USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 9
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Mr. Vaupel married Miss Mary Heibenthal, a native of Brad- ford, Lee county, and a daughter of Charles and Martha Heiben- thal. Mr. and Mrs. Vaupel became the parents of nine children: John, a resident of Lee county; Anna, deceased; William, of North Dakota; Christina, the wife of Samuel Moll of Dixon, Illinois ;; Sarah, deceased; Charles, of Melvin, Iowa; May, the wife of Will Burhenn; Henry, of Lee county; and Harry, at home.
HENRY VAUPEL AND FAMILY
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Mr. Edwards makes his home in the house in which he was born, this being about fifty-five years old.
Mr. Edwards is a democrat in his political beliefs and served for one term as marshal of Amboy. No public or private trust re- posed in him has ever been neglected and his fidelity to honorable and upright principles has ever won him the good-will and friend- ship of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
CONRAD DURKES.
The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplish- ments, but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellow- men. Throughout Lee county Conrad Durkes was spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. As the architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well and while promoting indi- vidual success, he at the same time promoted public prosperity. He was one of the founders and upbuilders of the town of Frank- lin Grove, which in its commercial and financial development largely stands as a monument to his enterprise and progressive- ness. He was equally active in support of projects for the moral progress of the community and thus it was that he left the impress of his individuality for good upon the community in which he long lived. He was a native of the grand duchy of Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany, born June 19, 1829, in the village of Blodensheim. His parents were Philip and Appolonie (Kilger) Durkes who in the year 1842 left the fatherland and sailed for New Orleans whence they made their way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, Missouri. There the father worked at the carpenter's trade, which he had previously learned and in 1845 he removed to Chicago, where his death occurred in 1858.
Conrad Durkes started in the business world as a clerk in a store in Chicago, where his salary was but ten dollars per month. He was thus employed until 1852, but in the meantime had worked his way steadily upward, advancement bringing him added duties and responsibilities, but also larger wages. In 1852, when twenty- three years of age, he went to Oregon, Illinois, where he took charge of a store, successfully conducting it for his employer for about a year and then purchasing it. He carried on the business
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until 1855, when he removed to Franklin Grove, which in that year had been founded. He opened the first store in the new town and conducted a general mercantile enterprise until 1870, when he sold out. Once more, however, he opened up a general store in 1873 and conducted it until 1886.
Prosperity attended his efforts in that direction. He always had a well appointed establishment, carrying a large and care- fully selected line of goods for a town of that size. This drew to him a liberal patronage and his financial resources increased as the years went by. After retiring from merchandising he estab- lished a private bank, which later led to the organization of the Franklin Grove Bank, which was capitalized in 1889 for twenty- five thousand dollars. He was its principal stockholder and his opinions carried weight in its management, making it one of the safe and reliable financial institutions of the county. Mr. Durkes also handled many estates as executor and it is well known that he never lost a cent of money for those whose interests were en- trusted to his care. The steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible. He early realized that essential features in success are industry, perseverance and reliability and those qualities he so cultivated and utilized that he rose from a humble position in the business world to one of gratifying affluence and not only gained wealth, but also the high respect and honor of those with whom he came in contact.
In 1854 Mr. Durkes was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Fleming, who died in 1855. In 1858 he wedded Mary E. Jones, a daughter of Augustus and Mary Jones. Devotion to his family was one of his strong characteristics and he counted his greatest happiness, not the attainment of wealth, but the opportunity which it gave him of providing liberally for his family. He was also a very public-spirited man and his loyalty to the best inter- ests of the community was well known. At an early day he served as president of the village board of Franklin Grove and filled other local offices, carefully guiding the destinies of the town during its formative period. He drafted the first laws of the village and made a chart for a drainage system, securing its adoption when he was a member of the city council. He was always a leader in any enterprise for the betterment of the community in which he lived and Franklin Grove owes its progress and upbuilding in large measure to him. He was also one of the drainage commis- sioners of the inlet drainage district, and closely studied every phase of the question so that his work in that connection was prac-
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tical and resultant. In addition to his other public service he was for a time postmaster of Franklin Grove.
