINS.

The farming interests of Eagle township are well represented by W. N. Simpkins, who resides on section 20. He was born on his present home farm, January 19, 1861, a son of Thomas Hugh and Mary (Mackey) Simpkins. The father was born February 15, 1827, and came to La Salle county in the fall of 1849 from Millsboro, Fay- ette county, Pennsylvania, a town on the Monon- gahela river, and here took up his abode in Eagle township, soon purchasing a farm, upon which our subject now resides. On the 13th of

July, 1854, he bought eighty acres at seven dol- lars and a half per acre from William T. Christy and wife and April 6, 1866, purchased forty acres more at thirty-seven dollars and a half per acre of Benjamin Shafer and wife. He prac- tically had no capital on coming to this county and in order to obtain necessary funds for his support he worked out by the month during the summer seasons and in the winter mined coal along the river bank where Heenanville now stands, wheeling out the coal in a wheelbarrow and selling by box measurement, for no cars were then in use. The city of Streator had not yet been established and every evidence of pioneer life and environment was seen. The shed or shop in which Mr. Simpkins kept bachelor's hall and sheltered his tools still does service on the farm. The same roof with the original shingles which he put on between forty-five and fifty years ago are still covering the building, a fact which indi- cates that an excellent quality of lumber was used and that thorough workmanship was also dis- played in shingling the building. This building is now being used as a tool and coal house by the subject of this review. Following his marriage the father built the south portion of the present large residence which stands upon the farm and in the meantime removed his shop to the farm. Following his marriage he devoted his time and energies to the development and cultivation of his land, which he improved from the raw prairie and as the years passed by the fields were well tilled and responded with generous harvests. In 1876 he completed the present residence and the old pine shingles which he placed upon the new portion have after a period of thirty years been recently replaced. The fine pine and maple trees which adorn the lawn and add to the value as well as attractive appearance of the home were brought as saplings by Mr. Simpkins from the timber and set out by him. He also planted an orchard, but about two years ago the present owner of the farm replaced many of the trees with new ones. Thomas H. Simpkins was for many years an energetic, industrious and prosper- ous agriculturist and belonged to that class of representative pioneer men who while advancing their individual business affairs also promote the general welfare and development. He was ac- cidentally killed by a horse August 19, 1877, when over fifty years of age. He had served as school director for some years and was a member of the Grange. On the Ist of October, 1857, he mar- ried Mary Mackey, who was born May 20, 1838. and was a sister of L. T. Mackey, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this volume. Long surviv- ing her husband she departed this life in Streator, March 16, 1904.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

In the family of this worthy couple were ten children : Clara, born September 7, 1858, was married in April, 1882, to Joseph Merritte and resides in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Ella Jane, born September 9, 1859, died August 6, 1906. Wil- liam North, of this review, is the next of this family. Thomas Hugh, Jr., born March II, 1862, was married July 6, 1898, to Anna Lahman, and died May 4, 1902. Charles, born July 16, 1863, died October 10, 1864. Mary Elizabeth, born February 10, 1865, was married July 1, 1904, to James Mosteller, a glass-blower residing in Streator. Dallas, born March 17, 1870, and died the same day. Arthur Burton, born September 2, 1872, is living in Hinckley, Illinois. Homer, born May 13, 1874, is a resident of Streator, George Washington, born March 20, 1876, is re- siding in Texas.

William N. Simpkins was reared in La Salle county and at intervals attended the common schools until about twenty-two years of age, when he pursued a commercial course in Streator, walking a portion of the time the five miles be- tween his home and Streator. Thus he thor- oughly earned and appreciated the college course. He is a carpenter, painter and paper hanger by trade and in his earlier years carried on business along those lines, but of late years has operated the farm and in addition has built several houses in the township. He has also repaired the Con- gregational church at Kangley and while follow- ing his chosen occupation displayed good ability is that direction. He has purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home property, which he now owns, having a valuable and productive tract of one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 20 and 21, Eagle township. He is likewise patentee of a gate hinge for heavy farm gates, and also of a hayrack loader and unloader for removing and putting on hayracks, thus do- ing away with much unnecessary work of lift- ing. A boy can drive the wagon under and re- move the rack or vice versa. The patent was secured July 4, 1899, and since that time Mr. Simpkins has manufactured and sold about one hundred of these devices, but has not given much attention to the matter, concentrating his ener- gies more largely upon general agricultural pur- suits and the further development and improve- ment of his farm, which is well equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences.

