History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II, Part 47

Author: Jones, Lottie E. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : Pioneer Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 940


USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois : a tale of its evolution, settlement, and progress for nearly a century, Volume II > Part 47


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PERRY OLSON.


Coming to the new world empty handed when a youth of scarcely nineteen, Perry Olson has since worked his way steadily upward by dint of untiring perseverance and indomitable energy until he is now numbered among the most prosperous and respected citizens of his community, being the owner of six hundred and forty-two acres of valuable land within the borders of Vermilion county. Since 1907 he has made his home in Grant township, having there purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres. His birth occurred in the southern part of Sweden on the 25th of October, 1864, his parents being Ola and Lena Olson, who still reside in that country. Their children were seven in number, namely: Anna, Nels and Ola, all yet living in Sweden; Perry, of this review; Swan, who likewise makes his home in Sweden; Carl, who is deceased; and Andrew.


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Perry Olson spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native land, ob- taining a good practical education in the common schools. In the spring of 1883, wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and came direct to Vermilion county, Illinois. Securing employment as a farm land, he was thus busily engaged for five years, on the expiration of which period he rented a tract of land in Butler township, devoting his attention to its cultivation for several years. When he had ac- cumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of his own, he came into possession of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 25 and 26, Butler township, continuing to reside thereon until 1907. In that year he pur- chased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Grant township, where he has made his home to the present time. In the conduct of his farming inter- ests he has followed the most modern methods of agriculture and his well di- rected labors have been annually rewarded by bounteous harvests. His land holdings now embrace six hundred and forty-two acres and his success is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it is attributable entirely to his own efforts, for his cash capital at the time of his arrival in this country was but twenty-five cents.


In 1888 Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Gussie Lindall, a native of Sweden, in which country her parents spent their entire lives. Our subject and his wife now have three children: George W., Laura A. and Elmer W.


Mr. Olson is a stanch republican in politics and holds the office of township commissioner, now serving for the second year. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and exemplify its teachings in their daily lives. He is a man who has made the most of each opportunity but also one who has not swerved from the principles of upright manhood.


JOHN W. DIEHL.


John W. Diehl had a wide acquaintance in Hoopeston and throughout this part of the county and all recognized in him a man of substantial character. straightforward in his acts, honorable in his purposes. His sterling qualities won him high and lasting regard and a feeling of deep and sincere regret spread throughout the community when it was learned that on the 31st of Jan- uary, 1909, John W. Diehl has passed on to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns."


In the midst of the foothills of a mountain range in Pennsylvania, pictur- esquely nestles the little city of Gettysburg, and it was about seven miles from that city that John W. Diehl was born on the 8th of January, 1843, his parents being Samuel and Catherine (Brame) Diehl, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and of German descent. The father devoted his life to farm- ing until his labors were ended in death about 1865. His wife survived him for six or seven years. Their family included a daughter, Ellen, now the wife of William Sadler of Pennsylvania.


JOHN W. DIEHL


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Their son, John W. Diehl, was a pupil in the subscription schools near his father's home through the period of boyhood. He was reared to the age of twenty-one upon the old homestead and about that time there occurred an event which left an indelible impress upon his mind-the battle of Gettysburg. The recollections of the battle remained undimmed in his memory to the time of his demise. The conflict waged back and forth over the field, at times the Union troops advancing and again the Confederate troops, until at length the former succeeded in holding Little Round Top and the surrounding district and the victory was won. At the time of the battle there came an order from the gov- ernment that the settlers should remove all their stock and effects across the Susquehanna or the government would not be amenable for any losses. The Diehls followed this order and after the engagement John W. Diehl and his brother returned to the home farm, the father having died in the meantime.


John W. Diehl continued to engage in general farming in Pennsylvania un- til 1869, when he went to Iowa, there spending a portion of the summer. He afterward located in Indiana, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a year. With the establishment of Hoopeston he removed to the little town in 1872 and became a member of the grocery firm of Miller Brothers Company, to which he devoted his attention for two years. He then sold his interest in that store and for a time engaged in teaming, while later he conducted a livery business for six years. On the expiration of that period he traded his livery stock for a part of his farm of seventy-eight acres, of which thirty acres more within the city limits of Hoopeston. At a later date fifteen acres of this tract was platted and subdivided and now constitutes a part of Diehl's sub- division. In 1881 he turned his attention to farming and fruit-raising, having a large vineyard and cultivating various kinds of fruit in addition to grapes. During his later years, however, he practically left his property to the care of his son, while he enjoyed a rest that was the fitting crown of his former years of labor.