Mr. Durkes was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge at Franklin Grove and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft. He was reared in the German Reformed church, was a strong temperance worker and cooperated in every movement that tended to uphold high moral standards. He was generous to the poor and needy, cordial in his friendships and a pleasing person- ality and kindly spirit won him warm and enduring regard.
MRS. HARRIET ALLSLEDT.
Mrs. Harriet Allsledt is the proprietor of the Ashton Hotel at Ashton, and by her intelligent and capable management of the enterprise, has proven herself a business woman of rare executive ability, insight and resourcefulness. She is a native of England and came to America in her early days, locating at Kankakee, Illi- nois. After working in the asylum at that city for some time she established herself in business independently, buying a hotel. This enterprise she operated successfully for twelve years and then disposed of her interests and moved to Ashton, where she has since resided. She owns the Ashton Hotel, a fine three story hos- telry, which she conducts along modern and progressive lines, her success being evident in the large patronage which she controls and in the popularity of her hotel with the traveling public.
Mrs. Allsledt has one son, Raymond, fifteen years of age. He is now attending school at Ashton. The mother is well and favor- ably known in this city, where her ability in business and her straightforward methods, together with her many excellent quali- ties of mind and character have gained her the esteem and good- will of all who know her.
EDWIN S. ROSECRANS.
Edwin S. Rosecrans, proprietor of a well conducted clothing store in Ashton, was born in Boone county, Illinois, January 6, 1876. He is a son of Jacob D. and Harriett A. (Simpkins) Rose- crans, the former a native of New York state and the latter of
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McHenry county, Illinois. The father has passed away and is survived by his wife.
Edwin S. Rosecrans acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Boone county and at the age of sixteen laid aside his books and began working for a sewing machine company. At the end of one year he resumed his studies, entering a high school, from which he was graduated at the age of nineteen. Following this he became connected with the Northwestern Railroad Com- pany and remained in the employ of this corporation until he came to Ashton in 1908. Here he established himself in the clothing business and has since been connected with this line of work. He carries a large and well assorted stock and numbers among his patrons the most discriminating people of the city.
In 1901 Mr. Rosecrans married Miss Jessie Payler, a native of Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of a son, Donald P., who was born March 2, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Rosecrans are mem- bers of the Eastern Star and Mr. Rosecrans is connected with Ashton Lodge, No. 531, A. F. & A. M., and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a republican in his political views but is not active as an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs, which, being capably conducted, have brought him a gratifying measure of success.
XAVIER F. GEHANT.
Xavier F. Gehant has lived the life of the successful farmer. With thorough and comprehensive recognition of the demands placed upon the agriculturist, willingness to perform the diffi- cult and arduous work of the fields, he has so directed his efforts and his energies that splendid results have been accomplished, yet the attainment of success has not been the whole aim of his life. He has done important public service in local offices and has in many ways manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general good. Lee county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Bradford township January 29, 1863. His parents were Modest Salastine and Olympia Frances (Chaon) Gehant, both of whom were natives of France. The former was born April 23, 1826, in the commune of Beulotte, canton of Fau- cogney, department of Haute-Saone. He emigrated to America on March 15, 1855, sailing on the vessel, Trumbull. Landing at
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New York, he made his way westward to Franklin Grove, Illinois, where he arrived May 7, 1855. He immediately began farming, first as a wage earner and later on his own account. Subsequently he and his brother, Claude, purchased eighty acres and operated their farm with oxen. He continued active in agricultural pur- suits to the time of his death on the 4th of February, 1904. He owned more than fourteen hundred acres of fine land at the time of his demise. His wife, born November 8, 1845, in Commune St. Souvere, Canton Luxeuil, department of Haute-Saone, ac- companied her parents to America in 1858, arriving at New Or- leans and thence proceeding by river and stage to Portsmouth, Ohio. She was married April 1, 1862, to Modest Salastine Gehant and then came to Lee county. They had a family of eight sons and six daughters and with the exception of two daughters all are yet living.