On the 15th of January, 1902, Mr. Simpkins was united in marriage in La Salle county to Miss Isabelle Hiner, who was born in Mont- gomery county, Kansas, September 27, 1877, a daughter of John D. and Emma L. (Berry) Hiner, formerly residents of La Salle county. The mother was born in Indiana, but came to

Illinois when young, residing in Livingston county. She was married in Reading to John D. Hiner and died at Streator in 1892, at the age of forty-two years. Mr. Hiner now resides at Wal- ter, Oklahoma, where he owns a farm. He pre- viously lived in Streator for a considerable pe- riod and spent four years in Kansas. Mrs. Simpkins was reared in La Salle county, attend- ing the country schools, and by her marriage she has become the mother of one son, Kenneth J., who was born November 7, 1903, and is there- fore three years of age.

Mr. Simpkins has largely followed in his father's political footsteps and supports the de- mocracy, although he is somewhat independent in politics. He served for one year as assessor in Eagle township, but has never been a politi- cian in the sense of office seeking. Fraternally he is connected with the Mystic Workers and with the Modern Woodmen camp at Kangley. His entire life has been passed in this county and the years of his manhood have been char- acterized by steady progress in business activity and successful accomplishment. Dependent al- most entirely upon his own resources for every- thing that he has achieved and enjoyed, his life record shows what may be accomplished by a strong will guided by sound judgment and prac- tical common sense-qualities which are too often lacking and cause a great per cent of the fail- ures which are known in business life. Mr. Simpkins as a representative of one of the pio- neer families is also worthy of mention, and in matters of citizenship during the years of his residence here he has always been found loyal, giving his aid and support to every movement for the general good.

BARTO THOMPSON.

Barto Thompson, whose life of industry and unremitting diligence has led to success as an agriculturist, now lives on section 27, Freedom township, where he has a good farm property. He was born in Christiansund, Norway, July 27, 1836. His father was Knute Thompson Mosey, the last named being added to designate the place in which he lived. In 1844 he came with his wife and children to America by way of New Orleans, intending to locate in Texas but chang- ing his mind he continued his journey northward up the Mississippi river. While en route, how- ever, they were stranded on an island in the ice and for two nights slept in the open air. They had proceeded by boat up the Illinois river to Ottawa, and made their way to Freedom town-

BARTO THOMPSON

MPS BART THOMPSON

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PAST AND PRESENT OF LA SALLE COUNTY.

ship, where the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of government land. It was entirely uncultivated and unimproved and his first dwelling was built of sod and slabs. They nearly froze in the winter months and in the summer rattlesnakes were frequently found in the walls of their abode. In 1849, during the cholera epidemic, Mr. Thompson's parents and his two sisters died, the two sisters being buried in the same grave.

Barto Thompson and his brother returned to the farm after burying the other members of the family and built a house where they made their home up to the time of their marriage. Mr. Thompson of this review was only thirteen years of age when left an orphan and from that time has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. On the 18th of October, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Tarbor Baker, who was born in Norway, January 10, 1837, a daughter of Halver and Julia Baker, who came to America in 1854 and for a time resided in Freedom township, La Salle county, but aft- erward removed to Minnesota, where they died.