On the 14th of December, 1876, in Hoopeston, Mr. Diehl was united in marriage to Mary Robinson-Hastings, a daughter of James A. and Susan Robin- son, nee McCurdy. Her father was a farmer in Ohio until he came to Ver- milion county in 1859, casting in his lot with the early settlers of this portion of the state. Here he also gave his attention to the tilling of the soil and his labors brought him substantial returns. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born three sons and three daughters, Robert, William, Edward, Sallie, Jane and Mary. Of these Sallie is now the widow of S. Thurman, and Jane is the wife of Ed Cory, of Hoopeston. Mr. and Mrs. Diehl became the parents of two children but lost one son, George, at the age of seven years. The surviving son, Charles, a prominent and well known farmer of Vermilion county, married Miss Emma Rice, of Hoopeston, and has one child, Gladys M.


Politically Mr. Diehl was a republican and while never a politician in the usually accepted sense, he served for two years as street commissioner. His was a will spent life, and he became prominent and well known in this county, where his many substantial qualities won him high and lasting regard. He died January 31, 1909, after living for forty years in this part of the state He witnessed many changes during that period and through his business act-


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ivities bore his full share in the work of general progress and improvement. He did not seek to figure prominently in public life but performed his daily duties faithfully and efficiently, was considerate of the rights of others and never neg- lected his obligations to his fellowmen or to the community in which he lived.


JAMES GIBBONS.


The world instinctively bows to the self-made man-the man who has won, notwithstanding lack of early school training, who in many instances did not even possess the advantages of a parental home and yet by a steady persistence that no difficulty could discourage forged ahead and at last gained financial in- dependence. Sometimes it is a long road and often the weary traveler drops by the wayside, but it was not so with James Gibbons, whose name introduces this review. He comes of Celtic ancestry and however dark the day he never forgot that the sun is always shining somewhere and he now bears one of the honored names of Vermilion county.


He was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1852, and is a son of John and Margaret (Lynch) Gibbons. The parents were both natives of the Emerald isle and died in the state of Pennsylvania. The subject of this review was their only son and, the father having departed this life before the son was born and the mother marrying the second time, at eight years of age he was bound out to a stranger under whose charge he continued for eight years. At sixteen, having had advantage of education at the common schools and hav- ing developed a strong constitution and become thoroughly familiar with hard labor, he began for himself and worked by the month for three years. He had now arrived at the age of nineteen, and, being ambitious to advance in life, he came west and located in La Salle county, Illinois, working as a farm hand for five years. By diligence and a great deal of self-denial he acquired a small capital and for twelve years operated a farm upon a rental basis, at the end of which time he came to Vermilion county and in 1888 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 8, Grant township, where he made many improvements and acquired a first class reputation among his farming breth- ren. As years passed he increased his property until at the present time his farm embraces three hundred acres, all of which is under a high state of culti- vation. As a breeder of heavy draft horses he has attained an enviable repu- tation and horses bred under his supervision are quickly disposed of at the highest price that the market affords.


In 1879 Mr. Gibbons was united in marriage to Miss Anna Frances Clem- ents, a native of Christian county, Illinois, and a daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Bowlby) Clements. Mr. Clements was born in Kentucky and his wife in Ohio. The family moved to La Salle county at an early date but the father is now living in Vermilion county, his beloved companion having been called away in July, 1895. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clements, seven of whom are now living. Two children have blessed the household of Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons: Essie N., the wife of Charles Wood, of Grant township; and Earl E., at home.


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Mrs. Gibbons is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in her home is an exemplification of those teachings which are synonymous with peace and harmony. Mr. Gibbons appreciates the advantages of education and as member of the school board has been instrumental in promoting the educa- tional interests of the district by securing the best teachers available for the school. Politically he is allied with the democracy, of which he is an earnest advocate, believing that the principles of the democratic party best subserve the welfare of the nation. As a patriotic citizen he keeps well informed on national and local affairs and his constant aim while advancing his own interest is also to promote to the extent of his ability the general welfare of the community.


WILLIAM J. ALEXANDER.


William J. Alexander, whose operations in real estate have been most ad- vantageous, constituting the source of his splendid success, belongs to that class of men to whom difficulties and obstacles serve but as an impetus to renewed and persistent effort. His sterling qualities of perseverance, determination and energy have formed the foundation upon which he has built his prosperity and the methods he has pursued in business have gained for him the honor and respect of his fellowmen. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on the 11th of February, 1833, and is a son of James and Letitia (Marshal) Alexander, both of whom died on the Emerald isle-their native land.


The youthful days of their son William were there passed and in the com- mon schools he acquired a limited education. Reading, observation and ex- perience have since greatly broadened his knowledge, making him a well in- formed man. About the time he attained his majority the call of the new world seemd to him irresistible and in 1854 or 1855 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. From the eastern coast he gradually made his way westward to Peoria county, Illinois, where he remained for about six months, at the end of which time he went to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he had an uncle living. Entering the employ of this uncle, Mr. Alexander worked for him for several years, acquainting himself with the essential features of success in the work of farming and raising cattle. Ambitious to engage in business on his own ac- count, he wisely saved his earnings until his industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mason county, this investment being made about 1865 or 1866. A few years later he bought three hundred and twenty acres of land in Logan county, west of Lincoln, and from time to time he further added to his holdings. While living in Mason county he and his brother-in-law, Mr. Cathcart, secured a large tract of land on a five years' lease, made many ex- cellent improvements thereon and developed and farmed the place. They also released portions of the tract to others and thus prospered.