Xavier F. Gehant acquired a limited country school education but has become possessed of wide general information. He has been a close student of books along lines of research work, of social development and of political and religious history. The occupa- tion to which he was reared he has always followed and has been a successful farmer, becoming well-to-do by reason of his thrift, industry and close application. In politics he is independent, voting as his judgment dictates. He belongs to the Masonic fra- ternity, having attained the Knight Templar degree in the com- mandery at Dixon. At various times he has filled public offices. In early life he served as school director for nine years, was town tax collector for two years and town clerk for seven years in Viola township. He was also made a member of the board of drainage commissioners of the inlet swamp drainage district, hav- ing served for nine years with a three years' term yet to serve, hav- ing recently been reappointed.
Mr. Gehant was married in Dixon, February 12, 1885, to Miss Lena Mary Gallisath, a daughter of Francis and Mary Ann Gal- lisath, who are of German descent. Her father was born in the village of Ageshime, department of Haut-Rhin, or upper Alsace, Germany, August 20, 1828. He came to America in 1835, set- tling at Centerville, Pennsylvania, and in early life he worked on the farm and in the fields. In 1853 he married and afterward conducted a general store at Summerhill, Pennsylvania, for three years. In 1861 he became private secretary to Governor Girton to draft soldiers for the Civil war from Cambria county, Pennsyl- vania. He was mayor of the city of Cambria from 1862 until 1864
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and later was on the relief committee which organized nine bour- oughs into a city known today as Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 1864 he came to Illinois, settling in Lee Center township, Lee county, where he became a prosperous farmer. He died in Decem- ber, 1910, when more than eighty-two years of age.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. X. F. Gehant were born six children: Grover W., George M., Rosalie F., Evelyn E., Edmund W. and Mary O., but the last named died in infancy.
ALBERT WOODS.
Albert Woods, a representative of a well known pioneer family of Lee county, has lived in Wyoming township since 1869 and dur- ing the intervening period has made many substantial contribu- tions to general growth and development. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of fine land on section 16 and has brought this from an unimproved tract into a model and produc- tive farm. He was born in Bridgeport, Belmont county, Ohio, February 13, 1848, and is a son of George W. and Susan (Coss) Woods, the former of whom came to Lee county with his family in 1869, settling on a farm in Wyoming township. He improved this property and there made his home until 1900, when he passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. He and his wife became the par- ents of seven children besides the subject of this review: Cather- ine, who died in 1883 and is buried in Wyoming cemetery; Louisa, who became the wife of Reuben Furkins and who died in 1890, leaving four children; Mary R., who married Harry Norton, of Earlville; P. L., a farmer in Wyoming township; I. N., engaged in farming in the same locality; Effie, the wife of Owen Cornell, a farmer in Wyoming township; and Olive, the widow of Rev. Robert Shaftoe, of Paw Paw. The Woods family came originally from County Tyrone, Ireland, and was founded in America by William Woods, grandfather of the subject of this review, who came to America before the War of 1812 and fought during that conflict.
Albert Woods acquired his education in the public schools in the vicinity of Bridgeport, Ohio, laying aside his books at the age of twenty-one. He afterward came to Lee county and assisted his father with the work of the homestead, also engaging in farm labor in the employ of others. He continued thus until his marriage and then bought the property in Wyoming township upon which he
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has since resided. It owes practically its entire value to his intel- ligent management, for it was swamp land when it came into his possession. Mr. Woods made his home in an old schoolhouse upon his place while he carried forward the work of draining the prop- erty and breaking the soil. He afterward replaced this dwelling by the modern residence now upon the farm and he has erected other substantial buildings, making his property attractive and valuable. He engages in mixed farming and has met with such gratifying success that he is ranked today among the representa- tive agriculturists of the township.