Mr. Thompson came into possession of eighty acres of his father's farm and later bought twen- ty acres more. He built a house thereon and made it his home for sixteen years. About 1875, however, having prospered in his work, he was enabled to purchase another farm of one hundred and sixty acres and he now owns two hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in La Salle county. He has been an untiring worker and his unfaltering energy and frugality have constituted the basis of his success. He has been able to assist all of his children in getting good homes and he yet retains the ownership of valuable property which brings him a good return. He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for many a man of less resolute spirit would have become utterly discouraged and disheartened in the face of dif- ficulties and obstacles such as he has met.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born four children but Charles M., the eldest, died March 30, 1895, at the age of thirty-four years. He owned a nice farm in Dayton township, which he improved and had converted into one of the good properties of the county. Harriet is the wife of Fred Mathiesen, now living on a farm in Dayton township, which was formerly owned by her brother Charles. Joseph E. is living on a farm adjoining his father's. Sarah E. is the wife of Professor Louis Chally, of Dayton township.

Mr. Thompson has always been a republican, firm in his belief in the principles of the party but without aspiration for office. Many years

ago he was converted to Christianity and his peo- ple were also church members and identified with the Lutheran denomination. He is earnestly endeavoring to lead a consistent Christian life that his example may serve as a source of inspi- ration to his children and in all relations he has been found to be a straightforward, honorable man, doing what he has believed to be right and displaying justice and consideration in his treat- ment of those with whom he has come in con- tact. He has now reached the seventieth mile- stone on life's journey. For many years he has resided in this county, watching its progress from pioneer times to the present age of devel- ment. Great changes have occurred and he has borne his share in the work of improvement along agricultural lines. His business career has been crowned with a measure of success which is very desirable and shows what may be accomplished through determination and unfal- tering energy.

THOMAS J. DUNN.

Thomas J. Dunn, whose valuable farm on sec- tion 24, Brookfield township, comprises two hun- dred and forty acres of land, was born in this township in 1866. His father, Patrick Dunn, a native of Ireland, was born in 1828 and came to this country when about eighteen years of age, hoping to better his financial condition in the new world. He first worked at farm labor in Connecticut, and then leaving the east for the middle west with its many and growing oppor- tunities, he located in Deer Park township, La Salle county, where he engaged in farming on his own account. There he made a good start in' business as an agriculturist and later he removed to Brookfield township, where he now resides, having a good farm on section 21. He married Miss Johanna Dunn, also a native of Ireland. the wedding being celebrated in this county. They became the parents of seven children: William, who married Elizabeth Mooney, of Chicago ; Thomas; Edward; Mary, who married Frank O'Dell ; Anna ; Emily; and Maggie, who is now the wife of Lyons Bernard ; while Anna married Mike Sheedy.

The boyhood days of Thomas J. Dunn passed quietly and uneventfully. He enjoyed the pleas- ures of the playground, acquired his education in the district schools and spent a part of two years in Brown's College, Valparaiso, Indiana. He performed such work on the home farm as his years and strength would permit and thus he gained a good practical knowledge of farming to aid him when he started out in life on his

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own account. Mr. Dunn taught school for four years in La Salle and Grand Rapids and Brook- field townships. He commenced farming inde- pendently on the M. O'Louglin place on section 20, Brookfield township, where he resided for three years, and then removed to his present place of residence on section 24. He started out for himself with a team of horses as his only pos- session and now he is the possessor of two hundred and forty acres of the valuable land which makes La Salle county one of the richest farming districts of the entire country. His place is well improved, the fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation and everything about the farm is kept in first class condition.

Mr. Dunn, in 1893, was married to Miss Mary Sheedy, who was born in Brookfield township, a daughter of Timothy and Bridget Sheedy, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dunn have been born six children: Marie, Willie, Loretta, Leo, Franklin and Luella. The parents are members of the Catholic church.

Mr. Dunn votes with the democracy and is active in the local ranks of the party. He has held a number of township offices, the duties of which he has performed in prompt and reliable manner. He was township collector for two years and at the present writing is supervisor of Brookfield township. He is a director of the Seneca Grain, Lumber & Supply Company and his spirit of enterprise and activity, leading to the successful accomplishment of everything he undertakes to do is manifest in both his business life and his official service.

