USA > Illinois > Stark County > History of Stark County, Illinois, and its people : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 5
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In 1861 the war cloud darkened every home. The son, not yet eighteen, like thousands of his age, said, "I must go." He joined the La Fayette Rifles, Company B, Thirty-seventh Regiment, known as the Fremont Rifles. Ten weeks later Lieutenant Jackson brought home his silent form wrapped in the stars and stripes. Though bowed with grief, the parents did not falter but worked with all their strength to help preserve the Union. The Soldiers' Aid met often
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in their home, scraping lint from every serap of linen, winding bandages, packing boxes and doing everything that could be done to aid the boys in blue. Another sorrow came and Ellen, a thoughtful child of seven years, followed her soldier brother. A second son came to the saddened home and brought a gleam of cheer, but still their cup of sorrow was not full, for after two bright, sunny years death claimed the little Edward Sellon. A child of five alone was left of all the four, the daughter Amy, now Mrs. Alva Janes, the writer of this sketch. In 1864 the family moved to a farm adjacent to the town, though the home was a half mile away, across the line in Knox, which they named Maple Grove. Each spring they made the maple sugar, in those days boiling the sap in great iron kettles in the open. Maple Grove Farm still retains its name and fame for sugar, although the grove now has a fair ground in its borders. In the late '60s they took a boy of three, one of the mother- less children of Captain Peyton of Galva. This foster son, Anthony Jay, they cherished almost as their own and bequeathed him two hundred aeres of land in Iowa.
Having acquired land in Clarke and Decatur counties of Iowa. Mr. Reed spent much time there in later years and engaged exten- sively in eattle raising. Centennial year he again made a tour of the eastern states, taking with him his wife and daughter and a niece, Kate Driscoll. At last in 1887 failing strength caused him to retire and the farms were rented, though the home at Maple Grove was still retained. In the summer of 1890 he and his wife went to the western coast in hopes of regaining strength. The trip was much enjoyed but health was not improved. On their return plans were made to celebrate their golden wedding, but the celebration was not to be, for on the morning of his golden wedding day, September 5, 1890, Mr. Reed very quietly fell asleep. Perhaps no man in the community was better known or more respected, for he had lived a generous, upright Christian life.
Ilis widow trod life's path alone for more than sixteen years. Her sympathies were broad. Her zeal in any cause she loved was great. She entered heart and soul into the temperance work and loved to entertain white ribbon women. In 1895 she, with her daughter, attended the world's convention of the Woman's Christian Temperanee Union in London and gratified a long desire to sec once more her native Wales. In 1897 she built and equipped the I. C. Reed library, which she donated to the village. She was a woman of great business ability, frugal yet public-spirited and generous. Strong in will and character, her influence was felt by all who came
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in touch with her. On the 20th of December, 1906, at the age of eighty-three, she erossed the silent stream and another pioneer had reached the great beyond.
MARION L. HAY.
Marion L. Hay is one of the well known citizens of Stark county, filling the office of master in chancery and also that of city attorney in Toulon. He was born on the old family homestead in Bureau county, Illinois, June 28, 1884, and it was upon the same farm. a short distance east of Bradford, that his father's birth occurred. Sep- tember 22. 1863. The latter, Leroy S. Hay, was a son of Robert Ilay, who was born in Indiana and was of Scotch parentage. his father having come from Scotland to America in 1812. Robert Hay became a pioneer settler of Illinois, casting in his lot with the early residents of Bureau county. He there owned a large tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres, whercon he resided for many years. He likewise had land in Henry county. His son, Leroy S. Hay, was reared on the old homestead property in Bureau county, was mar- ried in that locality and afterward followed farming but subsequently turned his attention to business interests in Princeton.
Marion L. Hay, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public schools of Bureau county for the early educational op- portunities which he received. He attended school for a time in Bradford and afterward entered Eureka College at Eureka. Illinois. where he completed the work of the sophomore year. Eventually he became a student in the Chicago Law School. and in 1910 was ad- mitted to the bar, after which he began practice in Bradford. remain- ing there until March. 1914. He was appointed master in chancery of Stark county in February, 1913, and took charge of the office. He was also made eity attorney and in addition to his work in those capacities he keeps a set of abstracts and does other business. He has made a notable record for a young man as one of marked energy, laudable ambition and notably strong executive force.