In Bridgeport, Ohio, February 15, 1876, Mr. Woods was united in marriage to Miss Jane Cline, a daughter of William and Nancy Cline, both of whom passed away in 1890 and are buried in Weeks cemetery near Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Woods have three chil- dren: Laura M., the wife of Armond Case, a farmer in Viola town- ship, this county; Walter V., who is assisting his father; and Wilbur A., postmaster of Paw Paw.
Mr. Woods is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and has been through all the chairs of the local lodge and has been representative of the grand lodge and the grand encamp- ment. He is a democrat in his political views and has served with credit and ability as a member of the board of school directors. He has witnessed a great deal of the development of Lee county and his work has been for many years an important factor in promoting agricultural development. He is a man of excellent qualities of character and holds the esteem and respect of a large circle of friends.
WILLIAM C. FABER.
William C. Faber owns a fine farm of two hundred and seventy- five acres in Wyoming township one-half mile south of Paw Paw and is ranked among the progressive and successful agriculturists of that locality. He was born in Bureau county, this state, Febru- ary 21, 1867, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Miller) Faber. The father was one of the early settlers in Bureau county and was connected with agricultural interests there for a number of years. He died in 1885 and was survived by his wife for more than a quar- ter of a century, her death occurring in 1912. Both are buried in Rest Land cemetery, Mendota, Illinois.
WILLIAM C. FABER
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William C. Faber acquired his education in the public schools of Clarion township, Bureau county, attending until he was eight- een years of age. He afterward assisted with the work of the farm and after the father's death operated the homestead in the interest of his mother, at the same time raising blooded stock. In 1890 he went to Europe and after visiting various countries upon the continent returned to America, where he con- tinued his travels for some time. Upon his return he settled in Illinois, engaging in the meat business in partnership with his brothers Christian and George. At this time he also invested extensively in land, buying farms in Iowa and Nebraska. Eventu- ally, however, he disposed of all of these interests and purchased the farm in Wyoming township which he has since operated. He raises grain and stock and gives practically all of his attention to the conduct of the place, which reflects his careful and constant supervision.
At Paw Paw, Illinois, in 1896, Mr. Faber was united in mar- riage to Miss Eva Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Smith. Mrs. Faber died in 1907 and is buried in Paw Paw ceme- tery. She left four children: Helen M., a student in high school; Marlow L. C., also attending high school; Henry Clay; and Ed- mund E. On the 4th of December, 1912, Mr. Faber was again married, his second wife being Miss Emma Siegel, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Siegel, of Mitchell, Ontario. Mr. Faber is a member of the Yeomen and is independent in his political views, voting for men and measures rather than for parties. His success is the natural result of his well directed ambition, sound business judgment and practical methods and it places him in the front ranks of substantial and representative citizens of his community.
FRED G. SCHAFER.
Fred G. Schafer, one of the progressive and successful young farmers of Lee county, was born in Bradford township, October 14, 1886. He is a son of G. F. and Martha Schafer, natives of Illi- nois, now living retired in Ashton.
Fred G. Schafer was reared at home and from his early child- hood aided his father with the farm work, becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the grain and stock. When he was twenty-three years of age he rented the home-
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stead from his father and he has since operated this property, carrying forward its management along progressive and modern lines. In addition to the work of the fields he makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and his stock-raising interests are im- portant and profitable.
In 1911 Mr. Schafer married Miss Neva Vogel, a daughter of Jacob and Lillian Vogel, the former now deceased and the latter a resident of Ashton township. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have become the parents of a daughter, Minnetta. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Schafer gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is an ambitious, energetic and enterprising young man and his future success is assured.
GRAND DETOUR PLOW COMPANY.
