History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 69

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

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WILSON B. LOWMON, D. V. S.

Wilson B. Lowmon, residing on First avenue in Ottawa and engaged in the practice of veteri- nary surgery, was born in South Ottawa town- ship in 1861, a son of Arthur B. and Margaret E. (Blair) Lowmon, who came to Illinois in the early '30s and were pioneer settlers of this part of the state, contributing in substantial measure to its growth and progress in the early days. Mr. Lowmon hauled the lumber from Chicago for his first house, for there was no town of any size in La Salle county, nor were there any railroads to transport lumber or other commodities. He lived upon his farm in South Ottawa township and in connection with the till- ing of the fields also engaged in teaming, hauling grain to Chicago and bringing back merchandise on the return trip. He continued to carry on farming in La Salle county and resided here until his death. In the early davs he operated a ferry before the bridge was built across the river and he was thus closely identified with many of the movements which shaped the early history and

marked the pioneer development of the county. A native of Virginia, he lived in Ohio for some years before coming to Illinois, but the greater part of his life was spent in La Salle county, where he died in 1888, being one of the most respected and worthy residents of this part of the state. He served in various township offices, including that of supervisor, and took an active part in all that pertained to the welfare and progress of his com- munity. His wife also passed away a num- Fer of years ago. In their family were eight children, all of whom are yet living, namely : Mrs. Alice Fogler, of San Bernardino county, California ; James A., living in Fowler, Indiana ; William E., of Meade, Indian Territory; Mrs. Clara Nattinger, who resides in Earl Park, In- diana; Michael, of Louisville, Kentucky; Mrs. Linna Moss, of Grand Ridge, Illinois; Wilson B .; Mrs. Minnie Shaver, of Ottawa; and Ada M. Lowmon, of Ottawa.

Wilson B. Lowmon resided upon the home farm where he was born for forty-one years, at the end of which time he removed to Ottawa. This was in 1902. He disposed of the farm and has since devoted his attention to the practice of veterinary surgery, in which he is well skilled.

Dr. Lowmon was married in La Salle county to Miss Josephine W. Pike, a daughter of Wil- liam Pike, now residing in Ottawa, having re- tired from active farm life. He has been a resident of La Salle county since 1865 and for many years resided on a farm in Farm Ridge township, but for the past fifteen years has made his home in the county seat and at a recent date sold his farm to his son-in-law, William H. Pike. He erected his present fine home at 224 East Van Buren street and is now enjoying a richly merited rest in his adopted city. He was born in Devonshire, England, in December, 1833, and his parents and the other members of the family remained in that country, Mr. Pike being the only one to come to America. He was reared to farm life in England, but before coming to the United States and at different times since he has engaged in other lines of business. On leaving the land of his nativity he came direct to Ottawa in company with William Chappel and both located here, Mr. Chappel later removing to Kankakee county, Illinois, and he and his wife are both deceased. The latter was a sister of Mrs. Pike.

William Pike was married in England to a Miss Cochran, who died in 1898, leaving six children : Henry, a farmer of Indiana, who is married and has eight children; Frederick, a resident farmer of Nebraska, who is married and has three children : Helen, who is the

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deceased wife of Charles Carsons, a farmer of Grand Ridge township, who is living there with his family of six children; Mary Jane, the wife of William H. Pike, residing on the home farm with their six children; Josephine, the wife of Wilson Lowmon ; and William Arthur, a physi- cian and surgeon with offices in the Maloney building in Ottawa. After losing his first wife Mr. Pike married Mrs. Harriet Sophia Williams, nee Graves, who has been a resident of this county for the past ten years or more. He has twenty-five grandchildren and two great-grand- children living. In politics he is a republican and socially was connected with the Odd Fel- lows society in England. He now attends the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a member, and is regarded as one of the prominent and influential residents of Ottawa, having for many years made his home in this county.

His daughter, Mrs. Lowmon, was born in La Salle county and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Wilson Raymond and Marguerite, both at home. Politically Dr. Low- mon is a republican and socially is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His religious views are somewhat in harmony with the teachings of the Methodist church and he attends its services, although he' is not a member thereof.

