USA > Illinois > Stark County > History of Stark County, Illinois, and its people : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
On the 3d of September. 1894. Mr. Hatch was married to Mrs. Minnie E. (Berry) Higgins, the widow of James Higgins. By her former marriage she had one child. Nevada. and by her present mar- riage had two children. Bertha and John, but the latter died when a year old. The former is the wife of C. E. Reece and lives on the home place.
In politics Mr. Hatch maintains an independent attitude. consid- ering the capability of the candidate rather than his party affiliation.
31
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
He has never been ambitious to hold political office but has served as pathmaster and as school director. He holds membership with the Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Area- num of Kewanee, and he is also a member of the Kewanee Civic Club. In a word, he stands at all times for progress and improvement along those lines which work for the benefit of the individual and of the community. His efforts may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished, for he is justly accounted one of the leading agriculturists and busi- ness men of Elmira township and this section of the state.
W. N. NELSON.
W. N. Nelson is a prominent business man of La Fayette, serv- ing as cashier of the State Bank there. The spirit of progress actu- ated him at every point in his career and laudable ambition has prompted him to reach the position which he now occupies. He is numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred at Belle Plaine, that state, November 27, 1873. His father, Tury Nelson, was a native of Sweden, born in 1846, and in that country was reared to the age of nineteen years, after which, in 1865, he crossed the briny deep to the new world and made his way direct to Illinois, having friends in Henry county. For a few years he worked by the month as a farm hand in Henry and Stark counties, and in Goshen township of the latter county he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Larson, also a native of Sweden. Soon after their mar- riage they removed to Iowa, establishing their home upon a farm near Belle Plaine, where the father carried on general agricultural pursuits for about four years. He then sold his property there and returned to Illinois, settling in Goshen township, Stark county, upon land which his wife had inherited. He afterward purchased other land and for a long period was numbered among the active, indus- trious and successful farmers of his district. Upon the homestead place he and his wife reared their family of eight children. The husband and father died February 3, 1915, and the mother is now making her home with her children.
W. N. Nelson was reared on the old homestead farm in this county and is indebted to the public school system for the early edu- cational privileges which he enjoyed. He was qualified for business life by a course in a commercial college at Dixon, Illinois, after
32
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
which he made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a hardware store in Galva. A year later he went to Kewanee where he was employed by the Tube Works Company. After doing manual labor in the works for a time he was transferred to a position in the office, where he acted as timekeeper until promoted to the position of assistant chief. His identification with that company covered fif- teen years, a fact indicative of his capability and trustworthiness.
On the 27th of November, 1901, Mr. Nelson was united in mar- riage to Miss Lizzie Parish, of Toulon, a daughter of Pethuel Parish, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Nelson was born in Stark county and was a schoolmate of her husband in their child- hood days. Their early friendship ripened into love and was con- summated in a marriage that has been blessed with three children, Roland, Gilbert and Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Nelson resigned his position in the Tube Works at Kewanee to come to La Fayette as cashier of the State Bank, of which he took charge in March, 1915, and removed his family to La Fayette. His business training and keen insight well qualify him for the duties which now devolve upon him, and he is found to be a courteous and obliging bank official, always attending to the business of the insti- tution and watchful of the interests of depositors. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, and he and his wife are consistent members of the La Fayette Methodist Episcopal church. They are held in high regard in this community and wherever they are known, because they possess those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and respect.
HARMON PHENIX.
Harmon Phenix is still active in financial circles as president of the Phenix Banking Company of Bradford, although he has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years. and his business ability and acumen are recognized by all. He has resided in Bradford for many years and has worked his way steadily upward from comparative poverty to financial independence.
Mr. Phenix was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of January, 1834, of the marriage of John and Lydia A. (Daniels) Phenix. John Phenix was a native of New York. as were his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Phenix, but his grandfather was born in the north of Ireland, whence in company with a brother
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA
HARMON PHENIX
MRS. HARMON PHENIX
LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINO'S
35
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
he emigrated to New York city. He, his son Stephen and grandson John Phenix were all weavers by trade and expert artisans. John Phenix went to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in early manhood and there turned his attention to carpentering, but following his removal to Stark county, Illinois, in 1834, which was then a part of Putnam county, he entered eighty acres of land in Penn township and concentrated his energies upon the operation of his farm. Two years later his wife and children joined him, going by boat to Peoria, the voyage requiring seven weeks. At that time Peoria was but a small town and this entire section of Illinois was a pioneer district. The family lived in a log house for some time but later a more com- fortable residence was erected, and at length Mr. Phenix built a third home, which was commodious and convenient. He at length turned the operation of his farm over to his son Abram and devoted his time and attention to the carpenter's trade until he was compelled to retire because of physical disability. He died at the age of seventy- two years. He was an adherent of the democratie party and served acceptably as a member of the school board. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lydia A. Daniels, was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where she was reared and educated. At the time of her marriage she was engaged in teaching school. She reached the venerable age of ninety-one years and passed away in Osceola town- ship in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. She was the mother of six children, namely: Daniel B., a sketch of whom appears . elsewhere in this work; Elizabeth, who married Sammel Sturm and died at the age of eighty-four years: Nancy, who became the wife of Solomon Geer and was seventy-five years old at the time of her death: Abram, who is living retired in Bradford and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work: Mary C., who married Hiram Drawyer and died when about eighty years of age; and Harmon.