Mr. Hay was married in Rock Island. June 28. 1907, to Miss Catherine Giles, who was there born and reared and is a graduate of the Rock Island high school. Mr. Hay erected an attractive resi- dence at Maplewood. built in modern style of architecture, and there they are rearing their family, consisting of four children: Leroy Giles. Wilton Shriver, Doris Rowena and Margaret Catherine.
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In his political views Mr. Hay is an earnest republican who has served as a delegate to county and state conventions and has taken an active part in campaign work. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he is most actively interested, and in the Sunday school he is teacher of a class of boys. He holds membership in Toulon Lodge, F. & A. M., and while in Bradford served as master of his lodge. He was a delegate to. the grand lodge in 1913. He is also identified with the Odd Fellows lodge of Toulon. He displays many of the sterling traits of his Scotch ancestry and is regarded as one of the representative young business men of his city-a man who recognizes and utilizes opportunities that others pass heedlessly by and who in the conduct of his business affairs so directs his efforts as to produce the best possible results.
J. F. FINNEGAN.
J. F. Finnegan is a member of the firm of Meehan & Finnegan, who are engaged in the implement business, and in connection Mr. Meehan also conducts a blacksmith and repair shop. Beeanse of their recognized ability in this line heavy demands are made upon their time and energies by a business which is steadily growing.
Mr. Finnegan is a native of Bureau county, Illinois, born De- cember 8, 1886, his parents being John and Mary Anne ( IIearn) Finnegan. The father, a native of Ireland, was brought to the United States when but four years of age, the family home being established in Wheatland township, Bureau county, Illinois, in which county he remained for many years but is now living in Bradford. His wife was born in this state.
J. F. Finnegan began his education in the schools of Milo, Bureau county, and afterward continued his studies in the publie schools of Bradford and in the Peru (IH.) College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. IIe was reared to the oecu- pation of farming and continued to follow that pursuit until about five years ago, when he joined P. J. Meehan and organized the busi- ness now condueted under the firm name of Meehan & Finnegan. They carry a large line of implements of standard manufacture, also shelf and heavy hardware, and Mr. Meehan eonduets a black- smith and repair shop. They deal in buggies and wagons and handle the Allen automobile. Their business utilizes a floor space of one
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
hundred by twenty feet on the first floor and seventy by twenty feet on the second floor. Their trade has grown along substantial lines and Mr. Finnegan has shown his ability in the control of commercial interests. IIe is a member of St. John's Catholic church and also of the Knights of Columbus. He is now well known in Bradford, where his uniform courtesy, geniality and affability have won him popularity in social circles.
ROBERT McBOCOCK.
In the history of the agricultural development of Stark county it is imperative that mention be made of Robert MeBocock. long well known as a prominent farmer, valued citizen and a loyal friend to the community in which he made his home. He passed away here, January 19, 1886, being at that time sixty-one years of age, his birth having occurred in Ohio, December 19. 1825. He was a lad of eleven years when his parents, Elijah and Barbara ( McKinney) Bocock, removed to Fulton county, Illinois, settling on a farm about five miles from Canton, in which locality their son Robert was reared. He was named Robert MeKinney Bocock, but always wrote his name MeBoceok, although others of the family used just Bocock. After attending common schools he learned the cooper's trade, which he continued to follow for three years after his marriage.
It was on the 10th of January, 1848, that he wedded Miss Eliza- beth R. Culton, who was born in Fulton county, Illinois, December 13. 1831. of the marriage of John J. and Abigail H. ( Mitchell) Culton. Her father, a native of Tennessee, was reared in Kentucky. where Mrs. Culton was born, but her girlhood days were passed in Indiana, where she became the wife of John J. Culton. They re- moved westward to Illinois, casting in their lot with the pioneer set- tlers of Fulton county, and later they went to Bradford, Stark county, where the father died in 1890. His widow lived to be more than a nonagenarian. Their family numbered eleven children, of whom Mrs. MeBocock was the second in order of birth.
Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McBocock resided in Fulton county, upon a rented farm for two years. at the end of which time they made investment in eighty acres of partially improved land in Penn township, Stark county. With characteristic energy Mr. MeBocock began the development of the property and as his financial resources increased extended the boundaries of his farm
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until he owned a large and valuable tract of land and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of Penn township. In business affairs he displayed sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise and was never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a trade transaction.
Mr. and Mrs. MeBocock became the parents of ten children, of whom six are yet living: Thomas Jasper, a resident of Omaha, is married and has four children: William C., a stock dealer of Wyom- ing. Illinois, is married and has one child: Abigail J., of Wyoming, is the widow of Jefferson Frances and has two children: Sarah M. is the wife of Frederick Ditewig and they have three children; James S., of Wyoming, is married and has one child; and Alva E., a resi- dent of Peoria, is married and has one ehild.
In politics Mr. MeBocock was an earnest and stalwart republican and filled a number of local offices, the duties of which he discharged in a capable and satisfactory manner. For sixteen years he ruled fairly and impartially as a justice of the peace in Penn township, and on retiring from that office was elected supervisor, which position he filled to the time of his death. He was also for a long period a member of the school board and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. While his own educational privileges were somewhat limited, he added continuously to his knowledge by reading, observation and study and was a well informed man. His life was upright and honorable, winning for him confidence and warm regard, so that his death was the occasion of widespread regret. About 1890 his widow removed to Wyoming, where she still makes her home. She has long been a devoted member of the Congrega- tional church, and her life has been characterized by kindly purpose, high ideals and many good deeds. The long residence of the family in Stark county well entitles them to representation in this volume.
JAMES R. HOLGATE, M. D.
Dr. James R. Holgate. who has gained a creditable place for him- self in professional circles of Stark county. is a native of the county, his birth having occurred in Penn township on the 24th of September, 1841. A sketch of his father. James Holgate, appears elsewhere in this work. As a boy and youth he divided his time between assisting his father with the farm work and attending the district schools and later he continued his education in the schools of Henry, Toulon and
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Cherry Grove and in Rush Medical College of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1869 with the degree of M. D. He first opened an office for practice in Castleton and remained there for many years but in 1892 went to Alabama, where he purchased land and engaged in farming for five years. He did not find conditions there as much to his liking as in this county and so returned to Wyoming, where he has since practiced his profession with gratifying success. He has always studied his cases carefully and his long experience has sup- plemented the training which he received in school and the knowledge which he has gained through wide reading along professional lines. He has been very successful in the treatment of disease and is ac- corded a large and representative patronage.
Dr. Holgate was married April 26, 1873, to Miss Emma Stim- son, who was born in New York state and was engaged in teaching school previous to her marriage. She passed away in Castleton, in the faith of the Congregational church. She was the mother of four children, as follows: Winsor R., who is in the employ of the Bell Tele- phone Company in Montana: Leslie M., who is also a resident of Montana and is working for the Bell Telephone Company; June Rhea, who died when nine years of age: and Bliss B. who is living in Great Bend. Kansas, and is in the service of the Arkansas Valley Telephone Company.
Dr. Holgate is independent in politics and although he has always kept well informed as to the questions before the people has never been an office seeker as his professional work has required his undi- vided attention. He holds membership in the Masonic lodge at Wy- oming, an association which indicates the principles that govern his conduct. Not only is his ability as a physician recognized but all who know him testify to his genuine worth and his loyalty in friendship.