WILLIAM WILSON.

William Wilson is one of the extensive land- owners of Waltham township, his fine farm com- prising six hundred and twenty acres of valuable and productive land, his residence being situated on section 2. It is one of the finest farm homes in all La Salle county, and Mr. Wilson is thus spending his days amid fitting environments, for his labors and well directed business activity well entitle him to all that he is now enjoying. A native of Scotland, he was born on the 5th of September, 1836, and when twenty-two years of age came to the United States in 1858. In 1867 he returned to Scotland and brought his parents to the new world. His father, who is ninety- four years of age, lives among his children in La Salle county. He is a remarkably well preserved man, having the use of all his faculties, and he reads without glasses. In spirit and interests, too, he seems to a great degree still in his prime and keeps well informed on the questions and is- sues which are matters of general concern and moment. He is certainly a remarkably well pre-

served man and one who enjoys the respect and honor of his fellowmen.

When Mr. Wilson came to the United States he landed at Newcastle, New York. Being at that time in limited financial circumstances, in order to gain a living he went to Canada, where he worked for six months for twelve dollars per month. In the fall of 1858, however, he came to Illinois but spent the winter of 1859-60 in southern Arkansas. In the latter year he made a trip to Mississippi, where he saw slaves bought and sold. Following his return to Illinois he settled in La Salle county, where he engaged in cultivating rented land for three years, raising thereon good crops. With the money thus earned he made investment in eighty acres of mild land on section 2, Waltham township, for which he paid twelve dollars and a half per acre. He next bought sixty acres, on which his home now stands. ` He began with characteristic energy to clear and cultivate his fields and de- velop a farm and as time passed by converted the wild tract into one of rich fertility and product- iveness. To this he has added from time to time and by his safe and judicious investments he has become one of the largest landholders in Waltham township. He was the first man in the county to tile his land, this being forty-three years ago, and his neighbors laughed at him for doing it but they soon found that he had increased the value of his. He also set out a grove and orchard and made many other improvements.

Mr. Wilson was married in 1863 to Miss Agnes Anderson, also a native of Scotland, born Jan- uary 27, 1843. They have become the parents of five children and the family is regarded as one of the most progressive in this section of Illinois. Four of the family are still living, but Maggie, who was the fourth in order of birth, and who was born May 8, 1869, died on the 28th of Feb- ruary, 1903. The others are: William, born October 14, 1864; Christina, born March 25, 1866; John, born June 25, 1867; and Robert J., born February 17, 1871.

In his political views Mr. Wilson is a repub- lican, but votes more for men and measures than for party. He served as assessor and tax col- lector in former years, and for fifteen years has been school trustee. He and his family are members of the Waltham Presbyterian church, to the support of which he contributes generously. He has now retired from active farm life and is spending his old age in the quiet enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He travels much, having visited twenty-seven different states and various cities from San Francisco to Boston, be- ing accompanied by his wife on these trips. His home is filled with rich and rare curios collected

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM WILSON.

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in many parts of the world. He has visited England and Scotland in recent years and he much resembles the typical Scotch lord, and one who visits at his home is reminded of the days of which Sir Walter Scott writes. He entertains his friends at bowling on the green, pitching quoits and shuffle-board-games which are pop- ular in his native land. His home is noted throughout the countryside for its hospitality and good cheer and the many friends of the family are always made welcome. Mr. Wilson is an example of what thrift and energy can accom- plish. He came to the shores of the new world a poor Scottish emigrant and has risen to be one of the foremost farmers and prominent repre- sentatives of Illinois. He has builded the lad-

der on which he has climbed to success, its rounds being made of energy, executive ability and ready understanding of intricate business problems. He is one of the early Masons of Waltham lodge, No. 384, A. F. & A. M., which he joined in 1865, and he likewise belongs to Ottawa commandery, No. 10, K. T. For fourteen years he served the lodge as worshipful master, but has now retired from the office. In his life he has exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft and at all times has been a man of generous impulses and kindly actions, ready to assist and aid others less fortunate than himself. He has crossed the Atlantic ocean seven times and thus through travel has gained the knowledge and culture which can only be obtained in that way. He stands today as one of the prosperous and prominent representatives of agricultural in- terests in La Salle county and as the promoter of his own success deserves much credit.

