USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 5
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roll of that war, dying at the advanced age of ninety-six. His parents, Alanson B. and Philomela (Flower) Shaw, were natives of Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and died when their son Ben- jamin was a young lad. His brother, Alonzo Shaw, removed westward to Tipton, Iowa, and in 1841 returned to the east for his father's family, then living at Towanda, Pennsylvania, so that Benjamin F. Shaw spent a portion of his youth upon the frontier region, where the work of civilization and progress seemed scarcely begun. He was not yet fourteen years of age when he began carrying the mail in a section of country adjoining Tip- ton-a section which was then a wilderness infested with Indians and robbers. The following year-1845-he went to Rock Island, where he began learning the printer's trade, which he followed continuously for about fourteen years. Within that time, or in 1851, he removed to Dixon. The first paper published in that city was the Dixon Telegraph and Lee County Herald, established on the 1st of May, 1851. Mr. Shaw secured employment in the office and on the 21st of January, 1852, he became manager of the paper. On the 30th of April, 1854, he purchased the Telegraph and at a later period the Transcript, consolidating the two papers under the former name. Various changes occurred in newspaper owner- ship in Dixon, but through a long period Mr. Shaw remained owner and editor of the Telegraph. In 1859, however, attracted by the discovery of gold at Pike's Peak, he went to Colorado. He did not meet with the success he anticipated in the mines there and returned to Illinois. He remained for but four months in Colorado and while there had to resort to his trade and set type on the Rocky Mountain News. In April, 1860, he purchased the Amboy (Ill.) Times, of which he remained editor until Janu- ary 6, 1870. In 1871 Mr. Shaw again became sole proprietor of the Telegraph and remained at its head until his death. In November, 1883, he extended the scope of his business by the establishment of a daily which he called the Evening Telegraph and which has proved one of the most successful papers of the state outside of Chicago. In 1868 he was Washington correspond- ent for the Chicago Evening Journal, but through the greater part of his life his energies were concentrated on the publication of the Telegraph in his weekly and daily editions, and as the years passed on its circulation and its advertising patronage increased. Improvements were added to the plant in keeping with modern newspaper publication and the office was splendidly equipped
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with all the accessories necessary to issuing a high-class paper, presenting the most attractive forms of the printer's art.
Through all the years Mr. Shaw was an ardent supporter of the republican party and took just pride in the fact that he had been one of its organizers. In February, 1856, he was an active participant in the meeting, held in Decatur, of Illinois editors who were opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. The political questions and the issues of the day were earnestly dis- cussed and the editors' meeting resulted in calling a convention to meet in Bloomington in June of the same year. It was at the latter meeting that the republican party had its real organiza- tion and nominated the first state ticket. On that occasion Mr. Shaw was in consultation with Abraham Lincoln as a member of the committee on resolutions. In his capacity of journalist he was brought into contact with many of the distinguished men of that and later periods and had personal acquaintance with the prominent political statesmen and leaders of Illinois. Few men not active in politics and seeking the rewards of office have had more intimate, accurate and comprehensive knowledge of the political situation and the questions of the day. Mr. Shaw held some local offices but he regarded journalism as his profession and his real life work. In 1859 he was elected clerk of the circuit court and was reelected to that position, his term expiring in 1868. The following year he was connected with the internal revenue department and was appointed by the government to locate the asylum for the insane at Elgin. In 1876 he was appointed state canal commissioner and served for six years as one of the three commissioners who had charge of the Illinois and Michigan canal and the Rock River improvement work. He acted as secretary of the first meeting held in the interests of the Hennepin canal. In 1891, without his solicitation, he was appointed postmaster of Dixon and served for the full term of four years. In 1899 he was again called to that office and by reappointment served until his death, filling the position alto- gether for twenty-two years. He was interested in all matters of public progress and improvement, and from the time of its organ- ization until his death was president of the O. B. Dodge public library. Progressive public measures which he deemed practi- cable always received not only his personal indorsement but the support of his paper, and it was well known that the Dixon Tele- graph was at all times the champion of advancement and improve- ment. He stood as a high type of public-spirited citizenship, and
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never weighed a question of civic or personal honor in the scale of policy.
Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Eustace, a sister of Judge John V. Eustace and a daughter of the Rev. Thomas Eustace, a Presbyterian clergyman, who was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and who married Fannie Olmstead. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw had three sons: Fred, of Denver, Colorado; Eustace, deceased, who for some years was his father's associate in busi- ness; and Dr. Lloyd L. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw passed away Febru- ary 6, 1905, and four and one-half years later Benjamin F. Shaw departed this life. He was a member of the Elks lodge and of the Dixon Club. There was, perhaps, in Dixon no man more widely known and none who had labored more loyally for the interests of the city and state.