The last named was brought to this country when but an infant and passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm). He early assisted in the work of cultivating the fields and earing for the stock, and thus not only learned mmeh concerning agricultural work, but was also trained in habits of industry. He attended a sub- scription school. as that was before the days of public schools, and remembers well the crude equipment of the schoolhouse. The seats were slabs resting on pegs driven into the wall, the building itself was of logs and the eurriculum was very limited. When about nine- teen years of age he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three or four years, and during that time he carefully
36
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
saved his money, as he had determined to continue his education. He became a student in an academy at Pawpaw, Illinois, and after attending there for three terms passed an examination covering the work completed in that time. For three years he engaged in clerking in a store at Pleasant Green and at the end of that time bought out the business, which he continued until 1869. He then removed his stock of merchandise to Bradford, establishing a general store there in partnership with his cousin, Charles W. Phenix. In 1874 he sold his interest to his partner and engaged in the hardware and imple- ment business until 1881, when he sold out to Deyo Brothers and again became associated in business with Charles W. Phenix, estab- lishing a bank. This partnership was maintained until 1888. when Mr. Phenix of this review became sole owner of the business, which he conducted alone until 1895. In that year he admitted his son, Daniel J., his nephew. Bardwell D. Phenix. and his brother, Daniel B. Phenix. to a partnership, forming the Phenix Banking Company, of which he is president: D. B. Phenix. vice president : D. J. Phenix. cashier: and B. D. Phenix. assistant eashier. This company has gained an enviable prestige throughout the county which is well deserved, as its poliey has eonformed to high commereial standards and its business has at all times been based upon sound principles. The company owns a great deal of valuable land in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi. Kansas, Texas. and Missouri, and its affairs are in a most satisfactory condition. Our subjeet still owns person- ally about two hundred and forty acres in this eounty. He had no unusual advantages in his youth, but he possessed great energy and determination, and these qualities, together with his good judgment and keen insight, have been the most important factors in his success.
On the 7th of March, 1864, Mr. Phenix was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Libby, who was born and reared in Canada. She passed away on the 4th of October, 1912. in the faith of the First Baptist church, leaving five children to mourn her loss: Oscar II., at home: Lillian C., who is the widow of Edwin Plummer and resides with her father; Naney, the wife of Otto C. Boyd. of Bradford; Daniel J., who is associated with his father in business: and Elbert II., who is conducting a bakery and confectionery store.
Many representatives of the Phenix family have been aetively identified with the teacher's profession. ineluding our subjeet and his mother, Lydia A. Phenix, who taught school for some time. His wife. Mrs. Emma (Libby) Phenix, was also a teacher and two of their children, Lillian C. and Daniel J., taught in the public schools. Two of his grandchildren are preparing for college teachers, these
02
37
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
being R. Bonita Plummer, who is a third-year student at Knox College, Galesburg, and Emily Plummer, who is a senior student in the Bradford high school.
Mr. Phenix gives his politieal allegiance to the democratic party and for many years was a member of the village board and school board, his long retention in those offices proving the acceptability of his services. He also held other offices in the township. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and the principles which govern his life are found in the teachings of that organization and in the tenets of the Masonie fraternity. He was made a Mason in Toulon Lodge, No. 95, A. F. & A. M., in 1862, and beeame a charter mem- ber of Bradford Lodge, No. 314, A. F. & A. M., of which he was the first junior warden and of which he served as master for many years. He was formerly also identified with the Wyoming chapter, R. A. M., but has demitted on aeeount of his age. He is now eighty- two years old but he is still quite active, still looks after his business interests, and in mind and body is as vigorous as most men of seventy. Ile has not only gained a considerable measure of wealth but he has also won and retained the sineere respeet and warm regard of those who have been associated with him.
W. R. LIGGETT.
W. R. Liggett resides on seetion 20, Oseeola township, where he has an excellent farm property of one hundred and seventy acres which yields well deserved tribute to the eare and labor which he bestows upon the place. He was born on the 3d of February, 1853, in Warren county, Ohio, a son of William and Anne ( Medaris) Lig- gett, who were natives of Maine and Ohio, respectively. They came to Illinois in 1854, traveling across the country with team and wagon, after which Mr. Liggett secured what is now known as the old home- stead farm and thereon resided until his death, which occurred in 1875. His entire life had been devoted to general agricultural pursuits. His widow long survived him, and when death ealled her in 1904 her re- mains were laid to rest in the Osceola Grove cemetery.