LLOYD PAINTER.

Lloyd Painter, who since December, 1901, has engaged in the practice of law in Streator, was here born April 22, 1877, a son of Andrew Jack- son and Amanda Painter. The father resided with his parents on a farm northeast of Streator until twenty years of age, when he enlisted for service in the Civil war in Ford's cavalry and was attached to the Fifty-third Regiment of Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry. In 1862 he was dis- charged on account of physical disability, but in 1863 he re-enlisted in Henshaw's battery of light artillery and served until the end of the war. He then returned to Streator and engaged in farm- ing. On the 5th of August, 1874, he married Amanda Quigley and they have resided at Streator almost continuously since that time. They have two living children : Lloyd and

Lura, the latter a successful teacher in the pub- lic schools of Streator.

At the usual age Lloyd Painter entered the public schools and was graduated from the Streator township high school in the class of 1894. He then pursued a three months' post-graduate course in pedagogy and on the 3d of December, 1894, he began teaching in a country school in Grand Rapids township, where he remained un- til June, 1896. This enabled him to provide for his own maintenance and also left him some leis- ure time for study and he put forth earnest effort to add to his own knowledge and promote his efficiency, so that in September, 1896, he became principal of the public school at Kangley, Illinois, where five teachers were employed. Under his guidance the schools made substantial improve- ment and advancement there and he remained at Kangley for three years, during which time he devoted the evening hours to the study of law. On the Ist of September, 1899, he accepted the principalship of Grant school in Streator and in September, 1900, having been elected captain of the Streator Zouaves, with that command he made a tour of the United States, returning to his native city on the 22d of April, 1901. He then resumed the study of law and was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon, Illinois, in the following December. On the 16th of the same month he opened an office for law practice in Streator, where he has since remained and a good clientage has been accorded him in recognition of the skill and ability which he has displayed in han- dling important litigated interests. He has been connected with a number of prominent cases in the county and is regarded as an able advocate and wise counselor. In April, 1903, he was elected city attorney of Streator and his capabili- ty is indicated by the fact that in April, 1905, he was re-elected without opposition, so that he is the present incumbent in the office.

In his political views Mr. Painter is a stalwart republican and is recognized as one of the local leaders of the party. He became a charter member of the Streator Zouaves in February, 1897, and, as before stated, was advanced to the rank of captain in 1900. In 1896 he joined Camp No. 1444, M. W. A., and in 1903 he be- came a member of the Athletic Club of Streator. The following year he assisted in organizing Council No. 507 of the Mutual Protective League and in the same year joined Streator lodge, No. 591, B. P. O. E., of which he was elected secretary in December. 1905. He has

also been a member of the Streator Club since 1904 and he belongs to the Presbyterian church. His fraternal, social and church relations indicate much of the character of the man and the prin-

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ciples which are the guiding elements in his life. He has made a creditable position at the bar for one of his years, enjoying today a reputation which many an older practitioner might well envy.

L. S. SAMPSON.

L. S. Sampson, a retired farmer living in the village of Harding in the enjoyment of the fruits of former toil, was born in Broome county, New York, March 25, 1829, and has therefore passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. His parents were Stephen and Rahama (Seward) Sampson, both of whom were natives of New York. The father, who was born in 1794, died in Freedom township, this county, from cholera on the 25th of August, 1849. His widow afterward became the wife of Rev. Wesley Batchelor, of Freedom township, and died in the year 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sampson had come to La Salle county, Illinois, in 1837, making the journey with horse teams across the country from Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. They were seven weeks upon the way and their youngest child was only four weeks old at the time of the journey. They settled upon a tract of eighty acres of wild land on section 13, Freedom township, when there was only one house between that farm and Ottawa. Mr. Sampson built the first dwelling on the land and lived there until his death. Pioneer condi- tions everywhere existed. There were large tracts of uncultivated prairie, the land was undrained and its surface was largely cut up by sloughs. The prairie grass grew to a great height and only here and there had a settlement been made to show that the work of civilization and develop- ment had been begun.