In 1872 William J. Alexander purchased a section and a half of land on the Broadland tract in Champaign county, removing to that place in 1873. He there resided until 1905, during which period he purchased four hundred and


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eighty acres additional. All of this property he still owns with the exception of one hundred and sixty acres, so that his holdings in Illinois land comprise more than twelve hundred acres. In 1896 he went to Iowa and purchased over a section of land in Page and Fremont counties, all of which he has since sold. About 1902 he went to the Alberta country of Canada where he purchased eighteen sections of land, all of which he has since disposed of to advantage. For years he has engaged extensively in feeding cattle and this branch of his business is likewise proving profitable. In addition to his other interests he owns over two sections of land in Marion county, Ohio, and his farm prop- erty now aggregates about twenty-four hundred acres in Illinois, Iowa and Ohio. He has been very successful as a cattle feeder and land speculator, his judgment in business matters being at all times sound and reliable and his dis- crimination keen.


In 1905 Mr. Alexander was married to Miss Hattie Kyle of Ontario, Canada, and they have an extensive circle of warm friends in Sidell and throughout Vermilion county. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Christian church. His life has been one of continuous activity in which has been accorded due recog- nition of labor and today he in numbered among the substantial citizens of this county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of this section of the state and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section or advance its wonderful develop- ment.


THOMAS JOHNSON.


Thomas Johnson, deceased, was born in Ohio, on the 15th of April, 1811, and in early life removed to Warren county, Indiana, where he grew to man- hood and was married on the 9th of April, 1835, to Miss Deborah King. They located upon a farm in that county, where he continued to engage in agricul- tural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life, meeting with marked suc- cess in his undertakings. He became the owner of large tracts of land and at his death, which occurred in 1853, he was the wealthiest man in Warren county, Indiana, owning more than two thousand acres of land in that state and nearly as much in Illinois. He dealt extensively in cattle and was said to be the best judge of stock in Indiana. Noted for his charity, the poor and needy always found in him a friend and he helped many in gaining a start in life.


Mrs. Johnson was born October 13, 1815, and could well remember when as a child of three years she rode behind her father on horseback all through this section of the country when he came here from Kentucky on a prospect- ing tour. After the death of her husband she came to Danville, which city continued to be her home until she, too, passed away on the 23d of September, 1901. In the '8os she was again married, her second union being with William Bandy, who was one of the active business men of this city, his attention being devoted principally to real estate and the loaning of her money to advantage.


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He was a man of good business ability and sound judgment and met with ex- cellent success in his ventures here. His death occurred February 10, 1894. An earnest and consistent Christian woman, Mrs. Bandy took a very active part in church work and gave most of her money toward the erection of two churches in Danville and to keeping them out of debt. She was always very charitable and liberal and was widely known for her many acts of kindness and deeds of mercy.


The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were as follows: Susanna, who married Archibald Johnson and became the mother of two children, Edwill J. and Joanna Cowan; Elizabeth, whe wedded Louis B. Stafford, now deceased; Mary Esther, who became the wife of George W. Scovey, but both are now de- ceased, although their son, J. K. Scovey, is still living; James King Johnson, who died at the age of twenty years; and Amanda B., the widow of John Strain, whose sketch appears below.


JOHN STRAIN.


John Strain, deceased, was a native of Marshfield, Warren county, Indiana, born April 10, 1827, and throughout his active business life engaged in the cat- tle business, buying and selling on quite an extensive scale. He prospered in his undertakings and became one of the well-to-do and influential citizens of his community, but prior to his death laid aside all business cares and was living retired when he passed away on the 16th of August, 1907. Politically he affiliated with the republican party and as a public-spirited citizen took a commendable interest in public affairs. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian and his life was such as to gain for him the friendship and high regard of all with whom he had any dealings.


In 1865 Mr. Strain was united in marriage to Miss Amanda B. Johnson, and they became the parents of two children, namely: Carrie Bell, who was born April 13, 1866, and is now deceased; and John C., who was born October 16, 1869, and died leaving a widow and one child, Ruth Strain. Before the death of her mother Mrs. Strain came to Danville and here she has made her home since. Like her parents she, too, was very active in charitable work and is a lovable Christian woman, whose friendship is cherished by a large circle of acquaintances.


HENRY BOYD.