When a little lad of about six years W. R. Liggett became a pupil in the distriet sehool near his father's home. Through the summer months he worked in the fields and early received practical training in the best methods of tilling the soil and developing the erops. After his father's death he purchased the old homestead and has converted it
38
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
into a very valuable farm property, making all of the improvements thereon save erecting the house and one barn. He owns one hundred and seventy acres of rich and valuable land which annually responds to his care and cultivation in golden harvests. It is pleasanty situated not far from Bradford and is an excellent property that in its well improved appearance indicates the practical and progressive methods of the owner.
In 1889 Mr. Liggett was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jane Stephens and they have become the parents of three children: Charles, who is engaged in farming with his father; Iva, now the wife of Har- old Pettigrew; and Alma M., at home.
In politics Mr. Liggett has always been a democrat since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. He and his wife attend the local church and they are interested in all those forces which work for the benefit and improvement of the community. Mr. Liggett has always lived in this county since his arrival here sixty-one years ago, when he was a babe of but two years. He has witnessed many changes in the intervening period as the work of progress and improvement has been carried steadily forward. He has borne his part in the task of promoting the agricultural development of the county and he has been quick to adopt all new measures and methods which make the labors of the agriculturist of greater avail in the attainment of snecess.
ERNEST H. LLOYD.
Well known among the business men of Toulon and Stark county is Ernest H. Lloyd. the manager and cashier of the State Bank, which position he has occupied for twelve years. He is regarded as one of the best informed men of the county on banking matters and broad experience and progressiveness have brought him to the front in this connection. He was born in Toulon, May 13. 1867, and comes of Welsh ancestry. His paternal grandfather. Stephen Lloyd, Sr., was a native of South Wales and became an early settler of Pennsylvania. It was at Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, that his son and namesake, Stephen Lloyd, Jr., was born and reared. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in that state to Miss Phoebe Lloyd, a daughter of S. Lloyd, also a native of Wales. The parents of our subject came west to Illinois in 1863, settling in Toulon, where the father engaged in the grain and lumber business. becoming recognized as one of the enterprising, alert and progressive
39
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
merchants of the city. Ilere he reared his family, remaining in Toulon until 1882, when he disposed of his buiness here and removed to Pawnee county, Nebraska. He had previously purchased and was the owner of a large body of unimproved land there. He spent his last years in that state, passing away in Burchard, Nebraska, in 1895, while his widow survived until 1912. Their family numbered five sons and a daughter: Catherine, the wife of J. C. Dort, of Pawnee City, Nebraska; W. T., who is a jeweler of Washington, Kansas: D. J .. a business man of Los Angeles, California: Ernest H., of this review: John, a commercial traveler living in Kansas City: and Fred, a farmer and stock raiser of Colorado.
Ernest H. Lloyd spent his early youth in Toulon and afterward accompanied his parents on their removal to Nebraska, where he continued his education in the high school. When a young man of eighteen years he entered a bank at Burchard, Nebraska, and worked his way upward in that institution until he became stockholder and cashier. He was connected with the bank for seventeen years, at the end of which time he sold his interest and returned to Toulon. This city had ever had a warm place in his heart and it seemed like com- ing home to him. He purchased an interest in the State Bank and became cashier and manager of the institution. He is now concen- trating his attention upon constructive effort and bending his ener- gies to administrative direction and executive control. The bank has an extensive business for a town of this size, and is regarded as one of the thoroughly safe financial institutions of this part of the state. The policy which is maintained under the direction of Mr. Lloyd is one which will hear the closest investigation and serntiny and brings to the institution merited success and gratifying growth.
In Burchard, Nebraska, on the 30th of December, 1893, Mr. Lloyd was married to Miss Ada W. Walker, who was born in Toulon and reared in this city. being a daughter of John Walker, who was one of the well-known residents of Stark county up to the time of his death. In the family are three sous: Harry W., who is a grad- nate of the Toulon high school; Ernest W., a high school pupil: and Walker S., a lad of five years.
Politieally Mr. Lloyd is a republican, and fraternally he is con- nected with the Odd Fellows lodge of Toulon, while his wife is identified with the Rebekah degree. Mrs. Lloyd is a member of the Congregational church of Toulon, and he is a generous contributor to its support and equally liberal in his assistance to benevolent projeets. The family occupy a pleasant residence which is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality, and Mr. Lloyd has made for himself
40
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
a most creditable position in business circles. His life has been passed in the routine of business and there have been no spectacular phases in his career, but faithful performance of duty and loyalty to every trust have brought him to a creditable place in business cireles.