A. J. LAUER.
A. J. Lauer has for the past two decades been successfully identified with business interests of Sublette as an implement dealer and also as the proprietor of a plumbing establishment. Lee county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occur- red in Sublette township in 1857. His parents, Andrew and Katherine (Strubel) Lauer, are both deceased and lie buried at Sublette, Illinois. The father passed away in 1898, while the mother died September 15, 1876.
In the acquirement of an education A. J. Lauer attended school in Sublette until twelve years of age and subsequently assisted his father in the operation of the home farm for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a tract of land and devoted his attention to its cultivation until 1893, when he embarked in the plumbing and implement business at Sublette. He has success- fully conducted this establishment throughout the intervening twenty years and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous, enterprising and representative citizens of the community.
On the 30th of October, 1883, in Sublette, Mr. Lauer was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Hildmann, a daughter of Conrad and Anna (Neis) Hildmann, who are deceased and lie buried in Sublette. Mr. and Mrs. Lauer have one child, Amor, who assists his father in the conduct of his business. The family residence was erected by our subject.
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Mr. Lauer is a democrat in politics and has served in the capacity of county assessor for about fifteen years, making a highly creditable and commendable record in that connection. He is a Catholic in religious faith and a devout communicant of the church. He is a man of exemplary habits, strict integrity and strong per- sonality and is well known in the county where his entire life has been spent, holding the high esteem of all who have business and social relations with him.
WILLIAM V. JONES.
One of the leading business enterprises of Amboy is the Jones Berry Lumber Company, of which William V. Jones is the presi- dent. He has conducted business in this connection since March 1, 1909, and the patronage of the firm has constantly increased as a result of enterprising and progressive methods on the part of Mr. Jones and his associates. He was born near Woodbridge, New Jersey, October 7, 1842, and was a lad of twelve years when he arrived in Lee county. His parents were J. A. and Margaret (Sleight) Jones. The family is of Welsh origin and was founded in America by the great grandfather of our subject. The grand- father served as a soldier in the War of 1812. The father, J. A. Jones, was one of the early settlers of Bradford township and con- tinued a resident of Lee county until 1903, when he passed away at the age of eighty-nine years. His wife died in 1885 and they are both laid to rest in Lee Center cemetery.
In the Bradford district school William V. Jones began his education and after putting aside his text-books he assisted his father in the work of the farm. He was actively identified with agricultural pursuits for forty-five years and still owns the old homestead on which he has made various substantial improve- ments. Turning from agricultural to commercial interests he became organizer of the lumber company of which he is the presi- dent. He is director of the Farmer's Insurance Company of Brad- ford, Lee county, to which position he was called in 1878 and has served as president for the past eight years. He is likewise a director of the First National Bank, but concentrates his ener- gies chiefly upon the lumber business in which connection he has developed an important enterprise. The firm carries a large stock
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of lumber and building material and owing to reasonable prices and honorable methods its sales are constantly increasing.
In Bradford township on the 15th of January, 1867, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Viola Stark, a daughter of E. W. and Almeda (Camp) Stark. In both the paternal and maternal lines Mrs. Jones is descended from old families of the county, both the Starks and Camps arriving in the early '30s. They were worthy respected farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have three children: Augusta, the wife of Dr. Everett of DeKalb; William E., who is farming on the old homestead; and Margaret, the wife of D. L. Berry.
Mr. Jones is a republican and has filled the office of drainage commissioner, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he does not care to occupy political positions to any extent. In Masonry he has attained the Royal Arch degree and he belongs also to the Odd Fellows Lodge and the Modern Woodmen Camp. Almost his entire life has been passed in this county and he has been a witness of its growth and development for six decades. Throughout the entire period he has made a record that is commendable and his circle of friends is today an extensive one.
ALFRED P. ARMINGTON.
Alfred P. Armington, identified with the banking business since 1891, has been cashier of the Dixon National Bank since 1907 and in this connection his business record is most creditable. He is a popular official, who at the same time carefully safeguards the interests of the institution which he represents. He has made a close study of the business and upon the substantial qualities of industry, close application and laudable ambition has builded his success. A Canadian, he was born in Dunham, in the province of Quebec, and at six years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Boston, Massachusetts, where he had the benefit of instruction in the excellent public schools of that city. He started in the business world in connection with the flour trade and in 1887 came west to Dixon, where he entered the Dixon Milling Com- pany as secretary and treasurer. Four years were devoted suc- cessfully to the management and control of that business and then he turned from commercial to financial pursuits, entering the Dixon National Bank as bookkeeper in 1891. Promotion followed
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in recognition of his ability and fidelity. He was made assistant cashier and in 1907 was chosen cashier, which office he has since filled in a manner most creditable and satisfactory to both stock- holders and depositors. He is also treasurer of the Dixon Loan & Building Association and is recognized as a strong, forceful and resourceful business man, ready to meet emergencies and quickly recognizing the possibilities and opportunities of any business situation.