E. B. PACKER. M. D.
Dr. E. B. Packer is one of the prominent representatives of the medical profession in Stark county. For fifteen years he has been actively engaged in practice in Toulon. where his ability is recognized in a growing patronage. He was born near this city June 9, 1864. a son of Benjamin Packer, a native of New York. born in 1818. The father was reared in the Empire state and there wedded Miss Han- nah Lyon, who was also born and reared in New York. In 1851 they removed westward to Illinois, settling in Toulon township, Stark
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DR. E. B. PACKER
MRS. E. B. PACKER
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
county, where the father secured a tract of wild land which he de- veloped and cultivated, ultimately becoming the owner of a splendidly improved farm of eight hundred acres. He was very successful both in the cultivation of grain and in the raising of stock and was long numbered among the prominent agriculturists of his community. Upon his farm he reared his family and later removed to Toulon, retiring from active business life. There he spent his remaining days, his death occurring May 13, 1905, while his wife passed away in 1900. When death called them Stark county lost two of its most valuable, worthy and respected pioneer citizens. In their family were ten chil- dren: the Rev. Eli Packer, now living on a Michigan farm; Rev. Mor- timer Packer, located at Longbeach, California; Ezra L., a retired farmer and capitalist living in Toulon: Charles L., who makes his home in Oklahoma City; Camilla M., who became the wife of Miller Patterson but both are now deceased; Franees, the wife of Thomas Hartley, living at Princeton, Illinois; E. B., of this review: Burton and Jennie, who died in early life; and Maggie, who completes the family.
Dr. Packer is the only one of this large family that has turned to medical practice as a life work. He attended the publie schools of Toulon until graduated from the high school and afterward became a student in Doane Academy at Granville, Ohio, where he completed a course, and next entered Denison University at Granville, from which institution he was graduated in 1895 with the Bachelor of Arts degree. With broad literary training to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional knowledge, he en- tered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia and completed a four years' course there by graduation with the class of 1899. He later had the benefit of practical experience for three months in Jef- ferson Hospital, after which he returned to this state, settling at Viola in 1899. There he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession and in 1900 he came to Toulon, where he has since devoted his time and energies to medical and surgical practice. He has built up a good business and at all times he keeps in touch with the advanced thought and methods of the profession. He has also made some profitable investments and now owns valuable land in Florida.
At Mansfield. Ohio, on the 11th of April, 1900, Dr. Packer was married to Miss Artie E. Colby, who was born and reared in that place. She completed her edueation at Denison University. Gran- ville, Ohio, and for two years was a teacher. To Dr. and Mrs. Packer have been born eight children: Mary Hannah: Florence, who died at the age of nine months : Henry Colby ; Frances; Elizabeth : William Vol. TI 4
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Harvey; Mortimer and Martha. Dr. and Mrs. Packer began their domestic life in Toulon, where he purchased his father's old home. He now owns not only a niee residence property but also a two-story brick office building and in addition has the Florida interests previ- ously mentioned.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Paeker are consistent and active members of the Baptist church and are workers in both church and Sunday school. Mrs. Paeker is also identified with the ladies' auxiliary societies of the church and is a member of the Woman's Club of Toulon. Dr. Packer belongs to the Stark County Medical Society, of which he is now the vice president, and is also a member of the State and Ameri- can Medical Associations. HIe ever keeps in touch with the latest seientifie investigations and researches and his broad knowledge is evideneed in the success which has attended his professional labors.
J. M. LIGGETT.
J. M. Liggett, living on section 21, Osceola township, is the owner of a very valuable tract of land of three hundred and fifty-six acres, in the midst of which stands a palatial residence with all of the build- ings and equipments which are accessories to a model farm of the twentieth century. He is a representative of one of the old time fami- lies of the county that in early days experienced many of the hard- ships and privations incident to frontier life.