In the family were nine children, namely : Squire Henry, who died of cholera in 1849, at the age of twenty-two years; Eliza S., who is the widow of D. M. Stevens, and lives in Aurora, Illinois ; L. S., of this review ; Charles F., who resides. in the state of Washington; Marinda, the wife of Alden Wheeler, who is living in Iowa ; William B., a resident of Hamilton, Missouri ; Stephen D., who was a member of the Sixty- third Illinois Volunteer Infantry and died in Ottawa; Lafayette W., who became connected with Morrell's Sharpshooters in the Civil war and died from disease contracted in the army after his return from the war, having in the meantime married Maggie Pool; and John Hub- bard, who is married and resides in California.

L. S. Sampson spent his boyhood days in Free- dom township, having accompanied his parents on

their removal from New York to La Salle county when only eight years of age. He attended the district schools, studying upon a slab seat in a little log schoolhouse and mastering the common branches of learning taught at that time. Fol- lcwing his father's death he was obliged to look after the fields and aid in the support of the fam- ily and his privileges were necessarily limited. He made his home upon the farm until he pur- chased a place of his own. On January 14, 1852, Mr. Sampson, in company with five companions, started for the gold mines of California by way of New York, crossing the isthmus by the Nicar- rauguan route. The party having purchased tickets only to the isthmus and as the steamers were overloaded with the through passengers, they were compelled to employ a South Ameri- can negro to take them up the San Juan river, a distance of one hundred and ten miles to San Carlos in a dugout, anchoring in the stream at night. Their menu was raw ham and crack- ers for the seven days on the river. They found the lake steamer, Central America, was also over- loaded, so again they were compelled to bargain with the negro and his natives to take them in the dugout across the lake, which became very rough. As the frail craft leaked badly it re- quired constant bailing and two of the natives be- came sea sick but the party arrived at Virgin bay in safety. After a twelve-mile walk across the mountain and a deck passage on the steamer Pa- cific they entered the Golden Gate. In October, 1855. Mr. Sampson returned to Freedom town- ship and the farm. He is now the owner of one hundred and fifty acres which is well improved. He continued to reside upon that farm for many years, placing it under a high state of cultivation and adding many modern equipments. He lived there until January, 1894, when his dwelling was destroyed by fire and he then removed to the vil- lage of Harding, retiring from active farm life.

Mr. Sampson was married in September, 1857. to Miss Delina Wheeler, who was born in Jef- ferson county, New York, August 10, 1835, and is a daughter of Daniel and Maria (Gould) Wheeler, natives of Massachusetts. Mrs. Samp- son departed this life September 17, 1903. There are five children of that marriage : Ella M., the wife of A. E. Ferrin, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Emma F., at home ; Bertha A., the wife of W. R. Pool, who is living on a farm in this township; Arthur L., living in Kansas; and Nettie Grace. who died in 1902.

Mr. Sampson has always been a democrat and cast his first presidential. vote for Pierce. He served as justice of the peace for eight years and was township collector and township clerk for a year each. He has been a member of the

LS Sampson. 1

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Masonic fraternity for a half century and has at- tained the Knight Templar degree. His life has been in harmony with the teachings and princi- ples of the craft and in all of his business dealings he has been just and considerate, living a life worthy the respect of his fellowmen.

RICHARD F. PURCELL.