In 1891 Mr. Armington was united in marriage to Miss Gracia E. Laing, a native of Dixon, and unto them have been born two children, Dorothy M. and Clara G. Mr. Armington is a Mason and also an Elk and is popular in both organizations. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, showing that he is not neglectful of the higher, holier duties of life even in the press of important business interests which are constantly grow- ing in extent. His friends throughout Lee county-and they are many-speak of him in terms of the highest regard.
EUSTACE EDWARD SHAW.
An honored son of an honored sire and the associate of his father in business for many years as assistant managing editor of the Dixon Telegraph, Eustace Edward Shaw was born in the city of Dixon, March 27, 1857, his parents being Benjamin F. and Annie E. (Eustace) Shaw. At the usual age he became a public-school pupil and after mastering the work of the grades in his native city he entered the Rock River Seminary, which at that time stood on the beautiful site of Bluff Park, where for many years was the Shaw home. He had not yet attained his majority when in 1877 he went to Sumner county, Kansas, where he purchased a tract of land and developed an excellent farm. After continuing its cultivation for a few years, however, he sold his property in the Sunflower state and returned to his native city. In 1882, however, he removed to St. Louis, where he con- tinued his residence for five years, receiving additional training in the printing business, which he had formerly learned and which he mastered with completeness, acquainting himself with every phase of the business. When he again went to Dixon in 1887 he joined his father, who was owner and editor of the Tele- graph, became junior member of the company and a writer on
EUSTACE E. SHAW
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the editorial staff. His connection with the paper continued from that time until his demise, and he became its managing edi- tor and business manager. The policy which he followed was in keeping with the high standards which had ever been maintained by the paper. One of his contemporaries in the newspaper pub- lication said: "In the death of Eustace E. Shaw the field of jour- nalism has lost a brilliant writer and Dixon a good, honest American citizen." Another said: "He stood well with the mem- bers of the newspaper fraternity. The public in this vicinity feel that a good man has fallen from the ranks." Still another wrote: "We learned to respect him as a man, and although a rival in the journalistic field, to regard him as a personal friend. His cheer- ful disposition, his unfailing courtesy and his genial salutations are kindly remembered. As a journalist he was fair and honest; he never wilfully wounded any man's feelings, although main- taining always an editor's right to criticize where he deemed criticism necessary. His familiar form and cheerful greeting will be sadly missed in the little city he loved so well, and where most of his useful life had been spent. He has passed over to the majority, but his name and character were unsullied. He will be sincerely mourned. He has left us in the prime of life, but
'That life is long which Answers life's great end.'-Swarts."
. All this is indicative of the record and standing of Mr. Shaw among those with whom he was associated in personal and busi- ness relations. His best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside and in his home he was a devoted husband and father. He was married on May 22, 1889, to Miss Mabel Smith, of Darlington, Wisconsin, and they became the parents of three sons, George B., Benjamin T. and Robert, who with the mother survive.
The death of E. E. Shaw occurred in 1902. In the memorial since his demise it was said: "Mr. Shaw was a man whose domes- tic life was an ideal one; but while his choicest joy was found among the loved ones of his own fireside, he was far from insensi- ble to the claims of society and friends. Of his gentlemanly social qualities all who knew him can testify. No man in our midst enjoyed a larger circle of friends than did he; and no man cer- tainly was more worthy of the love so spontaneously accorded him. Ever kindly considerate, not only for those of his own Vol. 1-4
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household, or his personal friends, but for the youngest and most irresponsible of those in his employ, and of all with whom he was brought into associaton, his loss will be most keenly and widely felt. He was the embodiment of unselfish devotion to his par- ents and family, and his unswerving loyalty to his friends, through all emergencies, bound him to them with ties stronger than steel. He took the keenest delight in granting a favor, even to a casual acquaintance, and seemed scarcely to possess the ability to say no to a request. He doubtless made some enemies-as a man out- spoken for the right, as he sees it, does do; but no man could accuse him of acting deceitfully, for he was a man of the keenest conscientiousness and the soul of honor. Surely a good man has gone from our midst and the community is sadly the loser." Such is a splendid tribute to a man honored and esteemed by all who knew him and, most of all, where he was best known.
HENRY S. DIXON.
Henry S. Dixon is practicing law in the city of Dixon under the firm style of Dixon & Dixon. He is a son of Sherwood and Melissa G. (Mead) Dixon, the former a son of James P. Dixon and the grandson of John Dixon.