Mr. Liggett has now passed the seventieth milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Salem township, Warren county, Ohio, on the 2d of May, 1846, his parents being William and Anne (Medaris) Liggett. The father was born in 1806, and the mother's birth occurred near Sidney, Ohio, in 1822. They were married in Warren county, that state, in 1842, and in the fall of 1854 came to the middle west. reaching Elmira township on the 9th of November. There they established their home and Mr. Liggett at onee began the development and cultivation of the land. Their first residence was a log cabin, but he replaced that by a more modern dwelling in 1857. Year after year he carefully and systematically tilled the soil. continu- ing the work of the farm up to the time of his death. which occurred on the 23d of April. 1875. To his original purchase he had added more land until within the borders of his farm were embraced about two hundred acres. He was a self-made man who deserved much eredit for what he accomplished. In community affairs he was inter-
BENJAMIN PACKER
MRS. BENJAMIN PACKER
UNIVE
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
ested and held some of the minor offices. His widow survived him for some time and passed away in 1904.
J. M. Liggett began his edneation in one of the old-time log school- houses. He was a lad of but eight years when the family eame to Illinois, and he remained upon the old homestead until 1871, when he went to Iowa. Later he returned and continued on the home farm until 1875, when he purchased land on section 21, Oseeola township. Upon this farm he has since resided and has wronght a marked trans- formation in its appearance, owing to the excellent improvements which he has put upon it. He has ereeted a large and attractive resi -. dence, has built commodious barns and outbuildings, giving ample shelter for grain and stock, and has divided his place into fields of convenient size by well kept fences. Within the borders of his farm are three hundred and fifty-six aeres situated on sections 21 and 28, Osceola township, and the land is devoted to general agricultural pur- suits, for he raises all of the crops best adapted to soil and climatic conditions.
In 1878 Mr. Liggett was married to Miss Nettie A. Damon, and they have five children: Earl, a farmer living in Osceola township; Blanche, the wife of Joseph Scott, occupying a farm near her father's; Thomas, who makes his home near Bradford; Hazel, the wife of Al- bert Copp, living in Bureau county, Illinois; and one who died in infancy.
For one term Mr. Liggett filled the office of supervisor, and he has been road boss, while for a quarter of a century he served as school director. He maintains an independent course in regard to politics and religion, feeling that he has the right to determine these things for himself. Nor is he connected with any lodges. He has ever con- centrated his efforts upon his business interests, and his close applica- tion has been one of the salient features in his growing prosperity.
GEORGE S. WALKER.
George S. Walker, member of the firm of Walker Brothers, of Toulon, is one of the active business men of the city to whom oppor- tunity has ever been the open door to success. Early in life he recognized the fact that industry wins and he has therefore lived a most industrious life, determined that success should be his if it could be won through earnest, persistent and honorable effort. IIe was born in Toulon, May 2, 1868, a son of D. J. Walker, a native
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HISTORY OF STARK COUNTY
of Philadelphia, born in 1840. The paternal grandfather came to the new world from Ireland after his marriage and settled in Phila- delphia, where some of his children were born. He removed west- ward to Illinois and afterward to Iowa, where his death occurred.
D. J. Walker was brought to the middle west during his child- hood days and afterward settled in Toulon, where he became identi- fied with the banking business as a eashier. Subsequently he was elected county clerk and after serving for one term was reelected and again and again was chosen for the office until he had occupied that position for sixteen consecutive years. He was still the incin- bent in the position when death claimed him on the 18th of Decem- ber. 1889. He was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the county, enjoying the entire confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, for his life measured up to the highest standards of manhood and of citizenship. He belonged to the Congregational church and was one of its most active and help- ful workers and liberal supporters. He was also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and worked his way upward through its various offiees until he became a past grand. In Toulon he married Estella Rhodes, a native of Ohio, where she was reared and who still survives her husband.
The youthful days of George S. Walker were spent in the usual manner of the town-bred boy and when he had completed his eduea- tion with a course in the Toulon high school he took up the work of clerking in 1884, entering the establishment in which he and his brother now carry on business. He was employed as a salesman until 1893 and in the meantime thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business. He then purchased a half interest, be- eoming a partner of Mr. Swank, with whom he was associated until 1907, at which time his brother, H. W. Walker, purchased the in- terest of Mr. Swank. The firm of Walker Brothers now have a large general mercantile store, carrying an attractive line of goods, which includes groceries, dry goods and many other commodities. Their trade is very extensive and their patronage is growing year by year.
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