P. W. McMANUS.
P. W. MeManus is a senior partner in the firm of McManus & Swearingen, proprietors of a general store at Bradford. He has long been connected with this business, and capable management, enterprise and initiative are bringing to him well deserved success. He was born in Marshall, Illinois, November 8, 1864. a son of Peter and Mary (Lynch) McManus. The father was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and the mother in County Clare, that country. but in early life they came to the new world and were married in Fulton county, Illinois. It was in 1851 that Peter McManus crossed the Atlantic and settled in Peoria county, Illinois, where he carried on farming. Afterward he removed to Marshall county, devoting his remaining days to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death in 1879. His widow long survived him and passed away in 1914.
P. W. McManus was a lad of fifteen years at the time of his father's death. He pursued his education in the schools of his native county, completing his studies in the old brick seminary near Henry. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and he remained upon the farm until thirty-two years of age, when, hoping to find commercial pursuits more congenial, he removed to Bradford and bought out the business of Mr. Pilgrim, who was a partner of W. A. Washburn. He then became a partner of the latter and their rela- tionship was maintained until the death of Mr. Washburn. Mr. McManus then remained alone in business for three years, at the end of which time he admitted H. A. Swearingen to a partnership in the ownership and conduct of a general store which is one of the lead- ing mercantile establishments of the town. They occupy two floors and basement of a building forty by one hundred and twenty feet, having a millinery department on the second floor. Their trade is large and is constantly growing, for they carry a large stock and put forth every effort to meet the wants of their customers. In addition to their mercantile interests in Bradford they own three hundred
41
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
and twenty acres of land in Nelson county, North Dakota, and Mr. McManus also has eighty acres of land in Stark county. He has likewise been active in looking after estates and has in his control one of the largest of the county.
In 1890 Mr. McManus was united in marriage to Miss Nora M. Hickey, and they became the parents of four children: James P., who resides in Illinois: and Margaret, William and Mary, all at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1906, in the faith of the Catholic church, and in 1911 Mr. McManus married Miss Julia Driscoll.
In religious faith he is a Catholic and he is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Fraternal Reserves, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. In politics he is a democrat and has been called to some local offices, serving as mayor of the city for one term and as a member of the city council for ten years, ever exercising his official prerogatives in support of plans and measures for the general good. He has made an excellent record both as a business man and citizen and at all times is characterized by the spirit of enterprise which accom- plishes results.
WILLIAM COMBS BOCOCK.
William Combs Bocock has resided in Stark county during prac- tically his entire life and as he is prominently identified with busi- ness interests as a stockman, he has a wide acquaintanceship not only in Wyoming, where he makes his home, but also throughout the entire county. He is now living retired, enjoying a well deserved period of leisure.
Mr. Bocock was born in Fulton county, Illinois, May 4, 1854, a son of Robert McBocock. The family removed to this county when our subject was a year old and he was reared upon the home farm in Penn township and attended the country schools in the ac- quirement of an education. For two years he rented land from his father, but at the end of that time purchased eighty acres, on which he resided until 1890, when he came to Wyoming and turned his attention to the buying and shipping of stock. He engaged in that business until 1914, when he retired from active life. He was an excellent judge of stock, watched the markets carefully and derived a good profit from his transactions. He owns two hundred and
42
HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
twenty acres of land in Bureau county and was for ten years presi- dent of the National Bank of Wyoming. He also holds title to his comfortable residence in Wyoming and is quite well-to-do.
Mr. Boeock was married in January, 1879, to Miss Maria A. Holmes, who was also born in Fulton county, and they have a daugh- ter, Mina A., now the wife of Phil Lueius, of Galesburg, Illinois, and the mother of a daughter, Margaret.
Mr. Bocoek believes in the policies of the republican party and loyally supports its candidates at the polls, although he has never desired official preferment. He has always taken a keen interest in the general welfare and is recognized as a publie-spirited citizen as well as a man of sound judgment, good business ability and sterling integrity. His friends are many and all who have come in contact with him respect him highly.
A. D. TURNBULL.
A. D. Turnbull is a representative of one of the old pioneer fami- lies of Stark county and is now engaged in general farming on sec- tion 19, Elmira township. He was born in that township on the 17th of January, 1858. his parents being Robert and Elizabeth (Jackson) Turnbull, who were natives of Roxburyshire. Seotland, where the days of their childhood were passed and their marriage was celebrated. In 1849 they left that country for the United States as passengers on a sailing vessel which was six weeks in reaching the American coast. They proceeded by way of the Great Lakes and the river route to La Salle, or Peru, Illinois, and thenee drove across the country with ox teams to Stark county. After living here for a time the father purchased a farm in Bureau county and there passed away forty- five years ago. His widow long survived him, her death occurring in July, 1905.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.