W. J. MCCULLOUGH.

W. J. Mccullough, a farmer and stock-raiser located on section 6, Farm Ridge township, operates three hundred and twenty acres of pro- ductive land, a part of which is the old Hoga- boom homestead property. He was born upon this farm in 1858, his parents being John and Jane (Lane) McCullongh, the latter now a resi- dent of South Ottawa. She was born in La Salle county north of the city of Ottawa about seventy years ago, and her father was one of the honored pioneer settlers in this part of the state. John McCullough, a farmer by occupa- tion, came to Illinois from Ohio, his native state, and took up his abode in La Salle county. He resided in Farm Ridge and South Ottawa town- ships, carrying on general agricultural pursuits up until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. He became a member of

the Famous One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Infantry and served as a private soldier until killed at the battle of Plum Tree Creek, thus giving his life as a sacrifice upon the altar of his country. In the family were five children : Annie, who died in infancy; W. J., of this re- view ; John, deceased; George, a farmer residing in Deer Park township; and William, a farmer of Sedgwick county, Kansas.

IV. J. McCullough was reared in Farm Ridge township, attending the district schools and after- ward gave his attention to the task of cultivating and improving the fields. He married Miss Luella Hogaboom, who was also born upon the present home farm, her parents being Abel and Melizena (Gruber) Hogaboom, who came from Ohio during the pioneer epoch in the history of this county. They were farming people and settled in Farm Ridge township. Her maternal grandfather, Rev. Jacob Gruber, was a minister of the German Lutheran church and preached in this county at an early day, aiding in sowing the seeds of moral progress and religious de- velopment in this portion of the state. All of the family died in Farm Ridge township. Abel Hogaboom, father of Mrs. McCullough, was born in New York, and having arrived at years of maturity, married Miss Melizena E. Gruber, whose birth occurred in Ohio. His attention was given to general agricultural pursuits for many years. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Charlotte Jarvis, who died upon the old homestead property in Farm Ridge township, in 1858, leaving a son and three daughters, while one son had previously died in infancy. Those who survived the mother were: Frank, who was a resident farmer of Farm Ridge township but died twenty years ago; Mary, who became the wife of Robert Crane and died in Kansas, in January, 1901; Helen, who died June 15, 1898, at the age of fifty-two years ; and Elizabeth, residing on the home farm in Farm Ridge town- ship. After losing his first wife Abel Hogaboom married Miss Melizena E. Gruber who, as stated, was the daughter of Rev. Jacob Gruber, a minis- ter of the Lutheran church, who came to La Salle county more than a half century ago. He preached in that county almost his entire life from early manhood and his influence was of no restricted order. In fact his labors proved a very valuable element in religious progress of the community. He was born in 1801, and died in December, 1894. The death of Mr. Hoga- boom occurred April 17, 1900, when he was eighty-six years of age. His widow still survives him and yet makes her home in Farm Ridge township. Unto them were born four children, who are yet living, while Jacob died at the age

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of ten years, and Frederick at the age of two years. The daughters are: Susie, now the wife of Charles Rosencrantz, of Atlantic, Iowa ; Abbie the wife of William McCullough; Luella, the wife of Walter McCullough; and Lucy at home.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mccullough have been born three children: Jessie G., eleven years of age, born in South Ottawa township; Beulah, born in the same township and now seven years of age; and Irene, three years old, born in Farm Ridge township. Politically Mr. Mccullough has always been a democrat but is without aspira- tion for office. He belongs to the Modern Wood- men camp at Deer Park and is well known as one whose interest in public affairs is that of a citizen who desires permanent good and im- provement. He has always lived in this part of the county and is today extensively and success- fully engaged in farming, operating three .hun- dred and twenty acres of land on section 6, Farm Ridge township. He has an excellent property here, which in its many improvements and the neat appearance of the fields indicates his careful supervision and practical methods.

DAVIDSON E. HUGGANS.