Henry S. Dixon was born in the city which is still his home, August 28, 1870, and was educated in the south side public schools, being graduated therefrom in June, 1888. Immediately after his graduation he was employed in the factory of C. M. Henderson & Company as a shoe cutter for more than a year. Subsequently he attended the Northwestern University and the Kent College of Law at Chicago, being graduated from the latter with the class of 1893. In 1894 and a part of 1895 he was employed in the United States attorney's office at Chicago. He returned to Dixon in the latter year to become a partner of S. H. Bethea, with whom he retained this connection until 1898. He then engaged in practice alone until 1899, when he became a partner of George C. Dixon under the firm style of Dixon & Dixon.
On the 24th of July, 1895, in Chicago, Mr. Dixon was united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Casey, of that city, and they are the parents of four children: Sherwood, Marion E., Jerome F. and Robert A.
.
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Mr. Dixon has held the following positions: alderman of the first ward in 1898-99; mayor of Dixon in 1903-04; and referee in bankruptcy for the northern district of Illinois from 1899 to the present. He was a member of the North Dixon board of education for two terms of three years each and in politics he has always been a democrat.
HIRAM A. BROOKS.
Concentrating his energies upon the general practice of law, Hiram A. Brooks has advanced step by step in his profession until his position is an enviable one. His clientage is large and important and his work in the courts is recognized as of solid worth. He has comprehensive knowledge of the principles of law and is seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle, owing to the thoroughness and care with which he prepares his cases. A native of Lee county, Mr. Brooks was born in Marion township, in September, 1868, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Susan O. (Morris) Brooks, the former a farmer by occupation, devoting his entire life to that pursuit.
The early experiences of Hiram A. Brooks were such as usually fall to the lot of farm lads. His preliminary education was obtained in the public schools and later he entered Dixon College, then the Northern Illinois Normal School, in which he pursued his more specifically literary course and was graduated with the class of 1890. Upon this as a foundation he began his law course, study- ing under William Barge of Dixon, and after thorough preliminary reading was admitted to the bar in 1893. The following year he took up the practice of law and has since been constantly active in his profession. For two years he served as city attorney, but almost the entire time has been given to private practice, which constantly becomes more and more important in character and greater in volume. His ability to solve intricate law problems is now widely recognized. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive. With a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles of law he combines a familiarity with statutory law and a sober, clear judgment which makes him not only a formidable adversary in the courts but also a wise and safe counselor. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond and com-
i
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passed every contingency and provided not only for the expected but also for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them. He is, therefore, remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases.
In 1893 Mr. Brooks was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Fisher, and unto them was born a son, Byron A. Brooks. Follow- ing the death of the mother Mr. Brooks wedded Lottie Baldwin of Dixon. They are well known socially here and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Brooks is prominent in the local circles of Odd Fellows, being a past noble grand of the Dixon lodge, and both he and his wife are members of the Peoples church.
J. B. FARVER.
J. B. Farver is one of the representative and valued citizens of Ashton, where for the past nineteen years he has successfully engaged in the blacksmith business. During that time he has also been active in public affairs and has made a most commendable record in positions of public trust and responsibility. He was born in Pennsylvania, November 1, 1869, and is a son of T. W. and Sarah M. Farver, also natives of that state. The parents came to Lee county, Illinois, in 1875, locating in Franklin Grove. To their union were born seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the third in order of birth.
J. B. Farver remained at home until he was twenty years of age and then learned the blacksmith trade, which he has followed con- tinuously since that time. For the past nineteen years he has been in business in Ashton, where he has become recognized as a man of unusual integrity and worth. He controls a large and repre- sentative patronage, for his work is of high quality and his business methods beyond question.
1 In 1893 Mr. Farver was united in marriage to Miss Emma S. Stoudt, a daughter of Alkana and Polly (Ruth) Stoudt, natives of Pennsylvania. The parents were residents of Illinois for many years and are now residents of Nachusa. Mr. and Mrs. Farver have become the parents of two children: Ruth M., and Reeta F., students in high school. The family occupy an attractive residence in Ashton and are well known in social circles of the community.
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The parents are members of the Eastern Star and Mr. Farver is connected also with Ashton Lodge, No. 531, A. F. & A. M., and has filled almost all of the offices in the local lodge of the Modern Wood- men of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republi- can party and has always been active in public affairs. For four years he served as mayor of Ashton and his administration was constructive, businesslike and progressive, characterized by the accomplishment of a great deal of important work. Mr. Farver is a man of high character, industrious and enterprising and his honesty and uprightness have always merited him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
JOHN B. WERREN, M. D.
Dr. John B. Werren, engaged in the practice of medicine at- Dixon since 1909, was born in Franklin county, Tennessee, on the 11th of November, 1871, and is a son of John B. and Susan (Zwal- lan) Werren, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. They left the land of the Alps in 1868 to come to the United States and after crossing the Atlantic made their way into the interior of the country. For some years they were residents of Tennessee and in 1896 removed northward to Lake Forest, Illinois. The mother is now deceased, but the father is still living at Lake Forest, where he is engaged in the grocery business.
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