Richard F. Purcell, manager and partner in the firm of M. Purcell & Company, dealers in general merchandise in Streator, is a native son of this city, born on the 12th of September, 1872. His father, Michael Purcell, was born in Ireland . board. All interests which are a matter of civic in 1837 and came to America in 1851, locating in pride and civic virtue elicit his attention and re- ceive his co-operation and while he has never sought to be a leader in municipal affairs he is nevertheless found as the champion of all move- ments for the general good and as the head of one of the leading business houses of the city he is prominently associated with Streator's commer- cial prosperity. Pennsylvania, where he engaged in mining. He was there married to Miss Ellen McCloskey, whose birth occurred in Virginia in 1842. In the year 1869 they removed to Streator and in 1874 Mr. Purcell embarked in general merchan- dising, in which business he continued up to the time of his death, establishing a large and well equipped store, to which was accorded a liberal patronage. He was watchful of every oppor- tunity and indication pointing to success and so utilized the possibilities of the business world as CHARLES J. AMSLER. to the gain a measure of prosperity that was most desirable and creditable. He died in the year 1897, while his wife passed away in 1903. They were members of the Immaculate Conception Ro- man Catholic church and Mr. Purcell gave his political support to the democracy. In their family were twelve children, of whom ten are now living: John H .; Mary C .; Clara M., the wife of James Dougherty; Richard; Margaret ; William M .; Ellen G .; Albert C .; Charles E., and Frank.

Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Richard Purcell acquired a public-school education and afterward entered the law depart- ment of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. The following year, on the 4th of Septem- ber, 1894, with his father and sister, Mary C. Purcell, he organized the firm of M. Purcell & Company, dealers in general merchandise, at 119 Main street, and has since been engaged in this business, which is one of the most extensive en- terprises of this kind in La Salle county. They carry a stock valued at from twenty-five thou- sand to thirty thousand dollars and this is one of the leading business houses of Streator. The

sales are annually increasing and in their pur- chases the company keep in touch with the prog- ress of the times, introducing the newest goods and keeping in touch with modern styles. Their

methods of business are such as will bear close investigation and scrutiny.

On the 14th of September, 1898, Mr. Purcell was united in marriage to Miss Marcella A. Prendergast, who was born in Peru, Illinois, in 1876, a daughter - of Patrick E. and Mary (Monks) Prendergast. They have become the parents of a daughter, Helen Mary, born August IO, 190I. The parents hold membership in the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic church. Mr. Purcell served as alderman of the third ward and at the present writing is a member of the school board of Streator. He likewise belongs to Streator Club, to the Elks lodge, to the Knights of Columbus and is a member of the library

Charles J. Amsler, proprietor of a meat market of Peru, was born in La Salle, in 1876. His paternal grandfather, John M. Amsler, was a native of Germany, and he, too, was a butcher, who followed that business throughout his entire life, having learned the trade in Germany from his father, Michael Amsler. In the year 1854 John M. Amsler bade adieu to friends and native country and crossed the Atlantic to America, set- tling in Peru, Illinois, where he spent his remain- ing days, being closely associated with business interests here. In 1856, his wife, who was Dora Bostel, a native of Germany, came to America. Unto them were born four children: John E., who is still living in Peru; Charles A., deceased ; Mrs. Paulina Halm, also a resident of Peru; and George, who was born in Peru and is still living here. The grandfather died in Peru, in 1888, at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife passed away in 1893.

Charles A. Amsler, father of our subject, was born in Germany, and was brought by his par- ents to the United States. On coming to America he followed the butcher's trade in La Salle and was engaged in business there up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1887, when he was thirty-five years of age. He married Miss Lizzie Webber, who died in 1893, at the age of forty-one years. In their family were three

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children, all born in La Salle, namely: Paulina, the wife of William A. Schmoeger, a plumber of Peru, represented elsewhere in this work ; Charles J .; and Bertha, the wife of Frank Hoerner, of Peru.

Charles J. Amsler pursued his education in the public schools and began learning the butcher's trade under the direction of his father and his uncle, George Amsler, who were partners in busi- ness in La Salle. Following his father's death he worked for his uncle for a short time and was afterward employed as a butcher in Peru and other places for five or six years. In 1905 he established himself in business and is now lo- cated on Peoria street in Peru, where he has se- cured a good trade. He carries a large line of meats of excellent grade and has secured a very gratifying patronage. He is yet a young man who has attained creditable success for one of his years and the future holds forth bright promises.

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History of La Salle County, Illinois, Part 69

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