Davidson E. Huggans, who since 1886 has been superintendent of the Aqueduct Company at Streator, was born in New York city on the 12th of April, 1852, his parents being James and Agnes (Rankin) Huggans, both of whom were natives of Scotland. Having crossed the At- lantic to America they removed from New York city in 1853 to Freehold, New Jersey, and a year later became residents of Ohio, settling on a farm near Dayton in Clinton county, where they re- mained for two years. In October, 1856, they continued their westward journey to La Salle county, Illinois, settling in Bruce township, where the subject of this review was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farm lads. There were still many evidences of frontier life to be seen here, as there were tracts of land that were still uncultivated, while the homes of the settlers were widely scattered.

Davidson E. Huggans was but four years of age at the time of the arrival of the family in La Salle county and was reared upon the old homestead farm in Bruce township, acquiring his education in the public schools and during the periods of vacation aiding in the labors of the fields. He continued to carry on farm work there until 1877, when he began farming near Sibley, Ford county, Illinois, where he resided for two years. On the expiration of that period

he came to Streator and was employed as a coal miner in shaft No. I for the Chicago, Wil- mington & Vermillion Coal Company. When two years had passed by he was made engineer in the same shaft, which position he continued to fill until 1886, when he was made superintendent of the Aqueduct Company and has since acted in this capacity.

On the 12th of April, 1877, Mr. Huggans was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Jenkins, a daughter of John Jenkins, of Streator, and they had five children, of whom two are living, Ralph and Louis. The latter is at home. The former, who is chief engineer of the water works in Streator, married Isabelle Reeder and has one daughter, Edith.

In his political views Mr. Huggans is an earnest republican unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles of the party and has been called upon to serve in several local offices. For thirteen years he was a member of the school board and for five years acted as clerk of the board. In the spring of 1893 he was chosen supervisor of his township and acted in that capacity for four years. He is a prominent Good Templar and takes an active part in furthering the cause of temperance, believing that the disregard of tem- perance principles is one of the greatest mistakes that man can make. He belongs to Streator lodge, No. 607, A. F. & A. M., with which he has been identified for twenty-one years, and he has also taken the degrees of Streator chapter, No. 168, R. A. M., and Streator commandery, No. 70, K. T. He likewise belongs to Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine and his religious faith is that of the Unitarian church. He has been found reliable in all relations of life whether in social or business connections and is devoted to his family and to those interests which advance the welfare of society.

THOMAS J. RICHARDS.

Thomas J. Richards, a farmer and stock-feeder located on section II, Bruce township, where he owns and operates four hundred acres of well improved land, was born in this township on Otter Creek street, Streator, August 19, 1862. He is a son of Frederick Richards, of Streator, one of the most extensive landowners of the county, and a man whose business prominence ranks him with the foremost citizens of this por- tion of the state. The son was reared in his native city, where he acquired a good education and for the past twenty years he has been en- gaged in business for himself, carrying on the

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feeding of stock during the greater part of this time. In this he has been very successful and annually there are found large numbers of cattle and hogs upon his place, which are well cared for and therefore command an excellent price when put upon the market. In connection with the feeding of stock Mr. Richards also engages in general agricultural pursuits, giving his time and attention to the cultivation and development of his excellent farm, comprising four hundred acres on section II, Bruce township. He raises the various cereals best adapted to soil and cli- mate and has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. He also leases the farming land, much of which is devoted to pasture. Upon his place he has a fine home and every- thing about the farm is kept in excellent condi- tion, showing the careful supervision of a pro- gressive owner whose methods are at the same time thoroughly practical.

On the 4th of February, 1886, Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Lena Missel, a daughter of William Missel, deceased. Her mother is now living with a son in Otter Creek township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been born two children, both natives of Bruce township. Lulu, born August 19, 1888, is now a student in the Streator high school and will graduate with the class of 1907. Frederick, born December 17, 1896, is attending the county schools.

In more recent years Mr. Richards has given his political support to the republican party, be- lieving its principles most conducive to good gov- ernment and the welfare of the nation. He has served as school director for the past twelve years and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend. He and his wife hold membership in the Streator Methodist church and Mr. Richards has served on the offi- cial board. They contribute generously to its support and take an active interest in its work, and as the years go by they are growing in the esteem of their fellow citizens in the community where they have long been widely and favorably known.

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History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 67

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