Henry Boyd, one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of Sidell township, has here operated a farm of two hundred and forty acres for the past seventeen years. His birth occurred in Mount Hope, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of November, 1852, his parents being William and Susan (Brownsberger) Boyd, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. John Boyd, the paternal grandfather, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and


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emigrated to the United States in 1809, landing in New York on the 10th of May of that year. The remainder of his life was spent in Lancaster and York counties, Pennsylvania. William Boyd, the father of our subject, was for many years employed as manager by two men operating a large farm and a char- coal furnace. Both he and his wife passed away in Lebanon county, Pennsyl- vania.


Henry Boyd was reared under the parental roof, spending his youthful years in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. In 1874 he came west to Illinois, taking up his abode near Paris in Edgar county, where he lived for nineteen years. He worked as a farm hand during the first two years of his residence in this state and then started out as an agriculturist on his own account by renting a tract of land. In 1893 he came to Vermilion county and rented one of the Cathcart farms-a tract of land comprising two hundred and forty acres, which he has operated continuously for the past seventeen years. His careful supervision is manifest in the neat appearance of the place, and the well tilled fields an- nually yield bounteous harvests in return for the care and labor which he be- stows upon them.


On the 29th of August, 1875, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage to Miss Susan C. Jordan, of Edgar county, Illinois, by whom he had two children, namely : Ellen, who is deceased; and Emma Ethel, the wife of L. L. Cundiff, of Vermilion county.


In politics Mr. Boyd is a republican and for several years he served as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with Sidell Camp, No. 408, M. W. A. His good qualities, and they are many, have strongly endeared him to those with whom he has been associated and wherever he is known he is popular with a large circle of friends.


JOSIAH JONES.


Josiah Jones, who has been a resident of Vermilion county for a third of a century, has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits through- out his entire business career and is the owner of an excellent farm of one hun- dred and fifty-seven acres in Grant township. His birth occurred in West Vir- ginia on the 28th of December, 1841, his parents being Isaac H. and Sarah (Brown) Jones, who were likewise natives of that state. The father's demise occurred in New York, while the mother passed away in Virginia. Unto them were born ten children, five of whom yet survive, namely: Mary J., the wife of Charles Johnston, of Seneca county, New York; Hannah, who resides in Berke- ley, California; Cynthia A., living in Pennsylvania; Josiah, of this review; and Alford, who makes his home in West Virginia.


Josiah Jones attended the common schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion and subsequently followed the profession of teaching for one year. He remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age and then began working as a farm hand. Coming to Illinois, he lived in Peoria county for two years, on the expiration of which period he purchased a farm in McLean county,


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there continuing to reside for five years. At the end of that time he disposed of the property and returned to Peoria county, where he was actively engaged in the operation of a rented farm for several years. In 1877 he came to Ver- milion county and purchased the farm whereon he has resided continuously since. The property comprises one hundred and fifty-seven acres in Grant township and as the years have gone by he has placed many substantial improve- ments thereon. In connection with the tilling of the soil he made a specialty of raising hogs, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.


In March 1872, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Yates, who was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, in 1844, her parents being Adam and Sarah W. (Miller) Yates, natives of Virginia. They removed to Peoria county, Illinois, in 1849 and there spent the remainder of their lives. Their children were thirteen in number and five are still living. Mrs. Jones was en- gaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. She is now the mother of four children, as follows: Adam L., a professor in Columbia University of New York city; Sarah G., who completed her education at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is now a teacher of English in the State Normal School of Wisconsin; Alford, a civil engineer of Galveston, Texas; and Mabel M., who completed her studies at Beloit, Wisconsin, and now teaches in the Sullivan high school of Indiana.


In politics Mr. Jones is a democrat, supporting the men and measures of that party by his ballot. He has served on the school board for twenty-one years and now acts in the capacity of school trustee. Both he and his wife be- long to the Presbyterian church and their lives are in consistent harmony with its teachings. His business interests have been carefully conducted, his duties of citizenship capably performed and at all times he has been true to the ob- ligations and responsibilities that have devolved upon him in every relation of life, making him one of the worthy and much respected residents of his com- munity.


S. F. SCHECTER.


S. F. Schecter, for seven years a practitioner at the bar of Danville, has in his professional career set at naught the old adage that a prophet is never with- out honor save in his own country for he is a native of the county in which he has already established himself in an enviable position as a rising young lawyer to whom the future holds out bright promises of success. He was born on the 3d of May, 1868, a son of Joshua and Mary J. (Swank) Schecter, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermilion county. About 1856 Joshua Schecter came to this county and settled in what was then Carroll township, following the occupation of farming and thus promoting the agricultural development of the community. Here he wedded Miss Swank, a granddaughter of Richard Swank, Sr., who came to this county in pioneer times, entering land from the govern- ment on section 2, Elwood township. This was in 1824-eight years before the




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