This well known establishment was founded in 1837, at Grand Detour, Illinois, a little town situated in a horse-shoe bend in the beautiful Rock river, six miles above Dixon, by Major Andrus and John Deere, late of Moline, Illinois, both now deceased. They started what was styled a plow factory in a little blacksmith shop (such as may be seen at a country cross-road), and two forges were sufficient to meet their wants for some two years, when they became able to run an ordinary horse-power, for the purpose of turning the grindstone and fanning the furnace. The building in which those labor saving arrangements were located stood some forty rods from the "factory" proper and every plow ground and cast- ing molded had to be carried one way or the other in the hand or on the shoulder, and the sight of the two proprietors lugging their work back and forth is recalled with interest, in view of the great prosperity which each of them, by means of the same hard work and close management ultimately attained. In this manner and under these disadvantages the business went on for about six years, when such success attended the enterprise that they were enabled to put in steam. From this time forward they continued, adding machinery and improvements and their progress was unin- terrupted. However, there were no means of sending their plows through the country except by wagons and few markets except the farm house in even the best agricultural sections. Teams were loaded and sent over the country and substantial farmers were
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supplied with plows which they sold through the community, reserving a handsome commission for their services. In 1847 Mr. Deere withdrew from the firm (which has experienced several changes, at one time presenting the array of Andrus, Deere, Tate & Gould), and with the experience he had acquired and with the means at his hand, started a plow factory at Moline, Illinois, which grew and prospered from the first and might with reason be termed the child of the Grand Detour works. He passed away in May, 1886, after a long and useful life at the age of eighty-two. The business was run for seven or eight years by Mr. Andrus alone, who was then joined by Colonel Amos Bosworth, who, in our late war, was known as Lieutenant Colonel of the Thirty-fourth Illinois, and who died in the service March, 1862.
In October, 1857, the factory which had been steadily growing and extending its limits, was burned down and upon the same site and upon the remnants of the old walls a new factory was erected. In August, 1863, Theron Cumins, Esq., the first president of the present company became one of the firm, which took the name of Andrus & Cumins. Under their administration the business was carried on until February, 1867, when Mr. Andrus died. Few men pass away more deeply and sincerely lamented than was Mr. Andrus. Upon his death the business passed into Mr. Cumins' hands and was by him conducted until June, 1869, when the late Colonel H. T. Noble of our city became interested therein, the firm name being T. Cumins & Company.
In the meantime Grand Detour had lost its pristine glory and its bright promise had flown forever. It was still a pleasant little village on Rock river, but about all there was in it was the Grand Detour Plow Works and their dependencies, while Dixon had acquired two of the largest railroads in the union and had grown to be a city of seven thousand inhabitants. The plow works, which in the first years turned out only seventy-five to a hundred plows per year, are now producing many thousands, and scattering them by means of the steam horse over the limitless west. Dixon was the nearest railroad point and as it cost thousands of dollars a year to transport this vast quantity of plows from the factory to the cars, Dixon was the place for these works and they were moved here in 1869.
In June, 1874, Mr. Dodge became interested in the business, under the firm name of Cumins, Noble & Dodge. In June, 1879, the business was incorporated under the laws of the state of Illi- nois as the Grand Detour Plow Company, Theron Cumins, Henry
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T. Noble, Orris B. Dodge and Charles H. Noble being the incor- porators and officers of the company, the management and detail of the business being under their personal supervision for many years. April 15, 1891, Colonel Noble died, having only a short time before retired from active business to devote more time to public affairs, and by his death the community and company lost a most energetic and able friend. His brother, Charles Noble, continued actively in his place as vice president of the company. August 3, 1898, Mr. Cumins passed away after painful and protracted sickness.
In 1890 Mr. Lewmon D. Dement became associated with the business and shortly afterward was made secretary. He continued as such until by his untimely death, October 16, 1903, the company lost a clear-headed, ever faithful, hard-working official. It is worthy of mention that all who have been connected with the Grand Detour Plow Company have prospered.
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